U.S. patent application number 14/153740 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for method for providing position information using time period.
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 Woo-Yong Chang, Min-jeong Moon, Se-jun Park, Jong-sun Pyo, Seung-dong Yu.
Application Number | 20140128101 14/153740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43992206 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140128101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyo; Jong-sun ; et
al. |
May 8, 2014 |
METHOD FOR PROVIDING POSITION INFORMATION USING TIME PERIOD
Abstract
A method for providing position information and identifying
positions of others, using an electronic apparatus, includes
detecting first position information regarding a current position
of the electronic apparatus, transmitting a position inquiry
request and information regarding a predetermined time period to an
external apparatus, receiving second position information regarding
a position of the external apparatus from the external apparatus
for the predetermined time period, and displaying positions of the
electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on a screen using
the first position information and the second position
information.
Inventors: |
Pyo; Jong-sun; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; Yu; Seung-dong; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ;
Chang; Woo-Yong; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Park;
Se-jun; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Moon; Min-jeong;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Gyeonggi-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
43992206 |
Appl. No.: |
14/153740 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12943702 |
Nov 10, 2010 |
8660587 |
|
|
14153740 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/456.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 64/00 20130101;
G01S 5/0072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/456.2 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/02 20060101
H04W004/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 13, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0109491 |
Claims
1. A method for providing position information of an electronic
apparatus which is communicably connected to an external apparatus,
the method comprising: detecting first position information
regarding a current position of the electronic apparatus;
transmitting a position inquiry request and information regarding a
predetermined time period to the external apparatus; receiving
second position information regarding a position of the external
apparatus from the external apparatus for the predetermined time
period; and displaying positions of the electronic apparatus and
the external apparatus on a screen using the first position
information and the second position information.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
calculating distance information between the electronic apparatus
and the external apparatus using the first position information and
the second position information, wherein displaying positions on
the screen further comprises displaying the calculated distance
information on the screen.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein transmitting
information regarding the predetermined time period comprises
transmitting the information in an encrypted state.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: encrypting
the information regarding the predetermined time period using a PIN
or a HASH code.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein receiving the second
position information comprises receiving encrypted second position
information which is encrypted using a PIN or a HASH code.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: decrypting
the received second position information using the PIN or the HASH
code, wherein displaying positions on the screen comprises
displaying positions using the first position information and the
decrypted second position information.
7. A method for providing position information of an electronic
apparatus which is communicably connected to an external apparatus,
the method comprising: receiving a position inquiry request and
information regarding a predetermined time period from the external
apparatus; and detecting position information regarding a current
position of the electronic apparatus and transmitting the detected
position information to the external apparatus for the
predetermined time period in response to the received position
inquiry request.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein receiving information
regarding the predetermined time period comprises receiving the
information in an encrypted state.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: encrypting
the information regarding the predetermined time period using a PIN
or a HASH code.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:
decrypting the information regarding the predetermined time period
using the PIN or the HASH code.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:
encrypting the detected position information using a PIN or a HASH
code, wherein transmitting the detected position information
comprises transmitting the encrypted position information to the
external apparatus.
12. A method for providing position information of a position
information providing system including an electronic apparatus
which is communicably connected to an external apparatus, the
method comprising: detecting first position information regarding a
current position of the electronic apparatus by the electronic
apparatus; transmitting a position inquiry request and information
regarding a predetermined time period to the external apparatus by
the electronic apparatus; detecting second position information
regarding a position of the external apparatus and transmitting the
detected first position information to the external apparatus for
the predetermined time period by the electronic apparatus in
response to the received position inquiry request; and displaying
positions of the electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on
a screen using the first position information and the second
position information by the electronic apparatus.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
calculating distance information between the electronic apparatus
and the external apparatus using the first position information and
the second position information by the electronic apparatus,
wherein displaying positions on the screen further comprises
displaying the calculated distance information on the screen.
14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein transmitting the
first position information comprises transmitting the information
regarding a predetermined time period in an encrypted state.
15. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
encrypting the information regarding a predetermined time period
using a PIN or a HASH code by the electronic apparatus.
16. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
encrypting the second position information using a PIN or a HASH
code by the external apparatus, wherein transmitting the second
position information comprises transmitting the encrypted second
position information to the electronic apparatus by the external
apparatus.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:
decrypting the received second position information using the PIN
or the HASH code by the electronic apparatus, wherein displaying
positions on the screen comprises displaying positions using the
first position information and the decrypted second position
information by the electronic apparatus.
18. A method for providing position information of an electronic
apparatus which is communicably connected to an external apparatus,
the method comprising: detecting first position information
regarding a current position of the electronic apparatus;
transmitting a position inquiry request to the external apparatus;
receiving second position information regarding a position of the
external apparatus from the external apparatus for the
predetermined time period set by the external apparatus; and
displaying positions of the electronic apparatus and the external
apparatus on a screen using the first position information and the
second position information.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/943,702, filed in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office on Nov. 10, 2010 and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2009-0109491, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office
on Nov. 13, 2009, the content of each of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a method for
providing position information, and more particularly, to a method
for providing position information to identify position information
of a counterpart apparatus using the Global Positioning System
(GPS) and wireless communication.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, as the crime rate increases, a lot of parents
often wish to know their children's whereabouts. Therefore, a
service showing the current position of a user has been developed.
Furthermore, because everyone carries a mobile phone these days,
mobile communication technology has enabled a service, which allows
a user to query the position using a mobile phone.
[0006] In addition, GPS is mounted on many apparatuses produced in
recent years. GPS is a global navigation satellite system that
provides reliable position anywhere in the world, whether on an
airplane, a ship, or a car, using a satellite. Numerous GPS enabled
mobile phones have also been released.
[0007] As such, a mobile phone with GPS is capable of detecting its
current position. Therefore, a method for querying the current
position of other users using a mobile phone is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a method for providing
position information, which detects first position information,
that is, information regarding the current position, transmits a
position inquiry request and information regarding a predetermined
time period to an external apparatus, receives second position
information, that is, information regarding the position of an
external apparatus from the external apparatus for a predetermined
period of time, and displays the positions of an electronic
apparatus and an external apparatus on a screen using the first
position information and the second position information.
[0009] According to one embodiment, a method for providing position
information of an electronic apparatus which is communicably
connected to an external apparatus includes detecting first
position information regarding the current position of the
electronic apparatus, transmitting a position inquiry request and
information regarding a predetermined time period to the external
apparatus, receiving second position information regarding the
position of the external apparatus from the external apparatus for
the predetermined time period, and displaying positions of the
electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on a screen using
the first position information and the second position
information.
[0010] The method according to an embodiment may additionally
include calculating distance information between the electronic
apparatus and the external apparatus using the first position
information and the second position information, and the displaying
may include further displaying the calculated distance information
on a screen.
[0011] The method according to an embodiment may additionally
include encrypting the information regarding a predetermined time
period using a PIN or a HASH code.
[0012] The method according to an embodiment may additionally
include decrypting the received second position information using
the PIN or the HASH code, and the displaying may include displaying
positions of the electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on
a screen using the first position information and the decrypted
second position information.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention a
method for providing position information of an electronic
apparatus which is communicably connected to an external apparatus
includes receiving a position inquiry request and information
regarding a predetermined time period from the external apparatus
and detecting position information regarding the current position
of the electronic apparatus and transmitting the detected position
information to the external apparatus for the predetermined time
period in response to the received position inquiry request.
[0014] According to the embodiment, information regarding a
predetermined time period may be received in an encrypted
state.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the method may additionally
include decrypting the information regarding a predetermined time
period using the PIN or the HASH code and encrypting the position
information using the PIN or the HASH code. Transmitting the
position information may include transmitting the encrypted
position information to the external apparatus.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for providing position information of the position
information providing system including an electronic apparatus
which is communicably connected to an external apparatus includes
detecting first position information regarding the current position
of the electronic apparatus by the electronic apparatus,
transmitting a position inquiry request and information regarding a
predetermined time period to the external apparatus by the
electronic apparatus, detecting second position information
regarding the position of the external apparatus and transmitting
the detected first position information to the external apparatus
for the predetermined time period by the electronic apparatus in
response to the received position inquiry request, and displaying
positions of the electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on
a screen using the first position information and the second
position information by the electronic apparatus.
