Method and apparatus for providing chat service

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing a chat service and, more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for providing a chat service in which messages are transmitted / received between an artist and multiple fans who follow the artist such that functions related to the chat service can be selectively provided according to the period of subscription of users.

Description

Method and device for providing chat service

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for providing a chat service, and more particularly, to a method and device for providing a chat service for limiting the functions of a chat service in a chat service that performs message transmission and reception between an artist and a plurality of fans following the artist.

[0002] The recent growth of the entertainment industry and advancements in IT technology have led to a rise in social networking services and fan platforms for communication between celebrities, artists, and fans. These social networking services can serve as fan communities. For example, they can offer comprehensive features such as communication with celebrities and artists, live broadcasts, and fan community functions.

[0003] Furthermore, these fan platforms are expanding their functionality beyond traditional communities, encompassing a wide range of activities, including selling and purchasing merchandise, ticketing concerts and events, providing original content, and implementing non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

[0004] As fan platforms expand their functionality, the notifications and messages provided to users can also vary. For example, if artists can create and post articles, messages, videos, and more directly to the community, users can receive immediate push notifications when artists post or comment, or receive notifications about various benefits for membership subscribers. Furthermore, notifications and messages with different content can be provided depending on the functionality.

[0005] In this way, not only are the functions of fan platforms expanding, but as the entertainment market globalizes, the number of artists, communities, and users on fan platforms is also rapidly increasing. Furthermore, as the influence of the Korean Wave expands its user base to a global scale, numerous chat services are being developed and deployed to relay messages between artists and their numerous fans.

[0006] These chat services utilize a variety of features to facilitate interaction between fans and artists, such as the ability to store messages, photos, and videos received from the artist. However, providing these features to all users is inefficient, so standards are needed to selectively provide chat service features.

[0007] A method and device for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention are intended to provide a user with a function related to a chat service.

[0008] In addition, the chat service providing method and device according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to differentially provide functions related to the chat service depending on the number of subscription days of the user.

[0009] However, the technical task that this embodiment seeks to achieve is not limited to the technical task described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0010] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a chat service that relays messages between an artist account and a fan account following the artist account, the method comprising the steps of: providing a chat room in which some of the functions of the chat service are provided in a locked state to the fan account; generating information on the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account; and, if the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account is equal to or greater than a preset reference number, unlocking and providing at least one of the locked functions of the chat service.

[0011] In addition, a chat service providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for providing a chat service that relays messages between an artist account and a plurality of fan accounts following the artist account, the device including a communication module for transmitting and receiving information between a terminal and a chat service relay server, a memory for storing at least one instruction, and a processor for executing the at least one instruction, wherein the processor provides a chat room in which some of the functions of the chat service are provided in a locked state to the fan account, generates information on the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account, and unlocks and provides at least one of the locked functions of the chat service when the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account is equal to or greater than a preset reference number.

[0012] A chat service providing method and device according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a user with functions related to a chat service.

[0013] In addition, the chat service providing method and device according to an embodiment of the present invention can differentially provide functions related to the chat service depending on the number of subscription days of the user.

[0014] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a communication connection of a chat service providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a chat service relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the function of a chat service relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of a database for data storage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the cases where the parts are "directly connected" but also the cases where the parts are "electrically connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather includes other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0024] In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0025] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] 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 intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] Hereinafter, a chat service providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0030] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a communication connection between a chat service relay server (100) and a terminal (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a chat service relay server (100) is connected to a terminal (200) via a communication network. At this time, the chat service relay server (100) refers to a device for providing message transmission and reception between a user or artist account using a fan platform, social network service, etc. and a fan account, and may correspond to a fan platform server, a social network service server, a messenger server, etc. The terminal (200) includes an artist terminal (200-1) used by celebrities, artists, etc., and a fan terminal (200-2) used by fans following celebrities, artists, etc.

[0032] A terminal (200) may refer to a device that displays messages and notifications received from a chat service relay server (100) to a user. In addition, an artist terminal (200-1) refers to a terminal accessed using a celebrity or artist account, a fan terminal (200-2) refers to a terminal accessed using a fan account, and an administrator terminal (200-3) refers to a terminal accessed using an administrator account.

