WO2015027907A1

WO2015027907A1 - Methods and systems for visiting user groups

Info

Publication number: WO2015027907A1
Application number: PCT/CN2014/085247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fan Yang
Original assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited
Priority date: 2013-08-27
Filing date: 2014-08-27
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Also published as: CN104426742B; CN104426742A

Abstract

A method and system for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account; sending a visitor interface to the user group to the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by a server of the instant messaging system; and receiving a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface. The method further includes sending a service interface to the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group, the service interface providing access to one or more pre-determined services.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VISITING USER GROUPS

CRO S S-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Related Applications

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201310378884.x, filed on August 27, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present disclosure relates to communication technologies and, more particularly, to methods and systems for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Instant messaging refers to an Internet-based real-time exchange of messages. Instant messaging users can use user terminals to communicate with other users. Specifically, a user may apply for an account from an instant messaging server. The user may then log into the account on a user terminal, and communicate with other users through the user terminal. The account may be an identification of the user. In particular, an instant messaging system may have user groups and functions specific to user groups (e.g., group chat). Multiple users may simultaneously communicate, run applications, and share data in a user group. A user may use an account to visit a user group. The visiting user may also use the services available to the user group.

[0004] In current instant messaging systems, a user account may control a user terminal. The user terminal may send a request to the instant messaging server to search for a user group. The server may search for the user group based on the request. The server may also send an interface to join the user group to the user terminal. After the user joins the user group, the user may then visit the user group. The server may also provide to the user terminal the services available to the user group.

[0005] For example, a user may initiate an instance of the instant messaging application and log into the account on the user terminal. The user, through the user terminal, may search for the user group with the group number 123456. The user terminal may send the search request to the sever of the instant messaging system. The server may identify the user group with the group number 123456, and send a link to the interface to join the user group to the user terminal. The user may follow the link and join the user group, and then visit the user group.

[0006] In the current systems, a user often needs to join a user group before he can visit the user group. If the user is not satisfied with the sendees of the user group, he may then choose to unsubscribe from the user group. The activities related to frequent joining or unsubscribing from user groups waste network resources and make user experience cumbersome.

[0007] The disclosed method and system are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLO SURE

[0008] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method, system, mobile device, or a server for visiting user groups online. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure enable users to efficiently navigate user interfaces and visit user groups in an instant messaging system.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The method includes receiving a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account; sending a visitor interface to the user group to the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by a server of the instant messaging system; and receiving a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface. The method further includes sending a service interface to the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group, the service interface making available one or more pre-determined services.

[0010] The method may further include identifying the user group based on the request to search received from the first user terminal; obtaining visitor authority associated with the user group, the visitor authority being defined by a second user account, the second user account being a member of the user group; and sending the visitor interface to the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors to the user group.

[0011] Moreover, the method may further include obtaining pre-determined services associated with the user group. The method may also include receiving a service request from the first user terminal; checking whether the first user account is on a temporary visitor list; and providing the requested service if the first user account is on the temporary visitor list. Finally, the method may include obtaining account information associated with the first user account; checking whether the account information meets a blocking rule; and sending the service interface to the first user terminal if the account information does not meet the blocking rule.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for visiting a user group without joining the group in an instant messaging system. The method includes sending a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account; receiving a visitor interface to the user group at the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by a server of the instant messaging system; sending a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface; and receiving a service interface at the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group. The service interface provides access to one or more pre-determined services.

[0013] The server of the instant messaging system may identify the user group based on the request to search received from the first user terminal and obtain visitor authority associated with the user group. The visitor authority may be defined by a second user account. The second user account may be a member of the user group.

[0014] The method for visiting a user group without joining the group may further include receiving the visitor interface at the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors. The server of the instant messaging system may obtain pre-determined services associated with the user group and check whether the first user account is on a temporary visitor list.

[0015] The method for visiting a user group without joining the group may further include sending a service request from the first user terminal and receiving requested service if the first user account is on the temporary visitor list. The server of the instant messaging system may obtain account information associated with the first user account and check whether the account information meets a blocking rule. Finally, the method may further include receiving the service interface at the first user terminal if the account information does not meet the blocking rule.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for visiting a user group without joining the group in an instant messaging system. The system includes a server. The server includes a first receiving module configured to receive a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account; and a first feedback module configured to send a visitor interface to the user group to the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by a server of the instant messaging system. The first receiving module is further configured to receive a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface. The first feedback module is also configured to send a service interface to the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group. The service interface provides access to one or more pre-determined services.

