WO2008103002A1

WO2008103002A1 - System and method for keyword searching in messenger and computer readable medium processing the method

Info

Publication number: WO2008103002A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/001032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae Ha Lee; Joon Hyung Shim; Eun Kyung Cho; Chun Ho Kim
Original assignee: Sk Communications Corp.
Priority date: 2007-02-23
Filing date: 2008-02-21
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Also published as: KR101322821B1; KR20080078431A

Abstract

Disclosed are a system and method for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which a keyword is determined from messages input through the messenger, and contents for the related keywords can be effectively presented. For this purpose, a search status generated during the messenger service is managed using the keywords. When a search for the keyword is requested, optimized resultant contents for the keyword are presented through an internal browser window of the messenger, and also, additional services associated with the contents are provided. As a result, while the messenger system is used, desired information can be effectively searched, and high-quality results can be presented only using the messenger system. A message exchange function and a high-quality search function for particular information can be effectively incorporated without hindering the message exchange.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KEYWORD SEARCHING IN

MESSENGER AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

PROCESSING THE METHOD

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to keyword searching in a messenger, and more particularly, to a system and method for keyword searching in a messenger to determine a keyword in a message input through a messenger and effectively provide contents relating to the keyword, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same. Background Art

[2] Recently, due to wide and fast popularization of the Internet and an enormous number of various portal services (e.g., blogs, cafes, searching, and e-mailing services) having a search function, everybody can create and register various contents (also, referred to as a user-created contents (UCC)), and it is general to share them on the Internet. Besides such a contents service, as an example of the aforementioned various portal services, many portals provide a messenger service having various additional functions in addition to a basic instant message transmission/receipt function in order to attract more user's interests.

[3] As the Internet environment develops, the messenger service becomes a major communication tool together with wired and wireless telephones. Also, the number of messenger service users is abruptly increasing because messages can be intercommunicated for free together with voices, videos, data, and so on. Particularly, since most of the portal service providers provide a search service as well as such a messenger service, the search function is typically integrated into a messenger client program (hereinafter, briefly referred to as a messenger).

[4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary client-side messenger program used in a typical messenger service. The left side shows a dialog window 10 for chatting with a counterpart, and the right side shows a buddy list window 20 for displaying a buddy list and log-on states of the buddies. Here, most of the users select a desired buddy from the log-on buddy listing area 21 shown by calling the buddy list window, and then, terminates the execution of the buddy list window 20 when he/she actually chats with the selected buddy in order to maximize a screen area.

[5] Generally, the dialog window 10 is largely divided into a message display area 11 for displaying messages and a message input area 12 for inputting messages to be transmitted by a user. Also, functions for decorating the dialog window 10 such as photographs or various menus and icons are added. However, since a major function of the dialog window 10 is to transmit and receive messages and data, the search function is provided in the search tool bar 22 in the buddy list window 20 which substantially manages a messenger service at the client side.

[6] Therefore, in order to perform a specific search presented during the messenger service using the dialog window 10, actual users should re-execute the buddy list window 20 to enter the search words, or should execute an Internet browser program and directly access a search website.

[7] FIG. 2 illustrates a dialog window 30 integrated with a search tool bar 33 in order to attenuate the inconvenience shown in FIG. 1. Even in this case, search words should be entered into the search tool bar 33 regardless of the message display area 31 and the message input area 32. Also, the search results are provided in a separate window by automatically calling an Internet browser program.

[8] Recently, studies has been made on a function by which the search results are presented in a separate result window provided in the messenger program including the dialog window 30, or by which the message input area 32 is used as a search words input area instead of the search tool bar 33, and a separate search button is provided to obtain the search results.

[9] However, such various search methods are insignificant because they simply change the dialog window interface of the messenger to add a search function. Also, they are not distinguished from conventional search methods such as just employing an existing search tool bar or directly accessing a search website.

[10] In other words, the search process, procedure, and result executed by inputting the interested words in manual to perform a search when a user finds an interested thing during the chatting are not distinguished from those executed by displaying a typical Web browser in a small size aside of the dialog window, entering the search words, and obtaining the result.

[11] FIG. 3 illustrates a typical system for providing a messenger service having a search function. Referring to FIG. 3, a messenger system includes a message queue server 61, an instant message server 62, a gateway monitoring server 63, a central server 65 for managing them, a plurality of messenger clients 41 and 42, a search server 50, and a communication network 40 for interconnecting them including the Internet.

[12] The messenger clients 41 and 42 are objects in which a client-side application for using the messenger service is installed. Typically, the messenger client may be a personal computer or a mobile terminal in which the application is installed. The messenger clients 41 and 42 are provided with an interface for transmitting and receiving an instant message and data and requesting a search query.

[13] The messenger clients 41 and 42 are subjected to log-in and authentication procedures using the gateway monitoring server 63, and the received/transmitted messages are temporarily stored in the message queue server 61 to process the messages by filtering out inhibited words or identifying message delivery objects. The processed messages are provided to the central server 65, and the central server 65 transmits general messages to the application program of the messenger client through the instant message server 62.

[14] The search server 50 is operated separately from the message service system. A general search server capable of providing a search service can be employed as the search server 50. The search server 50 receives the search queries from the messenger clients 41 and 42, and provides the corresponding search results to the messenger clients 41 and 42. The search results may be provided through a Web browser included in the messenger clients 41 and 42. When the messenger client application included in the messenger clients 41 and 42 has a separate Web browsing function, the search results may be provided through this function. Here, a function for collectively managing the search results depending on the display area or environment is provided.

[15] Due to the aforementioned technical limitation, users ask arbitrary contents in manual using the search queries provided through the application installed in the messenger clients 41 and 42. Therefore, it was difficult to predict them. Also, those results were nothing better than the search results obtained by using a typical search function and provided in an appropriate screen size. Although the messenger service and the search service were provided through a single interface, their association was just a simple combination that can be easily anticipated by those skilled in the art.

[16] In other words, there have been needs in the art for a system capable of actively managing search conditions generated in a messenger service, actively and effectively providing users with the search results optimized under the corresponding search condition, and deriving the synergy effect from a combination of a plurality of services.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[17] In order to maximize a synergy effect by combining various services, the present invention provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which a search status generated during the messenger service is managed using keywords, resultant contents optimized to the corresponding keyword are provided through an internal browser window when the search for the keyword is requested, and additional services associated with the corresponding content are provided, so that desired information can be effectively searched while a messenger system is being used, and high-quality search results can be presented only using the messenger system.

[18] The present invention also provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which additional information on a particular subject in talks can be obtained by automatically detecting the corresponding keyword when messages are exchanged between messenger service users, informing a user of a fact that the search for that is available, and displaying search result contents optimized to the keyword on a subordinate window associated with the messenger application when a user just selects the displayed keyword during talks without entering a separate keyword.

[19] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which additional information on a subject in talks can be effectively presented and can be readily shared with a chat counterpart by providing a user with predetermined high-quality contents relating to the keyword, and allowing the result to be effectively shared with a chat counterpart.

[20] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which a user can obtain high-quality information dedicated to each keyword by presenting predetermined contents relating to a selected particular keyword in the format of a template suitable for a corresponding keyword classification.

[21] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which the load on the messenger service system generated by automatically detecting the keyword can be minimized, and the keywords management and the keyword detection for messages real-timely input can be made by managing keywords and related contents in the messenger service system, providing part of the information to the messenger client in a one-time manner, and providing part of the keywords in a real-time manner.

[22] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which an arrangement of the resultant contents corresponding to the keyword can be presented in an optimized state according to the corresponding keyword classification by hierarchically managing the keywords and classifying the keywords according to each classification.

[23] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which related information can be effectively provided to a messenger user while an advertisement effect is maximized by associating the keyword with an advertisement obtained from a particular service provider and providing corresponding search result contents from the service provider when the search is requested.

