KR20160023002A - Method for providing messenger service and electronic device supporting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various example embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device comprises a communication unit, a screen, and a control unit. The control unit controls the screen to display a group chat window in which the electronic device and at least two secondary electronic devices participate, to display at least one message received through the communication unit from a first secondary electronic device among the at least two secondary electronic devices of the group chat window, receives a user input for a first message among the at least one message, switches the group chat window to a one-to-one chat window in which the electronic device and the first secondary electronic device participate, based on the received user input, and controls the screen to display a first object for returning from the one-to-one chat window to the group chat window in a region where the one-to-one chat window is displayed. Therefore, the electronic device may support a user to quickly and easily access a one-to-one chat connected to a group chat from the group chat or a group chat connected to a one-to-one chat from the one-to-one chat.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR PROVIDING MESSENGER SERVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTING THE SAME [0002]

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for providing a messenger service and an electronic device supporting the same.

[0002] With the recent rapid increase in the electronic devices, for example, the penetration rate of portable terminals, electronic devices have become a living necessity of modern people. Electronic devices can provide various data transmission services and various additional services as well as a unique voice communication service, and they are becoming functional multimedia communication devices.

As the communication technology develops, electronic devices, for example, a mobile terminal can perform a messenger function not only in a call and message transmission / reception function but also in an existing PC. The subscribers access the instant messenger server through the mobile communication network, and the instant messenger server connects the connected subscribers to enable communication between the subscribers. Instant messenger not only enables conversation between subscribers, but also can be a service that can transmit notes, files, and materials through the Internet in real time.

Instant messaging basically supports a one-to-one conversation with a specific user, as well as a multi-party conversation function (eg group chat) that allows simultaneous conversation with multiple subscribers. Recently, instant messengers have been using group chat functions to utilize their functions such as business use and personal purpose.

Conventional instant messengers operate individually (or independently) one-on-one conversations (or dialogs) and group conversations (or dialogs) while supporting one-on-one conversation (or chat) and group conversation (or chat) functions. For example, a user may open a chat window with a specific party in order to have a personal conversation with a particular party in progress during a group conversation. In order for the user to return to the group dialog box while a conversation with a specific party is in progress, the user can participate in the group conversation by closing the one-to-one conversation window that has been in progress with the specific partner and then displaying the group conversation window again.

In addition, as the group conversation and the one-to-one conversation are performed individually, if there is a conversation between the group conversation and the one-to-one conversation, the conversation history (or history ), It is inconvenient to search for the contents of a conversation linked to the contents.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for providing a messenger service that allows quick and easy access to group conversations associated with one-to-one conversations from one-to-one conversations or one-to-one conversations associated with group conversations from group conversations, Device can be provided.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a communication unit, a screen, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays a group dialogue in which the electronic device and at least two or more counterpart electronic devices participate, Controlling the screen to display at least one message received from the first counterpart electronic device via the communication unit, receiving a user input for a first one of the at least one message, To-one conversation window in which the electronic device and the counterpart electronic device of the first counterpart participate, from the group dialogue window based on the user input, and displays the conversation window from the one-to-one conversation window to the group conversation window in the area where the one- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > It can be controlled to display the screen.

A method for providing a messenger service of an electronic device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention includes displaying a group dialog with which the electronic device and at least two or more counterpart electronic devices participate, The method comprising: displaying at least one message received from a first one of the at least one counterpart electronic device; receiving a user input for a first one of the at least one message; And a first object for returning a dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window in an area in which the one-to-one dialog window is displayed Process.

A method for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention and an electronic device supporting the same provide for quick and easy access to group conversations associated with one-to-one conversations from one-to-one conversations or one- .

1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of an electronic device for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram for explaining a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Before describing various embodiments of the present invention, an 'object' is used as a term encompassing an icon, an item, a file, an image, etc., and may be defined as a figure or a symbol displayed for selecting a specific function or data .

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference symbols as possible. Further, the detailed description of well-known functions and constructions that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted. In the following description, only parts necessary for understanding the operation according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described, and the description of other parts will be omitted so as not to obscure the gist of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for providing a messenger service includes a user 101 (referred to as a "sender"), an electronic device 103 (referred to as a "receiver" A mobile communication network 200, and an instant messenger (IM) server 300. Although the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 in FIG. 1 illustrate only two electronic devices, the present invention is not limited thereto. The system 10 may include three or more counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105.

