KR20080101578A - Timeline based conversational character message box and apparatus and message for displaying character message using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A conversation word box based on a timeline which shows message data according to the flow of time and an apparatus of displaying text messages using the same and a method therefore are provided to allow a user to view message data according to the flow of the time. A line image displays the number of text messages and originating date. A text message between a first user and a second user is interconnected with each date on a line image. A first region and a second region(20) sequentially displays messages according to the direction key input of a user. The image and corresponding text message of the first and the second user are alternately indicated on the display unit(40).

Description

Dialog box based on timeline and text message display device and method using same {TIMELINE BASED CONVERSATIONAL CHARACTER MESSAGE BOX AND APPARATUS AND MESSAGE FOR DISPLAYING CHARACTER MESSAGE USING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly, to a timeline-based dialog box and a text message display apparatus and method using the same.

Due to the rapid development of mobile communication technology, recently released mobile communication terminals (hereinafter abbreviated as terminals) have various functions such as messages, cameras, broadcasting, MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3), games, etc. To provide them.

Among the above functions, the message function is a function for transmitting and receiving short, Chinese and long text messages, and the received or sent messages are stored in the inbox and the outbox of the mobile communication terminal, respectively.

However, in the related art, since a received or sent text message is stored in the sent box and the inbox, respectively, the user has to search for each text and check what text message is sent and received.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a timeline-based dialog box that can show the number, outgoing messages as if they were talking over time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for displaying a text message using a timeline-based dialog box.

In order to achieve the above object, a timeline-based dialog box of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention includes: a line image displaying the number of text messages and the origination date; And a first area and a second area for sequentially displaying number and outgoing text messages between the first and second users linked to each date on the line image, as if the user's direction keys are input.

In order to achieve the above object, a text message display apparatus using a dialog box of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention comprises: a memory unit for storing number of incoming and outgoing text messages; A display unit for displaying the number of outgoing and outgoing text messages stored in the memory unit; And a control unit for sequentially displaying the number and the outgoing text messages in the first and second areas according to a user's direction key input.

In order to achieve the above object, a text message display method using a dialog box of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention includes the steps of selecting a first and a second user who has exchanged a message on an initial screen; Displaying a conversation history screen when the second user is selected; And displaying the number of text messages sent and received by the first and second users on the conversation history screen in the first and second areas in sequence using the timeline.

Preferably, the timeline is implemented as a horizontal line or a vertical line, and the reception and transmission indications of the text message are color-coded.

Preferably, the first and second areas represent the subjects of the text message, and each of the third and fourth areas displaying images of the first and second users who created the text message, and the fifth and fourth messages that display the created message. And a sixth region.

Preferably, the images of the first and second users are basically linked to the photos registered in the phone book or the album, and can also be expressed as avatars. If the image is an avatar, the avatar changes its expression in association with the emoticon used in the text message.

Preferably, the area displaying the user's image is larger when the first user views his message, and the fourth area is larger when the message sent by the second user is viewed.

Preferably, the fifth and sixth regions are embodied as speech bubbles whose sizes are flexibly adjusted, and the size of the text of the text message is adjusted according to the size of the speech bubbles.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

The present invention proposes a timeline-based dialogue text box that sequentially shows text messages stored in an inbox (hereinafter referred to as a message inbox) and an outbox (hereinafter referred to as a message outbox) sequentially over time.

In addition, the present invention proposes an apparatus and method for displaying a text message using the proposed dialog text box. Preferably, the dialog box is provided in the message menu separately from the message inbox and the outbox of the mobile communication terminal.

1 shows an example of an initial screen of a dialog box according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an initial screen of a conversation text box is a screen for selecting a user (second user) to which a current terminal user (first user) has exchanged text messages (hereinafter referred to as a message) with him. And an area 11 for displaying an image of a second user who has exchanged a message, and an area 11 for enlarging and displaying an image of the second user and the first user selected in the area 10.

Preferably, the second users are automatically sorted and displayed according to the most recent or frequency, and may be arranged differently according to the setting of the first user.