[0033] The chat service relay server (100) can generate and provide users with a list of messages and notifications on fan platforms, social network services, and the like. Rather than simply providing users with messages and notifications, the chat service relay server (100) can provide users with personalized notification messages and notification lists based on user-specific filtering information. Furthermore, the chat service relay server (100) can build individual databases for each user and store messages individually.

[0034] Additionally, the chat service relay server (100) relays real-time messages from multiple fan accounts that follow the artist account or chat with the artist account to the artist. Specifically, the chat service relay server (100) can stream fan messages received in real time and provide them to the artist. Accordingly, the artist can check fan messages received in real time and, based on these messages, check fan responses or create and provide artist messages.

[0035] Additionally, the chat service relay server (100) may provide some of the chat service functions in a locked state based on the subscription information of the fan account, or may provide a chat service with the locked functions unlocked based on the number of consecutive subscription days.

[0036] The terminal (200) may refer to any type of handheld-based wireless communication device such as a notebook, desktop, laptop, wireless communication device with portability and mobility, or a smartphone, tablet PC, etc. equipped with a web browser.

[0037] In addition, the communication network illustrated in FIG. 1 can be implemented as a wired network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or a Value Added Network (VAN), or any type of wireless network such as a mobile radio communication network or a satellite communication network.

[0038] Hereinafter, the structure of a chat service relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram illustrating the structure of a chat service relay server (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the chat service relay server (100) includes a communication module (110), a memory (120), and a processor (140), and may further include a database (130). The communication module (110) performs information transmission and reception with a terminal (200). The communication module (110) may include a device including hardware and software necessary for transmitting and receiving signals, such as control signals or data signals, using wired or wireless connections with other network devices.

[0041] The memory (120) stores a chat program. The name of the chat program is set for convenience of explanation, and the name itself does not limit the program's functions. The memory (120) can store at least one of the following: information and data input to the communication module (110), information and data required for functions performed by the processor (140), and data generated by the execution of the processor (140).

[0042] Memory (120) should be interpreted as a general term for a non-volatile storage device that maintains stored information even when no power is supplied, and a volatile storage device that requires power to maintain the stored information. In addition, memory (120) may perform a function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by the processor (140). Memory (120) may include magnetic storage media or flash storage media in addition to volatile storage devices that require power to maintain stored information, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0043] The database (130) can store data related to artist information, user information, subscription information, artist messages, fan messages, and private messages that are converted and provided for each fan user. The database (130) may constitute a portion of the memory (120), but is not necessarily located within the chat service relay server (100). Rather, it may be connected to the outside of the chat service relay server (100) to transmit and receive data using a communication connection.

[0044] Additionally, the database (130) can be configured to store message data on an artist-by-artist and user-by-user basis. The detailed configuration of the database (130) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 described below.

[0045] The processor (140) is configured to execute a chat program in the memory (120). The processor (140) may include various types of devices that control and process data. The processor (140) may refer to a data processing device built into hardware that has a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by a code or command included in the program. In one example, the processor (140) may be implemented in the form of a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] The processor (140) is configured to execute a chat program and perform the following functions and procedures.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the processor (140) receives an artist message generated from an artist terminal (200-1) and transmits the artist message to a fan terminal (200-2) that follows the artist. In addition, the processor (140) may receive a fan message generated from a fan terminal (200-2) and provide the fan message to the artist terminal (200-1).

[0048] The processor (140) may create a chat room in which some of the chat service's functions are locked and provide it to a fan account. Furthermore, when a fan account purchases a subscription service, the processor (140) may generate information on the number of consecutive subscription days, and unlock and provide one or more of the locked functions of the chat service when the number of consecutive subscription days exceeds a preset reference number.

[0049] Additionally, when a fan account purchases a subscription service, the processor (140) generates subscription information including information about the subscription start date, subscription period, and subscription type based on the fan account's subscription service purchase information. Furthermore, the processor (140) updates the fan account's continuous subscription days information based on the generated subscription information.

