U.S. patent application number 13/956883 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for system for and method of transmitting communication information.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Youn-gun JUNG, Kyung-tak LEE.
Application Number | 20140038560 13/956883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48915881 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140038560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Kyung-tak ; et
al. |
February 6, 2014 |
SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF TRANSMITTING COMMUNICATION INFORMATION
Abstract
A system for and method of communication information
transmission are provided. A method of communication information
transmission performed by a first device includes: receiving a
communication request from a second device; obtaining surrounding
situation information of the first device, the surrounding
situation information including information related to surroundings
of the first device; and determining at least one third device to
process the communication request based on the surrounding
situation information.
Inventors: |
LEE; Kyung-tak; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; JUNG; Youn-gun; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
48915881 |
Appl. No.: |
13/956883 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/411 ;
455/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2250/12 20130101;
H04M 3/42263 20130101; H04M 2242/30 20130101; H04W 8/22 20130101;
H04W 4/12 20130101; H04M 1/72547 20130101; H04W 4/16 20130101; H04M
3/543 20130101; H04M 2203/2094 20130101; H04M 2250/52 20130101;
H04M 2201/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/411 ;
455/417 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/16 20060101
H04W004/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 1, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0084584 |
Claims
1. A method of communication information transmission performed by
a first device, the method comprising: receiving a communication
request from a second device; obtaining surrounding situation
information of the first device, the surrounding situation
information comprising information related to surroundings of the
first device; and determining a third device to process the
communication request based on the surrounding situation
information.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting
information related to the communication request to the third
device.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the obtaining of the surrounding
situation information comprises obtaining at least one of an image
and voice data detected by the first device by using at least one
of a camera and a microphone of the first device.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining whether a
user of the first device is in a vicinity of the first device based
on the obtained at least one of the image and the voice data, and
wherein the transmitting of the information related to the
communication request comprises transmitting the information
related to the communication request to the third device if it is
determined that the user of the first device is not in the vicinity
of the first device.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining of whether the
user of the first device is in the vicinity of the first device
comprises comparing at least one of an image and voice data of the
user previously stored in the first device with the obtained at
least one of the image and the voice data.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the third
device comprises receiving device information about devices
connectable with the first device from a server, and determining
the third device based on the received device information.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining of the third
device comprises determining the third device based on functions of
the devices connectable with the first device, the functions being
indicated by the received device information, and the functions of
the devices comprise at least one of a shooting function using a
camera, a voice input function using a microphone, a voice output
function using a speaker, a communication function, a printing
function, and a displaying function.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the third
device comprises requesting device information from neighboring
devices around and connectable with the first device and
determining the third device among the neighboring devices based on
the device information received from the neighboring devices.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving of the
communication request comprises receiving at least one of a call
request and a message from the second device, and the call request
comprises at least one of a voice call request and a video call
request.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determined third device
performs at least one of a call communication and a message
transmission or message reception with the second device.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transmitting call request information of the second device to the
determined third device if the communication request is a call
request.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transmitting at least one of a voice call and a video call received
from the second device to the determined third device if the
communication request is a call request.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transforming at least one of the voice call and the video call into
a format compatible with the determined third device, and
transmitting the at least one of the transformed voice call and
video call to the determined third device.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transmitting a phone number of the second device to the determined
third device, and the transmitted phone number of the second device
is used by the determined third device to call the second
device.
15. The method of claim 2, wherein the communication request
comprises a message, and the transmitting of the information
related to the communication request comprises transmitting the
message to the determined third device.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transforming the message into a format compatible with the
determined third device and transmitting the transformed message to
the determined third device.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the transmitting of the
information related to the communication request comprises
transmitting a phone number of the second device to the determined
third device, and the transmitted phone number of the second device
is used by the determined third device to transmit another message
to or receive the message from the second device.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining of the surrounding
situation information of the first device comprises obtaining the
surrounding situation information of the first device by using a
sensor of the first device, and the sensor comprises at least one
of a gyro sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a
gravity sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a
motion recognition sensor, a compass, and a red-green-blue (RGB)
sensor.
19. A first device configured to transmit communication
information, the first device comprising: a communication request
receiver configured to receive a communication request from a
second device; a situation information obtainer configured to
obtain surrounding situation information of the first device, the
surrounding situation information comprising information related to
surroundings of the first device; and a device determiner
configured to determine a third device to process the communication
request based on the obtained surrounding situation
information.
20. The first device of claim 19, further comprising a
communication information provisioner configured to transmit
information related to the communication request to the determined
third device.
21. The first device of claim 20, wherein the situation information
obtainer is configured to obtain at least one of an image and voice
data detected by the first device by using at least one of a camera
and a microphone of the first device.
22. The first device of claim 21, further comprising an information
transmission determiner configured to determine whether a user of
the first device is in a vicinity of the first device based on the
obtained at least one of the image and the voice data, and wherein
the communication information provisioner transmits the information
related to the communication request to the determined third device
if it is determined that the user of the first device is not in the
vicinity of the first device.
23. The first device of claim 22, wherein the information
transmission determiner is configured to compare at least one of an
image and voice data of the user previously stored in the first
device with the obtained at least one of the image and the voice
data to determine whether the user of the first device is in the
vicinity of the first device.
24. The first device of claim 19, wherein the device determiner is
configured to receive device information about devices connectable
with the first device from a server, and determine the third device
based on the received device information.
25. The first device of claim 24, wherein the device determiner is
configured to determine the third device based on functions of the
devices connectable with the first device, the functions being
indicated by the received device information, and the functions of
the devices comprise at least one of a shooting function using a
camera, a voice input function using a microphone, a voice output
function using a speaker, a communication function, a printing
function, and a displaying function.
26. The first device of claim 19, wherein the device determiner is
configured to request device information from neighboring devices
connectable with the first device and to determine the third device
among the neighboring devices based on the device information
received from the neighboring devices.
27. The first device of claim 19, wherein the communication request
receiver is configured to receive at least one of a call request
and a message from the second device, and the call request
comprises at least one of a voice call request and a video call
request.
28. The first device of claim 27, wherein the determined third
device is configured to perform at least one of a call
communication and a message transmission or message reception with
the second device.
29. The first device of claim 20, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transmit call request
information of the second device to the determined third device if
the communication request is a call request.
30. The first device of claim 29, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transmit at least one of a
voice call and a video call received from the second device to the
determined third device if the communication request is a call
request.
31. The first device of claim 30, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transform at least one of
the voice call and the video call into a format compatible with the
determined third device, and to transmit the at least one of the
transformed voice call and video call to the determined third
device.
32. The first device of claim 29, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transmit a phone number of
the second device to the determined third device, and the
transmitted phone number of the second device is used by the
determined third device to call the second device.
33. The first device of claim 20, wherein the communication request
includes a message, and the communication information provisioner
is configured to transmit the message to the determined third
device.
34. The first device of claim 33, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transform the message into
a format compatible with the determined third device and to
transmit the transformed message to the determined third
device.
35. The first device of claim 33, wherein the communication
information provisioner is configured to transmit a phone number of
the second device to the determined third device, and the
transmitted phone number of the second device is used by the
determined third device to transmit another message to or receive
the message from the second device.
36. The first device of claim 19, wherein the situation information
obtainer is configured to obtain the surrounding situation
information of the first device by using a sensor of the first
device, and the sensor comprises at least one of a gyro sensor, a
geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a
light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a motion recognition
sensor, a compass, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor.
37. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having
recorded thereon a program for causing a computer included in a
first device to execute the method of: receiving a communication
request from a second device; obtaining surrounding situation
information of the first device, the surrounding situation
information comprising information related to surroundings of the
first device; and determining a third device for processing the
communication request based on the surrounding situation
information.
38. A communication method, comprising: receiving, by a first
device, a communication request from a second device to communicate
with a first device; making a determination as to whether an
authorized user of the first device is in a vicinity of the first
device; and selectively relaying the communication request to a
third device based on the determination, the third device being
located within the vicinity of the authorized user.
39. The communication method according to claim 38, wherein the
making of the determination comprises obtaining, by the first
device, sensory information related to the vicinity of the first
device.
40. The communication method according to claim 39, wherein the
sensory information comprises at least one of image information in
the vicinity of the first device, audio information in the vicinity
of the first device, and movement information indicating movement
of the first device.
41. The communication method according to claim 40, wherein the
selectively relaying of the communication request comprises
relaying the communication request to the third device if the
determination indicates that the authorized user is not in the
vicinity of the first device.
42. The communication method according to claim 41, wherein the
selectively relaying of the communication request further comprises
selecting the third device among a plurality of external devices
based on device information of the external devices.
43. The communication method according to claim 42, wherein the
device information comprises functionalities of the external
devices.