[24] The present invention further provides a method and system for keyword searching in a messenger, and a computer readable recording medium for processing the same, by which connectablity with other services of a service provider who administrates the messenger service system can be increased so that users participation can be improved by preparing resultant contents additionally utilizing information on a database constructed to provide other services of a portal service provider who administrates the messenger service system when the results corresponding to the keyword is provided.

[25] Other features, advantages, and objectives of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art by carefully reading the following descriptions, and they are not limited to those described herein. Technical Solution

[26] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyword search system using a messenger, the system comprising: a messenger service server which provides a keyword in association with a keyword database and relays messages between messenger clients; a Web server which manages the keyword database, and has a means for providing contents corresponding to the keyword; and a messenger client which receives the keyword via the messenger service server, relays user's messages, marks a keyword included in the messages so as to be selected, requests the Web server to provide the contents when the keyword is selected, and displays a response of the request.

[27] The messenger client may comprise an internal browser means for displaying the contents received from the Web server on a subordinate area of a dialog window for inputting the message.

[28] The messenger client may receive and store the keyword when the messenger client accesses the messenger service server, and real-timely receive and store additional keywords via the messenger service server in an on-line state.

[29] The messenger client may examine user's messages based on the received keyword, mark a string corresponding to the keyword by applying at least one of string effects including color, bold, italic, stroke, underline, and box effects to the string, and transmit contents request information corresponding to the keyword to the Web server when a user brings a pointer into the corresponding keyword and selects the keyword.

[30] The Web server may further comprise a means for editing the keyword and information on the contents corresponding to the keyword and providing the corresponding information to the keyword database.

[31] The Web server may have a template appropriate to a classification of the keyword, and contents created in an appropriate template by classifying the keywords may be provided to the messenger client.

[32] The Web server classify contents corresponding to a keyword and links provided by the contents corresponding to a keyword, and provide subsequent contents based on a template prepared according to a link classification when the contents corresponding to the link is requested.

[33] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for keyword searching in a messenger, the system comprising: a plurality of messenger clients; a messenger service server which is connected to the messenger clients via a communication network and manages their accesses and message exchange operations; and a Web server which processes a contents request from the messenger client, wherein the messenger client detects a keyword included in exchanged messages based on keywords and associative contents information received from the messenger service server, provides associative contents information corresponding to the detected keyword to the Web server when the detected keyword is selected, receives resultant contents from the Web server, displays the resultant contents on an internal browser means, and selectively shares the resultant contents with a chat counterpart; the messenger service server provides the messenger client with the keyword and the associative contents information; and the Web server provides contents having a format prepared according to the keyword classification to the messenger client based on the associative contents information of the messenger client, and provides the messenger service server with the keyword obtained from an edit interface and the associative contents information.

[34] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for keyword searching in a messenger, the system comprising: a plurality of messenger client; a messenger service server which is connected to the messenger clients via a communication network and manages their access and message exchange operations; and a Web server which processes a contents request from the messenger client, wherein the messenger service server relays messages exchanged between the messenger clients, examines a keyword included in the exchanged messages based on previously stored keywords and associative contents information, and provides the corresponding message and information on the keyword to the messenger clients, and the messenger client receives the messages relayed by the messenger service server and the information on the keyword, marks the keyword contained in the message, requests the Web server to provide the contents corresponding to the keyword based on the information on the keyword when the corresponding keyword is selected, receives results of the request from the Web server, displays the results using an internal browser function, transmits the information for selectively sharing the corresponding contents with a chat counterpart.

[35] The Web server may provide the messenger client with contents in a format prepared for each classification of the keyword in response to a request for the contents corresponding to the keyword from the messenger client, and provide the messenger service server with a keyword obtained from an edit interface and associative contents information.

[36] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of keyword searching in a messenger, the method comprising: a message exchanging process for exchanging messages with a messenger client of a chat counterpart via a messenger service server in response to operation of the messenger client; a keyword displaying process for marking a keyword contained in the exchanged message based on keywords previously stored in the messenger client; a contents requesting process for, when a particular keyword is selected, requesting the Web server to provide corresponding contents using information on the selected keyword; a contents transmitting process for transmitting contents optimized to the corresponding keyword and a display environment of the messenger client based on the information on the selected keyword when the Web server receives the request for contents; and a contents displaying process for displaying the corresponding contents on a partial area connected to a dialog window using an internal browser function as the messenger client receives the contents.

[37] The method may further comprise a shared contents transmitting process for sharing the same contents by providing a messenger client of a chatting counterpart with at least one of the contents previously displayed in the contents displaying process, partial codes, information on the keyword for requesting the contents, and addresses or queries for the contents.

[38] The method may further comprise a shared contents displaying process for, when the messenger client receives from the messenger client of the chatting counterpart at least one of the contents previously displayed in the contents displaying process, partial codes, information on the keyword for requesting the contents, and addresses or queries for the contents, creating a partial area connected to a dialog window using an internal browser function and displaying the least one of the contents previously displayed in the contents displaying process, partial codes, keywords for requesting the contents, and addresses or queries for the contents.

[39] The method may further comprise a keyword transmitting process for, by the messenger client, accessing the messenger service server to perform an authentication process before the message exchanging process, and receiving information for a messenger service, and, by the messenger service server, transmitting the keyword to the messenger client. [40] According still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of keyword searching in a messenger, the method comprising: exchanging messages between messenger clients via a messenger service server; marking a keyword contained in the message based on keywords previously stored in the messenger client; receiving from a Web server contents corresponding to the marked keyword using information on the keyword when the marked keyword is selected; creating an extended area in a part of a dialog window which is an interface of the messenger client and displaying the received contents on the extended area; and selectively sharing the same contents by selectively providing the messenger client of a chat counterpart with information on classification of the displayed contents.

[41] According to still further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having embodied thereon a computer program for marking a keyword contained in messages exchanged using a messenger and providing resultant contents optimized to the keyword when the marked keyword is selected.

[42] The invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet). The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

Advantageous Effects

[43] According to the present invention, a search status generated during the messenger service is managed using keywords. When a search for the keywords is requested, resultant contents optimized to a corresponding keyword are presented using a browser window included in the messenger, and additional information associated with the contents is also provided. As a result, desired information can be effectively searched while the messenger system is used, and high-quality results can be presented only using the messenger system. Thus, it is possible to effectively incorporate a message exchange function and a high-quality search function for particular information without hindering message exchange operations.

[44] According to the present invention, additional information on a particular subject in talks can be obtained without separately operating an application by automatically detecting the corresponding keyword when messages are exchanged between messenger service users, informing a user of a fact that the search for that is available, and displaying search result contents optimized to the keyword on a subordinate window associated with the messenger application when a user just selects the displayed keyword during talks without entering a separate keyword in manual.

[45] According to the present invention, additional information on a subject in talks can be effectively presented and can be readily shared with a chat counterpart by automatically displaying a keyword contained in the messages exchanged between messenger clients using a messenger service system, providing a user with predetermined high-quality contents relating to the keyword when required by a user, and allowing the result to be effectively shared with a chat counterpart.

[46] According to the present invention, a user can obtain high-quality information dedicated to each keyword by presenting predetermined contents relating to the selected keyword in the format of a template suitable for the corresponding keyword classification.

[47] According to the present invention, the load on the messenger service system generated by automatically detecting the keyword can be minimized, and the keyword management and the keyword detection for the messages real-timely input can be made by managing keywords and related contents in the messenger service system, providing part of the information to the messenger client in a one-time manner, and providing part of the keywords in a real-time manner.

[48] According to the present invention, related information can be effectively provided to a messenger user while an advertisement effect is maximized by associating the keyword with an advertisement obtained from a particular service provider and providing corresponding search result contents from the service provider when the search is requested.