The user electronic device 101 can access the IM server 300 through the mobile communication network 200 and send and receive messages to and from the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 connected to the IM server 300. [ In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may access the IM server 300 and perform the registration process to use the messenger service supported by the IM server 300. In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may perform the registration process and receive data for the application to use the messenger service from the IM server 300. [

In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 sends a request message to the IM server 300 via the mobile communication network 200 to create a chat window (or chat window) with at least one of the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 Lt; / RTI > The user electronic device 101 may receive data and a dialogue identifier (ID) for creating a dialog window generated from the IM server 300 through the mobile communication network 200 in response to the request message. In one embodiment, the dialogue ID is a unique identifier of the dialogue window from which the user electronic device 101 requests creation, and may be generated in the IM server 300 to distinguish between the dialogue window requesting creation and the pre- have. The user electronic device 101 may store the dialog window identifier received from the IM server 300 in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may be configured to communicate with the user electronic device 101 when the user of the user electronic device 101 deletes (or withdraws from) the chat window after the dialog is created in the user electronic device 101. [ Can delete the dialog window ID.

In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may receive user input to switch from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog for one-to-one conversation while displaying the group dialog for group conversation. For example, the user electronic device 101 may receive a user input for an area where a message selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as a 'first message') among at least one counterpart message displayed in the group chat window is displayed. The user electronic device 101 may transmit the dialog window ID of the group dialog window to the counterpart electronic device 103, 105 via the IM server 300 when a user input for dialog window switching is received. The user electronic device 101 can display a one-to-one dialog window that has been switched from the group dialog window when a user input for dialog window switching is received. In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 has an object mapped with a function for switching (or returning) from a one-to-one dialog window to a group dialog window in an area where a one-to-one dialog window is displayed ) Can be displayed. In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may display an indication that a one-to-one dialog window is associated with the group dialog window in the area where the one-to-one dialog window is displayed.

In one embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may receive user input for the first object after switching from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog. Upon receiving a user input for the first object, the user electronic device 101 may switch (or return) from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window.

In one embodiment, when the dialog box is returned from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window, the user electronic device 101 displays an object (hereinafter referred to as " 2 object '). In one embodiment, once a user input to the second object is received, the user electronic device 101 may switch the dialog from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog. At the same time, the user electronic device 101 switches from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window by user input to the first object after switching from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window by user input to the area in which the first message is displayed (Or returning) the message displayed on the one-to-one dialog window. In one embodiment, once the user input for the second object is received, the user electronic device 101 may switch from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog window so that the dialogue window is moved from the group dialog window to the portion where the display indicates that the association is established. In another embodiment, once a user input for a second object is received, the user electronic device 101 may switch from the group dialog to a one-to-one dialog window to move to the portion where the first object is located.

In another embodiment, the user electronic device 101 may be configured to send a message to the user electronic device 101 at a point of time when the user input to the area in which the first message is displayed is received, And may display the second object.

The counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 can send and receive messages to and from the user electronic device 101 via the IM server 300 supporting the messenger service. In one embodiment, upon receiving a message from user electronic device 101, counterpart electronic device 103, 105 may check whether there is a group dialogue ID included in the received message or added to the message. If the counterpart electronic device 103, 105 confirms that there is no group dialogue ID, it can be determined that the message is not associated with the group dialogue window. The counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 can display only messages received from the user electronic device 101 through a one-to-one dialog window.

In one embodiment, if the other party's electronic device 103, 105 is identified as having a group dialogue ID, for example, if the group dialogue ID is included in the received message or confirmed to be attached to the message, (Or running) in the other party's electronic device 103, 105 with a dialogue ID that matches (or is equal to) the group dialogue ID. When the counterpart electronic device 103, 105 confirms that there is a dialog window ID that matches the group dialog window ID, the first object and the dialog box may display an indication in the one-to-one dialog window that the dialog box is associated with the group dialog window. In one embodiment, if the other party's electronic device 103, 105 confirms that there is no dialogue ID matching the group dialogue ID, then the other party's electronic device 103, It can be determined that the group dialogue with the user 101 exists and is deleted before the message is received. In this case, only a message received from the user electronic device 101 can be displayed in a one-to-one dialog window.