44. The communication method according to claim 42, wherein the
device information comprises proximity of the external devices to
the authorized user.
45. The communication method according to claim 38, wherein the
making of the determination as to whether the authorized user of
the first device is in the vicinity of the first device comprises:
detecting whether a user is within the vicinity of the first
device; if the user is detected within the vicinity of the first
device, comparing information of the detected user to information
of the authorized user to generate a comparison result; and
determining whether the user is the authorized user based on the
comparison result.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2012-0084584, filed on Aug. 1, 2012, in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a system for and method of
communication information transmission in which communication
information is provided from a device to another device based on
surrounding situation information of the device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] With recent advances in multimedia and network technologies,
users may communicate with one other by using various devices, such
as mobile phones, smart phones, computers, laptops, and
televisions. Although more types of devices have become available
to users, users may not be in possession of all of such devices at
the same time. Accordingly, if one of the devices that a first user
does not currently possess receives a communication request from a
device of a second user, it may be inconvenient for the first user
to search for the device that has received the communication
request to communicate with the second user. Therefore, there is a
demand for technologies that allow a user to effectively select
another device owned by the user for processing a communication
request from another user, as opposed to the user needing to select
the device that has received the communication request, and that
enable the selected device to process the communication
request.
SUMMARY
[0006] One or more exemplary embodiments include a system for and
method of communication information transmission in which
communication information is provided, from a device which has
received a communication request, to another device based on
surrounding situation information of the device.
[0007] One or more exemplary embodiments include a system for and
method of communication information transmission in which
communication information is provided, from a device which has
received a communication request, to another device for processing
the communication request, if a user is not in the vicinity of the
device.
[0008] According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiments, there
is provided a method of communication information transmission
performed by a first device, the method including: receiving a
communication request from a second device; obtaining surrounding
situation information of the first device, the surrounding
situation information comprising information related to
surroundings of the first device; and determining a third device
for processing the communication request based on the surrounding
situation information.
[0009] The method may further include transmitting information
related to the communication request to the determined third
device.
[0010] The obtaining of the surrounding situation information may
include obtaining at least one of an image and voice data detected
by the first device by using at least one of a camera and a
microphone of the first device.
[0011] The method may further include determining whether a user of
the first device is in a vicinity of the first device based on the
obtained at least one of the image and the voice data, wherein the
transmitting of the information related to the communication
request may include transmitting the information related to the
communication request to the third device if it is determined that
the user of the first device is not in the vicinity of the first
device.
[0012] The determining of whether the user of the first device is
in the vicinity of the first device may include comparing at least
one of an image and voice data of the user previously stored in the
first device with the obtained at least one of the image and the
voice data.
[0013] The determining of the third device may include receiving
device information about devices connectable with the first device
from a server, and determining the third device based on the
received device information.
[0014] The determining of the third device may include determining
the third device based on functions of the devices connectable with
the first device, the functions being indicated by the received
device information, and the functions of the devices may include at
least one of a shooting function using a camera, a voice input
function using a microphone, a voice output function using a
speaker, a communication function, a printing function, and a
displaying function.
[0015] The determining of the third device may include requesting
device information from neighboring devices connectable with the
first device and determining the third device among the neighboring
devices based on the device information received from the
neighboring devices.
[0016] The receiving of the communication request may include
receiving at least one of a call request and a message from the
second device, and the call request may include at least one of a
voice call request and a video call request.
[0017] The determined third device may perform at least one of a
call communication and a message transmission or message reception
with the second device.
[0018] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transmitting call request
information of the second device to the determined third device if
the communication request is a call request.
[0019] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transmitting at least one of a
voice call and a video call received from the second device to the
determined third device if the communication request is a call
request.
[0020] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transforming at least one of the
voice call and the video call into a format compatible with the
determined third device, and transmitting the at least one of the
transformed voice call and video call to the determined third
device.
[0021] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transmitting a phone number of
the second device to the determined third device, and the
transmitted phone number of the second device may be used by the
determined third device to call the second device.
[0022] The communication request may include a message, and the
transmitting of the information related to the communication
request may include transmitting the message to the determined
third device.
[0023] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transforming the message into a
format compatible with the determined third device and transmitting
the transformed message to the determined third device.
[0024] The transmitting of the information related to the
communication request may include transmitting a phone number of
the second device to the determined third device, and the
transmitted phone number of the second device may be used by the
determined third device to transmit another message to or receive
the message from the second device.
[0025] The obtaining of the surrounding situation information of
the first device may include obtaining surrounding situation
information of the first device by using a sensor of the first
device, and the sensor may include at least one of a gyro sensor, a
geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a
light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a motion recognition
sensor, a compass, and an RGB sensor.
[0026] According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiments,
there is provided a first device configured to transmit
communication information, the first device including: a
communication request receiver configured to receive a
communication request from a second device; a situation information
obtainer configured to obtain surrounding situation information of
the first device, the surrounding situation information including
information related to surroundings of the first device; and a
device determiner configured to determine at least one third device
to process the communication request based on the obtained
surrounding situation information.
[0027] The first device may further include a communication
information provisioner configured to transmit information related
to the communication request to the determined third device.
[0028] The situation information obtainer may be configured to
obtain at least one of an image and voice data detected by the
first device by using at least one of a camera and a microphone of
the first device.
[0029] The first device may further include an information
transmission determiner configured to determine whether a user of
the first device is in a vicinity of the first device based on the
obtained at least one of the image and the voice data, and the
communication information provisioner may be configured to transmit
the information related to the communication request to the
determined third device if it is determined that the user of the
first device is in the vicinity of the first device.
[0030] The information transmission determiner may be configured to
compare at least one of an image and voice data of the user
previously stored in the first device with the obtained at least
one of the image and the voice data to determine whether the user
of the first device is in the vicinity of the first device.
[0031] The device determiner may be configured to receive device
information about devices connectable with the first device from a
server, and determine the third device based on the received device
information.
[0032] The device determination unit may be configured to determine
the third device based on functions of the devices connectable with
the first device, the functions being indicated by the received
device information, and the functions of the devices may include at
least one of a shooting function using a camera, a voice input
function using a microphone, a voice output function using a
speaker, a communication function, a printing function, and a
displaying function.
[0033] The device determiner may be configured to request device
information from neighboring devices connectable with the first
device and determine the at least one third device among the
neighboring devices based on the device information received from
the neighboring devices.
[0034] The communication request receiver may be configured to
receive at least one of a call request and a message from the
second device, and the call request may include at least one of a
voice call request and a video call request.
[0035] The determined third device may be configured to perform at
least one of a call communication and a message transmission or
message reception with the second device.
[0036] The communication information provisioner may be configured
to transmit call request information of the second device to the
determined third device if the communication request is a call
request.
[0037] The communication information provisioner may be configured
to transmit at least one of a voice call and a video call received
from the second device to the determined third device if the
communication request is a call request.
[0038] The communication information provisioner may transform at
least one of the voice call and the video call into a format
compatible with the determined third device, and transmit the at
least one of the transformed call voice and call video to the
determined third device.
[0039] The communication information provisioner may be configured
to transmit a phone number of the second device to the determined
third device, and the transmitted phone number of the second device
may be used by the determined third device to call the second
device.
[0040] The communication request may include a message, and the
communication information provisioner may transmit the message to
the determined third device.
[0041] The communication information provisioner may transform the
message into a format compatible with the determined third device
and transmit the transformed message to the determined third
device.
[0042] The communication information provisioner may transmit a
phone number of the second device to the determined third device,
and the transmitted phone number of the second device may be used
by the determined third device to transmit another message to or
receive the message from the second device.
[0043] The situation information obtainer may obtain surrounding
situation information of the first device by using a sensor of the
first device, and the sensor may include at least one of a gyro
sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity
sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a motion
recognition sensor, a compass, and an RGB sensor.
[0044] According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiments,
there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable recording
medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to
execute the method of communication information transmission
described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The above and other features and advantages of the exemplary
embodiments will become more apparent by describing in detail
exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
drawings in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0047] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views illustrating the
provision of call request information by a first device to a third
device, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a communication information
transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating transmission and reception of
communication information between a second device and a third
device via a first device in a communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a call communication method between
a second device and a third device via a first device when the
second device initiates a call request with the first device,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a message transmission and
reception method between a second device and a third device via a
first device when the second device transmits a message to the
first device, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating direct transmission and
reception of communication information between a second device and
a third device in a communication information transmission system
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a call communication method between
a second device and a third device, without relaying via a first
device when the second device initiates a call request with the
first device, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a direct message transmission and
reception method between a second device and a third device,
without relaying via a first device when the second device
transmits a message to a first device, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a surrounding situation
information obtaining method performed by a first device, according
to an exemplary embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
determines whether to transmit information related with the
communication request to a third device, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
determines a third device for processing a communication request
based on device information received from a server, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
determines a third device for processing a communication request
based on device information received from neighboring devices
around the first device, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a first device according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a detailed block diagram of a situation
information obtaining unit in FIG. 14, according to an exemplary
embodiment; and
[0061] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a first device according to
another exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described
more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments are shown. The exemplary embodiments may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that
this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully
convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those of
ordinary skill in the art. In the following description, well-known
functions or constructions are not described in detail so as not to
obscure the exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail. Also,
throughout the specification, like reference numerals in the
drawings denote like elements.