[49] According to the present invention, connectablity with other services of a service provider who administrates the messenger service system can be increased, and a possibility for a user of the messenger to participate in other services of the portal service provider can be increased, by preparing resultant contents additionally utilizing information on a database constructed to provide other services of a portal service provider who administrates the messenger service system when the results corresponding to the keyword is provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[50] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[51] FIG. 1 is an exemplary view illustrating a typical messenger window having a search function; [52] FIG. 2 is an exemplary view illustrating a search tool bar integrated into a message window; [53] FIG. 3 is an exemplary view illustrating a configration of a messenger system having a typical search function; [54] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a messenger system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [55] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a dialog window according to an embodiment of the present invention; [56] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a keyword search system using a messenger according to an embodiemnt of the present invention; [57] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation method of the interface of

FIG. 6; [58] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a messenger according to another embodiment of the present invention; [59] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a web server according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[60] FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating a dialog window according to embodiments of the present invention; [61] FIG. 11 is an exemplary view illustrating a contents template for a keyword

"movie"; [62] FIG. 12 is an exemplary view illustrating contents obtained from the template of

FIG. 11;

[63] FIG. 13 is an exemplary view illustrating another contents for a keyword "movie";

[64] FIG. 14 is an exemplary view illustrating an operation example of a dialog window according to contents sharing; [65] FIG. 15 is an exemplary view illustrating additional reservation contents for a keyword "movie"; [66] FIG. 16 is an exemplary view illustrating additional contents for presenting reservation completion for a keyword "movie"; [67] FIG. 17 is an exemplary view illustrating a contents template for keywords of local information; [68] FIG. 18 is an exemplary view illustrating contents obtained using the template of

FIG. 17; [69] FIGS. 19 and 20 are exemplary views illustrating contents templates for keywords of local information according to another embodiment of the present invention; and [70] FIG. 21 is an exemplary view illustrating a dialog window interface having a keyword exposure list. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[71] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[72] FIG. 4 shows a network configuration of a system for keyword searching in a messenger according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the system for keyword searching in a messanger comprises: a messenger service server side including a queue server 131, an instant message server 132, a gateway monitoring server 133, and a central server 140; a plurality of messenger clients 110 and 120 which transmit and receive messages and data to and from the messenger service server side via a communication network 100; and a Web server 134 and a contents database 142 which provide search results requested by the messenger clients 110 and 120 as predetermined resultant contents.

[73] The aforementioned configuration can be changed in a variety of ways. For example, a part of constituents may be deleted or integrated into other parts, and may be associated with other service systems.

[74] It should be noted that the constituent servers of the messenger service server side may also be incorporated, separated, or substituted with other kinds of servers, and each of which may have a necessary information database or may be associated with a separate database server.

[75] More specifically, the gateway monitoring server 133 manages access and authentication of the messenger clients 110 and 120. The message queue server 131 temporarily stores the messages interchanged between the messenger clients 110 and 120 and processes (e.g., filtering) the messages. The central server 140 transmits the received messages to the instant message server 132. The instant message server 132 manages instant messaging sessions between the messenger clients, and relays the message packets interchanged between the messenger clients. In this case, the gateway monitoring server 133 and the instant message server 132 associates with a keyword database 141 comprising related information for requesting contents corresponding to a particular keyword in order to provide the messenger clients 110 and 120 with the keyword and related information. The keyword database 141 may be managed by the Web server 134 via the central server 140 or directly in association with the Web server 134.

[76] The Web server 134 provides the keyword database 141 with the keyword and related information, and provides appropriate resultant contents in response to the request from the messenger clients 110 and 120. The resultant contents may exist in the contents database 142 or may be constituted based on format information of specific contents stored in the contents database 142. On the other hand, the contents database 142 may be included in the Web server 134.

[77] Basic operation of the aforementioned configuration will be described. The messenger clients 110 and 120 store the keywords and related information provided from the gateway monitoring server 133 and the instant message server 132. Then, the messenger clients 110 and 120 recognize the keyword included in the interchanged messages based on the corresponding information, and take a note (e.g., underline) on the corresponding keyword so as to allow a user to identify it. When a user selects the particular keyword, information relating to the corresponding keyword is provided to the Web server 134.

[78] The Web server 134 receives information on the keywords for requesting contents, provided by the messenger clients 110 and 120, and searches the contents database 142 for the corresponding contents. Then, the contents are provided to the messenger clients 110 and 120. In this case, the contents are optimized for the keyword. The contents may include fixed information dedicatedly generated for the keyword, or include information obtained from various search databases in a particular format (or a particular template) appropriate to the corresponding keyword.

[79] The Web server 134 may generate the keyword and address or query information

(e.g., URL) of the corresponding contents as associative contents information corresponding to the keyword (i.e., identification information of the contents), and provide the keyword database 141 with them. This may be performed in a periodic or non-periodic manner. The keyword may be constituted in a variety of manners. For example, a particular kind of keywords for the purpose of a specific service (such as movie information or local information) may be defined. The keywords and contents may be obtained from particular business people in a bidding-like manner for a commercial purpose. Otherwise, an upper level search word obtained from another search service system operated by a portal service provider who provides the corresponding messenger service may be used as a keyword. Also, the most frequent used upper level string or word extracted by analyzing the messages interchanged between messenger clients may be used as a keyword.

[80] Alternatively, the keyword may not extracted from the messenger clients 110 and

120, but may be extracted from the message queue server 131, the central server 140, or the instant message server 132 used to interchange messages. Then, the keyword information may be provided to the messenger clients 110 and 120 together with the message part. However, in this case, loads on each server which processes the messenger service may increase.

[81] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a dialog window of a messenger client according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dialog window may be considered as a message exchange interface provided by an application installed in the messenger client.

[82] Referring to FIG. 5, the dialog window 150 has a message display area 151 and a message input area 152. If a keyword is included in the messages presented in the message display area 151, the corresponding keyword is marked so that a user can identify it. Specifically, in the illustrated configuration, the messenger client receives and stores a keyword and related information when it is installed, accessed, or being accessed. Then, messages of all buddies are displayed on the message display area 151 during the message exchange. The messages are compared with the keyword, and when a particular string matching with a predetermined keyword is detected from the messages, the corresponding string is marked as a keyword using string effects such as a color, bold, italic, stroke, underline, or box effect. In the illustrated example, a string corresponding to a keyword "movie" is marked using an underline effect 153.

[83] If an emoticon (which is processed as alphabetic information in the message exchange) corresponding to a predetermined string is selected as a keyword in a particular dialog window 150, the emoticon may be underlined or used without any mark depending on a set-up condition to indicate that the emoticon corresponds to a keyword.

[84] The marked string or emoticon indicates that the corresponding content is a keyword and there is related information. When a user brings a pointer into a corresponding area and selects it (using a click or a double click), information on the selected keyword (e.g., the keyword and the associative contents information corresponding to the keyword) is provided to a Web server, and the Web server provides corresponding resultant contents. When the resultant contents are received from the Web server, a new contents browsing area 160 extending from the dialog window 150 is generated, and the received contents are displayed on the contents display area 161. A client application of the messenger client may have an internal browser using a modular API having functions of a typical Web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Netscape, etc.) to operate the contents browsing area 160, which can be also used to provide typical Web browser functions without change.

[85] The contents browsing area 160 is provided with a sharing button 162. When this button is pressed, the information on the contents displayed on the contents display area 161 is transmitted to the messenger client of the chat counterpart, so that the same contents can be shared with the counterpart-side messenger client. Here, the information on contents transmitted for sharing may include addresses (e.g., URLs) or queries as identification information on the contents. Also, it may include part or all of actual codes, or data on selected images or videos if they are to be shared. Otherwise, a predetermined interface may be provided in order to select only a part of currently- provided information and then transmit addresses, data, or codes on the selected in- formation.

