Method and apparatus for transmitting spoken dialogue between different dialogue groups

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting a spoken dialogue between different dialogue groups. The method for transmitting a spoken dialogue between different dialogue groups, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: when a user participates in a first dialogue group for which a spoken dialogue is to be collected, generating a virtual collector corresponding to the user within the first dialogue group, on the basis of whether or not the user uses a relay function; on the basis of setting by a user for a second dialogue group to which a spoken dialogue is to be delivered, generating a virtual messenger corresponding to the user within the second dialogue group; and in response to the user activating the relay function, allowing the virtual collector to collect a spoken dialogue occurring in the first dialogue group; and allowing the messenger to deliver the spoken dialogue collected by the virtual collector to the second dialogue group.

Description

Method and device for transmitting voice conversation between different conversation groups

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups.

[0002] With the proliferation of personal devices, including personal computers (PCs) and smartphones, and the spread of high-speed Internet, various genres and forms of online games using personal devices are gaining popularity worldwide.

[0003] There are many different types of online games, but regardless of the type of game, in addition to the text chat that is commonly provided in online games, users often prefer voice chat, which allows them to communicate with other users more quickly and easily.

[0004] Voice chat may be provided in conjunction with an online gaming service, or through a dedicated voice chat service separate from the online gaming service.

[0005] Through voice chat, users can communicate with other users in real time and enjoy various game content such as large-scale battles.

[0006] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present disclosure or acquired in the process of deriving the present disclosure, and cannot necessarily be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present disclosure.

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method and device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups. The problems addressed by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems and advantages of the present disclosure not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the problems and advantages addressed by the present disclosure can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, the method comprising: when a user participates in a first conversation group that is a target of voice conversation collection, an operation of creating a virtual collector corresponding to the user in the first conversation group based on whether the user uses a relay function; an operation of creating a virtual messenger corresponding to the user in the second conversation group based on a setting of the user for a second conversation group that is a target of voice conversation transmission; an operation of causing the virtual collector to collect a voice conversation occurring in the first conversation group in response to the user activating the relay function; and an operation of causing the messenger to transmit the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector to the second conversation group.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, comprising: a memory having at least one program stored therein; and a processor operating by executing the at least one program; wherein, when a user participates in a first conversation group that is a target of voice conversation collection, the processor creates a virtual collector corresponding to the user in the first conversation group based on whether the user uses a relay function, and creates a virtual transmitter corresponding to the user in the second conversation group based on a setting of the user for a second conversation group that is a target of voice conversation transmission, and in response to the user activating the relay function, the device can provide a device that causes the virtual collector to collect a voice conversation occurring in the first conversation group, and causes the transmitter to transmit the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector to the second conversation group.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure can provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method according to the first aspect on a computer.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, efficient communication can be performed between upper and lower groups having a hierarchical superior-subordinate relationship.

[0012] In particular, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the inconvenience of using two or more devices, two or more conversation services, or two or more accounts of a group leader of a subgroup can be resolved, and an overload on a terminal of a group leader of a subgroup can be prevented.

[0013] Additionally, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, if necessary, the relay function of some users can be restricted or the relay function can be blocked to selectively prevent conversation leakage from the upper group.

[0014] Additionally, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the quality of voice conversations delivered to subgroups can be improved.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers and one or more user terminals for a game service.

[0016] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate exemplary cases of providing a game-related user experience using multiple user terminals.

[0017] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal.

[0018] Figure 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating a method for transmitting voice conversations between existing different conversation groups.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conversation group interface of a first conversation group and a second conversation group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relay function setting interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relay target selection interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating conversation group setting interfaces according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, wherein, when a user participates in a first conversation group that is a target of voice conversation collection, a virtual collector corresponding to a user in the first conversation group is generated based on whether the user uses a relay function, a virtual transmitter corresponding to a user in the second conversation group is generated based on a setting of the user for a second conversation group that is a target of voice conversation transmission, and in response to the user activating the relay function, a voice conversation occurring in the first conversation group is collected by the virtual collector, and the transmitter transmits the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector to the second conversation group.

[0027] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and should be understood to encompass all transformations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

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

[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a given function. Furthermore, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented by algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0030] Additionally, the connecting lines or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary representations of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In an actual device, connections between components may be represented by various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that may be replaced or added.

[0031] Hereinafter, the actions performed by the user may refer to actions performed by the user through the user terminal. As an example, a command corresponding to the action performed by the user may be input into the user terminal through an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) embedded in or additionally connected to the user terminal. As another example, a command corresponding to the action performed by the user may be input into the user terminal through the touch screen of the user terminal. In this case, the actions performed by the user may include a predetermined gesture. For example, gestures may include tap, touch and hold, double tap, drag, pan, flick, drag and drop, etc.

[0032] The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers (e.g., servers (110, 120)) and one or more user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152)) to provide a game service.

[0034] A server (e.g., servers (110, 120)) may include a computer designed to provide server functionality, such as a workstation. Embodiments are not limited thereto, and a server may include a personal computer configured to run a software application, and / or a combination of such personal computers. A server may include a group (or cluster) of the example workstations and / or personal computers.

[0035] In one embodiment, a service provider may provide or operate an automated service using a server. The service may include a game service. The game service may be provided for network-based playing of games such as role-playing games (RPGs), massive multi-user online RPGs (MMORPGs), first-person shooters (FPSs), and / or puzzle games. Through the game service, different users (e.g., users of the game service) may connect with each other over a network, cooperate, or compete. The server may support or execute functions related to the game service (e.g., matching users, providing a virtual space (130) such as a battlefield, trading virtual items such as a market, and / or chatting between users).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, servers (110, 120) included in a network are illustrated to provide different services. The server (110) may be configured to relay a user's connection with various game services provided through the network (e.g., a game service provided by the server (120). The services provided through the server (110) may be referred to as game platform services, game launching services, game publishing services, and / or game relay services.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a server (110) may cause a server (120) for providing a game service to provide a user experience related to the game service to users of the game platform service. The server (110) may store, in a user database related to users of the game platform service, information indicating one or more game services to which the users have subscribed. The information may further include information for the server (110) to access another server for the game service, such as the server (120), (e.g., account information for logging into the game service, and / or authentication information).