[0063] Throughout the specification, it will also be understood
that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" another
element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or
electrically connected to the other element while intervening
elements may also be present. Also, when a part is described as
"including or "comprising" an element, unless there is a particular
description contrary thereto, the part can further include other
elements, and does not exclude the other elements.
[0064] As used herein, the term "communication information" refers
to information related to call communications and transmission and
reception of a message. Call communications may include a voice
call and a video call. The message may include a message
transmitted via email, short message service (SMS), multimedia
messaging service (MMS), and a messenger program, although are not
limited thereto.
[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment includes a
first device 1000, a second device 2000, and at least one third
device 3000.
[0067] When the second device 2000 submits a communication request
or transmits a message to the first device 1000, the first device
1000 may obtain surrounding situation information of the first
device 100. The first device 1000 may determine whether a user is
in the vicinity of the first device 1000. If a user is not in the
vicinity of the first device 1000, the first device 1000 may
transmit information related to the call or message to at least one
of the third devices 3000. In this regard, the first device 1000
may search for at least one of the third devices 3000 for
processing the phone call or message. The third devices 3000 may
communicate with the second device 2000 via a phone call or via
transmission or reception of a message.
[0068] The first device 1000 may be any type of device connectable
with the second device 2000 and the third device 300 via a wired or
wireless network. Non-limiting examples of the first device 1000
include a smart phone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a digital TV, a printer, a media player, a global
positioning system (GPS), a laptop, and any mobile or non-mobile
computing devices.
[0069] The third device 3000 may include any type of device
connectable with the first device 1000 and the second device 2000
via a wired or wireless network. Non-limiting examples of the third
device 3000 include a smart phone, a mobile phone, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a digital TV, a printer, a media player, a
global positioning system (GPS), a laptop, and any mobile or
non-mobile computing devices.
[0070] For example, if the first device 1000 receives a call
request from the second device 2000 while a user of the first
device 1000 is watching TV in a living room and the first device
1000 has been left in a bedroom, the first device 1000 may
determine that the user is not in the bedroom. The first device
1000 may also transmit call request information to the TV, which
may consequently display the call request information on a screen
of the TV and may perform call communication with the second device
2000 based on user input.
[0071] For example, if the first device 1000 receives a message
from the second device 2000 while a user of the first device 1000
is working with a computer in a study room and the first device
1000 has been left in a bedroom, the first device 1000 may
determine that the user is not in the bedroom. The first device
1000 may transmit the message received from the second device 2000
to the computer in the study room, which may consequentially
display the received message on a screen of the computer. The
computer may transmit a message to and receive a message from the
second device 2000 based on user input.
[0072] For example, if the first device 1000 is left in a bedroom
away from a user of the first device 100 and receives a message
from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine
that the user is not in the bedroom. The first device 1000 may
transmit the message received from the second device 2000 to a
printer, which may consequentially print out the received
message.
[0073] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the provision of
call request information by the first device 1000 to a third device
3000, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 2A, when the first device 1000 receives a
call request from a second device (for example, the second device
2000 of FIG. 1), and determines that a user is in the vicinity of
the first device 1000, the first device 1000 may display the call
request information of the second device 2000 on a screen of the
first device 1000. In this case, the first device 1000 may not
provide the call request information to the third device 3000.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 2B, when the first device 1000 receives a
call request from a second device (for example, the second device
2000 of FIG. 1), and determines that a user is not in the vicinity
of the first device 1000, the first device 1000 may provide call
request information of the second device 2000 to the third device
3000, which may consequentially display the received call request
information on a screen of the third device 3000. In this regard,
the call request information may be displayed to overlap the
content being displayed on the screen of the third device 3000.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a communication information
transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0077] In operation S200, the first device 1000 receives a
communication request from the second device 2000. The first device
1000 may receive a call request or a message from the second device
2000. The call request may be a voice call request or a video call
request. The message may be any message transmitted via an e-mail,
a short message service (SMS), a multimedia messaging service
(MMS), a messenger program, or other communication technique. When
a call request is received from the second device 2000, the first
device 1000 may audibly alert the user of the call request.
[0078] In operation S210, the first device 1000 obtains surrounding
situation information of the first device 1000. The first device
1000 may obtain the surrounding situation information of the first
device 1000 by using at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a
sensor in the first device 1000.
[0079] For example, the first device 1000 may shoot surroundings of
the first device 1000. In particular, the first device 1000 may
execute a camera application upon the reception of a call request
from the second device 2000, and may control the camera application
to shoot surroundings of the first device 1000. When the first
device 1000 shoots a moving picture, frames of the shot moving
picture may be compared to each other to identify a difference in
color or brightness. When a user is identified in the shot image,
the first device 1000 may identify whether the user is an
authorized user of the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may
also determine whether to activate a front camera or a rear camera
depending on a positional state of the first device 1000.
[0080] For example, the first device 1000 may also record sounds
around the first device 1000 by using a microphone. In particular,
the first device 1000 may execute a voice recording application
upon the reception of a call request from the second device 2000,
and may control the voice recording application to record sounds
around the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may also
monitor a volume variation in the recorded sound. For example, when
the first device 1000 is picked up by a user, the first device 1000
may detect a volume variation in the sounds around the first device
1000.
[0081] The first device 1000 may obtain surrounding situation
information of the first device 1000 by using various sensors. For
example, the first device 1000 may execute a sensor application
upon the reception of a call request from the second device 2000,
and may control the sensor application to obtain surrounding
situation information of the first device 1000. For example, the
various sensors may include at least one of a gyro sensor, a
geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a
light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a motion recognition
sensor, a compass, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor, although are
not limited thereto. The first device 1000 may monitor a variation
in values obtained from the surrounding situation information
sensed by the various sensors.
[0082] The first device 1000 may obtain surrounding situation
information of the first device 1000 via a home network system (not
shown). For example, the home network system may be a security
system, but is not limited thereto. The home network may include a
gateway (not shown), the first device 1000, a third device 3000,
and various devices within a home. The various devices within the
home may include, for example, a surveillance camera, a voice
collection device, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The
gateway may obtain situation information of the home through
various devices within the home. For example, the gateway may
receive an image shot by a surveillance camera, voice obtained by a
voice recording device, and sensing information obtained by a
temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The first device 1000 may
also receive the obtained situation information from the
gateway.
[0083] In operation S220, the first device 1000 determines whether
to transmit information related to the communication request. The
first device 1000 determines whether a user is in the vicinity of
the first device 1000, and further determines whether that user is
an authorized user of the first device 1000.
[0084] For example, when a user picks up the first device 1000 or
moves toward the first device 1000, the brightness of an image shot
by the first device 1000 may become darker or the volume of a
recorded voice may go up. Accordingly, the first device 1000 may
determine that a user is in the vicinity of the first device 100 by
sensing these changes. If a user moves while carrying the first
device 1000, the first device 1000 may sense the movement of the
first device 1000 by using a motion sensor. As a result, the first
device 1000 may determine that a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 based on the sensed movement.
[0085] The first device 1000 may sense the face of a user in a shot
image, and determine whether the user in the shot image is an
authorized user of the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may
identify whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user
of the first device 1000 based on many different types of criteria,
including, for example, a shape of the user's face, and shapes and
positions of the user's eyes, nose, and mouth.
[0086] Whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of
the first device 1000 may be determined based on user information
stored in a memory of the first device 1000. In this regard, a shot
image of the authorized user of the first device 1000 may be stored
in the memory of the first device 1000 beforehand. According to
another exemplary embodiment, whether the user in the shot image is
an authorized user of the first device 1000 may be determined based
on user information stored in a server (not shown). For example,
whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of the
first device 1000 may be determined based on analyzing a user image
stored in a social networking service (SNS) server corresponding to
the first device 1000.
[0087] The first device 1000 may also determine whether a user is
in the vicinity of the first device 1000, based on a combination of
at least two of the above-described criteria, for example, a shot
surrounding image, a recorded voice, and sensing information.
[0088] The first device 1000 may determine whether the recorded
voice is a voice of an authorized user of the first device 1000. In
this regard, the voice of the authorized user of the first device
1000 may be previously stored in the first device 1000 or a server
(not shown).