[86] Here, the contents browsing area 160 may be selectively created only when the contents should be displayed, and may be removed when the display of contents is completed (e.g., when a termination button is pressed, or when a menu button is pressed to terminate the corresponding function). For higher efficiency, animation functions (e.g., sliding, zoom in/out, transparency control) may be used. In consideration of the location or set-up size of the dialog window 150, the dialog window 150 may be automatically moved or changed in size when the contents browsing area 160 is created. For example, when the location of the dialog window 150 is adjacent to one side of the screen area, the dialog window 150 may be moved as necessary to display the contents browsing area 160. If the size of the dialog window 150 is smaller than the minimum size of the contents browsing area 160, the size of the dialog window 150 may be enlarged in combination with the minimum size of the contents browsing area 160.

[87] FIG. 6 is illustrates a configuration of a system for keyword searching in a messenger according to an embodiment of the present invention. A conceptual configuration for performing a substantial target function, a method of performing a keyword search using the same, and a method of managing keyword information will be described.

[88] First, referring to FIG. 6, a system for keyword searching in a messenger is divided into a messenger service server 210 having a keyword database 211 ; a messenger unit 220 corresponding to an application installed in a messenger client; and a Web server 230 for managing substantial keywords and corresponding contents.

[89] The messenger service server 210 manages access of the messenger unit 220, provides a message exchange function, and provides the messenger unit 220 with keywords and related information stored in the keyword database 211. The keyword database 211 may be located outside the messenger service server 210.

[90] The messenger unit 220 has an internal browser unit 221 for requesting, receiving and displaying contents; and a message and keyword processing unit 222 which has a typical message processing means, and also has functions of marking a keyword included in the interchanged messages based on the keywords received from the messenger service server 210, and then issuing a contents request through the internal browser unit 221 when the marked keyword is selected.

[91] The Web server 230 may include a keyword editing unit 232 which edits a keyword to be provided to the keyword database 211 and associative data on the contents corresponding to the keyword; and a group of dedicated contents 231 having contents on the keyword, or configuration information on the corresponding contents. In addition, means for constructing dedicated contents in various manners and obtaining the keyword from various sources may be provided.

[92] A process of performing a keyword search using the above configuration will be described in sequence. First, the messenger unit 220 is operated to access the messenger service server 210. In this case, the messenger unit 220 is connected to the messenger service server 210 through an authentication process, and the stored keyword and related information are received from the keyword database 211. The keyword information is provided in one time. As described above, a predetermined amount of keyword-related information is collectively provided during the access. As a result, it is possible to prevent communication loads on the messenger service system for interchanging keyword information from being excessively increased. Also, a process of detecting the keyword from actual messages is performed by the messenger unit 220 by itself. Therefore, it is possible to reduce operation loads on the communication network and the messenger service system, and increase real-time processing ability for detecting the keyword.

[93] However, information on various related keywords that are being real-timely changed may not be reflected just by transmitting such one-time keyword information. Therefore, slightly changed keywords and related data associated with the contents are additionally provided from the messenger service 210 or the keyword database 211 to the messenger unit 220 in a real-timely manner. The keyword related information may be stored in a local area so that the messenger unit 220 can continuously use it. However, if the changed keyword information can be obtained during the access, the keyword related information may be valid only when the messenger unit 220 operates.

[94] The keywords stored in the keyword database 211 and the data associated with the contents corresponding to the keyword are managed by the keyword edit unit 232 of the Web server 230. The keyword edit unit 232 of the Web server 230 obtains the keyword from other services or from administrator's input, and generates contents corresponding to the keyword. Then, keyword edit unit 232 provides the keyword database 211 with the keyword and related information including the identification information. If necessary, the keyword edit unit 232 may also provide an instruction for removing the keyword and related information that is scheduled to be removed.

[95] The keyword database 211 real- timely provides the messenger unit 220 with corresponding information when the keyword is changed.

[96] Dedicated contents for a keyword may be prepared in a predetermined format by specifying a particular keyword, or by obtaining specific information having a predetermined format. In other words, the contents may be manually prepared using fixed information relating to a particular keyword. Alternatively, the contents may be prepared by classifying the keywords and obtaining template information suitable for a corresponding classification, a plurality of sources of each area of the corresponding template, and editorial information. That is, from the viewpoint of what is to be displayed, the contents may be fixed information or a combination of information obtained from various associative databases. Otherwise, from the viewpoint of how to display, various templates are employed.

[97] In other words, in order to use appropriate template information by classifying keywords, an optimum template configuration should be previously prepared based on a classification of a particular keyword, and contents relating to a particular keyword should be also prepared based on the template configuration.

[98] If it is difficult to provide optimized contents just by classifying keywords as described above, it is possible to classify the keywords according to a hierarchy as well as the classification. For example, a template may be prepared to provide resultant contents for a keyword corresponding to a particular classification and a particular layer.

[99] The following table 1 shows an example of keywords classifications, where keywords relating to "movie" are classified. [100] Here, comparative keywords are those not exactly the same as but relating to a representative keyword in order to cover miscellaneous errors in user's message input or all possible input diversity (for example, when a word is erroneously typed in Korean spells instead of English, or vice versa). The linked page is a sort of contents associated with a keyword, and provides a corresponding URL.

[101] [102] Table 1

[103] It is noted that, although the keywords are simply classified according to its type, they may be managed in a hierarchical manner by examining relationship of the keywords. For example, when keywords for "movie" are established, the uppermost layer keyword is set to "movie", and the next lower layer keyword may be set to "theatre, playhouse, first-runner, or the like". Similarly, the next lower layer keyword may be set to [¹¹CGV, Megabox, Primus, or the like" if you live in Seoul, Korea] or ["IFC center, Angelika Film center, Hollywood, or the like" if you live in New York, USA.]

[104] Such hierarchical keyword management is useful when the keyword classifications are diverse. For example, "movie" and "local information" are different kinds of information, and thus, their template arrangements should be also different. It is preferable to use a different template for lower layer keywords of each classification depending on the type and the hierarchy. In addition, it is preferable to classify the link information in order to accurately and effectively provide corresponding contents when subsequent contents are requested according to the link information included in the contents. For example, it is preferable to recognize whether or not the link is to provide simple information or whether or not the link is to provide a particular dedicated service (for example, a reservation service linked to the corresponding contents when the contents relate to a movie), and apply a different classification of the template according to this recognition.

[105] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation of an interface shown in FIG.

6. In FIG. 7, subordinate keywords and corresponding contents relating to a representative keyword "movie" are prepared, and keywords and corresponding contents relating to local information are also prepared.

[106] Referring to FIG. 7, a predetermined messenger client application user executes a dialog window and enters messages to be transmitted using an input device such as a keyboard to chat with someone (S301). In this case, the message to be transmitted may contain any keyword relating to a movie or local information.

[107] The message is simultaneously displayed on a plurality of messenger dialog windows of users who are chatting together using the messenger service server. At this moment, the keywords are automatically detected based on information on the keywords, received by and stored in each messenger client, and corresponding strings are marked. When any keyword is selected, the dialog window becomes a kind of link state capable of obtaining contents.

[108] When any string marked as a keyword is selected by a user using a pointer or a keyboard, an internal browser integrated into the messenger application of the messenger client is activated. Then, associative information used to request the selected keyword and contents relating to the selected keyword is obtained, and transmitted to the Web server (S303).

[109] If the selected string relates to a keyword "movie", the Web server collects information from external databases such as a movie database 310 or a search database 320 relating to a movie template in consideration of the classification of the keyword (or hierarchy). Then, the Web server provides contents relating to the keyword having a configuration appropriate to the contents display area generated in the dialog window, and transmits them to the messenger client. Accordingly, the messenger client application generates a contents browsing area extended from the dialog window, and then, displays the received contents on the contents display area (S311).