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the server (110) may store information indicating at least one game service subscribed to by users of the game platform service in a user database. The user database may include records representing users subscribed to the game platform service. The records may include at least one game service subscribed to by the corresponding user and / or information for accessing (or logging in to) the at least one game service.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, users (U1, U2) of a game platform service provided by a server (110) are illustrated. A user (U1) possessing user terminals (141, 142, 143) and a user (U2) possessing user terminals (151, 152) are illustrated, but the number of users of the server (110) and the number of user terminals possessed by each of the users are not limited thereto. Users of the game platform service may be referred to as users.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, various appearances of a user terminal (or user equipment) are illustrated. The user terminal may include a smartphone (e.g., user terminals (141, 152)), a smartpad, and / or a tablet PC. The user terminal may include a personal computer such as a desktop (e.g., user terminals (142, 151)) and a laptop. The user terminal may include a portable gaming device (e.g., user terminal (143)) dedicated to a game service and / or a gaming console. The user terminal may include a smart accessory such as a smartwatch and / or a head-mounted device (HMD). Embodiments of the user terminal are not limited thereto.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a server (110) using at least one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143). Similarly, a user (U2) can access the game platform service using at least one of the user terminals (151, 152). A software application for communicating with the server (110) can be installed on at least one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152). The software application can be referred to as a game platform application, a game platform program, a game launcher, and / or a client application.

[0042] Hereinafter, the connection relationship between the user terminal (141), which is one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152), and the server (110) and the user terminal (141) and the server (120) will be described, taking the user terminal (141) as an example.

[0043] For example, a user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a server (110) using a user terminal (141) that has executed a game launcher. The user terminal (141) that has executed the game launcher can establish a communication link (L1) between the user terminal (141) and the server (110). The communication link (L1) can include a logical connection (e.g., a logical connection distinguished by a session) established for data communication between the user terminal (141) and the server (110) within a network. Similarly, in response to an input from a user (U2) to execute a game launcher on the user terminal (151), the user terminal (151) can establish a communication link (L2) between the server (110) and the user terminal (151).

[0044] The server (110), which detects a user terminal (141) that has executed a game launcher using a communication link (L1), can confirm a user account logged into the user terminal (141). By comparing the user database stored in the server (110) and authentication information (e.g., ID, password, PIN (personal identification number), and / or OTP (one-time password)) transmitted from the user terminal (141), the server (110) can authenticate the user (U1) that has executed the game launcher on the user terminal (141). Based on the authentication, the user terminal (141) can display a screen provided by the game launcher. For example, the state of the user terminal (141) that executes the game launcher can include a state before authenticating the user (U1) (e.g., a locked state and / or a state before logging in) and a state after authenticating the user (U1). The screen displayed by the user terminal (141) based on the above authentication and / or the function provided to the user (U1) are described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, when users (U1, U2) of user terminals (141, 151) connected to a server (110) via communication links (L1, L2) are authenticated, the server (110) can support interaction between the users (U1, U2). For example, the server (110) can support transmission (e.g., streaming) and / or reception of messages (e.g., text messages), images, videos, sounds (e.g., voice chat), and / or posts between the users (U1, U2). The server (110) configured to provide a game platform service can execute or support functions related to online activities of users (U1, U2) related to games.

[0046] When accessing a game platform service using a user terminal (141), the user (U1) can access a game service connected to the game platform service. For example, a user terminal (141) running a game launcher can receive an input for accessing a game service. In response to an input for accessing a game service detected using the game launcher, the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal related to the input to a server (110) via a communication link (L1). The server (110) receiving the signal can communicate with a server (120) providing the game service indicated by the signal. For example, using a communication link (L3) established between the servers (110 and 120), the server (110) can transmit information related to a user (U1) logged in to the game platform service (e.g., authentication information required for the server (120) providing the game service to authenticate the user (U1). Based on the authentication of a user (U1) using the above information, a communication link (L4) between the user terminal (141) of the user (U1) and the server (120) can be established.

[0047] Similarly, the server (110) may receive a signal from a user terminal (151) to which a user (U2) is logged in, indicating receipt of an input for accessing a game service. The server (110) receiving the signal may transmit a signal to the server (120) using a communication link (L2), which causes a communication link (L5) to be established between the user terminal (151) and the server (120). Direct communication between the user terminal (151) and the server (120) may be performed through the communication link (L5) established by the signal. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and indirect communication between the server (120) providing the game service and the user terminal (151) may be performed using the communication links (L2, L3).

[0048] As described above, in a state where communication links (L4, L5) are established between the user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 151)) of the users (U1, U2) and the server (120) so that the game service is provided to each of the user terminals, the server (120) for providing the game service can transmit information about at least a part of the virtual space (130) to each of the user terminals. For example, the server (120) can transmit, to the user terminal (141) of the user (U1), information related to a part of the virtual space (130) including a location (A) associated with the user (U1) (e.g., information for rendering the part of the virtual space (130)). For example, the server (120) can transmit, to the user terminal (151) of the user (U2), information related to another part of the virtual space (130) including a location (B) associated with the user (U2).

[0049] Although an exemplary operation in which a user (e.g., users (U1, U2)) accesses a game service using a server (110) providing a game platform service has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a user may directly access a server (120) for a game service without a server (110) using a game application installed on a user terminal.

[0050] Hereinafter, exemplary operations of a user terminal and / or a server associated with a communication link connected for a game service and / or a game platform service are described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B . For example, exemplary operations of a server (110) based on a user (U1) and a user terminal (142) are described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0051] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate exemplary cases of providing a game-related user experience using a plurality of user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142)). Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, an exemplary state in which communication links (L1, L3, L4) are established between a server (110) for a game platform service, a server (120) for a game service, and a user terminal (142) is illustrated. The server (110) may communicate with the server (120) according to the operation described with reference to FIG. 1, thereby establishing a communication link (L4) between the server (120) and the user terminal (142). For communication between the server (110) and the user terminal (142), a game launcher related to the game platform service may be executed on the user terminal (142).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, a user terminal (142) that has executed a game launcher can execute the game application in response to an input for executing the game application. The user terminal (142) that has executed the game application can display a screen (210) provided by the game application. An exemplary screen (210) including a player character (PC) (215) controllable by an input received through the user terminal (142) is illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Using a signal received from the server (120) through a communication link (L4), the user terminal (142) can display a screen (210) including a PC (215) included in a virtual space (130).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2A, a user terminal (142) executing a game application can output a screen (210) to a user (U1) and receive an input related to the game (e.g., an input for controlling a PC (215)) from the user (U1). The user terminal (142) that has received the input can transmit a first signal representing the input to a server (120) via a communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) can further receive a second signal representing a virtual space (130) and / or a state of the PC (215) changed by the input from the server (120) via the communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) that has received the second signal can at least partially change the screen (210). For example, the user terminal (215) can play an animation related to the PC (215) within the screen (210).

[0054] When an input for executing a game application is received through a game launcher, the user terminal (142) can execute the game application in conjunction with the game launcher. Using the conjunction, the user terminal (142) can execute a function of the game launcher based on the status of the game application. The function may include an operation of transmitting a signal notifying the status to the server (110) (e.g., streaming of a screen (210) for live broadcasting). The function may include a remote play function of the game application executed on the user terminal (142) using another user terminal different from the user terminal (142).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2B, user terminals (141, 142) connected to each other for remote play functionality are illustrated. The user terminals (141, 142) may be connected via a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi Direct and / or Bluetooth. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the user terminals (141, 142) may be connected to each other via a cellular protocol such as long-term evolution (LTE), 5G NR (new radio), 6G, and / or above-6G. It is assumed that a game launcher is installed on all user terminals (141, 142), and authentication of a user (U1) on each of the user terminals (141, 142) based on the game launcher is completed.