[0089] If it is determined that a user is not in the vicinity of
the first device 1000, or that a user in the vicinity of the first
device 1000 is not an authorized user, the first device 1000 may
transmit the information related to the communication request.
[0090] The first device 1000 may also determine whether a user is
in the vicinity of the first device 1000 based on user location
information received from the gateway (not shown). In this regard,
the gateway may generate the user location information about the
user's location at home based on situation information obtained by
various devices within the home. For example, the gateway may
generate user location information about the user's location at
home based on an image shot by a surveillance camera, voice data
obtained via a voice recording device, and sensing information
obtained via a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The user
location information may include information about which of the
home devices a user is most near to.
[0091] The first device 1000 may receive the user location
information generated by the gateway, and may determine whether a
user is in the vicinity of the first device 1000 based on the
received user's location information.
[0092] In operation S230, the first device 1000 determines a third
device 1000 for processing the communication request. The first
device 1000 may search for and choose at least one of the third
devices 3000 for executing operation related to the communication
request. The execution of the operation related to the
communication request may include displaying the information
related with the communication request or communicating with the
second device 2000.
[0093] In particular, the first device 1000 may request, for
example, from a server (not shown), device information about
devices connectable with the first device 1000, and search for at
least one third device 3000 based on the device information
received from the server. In this regard, the device information
about devices connectable with the first device 1000 may be
previously stored in the server. The server may be an external
server outside the home or a home gateway for home networking, but
is not limited thereto.
[0094] The device information may include various kinds of
information about devices, for example, information indicating
types and functions of devices. For example, the information about
a device function may include information about at least one of a
shooting function using a camera, a voice input function using a
microphone, a voice output function using a speaker, a
communication function, a printing function, and a displaying
function.
[0095] The first device 1000 may determine the at least one third
device 3000 based on a type of the requested communication. For
example, when the first device 1000 receives a video call request
from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine
(e.g., select) a TV set with a shooting function, a voice
input/output function, and a displaying function, among the
neighboring devices around the first device 1000, as the third
device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000 receives a
message from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may
determine a laptop with a displaying function and a network
communication function, among the neighboring devices, as the third
device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000 receives a
message from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may
determine a printer with a printing function, among the neighboring
devices, as the third device 300.
[0096] The first device 1000 may search for at least one third
device 3000, and may determine to provide the communication
information to every searched third device 3000. The first device
1000 may select a device from the searched third devices 3000 as a
device for receiving the communication information. In this regard,
the searched third devices 3000 may each determine whether a user
is in the vicinity of the first device 1000, and the first device
1000 may select the third device that is closest to the user of the
first device 1000 as a device to be provided with the information
related to the communication request. In this regard, the third
devices 3000 may each identify whether a user is in the vicinity of
the third device 3000 by using a camera, a microphone, and various
sensors in the third device 3000.
[0097] The first device 1000 may request device information from
each neighboring device, and may determine a third device 3000
based on the device information received from the neighboring
devices. In this case, the third device 1000 may broadcast a device
information request to the neighboring devices. The first device
1000 may also request device information from devices within the
home. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and
the first device 1000 may employ other techniques to obtain device
information.
[0098] The first device 1000 may previously set a third device 3000
for receiving information related to the communication request
depending on the type of the communication request. Also, the first
device 1000 may determine a third device 3000 corresponding to the
type of the communication request, based on user input.
[0099] When the first device 1000 receives user location
information from a gateway (not shown), the first device 1000 may
determine a third device 3000 based on the user location
information received from the gateway. The user location
information received from the gateway may include information about
which of the devices within the home the user is near. The first
device 1000 may determine a device for processing the communication
request, among the neighboring devices near the user of the first
device 100, as the third device 3000 to which the first device 1000
will transmit the information related to the communication
request.
[0100] In operation S240, the first device 1000 transmits the
information related to the communication request to the third
device 3000. When the first device 1000 receives a call request
from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may provide call
request information of the second device 2000 to the third device
300. The first device 1000 may relay call data (examples: voice
data or video data) related to communication to perform
communication between the third device 3000 and the second device
2000.
[0101] When the first device 1000 receives a message from the
second device 2000, the first device 1000 may provide, to the third
device 3000, at least one of the received message, a phone number
of the second device 2000, and connection information for
communication with the second device 2000. The first device 1000
may also provide a message received from the third device 3000 to
the second device 2000.
[0102] The first device 1000 may transform the information related
to the communication request into a format compatible with the
third device 3000, and provide the transformed information to the
third device 3000. In this regard, the first device 1000 may
receive information about a data format compatible with the third
device 3000 from an external device or a server. For example, the
first device 1000 may receive information about applications
installed in the third device 3000, and a codec and file extensions
supported by the third device 3000, as well as other information
related to data formats.
[0103] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating transmission and reception of
communication information between a second device 2000 and a third
device 3000 via a first device 2000 in a communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 4, in the communication information
transmission system according to an exemplary embodiment, the first
device 1000 may provide call information and a message received
from the second device 2000 to the third device 3000, and may
provide the call information and message received from the third
device 3000 to the second device 2000.
[0105] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of method for performing call
communication between a second device 2000 and a third device 3000
via a first device 1000 when the second device 2000 initiates a
call request with the first device 1000, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0106] In operation S400, the first device 1000 receives a call
request from the second device 2000. The first device 1000 may
receive at least one of a voice call request and a video call
request from the second device 2000. When a call request is
received from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 audibly
alerts the user of the call request, or otherwise alerts the user
using another technique (e.g., vibration, etc.).
[0107] In operation S410, the first device 1000 obtains surrounding
situation information of the first device 1000. The first device
1000 may obtain the surrounding situation information of the first
device 1000 by using at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a
sensor in the first device 1000.
[0108] For example, the first device 1000 may use a camera to shoot
surroundings of the first device 1000. When the first device 1000
shoots a moving picture, frames of the shot moving picture may be
compared against one another to identify a difference in color or
brightness. When a user is identified in the shot image, the first
device 1000 may identify if the user is an authorized user of the
first device 1000.
[0109] For example, the first device 1000 may also record sounds
around the first device 1000 by using a microphone. The first
device 1000 may also monitor a volume variation in the recorded
sound. For example, when the first device 1000 is picked up by a
user of the first device 1000, the first device 1000 may detect a
volume variation in the sounds around the first device 1000.
[0110] The first device 1000 may obtain surrounding situation
information of the first device 1000 by using various sensors. For
example, the various sensors may include at least one of a gyro
sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity
sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a motion
recognition sensor, a compass, and an RGB sensor. The first device
1000 may monitor a variation in values obtained from the
surrounding situation information sensed by the various
sensors.
[0111] In operation S420, the first device 1000 determines whether
to transmit information related to the call request. The first
device 1000 determines whether a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000, and whether that user is an authorized user of
the first device 1000.
[0112] For example, when a user picks up the first device 1000 or
moves toward the first device 1000, the brightness of an image shot
by the first device 1000 may become darker or the volume of a
recorded voice may increase. Accordingly, the first device 1000 may
determine that a user is in the vicinity of the first device 100 by
sensing these changes. If a user moves while carrying the first
device 1000, the first device 1000 may sense the movement of the
first device 1000 by using a motion sensor. As a result, the first
device 1000 may determine that a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 based on the sensed movement.
[0113] The first device 1000 may sense the face of a user in a shot
image, and determine whether the user in the shot image is an
authorized user of the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may
identify whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user
of the first device 1000 based on a shape of the user's face, and
shapes and positions of the user's eyes, nose, and mouth.
[0114] Whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of
the first device 1000 may be determined based on user information
stored in a memory of the first device 1000. In this regard, a shot
image of the authorized user of the first device 1000 may be stored
in the memory of the first device 1000. In another exemplary
embodiment, whether the user in the shot image is an authorized
user of the first device 1000 may be determined based on user
information stored in a server (not shown). For example, whether
the user in the shot image is an authorized user of the first
device 1000 may be determined based on a user image stored in an
SNS server corresponding to the first device 1000.
[0115] The first device 1000 may determine whether the recorded
voice is a voice of an authorized user of the first device 1000. In
this regard, the voice of the authorized user of the first device
1000 may be previously stored in the first device 1000 or a server
(not shown), in a similar fashion as the user image.
[0116] If it is determined that a user is not in the vicinity of
the first device 1000, or that a user in the vicinity of the first
device 1000 is not an authorized user, the first device 1000 may
transmit the information related to the call request.
[0117] In operation S430, the first device 1000 determines a third
device 1000 for processing the call request. The first device 1000
may search for and choose at least one of the third devices 3000
for performing call communication with the second device 2000.