The mobile communication network 200 can support the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 to access the IM server 300. [ In one embodiment, the mobile communication network 200 may include a base station, a base station controller, a mobile switching center, a device for packet data services (PDSN, SGSN), and the like. The mobile communication network 200 can be connected to the IM server 300 and transmits data such as a message or dialog window ID received from the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 to the IM server 300 , And transmit the data received from IM server 300 to user electronic device 101 and counterpart electronic device 103, 105.

The IM server 300 can relay data transmission and reception through the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 and the mobile communication network 200. [ In one embodiment, the IM server 300 may receive a request message from the user electronic device 101 or the partner electronic device 103, 105 for creating a dialog. When the IM server 300 receives a request message for creating a dialog window, the IM server 300 may generate data and a dialog window ID for creating a dialog window. The IM server 300 transmits the data and dialog window ID for creating the generated dialog to the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic device 103,105 so that the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic device 103,105 ) Can support the creation of dialogs.

In one embodiment, the IM server 300 may send the received message and dialogue ID to the counterpart electronic device 103, 105 when the message and dialogue ID is received from the user electronic device 101. [

The user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 are named in terms of their functions in order to explain the messenger providing method. When the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic device Devices 103 and 105 may be electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the user electronic device 101 and the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105 will be collectively described as an electronic device.

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

2, the electronic device 100 may include a wireless communication unit 110, a touch screen 120, an input unit 130, an audio processing unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a control unit 160 have.

The wireless communication unit 110 forms a communication channel with a supportable network (for example, a mobile communication network) under the control of the controller 160 to form wireless communication such as voice communication and video communication and short message service (SMS, A Short Message Service (MMS), a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and the Internet.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a transceiver for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of a transmitted signal, and performing low-noise amplification and down-conversion on the frequency of the received signal. The wireless communication unit 110 forms a data communication channel for message service under the control of the control unit 160 and can process data transmission and reception based on the message service. Here, the communication channel includes a mobile communication channel such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), or Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), an Internet communication channel such as a wired Internet network, .

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 110 may transmit a message generated by a user input under the control of the controller 160 to the IM server. In another embodiment, the wireless communication unit 110 may transmit the group dialog ID to the IM server under the control of the controller 160. [

The touch screen 120 may provide various screens required for operating the electronic device 100. For example, the touch screen 120 may support a standby screen, a menu screen, and the like necessary for operating the electronic device 100. The touch screen 120 may include a touch panel 121 and a display panel 123. The touch panel 121 may be implemented as an add-on type located on the display panel 123 or an in-cell type inserted into the display panel 123.

The touch panel 121 generates a touch input signal in response to a user's gesture with respect to the screen, converts the generated touch input signal to AD (Analog to Digital), and transmits the converted touch input signal to the controller 160. The touch panel 121 may be a complex touch panel 121 including a hand touch panel for sensing a hand gesture and a pen touch panel for sensing a pen gesture. Here, the hand touch panel can be implemented as a capacitive type. The hand touch panel can also be implemented in a resistive type, infrared or ultrasonic manner.

The display panel 123 can display data on the screen under the control of the controller 160. [ For example, when the control panel 160 processes (e.g., decodes) data and stores the data in a buffer, the display panel 123 converts the data stored in the buffer into an analog signal, Can be displayed.

The display panel 123 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), a PMOLED (Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), a flexible display, .

The input unit 130 may generate various input signals required for operation of the electronic device 100. The input unit 130 may be formed in a specific key shape such as a button key, a side key, and a home key. The input unit 130 may be provided as a virtual keyboard for full touch screen support. The virtual keyboard may be displayed on the touch screen 120 to generate an input signal according to a user's touch. The input unit 130 may generate an input signal for calling the virtual keyboard by a user input, and an input signal for removing the virtual keyboard on the touch screen 120. [ The touch screen 120 may operate as the input 130 if the touch screen 120 supports the input function in one embodiment.

The audio processing unit 140 may process various audio signals generated during the operation of the electronic device 100. [ For example, the audio processing unit 140 may include a speaker (SPK) to support audio signal output generated or decoded in the electronic device 100. The audio processing unit 140 may include a microphone (MIC) capable of collecting audio signals to support a voice call, a video call function, a recording function, and the like.

