KR20010111980A - Apparatus and method for searching a web-site by multi-user in real-time via a communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

Anyone can easily perform web-surfing by allowing slave users to share in real time the web-site searched by one user's search control, which is set as a master user, while multiple users communicate with each other through a computer communication network. Disclosed are a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus and method using a computer communication network. When the user accesses the web homepage of the video communication service site through the computer communication network, the user may request video communication with another user on the web page. The web server is configured to perform communication between the user who requested the communication setting and the other user based on the logon state of the other user whose communication setting is requested by the user. In response to the request of any one of the two users, the web server sets the two users as master users and slave users, respectively, and is displayed to the master user as the slave user according to the web-site search control of the user set as the master user. Display the same web-page in real time as the web-page. Therefore, unnecessary loss of time and expense for video communication can be minimized.

Description

Apparatus and method for real-time multi-site web-site retrieval using computer communication network {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING A WEB-SITE BY MULTI-USER IN REAL-TIME VIA A COMMUNICATION NETWORK}

The present invention relates to a multi-party web-site search using a computer communication network. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-user web site search of a single user set as a master user when a plurality of users search a web-site while performing mutual communication through a computer communication network. The present invention relates to a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus and method using a computer communication network capable of easily performing web-surfing by allowing a slave user to share a web-site searched by search control in real time.

Recently, as the peripheral technology for the Internet communication, that is, the computer system, software, communication line, etc. has been rapidly developed, the trend of data communication using the Internet communication network is gradually developing in the visual direction.

In particular, as the high-speed communication network using an optical cable is popularized, an acceptable capacity of a transmission line of an internet communication network is increased, and text-oriented data communication is being replaced with image data.

Representatively, unlike general users who use text-oriented data to exchange e-mails or chat with other users, video chatting or video conferencing through the Internet is becoming more common. In addition, as the speed inconvenience is eliminated, web-surfing through the Internet network is becoming a main area of computer communication.

However, the email service or chat service currently provided through the Internet communication network does not feel that the benefits of the service provider are emphasized. That is, when chatting with another user, if the user is not connected to the service provider's server or not connected to the Internet communication network, no information is provided except that the chat is impossible. Conversely, if you are not connected to the network, there is no way for a user to notify you, even if someone wants to chat with you, unless you e-mail them in advance, such as what you are doing and when you can chat. .

On the other hand, even though web-surfing is generalized, there are many differences in the ability of Internet information retrieval according to users, and web-surfing is recognized as a very complicated and difficult task for users who are not familiar with computer communication.

Therefore, many users want to learn the tips of Internet information retrieval, but in the current Internet communication network, there is no way to lead the search of the web-site other than the demonstration directly together. In addition, there is a problem that such a map method is impossible among users located remotely in the region.

The present invention proposed to solve the above problems, the slave user can share the web-site searched by the search control of one user set as the master user in real time while a plurality of users communicate with each other via a computer communication network It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus and method using a computer communication network that anyone can perform web-surfing easily.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using the computer communication network shown in FIG.

3 is a diagram showing a web-site real-time search state between two users using the search apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention using the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the registration routine shown in FIG. 4; FIG. And

6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the missed message transfer routine and the master-slave user setup routine in the communication request routine shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10, 12, 14, 16: user computer system

18: Internet network

20: web-server

22: storage device

A multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network according to the present invention for achieving the above object is for connecting to a web homepage of a communication service site through a computer communication network, and performing communication between a plurality of users on the web. A multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network, comprising: a storage device for storing personal information and message information of each of the plurality of users inputted through the computer communication network by a plurality of users as a member database and a message database, respectively And when a communication setting with one user is requested from one of the plurality of users through the web home page, depending on the logon state of the user who has been requested to establish communication based on the member database. User company Set up the user's communication as a master user and a slave user in response to a request from any one of the two users, and set the slave user in response to the web-site search control of the user set as the master user. Also includes a web-server for displaying in real time the same web-page as the web-page displayed to the master user.

In order to achieve the above object, a multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network according to the present invention comprises the steps of: accessing a web homepage of a communication service site through a computer communication network from a user computer; Providing a web homepage of a communication service in response to the request; requesting communication with another user on the web page in response to the user's input; and, at the web server, establishing a communication by the user. Setting communication to be performed between the user who requested the communication setting and the other user based on the requested logon state of the other user; and in the web server, in response to a request of one of two users, By setting up users as master users and slave users, And displaying the same web-page as the web-page displayed to the master user in real time to the user set as the slave user in response to the web-site search control of the user set as the master user.

According to such a search apparatus and method, a plurality of users who want to conduct a chat can receive an out-of-office message directly on the web, leave an out-of-office message in case he or she is absent, and the other party's missed message. In response to the response message can be entered to inform the user of his intended purpose when logging on to the video communication service site.