[0118] In particular, the first device 1000 may request, from a
server (not shown), device information about devices connectable
with the first device 1000, and search for at least one of the
third devices 3000 based on the device information received from
the server. In this regard, the device information about devices
connectable with the first device 1000 may be previously stored in
the server. The server may be an external server located outside
the home of the user or a home gateway for home networking, but is
not limited thereto.
[0119] The device information may include various kinds of
information about devices, for example, about types and functions
of devices. For example, the information about device function may
include information about at least one of a shooting function using
a camera, a voice input function using a microphone, a voice output
function using a speaker, a communication function, a printing
function, and a displaying function.
[0120] The first device 1000 may determine the at least one third
device 3000 based on a type of the requested communication. For
example, when the first device 1000 receives a video call request
from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine a
TV set with a shooting function, a voice input/output function, and
a displaying function, among the neighboring devices around the
first device 1000, as the third device 3000. For example, when the
first device 1000 receives a video call request from the second
device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine a mobile phone
with a voice input/output function, among the neighboring devices
around the first device 1000, as the third device 3000.
[0121] The first device 1000 may search for at least one third
device 3000, and may determine to provide information related to
the call request to every searched third device 3000. The first
device 1000 may select a device from the searched third devices
3000 as a device for receiving the information related to the call
request. In this regard, the searched at least one third device
3000 may determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first
device 1000, and the first device 1000 may select the third device
that is closest to the user of the first device 1000 as a device to
be provided with the information related to the call request. In
this regard, the third device 3000 may identify whether a user is
in the vicinity of the third device 3000 by using a camera, a
microphone, and various sensors in the third device 3000, although
is not limited thereto.
[0122] The first device 1000 may request device information from
each neighboring device, and may determine a third device 3000
based on the device information received from the neighboring
devices. In this case, the third device 1000 may broadcast a device
information request to the neighboring devices. The first device
1000 may also request device information from devices within the
home. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0123] In operation S440, the first device 1000 transmits call
request information to the third device 3000. For example, the
first device 1000 may provide information about a phone number of
the second device 2000, a call receipt time, and a user name of the
second device 2000 to the third device 3000.
[0124] In operation S450, the third device 3000 displays the
received call request information. The third device 2000 may
display the call request information received from the first device
1000 on a screen of the third device 3000.
[0125] In operation S460, the third device 3000 may accept a call
from the second device 2000. The third device 3000 may determine
whether to accept a call from the second device 2000 based on user
input.
[0126] In operations S470 to S485, the second device 2000 and the
third device 3000 may perform a call communication operation with
each other through transmission and reception of call data between
each other via the first device 1000.
[0127] In particular, in operation S470, the first device 1000 may
receive call data from the second device 2000. In operation S475,
the first device 1000 may transmit the received call data to the
third device 3000. In this regard, the first device 1000 may
transform the call data received from the second device 2000 into a
format compatible with the third device 3000, and provide the
transformed information to the third device 3000.
[0128] In operation S480, the first device 1000 may receive call
data from the third device 3000. In operation S485, the first
device 1000 may transmit the received call data to the second
device 2000. In this regard, the first device 1000 may transform
the call data received from the third device 3000 into a format
compatible with the second device 2000, and provide the transformed
information to the second device 2000.
[0129] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a message transmission and
reception method between a second device 2000 and a third device
3000 via a first device 1000 when the second device 2000 transmits
a message to the first device 1000, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0130] In operation S500, the first device 1000 receives a message
from the second device 2000. The message may be any type of message
transmitted via various types of technologies, for example, an
e-mail, a short message service (SMS), a multimedia messaging
service (MMS), or a messenger program.
[0131] In operation S510, the first device 1000 obtains surrounding
situation information of the first device 1000. The first device
1000 may obtain the surrounding situation information of the first
device 1000 by using at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a
sensor in the first device 1000.
[0132] In operation S520, the first device 1000 determines whether
to transmit message information. The first device 1000 may
determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first device
1000, and whether that user is an authorized user of the first
device 1000. If it is determined that a user is not in the vicinity
of the first device 1000, or that a user in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 is not an authorized user, the first device 1000
may transmit the message information to the third device 3000.
[0133] In operation S530, the first device 1000 determines a third
device 1000 for processing the message received from the second
device 2000. The first device 1000 may determine a third device
3000 for transmitting or receiving the message to or from the
second device 2000 or for printing out the message received from
the second device 2000. The first device 1000 may search for and
choose at least one third device 3000 among the neighboring
devices.
[0134] For example, when the first device 1000 receives a message
from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine a
laptop with a displaying function and a network communication
function, among the neighboring devices, as the third device 3000.
For example, when the first device 1000 receives a message from the
second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine a printer
with a printing function, among the neighboring devices, as the
third device 300.
[0135] In operation S540, the first device 1000 may transmit the
message to the third device 3000. The first device 1000 may
transform the message received from the second device 2000 into a
format compatible with the third device 3000. The first device 1000
may also provide the transformed message to the third device
3000.
[0136] In operation S550, the third device 3000 may output the
received message. For example, the third device 3000 may display
the message received from the first device 1000 on a screen of the
third device 3000. When the third device 3000 has a printing
function, the third device 2000 may print out the message received
from the first device 1000.
[0137] In operations S560 to S570, the third device 3000 provides a
message to the second device 2000 via the first device 1000. In
particular, in operation S560, the third device may transmit a
message for the second device 2000 to the first device 1000. In
operation S570, the first device 1000 may transmit the message
received from the third device 3000 to the second device 2000. In
this regard, the first device 1000 may transform the message
received from the third device 3000 into a format compatible with
the second device 2000, and may provide the transformed message to
the second device 2000.
[0138] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating direct transmission and
reception of communication information between a second device 2000
and a third device 3000 in a communication information transmission
system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 7, when the second device 2000 transmits a
call request or message to a first device 1000, the first device
1000 may transmit call request information or message information
of the second device 2000 to the third device 3000. Then, the
second device 2000 and the third device 3000 may directly establish
a voice call with each other or may directly transmit a message to
or receive a message from each other, without relaying via the
first device 1000.
[0140] In this regard, the call request information and message
information may include connection information for connection
between the third device 3000 and the second device 2000. The
connection information may include at least one of a phone number
and an IP address of the second device 2000. When the third device
3000 receives a phone number of the second device 2000, the third
device 3000 may obtain an IP address of the second device 2000 via
a softswitch system (not shown) or other such system known to those
skilled in the art by using the received phone number, and may make
an Internet phone call to the second device 2000 by using the
obtained IP address of the second device 2000. When the third
device 3000 receives an IP address of the second device 2000 from
the first device 1000, the third device 3000 may make an Internet
phone call to the second device 2000 by using the received IP
address.
[0141] When the third device 3000 is a device able to perform
mobile communication via a mobile communication network, the third
device 3000 may perform a mobile communication with the second
device 2000 by using the phone number of the second device
2000.
[0142] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a direct call communication method
between a second device 2000 and a third device 3000, without
relaying via a first device 1000 when the second device 2000
initiates a call request with the first device 1000, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0143] Operations S700 to S760 in FIG. 8 correspond to operations
S400 to S460 of FIG. 5, and thus only operations S770 to S790 in
FIG. 8 will be described below. Unlike the method of FIG. 5, call
request information provided to the third device 3000 by the first
device 1000 may include connection information for connection of
the third device 3000 to the second device 2000. The connection
information may include at least one of a phone number and IP
address of the second device 2000.
[0144] In operation S770, the third device 3000 is connected to the
second device 2000. The third device 3000 may request a call
connection from the second device 2000 by using the call request
information received from the first device 1000.
[0145] When the third device 3000 receives a phone number of the
second device 2000, the third device 3000 may obtain an IP address
of the second device 2000 via a softswitch system (not shown) or
other type of system by using the received phone number, and may
make an Internet phone call to the second device 2000 by using the
obtained IP address of the second device 2000. When the third
device 3000 receives an IP address of the second device 2000 from
the first device 1000, the third device 3000 may make an Internet
phone call to the second device 2000 by using the received IP
address.
[0146] When the third device 3000 is a device configured to perform
mobile communication via a mobile communication network, the third
device 3000 may perform a mobile communication with the second
device 2000 by using the phone number of the second device
2000.
[0147] In operation S780, the third device 3000 provides call data
to the second device 2000. In operation S790, the second device
2000 provides call data to the third device 3000. For a video call
between the second device 2000 and the third device 3000, the call
data may include video data and voice data. For a voice call
between the second device 2000 and the third device 3000, the call
data may include voice data.
[0148] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a direct message transmission and
reception method between a second device 2000 and a third device
3000, without relaying via a first device 1000 when the second
device 2000 transmits a message to a first device 1000, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0149] Operations S800 to S830 in FIG. 9 correspond to operations
S500 to S530 of FIG. 6, and thus only operations S840 to S880 in
FIG. 9 will be described below.