[0056] When a game application is executed on a user terminal (141) with relatively limited resources, such as a smartphone, the quality of the user experience related to the game may be reduced. The quality may be evaluated by indicators such as frames-per-second (fps), response delay, and / or resolution. The quality of the user experience may be better when the game application is executed on a desktop user terminal (142) than when the game application is executed on a user terminal (141). Referring to FIG. 2B, the user terminal (142) may transmit a screen (220) generated (or rendered) by a processing circuit (e.g., a GPU (graphics processing unit)) of the user terminal (142) to the user terminal (141). The operation of transmitting the screen (220) may include an operation of transmitting a bitstream representing the screen (220) via a communication link (L6) (e.g., streaming).

[0057] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2B where the user terminal (142) displays the screen (220) on the user terminal (141), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) on the display based on the execution of the game launcher. For example, without installing and / or executing a game application for communicating with the server (120), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) related to the game service provided by the server (120) on the display. The user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) provided by the user terminal (142) based on the execution of the game launcher.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment where the user terminal (142) generates a screen (220) to be displayed by the user terminal (141), the user terminal (142) may display a screen (220) including a UI related to the user terminal (141), which is a smart phone. The UI may include a virtual joystick including a visual object (222) having a shape of a circle that can be dragged (or moved) by a touch input on an area (221) having a shape of a circle. The UI may include a group (223) of touchable visual objects that can control the state of the PC (215). Comparing FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the screen (210) of FIG. 2A, which is displayed through the display of the user terminal (142), which is a desktop, may not include the visual object (222) and / or the group (223). In a state where a screen (220) is transmitted to a user terminal (141) which is a smart phone, the user terminal (141) which receives the screen (220) can overlap an area (221) including a visual object (222) and a group (223) on the screen (220). For example, a screen (225) displayed on the display of the user terminal (141) can further include a visual object (222), an area (221), and a group (223) for guiding a touch input.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2B, while displaying a screen (225) based on a screen (220) provided by a user terminal (142), the user terminal (141) can receive an input from a user (U1) related to the screen (225). In response to the input, the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal representing the input to the user terminal (142). The user terminal (142) receiving the signal can communicate with the server (120) and use the input corresponding to the signal to at least partially change the state of the virtual space (130) and / or the PC (215). The user (U1) can view the screen (220) representing the state of the virtual space (130) and / or the PC (215) at least partially changed through the user terminal (141).

[0060] As described above, although an embodiment has been described in which the server (120) and the user terminal (142) for providing the game service of FIG. 2B directly communicate, and the user terminal (141) indirectly communicates with the server (120) using the user terminal (142), the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (141) that receives the input of the user (U1) related to the screen (225) can transmit a signal including information related to the input to the server (120) via the communication link (L7). The signal can be transmitted directly to the server (120) independently of the communication links (L4, L6) established by the user terminal (142). For example, the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal via the communication link (L7) in order to reduce the delay in the input of the user (U1) or to improve the responsiveness of the game service provided by the server (120). The server (120) that receives the signal can transmit a signal (or information) indicating the state of the virtual space (130) that has been changed based on the signal to the user terminal (142) through the communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) that receives the signal can perform rendering of the screen (220) to be provided to the user terminal (141) through the communication link (L6). After the signal related to the rendered screen (220) is transmitted to the user terminal (141) through the communication link (L6), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (225) based on the signal (e.g., a screen in which a visual object (222), an area (221), and a group (223) are overlapped on the screen (220).

[0061] For example, when a communication link (L6) between user terminals (141, 142) is blocked, the user terminal (141) can establish at least one of a direct communication link (L7) between the server (120) for providing a game service and the user terminal (141) and / or a direct communication link (L8) between the server (110) for providing a game platform service and the user terminal (141).

[0062] Although the operation of transmitting a signal representing a screen (220) between user terminals (141, 142) commonly logged in by a user (U1) has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (142) may transmit a signal representing a screen (220) to user terminals of other users logged in to the server (110) via the server (110). The function of the user terminal (142) transmitting the signal to user terminals of other users logged in to the server (110) may be referred to as a broadcasting function.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2C, a server (230) for cloud gaming may be connected to a user terminal (142). For example, when a request for providing a cloud-based game service is identified from a user terminal (142), the server (110) may request the server (230) to provide a cloud service based on the server (230). The request may be transmitted to the server (230) via a communication link (L9) between the server (110) and the server (230). In response to the request, the server (230) may establish a communication link (L10) between the server (120) and the server (230) for the game service and a communication link (L11) between the server (120) and the user terminal (142). The request transmitted via the communication link (L9) may include information related to the user terminal (142) that transmitted the request and / or the game service.

[0064] In one embodiment, the server (230) may perform rendering of a screen (210) to be displayed on a user terminal (142). The server (230) may transmit a signal (or bitstream) related to the screen (210) rendered by the server (230) to the user terminal (142) via a communication link (L11) between the user terminal (142) and the server (230). The user terminal (142) that receives the signal may display the screen (210) indicated by the signal on a display.

[0065] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2c, the user terminal (142) displaying the screen (210) can receive a user input related to the screen (210). In response to the user input received from the user (U1), the user terminal (142) can transmit a signal representing the user input to the server (230) via the communication link (L11). The server (230) receiving the signal can execute a function related to the user input. The server (230) executing the function can include, for example, an operation of at least partially changing the state of the virtual space (130) provided by the server (110) by communicating with the server (110) via the communication link (L10). For example, the server (230) executing the function can include an operation of re-rendering the screen (210) to be transmitted to the user terminal (142) based on the partially changed state of the virtual space (130). For example, the server (230) that executed the above function can further transmit a signal related to the re-rendered screen (210) through the communication link (L11).

[0066] As described above, by using the game launcher, the user terminal (141) can display a screen (220) of a game application running on another user terminal (in one embodiment of FIG. 2B, the user terminal (142)) and respond to the user's (U1) interaction related to the screen (220). The user terminal (141) can indirectly perform graphic rendering (e.g., visualization of a three-dimensional graphical object) by using the resources of the user terminal (142). Even if the user terminal (141) does not have the capacity required to install the game application (e.g., available capacity of flash storage) or the user terminal (141) does not have the resources required to run the game application (e.g., specifications of a GPU and / or CPU), the user terminal (141) running the game launcher can provide a user experience related to the game application.

[0067] Below, exemplary functions supported by a user terminal running a game launcher are described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D.