Preferably, the images of the second users can be moved using direction keys (eg, left and right keys), and the image of the user where the cursor is positioned is displayed larger than the image of another user (the size can be adjusted appropriately). . When the cursor is located on an image of a specific user, the name of the user is displayed in the form of a popup or a speech bubble.

Preferably, the images of the first and second users are basically linked to the photos registered in the phone book or the album, and may be changed into avatars. If the image is an avatar, the avatar may change its expression in association with the emoticon used in the message. If there is no picture registered in the phone book or album, a default image may be displayed, and the default image may be randomly displayed.

In addition, when the menu key is selected in the chat box, message delivery, picture designation, message deletion, chat history storage, background setting, etc. are displayed as a pop-up, and the second user uses the confirmation key while the cursor is positioned. Choose.

When a specific user is selected using the confirmation key, a message, i.e., a conversation history, is exchanged with the specific user according to the presence or absence of a stored message. If there is no message exchanged with the selected user, the sentence “No message” is displayed on the screen, and the cursor is positioned in the selection area (area 10) so that other people can be selected. At this time, the selection area of the other person is deactivated. On the other hand, if there is a message exchanged with the selected user, the conversation history screen, that is, the first sent or received message is displayed.

2 shows an example of a chat history screen of a chat text box according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 2, the chat history screen of the chat text box is located in the upper left of the area 20 indicating the terminal user (first user), and the timeline in which the number of text messages and the origination time are located in the center. 30 and an area 40 positioned at the lower right side to display an image of a user (second user) selected on the initial screen.

Preferably, the images of the first and second users are usually displayed as pictures, and if the pictures are not registered, the avatar is displayed instead. That is, the images of the first and second users are basically linked to the photos registered in the phone book or album. If the image is an avatar, the avatar may change its expression in association with the emoticon used in the message.

The areas 20 and 40 are changed in size depending on the subject of the text message. For example, when the first user views the message sent by the first user, the first area 20 becomes large, and when the message is sent by the second user, the second area 40 becomes large.

The timeline 30 is a line image in which the number of text messages and the origination date interval are displayed, and the reception and origination indication is color-coded (e.g., origination: white, reception: red).

Preferably, the line image is a timeline indicating the number of text messages and the call time, and is implemented as a horizontal line or a vertical line image. In addition, the reception and transmission time of the message is shown when the cursor is raised, the left direction is the past, the right direction is the current side, respectively.

Therefore, when the first user moves the cursor left and right in the timeline using the left and right keys, the conversation history with the second user up to now in the time order is transmitted to the first and second regions 20 and 40. Alternately displayed.

In addition, there are text viewing areas 21 and 31 for displaying messages of the first user and the second user, respectively, in the areas 20 and 40.

3 shows a text viewing area of a chat box.

As shown in FIG. 3, the text viewing area is implemented by a speech bubble. The size of the speech bubble can be flexibly adjusted, and the size of the text is flexibly adjusted according to the size of the speech bubble. In other words, if the number of characters is small in the speech bubble of a certain size, the text is larger, and if the number of characters is large, the text is automatically reduced so that the characters can be seen without scrolling.

4 illustrates a text message display apparatus using a timeline-based dialog box according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the text message display apparatus using the dialog box according to the present invention includes a key input unit 100 equipped with various function keys, a memory unit 200 storing a number and an outgoing message; The display unit 300 which displays the number and the outgoing message stored in the memory unit 200 and the number and the outgoing message stored in the memory unit 20 according to a user's direction key (eg, left and right keys) are inputted as time. Control unit 400 sequentially displayed on the display unit 30 in accordance with the order and a wireless unit 500 for transmitting and receiving text messages.

The key input unit 100 may include a menu key, a confirmation key, and a direction key (left and right and up keys), and the display unit 300 may be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the operation of the dialogue character display device of the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a text message display method using a timeline-based dialog box according to the present invention. 6 illustrates a method of displaying a chat box when there is no text message exchanged between two users. 7 illustrates a method of displaying a chat box when there is a text message exchanged between two users. At this time, for convenience of description, the terminal user is referred to as a first user, and a user who has exchanged a text message with the first user is assumed to be a second user (Alice).