[0017] The server may further include a first confirming module configured to identify the user group based on the request to search for the user group received from the first user terminal and a first obtaining module configured to obtain visitor authority associated with the user group. The visitor authority is defined by a second user account. The second user account is a member of the user group. The first feedback module is further configured to send the visitor interface to the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors. Finally, the server may include an obtaining unit configured to obtain pre-determined services associated with the user group and a feedback unit configured to send the service interface to the first user terminal. [0018] Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and the drawings of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To illustrate embodiments of the invention, the following are a few drawings illustrating embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2A is another flow chart of a method for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2B is another flow chart of a method for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram of exemplary visitor authority levels consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 is an exemplary user interface consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is another exemplary user interface consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is another block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary operating environment incorporating certain disclosed embodiments; and

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DES CRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments consistent with the disclosure will be described with reference to drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is apparent that the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the disclosed embodiment, persons of ordinary skill in the art may derive other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, all of which are within the scope of the present invention. [0032] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary online computer environment 900 incorporating certain disclosed embodiments. As shown in Figure 9, environment 900 may include user terminals 904 and 914, a network 903, and a server 902. The network 903 may include any appropriate type of communication network for providing network connections to the user terminals 904 and 914, and the server 902. For example, network 903 may include the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), or other types of computer networks or telecommunication networks, either wired or wireless.

[0033] A server, as used herein, may refer to one or more server computers configured to provide certain functionalities, such as functions of the instant messaging system. A server may also include one or more processors to execute computer programs in parallel. The server 902 may include any appropriate server computers configured to provide certain server functionalities, such as storing information submitted by a user terminal or information related to the user's requests.

Although only one server is shown, any number of servers can be included. The server 902 may operate in a cloud or non-cloud computing environment.

[0034] User terminals 904 and 914 may include any appropriate type of mobile computing devices, such as iOS devices (e.g., an iPhone or iPad) or devices using any other computing platforms. User terminals 904 and 914 may include one or more client applications 901 and 911. The client applications 901 and 911, as used herein, may include any appropriate software application, hardware application, or a combination thereof to achieve certain client functionalities. For example, client applications 901 and 911 may be an instant messaging application such as WeChat. Any number of client applications 901 and 911 may be included in the environment 900.

[0035] In one embodiment, the user terminal 904 may connect to a server 902 to upload or download data for an instant messaging session. A user may use client application 901 to request access to or communicate with other users or user groups. The user terminal 914, through application 911, may request viewing or participating in the activities of a user group. The user terminal 914 may be controlled by a user who is not a member of the requested user group. The user terminal 904 may be controlled by a member of the user group. The server 902 may determine whether the user terminal 914 can access the user group of which the user terminal 904 is a member.

[0036] User terminals 904/914 and server 902 may be implemented on any appropriate computing platform. Figure 10 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 1000 capable of implementing user terminals 904/914 and server 902.

[0037] As shown in Figure 10, computer system 1000 may include a processor 1002, storage medium 1004, a monitor 1006, a communication module 1006, a database 1010, and peripherals 1012. Certain devices may be omitted and other devices may be included.

[0038] Processor 1002 may include any appropriate processor or processors. Further, processor 1002 can include multiple cores for multi-thread or parallel processing. Storage medium 1004 may include memory modules, such as Read-only memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory modules, and erasable and rewritable memory, and mass storages, such as CD-ROM, U-disk, and hard disk, etc. Storage medium 1004 may store computer programs for implementing various processes, when executed by processor 1002.

[0039] Further, peripherals 1012 may include I/O devices such as keyboard and mouse, and communication module 1006 may include network devices for establishing connections through the communication network. Database 1010 may include one or more databases for storing certain data and for performing certain operations on the stored data, such as database searching.

[0040] In operation, the user terminal/client application 904/901 may submit or retrieve data from server 902 to manage visitor to a user group in an instant messaging system. Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a method for visiting user groups. The method may be implemented by an instant messaging system. The user may use a smartphone, a laptop computer, or other smart devices and user terminals to initiate an instant messaging session. The method shown in Figure 1 includes steps 101-105.

[0041] In step 101, a first user may log into a first user account. The first user may initiate the instant messaging session on a first user terminal. The user may send a request for visiting a user group through the first user terminal to a server of the instant messaging system. The first user account is not a member of the user group. The server may provide a visitor user interface for the user to access the user group. The visitor interface of the user group may be configured by the server of the instant messaging system.