[0017] The method according to the embodiment may additionally
include calculating distance information between the electronic
apparatus and the external apparatus using the first position
information and the second position information by the electronic
apparatus, and the displaying may include further displaying the
calculated distance information on a screen.
[0018] The method according to the embodiment may additionally
include encrypting the information regarding a predetermined time
period using a PIN or a HASH code by the electronic apparatus and
encrypting the second position information using the PIN or the
HASH code by the external apparatus. The external apparatus may
transmit encrypted second position information to the electronic
apparatus.
[0019] The method may further include decrypting the received
second position information using the PIN or the HASH code and the
displaying may include displaying positions of the electronic
apparatus and the external apparatus on a screen using the first
position information and the decrypted second position
information.
[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for providing position information of an
electronic apparatus which is communicably connected to an external
apparatus includes detecting first position information regarding
the current position of the electronic apparatus, transmitting a
position inquiry request to the external apparatus, receiving
second position information regarding the position of the external
apparatus from the external apparatus for the predetermined time
period set by the external apparatus, and displaying positions of
the electronic apparatus and the external apparatus on a screen
using the first position information and the second position
information.
[0021] Accordingly, a user may easily identify positions of other
users easily using the electronic apparatus. In addition, user
privacy is protected, as position information is
transmitted/received in an encrypted state for a predetermined
period of time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and/or other aspects of the present disclosure
will be more apparent by describing certain present disclosure with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating that positions of a second
mobile phone, a third mobile phone and a fourth mobile phone are
displayed on a screen of a first mobile phone according to an
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the
first mobile phone according to an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart to explain a method for providing
position information of the first mobile phone and the second
mobile phone according to an embodiment; and
[0026] FIGS. 4A to 4F are diagrams illustrating a process of
displaying position information on the first mobile phone according
to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0027] Certain embodiments are described in higher detail below
with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following
description, like drawing reference numerals are used for the like
elements, even in different drawings. The matters defined in the
description, such as detailed construction and elements, are
provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of embodiments.
However, embodiments can be practiced without those specifically
defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are
not described in detail since they would obscure the application
with unnecessary detail.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating that positions of a second
mobile phone 210, a third mobile phone 220 and a fourth mobile
phone 230 are displayed on a screen of a first mobile phone 100
according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the positions
of the second mobile phone 210, the third mobile phone 220, and the
fourth mobile phone 230 are displayed on a map of a screen of the
first mobile phone 100. That is, a first mobile phone icon 105, a
second mobile phone icon 215, a third mobile phone icon 225, and a
fourth mobile phone icon 235 are displayed on the screen of the
first mobile phone 100.
[0029] The second mobile phone 210, the third mobile phone 220, and
the fourth mobile phone 230 transmit their own position information
to the first mobile phone 100 via a data communication network. The
data communication network may be a mobile communication network or
an Internet network.
[0030] As such, the first mobile phone 100 receives position
information from the second mobile phone 210, the third mobile
phone 220 and the fourth mobile phone 230. In addition, the first
mobile phone 100 displays the second mobile phone icon 215, the
third mobile phone icon 225, and the fourth mobile phone icon 235
on corresponding positions on a map of a screen using received
position information.
[0031] Accordingly, a user of the first mobile phone 100 may easily
identify positions of other mobile phone users.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the
first mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment. As illustrated
in FIG. 2, the first mobile phone 100 comprises a display unit 110,
a communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, an input unit 140, a
GPS unit 150, and a controller 160.
[0033] The display unit 110 displays an image for providing
function of the first mobile phone 100. The display unit 110
displays Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) on the screen. In addition,
the display unit 110 may display icons indicating positions of
other mobile phones on a map of the screen.