As shown in FIG. 5, the first user opens a message menu using a key provided in the key input unit 100 and selects a dialog box (S10 and S11).

When the chat box is selected, the controller 400 displays an initial screen of the chat box as shown in FIG. 1, so that the first user can select at least one user who has exchanged a text message with the user. One or more second users are displayed on the display unit 300. The number of second users stored in the memory unit 200 may be set by the first user in advance.

The first user moves the cursor using the direction keys (e.g., left and right keys) and selects a specific second user using the confirmation key (S12). At this time, the image of the user where the cursor is located is displayed larger than the image of other users, the name of the user is displayed in the form of a pop-up or speech bubble.

When one second user is selected by the confirmation key, the controller 400 searches whether the text message exchanged with the user is stored in the memory unit 200, and selectively selects the conversation history screen shown in FIG. Display.

That is, when the selected first user and the number of outgoing and received text messages are not stored in the memory unit 200, the controller 400 displays a sentence "No message" as shown in FIG. 6. And the cursor is positioned in the area 10 so that others can be selected. At this time, the selection area of the other person is deactivated.

On the other hand, when the text message sent and received with the selected first user is stored in the memory unit 200, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the controller 400 may actually send and receive the second user. The conversation history screen, for example, displays a text message sent by the first user.

Subsequently, the controller 400 detects an input of a direction key, that is, a left and right key, and shows the text message received or sent between the first and second users as if they were talking in the order of time (S13 and S14). .

At this time, the timeline 30 indicates the number of active messages and the outgoing time, and the incoming and outgoing indications are color-coded (e.g., outgoing: white, incoming: red). The message is displayed when the cursor is received and the transmission time is up, the left direction indicates the past, the right direction indicates the current side.

The message between the first and second users is displayed in a speech bubble. Preferably, the size of the speech bubble is flexibly adjusted, and the size of the text is flexibly adjusted according to the size of the speech bubble. In addition, according to a specific content (word or sentence) of the text, the face of the message sender or the expression of the character displayed in the text box is converted to match the word.

Therefore, when the first user moves the cursor left and right in the timeline using the left and right keys, the conversation history with the second user up to now in the time order is transmitted to the first and second regions 20 and 40. Alternately displayed. In other words, the present invention provides a timeline based dialog text box, showing message data as if two users were actually talking in a single space.

In addition, the first user (or the second user) who has received the text message can directly reply within the conversation text box. 7 also shows an example of writing a reply in a chat box according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first user inputs a reply key on the text message screen sent by the second user (S15), the controller 400 switches to the reply screen. In the reply screen, the first user replied to the text message sent by the second user, "Check the timetable to see what the movie is.", "Yes, I want to see Babel ~. Check the timetable and I'll book it on the Internet. Don't be late." After writing, press the transmit key to transmit (S16).

Thereafter, when the end key is input, the controller 400 ends the above processes, and when the direction key is input again, the control unit 400 repeatedly performs the operation after the process S13.

In addition, before or during the above-described search operations S10 to S17, the user may change the background of the chat box. 7 illustrates submenus of a menu key, and illustrates an example of changing a background screen of a conversation history screen.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first user inputs a menu key on the conversation history screen, the controller 400 displays sub-menus such as message transmission, picture designation, message deletion, conversation history storage, and background setting as pop-ups. do. The first user may select a background setting from among the submenus to change a background screen and a layout, and select save the conversation history to save his conversation history as text.

As described above, the present invention provides a timeline-based dialog text box, which allows the user to view message data as if two users actually talk in a single space.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

1 is a view showing an initial screen of a dialog box according to the present invention.

2 is a view showing a chat history screen of the chat box according to the present invention.

3 is a view showing a character view area of the dialog box in FIG. 3 according to the present invention;

4 is a block diagram of a text message display apparatus using a timeline-based dialog box in a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a text message display method using a timeline-based dialog box in a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversation text box when there is no text message exchanged between two users.

7 is a diagram illustrating an example of writing a reply in a chat box and a chat box when there is a text message exchanged between two users.