[110] The received contents contain information relating to the selected keyword. The classification of the contents may include simple information, linked simple information, a link for providing a preview of the movie, and a link for providing a new service such as a reservation service. On the other hand, the Web server is preferably constructed to classify each link in order to provide an optimized screen format for different classifications of the links.

[I l l] If a user selects simple information or linked simple information from the contents, the Web server provides corresponding link information on a different template appropriate to a link view for a different classification of the link (S321).

[112] If a user selects a link for providing a preview service from the contents, the Web server provides a multimedia playing tool on a template optimized for a preview of the movie in consideration of the size of the contents display area (S322).

[113] If a user selects a link for providing a reservation service from the contents, the

Web server provides a dedicated website or webpage for the reservation service in an optimized condition on a contents display area (S323).

[114] In the aforementioned conditional processes, it is assumed that initial contents provided by the keyword search are upper layer contents. When a lower layer keyword is selected in order to provide detailed information, the contents provided in the above processes S321, S322, and S323 may be directly provided. Otherwise, if there is a link for other information in the contents provided in the above processes S321, S322, and S323, one of the templates used in the above processes may be used to provide subsequent contents depending on its classification.

[115] The same contents may be shared in each of the above processes by providing an identifier (e.g., address or query) or source data of the corresponding contents to the messenger client of a chat counterpart. Alternatively, only a necessary part of the contents may be shared by selecting necessary information and transmitting it. Alternatively, particular information that is not directly displayed (for example, a reservation result of a theatre, an appointment time to comply to the reservation) may be delivered to a counterpart. [116] During the browsing for a single classification of the keyword, contents relating another classification of the keyword may be associatively provided. For example, when contents for a theatre reservation service are provided (S323), a link for location information of the reserved theatre or local information may be additionally provided. When such a link is selected, contents on the local information may be provided using a template relating to the local information which has a different classification of the keyword.

[117] The above processes show how the system works when a user selects strings relating to a keyword "movie". When a user selects a string relating to a keyword "local information", the Web server collects information from related external databases(e.g., a map database 330, or a local database 340) in the format of a local template in consideration of a classification of the keyword (or a hierarchy of the keyword). Then, the contents relating to the keyword are prepared so as to fit for the contents display area extended from the dialog window, and transmitted to the messenger client. Accordingly, the messenger client application generates a contents browsing area extended from the dialog window, and then, displays the received contents on the contents display area (S341).

[118] The received contents contain information relating to the selected keyword. The classification of the contents may be a link for providing simple information, linked simple information, or map information, or a link for providing new services such as a coupon service or a reservation service, as described in association with the keyword "movie". The Web server preferably distinguishes the classification of the link in order to provide optimized screen formats for the different classifications of links.

[119] When a user selects a link for providing simple information, linked information, or map information, or a link for providing a coupon service or a reservation service, The Web server may collect information in the format of each template, create appropriate contents, and provide them (S351). In this case, the contents may be also associatively provided with other contents relating to a different classification of the keyword. In the process S341 of providing contents in the format of a local template as shown in the drawing, when a theatre located in a corresponding region is selected, contents containing information on movies may be provided using a template relating to a "movie" which is a different classification of the keyword (S352).

[120] In the drawing, the contents managed by the Web server are provided in the format of a template classified based on the type or hierarchy of the keywords by collecting information from various external databases. A contents database associated with the Web server may store information obtained by associating the classification of the template of the contents with external database information corresponding to each item of the template depending on the set-up conditions of the keywords. In order to create the contents, a corresponding template may be selected by automatically analyzing the keyword classification using a predetermined keyword classification analyzing method when the keyword is established, and associated contents information of an external database (or an internal database), which will be inserted into each area of the template, may be automatically set. Alternatively, the associative contents may be set in manual, or all contents may be completely created in manual. Each of these contents may be configured in a particular webpage and stored in the Web server. Also, corresponding address information may be managed as associative contents information on the keyword. A rule for creating the contents may be prepared, and query information capable of assigning the information included in the contents relating to the keyword may be added and managed as associative contents information on the keyword. Particularly, if the Web server may obtain appropriate contents using only the keyword, the keyword information stored in the messenger service server or the messenger client may be simple keyword information. However, in order to reduce loads on the Web server, it is preferable to manage the contents associated with the keyword together with the above information as described above.

[121] For example, when a real-timely changed keyword (for example, a keyword obtained by extracting a high-ranked search keyword) is adopted, the associative contents may be constructed in an automatic manner. When a keyword for providing a service having a particular purpose (for example, a keyword selected to provide movie information or local information) is adopted, the associative contents may be constructed partly or entirely in manual. When a keyword for providing a commercial service (for example, a keyword selected by bidding) is adopted, the associative contents may be established in manual depending on bidders' requirements.

[122] FIGS. 8 and 9 are block diagrams illustrating a messenger (i.e., an application installed in a messenger client) for supporting a keyword search process of FIG. 7 and a Web server for providing optimized contents in more detail.

[123] Referring to FIG. 8, the messenger 400 may be functionally classified into: a message processing unit 410 which manages log-in, message transmission/receipt, keyword display, and keyword selection; a keyword management unit 420 which stores received keywords and related information, manages changed keywords, and determines whether or not the keyword matches with the transmitted/received massage; and an internal browser management unit 430 which displays contents re- sultantly received after the keyword management unit transmits information relating to the selected keyword to the Web server based on the keyword selection detected by the message processing unit, and processes and determines content sharing.

[124] The message management unit 410 comprises: a log-in management unit 411 which performs a log-in process; a message transmission/receipt management unit 412 which is responsible for message input/output and display operations; a keyword display and selection detection unit 413 which marks a keyword contained in the message displayed by the message transmission/receipt management unit 412 on the message display area of the dialog window and determines whether or not the marked keyword is selected; and a status information management unit 414 which gauges a messenger use status of a user and inform a chat counterpart of the status.

[125] The keyword management unit 420 comprises: a keyword database 421 which stores keywords and related information (e.g., associative information for requesting contents corresponding to the keyword) received during installation or access; a keyword modification unit 422 which modifies the content of the keyword database 421 based on the keyword modification information (for adding or deleting keywords) received during access or re-access; and a keyword matching unit 423 which determines whether or not the keyword is included in the message content displayed by the message transmission/receipt management unit 412 of the message processing unit 410 based on the content of the keyword database 421, and provides the keyword display and selection detection unit 413 with the keyword. In addition, if necessary, the keyword management unit 420 may further comprise a keyword extraction unit 424 which detects messages input from the individual messenger client and extracts frequently used strings, and then, provides the messenger service server with the strings to use them as a basic material for selecting a new keyword.

[126] The internal browser management unit 430 comprises: a keyword-related contents request unit 431 which operates when the keyword selection is detected by the keyword display and selection detection unit 413 to transmit associative information for requesting to the Web server a related keyword and contents corresponding to the keyword; a browser display unit 432 which creates and removes a contents browsing area extended from part of the dialog window, displays the contents on the contents browsing area when the contents are received from the Web server, and supports subsequent browsing; a contents edit unit 433 which manages sharing of the contents displayed on the contents browsing area, and obtains the contents identifier information, or extracts source data for a part of all of the corresponding contents for sharing; and a sharing information transmission unit 434 which provides the message transmission/receipt management unit 412 with the information provided by the contents edit unit 433 so as to be transmitted to the chat counterpart messenger client.