[0068] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal (e.g., user terminals 141, 142, 143, 151, and 152 of FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D , exemplary states (301, 302, 303, and 304) of a screen displayed by a user terminal executing a game launcher are illustrated. After completing authentication of a user of the user terminal using the game launcher, the user terminal may display the exemplary screens illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D . Referring to FIG. 3A , a user terminal displaying a screen provided by the game launcher may display visual objects (311, 312, 313, and 314) corresponding to each of options for adjusting a mode of the screen. For example, the visual object (311) may correspond to a function for outputting a list of multiple game applications executable by the user terminal. For example, the visual object (312) may correspond to a function for outputting a list of one or more game applications installed on the user terminal. For example, the visual object (313) may correspond to a function for executing a messenger service based on a game platform service. For example, the visual object (314) may correspond to a function for executing a community service for users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0069] In a state (301) where a first option corresponding to a visual object (311) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for downloading game applications that can be executed using a game launcher. In a state (302) where a second option corresponding to a visual object (312) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen related to one or more game applications installed on the user terminal. In a state (303) where a third option corresponding to a visual object (313) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for exchanging messages (e.g., sending and / or receiving messages) between users logged in to the game platform service. In a state (304) where a fourth option corresponding to a visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for exchanging information (e.g., postings) between users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0070] Within the area (315) of the screen of FIG. 3A, the user terminal may display a list of game applications. The list may be provided from a server providing a game platform service (e.g., server (110) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, and / or FIG. 2B). One or more icons (e.g., icon (319)) displayed in the area (315) may correspond to specific game applications included in the list. For example, in response to an input for selecting an icon (319), the user terminal may display a UI for downloading a game application corresponding to the icon (319) within the screen.

[0071] In a state (301) of displaying a list of game applications through an area (315), the user terminal may display visual objects (316, 317, 318) for filtering game applications included in the list. The visual object (316) may correspond to an option for displaying all game applications included in the list in the area (315). The visual object (317) may correspond to an option for displaying a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a personal computer among the game applications included in the list in the area (315). The visual object (318) may correspond to an option for displaying a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a smartphone among the one or more game applications included in the list in the area (315).

[0072] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing a screen in which a first option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a first visual object (311) capable of outputting a list of game applications that can be executed on a user terminal, for example.

[0073] Referring to the exemplary screen of FIG. 3A, the user terminal may display a visual object (320) mapped to a function for streaming the screen of a game application executed using a game launcher. For example, in response to an input for selecting the visual object (320), the user terminal may display a list of other user terminals in which the user of the user terminal (e.g., users U1 and U2 of FIG. 1) is logged in. For example, if the input is received while streaming the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that the screen of the game application is being streamed. For example, if the input is received while preparing to stream the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that streaming of the screen of the game application is about to start. The pop-up window of the example may include a button and / or a hyperlink for receiving an input for stopping or restarting streaming of the screen of the game application. A user terminal that receives an input for selecting another user terminal from the above list can execute a function for transmitting a screen-related signal to the other user terminal selected by the input. FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating a screen in which a second option is executed in the game launcher of the user terminal by selecting a visual object (312) capable of providing a screen related to a game application installed on the user terminal, for example.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3B, in a state (302) where a second option corresponding to a visual object (312) is selected, the user terminal can display a list of game applications installed in the user terminal. The user terminal can display an area (324) and visual objects (321, 322, 323) for switching the UI displayed in the area (324). In a state (302) where a visual object (321) is selected, the user terminal can display visual objects representing each of the game applications installed in the user terminal in the area (324) (e.g., visual objects corresponding to game application A and game application B, respectively). In a state (302) where a visual object (321) is selected, the user terminal can further display a visual object (329) for switching to a state (301) for downloading the game application, together with visual objects corresponding to each of the game applications installed in the user terminal in the area (324).

[0075] The visual objects (322, 323) different from the visual object (321) may each correspond to game applications installed on the user terminal. For example, the visual object (322) may correspond to game application A installed on the user terminal, and the visual object (323) may correspond to game application B installed on the user terminal. For example, in response to an input for selecting the visual object (322), the user terminal may display a UI related to game application A in the area (324). The UI may include a visual object for executing game application A.

[0076] In response to an input for selecting a visual object (313), the user terminal may display a screen as shown in state (303) of FIG. 3c. The screen may be displayed as an overlay on a screen running for the game launcher (e.g., a pop-up window).

[0077] FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a screen in which a third option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a third visual object (313) that can provide a screen for exchanging messages between users of a game platform service, for example.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3C, within the screen, the user terminal may display a list (331) of game applications to which a user logged in to the user terminal is subscribed. The list (331) may include chat channels corresponding to each of the game applications and / or chat channels provided through the game service. For example, the chat channels provided through the game service may include a chat channel dedicated to a guild (or party) provided through the game service, and a one-on-one chat channel (e.g., a whisper channel) indicated by a user account of the user terminal. Within an area (332) of the exemplary screen of FIG. 3C, the user terminal may display one or more messages that have been transmitted or received through any one of the chat channels. The user terminal may display visual objects (333, 334, 335) for transmitting text, emoticons, and / or images (or videos) to the chat channel corresponding to the area (332). The user terminal can display a visual object (336) for uploading text entered in a text box (333) to the chat channel. Through the screen of Fig. 3c, the user terminal can display a visual object (337) mapped to a function for adding a new chat channel.

[0079] FIG. 3D is a drawing showing a screen in which the fourth option is executed in the game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (314) that can create a post between users of a game platform service, for example.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3D, in a state (304) where the fourth option corresponding to the visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal may provide a list of posts registered in the game platform service. The user terminal may provide the list through an area (342) within the screen. For example, an element (345) within the area (342) may correspond to a specific post included in the list. In response to an input for selecting the element (345), the user terminal may display a post corresponding to the element (345) within the screen. The user terminal may display visual objects for filtering posts displayed in the area (342) in the area (341). The visual objects displayed in the area (341) may each correspond to hashtags (or keywords) assigned to each post. For example, a visual object (344) may be displayed to provide a list of posts containing an exemplary hashtag (e.g., a hashtag containing the string "#UPDATE") via area (342). For example, a visual object (343) may be displayed to deselect the hashtags displayed via area (341) to provide a list of all posts in area (342).

[0081] Hereinafter, a method for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups in a device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0082] Hereinafter, the expression “user” may mean “user’s terminal,” and for example, the expression “transmit data to user A” may mean “transmit data to user A’s terminal.”

[0083] In this disclosure, a conversation group may refer to a virtual conversation space where one or more users can send and receive messages from each other. Messages in a conversation group may be in various forms, such as text messages, voice messages, or video messages.

[0084] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described assuming that the conversation group is a voice conversation group and the messages transmitted and received in the conversation group are voice conversations. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be analogically applied to conversation groups and messages transmitted and received in any manner.

[0085] Additionally, although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in the context of a case where the conversation group is a conversation group for playing a game, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in any field where different conversation groups may exist.