[0050] Additionally, the processor (140) generates subscription expiration date information for the fan account based on the subscription information. Furthermore, when the subscription expiration date arrives, the processor (140) generates a subscription expiration event. When a subscription expiration event occurs, the processor (140) can change the unlocked functions of the chat service provided to the fan account to a locked standby state. In this case, the locked standby state means that the chat service functions are changed to a locked state, but the chat service function usage data of the fan account up to the subscription expiration date is not deleted and remains stored.

[0051] In addition, if a subscription service repurchase event of a fan account occurs within a preset resubscription period from the time when the subscription expiration date arrives, the processor (140) continuously updates the continuous subscription days information of the fan account based on the resubscription information of the fan account.

[0052] When the preset re-subscription period has elapsed since the subscription expiration date, the processor (140) can initialize the continuous subscription days information of the fan account and initialize or delete data regarding functions provided according to the chat service subscription of the fan account.

[0053] In addition, the processor (140) can update the continuous subscription days information every time 24 hours pass from the time of accessing the chat service of the fan account or the subscription start time, and store the updated continuous subscription days information in an individual database allocated to each fan account.

[0054] Additionally, the processor (140) may generate private messages, in which the content of the artist message is converted for each fan user, and provide the converted private messages to the fan terminal (200-2). At this time, to increase the message conversion speed for multiple fan users, the processor (140) may generate private messages for each fan user and store the private messages in a user-specific database. Accordingly, even if multiple users utilize the chat service, private messages can be provided immediately. Furthermore, the chat service can be provided at an increased speed compared to when private messages are generated and provided in response to a user's message inquiry request.

[0055] Additionally, the processor (140) can store artist messages in the database (130), and while private messages are being created and stored in the user-specific database, the processor (140) can read the artist messages from the database (130) to create and provide private messages. After the private messages are stored in the user-specific database, the processor (140) can delete duplicate artist messages and receive message information stored in the user-specific database to provide a chat service to the user.

[0056] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal (200).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the terminal (200) includes a memory (220), an input / output module (230), and a processor (240), and may further include a communication module (210).

[0058] The communication module (210) can transmit and receive information with an external database or external device. Here, the external device may be the chat service relay server (100 in FIG. 1) described above. The memory (220) stores a chat program. The name of the chat program is set for convenience of explanation, and the name itself does not limit the function of the program. The input / output module (230) can receive information, data, etc. transmitted from the outside to the terminal (200), or output information, data, etc. held by the terminal (200) to the outside. For example, the input / output module (230) may include a display, a touchpad, etc. The processor (240) executes the chat program stored in the memory (220). Additional descriptions of the communication module (210), memory (220), and processor (240) are replaced with the descriptions of the communication module (110 of FIG. 2), memory (120 of FIG. 2), and processor (140 of FIG. 2) previously described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0059] The processor (240) is configured to execute a chat program and perform the following functions and procedures.

[0060] The processor (240) can transmit artist messages or fan messages generated in the terminal (200) to the chat service relay server (100). In addition, the processor (240) can receive artist messages, fan messages, private messages, feeds, alarms, etc. stored and generated in the chat service relay server (100).

[0061] Additionally, the processor (240) can create and provide a chat room interface according to a user using an artist account or a fan account.

[0062] Below, the functions of the chat service relay server are described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0063] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the function of a chat service relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the processor (140) can perform the functions of a purchase module (141), a subscription module (142), and a chat room module (143). The purchase module (141) can generate subscription service purchase information and provide it to the subscription module (142) when a user using a fan account purchases a chat room function unlocking service or a subscription service for an artist.

[0065] Specifically, the purchase module (141) performs purchase processing for a subscription service when a user purchases the subscription service. If the purchase process is completed normally, the purchase module (141) generates subscription information and transmits it to the subscription module.

[0066] At this time, the purchase information includes information about the user's subscription service purchase. This may include one or more of the following: account information for the user who purchased the subscription service, the time of subscription service purchase, payment information for the subscription service, information about the type of subscription service purchased, and information about the subscription service period.

[0067] The subscription module (142) generates subscription-related information based on the purchase information received from the purchase module (141). The subscription information includes one or more of the following information: a subscription account, the type of subscription service, the subscription start date and time, and the subscription expiration date and time. The subscription information generated by the subscription module (142) is transmitted to the chat room module (143).