In one embodiment, when a touch input signal for selecting a specific area of a dialog window, for example, a group dialog window or a one-to-one dialog window, is generated during the process of providing a messenger service, the audio processor 140 outputs an output sound or an effect sound Can be output. For example, upon receiving the touch input for the area where the first message included in the group dialog window is displayed, the audio processing unit 140 generates an output sound informing that the dialog window is switched from the group dialog window to the one- Can be output. In another example, when the touch input to the first object is received, the audio processing unit 140 may output an output sound or an effect sound indicating that the dialog window is switched (or returned) from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window under the control of the controller 160 have. In another example, when the touch input to the second object is received, the audio processing unit 140 may output an output sound or an effect sound indicating that the dialog is switched from the group dialog window to the associated one-to-one dialog window. However, the sound effect or guidance sound output may be omitted depending on the user setting.

The storage unit 150 may include a disk, a RAM, and a flash memory as a secondary memory unit of the controller 160. The storage unit 150 may store an operating system (OS) for operating the electronic device 100 under the control of the controller 160, or may be generated in the electronic device 100 or transmitted to the outside through a communication unit or an external interface For example, data received from a device, for example, a server, a desktop PC, or the like.

In one embodiment, the storage unit 150 may store the group dialogue ID. For example, when a message or a message for requesting to create a dialog window is transmitted to the IM server through the wireless communication unit 110 under the control of the controller 160, the control unit 160 generates a dialog window from the IM server through the wireless communication unit 110 And an ID for the requested dialog window. The storage unit 150 may store the received dialog window ID under the control of the controller 160. [ In one embodiment, the storage unit 150 can delete the stored dialogue ID when receiving an input to delete (or withdraw from) the dialogue window from the user under the control of the control unit 160. [

The controller 160 can control the signal flow between the overall operation of the electronic device 100 and the internal configurations of the electronic device 100 and process the data. The controller 160 may control the power supply from the battery to the internal configurations. The control unit 160 can execute various applications stored in the program area. The functions of the control unit 160 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in step 301, the controller 160 may execute an instant messenger (IM) application. For example, the control unit 160 may execute an application based on a user input for an application icon received from the touch screen 120. For example,

In operation 303, the control unit 160 receives a user input (or operation) for group conversation, generates a group dialog window in which at least two parties (or counterpart electronic apparatuses) including the user of the electronic device 100 participate, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 120 < / RTI > For example, when the user selects a party (or a counterpart electronic device) desired to participate in the group conversation and invites (or participates) the selected counterpart to the group chat room, the control unit 160 transmits, via the IM server 300 And control the wireless communication unit 110 to transmit the invitation message to the counterpart electronic device 100. [ In one embodiment, when the invitation message is transmitted, the control unit 160 receives a dialogue window identifier (ID) for identifying the group dialogue window to be created and data for creating the group dialogue through the wireless communication unit 110 from the IM server . Based on the data for generating the received group dialogue, the control unit 160 can create a group dialogue with which the other party (or the other electronic device 100) participates, and control the touch screen 120 to display the group dialogue have. The control unit 160 may store the dialog window identifier received from the IM server in the storage unit 150. [

In operation 305, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display at least one message received from the first counterpart as at least one of the at least two counterparts. For example, the control unit 160 can display the group dialog box and control the touch screen 120 to display a message input by the user or received by the other party (or the counterpart electronic device) through the displayed group dialog box.

In step 307, the controller 160 may receive a user input for switching to a one-to-one dialog window for a message selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as a 'first message') among at least one message displayed through the group dialog window. For example, the control unit 160 may receive a touch input for an area in which at least one message displayed on the group dialog window displays a message of the other party to whom the user wishes to perform a one-to-one conversation. In one embodiment, when the user input is received, the control unit 160 may display a menu list including at least one function-mapped item. For example, the menu list may include an item for which the user input has mapped the ability to delete the first message from the group dialog, an item for delivering the first message to another user subscribed to the IM service, A menu list including items can be displayed.