[0086] A method of transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may involve transmitting a voice conversation from a higher conversation group to a lower conversation group between different conversation groups, specifically, two conversation groups having a hierarchical superior-subordinate relationship.

[0087] When a game features large-scale battles, conflicts between factions, or user-to-user combat, a hierarchical structure can be used to facilitate efficient communication in situations where battles occur simultaneously across multiple regions. For example, there could be a top group monitoring and directing the overall battle situation, while lower groups focused on localized battles. Groups could also exist at higher levels than the top group, and lower levels than the lower groups.

[0088] At this time, the subgroup leader or group leader can also participate in the parent group, relaying and sharing necessary information, such as instructions from the parent group, or relaying and sharing necessary information, such as issues arising from the subgroup or matters requiring reporting, to the parent group. To establish a communication structure between these different conversation groups, the subgroup leader may need to participate in both the parent and subgroups.

[0089] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for transmitting voice conversations between existing different conversation groups.

[0090] To establish a communication structure between conversation groups having the aforementioned hierarchical relationship, one method may be to use two or more devices (e.g., user terminals) as a group leader of a subgroup. Specifically, the user may use two or more devices to participate in each of the upper and lower groups, use one device to collect voices, and use another device to transmit the collected voices. However, this method may be cumbersome as it requires the separate operation of two or more devices.

[0091] Alternatively, a user who is the group leader of a group can use a single device. Specifically, they can use multiple accounts for a single chat service on a single device, or use multiple chat services on a single device. However, this approach can be cumbersome due to the need to utilize multiple accounts, can cause inconvenience due to different chat services, and can overload the user's terminal.

[0092] For convenience of explanation, below, User A may refer to a user who wishes to transmit a voice conversation between different conversation groups. User A may be a participant authorized to collect voice conversations from the first conversation group, and a participant authorized to transmit voice conversations from another conversation group to the second conversation group.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, User A may be the group leader of a second conversation group, which is a subordinate group, and User A may wish to participate in both the first conversation group, which is a superior group, and the second conversation group, which is a subordinate group. To this end, User A may use both an account called User A-1 (401) and an account called User A-2 (402), thereby allowing User A-1 (401) to participate in the first conversation group and User A-2 (402) to participate in the second conversation group.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, when a conversation in a first conversation group needs to be transferred to a second conversation group, user A can collect voice conversations in the first conversation group through user A-1 (401) and transfer the collected voice conversations to the second conversation group through user A-2 (402). Depending on the situation, user A may need to adjust the microphone and / or speaker of user A-1 (401) in the first conversation group and may need to adjust the microphone and / or speaker of user A-2 (402) in the second conversation group. This method may be cumbersome as it requires operating two or more devices or utilizing two or more accounts, and may cause an overload on user A's user terminal.

[0095] To address these issues, the present disclosure may provide a method and device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups. The device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups, which performs the method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups described below, may be a server, specifically the server (110) described above, or may be included in the server (110).

[0096] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure.

[0097] The device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure can generate a virtual collector (501) corresponding to user A (510) when a user A, who uses a relay function, participates in the first conversation group, which is a higher group. The device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure can include the virtual collector (501) in the first conversation group. The virtual collector (501) can collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group.

[0098] The device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure can create a virtual messenger (502) corresponding to user A when the user A sets a subgroup to which the collected conversations are transmitted as a second conversation group. The device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure can include the virtual messenger (502) in the second conversation group. The virtual messenger (502) can transmit conversations collected from the first conversation group to the second conversation group.

[0099] Below, a method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups of the present disclosure.

[0101] The method for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups illustrated in FIG. 6 can be performed by a device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, and specifically, can be performed by a processor included in the device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups.

[0102] In operation 610, when a user participates in a first conversation group that is a target of voice conversation collection, the processor may generate a virtual collector corresponding to the user within the first conversation group based on whether the user uses a relay function.

[0103] In one embodiment, a user may be a participant permitted to use the relay function in the first conversation group. In one embodiment, depending on the settings of the first conversation group, the user may not be permitted to use the relay function.

[0104] In operation 620, the processor may generate a virtual messenger corresponding to the user within the second conversation group based on the user's settings for the second conversation group to which the voice conversation is to be delivered.

[0105] In one embodiment, a user may be a participant authorized to collect voice conversations from a first conversation group in a first conversation group, and a participant authorized to forward voice conversations from another conversation group in a second conversation group.

[0106] In operation 630, the processor, in response to the user activating the relay function, may cause the virtual collector to collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group.

[0107] In one embodiment, operation 630 may cause the virtual collector to collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, excluding voice conversations generated by the user.

[0108] At operation 640, the processor may cause the virtual collector to transmit the collected voice conversation to the second conversation group.

[0109] In one embodiment, a user participating in a second conversation group may be able to opt out of receiving voice conversations collected by the virtual collector.

[0110] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a conversation group setup request signal from the manager of the first conversation group. In one embodiment, when the processor receives the conversation group setup request signal from the manager of the first conversation group, the processor may generate a conversation group setup interface. In one embodiment, the processor may transmit the generated conversation group setup interface to the first conversation group manager.

[0111] In one embodiment, the conversation group settings interface may include a relay function permission settings interface configured to reset whether to allow the relay function in the first conversation group.

[0112] In one embodiment, the conversation group settings interface may be configured to collectively set whether to allow the use of the relay function for all users participating in the first conversation group. In another embodiment, the conversation group settings interface may be configured to individually set whether to allow the use of the relay function for each user participating in the first conversation group.

[0113] In one embodiment, operation 640 may include converting the collected voice conversation into text by the virtual collector and displaying the text in a conversation window of a second conversation group.

[0114] In one embodiment, after operation 640, the processor may generate a relay target selection interface including a list of relayable targets from which the user can select, and transmit the relay target selection interface to the user.

[0115] In one embodiment, the second conversation group may be any one or more relay targets selected from a list of relayable targets.

[0116] Below, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0117] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conversation group interface of a first conversation group and a second conversation group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7, the first conversation group interface (710) may be a conversation group interface of the first conversation group, which is an upper group, i.e., the K conversation channel, and the second conversation group interface (720) may be a conversation group interface of the second conversation group, which is a lower group, i.e., the M conversation channel.

[0119] In one embodiment, a device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may generate a first conversation group interface (710) and a second conversation group interface (720), and transmit the first conversation group interface (710) to participants in the first conversation group and transmit the second conversation group interface (720) to participants in the second conversation group.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 7, the first conversation group interface (710) may include an interface configured to display a list of users participating in the first conversation group. In the example of FIG. 7, the interface configured to display the list of users may display User 11, User 12, User 13, and User A participating in the first conversation group. Additionally, the interface configured to display the list of users may display a bot (701) of User A corresponding to User A. The bot (701) of User A may be a virtual collector corresponding to User A of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, the second conversation group interface (720) may include an interface configured to display a list of users participating in the second conversation group. In the example of FIG. 7, the interface configured to display the list of users may display users 21, 22, and 23 participating in the second conversation group. Additionally, the interface configured to display the list of users may display a bot (701) of user A corresponding to user A. The bot (701) of user A may be a virtual messenger corresponding to user A of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the first conversation group interface (710) may include a group setting call object (702). In one embodiment, the group setting call object (702) may be an object that can be interacted with to set up a conversation group.