[0068] The chat room module (143) can selectively provide one or more of a plurality of functions to the user. That is, the chat room module (143) can create and provide a chat room to the user, and can provide the chat room to the user by setting some functions to a locked or unlocked state.

[0069] The features provided through the chat room may include various features that can be applied to the chat room, such as a chat room customization feature, a photo favorite saving feature, a badge acquisition feature based on subscription date, a message character limit feature based on subscription date, an artist photo saving feature, an artist video saving feature, a real-time reception of artist messages, and a real-time display of fan messages.

[0070] Additionally, features provided through chat rooms can limit the number of messages stored based on subscription dates. For example, chat rooms could offer the ability to store messages written by artists. In this case, chat rooms would be created for each artist, and messages to be stored would be stored separately in a message repository.

[0071] The message storage can be configured to store a preset number of messages per artist. In this case, a message storage limit can be provided based on subscription period, increasing the number of messages stored per artist by one for each additional month of subscription.

[0072] For example, you can set the number of messages that can be stored to 5 for users whose subscription dates fall within the range of 1 to 29 days, 30 for users whose subscription dates fall within the range of 30 to 59 days, 60 for users whose subscription dates fall within the range of 60 to 99 days, and 100 for users whose subscription dates fall within the range of 100 days or more.

[0073] Additionally, the chat room module (143) calculates the number of consecutive subscription days for each account based on the subscription information received from the subscription module (142). Furthermore, the chat room module (143) can unlock some of the features of a locked chat room and provide them to each account based on the calculated number of consecutive subscription days.

[0074] Specifically, the subscription module (142) generates a subscription event along with subscription information and transmits it to the chat room module (143). Upon receiving the subscription information and subscription event, the chat room module (143) calculates the subscription start date and time and the consecutive subscription date and time for the account. Depending on the number of consecutive subscription days, some of the locked chat room functions become callable.

[0075] For example, features provided in chat rooms, such as saving artist photos, saving artist videos, receiving real-time messages from artists, and displaying real-time fan messages, may be locked. In this case, fan accounts that do not subscribe to the service will be unable to use these features.

[0076] If a fan account purchases a subscription service and the number of consecutive subscription days exceeds the first period, the artist photo storage function and artist video storage function may be unlocked and provided as available for use, while the real-time message reception function from the artist and the real-time fan message display function may still be provided as locked.

[0077] For example, if a fan reaches 100 consecutive days of subscription, a commemorative badge may be issued to the fan account, or the chat room customization feature may be unlocked and provided. Furthermore, if a fan reaches 200 consecutive days of subscription, the speech bubble customization feature may be unlocked and provided. However, these are merely examples, and the chat room unlock feature and the criteria for unlocking chat room features may vary.

[0078] That is, the chat room module (143) can calculate the number of consecutive subscription days of a fan account and compare the number of consecutive subscription days with a preset reference number of days to set functions of the chat room that can be called and functions that cannot be called.

[0079] The chat room module (143) calculates the number of consecutive subscription days based on the subscription start date and current date information when a user views a chat room. Each time a user views a chat room, the number of consecutive subscription days can be calculated based on the current date and time, and the number of subscription days can be updated. The calculated number of consecutive subscription days and the updated number of subscription days can be stored in individual databases assigned to each account.

[0080] Additionally, the chat room module (143) can update the continuous subscription days information by adding one day based on a preset reference time, and the updated continuous subscription days information can be stored in an individual database.

[0081] If a user's subscription expires or lapses, features that were previously unlocked in the chatroom will be locked again. However, data and information related to the unlocked features will not be immediately deleted; instead, they will be placed in a locked pending state, pending deletion for a certain period of time.

[0082] Specifically, when a user's subscription period expires or the subscription period expiration date arrives, the subscription module (142) generates a subscription expiration event through a subscription expiration check batch. The subscription expiration event generated by the subscription module (142) is transmitted to the chat room module (143). When the chat room module (143) receives a subscription expiration event, it expires the chat room of the corresponding account user upon subscription expiration. In other words, it converts the unlocked function back to a locked state or a locked waiting state depending on the number of consecutive subscription days.