[0034] The communication unit 120 is communicably connected to
other mobile phones via a mobile communication network or an
Internet network. Herein, the mobile communication network may be
Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network or Wideband
Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) communication network. The
communication unit 120 is connected to the mobile communication
network via a base station, and the communication unit 120 is
connected to the Internet network via a wireless Access Point
(AP).
[0035] The communication unit 120 transmits a position inquiry
request and information regarding a predetermined time period to an
external apparatus. Herein, the position inquiry request is a
request to receive the second position information, that is,
information regarding the current position of an external apparatus
from the external apparatus. The information regarding a
predetermined time period is information regarding a predetermined
time interval corresponding to a time period for receiving position
information from an external apparatus.
[0036] In addition, the communication unit 120 receives the second
position information from the external apparatus for a time period
corresponding to a predetermined time period. For example, if a
predetermined time period is from 10:00 to 12:00 am, the
communication unit 120 receives the second position information
from the external apparatus from 10:00 to 12:00 am. If a
predetermined time period is for two hours, the communication unit
120 receives the second position information from the external
apparatus for two hours from a present time.
[0037] The storage unit 130 stores programs to perform various
functions of the first mobile phone 100. In addition, the storage
unit 130 stores position information received from an external
apparatus. The storage unit 130 may be embodied as a hard disk, or
a non-volatile memory.
[0038] The input unit 140 receives user input and transmits the
user input to the controller 160. Specifically, the input unit 140
receives a position inquiry command from a user to start inquiry
for the position of an external apparatus. The input unit 140 may
be embodied as a button formed on the first mobile phone 100 or a
touch screen.
[0039] The GPS unit 150 detects the first position information,
that is, information regarding the current position of the first
mobile phone 100. The GPS unit 150 detects position information in
the form of a GPS coordinate including latitude and longitude. In
addition, the GPS unit 150 transmits the detected first position
information to the controller 160.
[0040] The controller 160 controls overall operation of the first
mobile phone 100. Specifically, the controller 160 detects the
first position information, that is, the current position of the
first mobile phone 100 using the GPS unit 150. In addition, the
controller 160 may detect the current position using a mobile
communication base station or a wireless AP which are connected
through the communication unit 120. To do so, the controller 160
detects the current position periodically. For example, the
controller 160 may control to detect a coordinate of the current
position by operating the GPS unit 150 once every five minutes.
[0041] Specifically, if the first mobile phone 100 is in an area
where a GPS signal can be received (for example, outdoors), the
controller 160 detects the first position information using the GPS
unit 150. However, if the first mobile phone 100 is in an area
where a GPS signal cannot be received (for example, indoors), the
controller 160 detects the first position information of the first
mobile phone 100 using information regarding the position of a
mobile communication base station or a wireless AP which are
connected through the communication unit 120.
[0042] In addition, the controller 160 controls to transmit a
position inquiry request and information regarding a predetermined
time period to an external apparatus. Specifically, if a position
inquiry command is input through user input, the controller 160
controls to transmit a position inquiry request and information
regarding a predetermined time period to an external apparatus.
[0043] In this case, the information regarding a predetermined time
period is information regarding a predetermined time interval
corresponding to a time period for receiving position information
from an external apparatus. The information regarding a
predetermined time period may be set by a user or may be
pre-set.
[0044] The controller 160 encrypts information regarding a
predetermined time period and transmits the encrypted information.
Specifically, the controller 160 encrypts information regarding a
predetermined period of time using a Personal Identification Number
(PIN) or a HASH code.
[0045] In addition, the controller 160 controls to receive the
second position information, that is, information regarding the
position of an external apparatus, from the external apparatus, for
a predetermined period of time. For example, if a predetermined
time period is from 10:00 to 12:00 am, the controller 160 controls
the communication unit 120 to receive the second position
information from the external apparatus from 10:00 to 12:00 am. If
a predetermined time period is two hours, the controller 160
controls the communication unit 120 to receive the second position
information from the external apparatus for two hours from a
present time.