8 is a diagram illustrating sub-menus of a menu key and an example of changing a background screen of a conversation history screen;

******* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawing ********

100: key input unit 200: memory unit

300: display unit 400: control unit

500: wireless unit

Claims (24)

In the message box of the mobile communication terminal, A line image showing the number of text messages and the date of origin; A first area and a second area for sequentially displaying the number and outgoing text messages between the first and second users linked to each date on the line image as if the user's direction key is input. Dialog box based on timeline of communication terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the line image is The timeline-based dialog box of a mobile communication terminal, characterized in that implemented as a horizontal line or a vertical line image. The timeline-based dialogue box of a mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the reception and outgoing indication of the text message in the line image is color-coded. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions are An area representing a subject of a text message, comprising: third and fourth areas displaying images of first and second users who have created a text message, and fifth and sixth areas displaying a written message, respectively. Dialog box based on timeline of mobile communication terminal. The image of claim 4, wherein the first and second users are images. The text box based on the timeline of the mobile communication terminal, which is basically linked with the picture registered in the phone book or album and can be expressed as an avatar. The text box of claim 4, wherein when the image is an avatar, the avatar changes its expression in association with an emoticon used in a text message. The method of claim 4, wherein the area displaying the user's image is The third area is enlarged when the first user views his message, and the fourth area is enlarged when the message sent by the second user is viewed. The method of claim 4, wherein the fifth and sixth regions are Implemented as a speech balloon, the size of the speech balloon is a timeline-based dialog box of the mobile communication terminal, characterized in that the flexible adjustment. The timeline-based dialogue box of a mobile communication terminal according to claim 8, wherein the size of the text of the text message is flexibly adjusted according to the size of the speech bubble. The method of claim 1, wherein the first user And a first user and at least one or more second users are selected on an initial screen of a chat box located in a different area. In the mobile communication terminal, A memory unit for storing the number of outgoing text messages; A display unit for displaying the number of outgoing and outgoing text messages stored in the memory unit; And a control unit which sequentially displays the number and outgoing text messages in the first and second areas according to a user's direction key input using a timeline. The method of claim 11, wherein the timeline is A timeline-based text message display device, which is implemented as a horizontal line or a vertical line, and the reception and outgoing indication of the text message is color-coded. The method of claim 11, wherein the control unit The first and second areas representing the subject of the text message are displayed in the chat box, and the first and second areas are the third and fourth areas displaying the images of the first and second users who created the text message, respectively. And a fifth and sixth area for displaying a message. The image of claim 13, wherein the first and second user images are A timeline-based text message display device, which is basically linked with a picture registered in a phone book or album and can be expressed as an avatar. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the image is an avatar, the avatar changes its expression in association with an emoticon used in the text message. The method of claim 13, wherein the area displaying the image of the user The third area is enlarged when the first user views his message, and the fourth area is enlarged when the message sent by the second user is viewed. The method of claim 13, wherein the fifth and sixth region is The timeline-based text message display device is implemented as a speech balloon, and the size of the speech balloon is flexibly adjusted. In the message display method of the mobile communication terminal, Selecting first and second users who have exchanged messages on an initial screen; Displaying a conversation history screen when the second user is selected; And displaying the number of outgoing and outgoing text messages sent and received by the first and second users on the conversation history screen in the first and second areas in sequence using the timeline. Timeline based text message display method. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the timeline is Is implemented as a horizontal line or a vertical line, the timeline based text message display method characterized in that the reception and outgoing display of the text message is color-coded. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second regions are An area representing a subject of a text message, comprising: third and fourth areas displaying images of first and second users who have created a text message, and fifth and sixth areas displaying a written message, respectively. How to display text messages based on timeline. The image of claim 18, wherein the first and second user images are A timeline-based text message displaying method, which is basically linked with a picture registered in a phone book or an album and can be expressed as an avatar. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the image is an avatar, the avatar changes its expression in association with an emoticon used in the text message. The method of claim 18, wherein the area for displaying the image of the user The third area is enlarged when the first user views his message, and the fourth area is enlarged when the message sent by the second user is viewed. The method of claim 18, wherein the fifth and sixth region is The timeline-based text message displaying method is implemented as a speech balloon, and the size of the speech balloon is flexibly adjusted.