In addition, experienced users of Internet information retrieval and novice or remote users can search web-sites using master-slave user settings, so that the same web-pages are displayed in real time to both users. You can see the same effect as doing

Hereinafter, a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus and method using a computer communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network shown in FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration in more detail, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a web-site real-time search state between two users using the search apparatus shown in FIG.

1 and 2, a number of users connect to a web server 20 of a video communication service provider through an internet network 18 using user computer systems 10, 12, 14, and 16.

The web server 20 provides a web homepage of a video communication service site to the plurality of users 10, 12, 14, 16 via the Internet network 18 and user computer systems 10, 12, 14, 16. do.

The storage device 22 stores personal information of users who have registered as members of the video communication service site as the member database 22a, and stores various messages such as missed messages and reply messages inputted by a plurality of users. Save as).

In this case, the missed message and the reply message may be implemented as text data, but in the present invention, each user directly records the video using a video camera and a microphone of the user computer system 10, 12, 14, 22, 24, 26. Assume that it is a moving picture.

When the plurality of users 10, 12, 14, and 16 want to receive a predetermined service through the video communication service site, the web server 20 authenticates a user of a member connected based on the member database 22a. Authentication server 20a for performing the management, mail server 20b for managing message delivery and storage between users based on the message database 20b, and web-site search according to master-slave settings between users It has a control server 20c for managing.

Here, the control server 20c performs a function of controlling a real-time web-site display of a master-slave user as a remote control function of the web server 20 rather than a server. In addition, each function of the authentication server 20a, the mail server 20b, and the control server 20c can sufficiently perform its role as one server depending on the configuration.

The web server 20 provides a web page for member registration so that a nonmember can access as a member when the non-member accesses among the plurality of users. When the user inputs the member information into the registration input window of the member registration web page, the web server 20 provides the registration information to the storage device 22 and stores it in the member database 20a.

In addition, when the web server 20 receives an outgoing message indicating that the user is absent from the plurality of users or a reply message for the outgoing message from another user, the web server 20 provides the storage device 22 to the storage device 22 to provide the member. Stored as message database 22b.

When the video communication setting is requested by a specific user, the web server 20 checks whether another user designated as a target of video communication is logged on, and according to the result, the video communication windows 24a and 26a as shown in FIG. ) To perform video communication (MPW) between two users. In Fig. 3, reference numerals “24” and “26” denote screens of monitors of two users performing image communication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication between the two users is set as video communication. However, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, the video communication windows 24a and 26a may be used as a communication window such as a general chat using text. It's okay.

If another user designated as an object of video communication is in a logoff state or in a state in which video communication is not possible, the video communication windows 24a and 26a search for the corresponding message database of the designated user and indicate that the designated user is absent. Provides users with video communication settings.

Meanwhile, the web server 20 sets one user as a master user and another user as a slave user in response to a request from a specific user among a plurality of users for which image communication is set. When the master and slave users are set up, the monitors of the two users have separate windows 24b and 26b different from the video communication windows 24a and 26a. Thereafter, the web server 20 generates the same operation to the slave user as the mouse event of the master user. Therefore, the same search result corresponding to the web-site search control of the master user is provided to the slave user in real time.

Hereinafter, a multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention using the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for describing a member registration routine shown in FIG. 4. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the missed message transfer routine and the master-slave user setup routine in the communication request routine shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

First, when a user accesses a video communication service site using the user computer system, the web server 20 provides a home page of the video communication service site (step S100).

Next, a user who accesses the home page can register as a member of the video communication service site through the member menu provided on the home page. The membership registration routine is shown in FIG. 5.

When the user selects the member menu (step S310), the web server 20 checks the processing item of the member menu selected by the user (step S320). If the user's selection is an item for querying or updating his or her personal information, the web server 20 searches the member database 22a of the storage device 20 to authenticate that the user is an existing subscription user (step S360). ), The user performs a desired service such as inquiry and update of personal information. On the other hand, if the selection in the member menu by the user is a member withdrawal, the web server 20 searches the member database 22a and deletes the user's personal information (step S370).

If the user's selection in step S310 is a subscription as a new member, the web server 20 provides a user registration information input window for inputting personal information to the user. When the user inputs personal information through the member registration information input window (step S330), the web server 20 generates new data and stores the personal information of the user in the member database 22a (step S340, 350).

When the member registration process is completed, the user may perform video communication with another user using the video communication service site.

On the other hand, when a user registered as a member of a video communication service site requests video communication setting with another user, the web server 20 performs a video communication request routine as shown in FIG. In the following description, the user requesting the video communication setting and the user receiving the request for the video communication setting are assumed to be the first user and the second user, respectively, for easier explanation.