[0150] In operation S840, the first device 1000 transmits device
information about the second device 2000 and a message to the third
device 3000. The first device 1000 may provide the message received
from the second device 2000, a phone number of the second device
2000, and connection information for communication with the second
device 2000, to the third device 3000.
[0151] In operation S850, the third device 3000 outputs the
received message. The third device 3000 may display the message
received from the first device 1000 on a screen of the third device
3000. When the third device 3000 has a printing function, the third
device 2000 may print out the message received from the first
device 1000.
[0152] In operation S860, the third device 3000 is connected to the
second device 2000. The third device 3000 may be connected to the
second device 2000 based on the device information about the second
device 2000 received from the first device 1000.
[0153] In operation S870, the third device 3000 transmits a message
to the second device 2000. In operation S880, the second device
2000 transmits a message to the third device 3000.
[0154] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a surrounding situation
information obtaining method by a first device 1000, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0155] In operation S212, the first device 1000 shoots surroundings
around the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may shoot
surroundings by using a camera. In particular, the first device
1000 may execute a camera application upon the reception of a call
request from the second device 2000, and may control the camera
application to shoot surroundings of the first device 1000. The
first device 1000 may also determine whether to activate a front
camera or a rear camera depending on a positional state of the
first device 1000.
[0156] In operation S214, the first device 1000 records surrounding
sounds around the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may
record surrounding sounds around the first device 1000 by using a
microphone. In particular, the first device 1000 may execute a
sound recording application upon the reception of a call request
from the second device 2000, and may control the sound recording
application to record sounds around the first device 1000. The
first device 1000 may also monitor a volume variation in the
recorded sound. For example, when the first device 1000 is picked
up by a user, the first device 1000 may detect a volume variation
in the sounds around the first device 1000.
[0157] In operation S216, the first device 1000 senses its own
surrounding situation by using a sensor or a combination of
sensors. The first device 1000 may obtain surrounding situation
information by using various sensors. In particular, the first
device 1000 may execute a sensor application upon the reception of
a call request from the second device 2000, and may control the
sensor application to obtain surrounding situation information of
the first device 1000. For example, the various sensors may include
at least one of a gyro sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an
accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a light sensor, a proximity
sensor, a barometer, a motion recognition sensor, a compass, and an
RGB sensor. The first device 1000 may monitor a variation in values
obtained from the surrounding situation information sensed by the
various sensors.
[0158] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
1000 determines whether to transmit information related to the
communication request to a third device, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0159] In operation S222, the first device 1000 determines whether
a user is in the vicinity of the first device 1000. The first
device 1000 may determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 based on the obtained surrounding situation
information. For example, when a user picks up the first device
1000 or moves toward the first device 1000, the brightness of an
image shot by the first device 1000 may become darker or the volume
of a recorded voice may increase. Accordingly, the first device
1000 may determine that a user is in the vicinity of the first
device 100 by sensing these changes. When a user is in the shot
image, the first device 1000 may determine that a user is in the
vicinity of the first device 1000. If a user moves while carrying
the first device 1000, the first device 1000 may sense the movement
of the first device 1000 by using a motion sensor. Then, the first
device 1000 may determine that a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 based on the sensed movement.
[0160] If it is determined that a user is in the vicinity of the
first device 1000 in operation S222, the first device 1000 performs
operation S224. Otherwise, if it is determined that a user is not
in the vicinity of the first device 1000, the first device 1000
performs operation S226.
[0161] In operation S224, the first device 1000 determines whether
the user in the vicinity of the first device 1000 is an authorized
user of the first device 1000. The first device 1000 may determine
whether the user in the vicinity of the first device 1000 is an
authorized user of the first device 1000 based on the obtained
surrounding situation information. For example, the first device
1000 may detect the face of the user in a shot image, and determine
whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of the
first device 1000. The first device 1000 may identify whether the
user in the shot image is an authorized user of the first device
1000 based on various criteria, such as, for example, a shape of
the user's face, and shapes and positions of the user's eyes, nose,
and mouth.
[0162] Whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of
the first device 1000 may be determined based on user information
stored in a memory of the first device 1000. In this regard, a shot
image of the authorized user of the first device 1000 may be stored
in the memory of the first device 1000. In another exemplary
embodiment, whether the user in the shot image is an authorized
user of the first device 1000 may be determined based on user
information stored in a server (not shown). For example, whether
the user in the shot image is an authorized user of the first
device 1000 may be determined based on a user image stored in an
SNS server corresponding to the first device 1000.
[0163] The first device 1000 may determine whether the recorded
voice is a voice of an authorized user of the first device 1000. In
this regard, the voice of the authorized user of the first device
1000 may be previously stored in the first device 1000 or a server
(not shown).
[0164] If it is determined in operation S224 that a user in the
vicinity of the first device 1000 is an authorized user, the first
device 1000 performs operation S228. If it is determined in
operation S224 that the user in the vicinity of the first device
1000 is not an authorized user, the first device 1000 performs
operation S226.
[0165] In operation S226, the first device 1000 determines whether
to transmit the information related to communication request to the
third device 3000. If it is determined that a user is not in the
vicinity of the first device 1000, or that the user in the vicinity
of the first device 1000 is not an authorized user, the first
device 1000 may transmit the information related to the
communication request.
[0166] In operation S228, the first device 1000 outputs the
information related to the communication request. The first device
1000 may output the information related to the communication
request through a display and a speaker of the first device
1000.
[0167] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
1000 determines a third device for processing a communication
request based on device information received from a server (not
shown), according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0168] In operation S232, the first device 1000 receives device
information about the neighboring devices around the first device
1000. In particular, the first device 1000 may request, from a
server (not shown), device information about devices connectable
with the first device 1000, and receive the device information
about the devices connectable with the first device 1000 from the
server. In this regard, the device information about devices
connectable with the first device 1000 may be previously stored in
the server. The server may be an outdoor server or a home gateway
for home networking, but is not limited thereto.
[0169] The device information may include various kinds of
information about devices, for example, information about types and
functions of devices. For example, the information about device
function may include information about at least one of a shooting
function using a camera, a voice input function using a microphone,
a voice output function using a speaker, a communication function,
a printing function, and a displaying function.
[0170] In operation S233, the first device 1000 determines the
third device 3000 for processing a communication request based on
the device information. The first device 1000 may determine the
third device 3000 based on a type of the requested communication.
For example, when the first device 1000 receives a video call
request from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may
determine a TV set with a shooting function, a voice input/output
function, and a displaying function, among the neighboring devices
around the first device 1000, as the third device 3000. For
example, when the first device 1000 receives a message from the
second device 2000, the first device 1000 may determine a laptop
with a displaying function and a network communication function,
among the neighboring devices, as the third device 3000. For
example, when the first device 1000 receives a message from the
second device 2000, the first device 1000 may also determine a
printer with a printing function, among the neighboring devices, as
the third device 300.
[0171] The first device 1000 may search for at least one third
device 3000, and determine whether to provide the communication
information to every searched third device 3000. The first device
1000 may select a device from the searched third devices 3000 as a
device for receiving the communication information. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the searched third devices 3000 may each
determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first device
1000, and the first device 1000 may select the third device that is
determined to be closest to the user of the first device 1000 as a
device to be provided with the information related to the
communication request. In this regard, each of the third devices
3000 may identify whether a user is in the vicinity of the third
device 3000 by using a camera, a microphone, and various sensors in
the third device 3000.
[0172] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method in which a first device
determines a third device for processing a communication request
based on device information received from neighboring devices
around the first device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0173] In operation S236, the first device 1000 requests device
information about the neighboring devices around the first device
1000. The first device 1000 may broadcast a device information
request to the devices connectable with the first device 1000.
[0174] In operation S237, the first device 1000 receives device
information from the neighboring devices. The first device 1000 may
receive device information from the devices connectable with the
first device 1000. The devices connectable with the first device
1000 may be devices within the home or external devices outside the
home.
[0175] In operation S238, the first device 1000 determines the
third device 3000 for processing a communication request based on
the device information received from the neighboring devices. The
first device 1000 may determine the third device 3000 based on a
type of the requested communication. For example, when the first
device 1000 receives a video call request from the second device
2000, the first device 1000 may determine a TV set with a shooting
function, a voice input/output function, and a displaying function,
among the neighboring devices around the first device 1000, as the
third device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000 receives
a message from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may
determine a laptop with a displaying function and a network
communication function, among the neighboring devices, as the third
device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000 receives a
message from the second device 2000, the first device 1000 may
determine a printer with a printing function, among the neighboring
devices, as the third device 300.