[0123] In one embodiment, the creator or manager of the first conversation group can apply or change the settings of the first conversation group by interacting with the group setting call object (702). The settings of the first conversation group may include settings regarding the permission to use the relay function. In one embodiment, when the creator or manager of the first conversation group interacts with the group setting call object (702), a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups can generate a conversation group setting interface and transmit it to the creator or manager with whom the interaction took place. The conversation group setting interface may be the conversation group setting interface (1020) of FIG. 10b, which will be described later, or the conversation group setting interface (1030) of FIG. 10c.

[0124] In one embodiment, user A can apply or change the settings of user A's bot (701) by interacting with an object corresponding to user A's bot (701). For example, user A can apply or change the settings of user A's bot (701) by interacting with an object corresponding to user A's bot (701) in a first conversation group interface (710) or a object corresponding to user A's bot (701) in a second conversation group interface (720). The settings of user A's bot (701) may include settings related to activation of a relay function. In one embodiment, when user A interacts with an object corresponding to user A's bot (701), a device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may generate a relay function setting interface and transmit it to the interacting user A. The relay function setting interface may be the relay function setting interface (800) of FIG. 8, which will be described later.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first conversation group interface (710) may display a preset visual effect while a virtual collector, i.e., user A's bot (701), performs a relay function. For example, when a voice conversation occurs between users in the first conversation group, and user A's bot (701) collects the voice conversation, a preset visual effect may be applied to an object corresponding to user A's bot (701). For example, the visual effect may be a shape change of an object corresponding to user A's bot (701), a bold processing of an object corresponding to user A's bot (701), or a microphone-shaped object being added to an object corresponding to user A's bot (701).

[0126] In one embodiment, the second conversation group interface (720) may display a preset visual effect while a virtual messenger, i.e., user A's bot (701), performs a relay function. For example, when a voice conversation occurs between users in the first conversation group, and user A's bot (701) relays the voice conversation, a preset visual effect may be applied to an object corresponding to user A's bot (701). For example, the visual effect may be a shape change of an object corresponding to user A's bot (701), a bold processing of an object corresponding to user A's bot (701), or a speaker-shaped object being added to an object corresponding to user A's bot (701).

[0127] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, a virtual collector, i.e., a bot (701) of user A of the first conversation group of FIG. 7, can selectively collect voice conversations. In one embodiment, the virtual collector can collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, excluding voice conversations generated by the user corresponding to the virtual collector, i.e., user A. This may be to improve the quality of voice conversations transmitted to the second conversation group or to clearly convey the content of voice conversations to be transmitted.

[0128] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, a virtual messenger, i.e., a bot (701) of user A of the second conversation group of FIG. 7, can selectively forward voice conversations. In one embodiment, the virtual messenger can forward voice conversations collected by the virtual collector, excluding voice conversations generated by the user corresponding to the virtual messenger, i.e., user A. This may be to improve the quality of voice conversations forwarded to the second conversation group or to clearly convey the content of voice conversations to be forwarded.

[0129] In one embodiment, if a particular user does not use the relay function, a virtual collector corresponding to that user may not be created. That is, a user may belong to the first conversation group but, for reasons such as not being the group leader of another group, may not need to use the relay function. A device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may create or not create a virtual collector based on whether a user participating in the first conversation group uses the relay function.

[0130] In one embodiment, if a specific user uses the relay function but does not activate the relay function in the first conversation group, a virtual collector corresponding to that user may not be created. That is, a user may use or have used the relay function, but in some cases, the relay function may be deactivated, such as in a situation where relaying is not necessary. A device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may or may not create a virtual collector depending on whether a user participating in the first conversation group activates the relay function, even if the user uses the relay function. In one embodiment, the relay function for a specific user may be deactivated immediately after joining the first conversation group.

[0131] In one embodiment, if a specific user uses the relay function, but the first conversation group does not allow the relay function, a virtual collector may not be created. For example, the administrator of the first conversation group may temporarily disable the relay function for all or specific users in the first conversation group. The settings for allowing the use of the relay function will be described later.

[0132] In one embodiment, when multiple users in a first conversation group use the relay function, multiple virtual collectors may be created.

[0133] In one embodiment, a user participating in the second conversation group may be able to opt out of receiving voice conversations collected by the virtual collector. For example, a user participating in the second conversation group may interact with an object corresponding to User A's bot (701) in the second conversation group interface (720) to opt out of receiving voice conversations collected by the virtual collector.

[0134] In one embodiment, voice conversations collected by a virtual collector may not be transmitted to users who have configured not to receive voice conversations collected by a virtual collector. In one embodiment, a device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may allow the virtual transmitter to transmit voice conversations to users who have configured not to receive voice conversations collected by the virtual collector. In another embodiment, a device of a user who has configured not to receive voice conversations collected by a virtual collector may block data transmitted by the virtual transmitter, thereby not receiving voice conversations collected by the virtual collector.

[0135] In one embodiment, text conversion of a voice conversation may be performed. That is, a virtual messenger may convert the voice conversation into text and transmit it. Specifically, in one embodiment, a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may cause a virtual collector to transmit the voice conversation collected by the messenger to a second conversation group, which may include converting the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector into text. The converted text may be displayed in a conversation window of the second conversation group. For example, the second conversation group interface (720) of FIG. 7 may further include a text window configured to display the converted text of the collected voice conversation. Users participating in the second conversation group may configure whether to use the text conversion function or whether to display the text window.

[0136] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relay function setting interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] In one embodiment, the relay function setting interface (800) may be an interface configured to enable a user A who wishes to transmit a voice conversation between different conversation groups to set up the relay function. Regardless of whether the user A uses the relay function, the user A may activate or deactivate the relay function. In one embodiment, the device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may generate a relay function setting interface (800) and transmit the relay function setting interface (800) to the user A when the user A wishes to set up the relay function.

[0138] In one embodiment, the relay function setting interface (800) may include a relay function activation interface (801).

[0139] In one embodiment, the relay function activation interface (810) may be an interface that allows user A to set whether to activate the relay function. In one embodiment, the relay function activation interface may include an on-off object (801), and user A may interact with the on-off object (801) to activate or deactivate the relay function.

[0140] In one embodiment, when user A activates the relay function, a device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups can receive a signal that user A has activated the relay function.

[0141] In one embodiment, the relay function setting interface (800) may include a relay target setting interface (802).