[0046] In this case, the received second position information may
be encrypted using a PIN or a HASH code. Herein, the PIN or the
HASH code is the PIN or the HASH code which is used by the
controller 160 to encrypt a predetermined time period. Accordingly,
the controller 160 decrypts a code of the received second position
information by using the PIN or the HASH code used for encrypting a
predetermined time period.
[0047] Specifically, examples of the PIN and the HASH code are as
follows. Suppose that a predetermined time period is a total of two
hours, that is, from Sep. 13, 2009, 12:00 to Sep. 13, 2009, 14:00.
In this case, a PIN may be "2009091312000200" if the PIN includes
information regarding a start time and a time period of the
predetermined time period. Alternatively, the PIN may be
"200909131200200909131400" if the PIN includes information
regarding a start time and an end time of the predetermined time
period. If a predetermined period of time is from 8:00 am to 5:00
pm of Monday to Friday, the PIN may be "08001700MON2FRI."
Alternatively, if a predetermined period of time is from 8:00 am to
5:00 pm on Monday, the PIN may be "08001700MON."
[0048] The HASH code is a code value which can be obtained by
applying a PIN to a HASH function. Specifically, the HASH code of
PIN "2009091312000200" is "DF28YTF" and the HASH code of PIN
"200909131200200909131400" is "57DDTFS." In addition, the HASH code
of PIN "08001700MON2FRI" is "O18237FS" and the HASH code of PIN
"08001700MON" is "ZF102FFS."
[0049] The controller 160 controls to display the first mobile
phone 100 and the position of an external apparatus on a screen
using the detected first position information and the decrypted
second position information. Specifically, the controller 160
displays a map on the screen, and controls to display icons
corresponding to each of the first mobile phone 100 and the
position of the external apparatus on the map.
[0050] In addition, the controller 160 may calculate distance
information between the first mobile phone 100 and an external
apparatus using the first position information and the second
position information. The controller may also display the
calculated distance information on the screen. Specifically, the
controller 160 may control to display calculated distance
information between an icon of the first mobile phone 100 and an
icon of an external apparatus.
[0051] If a user selects an icon of an external apparatus displayed
on the screen, the controller 160 may control to display a menu for
performing functions of the external apparatus on the screen. For
example, if a user selects an icon of an external apparatus
displayed on the screen, the controller 160 may control to display
a menu including an item for making a telephone call to the
external apparatus and an item for sending a text message to the
external apparatus.
[0052] The first mobile phone 100 having the above configuration
may display the position of an external apparatus on a screen.
Since the first mobile phone 100 receives and displays the position
of an external apparatus only for a predetermined period of time
and receives/transmits the position of the external apparatus in an
encrypted state, user privacy is protected.
[0053] FIG. 2 describes configuration of only the first mobile
phone 100, but the second mobile phone 210, the third mobile phone
220, and the fourth mobile phone 230 which are external apparatuses
also have configuration similar to configuration illustrated in
FIG. 2. Although the second mobile phone 210, the third mobile
phone 220 and the fourth mobile phone 230 perform functions as an
external apparatus, there are some differences in functions of each
mobile phone. Those different functions of each mobile phone will
be explained below by referring to the second mobile phone 210.
[0054] The second mobile phone 210 has the same configuration as
the first mobile phone 100 in FIG. 2 and serves as an external
apparatus. However, there are some differences in functions of a
controller between the first mobile phone 210 and the first mobile
phone.
[0055] Specifically, the controller of the second mobile phone 210
receives a position inquiry request and information regarding a
predetermined time period from the first mobile phone 100. In this
case, the information regarding a predetermined time period
received from the first mobile phone 100 is received in an
encrypted state by using a PIN or a HASH code. Accordingly, the
controller of the second mobile phone 210 decrypts the received
information regarding a predetermined time period using the
received PIN or HASH code and uses the decrypted information.