[0042] The user applies to the server of the instant messaging system to set up a first user account. The user may log into the first user account using the first user terminal. The first user terminal may present content to the user in a user interface based on information related to the first user account. The user may control the first user terminal by operating functional links or buttons presented by the first user terminal. Information related to the first user account may include data related to friends of the user account. The user terminal may present a list of friends of the first user account to the user. The user may click on the names of one of the friends to communicate with the friend's account.

[0043] Further, the first user account may join the user group and use services available to the user group. For example, within the user group, multiple users may simultaneously communicate, share data, and run applications. In this embodiment, if the first user account is not a member of the user group and wishes to visit the user group, the server of the instant messaging system may provide the user a visitor interface. The server may provide visitors who are not members the visitor interface. The visitor may then visit the user group without needing to join the user group. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus avoid unnecessary activities related to frequent joining or unsubscribing from user groups and avoid wasting network resources and making user experience cumbersome

[0044] Specifically, the server of the instant messaging system may send a link through the visitor interface of the user group to the first user terminal. The first user terminal may present the visitor interface to the user. The user may then go to the visitor interface. The user may send a visit request through the first user terminal (controlled by the first user account). The first user terminal may send the visit request to the server of the instant messaging system through a wired or wireless network.

[0045] In step 102, the server of the instant messaging system may receive the request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal. The first user terminal is being controlled by the first user account. The server may receive the request through a wired or wireless network.

[0046] In step 103, the server may provide a service interface to the first user terminal. The service interface may provide access to the user group. The service interface may also provide access to pre-determined services that are available to visitors (those who have not joined the user group). Specifically, the server may first check that the first user account is not a member of the user group. The server may then provide a link to the service interface to the first user terminal. The service interface may provide access to the user group. The service interface may also provide access to services that are available to visitors, which may be the full set or a subset of the services available to the users in the user group. Further, the server may provide the service interface or a link to the service interface through a wired or wireless network.

[0047] In step 104, the first user terminal may receive the service interface or a link to the service interface. The first user terminal may connect to the interface through a wired or wireless network.

[0048] In step 105, the first user account may use the first user terminal to initiate a service provided through the service interface. The first user terminal may display the service interface in its user interface. The user may click a link to a service listed in the user interface and activate the service.

[0049] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The user may use a first user account to control a first user terminal. The user may then send a request to visit a user group. The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group and provide the user with a visitor interface to access the user group. The user does not need to join the user group. The user may use the visitor interface provided by the server to initiate services available to a visitor, which may be all or a subset of the services available to the users of the user group. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit the user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[0050] Figure 2 shows another method for providing visitor access to a user group. The method shown in Figure 2 includes steps 201-208.

[0051] In step 201, a first user account may user a first user terminal to send a search request to search for certain user group(s) to a server of an instant messaging system. The first user account belongs to a user. The user may log into the first user account on the first user terminal. The first user terminal may arrange the user interface based on the information related to the first user account. The user may operate the first user terminal while logged in. Information related to the first user account may include information of friends or friend accounts. For example, the first user terminal may list the friends of the first user account in the user interface. The user may click a friend's account to communicate with the friend.

[0052] When the first user account decides to visit a user group using the first user terminal, the first user account may send a request for the server to search for the user group. The search request may include information related to the user group. For example, the user may enter one or more keywords into a search interface provided by the first user terminal. The first user terminal may send the keywords with the search request. The keywords may be the use group number of the user group, words included in the name of the user group, etc. Alternatively, the user may send a request with one or more keywords from an internet browser to the server of the instant messaging system. The first user terminal may also display a list of user groups. The user may select a user group from the displayed list and send identification of the user group to the server of the instant messaging system to request visiting the group.

[0053] In step 202, the server of the instant messaging system may search for the desired user group based on information received with the search request. The server may check the visitor authority associated with the user group. The visitor authority of the user group may be defined by a second user account through a second user terminal. The second user account is a member of the user group. If the visitor authority associated with the user group allows visitors to the group, the server may provide a visitor interface to the first user terminal.

[0054] The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group based on the keywords included in the search request sent from the first user terminal. For example, if the search request includes a keyword, the server of the instant messaging system may identify one or more user groups with the user group names or user group descriptions including the keywords (or part of the keyword(s)).