[0176] The first device 1000 may search for at least one third
device 3000, and determine to provide the communication information
to every searched third device 3000. The first device 1000 may
select a device from the searched third devices 3000 as a device
for receiving the communication information. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the searched third devices 3000 may each
determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first device
1000, and the first device 1000 may select the third device that is
closest to the user of the first device 1000 as a device to be
provided with the information related to the communication request.
In this regard, the third device 3000 may identify whether a user
is in the vicinity of the third device 3000 by using a camera, a
microphone, and various sensors in the third device 3000.
[0177] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a first device 1000 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0178] Referring to FIG. 14, the first device 1000 includes a
communication request reception unit 1100, a situation information
obtaining unit 1200, an information transmission determination unit
1300, a device determination unit 1400, a communication information
provision unit 1500, a memory 1600, a transmission/reception unit
1700, and a control unit 1800.
[0179] The communication request reception unit 1100 is configured
to receive a communication request from a second device 2000. The
communication request reception unit 1100 may receive a call
request or a message from the second device 2000. The call request
may be a voice call request or a video call request. The message
may be various types of messages, such as, for example, a message
transmitted via an e-mail, a short message service (SMS), a
multimedia messaging service (MMS), a messenger program. When the
communication request reception unit 1100 receives a call request
from the second device 2000, the first device 1100 may audibly
alert the user of the call request.
[0180] The situation information obtaining unit 1200 is configured
to obtain surrounding situation information of the first device
1000. The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may obtain the
surrounding situation information of the first device 1000 by using
at least one of a camera, a microphone, and a sensor in the first
device 1000.
[0181] For example, the situation information obtaining unit 1200
may use a camera to shoot surroundings of the first device 1000.
When the first device 1000 shoots a moving picture, frames of the
shot moving picture may be compared against one another to identify
a difference in color or brightness. When a user is identified in
the shot image, the situation information obtaining unit 1200 may
identify if the user is a user of the first device 1000.
[0182] For example, the situation information obtaining unit 1200
may record sounds around the first device 1000 by using a
microphone. The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may also
monitor a volume variation in the recorded sound. For example, when
the first device 1000 is picked up by a user, the situation
information obtaining unit 1200 may detect a volume variation in
the sounds around the first device 1000.
[0183] The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may obtain
surrounding situation information of the first device 1000 by using
various sensors. For example, the various sensors may include at
least one of a gyro sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an accelerometer
sensor, a gravity sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a
barometer, a motion recognition sensor, a compass, and an RGB
sensor. The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may monitor a
variation in values obtained from the surrounding situation
information sensed by the various sensors.
[0184] The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may obtain
surrounding situation information of the first device 1000 via a
home network system (not shown). For example, the home network
system may be implemented as a security system, but is not limited
thereto. The home network may include a gateway (not shown), the
first device 1000, a third device 3000, and various devices within
the home. The various devices within the home may include, for
example, a surveillance camera, a voice collection device, a
temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The gateway may obtain
situation information of the home through various devices within
the home. For example, the gateway may receive an image shot by a
surveillance camera, voice obtained via a voice recording device,
and sensing information obtained via a temperature sensor and a
humidity sensor. The situation information obtaining unit 1200 may
also receive the obtained situation information from the
gateway.
[0185] The information transmission determination unit 1300 is
configured to determine whether to transmit information related to
the communication request. The information transmission
determination unit 1300 may determine whether a user is in the
vicinity of the first device 1000, and whether that user is an
authorized user of the first device 1000.
[0186] For example, when a user picks up the first device 1000 or
moves toward the first device 1000, the brightness of an image shot
by the first device 1000 may become darker or the volume of a
recorded voice may increase. Accordingly, the information
transmission determination unit 1300 may determine that a user is
in the vicinity of the first device 100 by sensing these changes.
If a user moves while carrying the first device 1000, the
information transmission determination unit 1300 may sense the
movement of the first device 1300 by using a motion sensor. Then,
the information transmission determination unit 1300 may determine
that a user is in the vicinity of the first device 1300 based on
the sensed movement.
[0187] The information transmission determination unit 1300 may
sense the face of a user in a shot image, and determine whether the
user in the shot image is an authorized user of the first device
1000. The information transmission determination unit 1300 may
identify whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user
of the first device 1000 based on various criteria, such as, for
example, a shape of the user's face, and shapes and positions of
the user's eyes, nose, and mouth.
[0188] Whether the user in the shot image is an authorized user of
the first device 1000 may be determined based on user information
stored in a memory of the first device 1000. In this regard, a shot
image of the authorized user of the first device 1000 may be stored
in the memory of the first device 1000. In another exemplary
embodiment, whether the user in the shot image is an authorized
user of the first device 1000 may be determined based on user
information stored in a server (not shown). For example, whether
the user in the shot image is an authorized user of the first
device 1000 may be determined based on a user image stored in an
SNS server corresponding to the first device 1000.
[0189] The information transmission determination unit 1300 may
determine whether the recorded voice is a voice of an authorized
user of the first device 1000. In this regard, the voice of the
authorized user of the first device 1000 may be previously stored
in the first device 1000 or a server (not shown).
[0190] If it is determined that a user is not in the vicinity of
the first device 1300, or that a user in the vicinity of the first
device 1000 is not an authorized user, the information transmission
determination unit 1300 may determine to transmit the information
related to the communication request.
[0191] The information transmission determination unit 1300 may
also determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first
device 1000 based on user location information received from the
gateway (not shown). In this regard, the gateway may generate the
user location information about the user's location based on
situation information obtained by various devices within the home.
For example, the gateway may generate user location information
about the user's location at home based on an image shot by a
surveillance camera, voice obtained via a voice recording device,
and sensing information obtained via a temperature sensor and a
humidity sensor. The user location information may include
information about which of the home devices a user is closest
to.
[0192] The information transmission determination unit 1300 may
receive the user location information generated by the gateway, and
may determine whether a user is in the vicinity of the first device
1000 based on the received user's location information.
[0193] The device determination unit 1400 is configured to
determine a third device 1000 for processing the communication
request. The device determination unit 1400 may search for and
choose at least one of the third devices 3000 for processing the
communication request. The processing of the communication request
may include displaying the information related to the communication
request or communicating with the second device 2000.
[0194] In particular, the device determination unit 1400 may
request, from a server (not shown), device information about
devices connectable with the first device 1000, and search for at
least one of the third devices 3000 based on the device information
received from the server. In this regard, the device information
about devices connectable with the first device 1000 may be
previously stored in the server. The server may be an external
server outside the home or a home gateway for home networking, but
is not limited thereto and may be various other types of
servers.
[0195] The device information may include various kinds of
information about devices, for example, about types and functions
of devices. For example, the information about device function may
include information about at least one of a shooting function using
a camera, a voice input function using a microphone, a voice output
function using a speaker, a communication function, a printing
function, and a displaying function.
[0196] The device determination unit 1400 may determine at least
one third device 3000 based on a type of the requested
communication. For example, when the first device 1000 receives a
video call request from the second device 2000, the device
determination unit 1400 may determine a TV set with a shooting
function, a voice input/output function, and a displaying function,
among the neighboring devices around the first device 1000, as the
third device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000 receives
a message from the second device 2000, the device determination
unit 1400 may determine a laptop with a displaying function and a
network communication function, among the neighboring devices, as
the third device 3000. For example, when the first device 1000
receives a message from the second device 2000, the device
determination unit 1400 may determine a printer with a printing
function, among the neighboring devices, as the third device
300.
[0197] The device determination unit 1400 may search for at least
one third device 3000, and may, for example, determine to provide
the communication information to every searched third device 3000.
Also, the device determination unit 1400 may select a device from
the searched third devices 3000 as a device for receiving the
communication information. In this regard, the searched third
devices 3000 may each determine whether a user is in the vicinity
of the first device 1000, and the first device 1000 may select the
third device that is determined to be closest to the user of the
first device 1000 as a device to be provided with the information
related to the communication request. In this regard, the third
device 3000 may identify whether a user is in the vicinity of the
third device 3000 by using a camera, a microphone, and various
sensors in the third device 3000.
[0198] The device determination unit 1400 may request device
information from each neighboring device, and may determine a third
device 3000 based on the device information received from the
neighboring devices. In this case, the device determination unit
1400 may broadcast a device information request to the neighboring
devices. The device determination unit 1400 may also request device
information from devices within the home. However, exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto, and the device determination
unit 1400 may obtain the device information in many other ways.
[0199] The device determination unit 1400 may previously set a
third device 3000 for receiving the information related to the
communication request depending on the type of the communication
request. The device determination unit 1400 may determine a third
device 3000 corresponding to the type of the communication request,
based on user input.