In step 309, the control unit 160 switches the dialog window to a one-to-one dialog window for one-to-one conversation with the other party (or the counterpart electronic device 100) that has transmitted the first message from the group dialog window based on the user input for the first message The touch screen 120 can be controlled. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to switch the dialog from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog when receiving a user input that selects an item for responding to the first of the menu lists . However, when the controller 160 receives the user input for the first message, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to switch the dialog window from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window without displaying the menu list. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 may switch from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window to switch from the state in which the group dialog window is displayed on the touch screen 120 to the state in which the one-to-one dialog window is displayed. In one embodiment, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a one-to-one dialog window at the top layer of the screen and a group dialog window at the layer immediately below the top layer. In one embodiment, the controller 160 controls the touch screen 120 to display an object (hereinafter referred to as a 'second object') indicating that a dialog has been switched from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog window associated with the first message, Can be controlled. In one embodiment, the controller 160 may control the wireless communication unit 110 to transmit the group dialogue ID included in the message and the message or the combined group dialogue ID to the other party (or the partner terminal) that has transmitted the first message. In one embodiment, the recipient electronic device 100 receiving the message and the group dialog window ID generates the same one-to-one dialog window as the one-to-one dialog window displayed on the touch screen 120, or creates a separate one- It is possible to display the received message without the message. With respect to the operation of the counterpart electronic devices 103 and 105, will be described in detail later with reference to Fig.

In step 311, the controller 160 controls the touch screen 120 to display a mapped object (hereinafter referred to as 'first object') for switching (or returning) to the group dialog window in a state that a one- Can be controlled. The control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display the first object in the lowermost region of the one-to-one dialog window. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 may display an indication that a one-to-one dialog window is linked (or switched) from the group dialog window to an area where the one-to-one dialog window is displayed. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 can control to display an indication that the one-to-one dialog window is linked (or switched) from the group dialog window to the top of the screen of the one-to-one dialog window when the one-to-one dialog window is newly created. In another embodiment, when a one-to-one dialog window has been created, the controller 160 displays a one-to-one dialog window at the position below the most recent message in the one-to-one dialog window before switching from the group dialog window to the one- The touch screen 120 can be controlled to display a display. An indication that the one-to-one dialog window is linked (or switched) from the group dialog window may be displayed, for example, in text format.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram for explaining a function for switching (or returning) from a one-to-one chat room to a group dialog window again.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step 401, the controller 160 may receive a user input for a first object in a state where a one-to-one dialog window is displayed. In one embodiment, the first object may be a mapped object with the ability to switch (or revert) back to the group dialog. In one embodiment, the controller 160 may receive a touch input of the user for the first object.

 In step 403, the control unit 160 may switch (or return) from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window based on the user input for the received first object. For example, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a group dialog box on the screen in a state where a one-to-one dialog window is displayed on the entire screen. In one embodiment, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a portion of the switched group dialog where the first message is displayed. In another embodiment, the control unit 160 may move to the portion of the group dialog displayed with the most recently entered message to control the touch screen 120 to display the group dialog. For example, when there is a message input by the other party (or the partner electronic device 100) participating in the group dialog window after the dialog window is switched from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window, The touch screen 120 can be controlled such that a portion in which a recent message is displayed is displayed in the current group dialog window.

In operation 405, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display the second object in the area where the first message is displayed. For example, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display an object indicating that a dialog window has been changed from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window in the area where the first message is displayed. In one embodiment, the second object may be displayed by way of being overlaid on the first message. In one embodiment, the second object may be represented in various forms. For example, the second object may be displayed in the form of an icon in the form of a '+' symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second object may be represented by various symbols or characters. In one embodiment, the first message may be marked to be distinct from the other messages. For example, when the message is displayed in the form of a balloon, the controller 160 may modify the color, thickness, and size of the balloon to correspond to the first message, 120).

In another embodiment, the second object may be displayed in the group dialog after switching from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog as described above.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for explaining a function mapped to a second object.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step 501, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a second object. In one embodiment, the second object may be displayed in a form overlaid on the first message. In another embodiment, the second object may be displayed at a location adjacent to the first message,

In step 503, the control unit 160 may receive a user input for the second object. For example, the control unit 160 may receive a touch input for a region in which the second object is displayed. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 may indicate that there is a one-to-one dialogue window associated with the first message, based on user input to the second object. For example, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a box shape including a text indicating that there is a one-to-one dialogue with the other party that transmitted the first message. The controller 160 may receive user input for the text contained in the box form. The control unit 160 can switch from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window based on the user input. In another embodiment, the dialog may be switched from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog immediately upon input to the first object.