[0055] Not all user groups allow visitors. Visitors are not members of the user group. The users of a user group may set the visitor authority for the user group. The server of the instant messaging system may then determine whether to provide a visitor interface to the first user terminal depending on the visitor authority defined for the user group. The visitor authority may define whether the user group allows visitors to access some or all of the services available to the user group. The visitor authority may also define the type of user accounts (or other traits of the user account) that may be provided with the visitor interface.

[0056] Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit the user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify the management of instant messaging user groups.

[0057] In one embodiment, a server of the instant messaging system may define the visitor authority of a user group. In another embodiment, a second user account may use a second user terminal to define the visitor authority of a user group. The second user account may be a member account of the user group. In one embodiment, to ensure the security of the user group, the second user account may be a host of the user group. In this case, only a host of the user group may define the visitor authority associated with the user group.

[0058] For example, Figure 3 shows an exemplary user interface for setting the visitor authority of a user group. As shown in Figure 3, a second user terminal may display a page for "Public user group" selection page. The host of the user group may select "Allow visitors to the user group" selection. The instant messaging system may generate the visitor authority data based on the input of the host. The second user terminal may send the visitor authority information to the server of the instant messaging system. For example, if the host sets the visitor authority to "Allow visitors to the user group," as shown in Figure 3, the server may provide the visitor interface to any user who searches for this user group. If the host does not select "Allow visitors to the user group," the user group will not give access to visitors who are not a member of the user group.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2B, after the first user terminal requests to search for a user group (211), the server may identify the requested user group. The server may then check the visitor authority of the user group (212). If the visitor authority of the user group allows public access to the group, the server of the instant messaging system may provide the visitor interface to the first user terminal (214). If the visitor authority of the user group does not allow public access to the group, the server of the instant messaging system may provide an interface for joining the user group to the first user terminal (213). The first user terminal may first join the user group, and then visit the user group.

[0060] Further, as shown in Figure 2B, if the visitor authority of the user group allows public access to the group, the server may also provide the interface for joining the user group to the first user terminal together with the visitor interface (215). The first user terminal may then choose to visit the group as a visitor (216) or to first join the user group (213) and then visit the group as a member.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first user terminal may send an identification of the first user account together with the search request to the server of the instant messaging system. The server may then identify the desired user group, and then check whether the first user account is a member account of the user group. If the first user account is a member of the user group, then the server may provide an interface that makes available all member services.

[0062] The server of the instant messaging system may further mark the user groups allowing public access. For example, if the visitor authority of a user group is set to "Allow visitors to the user group," the server may mark the user group as a public user group. Users may search for and visit user groups marked as public user groups.

[0063] In step 203, the first user terminal may receive the visitor interface from the server of the instant messaging system if the visitor authority of the user group allows visitors. The first user terminal may display the visitor interface. The first user terminal may also display the interface for joining the user group.

[0064] In step 204, the first user account may use the first user terminal to send a visit request to the server of the instant messaging system. The visitor interface may be configured by the server to provide access for a visitor of the user group. The visitor is not a member of the user group.

Specifically, the user may click links or buttons on the visitor interface to send the visit request to the server. The first user terminal may send the request through a wired or wireless network.

[0065] In step 205, the server of the instant messaging system may receive from the first user terminal the visit request. The server may receive the request through a wired or wireless network. In step 206, the server of the instant messaging system may provide a service interface, which provides access to pre-determined services to the first user terminal. The pre-determined services are services that the user group has made available to visitors to the group.

[0066] In one embodiment, a server of the instant messaging system may determine that the first user account is not a member of the user group. The server may send the service interface to provide the pre-determined services. The pre-determined services are services made available to non- member visitors. The pre-determined services may be all of or a sub-set of the user group member services. The server may use a wired or wireless network to send the service interface to the first user terminal.

[0067] Further, the server may define the pre-determined services of a user group. In one embodiment, a second user account may use a second user terminal to define the pre-determined services of the user group. The second user account may be a member account of the user group. The step of providing an interface with the pre-determined services may further include the following steps.

[0068] First, the server of the instant messaging system may obtain the pre-determined services and the service interface. The pre-determined services may be configured or modified by a second user account that is a member of the user group. To ensure the integrity of the user group data and access, in one embodiment, only a host of the user group may be allowed to configure or modify the service information.

[0069] The second user terminal may display a selection for "Service configuration" to the second user account. The selection for "Service configuration" may provide a drop-down list of all services available to the users in the user group. The second user account may select one or more of the services and generate the service information. The second user terminal may then send the service information to the server of the instant messaging system.