[0200] When the first device 1000 receives user location
information from a gateway (not shown), the device determination
unit 1400 may determine a third device 3000 based on the user
location information received from the gateway. The user location
information received from the gateway may include information about
which of the devices within the home the user is closest to. The
device determination unit 1400 may determine a device for
processing the communication request, among the neighboring devices
near the user of the first device 1000, as the third device 3000 to
which the first device 1000 will transmit the information related
to the communication request.
[0201] The communication information provision unit 1500 is
configured to transmit the information related to the communication
request to the third device 3000. When the first device 1000
receives a call request from the second device 2000, the
communication information provision unit 1500 may provide call
request information of the second device 2000 to the third device
300. The communication information provision unit 1500 may relay
voice data or video data related to a call communication between
the third device 3000 and the second device 2000.
[0202] When the first device 1000 receives a message from the
second device 2000, the communication information provision unit
1500 may provide, to the third device 3000, at least one of the
received message, a phone number of the second device 2000, and
connection information for communication with the second device
2000. The communication information provision unit 1500 may also
provide a message received from the third device 3000 to the second
device 2000.
[0203] The communication information provision unit 1500 may
transform the information related to the communication request
received from the second device 2000 into a format compatible with
the third device 3000, and provide the transformed information to
the third device 3000. The communication information provision unit
1500 may also transform the communication information received from
the third device 3000 into a format compatible with the second
device 2000, and provide the transformed information to the second
device 2000.
[0204] The memory 1600 is configured to store various kinds of
information for enabling the first device 1000 to provide
communication information to the third device 3000 based on
situation information and to relay communication between the second
device 2000 and the third device 3000. The memory 1600 may store,
for example, predetermined information for determining whether a
user is in the vicinity of the first device 1000, user information
about an authorized user, predetermined information for selecting
the third device 3000, and device information about the devices
connectable with the first device 1000. However, examples of the
information that the memory 160 may store are not limited
thereto.
[0205] The transmission/reception unit 1700 is configured to
transmit various types of information to and receive various types
of information from the second device 2000 and the third device 300
in order for the first device 1000 to provide communication
information to the third device 3000 based on situation information
and to relay communication between the second device 2000 and the
third device 3000.
[0206] The control unit 1800 is configured to control the
communication request reception unit 1100, the situation
information obtaining unit 1200, the information transmission
determination unit 1300, the device memory determination unit 1400,
the communication information provision unit 1500, the memory 1600,
and the transmission/reception unit 1700 such that the first device
1000 may provide communication information to the third device 3000
based on situation information and may relay communication between
the second device 1400 and the third device 3000.
[0207] The communication request reception unit 1100, the situation
information obtaining unit 1200, the information transmission
determination unit 1300, the device determination unit 1400, and
the communication information provision unit 1500 may perform their
own functions via software modules in the first device 1000.
However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0208] FIG. 15 is a detailed block diagram of the situation
information obtaining unit 1200 in FIG. 14, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0209] Referring to FIG. 15, the situation information obtaining
unit 1200 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an
imaging unit 1210, a recording unit 1220, and a sensing unit
1230.
[0210] The imaging unit 1210 is configured to shoot (e.g., capture
images of) surroundings of the first device 1000. The imaging unit
1210 may shoot surroundings of the first device 1000 by using a
camera. In particular, the imaging unit 1210 may execute a camera
application upon the reception of a call request from the second
device 2000, and may control the camera application to shoot
surroundings of the first device 1000. The imaging unit 1210 may
determine whether to activate a front camera or a rear camera
depending on a positional state of the first device 1000.
[0211] The recording unit 1220 is configured to record surrounding
sounds around the first device 1000. The recording unit 1220 may
record surrounding sounds around the first device 1000 by using a
microphone. In particular, the recording unit 1220 may execute a
sound recording application upon the reception of a call request
from the second device 2000, and may control the sound recording
application to record sounds around the first device 1000.
[0212] The sensing unit 1230 is configured to sense a surrounding
situation of the first device 1000 by using a sensor. The sensing
unit 1230 may obtain surrounding situation information of the first
device 1000 by using various sensors. In particular, the sensing
unit 1230 may execute a sensor application upon the reception of a
call request from the second device 2000, and may control the
sensor application to obtain surrounding situation information of
the first device 1000. For example, the various sensors may include
at least one of a gyro sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, an
accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a light sensor, a proximity
sensor, a barometer, a motion recognition sensor, a compass, and an
RGB sensor.
[0213] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a first device 1000 according
to another exemplary embodiment.
[0214] A mobile communication unit 1001 is configured to perform a
call set-up, data communication, or the like with a base station
via a cellular network such as a 3G/4G cellular network. A
sub-communication unit 1002 is configured to perform a function for
local communication, such as Bluetooth, near field communication
(NFC), or the like. A broadcasting receiving unit 1003 is
configured to receive a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)
signal.
[0215] A camera unit 1004 includes a lens and optical devices for
shooting an image or a moving picture, and may include one or a
plurality of cameras.
[0216] A sensor unit 1005 may include a gravity sensor for
detecting movement of the first device 1000, an illumination
intensity sensor for detecting intensity of light, a proximity
sensor for detecting proximity of a person, a motion sensor for
detecting movement of a person, or the like.
[0217] A GPS receiving unit 1006 is configured to receive a GPS
signal from a satellite or other source. Various services may be
provided to a user by using the GPS signal.
[0218] An input/output unit 1010 is configured to provide an
interface with an external device or a person. The input/output
unit 1010 includes a button 1011, a microphone 1012, a speaker
1013, a vibration motor 1014, a connector 1015, and a keypad
1016.
[0219] A touch screen 1018 is configured to receive a touch input
from a user. A touch screen controller 1017 delivers the touch
input, which is input via the touch screen 1018, to a processor
1050. A power supply unit 1019 is connected to a battery or an
external power source to supply a power to the first device
1000.
[0220] The processor 1050 is configured to execute programs stored
in a memory 1060, thereby transmitting communication information as
described in the above exemplary embodiments.
[0221] The programs stored in the memory 1060 may be divided into a
plurality of modules according to their respective functions, for
example, into a mobile communication module 1061, a WiFi module
1062, a Bluetooth module 1063, a DMB module 1064, a camera module
1065, a sensor module 1066, a GPS module 1067, a moving picture
reproduction module 1068, an audio reproduction module 1069, a
power module 1070, a touch screen module 1071, an UI module 1072,
an application module 1073, and the like.
[0222] The functions of these modules may be intuitively
understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art. The application
module 1073 will now be described in greater detail herein.
[0223] The application module 1073 may receive a communication
request from the second device 2000. The application module 1073
may receive a communication request from the second device 2000 by
using at least one of the mobile communication module 1061, the
WIFI module 1062, and the Bluetooth module 1063.
[0224] The application module 1073 may obtain surrounding situation
information of the first device 1000. The application module 1073
may obtain surrounding situation information obtained from the
camera unit 1004 and the sensor unit 1005 by using the camera
module 1065 and the sensor module 1066. The application module 1073
may obtain surrounding sounds around the first device 1000 through
the microphone 1012.
[0225] The application module 1073 may determine whether to
transmit information related to the communication request to the
third device 3000. The application module 1073 may determine
whether a user is in the vicinity of the first device 1000, and
whether that user is an authorized user of the first device 1000.
If it is determined that a user is not in the vicinity of the first
device 1000, or that a user in the vicinity of the first device
1000 is not an authorized user, the application module 1073 may
transmit the information related to the communication request.
[0226] The application module 1073 may determine a third device
3000 for processing the communication request. The application
module 1073 may search for and choose at least one third device
3000 for processing the communication request among the devices
within the home.
[0227] The application module 1073 may transmit the information
related to the communication request to the third device 3000. The
application module 1073 may transmit the information related to the
communication request to the third device 3000 by using at least
one of the mobile communication module 1061, the WIFI module 1062,
and the Bluetooth module 1063.
[0228] The application module 1073 may transform the information
related to the communication request received from the second
device 2000 into a format compatible with the third device 3000,
and provide the transformed information to the third device 3000.
The application module 1073 may also transform the communication
information received from the third device 3000 into a format
compatible with the second device 2000, and provide the transformed
information to the second device 2000.
[0229] The one or more exemplary embodiments may be embodied as a
recording medium, e.g., a program module to be executed in
computers, which include computer-readable commands. The computer
storage medium may include any usable medium that may be accessed
by computers, including volatile and non-volatile media, and
detachable and non-detachable media. Also, the computer storage
medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication
medium. The computer storage medium may include many types of
volatile and non-volatile media, and detachable and non-detachable
media, which are designed to store information including computer
readable commands, data structures, program modules or other data.
The communication medium includes computer-readable commands, a
data structure, a program module, and other transmission
mechanisms, and includes other information transmission
mediums.
[0230] The exemplary embodiments may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the
exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the inventive concept to those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0231] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by
the following claims.
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