[0083] Additionally, the chat room module (143) removes subscription start date information when processing chat room expiration. If subscription start date information does not exist, the chat room module does not calculate the number of consecutive subscription days.

[0084] Additionally, if a user re-subscribes within a certain period after the subscription period expires, the number of consecutive subscription days that expired can be extended by re-subscribing. Furthermore, if a user re-subscribes within a certain period after the subscription period expires, data for previously unlocked features will be restored, and the user can continue using the subscription features as before.

[0085] Specifically, if the subscription period of an account using the subscription service expires or a subscription expiration event occurs, and the subscription service is purchased for a certain period of time, a re-subscription period is set that provides the chat room function in addition to the existing subscription service.

[0086] The re-subscription period may be set to 7 days, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the re-subscription period may be set differently for each function of the chat room, each administrator's settings, or each artist.

[0087] In addition, if a user purchases a subscription service again within the re-subscription period, the purchase module (141) performs the purchase processing in the same manner as before, and if the purchase processing is completed normally, the purchase module (141) generates purchase information. The purchase information generated by the purchase module (141) is transmitted to the subscription module (142), and the subscription module (142) generates re-subscription information including information about the re-subscription period, re-subscription date and time, existing subscription date and time, and subscription expiration date.

[0088] The subscription module (142) can generate a resubscription event along with resubscription information. The chat room module (143) receives the resubscription information and the resubscription event. Upon receiving the resubscription event within the resubscription period, the chat room module (143) calculates continuous subscription days information based on the existing subscription start date and time information.

[0089] If a re-subscription event is not received within the re-subscription period, the chat room module (143) may delete data regarding unlocked functions previously used by the user and initialize the chat room and its functions.

[0090] Hereinafter, a message transmission and reception processing structure of a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0091] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a database for data storage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, the processor (140) may be configured to perform the functions of a control unit (144) and a message queue unit (not shown) described below. In addition, the database (130) may be composed of a database (1310) for each DM (Direct Message), an individual database (1320), and a sub-database (1330).

[0093] The control unit (144) stores artist messages and fan messages generated from the artist terminal (200-1) and fan terminal (200-2) in the database (130), or performs the function of a controller for reading messages from the database (130) for chat updates. The message queue unit (not shown) performs a message issuing function for issuing artist messages or fan messages stored in the database (130) to recipients.

[0094] The DM database (1310) can store messages by chat or artist. In this case, the "chat unit" may refer to a chat room where messages are exchanged between fan users and artists. The individual database (1320) can be constructed for each user, allowing messages to be stored by user. Accordingly, individual databases are created, from the first individual database (1321) to the Nth individual database (1321), to correspond to the number of users.

[0095] Additionally, the individual database (1320) may be formed to include an artist transmission database (1322) for storing messages sent by the artist and an artist reception database (1323) for storing messages received by the artist.

[0096] The sub-database (133) can be formed to include a message body storage unit (1331) that stores the contents of artist messages and fan messages.

[0097] Below, the interaction between the processor (140) and the database (130) that occurs when providing a chat service between artists and fans is described in detail.

[0098] The processor (140) can receive a fan message generated from a first fan terminal among a plurality of fan terminals (200-2). The processor (140) controls the fan message to be stored in a first individual database corresponding to the first fan terminal among a plurality of individual databases (1320). In addition, when a fan message is stored in the first individual database, the processor (140) can generate a message feed for the fan message and provide it to the artist terminal (200-1).

[0099] Additionally, the processor (140) can receive an artist message from the artist terminal (200-1). When the processor (140) receives an artist message, it can control the storage of the artist message and artist information in the DM database (1310). When the artist message is stored in the DM database (1310), the processor (140) generates a message feed provided to multiple fan terminals and transmits the message feed to the first fan terminal.

[0100] When a first fan terminal requests a chat update, the processor (140) receives a chat message update request from the first fan terminal. Then, the processor (140) generates a private message corresponding to the first fan terminal based on the fan account information and artist message corresponding to the first fan terminal. The processor (140) transmits the fan message stored in the first database and the generated private message to the first fan terminal. At this time, the private message may refer to a message in which specific words or keywords in the message are converted according to the recipient. Furthermore, the message feed may include notifications, posts, etc. to notify the recipient of the message of the receipt of the message.