[0070] For example, the "Service configuration" may list a service "Allowing visitor to speak." If the second user account selects this service, the service information will indicate that a visitor can speak in the user group. Speaking within the user group is thus a pre-determined service made available to visitors of the user group. If the second user account does not select the service, the service information will indicate that a visitor is not given the privilege to speak in the user group. In this case, speaking is not a pre-determined service made available to visitors of the user group.

[0071] To ensure the security of the user group and avoid disturbance from malicious accounts, the server may also set blocking rules. If a user account meets one or more of the blocking rules, the server may not provide the service interface to the user account. Further, before the server provides the service interface to the first user terminal with pre-determined services, the server may execute the following steps.

[0072] First, the server may obtain the account information of the first user account. The server may then check whether the first user account information meets one or more of the blocking rules. If the first user account does not meet any blocking rules, then the server sends the service interface to the first user terminal, offering access to pre-determined services.

[0073] A blocking rule may be whether a user account is on a blacklist. The server may receive the account information of the first user account. The account information may include an account identification of the first user account. The server may then use the account information to check whether the first user account is on the blacklist. If the first user account is on the blacklist, then the server will not send a service interface to the first user account. If the first user account is not on the blacklist, then the server will send the visitor interface to the first user account.

[0074] In some embodiments, the blacklist may be composed by the server based on various statistics, such as a user account's past postings, the number user complaints related to a user account, etc. In some embodiments, the blacklist may be composed by a member of the user group and be referred to as the user group blacklist. For example, a blacklist may be composed by a host of the user group. The host may add the accounts, which have posted advertisements in the user group onto the user group blacklist. The host may then send the user group blacklist to the server. When the server of the instant messaging system decides whether to send a service interface to the first user terminal, it may first check whether the first user account is on the blacklist. If not, the server may further check whether the first user account is on the user group blacklist. Checking against two blacklists enables the server to screen out user accounts with better accuracy.

[0075] In step 207, the first user terminal receives the service interface providing access to the pre-determined services. The first user terminal may receive the service interface through a wired or wireless network. The first user terminal may display the interface. The first user terminal may also block the access to the services that are not available. For example, Figure 4 shows an

exemplary interface of the service interface. As shown in Figure 4, the visitor may not have the authority to talk in the user group. That is, if the server does not make available the speak function, the first user terminal may display a line, "Visitor cannot speak in group," in the user input region. Further, the "Send" button in the user input region may be disabled.

[0076] Figure 5 shows another exemplary service interface. In this case, the server has provided the "speak" service. The first user account may then use the first user terminal to enter the text "Hello." The first user account may then click the "Send" button to send the greeting to the user group.

[0077] In step 208, the first user account may use the first user terminal to initiate one or more of the pre-determined services made available through the service interface. The first user terminal may display the service interface received from the server. The user may click on the service interface to initiate any of the services listed. For example, Figure 5 shows a service interface with a "Chat" service and a "My space" service.

[0078] In addition, the server of the instant messaging system may limit the functions of the pre-determined services. For example, a pre-determined service may be audio chat that enables a user to take over the microphone from another user. The server may limit the audio chat function for a visitor to be without the ability to take over the microphone (i.e., the visitor would wait for his turn to speak). Such limitations on services may be set by the server or a user of the user group. The user may be the host of the user group. In some embodiments, to improve security, the limitations to predetermined service may only be set by the host of the user group.

[0079] After the first user terminal receives the service interface with pre-determined services, the first user account may use the first user terminal to initiate a service through the service interface. The server may check whether the first user account is on a list of temporary visitors. If so, the server may send the requested service to the first user terminal. The temporary visitor list may be the list of user accounts that have visited the user group through the visitor interface but have not joined the user group. If the first user account is not on the temporary visitor list, the first user may not initiate any pre-determined services.

[0080] The server may add the first user account onto the temporary visitor list when the first user account, who is not a member of the user group, uses the visitor interface. The temporary visitor list may include all user accounts that are not members of the user group but have used the visitor interface. When the server receives a request to initiate one of the pre-determined services from the first user account, it may check whether the first user account is on the temporary visitor list. Using the visitor list may block unauthorized user accounts from accessing the pre-determined services and improve the security of the user group visits. Figure 5 shows an exemplary temporary visitor list.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first user terminal may obtain the temporary visitor list stored in a server of the instant messaging system. Once the first user terminal receives the temporary visitor list, it may check whether the first user account is on the list. If the first user account is on the list, the first user terminal may send a request for service to the server. If the first user account is not on the list, the first user terminal may reject the user's attempt to send a request for service to the server. This screening process implemented by the first user terminal may avoid sending invalid service requests to the server and save network resources. Further, the screening process may reduce the burden on the server of the instant messaging system to screen the service requests later in the process, and make the instant messaging system more efficient.