[0142] In one embodiment, the relay target setting interface (820) may be an interface configured to enable user A to set a relay target, i.e., a conversation group or target user to which the collected conversations will be transferred. In one embodiment, the relay target setting interface (820) may include a relay target selection object (802), and user A may interact with the relay target selection object (802) to select a conversation group or target user to which the collected conversations will be transferred.

[0143] In one embodiment, when user A interacts with a relay target selection object (802), a device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may generate a relay target selection interface and transmit the relay target selection interface to user A. The relay target selection interface will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0144] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relay target selection interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] In one embodiment, the relay target selection interface (900) may be an interface configured to allow user A to select a relay target. Specifically, the relay target selection interface (900) may include a list (910) of relayable targets, and user A may select one or more relay targets included in the list (910) of relayable targets. In one embodiment, a device for transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may generate a list (910) of relayable targets based on relay targets that user A may select, which are predetermined according to user A's authority, and generate a relay target selection interface (900) based on the list. For example, the M conversation channel of FIG. 7 may be one of one or more relay targets selected from the list of relayable targets.

[0146] In the example of Fig. 9, through the list of relayable targets (910), user A can select one or more from among the group in which user A is the party leader, user A's group aa, user B's group bb, etc.

[0147] In one embodiment, a device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may create a virtual messenger for user A in each of one or more conversation groups selected as relay targets through a relay target selection interface (900).

[0148] In one embodiment, when user A selects a relay target and interacts with the 'Confirm' object, the relay target selection interface (900) may disappear.

[0149] Returning to FIG. 8 again, in one embodiment, when user A changes or sets a relay target, a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups can receive a signal indicating that user A has changed or set a relay target and information about the relay target.

[0150] In one embodiment, the relay target setting interface (802) may be activated only when the relay function is activated.

[0151] FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating conversation group setting interfaces according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0152] The conversation group setting interfaces illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C may be interfaces configured to enable the creator or administrator of a conversation group to apply or change settings for the conversation group.

[0153] Figure 10a illustrates a conversation group settings interface (1010) configured to allow a user to apply or change settings for a conversation group while creating a new conversation group. For example, the user creating the conversation group may be the group leader of a parent group, i.e., the first conversation group.

[0154] In one embodiment, when receiving a conversation group creation request signal from a user who wishes to create a conversation group, a device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may generate a conversation group creation interface (1010) and transmit it to the user who wishes to create a conversation group.

[0155] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1010) may include a conversation group name setting interface (1011) configured to enable setting a name for a conversation group. A user may interact with the conversation group name setting interface (1011) to set a conversation group name.

[0156] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1010) may include a conversation group type setting interface (1012) configured to set the type of conversation group. A user may interact with the conversation group type setting interface (1012) to set the type of conversation group. In the example of FIG. 10A, the user may set the conversation group as a chat conversation group capable of sending and receiving text messages or a voice conversation group capable of sending and receiving voice conversations.

[0157] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1010) may include a relay function permission setting interface (1013) configured to enable setting whether to allow the use of the relay function in the conversation group. A user may interact with the relay function permission setting interface (1013) to enable setting whether to allow any user in the conversation group to use the relay function. In the example of FIG. 10A, a user may interact with an object included in the relay function permission setting interface (1013) to enable setting whether to allow the relay function. For example, if the setting is enabled to allow any user to use the relay function, the creation of a virtual collector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be permitted in the opened conversation group.

[0158] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1010) may include a conversation group privacy setting interface (1014) configured to set whether the conversation group is public or private. A user may interact with the conversation group privacy setting interface (1014) to set the conversation group to public or private. In the example of FIG. 10A, a user may interact with an object included in the conversation group privacy setting interface (1014) to set whether the conversation group is public or private. For example, if the conversation group is set to private, only users who have been permitted, invited, or set by the creator or administrator of the conversation group may participate in the conversation group.

[0159] In one embodiment, a user can create a conversation group based on conversation group settings through each interface through a conversation group creation object included in the conversation group setting interface (1010), for example, the "Create" object of FIG. 10A . In one embodiment, when a user interacts with the conversation group creation object, a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups can receive a conversation group creation signal. The conversation group creation signal received by the device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups can include information regarding settings for the conversation group. For example, the conversation group creation signal can include information regarding whether any user in the conversation group is permitted to use the relay function.

[0160] FIG. 10b illustrates a conversation group settings interface (1020) configured to enable the creator or administrator of a conversation group to apply or change the settings of an already created conversation group.

[0161] In one embodiment, when receiving a conversation group setting request signal from a user who wishes to apply or change the settings of a conversation group, a device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups may generate a conversation group setting interface (1020) and transmit it to the user who wishes to apply or change the settings of the conversation group.

[0162] In one embodiment, a user who wishes to apply or change the settings of a conversation group may reset the conversation group through the conversation group settings interface (1020) and transmit a signal for resetting the conversation group to a device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups.

[0163] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1020) may include a conversation group name setting interface (1021) configured to reset the name of a conversation group. A user may interact with the conversation group name setting interface (1021) to transmit a signal to a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, thereby resetting the conversation group name.

[0164] In one embodiment, the conversation group setup interface (1020) may include a conversation group deletion interface (1022) configured to delete a conversation group. A user may interact with the conversation group deletion interface (1022) to transmit a signal to a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups to delete the conversation group.

[0165] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1020) may include a relay function permission setting interface (1023) configured to reset whether to allow the relay function in the conversation group. In one embodiment, the relay function permission setting interface (1023), unlike the relay function permission setting interface (1033) described below, may reset whether to allow the use of the relay function collectively for all users participating in the conversation group. A user may interact with the relay function permission setting interface (1023) to transmit a signal to a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, the signal resetting whether to allow the use of the relay function collectively for all users belonging to the conversation group.

[0166] In one embodiment, the conversation group settings interface (1020) may include a group privacy settings interface (1024) configured to reset the privacy of a conversation group. A user may interact with an object included in the conversation group privacy settings interface (1024) to transmit a signal to a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups, thereby resetting the privacy of the conversation group.

[0167] FIG. 10c illustrates a conversation group settings interface (1030) configured to enable an initiator or administrator of a conversation group to apply or change settings of an already established conversation group, in a different embodiment from FIG. 10b.

[0168] Unlike FIG. 10b, the conversation group setting interface (1030) of FIG. 10c can be configured to individually set whether to allow the use of the relay function for participants in the conversation group.

[0169] In one embodiment, when receiving a conversation group setting request signal from a user who wants to apply or change the settings of a conversation group, a device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups can generate a conversation group setting interface (1030) and transmit it to the user who wants to apply or change the settings of the conversation group.

[0170] In one embodiment, a user who wishes to apply or change the settings of a conversation group may reset the conversation group through the conversation group settings interface (1030) and transmit a signal for resetting the conversation group to a device transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups.