[0101] Additionally, when the processor (140) receives an artist message, it can store the artist message in a DM-specific database (1310) and at the same time convert the artist message into a private message and store it in an individual database (1320).

[0102] Specifically, the processor (140) generates a plurality of private messages corresponding to each of the plurality of fan terminals based on fan account information and artist messages corresponding to each of the plurality of fan terminals. Then, the processor (140) stores the plurality of private messages in a corresponding individual database based on the fan account information. When the private messages are completely stored in the individual database, the processor (140) controls to delete the artist messages stored in the DM-specific database (1310). In addition, after the private messages are stored in the individual database, the processor receives the private messages from the individual database (1320) rather than the DM-specific database (1310) and transmits them to the fan terminal.

[0103] That is, when an artist writes a message, the chat service relay server (100) generates a corresponding private message for each subscriber fan and stores the private message in an individual database assigned to each user. Therefore, when a user requests a message inquiry or update, the message is retrieved from the individual database, enabling the chat service to be quickly provided to multiple users.

[0104] In addition, the processor (140) stores artist messages and artist information in a DM-specific database (1310), and when a preset standard time elapses, deletes the artist messages stored in the DM-specific database (1310), receives a private message from an individual database (1320), and transmits the private message to a fan terminal.

[0105] At this time, the DM database (1310) may be formed based on NoSQL (Not Only SQL), and the individual database (1320) may be formed based on SQL (Structured query language).

[0106] Accordingly, the DM-specific database (1310) has a non-relational database structure and can store unstructured data. In addition, the individual database (1320) has a relational database structure and can create a DB (DataBase) table for each user and store message data for each user by pre-applying a user-specific DB table filter.

[0107] Since the individual database (1320) is configured using SQL, its write speed is slower and its read speed is faster than that of the DM-specific database (1310). On the other hand, the DM-specific database (1310) has a faster write speed and a slower read speed than that of the individual database (1320).

[0108] The chat service relay server (100) can increase the speed of providing chat services to multiple users by providing private messages stored using individual databases (1320). Furthermore, while private messages are stored in individual databases (1320), the DM-specific database (1310) can be used to provide private messages, thereby supplementing the operation during the time messages are stored in individual databases.

[0109] Hereinafter, a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0110] Figures 6 to 8 are flowcharts of a method for providing a chat service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, the method for providing a chat service includes a chat subscription service purchase step (S100), a purchase information creation step (S200), a subscription information creation step (S300), and a chat service function unlocking step (S400).

[0112] In the chat subscription service purchase step (S100), a fan account (user) unlocks a chat room feature or purchases a subscription service for an artist. Furthermore, in the chat subscription service purchase step (S100), the purchase module (141) generates a subscription service purchase event based on the user's subscription service purchase.

[0113] In the purchase information generation step (S200), the purchase module (141) performs purchase processing for the subscription service based on the user's subscription service purchase event. If the subscription service purchase process is completed normally, the purchase module (141) generates subscription information and transmits it to the subscription module.

[0114] In the subscription information generation step (S300), the subscription module (142) generates subscription-related subscription information based on the purchase information received from the purchase module (141). The subscription information may include one or more of information regarding a subscription account, the type of subscription service, the subscription start date and time, and the subscription expiration date and time.

[0115] In the chat service function unlocking step (S400), the chat room module (143) calculates the number of consecutive subscription days based on the user's subscription information. Furthermore, the chat room module (143) can unlock features that meet the requirements among the locked features provided in the chat room based on the user's number of consecutive subscription days information and provide them to the user.

[0116] Referring to Figure 7, the method of providing chat service when the subscription period expires is described in detail.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7, the method for providing a chat service upon expiration of a subscription period includes a step of confirming the date and time of expiration of the subscription period (S510), a step of calculating the number of consecutive subscription days (S520), a step of confirming the elapse of a standard unlocking period (S521), a step of maintaining the lock on a chat room function (S522), a step of unlocking the chat room function (S523), a step of generating an expiration event (S530), and a step of changing the lock standby status (S531).