In step 505, the control unit 160 switches from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window based on the user input to the second object, and displays the area including the position indicated by the second object in the switched one- (120). In one embodiment, the location indicated by the second object may correspond to the portion of the dialog window switched from the group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window by user input to the first message. For example, when a new one-to-one dialog window is created by user input of the first message, the location indicated by the second object may be the top portion of the one-to-one dialog window. In another example, when a message is displayed through a one-to-one dialog window created before a dialog window is switched to a one-to-one dialog window by a user inputting a first message, the location indicated by the second object is a user- (Or the user electronic device 100) may be displayed. In another example, the location indicated by the second object may be the portion where the first object is displayed.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6 shows a case where the electronic device 100 receives a request to switch a dialog from a group dialog to a one-to-one dialog in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention from the counterpart electronic device 100. FIG. For example, the electronic device 100 may perform a function corresponding to the counterpart electronic device 100 of FIG.

In step 601, the control unit 160 can receive a message from the counterpart electronic device 100 via the IM server 300. [ For example, the control unit 160 may transmit the message to the IM server 300 and receive the message from the IM server 300 through the wireless communication unit 110. [

In step 603, the control unit 160 can check whether the non-message group dialog window ID is included in the message or further received from the counterpart electronic device 100. [ If it is determined in step 609 that the group dialog window ID is not received in step 603, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display only the received message. In one embodiment, when a one-to-one dialogue with the counterpart electronic device 100 is not generated, the control unit 160 controls the counterpart electronic device 100 based on the data for creating a one-to-one dialog window with the counterpart electronic device 100 from the IM server 300, A one-to-one dialog with the device 100, and control the touch screen 120 to display a message through the generated one-to-one dialog. In one embodiment, if only the message is received from the counterpart electronic device 100, and the group dialogue ID is not received, the counterpart electronic device 100 may associate (or alternatively) from the group dialogue according to various embodiments of the present invention to a one- Conversion) function, but only transmits the message to the electronic device 100 for one-to-one conversation.

In step 605, if the controller 160 determines that the group dialog window ID is received in step 603, the controller 160 can check whether a dialog window (or dialog window ID) matching the group dialog window ID exists. In one embodiment, a plurality of dialogs may exist within the electronic device 100, and the control unit 160 may determine whether a dialog window matching the group dialogue ID among the plurality of dialogs exists (or is executing). In one embodiment, the control unit 160 can check whether a dialog window ID matching the group dialog window ID exists in the storage unit 150. [

In step 609, if it is determined in step 605 that there is no dialog window matching the group dialog window ID, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display only the received message. In one embodiment, if the group dialog window ID is received but there is no group dialog window ID in the electronic device 100, a group dialog window is created with the other party (or the other electronic device 103, 105) before the message is received, (Or withdraws from the group dialog window) when the group dialogue window that has been transmitted to or received from the counterpart electronic device 100 but has been generated in the electronic device 100 is deleted. For example, in the counterpart electronic device 100, the counterpart (or counterpart electronic device 100) is created in the electronic device 100 via a group dialog that has been created and then deleted, This may be the case when the linking (or switching) function is executed.

In one embodiment, the controller 160 may create a one-to-one dialog with the counterpart electronic device 100 and control the touch screen 120 to display the received message on the generated one-to-one dialog.

In step 607, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display the first object for switching (or returning) to the message and group dialog window. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display an indication that it is switched (or linked) from the group dialog.

7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a group dialog window 710 in which the other party B, C participates, including the user A of the electronic device 100. The control unit 160 displays the dialog window name 720 in which the user A and the other party B and C participate in the top of the group dialog window 710 and displays the message 755 of the user A and the other party B and C (751, 753) received from the other electronic device (103-105) on the right side of the image (741, 743) to be displayed, and the message creation window (730) The touch screen 120 may be controlled to be displayed on the lower side of the display unit 710. In one embodiment, the messages 755, 741, and 743 may be displayed in the form of a balloon, but not limited thereto, and any form that can display text messages 755, 741, and 743 is possible.

In step 703, when the control unit 160 receives an input to the area in which the message 751 of the counterpart B is displayed, for example, when the user touches the message 751, A menu list 760 including the items of the menu list 760 can be displayed. For example, the menu list 760 includes an item delete for deleting the message 751 of the other party, a message 751 for forwarding the message 751 to another user subscribed to the IM service, (Reply) 761 for responding to the request.