[127] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a Web server 500. It should be noted that each component may be separately provided, or other components may be further added. The Web server 500 receives a contents request provided by the messenger client, classifies the requested contents based on the keyword, prepares the corresponding contents in a predetermined format, and provides the contents. [128] The Web server 500 comprises: a contents request receipt unit 510 which receives and processes the contents request from the messenger client; and a keyword determination unit 520 which determines the keyword information provided by the contents request receipt unit 510 based on the data of the keyword information database 560 which stores the keywords and the various information on the keywords based on their classification in order to classify the keywords or know an arrangement of the contents corresponding to the keyword. The keyword determination unit may simply obtain the contents arrangement information based on addresses of the requested contents or analyzes queries to know a template classification and a contents arrangement corresponding to the template classification depending on the identifier information of the received contents and the established contents arrangement classification.

[129] The illustrated search unit 530 may prepare corresponding contents by combining information obtained from the search database 540 or an external related search database 545 with an appropriate template according to the contents arrangement type provided by the keyword determination unit 520; may obtain predetermined fixed contents based on the contents arrangement information stored in the dedicated contents database 550 using address information provided by the keyword determination unit 520; or may obtain predetermined template information and related database associative information to collect corresponding information and combine appropriate contents.

[130] The search database 540 and the external related search database 545 may be separately prepared for the keyword search. Additionally, they may be preferably associated with other databases used to provide other search services (such as movie search, map search, local information search, UCC creation and search, blog, intelligent search, news search, and image search services). Particularly, since a portal service provider capable of a messenger service also provides a plurality of search services or contents creation services, it is preferable to allow various services of the same provider to be associated with one another.

[131] When the information on the contents , provided by the keyword determination unit

520, is a simple address, and the search unit 530 obtains dedicated contents, the corresponding contents may be transmitted to the messenger client by providing the response transmission unit 580 with the obtained dedicated contents without separately preparing contents information. However, when the contents should be prepared by collecting information from various databases according to the template information, each piece of information is provided to the contents information creation unit 570 so that the corresponding contents information creation unit can prepare contents optimized to a display environment of the messenger client, and provide the prepared contents to the messenger client through the response transmission unit 580.

[132] The keyword transmission/receipt unit 591 obtains keywords and related information from various sources to update the keyword information database 560. For example, the keywords obtained from various sources such as an external search service system may include real-time high-ranked search keywords or administrator's selected keywords input through a predetermined interface for a commercial purpose or a particular purpose. On the other hand, when the information on the contents as well as the keyword were not obtained, the classification and the hierarchy of the corresponding keyword may be determined using the keyword determination unit 520 based on a predetermined rule, corresponding contents may be created based on a template prepared according to the determined classification and hierarchy and provided to the dedicated contents database 550, and identifier information may be associated with the keyword and stored in the keyword information database 560. The information stored in the contents database 550 may be provided to the keyword database of the messenger service server in a periodic or non-periodic manner so that the keywords and relation information can be updated.

[133] Described are basic technical points of: a method of establishing a keyword; a method of automatically detecting the keyword from a dialog message in a messenger; a method of updating the keyword; a method of optimally preparing contents relating to the keyword on a content browsing area of a messenger client; a method of modifying a template of the contents according to the keyword and providing high- quality contents optimized to the keyword classification; a method of processing subsequent contents using a contents link; and a method of associating with a new service (such as a coupon service or a reservation service).

[134] Now, how to practically embody the basic technical points will be descried in more detail with reference to the accompanying exemplary views. While the keyword classification has been limited to "movie" and "local information" in the above description, various real-time keywords or composite keywords may be applied. Also, more commercial keywords may be used (for example, keywords such as "house-moving" or "blue jeans" may be associated with information and contents of service provider or sellers who serves a house- moving service or sells blue jeans).

[135] FIG. 10 illustrates a dialog window through which a predetermined user exchanges messages with a chat counterpart. If the messages relate to a particular subject (e.g., "movie") and one of them contains a keyword, the keyword string is marked (e.g., underlined) in order to inform a user of a fact that there are related contents.

[136] When the user identifies the keyword string and selects it, information on the keyword for requesting contents is provided to the Web server. The Web server analyzes the contents request information on the keyword, and searches the contents for the keyword, or searches and prepares contents for the keyword in the format of a corresponding template to provide the resultant contents to the dialog window.

[137] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary template for a keyword "movie" that has been requested. As shown in the drawing, it is recognized that the template is optimized to the limited size of the contents browsing area extended from a part of the dialog window. The template of the contents may include various items for a thumbnail image of the movie, basic information, a link for subsequent information, and a still-cut image of the movie. At the same time, keywords associated with contents of other services of the same provider are also included. Recent news articles, reviews, or survey reports (e.g., UCCs) for the movies may be further included. In addition, a business space may be prepared from the viewpoint of profits, and information on movie ranks may be further included. That is, all of the above pieces of information are collectively displayed on the contents display area in the limited contents browsing area.

[138] FIG. 12 illustrates exemplary contents that can be provided in the format of the template shown in FIG. 11. It is recognized that basic and detailed pieces of information for the movie are displayed in a concise, clear, and easy-to-see manner. The keywords having the same classification and level may be displayed in a similar manner on the template, so that a user can perform the search with consistency and coherence and obtain desired information in a faster and easier way. The above information may be also presented to a chat counterpart at the same time using a sharing function, "shared view", so that the same information on a talking subject can be effectively shared without significantly modifying the current dialog window.

[139] If a user wants to see more detailed information on a particular movie as shown in

FIG. 13, the user may select a link included in the contents shown in FIG. 12 to see a preview of the movie. Also, this preview may be shared with a chat counterpart using the shared- view function. Additionally, control information for reproducing the video such as a preview may be synchronized between sharing users by designating a user who requests the shared- view as a master, so that users can exchange messages using the dialog window while simultaneously watching the same contents. Alternatively, regardless of the request for the sharing, the control information may be transmitted to a chat counterpart when there is any control operation for reproducing videos, so that the reproduction state controlled by an arbitrary user can be shared.

[140] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary interface for requesting sharing to a chat counterpart when the "shared- view" function is performed during displaying the contents. The contents may be shared without condition as soon as the sharing request is issued. Alternatively, as shown in the drawing, a user may be asked whether or not accepts the sharing or what kind of contents will be shared in order to allow the contents to be shared only when the chat counterpart accepts it depending on status of the chatting.

[141] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary interface for providing a new service relating to a movie through a link in association with FIGS. 12 to 14. In this example, a reservation of the movie tickets can be collectively processed only using a contents browser which is subordinated to the dialog window after a user reviews the contents relating to the movie while chats on the dialog window of the messenger. A reservation system or service for this purpose may be independently designed for a messenger having a keyword search function (in at least an interface part).

[142] If a user selects a link relating to the reservation after reviews the contents on the movie, contents for reserving movie tickets for the selected movie are presented as shown in the drawing. A user may select a desired movie title, theatre, and show-time by handling the contents.

[143] Referring to FIG. 16, a reservation result is presented in synchronization with the contents browsing area. The reservation result may be shared with a chat counterpart using a "shared-view" function, or other information may be further shared in addition to the information presented in the drawing. For example, strings about the reservation may be presented to a chat counterpart in the format of messages through a sharing function, or an SMS (short-messaging service) message may be sent to inform the reservation result. Information on detailed appointment place and time may be separately presented through an "appointment" function. This allows related information to be associated and shared, and important information to be separately managed beyond a simple contents sharing function.

[144] In FIG. 16, it is recognized that information on the location of a theatre is presented on the bottom of a reservation result notification part. This also shows that associated contents that can be classified into local information can be presented based on substantial relationship even when the contents on the movies are processed.

[145] FIGS. 17 to 20 illustrate exemplary contents arrangements for the keywords relating to local information. Map information or local information may be presented. Also, additional information may be presented by selecting a particular part of the map. Also, UCCs about local information can be utilized. A new service such as a coupon service or a reservation service may be real-timely executed while the messages are exchanged using the dialog window.