[0118] In the subscription expiration date arrival confirmation step (S510), the subscription module (142) checks whether the subscription expiration date has arrived through the subscription expiration check batch. If the subscription expiration date has arrived, the expiration event generation step (S530) is performed. If the subscription expiration date has not arrived, the continuous subscription days calculation step (S520) can be performed.

[0119] In the continuous subscription days calculation step (S520), the chat room module (143) calculates the continuous subscription days of the user or account based on the subscription information and subscription start date and time information.

[0120] In the step (S521) of checking whether the standard unlocking period has elapsed, the chat room module (143) checks whether the calculated number of consecutive subscription days has elapsed the preset standard unlocking period. In this case, the standard unlocking period refers to the period set for each chat room function in order to unlock the locked chat room function.

[0121] If the number of consecutive subscription days for a user or account does not exceed the standard unlocking period, the chat room function lock maintenance step (S522) is performed to keep the chat room function locked. In other words, even if the user calls the chat room function, it will not respond.

[0122] If the number of consecutive subscription days for a user or account exceeds the standard unlocking period, the chat room function unlocking step (S523) is performed to unlock the chat room functions that meet the conditions. In other words, if a user calls a chat room function, a response is provided.

[0123] If it is determined in the subscription expiration date arrival confirmation step (S510) that the subscription expiration date has arrived, the expiration event generation step (S530) is performed. In the expiration event generation step (S530), the subscription module (142) generates a subscription expiration event indicating that the subscription period has expired. Accordingly, when the chat room module (143) receives the subscription expiration event, it expires the chat room of the corresponding account user upon subscription expiration. In other words, it converts the unlocked function back to a locked state or a locked waiting state depending on the number of consecutive subscription days.

[0124] In the lock standby status change step (S531), data regarding features activated or unlocked during the user or account's subscription period is changed to a lock standby status, which retains the data for a preset resubscription period. If the user or account re-subscribes to the subscription service while in the lock standby status, the number of consecutive subscription days can be extended, and data regarding previously used features can be reused.

[0125] Hereinafter, a method of providing a chat service according to re-subscription will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the method for providing a chat service according to re-subscription includes a subscription event creation step (S610), a re-subscription period elapsed confirmation step (S620), a continuous subscription days initialization step (S630), a subscription data deletion step (S631), a continuous subscription days extension renewal step (S640), and a chat service function disaster recovery step (S641).

[0127] In the subscription event creation step (S610), a subscription service purchase event is created based on the purchase of the subscription service by a fan account or user, similar to the chat subscription service purchase step (S100) described above.

[0128] In the re-subscription period expiration confirmation step (S620), based on subscription information stored in the user's individual database, including previous subscription service purchase history, subscription expiration date and time information, and re-subscription period information, it is confirmed whether the user has purchased the subscription service again within the re-subscription period.

[0129] If the re-subscription period has expired, the step of initializing the number of consecutive subscription days (S630) and the step of deleting chat room function data (S631) are performed.

[0130] In the continuous subscription days initialization step (S630), the chat room module (143) removes the subscription start date and time information when processing chat room expiration. If the subscription start date and time information does not exist, the chat room module does not calculate the continuous subscription days.

[0131] In the chat room function data deletion step (S631), data stored as the user uses the function unlocked during the previous subscription is deleted or initialized.

[0132] If the re-subscription period has not expired, the continuous subscription period extension renewal step (S640) and the chat service function disaster recovery step (S641) are performed.

[0133] In the continuous subscription days extension renewal step (S640), the expired continuous subscription days can be extended and renewed again according to resubscription.

[0134] Specifically, if a user purchases a subscription service again within the re-subscription period, the purchase module (141) performs the purchase processing in the same manner as before, and if the purchase processing is completed normally, the purchase module (141) generates purchase information. The purchase information generated by the purchase module (141) is transmitted to the subscription module (142), and the subscription module (142) generates re-subscription information including information about the re-subscription period, re-subscription date and time, existing subscription date and time, and subscription expiration date.

[0135] The subscription module (142) can generate a resubscription event along with resubscription information. The chat room module (143) receives the resubscription information and the resubscription event. Upon receiving the resubscription event within the resubscription period, the chat room module (143) calculates continuous subscription days information based on the existing subscription start date and time information.