First, the web server 20 determines whether the video communication setting with the second user is requested from the first user (step S400).

If the video communication setting is not requested from the first user, the web server 20 keeps displaying the home page (step S600). When a video communication setting with the second user is requested from the first user, the web server 20 searches for the second user (step S510).

Then, the web server 20 checks whether the second user designated as the video communication target by the first user is currently logged on to the video communication service site or in a state where video communication is possible (step S520).

If the second user is capable of video communication, the web server 20 sets up video communication between the first user and the second user to perform video communication between the two users as shown in FIG. 3. (Step S530), proceed to the next step.

If the second user is not in a video communication state, the web server 20 is absent from the second user in the message database 22b based on the personal information of the second user stored in the member database 22a. Search whether the message is stored (steps S540 and S550).

If the missed message entered and stored by the second user exists in the message database 22b, the web server 20 reads the missed message and provides the second user to the designated first user (step S560). ). In this case, the missed message stored by the second user may be a moving image and is not directly transmitted to the first user such as an e-mail, but is directly displayed to the first user through the image communication window 24a on the web.

If there is no missed message stored by the second user in the message database 22b, the web server 20 provides the first user with a normal message indicating that the second user is absent (step S565).

Here, the normal message is stored in the message database 22b in advance in consideration of a time when an absent user does not leave an absent message at the video communication service site, and indicates the absent state of the user who does not leave the absent message. This message contains content that is commonly used to inform.

On the other hand, the missed message by the second user may be stored only for a specific user. That is, when the second user distinguishes and stores the missed message provided only when video communication is requested from the first user and the missed message provided when video communication is requested from another user, the web server 20 Is to provide only the missed message corresponding to the user who requested the video communication to the second user.

Next, the first user who has received the absent message of the second user may leave a reply message to the second user or perform another operation. Accordingly, the web server 20 checks whether a reply message is received from the first user after providing the absent message of the second user to the first user (step S570).

If the reply message for the missed message of the second user is not received from the first user, the web server 20 proceeds to the next operation. When a reply message for the missed message of the second user is received from the first user, the web server 20 stores the reply message as message data corresponding to the second user in the message database 22b ( Step S580).

The response message stored as described above is automatically read by the web server 20 and provided to the second user when the second user accesses the video communication service site. Also, the automatic reading and providing of the reply message is similarly performed when the first user accesses the video communication service site if another user leaves a reply message when the first user is absent.

A description will now be given of a web-site searching method of a master-slave user performed after the video communication of the two users is established with reference to FIG. 7. Similarly, the case where the first user becomes a master user and the second user is set as a slave user will be described here as an example.

In step S530, when video communication between the first and second users is established, the web-server 20 checks whether there is a master user setting request from the first user (step S531).

If there is no master user setting request from the first user, the web-server 20 returns to step S530 to maintain the video communication state of the first and second users.

If there is a master user setting request from the first user, the web-server 20 sets the first user as a master user, and another user whose video communication is established with the first user, that is, the second user. The user is set as a slave user (step S532, 533).

As such, when the master-slave user is set, each of the monitor screens of the first and second users may have a separate web-page displayed separately from the video communication windows 24a and 26a, as shown in FIG. The windows 24b and 26b are comprised.

After the separate windows 24b and 26b are configured, the web-server 20 displays the initial screen, that is, the web-site, which is displayed on the window 26b of the slave user through the window 24b of the master user. Match the initial screen displayed for searching.

This is because, in order to provide the slave user with the web-site searched by the master user in real time, the cursor or mouse event of the slave user must be generated at the same location as the cursor or mouse event generated by the master user. .

Next, the web-server 20 checks whether the web-site is searched by the first user set as the master user (step S534). If the web-site is not searched by the first user, the web-server 20 repeats step S534.

When the web-site is searched by the first user, the web-server 20 may similarly occur to the second user who has set a cursor or mouse event (ME) performed by the first user as a slave user. To control.

That is, when a master-slave user is set, all cursor events and mouse events that the first user performs through his or her computer system 10 are controlled by the web server 20 of the second user. The same will be done in. Therefore, all web pages searched by the first user set as the master user and displayed on the monitor of the first user are displayed in real time on the monitor of the second user set as the slave user (step S535).

The web-server 20 checks whether a cursor event or a mouse event by the second user is generated while the web-site search by the master-slave user setting between the first and second users is performed ( Step S536).

If the cursor or mouse event by the second user does not occur, the web-server 20 returns to step S535. When a cursor or mouse event is generated by the second user, the web-server 20 determines that the first and second users want to release the master-slave user setting. The master-slave user setting is canceled (step S537), and the flow advances to the next step.

According to the multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus and method using the computer communication network as described above, the following advantages can be obtained.