[0082] Further, after the first user terminal obtains the temporary visitor list, the first user terminal may display the list to various users. Other users may then check the temporary visitor list to find a user account, such as the first user account, and communicate with that user account.

[0083] In addition, after the first user account uses the first user terminal to initiate a predetermined service, it the user is satisfied with the service, it may join the user group through the interface to joining the user group. If the user is not satisfied with the service, it may close the session of the user group and terminate the visit session to the group. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit a user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus may save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[0084] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The user may use a first user account to control a first user terminal. The user may then send a request to visit a user group. The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group and provide the user with a visitor interface to access the user group. The visitor interface may be configured by the server of the instant messaging system for the user group. The user does not need to join the user group. The user may then send a service request to the server from the visitor interface. The server may present a service interface to the user. The user may use the service interface provided by the server to initiate pre-determined services available to a visitor, which may be all or a subset of the services available to the users of the user group. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or

unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit a user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[0085] In addition, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may obtain account information related to the first user account and check whether the account information meets one or more blocking rules. If the account information does not meet a blocking rule, then the server of the instant messaging system may provide a service interface to the first user account. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus screen the visitors to a user group and avoid disturbance from unwanted user accounts. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus improve the security of user visits to the user groups.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups. The system for visiting user groups includes a server, a first user terminal, and a second user terminal. The server includes a first receiving module 60 land a first feedback module 602. The first user terminal includes a first sending module 701, a service interface receiving module 702, and a calling module 703.

[0087] The first receiving module 601 of the server may receive a request for visit from the first user terminal. The request may be sent by the first user account through the first user terminal. The server may configure the visitor interface for the user group. The visitor interface may be provided to visitors who have not joined the user group. The first user account is an account that has not joined the user group.

[0088] The first receiving module 601 of the server may receive a request for a predetermined service from the first user terminal. The server may send a requested service interface to the first user terminal using the first feedback module 602. The pre-determined services are services made available to visitors who have not joined the user group. The service interface provides access one or more pre-determined services.

[0089] The service interface receiving module 702 may receive the service interface from the server. The pre-determined services are services made available to visitors who have not joined the user group. The service interface provides access to one or more pre-determined services. The calling module 703 may initiate one or more of the pre-determined services presented through the service interface received by the service interface receiving module 702.

[0090] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The user may use a first user account to control a first user terminal. The user may then send a request to visit a user group. The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group and provide the user with a visitor interface to access the user group. The visitor interface may be configured by the server for the user group. The user does not need to join the user group. The user may then send a service request to the server from the visitor interface. The server may present a service interface to the user. The user may use the service interface provided by the server to initiate pre-determined services available to a visitor, which may be all or a subset of the services available to the users of the user group. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit a user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[0091] Figure 7 shows another block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups. The system includes a server, a first user terminal, and a second user terminal. The server includes a first receiving module 601 and a first feedback module 602. The first user terminal includes a first sending module 701, a service interface receiving module 702, and a calling module 703.

[0092] The first receiving module 601 of the server may receive a request for visit to a server of the instant messaging system. The request may be sent by the first user account through the first user terminal. The server may configure the visitor interface for the user group. The visitor interface is provided to visitors who have not joined the user group. The first user account is an account that has not joined the user group.

[0093] The first receiving module 601 of the server may receive a request for a predetermined service from the first user terminal. The server may send a requested service interface to the first user terminal using the first feedback module 602. The pre-determined services are services made available to visitors who have not joined the user group. The service interface provides access to initiate one or more pre-determined services.

[0094] The service interface receiving module 702 may receive the service interface from the server. The pre-determined services are services made available to visitors who have not joined the user group. The service interface provides access to one or more pre-determined services. The calling module 703 may initiate one or more of the pre-determined services presented through the service interface received by the service interface receiving module 702. [0095] Further, the server includes a first confirming module 603. The first confirming module 603 may confirm the user group requested by the first user account through the first user terminal to the server of the instant messaging system. The server further includes an obtaining module 604. The obtaining module 604 may obtain the visitor authority of the user group. The visitor authority may be defined by the second user account through the second user terminal. The second user account is a member of the user group. The server further includes a second feedback module 605. After the obtaining module 604 obtains the visitor authority of the user group, if visitors are allowed in the user group, the second feedback module 604 may send the visit interface to the first user terminal.