[0171] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1030) may include a conversation group name setting interface (1031) and a conversation group deletion interface (1032). The conversation group name setting interface (1031) and the conversation group deletion interface (1032) may correspond to the aforementioned group name setting interface (1021) and the conversation group deletion interface (1022), respectively.

[0172] In one embodiment, the conversation group setting interface (1030) may include a relay function permission setting interface (1033) configured to reset whether to allow the relay function in the conversation group. In one embodiment, the relay function permission setting interface (1033), unlike the relay function permission setting interface (1023) described above, may reset whether to allow the use of the relay function individually for each user belonging to the conversation group.

[0173] In one embodiment, the relay function permission setting interface (1033) may include an interface configured to display a list of users who have participated in the conversation group. In the example of FIG. 10C, the interface configured to display the list of users may display users A, B, C, D, and E who have participated in the K conversation group. The user may interact with an object of a first user included in the interface configured to display the list of users to transmit a signal to a device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups to reset whether to allow the first user to use the relay function in the conversation group. For example, in the example of FIG. 10C, if the user interacts with an object of user C to reset to not allow user C to use the relay function in the conversation group, the device transmitting a voice conversation between different conversation groups may receive the reset signal and delete a bot of user C, which is a virtual collector corresponding to user C, from the conversation group, so that user C may not be able to use the relay function in the conversation group.

[0174] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] The device illustrated in FIG. 11 may be the aforementioned server, for example, server (110). Alternatively, the device illustrated in FIG. 11 may be included in the aforementioned server. For example, the device illustrated in FIG. 11 may be a device that transmits voice conversations between different conversation groups.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 11, the device (1100) may include a communication unit (1110), a processor (1120), and a database (1130). Only components related to the embodiment are illustrated in the device (1100) of FIG. 11. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that other general components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0177] DB (1130) is hardware that stores various data processed within the device (1100), and can store programs for processing and controlling the processor (1120). DB (1130) can store game data information, etc.

[0178] DB (1130) may include random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM, Blu-ray or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or flash memory.

[0179] The processor (1120) controls the overall operation of the device (1100). For example, the processor (1120) can control the input unit (not shown), the display (not shown), the DB (1130), the communication unit (1110), etc., by executing programs stored in the DB (1130). The processor (1120) can control at least some of the operations according to the various embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 by executing programs stored in the DB (1130).

[0180] The processor (1120) may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0181] The communication unit (1110) may include one or more components that enable wired / wireless communication with other nodes. For example, the communication unit (1110) may include a short-range communication unit (not shown), a mobile communication unit (not shown), or a broadcast reception unit (not shown).

[0182] The processor (1120) of the device (1100) can transmit and receive necessary data with an external device such as a user (or user terminal) or another server through wired / wireless communication performed by the communication unit (1110).

[0183] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed through various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories.

[0184] Meanwhile, the computer program may be specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be known and available to those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of computer programs may include not only machine language code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups, When a user participates in a first conversation group that is the target of voice conversation collection, an operation of creating a virtual collector corresponding to the user in the first conversation group based on whether the user uses a relay function; An operation of generating a virtual messenger corresponding to the user in the second conversation group based on the user's settings for the second conversation group to which the voice conversation is to be transmitted; In response to the user activating the relay function, an action to cause the virtual collector to collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group; and An action of causing the transmitter to transmit the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector to the second conversation group; including, method.

2. In paragraph 1, The above user, A participant who is authorized to collect voice conversations of the first conversation group in the first conversation group, A participant who is authorized to transmit voice conversations from the second conversation group to another conversation group, method.

3. In paragraph 1, An operation of generating a conversation group setting interface configured to apply settings to a conversation group when receiving a conversation group setting request signal from an administrator of the first conversation group, and transmitting the conversation group setting interface to the administrator of the first conversation group; Including more, The above conversation group setting interface is: Including a relay function permission setting interface configured to enable users within the first conversation group to set whether to allow the use of the relay function; method.

4. In paragraph 3, The administrator of the above first conversation group is, Through the above relay function permission setting interface, it is possible to individually set whether to allow the use of the relay function for each user who participated in the first conversation group. method.

5. In paragraph 1, The action of causing the transmitter to transmit the voice conversation collected by the virtual collector to the second conversation group is as follows: The action of converting the voice conversation collected by the above virtual collector into text; and An action of displaying the above text in a conversation window of the second conversation group; including, method.

6. In paragraph 1, An action of generating a relay target selection interface including a list of relayable targets that the user can select, and transmitting the relay target selection interface to the user; Including more, The second conversation group above is, Any one or more relay targets selected from the list of possible relay targets above, method.

7. In paragraph 1, The action of causing the virtual collector to collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group is as follows: The virtual collector collects voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, excluding voice conversations generated by the user. method.

8. In paragraph 1, Users who have participated in the above second conversation group can set not to receive voice conversations collected by the virtual collector. method.

9. A device for transmitting voice conversations between different conversation groups, memory in which at least one program is stored; and A processor that operates by executing at least one program; The above processor, When a user participates in a first conversation group that is the target of voice conversation collection, a virtual collector corresponding to the user in the first conversation group is created based on whether the user uses the relay function, Based on the user's settings for the second conversation group to which the voice conversation is to be transmitted, a virtual transmitter corresponding to the user in the second conversation group is generated, In response to the user activating the relay function, the virtual collector collects voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, The virtual collector transmits the collected voice conversation to the second conversation group by the transmitter. device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above user, In the first conversation group, a participant who is authorized to collect voice conversations of the first conversation group, In the second conversation group, a participant who is authorized to transmit voice conversations to another conversation group, device.

11. In paragraph 9, The above processor, When receiving a conversation group setting request signal from the manager of the first conversation group, a conversation group setting interface configured to apply settings to the conversation group is created, and the conversation group setting interface is transmitted to the manager of the first conversation group. The above conversation group setting interface is: Including a relay function permission setting interface configured to enable users within the first conversation group to set whether to allow the use of the relay function; device.

12. In paragraph 11, The administrator of the above first conversation group is, Through the above relay function permission setting interface, it is possible to individually set whether to allow the use of the relay function for each user who participated in the first conversation group. device.

13. In paragraph 9, The processor causes the virtual collector to transmit the collected voice conversation to the second conversation group. Convert the voice conversation collected by the above virtual collector into text, Including displaying the text in the conversation window of the second conversation group, device.

14. In paragraph 9, The above processor, Generate a relay target selection interface including a list of relayable targets that the user can select, and send the relay target selection interface to the user; The second conversation group above is, Any one or more relay targets selected from the list of possible relay targets above, device.

15. In paragraph 9, The above processor causes the virtual collector to collect voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, The virtual collector collects voice conversations occurring in the first conversation group, excluding voice conversations generated by the user. device.

16. In paragraph 9, Users who have participated in the above second conversation group can set not to receive voice conversations collected by the virtual collector. device.

17. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method according to paragraph 1 on a computer.

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