[146] FIG. 17 illustrates a basic template for keywords relating to local information, and

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of actual contents using the above template.

[147] As shown in the drawings, a map and UCCs information are displayed on a predetermined area, and additional local information such as famous restaurants, running movies or concerts, and theatres are also presented. Also, coupon information or sponsorship information on the corresponding region are presented.

[148] Here, detailed information on a particular region may be obtained based on the map and the UCCs information. Also, information on a particular spot may be presented by using the map as an interface. Therefore, necessary information can be effectively provided even in a limited contents browsing area using an interface easy to obtain additional information.

[149] Considering that teen to thirty agers accustomed to operate a keyboard usually use the messenger, local information on spots frequently discussed by them as a talking subject, and additional information on restaurants, cultures such as concerts and movies, and available coupons near a particular location may be collectively presented on an additional contents browsing area. Also, talks may be facilitated by sharing the above information while operability for the dialog window is maintained. Therefore, It is possible to chat to come to a conclusion only using the messenger without additional special efforts or cumbersome operations.

[150] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another classification of the template. Referring to FIG.

19, the template includes an area for constantly displaying a basic map as well as a plurality of taps for presenting additional local information or remaining area information in consideration of the limited size. This allows a user to effectively see more information without switching to a full screen mode by using the taps in the template. In this case, information on the taps classification may be shared with other chat counterparts in addition to the contents. Information on the taps classification from a user (or a chat counterpart) who requested sharing may be real-timely provided to a chat counterpart, so that the same contents can be always shared.

[151] FIG. 20 illustrates a template for diversely utilizing a map. Referring to FIG. 20, special spots are marked, and information on the spots is provided together with a map. When the special spots are selected, related information is presented on the detailed local information exposure area. If only the identifier of the contents or source/data information is shared when the contents are to be shared, detailed information on the selected spot may be different. Therefore, spot selection of any user can be shared by transmitting information on the spot on the map selected or assigned by a user to the chat counterpart, so that actually displayed contents can be synchronized with each other.

[152] FIG. 21 illustrates a dialog window 600 additionally having an interface for separately presenting a list of exposed keywords. Referring to FIG. 21, strings corresponding to the keywords are marked (e.g., underlined in this example)(63) when the messages input through the message input area 602 or received from other clients are displayed on the message display area 601. In this case, when there is any corresponding keyword, a keyword exposure area 610 is separately created inside the dialog window 600, and keywords found in the exchanged messages are sequentially listed thereon. The selection can be also made on the keywords 611 listed in the keyword exposure area 610. Similar to the selection of a keyword 603 on the message display area 601, related contents are requested to the Web server when a keyword listed in the keyword exposure area 610 is selected. The keywords in the keyword exposure area 610 may be listed in a first-in-first-out manner. Alternatively, more frequently -used keywords may have higher ranks and may be displayed in the upper position of the list, so that they can be always displayed on the keyword exposure area 610 just like a real-time search ranking in a typical search website. The number of clicks may be added beside the keyword, or the frequently- used keywords may be differently colored. This will allow users to easily recognize frequently-used keywords. Particularly, this function is useful when users chat too much. A user is not necessary to scroll a history of past talks on the message display area 601 to find previous keywords. Instead, a user can find desired keywords faster by scrolling the frequently-used keywords listed on the keyword exposure area 610. Such constant exposure of the keywords increases a possibility of selecting the keywords.

Claims

[1] A keyword search system using a messenger, the system comprising: a messenger service server which provides a keyword information in association with a keyword database and relays messages between messenger clients; a web server which manages the keyword database, and has a means for providing contents corresponding to the keyword; and a messenger client which receives the keyword information via the messenger service server, relays user's messages, marks the keyword included in the messages so as to be selected, requests the Web server to provide the contents when the keyword is selected, and displays a response of the request.

[2] The keyword search system according to claim 1 , wherein the messenger client comprises an internal browser means for displaying the contents received from the Web server on a subordinate area of a dialog window for inputting the message.

[3] The keyword search system according to claim 2, wherein the subordinate area of the dialog window is extended from part of the dialog window, and selectively exposed when the contents are displayed.

[4] The keyword search system according to claim 2, wherein the subordinate area of the dialog window is appeared only when the contents are displayed, and is disappeared by sliding when the display of contents stops.

[5] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein, when a string corresponding to the keyword included in the message is substituted with an emoticon, the messenger client marks the emoticon as a keyword.

[6] The keyword search system according to claim 1 , wherein the messenger client receives and stores the keyword information when the messenger client accesses the messenger service server, and real-timely receives and stores additional keywords via the messenger service server in an on-line state.

[7] The keyword search system according to claim 6, wherein the messenger client examines user's messages based on the received keyword information, marks a string corresponding to the keyword by applying at least one of string effects including color, bold, italic, stroke, underline, and box effects to the string, and transmits contents request information corresponding to the keyword to the Web server when a user brings a pointer into the corresponding keyword and selects the keyword.

[8] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the messenger client transmits the contents request information corresponding to the keyword to the Web server based on the received keyword information when the keyword is selected.

[9] The keyword search system according to claim 8, wherein the contents request information includes an address inforamtion or a query.

[10] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the messenger client, when displaying the contents received from the Web server, further comprises an interface to transmit the contents to a chat counterpart in order to allow the same contents to be displayed.

[11] The keyword search system according to claim 10, wherein the contents transmitted to the chat counterpart includes at least one of information on codes or data of the whole contents, information on addresse information or queries of a user who requests the contents, and information on codes or data of a part of the contents.

[12] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server further comprises a means for editing the keyword and information on the contents corresponding to the keyword and providing the edited information to the keyword database.

[13] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server contains keywords, information for searching for the contents corresponding to the keywords, and the contents.

[14] The keyword search system according to claim 13, wherein the contents includes at least one of a dedicated created content which is associated with a particular keyword in a predetermined format and a content which is prepared by obtaining particular information in a predetermined format.

[15] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server has a template appropriate to a classification of the keyword, and contents created in an appropriate template by classifying the keywords are provided to the messenger client.

[16] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server further comprises a means for obtaining real-time keyword change items and providing a corresponding change content to the keyword database, and wherein the messenger service server further comprises a means for providing the changed keyword information to the messenger client in association with the keyword database.

[17] The keyword search system according to claim 16, wherein the Web server obtains high-ranked keywords of real-time search word from an external search service system, or obtains a particular keyword assigned through a predetermined interface to consider the corresponding information as a keyword change item.

[18] The keyword search system according to claim 17, wherein the particular keyword assigned through a predetermined interface is a commercial keyword ordered from an advertiser.

[19] The keyword search system according to claim 17, wherein the Web server classifies the obtained high-ranked keyword of real-time search word based on a predetermined criterion, and prepared corresponding contents based on a template prepared according to the corresponding classification.

[20] The keyword search system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server classifies contents corresponding to a keyword and links provided by the contents corresponding to a keyword, and provides subsequent contents based on a template prepared according to a link classification when the contents corresponding to the link is requested.

[21] The keyword search system according to claim 20, wherein the classification of the link included in the corresponding contents relating to the keyword includes an information providing link, and a link for providing an additional service.

[22] The keyword search system according to claim 21, wherein the link for providing the additional service is a link which requests contents for a reservation.

[23] The keyword search system according to claim 22, wherein the messenger client further comprises a means for displaying contents for a reservation, making a reservation using the contents for a reservation and sharing reservation result with a chat counterpart.