[0096] The first feedback module 602 may further include an obtaining unit 602A and a feedback unit 602 B. The obtaining unit 602 A may obtain pre-determined services related to the user group. The feedback unit 602B may send service interface to the first user terminal.

[0097] Further, the server further includes a second receiving module 606 and a third feedback module 607. The second receiving module 606 may receive the request from the first user account to initiate one of the pre-determined services. When the first user account is on the temporary visitor list, the third feedback module 607 may send the requested service to the first user terminal. The temporary visitor list includes user accounts that are not members of the user group but have used the user group's visitor interface.

[0098] In addition, the server further includes a retrieving module 608, a verification module 609, and a second confirming module 610. The retrieving module 608 retrieves the account information of the first user account before the first feedback module 602 sends the service interface for the pre-determined services to the first user terminal. The verification module 609 verifies whether the account information retrieved by the retrieving module 608 meets one of the blocking rules. The second confirming module 610 confirms the results of the verification module 609, and determines whether to send the service interface to the first user terminal.

[0099] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The user may use a first user account to control a first user terminal. The user may then send a request to visit a user group. The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group and provide the user with a visitor interface to access the user group. The visitor interface may be configured by the server for the user group. The user does not need to join the user group. The user may then send a service request to the server from the visitor interface. The server may present a service interface to the user. The user may use the service interface provided by the server to initiate pre-determined services available to a visitor, which may be all or a subset of the services available to the users of the user group. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit a user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[00100] In addition, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may obtain account information related to the first user account and check whether the account information meets one or more blocking rules. If the account information does not meet a blocking rule, then the server of the instant messaging system may provide a service interface to the first user account. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus screen the visitors to a user group and avoid disturbance from problem accounts. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus improve the security of user visits to the user groups.

[00101] Figure 8 shows another block diagram of an exemplary system for visiting user groups. The system includes a server 801, a first user terminal 802, and a second user terminal 803.

[00102] The second user account may use the second user terminal 803 to set the visitor authority and send the information to the server 801. The second user account may be a member of the user group. The server 801 may be the server described in relation to Figures 6 or 7. The first user terminal 802 may be the first user terminal described in relation to Figures 6 or 7.

[00103] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide a method for visiting user groups in an instant messaging system. The user may use a first user account to control a first user terminal. The user may then send a request to visit a user group. The server of the instant messaging system may search for the user group and provide the user with a visitor interface to access the user group. The visitor interface may be configured by the server for the user group. The user does not need to join the user group. The user may then send a service request to the server from the visitor interface. The server may present a service interface to the user. The user may use the service interface provided by the server to initiate pre-determined services available to a visitor, which may be all or a subset of the services available to the users of the user group. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus avoid unnecessarily subscribing or unsubscribing to a user group by providing a method to visit a user group through a visitor interface. Embodiments consistent with present disclosure thus save network resources and simplify management of instant messaging user groups.

[00104] In addition, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may obtain account information related to the first user account and check whether the account information meets one or more blocking rules. If the account information does not meet a blocking rule, then the server of the instant messaging system may provide a service interface to the first user account. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus screen the visitors to a user group and avoid disturbance from problem accounts. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure thus improve the security of user visits to the user groups

[00105] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory storage medium storing a computer program are provided to implement the system and method for visiting user groups. The one or more non-transitory storage medium may be installed in a computer or provided separately from a computer. A computer may read the computer program from the storage medium and execute the program to perform the methods consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium may be a magnetic storage medium, such as hard disk, floppy disk, or other magnetic disks, a tape, or a cassette tape. The storage medium may also be an optical storage medium, such as optical disk (for example, CD or DVD). The storage medium may further be semiconductor storage medium, such as DRAM, SRAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or memory stick.

[00106] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[00107] Without limiting the scope of any claim and/or the specification, examples of industrial applicability and certain advantageous effects of the disclosed embodiments are listed for illustrative purposes. Various alternations, modifications, or equivalents to the technical solutions of the disclosed embodiments can be obvious to those skilled in the art and can be included in this disclosure.