First, when using the missed message transmission function, one user can immediately receive the missed message input by the other user who wants to chat on the web, the missed message informing his situation in case he is absent In addition, if a reply message is input in response to the other party's missed message, the user may inform the user of his or her intention at any time when the other user logs on to the video communication service site. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the loss of unnecessary time and expense associated with searching or waiting for a chat partner.

Next, when using the master-slave web-site search function, even if the experienced and beginners of the Internet information search cannot face the web surfing directly, the experienced and novice become the master and slave users respectively. You can also enjoy web-surfing easily. In addition, even when web-surfing to create a gift for a distant person, when two people set up a master-slave user to browse a web site, the same web-page is displayed to both users in real time. You can see the same effect as going shopping together.

Although the above has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be variously modified and changed within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below. I can understand that you can.

Claims (10)

A multi-party web-site real-time retrieval apparatus using a computer communication network for accessing a web homepage of a communication service site through a computer communication network and performing communication between a plurality of users on the web, A storage device for storing the personal information and the message information of each of the plurality of users respectively input by the plurality of users through the computer communication network as a member database and a message database; And When a communication setup with one user is requested from one user among the plurality of users through the web homepage, the user who has been requested to set up communication based on the member database according to the user's logon state to the web homepage between two users. Set up and perform communication, and set two users as master user and slave user respectively in response to a request of one of the two users, and also set the user as slave user in response to web-site search control of the user set as master user. A multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network comprising a web-server for displaying in real time the same web-page as the web-page displayed to the master user. The web server of claim 1, wherein when the other user who is requested to set up the communication from the one user is logged off to the web homepage, the web-server is connected to the storage device based on a member information database of the other user. Search the message database for the existence of a message stored by the other user, and provide a message to the user who has requested the communication setting based on the retrieved message to indicate that the requested user is away. Multi-party web-site real-time search device using. According to claim 2, When the web-server receives a reply message for transmitting to the other user from the one user receiving the message indicating that the absence, the received message corresponding to the other user corresponding message Multi-party web-site real-time search apparatus using a computer communication network characterized in that stored in a database to provide it when the other user accesses. The multi-party communication system of claim 1, wherein the web-server releases the master-slave setting between the master user and the slave user when an operation of a keyboard or a mouse occurs from the user set as the slave user. Web-site real-time search device. At a user computer, accessing a web homepage of a communication service site through a computer communication network; At the web server, providing a web homepage of a communication service in response to the access; Requesting, at a user computer, communication with another user on the web page in response to the user's input; Setting, at a web server, to perform communication between the user who requested the communication setting and the other user based on a logon state of the other user whose communication setting is requested by the user; And In the web server, in response to a request of one of the two users, the two users are set as the master user and the slave user, respectively, and are displayed to the master user as the slave user in response to the web-site search control of the user set as the master user. And displaying in real time the same web-page as the web-page. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein when the other user is logged off to the web homepage, the message database is searched for whether there is a message stored by the other user based on the member information database of the other user, and the retrieved message. And providing the one user with a message informing that the other user is absent based on the multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network. The method of claim 6, wherein the notifying that the absence is, Searching for a logon state of the other user who is requested to establish communication of the user; Setting up and performing video communication between the user and the other user when the other user is logged on; If the other user is not logged on, searching the corresponding message database of the other user to determine whether there is an out of office message stored by the other user; If the other user's missed message is present, reading it and providing a missed message indicating that the other user is absent to the user requesting the communication setting; And If the absence message of the other user does not exist, providing the user with an out of office message indicating that the other user is out of the office using an out of office message previously set and stored in the message database. Multi-party web-site real-time search method using computer communication network. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein when a reply message for transmitting to the other user is input from the user who has received the missed message, the received reply message is stored in a message database corresponding to the other user. A multi-party web-site real-time search method using a computer communication network, characterized in that it further comprises the step of providing at connection. The method of claim 5, wherein the real-time display step, Checking which one of the two users, the communication setting is completed, has a master user setting request; If there is no master user setting request, maintaining communication between the two users; If there is a master user setting request, setting one of the two users as the master user and setting the other one user as the slave user; Matching the screen of the slave user with the screen of the master user; Checking whether a web-site search is made by a user set as the master user; If the web-site is not searched by the master user, waiting for the two users to perform communication; And When the web-site is searched by the master user, the searched web-site is displayed to the master user and the same web-site is provided to the slave user in real time. Multi-party web-site real-time search method using communication network. The method of claim 5, further comprising: checking whether a keyboard or mouse operation of the slave user occurs; Maintaining a master-slave user setting state of the two users if a keyboard or mouse operation of the slave users does not occur; And Canceling the master-slave user setting state of the two users when a keyboard or mouse operation of the slave user occurs.