[24] A system for keyword searching in a messenger, the system comprising: a plurality of messenger clients; a messenger service server which is connected to the messenger clients via a communication network and manages accesses and message exchange operations of the messanger clients; and a Web server which processes a contents request from the messenger client, wherein the messenger client detects a keyword included in exchanged messages based on keywords and associative contents information received from the messenger service server, provides associative contents information corresponding to the detected keyword to the Web server when the detected keyword is selected, receives resultant contents from the Web server, displays the resultant contents on an internal browser means, and selectively shares the resultant contents with a chat counterpart; the messenger service server provides the messenger client with the keyword and the associative contents information; and the Web server provides contents having a format prepared according to the keyword classification to the messenger client based on the associative contents information of the messenger client, and provides the messenger service server with the keyword obtained from an edit interface and the associative contents information.

[25] The keyword search system according to claim 24, wherein the messenger client creates an area extended from one side of a dialog window and displays the resultant contents received from the Web server on the created area, and removes the created area when the corresponding display is completed.

[26] The keyword search system according to claim 24, wherein the messenger client comprises: a message processing unit which manages a log-in operation, a message transmission/receipt operation, and a keyword display and selection operation; a keyword management unit which stores received keywords and related information, manages changed keywords, and examines whether or not the keywords and the transmitted/received messages are matched; and an internal browser management unit which displays resultant contents received after the keyword management unit transmits information relating to the selected keyword to the Web server in response to selection of the detected keyword in the message processing unit, and processes determination of whether or not the contents is shared and sharing of the contents when the contents is shared.

[27] The keyword search system according to claim 24, wherein the Web server further comprises a means for receiving the contents request from the messenger client, classifying the requested contents based on the keyword, preparing corresponding contents in a predetermined format, and providing the prepared contents.

[28] A system for keyword searching in a messenger, the system comprising: a plurality of messenger client; a messenger service server which is connected to the messenger clients via a communication network and manages their access and message exchange operations; and a Web server which processes a contents request from the messenger client, wherein the messenger service server relays messages exchanged between the messenger clients, examines a keyword included in the exchanged messages based on previously stored keywords and associative contents information, and provides information on the corresponding message and the keyword to the messenger clients, and the messenger client receives the messages relayed by the messenger service server and the information on the keyword, marks the keyword contained in the message, requests the Web server to provide the contents corresponding to the keyword based on the information on the keyword when the corresponding keyword is selected, receives results of the request from the Web server, displays the results using an internal browser function, transmits the information for selectively sharing the corresponding contents with a chat counterpart.

[29] The keyword search system according to claim 28, wherein the Web server provides the messenger client with contents in a format prepared for each classification of the keyword in response to a request for the contents corresponding to the keyword from the messenger client, and provides the messenger service server with a keyword obtained from an edit interface and associative contents information.

[30] A method of keyword searching in a messenger, the method comprising: a message exchanging process for exchanging messages between messenger clients via a messenger service server in response to operation of the messenger client; a keyword displaying process for marking a keyword contained in the exchanged message based on keywords previously stored in the messenger client; a contents requesting process for, when a particular keyword is selected, requesting the Web server to provide corresponding contents using information on the selected keyword; a contents transmitting process for transmitting contents optimized to the corresponding keyword and a display environment of the messenger client based on the information on the selected keyword when the Web server receives the request for contents; and a contents displaying process for displaying the corresponding contents on a partial area connected to a dialog window using an internal browser function as the messenger client receives the contents.

[31] The keyword search method according to claim 30, further comprising a shared contents transmitting process for sharing the same contents by providing a messenger client of a chatting counterpart with at least one of the displayed contents in the contents displaying process, partial codes information of the displayed contents, related keywords for requesting the displayed contents, and addresses or queries for the displayed contents.

[32] The keyword search method according to claim 30, further comprising, a shared contents displaying process for, when the messenger client receives from the messenger client of the chatting counterpart at least one of the displayed contents in the contents displaying process, partial codes information of the displayed contents, related keywords for requesting the displayed contents, and addresses or queries for the displayed contents, creating a partial area connected to a dialog window using an internal browser function and displaying the received at least one of the displayed contents in the contents displaying process, partial codes information of the displayed contents, related keywords for requesting the displayed contents, and addresses or queries for the displayed contents.

[33] The keyword search method according to claim 30, further comprising a keyword transmitting process for, by the messenger client, accessing the messenger service server to perform an authentication process before the message exchanging process, and receiving information for a messenger service, and, by the messenger service server, transmitting the keyword information to the messenger client.

[34] The keyword search method according to claim 30, further comprising a realtime keyword transmitting process for, by the messenger service server, real- timely transmitting the keyword to the messenger client in a periodic or non- periodic manner.

[35] The keyword search method according to claim 30, further comprising a changed keyword transmitting process for, by the Web server, real-timely obtaining information on a changed keyword, and providing the messenger service server with information on the changed keyword, and, by the messanger service server, providing the messanger clients with the information on the changed keyword.

[36] The keyword search method according to claim 35, further comprising a keyword addition process for, by the Web server, obtaining high-ranked keywords of real-time search words from an external search service system, or obtaining a particular keyword assigned through a predetermined interface, and considering the high-ranked keywords of real-time search words or the particular keyword and corresponding contents as information on the changed keyword.

[37] The keyword search method according to claim 36, wherein the particular keyword assigned through a predetermined interface is a commercial keyword ordered by an advertiser.

[38] The keyword search method according to claim 36, wherein, in the keyword addition process, the Web server classifies the obtained high-ranked keywords according to a predetermined criterion, and prepares corresponding contents based on a template created according to the classification.

[39] The keyword search method according to claim 36, wherein, in the keyword addition process, the Web server classifies the particular keyword assigned through a predetermined interface according to a predetermined criterion, and obtains and stores contents previously prepared based on a template created according to the classification.

[40] The keyword search method according to claim 30, wherein, in the keyword displaying process, a string corresponding to the keyword contained in the exchanged message is marked using at least one of color, bold, italic, stroke, underline, and box effects.

[41] The keyword search method according to claim 30, wherein, in the keyword displaying process, when a string corresponding to the keyword contained in the message is changed into an emoticon, the emoticon is also marked as a keyword.

[42] The keyword search method according to claim 30, wherein, in the contents transmitting process, the Web server classifies contents corresponding to the keyword and a link provided in the corresponding contents, and providing subsequent contents based on a template created according to the classification of the link when the contents corresponding to the link are requested.

[43] The keyword search method according to claim 42, wherein the classification of the link contained in the contents corresponding to the keyword includes a link for providing information or a link for providing additional services.

[44] The keyword search method according to claim 43, wherein the link for providing additional services is a link for requesting contents for a reservation.

[45] The keyword search method according to claim 44, wherein the messenger client further comprises a means for displaying contents for a reservation, making a reservation using the contents for a reservation and sharing information on a reservation result with a chat counterpart.

[46] The keyword search method according to claim 30, wherein the message exchanging process further comprises a keyword extraction process for, by the messenger service server, detecting strings contained in the message exchanged between the messenger clients, extracting a high-ranked keyword, and transmitting to the Web server the extracted keyword as a new keyword.

[47] The keyword search method according to claim 30, wherein, in the contents displaying process, a partial area connected to a dialog window is appeared only when the contents are displayed, and the partial area is disappeared when the contents display is terminated, while an animation method is applied when the partial area is appeared or disappeared.

[48] A method of keyword searching in a messenger, the method comprising: marking a keyword contained in the message based on keywords previously stored in the messenger client when messages are exchanged between messenger clients via a messenger service server; receiving from a Web server contents corresponding to the marked keyword using related information on the keyword when the marked keyword is selected; creating an extended area in a part of a dialog window which is an interface of the messenger client and displaying the received contents on the extended area; and selectively sharing the same contents by selectively providing the messenger client of a chat counterpart with information on classification of the displayed contents.

[49] A computer-readable recording medium having embodied thereon a computer program for the method of any one of claims 30 through 48.