When a user input for an item (reply) 761 for responding to a message 751 is received at 703 at 703, the control unit 160 sends a message 751 to a one-to-one dialog window 770). In one embodiment, when the user input to the item for responding to the message 751 and the message 755 by the user input are received, the control unit 160 causes the one-to-one dialog window 770 to display a dialog window And control the touch screen 120 to display messages 751-1 and 755. [ In one embodiment, when there is a one-to-one dialog window 770, the control unit 160 switches to the existing one-to-one dialog window 770 without creating a new one-to-one dialog window 770, The touch screen 120 may be controlled to display the touch screen 120. In another example, when there is no one-to-one dialog window 770, the control unit 160 generates a new one-to-one dialog window 770 and displays the messages 751-1 and 755 through the generated dialog window 770 (120).

In one embodiment, the control unit 160 sends a display 781 indicating conversion (or association) from the group dialog window 710, as well as a one-to-one dialog window name 771, messages 751-1, , B, and C group chat ', as shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 displays a first object 780 for switching (or returning) to the group dialog window 710 and displays a function for the first object 780 in the first object 780 The touch screen 120 may be controlled to display text such as a display indicating, for example, 'return to A, B, B group chat'.

At 707, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a message 757 received from the other party (or the other electronic device 103, 105). At 707, the controller 160 may receive user input for the second object 780. In this regard, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

8 is a diagram for explaining a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8, reference numeral 801 denotes the same one-to-one dialog window 870 as the window 707. [ At 801, when the controller 160 receives a user input to the first object 880, for example, a touch input to the first object 880, the control unit 160 switches the dialog window to the group dialog window 810 Return). In step 803, the controller 160 displays the second object 890 indicating that the conversation with the other party is a one-to-one conversation in a form overlaid on the area where the message 851 is displayed or displays the second object 890 on the area adjacent to the message 851 The touch screen 120 can be controlled. In one embodiment, the second object 890 may be represented in various forms. For example, the second object 890 may be displayed in the form of an icon in the form of displaying a circle on the outside of the '+' and '+' symbols. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second object 890 may be displayed in various symbols or characters. In one embodiment, although not shown in 803, the area in which the message 851 that received the user input for switching from the group dialog window 810 to the one-to-one dialog window 871 is displayed differs from other messages 853 and 855 . For example, the controller 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display the message 851 differently from the other messages 853 and 855 by varying the color, thickness, and size of the surrounding area.

In step 805, the controller 160 receives a user input to the second object 890, for example, a touch input to the second object 890 of the user, a one-to-one dialog window The touch screen 120 can be controlled to display a display 891 indicating that the touch screen 120 has (or was) touching the touch screen. For example, the display 891 may be displayed in the form of a box containing text such as 'chat with B'

9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for providing a messenger service according to another embodiment of the present invention. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a function of switching to a one-to-one dialog window 971 when a user input to the second object 890 is received.

Referring to FIG. 9, the group dialog window 920 of 901 and 903 includes a second object 990, 993. The group dialog window 920 of 901 represents a second object 990 related to the message of the counterpart B and the group dialog window 920 of 903 represents a message relating to the message 953 of the counterpart C other than the counterpart B, 2 object 993 on the screen. When the user inputs 901 or 903 a display 991 indicating that there is a one-to-one dialog window 971, the controller 160 controls the touch screen 120 to switch the dialog window to the one- Can be controlled.

At 905, the control unit 160 may control the touch screen 120 to display a one-to-one dialog window 971 associated with the second object 990, 993. In one embodiment, the control unit 160 controls the display unit 981 to display a one-to-one dialog window 971 located at the top of the one-to-one dialog window 971, indicating that the previously displayed group dialog window 910 has been switched The screen 120 can be controlled. In another embodiment, after switching from the one-to-one dialog window 971 to the group dialog window 910 by user input to the first object 980 from the one-to-one dialog window 971, And the upper part of the area 983 indicating the time when the message 958 and the message 958 are inputted. In another embodiment, the controller 160 may switch from the one-to-one dialog window 971 to the group dialog window 910 by user input to the first object 980, The user may control the touch screen 120 to switch the one-to-one dialog window 971 to the position where the received message is displayed.