[0136] In the chat service feature reactivation phase (S641), previously locked features are unlocked based on the number of consecutive subscription days extended, providing users with chat room functionality. Consequently, users can retain the features and data they used before their subscription period expired.

[0137] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0138] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0139] The form for carrying out the invention is the same as the best form for carrying out the invention described above.

[0140] The present invention relates to a method and device for providing a chat service, and is applicable to the entertainment-related industry and the messenger-related industry, and thus has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A method of providing a chat service that relays messages between an artist account and a fan account following the artist account, Step of providing a chat room with some of the chat service functions locked to the fan account; Step for generating continuous subscription days information of the above fan account, and If the number of consecutive subscription days of the above fan account exceeds the preset standard number of days, a step of unlocking and providing at least one of the locked functions of the above chat service A method for providing a chat service, comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The steps for generating continuous subscription days information for the above fan account are: Step for obtaining subscription service purchase information of the above fan account; A step for generating subscription information including information on subscription start date, subscription period, and subscription type based on the above subscription service purchase information. A step of updating the continuous subscription days information of the fan account at preset standard times based on the above subscription information. A method for providing a chat service, comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The step of renewing the continuous subscription days information of the fan account based on the above subscription information is as follows: A step of generating subscription expiration date information of the fan account based on the above subscription information; When the above subscription expiration date has arrived, a step for generating a subscription expiration event, and Steps to change the unlocked features of the chat service provided to the fan account to a locked standby state when a subscription expiration event occurs A method for providing a chat service, wherein the lock standby state means a state in which the chat service function is changed to a locked state and usage data until the subscription expiration is not deleted but stored.

4. In paragraph 3, The step of renewing the continuous subscription days information of the fan account based on the above subscription information is as follows: When a subscription service repurchase event of the fan account occurs within a preset re-subscription period from the time of the subscription expiration date, a step of renewing the continuous subscription days information of the fan account based on the re-subscription information, and Step for initializing the continuous subscription days information of the fan account when the above re-subscription period has elapsed from the time the above subscription expiration date has arrived A method for providing a chat service, comprising:

5. In paragraph 4, The steps for generating continuous subscription days information for the above fan account are: A step of updating the continuous subscription days information every time 24 hours pass from the time of accessing the chat service of the fan account or the subscription start time, and A step of storing the above renewed continuous subscription days information in an individual database assigned to the above fan account. A method for providing a chat service, further comprising:

6. A device that provides a chat service that relays messages between an artist account and multiple fan accounts that follow the artist account. A communication module that performs information transmission and reception between the terminal and the chat service relay server. A memory that stores at least one instruction, and A processor executing at least one of the above instructions Including, The above processor provides a chat room in which some of the functions of the chat service are provided in a locked state to the fan account, generates information on the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account, and if the number of consecutive subscription days of the fan account is equal to or greater than a preset reference number, unlocks and provides at least one of the locked functions of the chat service.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor obtains subscription service purchase information of the fan account, generates subscription information including information on subscription start time, subscription period, and subscription type based on the subscription service purchase information, and updates continuous subscription day information of the fan account at preset reference times based on the subscription information. A chat service providing device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor generates subscription expiration date and time information of the fan account based on the subscription information, and when the subscription expiration date and time arrives, generates a subscription expiration event, and when the subscription expiration event occurs, changes the unlocked function of the chat service provided to the fan account to a locked standby state, and the locked standby state means a state in which the function of the chat service is changed to a locked state and usage data up to the time of subscription expiration is stored without being deleted. A chat service providing device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor is a chat service providing device, wherein, if a subscription service repurchase event of the fan account occurs within a preset re-subscription period from the time when the subscription expiration date and time has arrived, the processor updates the continuous subscription days information of the fan account based on the re-subscription information, and if the re-subscription period has elapsed from the time when the subscription expiration date and time have arrived, the processor initializes the continuous subscription days information of the fan account.

10. In paragraph 9, The above processor is a chat service providing device that updates the continuous subscription days information every time 24 hours pass from the time of chat service access of the fan account or the subscription start time, and stores the updated continuous subscription days information in an individual database assigned to the fan account.

Images