[00108] By using the disclosed methods and systems, various systems for visiting user groups can be implemented. For example, in an instant messaging system such as WeChat, a smartphone may implement the embodiments discussed above. A first WeChat user may user a first smart device to search for a user group with a name containing keyword A. A server of the WeChat system may search the user groups to identify the user groups with keyword A in its name. The server may then present a list of user groups to the first user. The user may request to visit one of the presented user groups. The server may check whether the requested user group permits visitors to the group. If so, the server may send a visitor interface to the first user so that the user can visit the requested user group. If the requested user group does not accept visitors, the server may send an interface for joining the user group to the first user. The first user may join the user group through the interface and then visit the user group. When the first WeChat user receives the visitor interface from the server, the first user may click on a link or a button on the interface to request a service. The WeChat server may then obtain the account information of the first user and check whether the first user meets any of the blocking rules (e.g., blocking advertisers) of the user group. If the first user does not meet any blocking rule, the server may send a service interface to the first user. The first user may then use the service provided without needing to join the user group.

[00109] In some embodiments, the first WeChat user may be a host of a first user group. The first user may request that a second user group allow all members of the first user group to visit. The server may check the visitor authority set by the second user group. If group visits are permitted, the server may send a visitor interface to all members of the first user group. Each user of the first user group may then visit the second user group using the visitor interface. The users may request services of the second user group. The server may apply the screening processes to each individual user or to the user group to determine whether a service interface will be provided to an individual user or to all the users in the first user group. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may thus enable safe "group visits" between different user groups.

Claims

1. A method for visiting a user group without joining the group in an instant messaging system, comprising:

receiving a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account;

sending a visitor interface to the user group to the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by a server of the instant messaging system;

receiving a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface; and

sending a service interface to the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group, the service interface providing access to one or more pre-determined services.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

identifying the user group based on the request to search for the user group received from the first user terminal;

obtaining visitor authority associated with the user group, the visitor authority being defined by a second user account, the second user account being a member of the user group; and

sending the visitor interface to the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining the pre-determined services associated with the user group.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a service request from the first user terminal;

checking whether the first user account is on a temporary visitor list; and providing requested service if the first user account is on the temporary visitor list.

5. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, further comprising:

obtaining account information associated with the first user account;

checking whether the account information meets a blocking rule; and

sending the service interface to the first user terminal if the account information does not meet the blocking rule. 20

6. A method for visiting a user group without joining the user group in an instant messaging system, comprising:

sending a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account;

receiving a visitor interface to the user group from a server of the instant messaging system, the visitor interface being configured by the server of the instant messaging system; sending a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface; and

receiving a service interface from the server in response to the request for visiting the user group, the service interface providing access to one or more pre-determined services.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the server of the instant messaging system identifies the user group based on the request to search for the user group received from the first user terminal; and obtains visitor authority associated with the user group, the visitor authority being defined by a second user account, the second user account being a member of the user group.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising

receiving the visitor interface at the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the server of the instant messaging system obtains the pre-determined services associated with the user group.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the server of the instant messaging system checks whether the first user account is on a temporary visitor list.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

sending a service request from the first user terminal; and

receiving requested service if the first user account is on the temporary visitor list.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the server of the instant messaging system obtains account information associated with the first user account; and checks whether the account information meets a blocking rule.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

receiving the service interface at the first user terminal if the account information does not meet the blocking rule.

14. A system for visiting a user group without joining the user group in an instant messaging system including a server, the server comprising:

a first receiving module configured to receive a request to search for a user group from a first user terminal, the first user terminal being controlled by a first user account; a first feedback module configured to send a visitor interface to the user group to the first user terminal, the visitor interface being configured by the server;

a second receiving module configured to receive a request for visiting the user group from the first user terminal through the visitor interface; and

a second feedback module configured to send a service interface to the first user terminal in response to the request for visiting the user group, the service interface providing access to one or more pre-determined services.

15. The system for visiting a user group without joining the user group according to claim

14, the server further comprising:

a first confirming module configured to identify the user group based on the request to search for user group received from the first user terminal; and

a first obtaining module configured to obtain visitor authority associated with the user group, the visitor authority being defined by a second user account, the second user account being a member of the user group;

wherein the first feedback module is configured to send the visitor interface to the first user terminal if the visitor authority permits visitors.

16. The system for visiting a user group without joining the user group according to claim

15, the second feedback module of the server further comprising:

an obtaining unit configured to obtain the pre-determined services associated with the user group; and

a feedback unit configured to send the service interface to the first user terminal.