Thus, a method for providing a messenger service in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention and an electronic device supporting the instant messaging service can quickly and easily transfer a group conversation from a group conversation to a one-to- To the user.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10: System for providing messenger service
100: Electronic device 101: User electronic device
103, 105: counterpart electronic device 110: wireless communication unit
120: touch screen 121: touch panel
123: display panel 130:
140: audio processing unit 150:
160:

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
A communication unit;
screen; And
And a control unit,
Wherein the control unit displays a group dialogue in which the electronic device and at least two or more counterpart electronic devices participate and transmits at least one of the at least two counterpart electronic devices received via the communication unit from the first counterpart electronic device Receiving a user input for a first one of the at least one message from the group dialog based on the received user input and controlling the electronic device and the first party of the first party And controls the screen to display a first object for switching the dialog window to a one-to-one dialog window in which the electronic device participates and returning the dialog window from the one-on-one dialog window to the group dialog window in an area where the one-to-one dialog window is displayed. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit an identifier (ID) of the group dialog to the counterpart electronic device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit controls the screen to display an indication in the one-to-one dialog window that the dialog window has been switched from the group dialog window. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit receives the user input for the first object and controls the screen to return the dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window based on user input for the received first object. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit controls the screen to display a second object indicating that the dialog window has been switched from the one-to-one dialog window from the group dialog window when returning the dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the second object is displayed in a format in which at least a part of the area in which the first message is displayed is overlaid or displayed adjacent to the area in which the first message is displayed. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein at least one of an outer color, a thickness, and a size of the first message is distinguished from other messages. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the control unit receives the user input for the second object and controls the screen to switch the dialog from the returned group dialog to the one-to-one dialog based on user input for the second object. The method according to claim 1,
The control unit receives the second message from the counterpart electronic device through the one-to-one dialogue window, determines whether the group dialogue window ID included or added in the received second message exists, And if the group dialog window ID and the matching group dialog window exist, displays the first object for returning to the matching group dialog window, if the group dialog window ID matches the group dialog window ID And controls the screen. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the control unit controls the screen to display only the second message in the one-to-one dialog window when the group dialog window ID does not exist or the group dialog window ID and the matched group dialog window do not exist. A method for providing a messenger service of an electronic device,
Displaying a group dialog in which the electronic device and at least two or more counterpart electronic devices participate;
Displaying at least one message received from a first one of the at least two counterpart electronic devices of the group dialog;
Receiving a user input for a first one of the at least one message;
Switching a dialog window from the group dialog window to a one-to-one dialog window in which the electronic device and the counterpart electronic device of the first counterpart participate, based on the received user input; And
And displaying a first object for returning a dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window in an area where the one-to-one dialog window is displayed. 12. The method of claim 11,
The process of switching the dialog window from the group dialog to the one-to-one dialog window in which the counterpart electronic device of the first counterpart participates may further include transmitting an identifier (ID) of the group dialog to the counterpart electronic device The method comprising the steps of: 12. The method of claim 11,
And displaying an indication in the one-to-one dialog window that the dialog window has been switched from the group dialog window. 12. The method of claim 11,
Receiving a user input for the first object; And
And returning the dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window based on user input for the received first object. 15. The method of claim 14,
And displaying a second object indicating that a dialog window has been switched from the one-to-one dialog window from the group dialog window when returning the dialog window from the one-to-one dialog window to the group dialog window. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the second object is displayed in a format in which at least a part of the area in which the first message is displayed is overlaid or displayed adjacent to the area in which the first message is displayed. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein at least one of an outer color, a thickness, and a size of the first message is distinguished from other messages. 16. The method of claim 15,
Receiving a user input for the second object; And
And switching the dialog window from the returned group dialog window to the one-to-one dialog window based on user input for the second object. 12. The method of claim 11,
Receiving a second message from a counterpart electronic device through a one-to-one dialog window;
Determining whether a group dialog window ID included or added in the received second message exists;
Determining whether a dialog window matching the group dialog window ID exists if the group dialog window ID exists; And
And displaying the first object for returning to the matching group dialog window when the group dialog window ID and the matching group dialog window exist. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 19 > 20. The method of claim 19,
And displaying only the second message in the one-to-one dialog window when the group dialog window ID does not exist or the group dialog window ID and the matching group dialog window do not exist .

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