[0056] In addition, the controller of the second mobile phone 210
detects second position information regarding the current position
of the second mobile phone 210 and transmits the detected position
information to the first mobile phone 100 for a predetermined time
period in response to the received position inquiry request. In
this case, the controller of the second mobile phone 210 encrypts
the second position information using a PIN or a HASH code received
from the first mobile phone 100 and transmits the encrypted second
position information to the first mobile phone 100.
[0057] As such, the controller of the second mobile phone 210
encrypts information regarding the second position information and
provides the encrypted position information to the first mobile
phone 100. The controllers of the third mobile phone 220 and the
fourth mobile phone 230 perform functions similar to the controller
of the second mobile phone 210.
[0058] Hereinafter, a method for providing position information
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a
flowchart to explain a method for providing position information of
the first mobile phone 100 and the second mobile phone 210
according to an embodiment.
[0059] First, the first mobile phone 100 determines whether a
position inquiry command is input in step S310. If the position
inquiry command is input (S310-Y), the first mobile phone 100
detects first position information regarding the current position
of the first mobile phone 100 in step S315.
[0060] Specifically, if the first mobile phone 100 is in an area
where a GPS signal can be received (for example, outdoors), the
first mobile phone 100 detects the first position information using
the GPS unit 150. However, if the first mobile phone 100 is in an
area where a GPS signal cannot be received (for example, indoors),
the first mobile phone 100 detects the first position information
of the first mobile phone 100 using information regarding the
position of a mobile communication base station or a wireless AP
which are connected through the communication unit 120.
[0061] Subsequently, the first mobile phone 100 encrypts
information regarding a predetermined time period in step S320.
Specifically, the first mobile phone 100 encrypts information
regarding a predetermined time period using a PIN or a HASH
code.
[0062] In this case, the information regarding a predetermined time
period is information regarding a predetermined time interval
corresponding to a time period for receiving position information
from an external apparatus. The information regarding a
predetermined time period may be set by a user or may be
pre-set.
[0063] Subsequently, the first mobile phone 100 transmits a
position inquiry request and the encrypted information regarding a
predetermined time period to the second mobile phone 200 in step
S325.
[0064] The second mobile phone 210 receives the position inquiry
request and the encrypted information regarding a predetermined
time period from the first mobile phone in step S330. In this case,
the information regarding a predetermined time period received from
the first mobile phone 100 is received in an encrypted state by
using a PIN or a HASH code. Accordingly, the second mobile phone
210 decrypts the received information regarding a predetermined
time period using the received PIN or HASH code in step S335.
[0065] Subsequently, the second mobile phone 210 determines whether
the current time enters in a scope of the predetermined time period
in step S340. If the current time does not enter in the scope of
the predetermined time period (S340-N), the second mobile phone 210
is on standby until the current time enters in the predetermined
time period.
[0066] If the current time enters in the predetermined time period
(S340-Y), the second mobile phone 210 detects second position
information regarding the current position of the second mobile
phone 210 in step S345. Specifically, if the second mobile phone is
in an area where a GPS signal can be received (for example,
outdoors), the second mobile phone 210 detects second position
information using a GPS. However, if the second mobile phone 210 is
in an area where a GPS signal cannot be received (for example,
indoors), the second mobile phone 210 detects the second position
information of the second mobile phone 210 using information
regarding the position of a mobile communication base station or a
wireless AP which are connected through the communication unit.
[0067] Subsequently, the second mobile phone 210 encrypts the
second position information using a PIN or a HASH code received
from the first mobile phone 100 in step S350. The second mobile
phone 210 transmits the encrypted second position information to
the first mobile phone 100 in step S360.
[0068] Subsequently, the second mobile phone 210 determines whether
the current time passes a predetermined time period in step S365.
If the current time passes the predetermined time period (S365-Y),
the second mobile phone 210 terminates the operation of
transmitting the second position information.
[0069] On the other hand, if the current time does not pass the
predetermined time period (S365-N), the second mobile phone 210
repeats operations in S345 to S360. Accordingly, the second mobile
phone 210 detects second position information regarding the current
position of the second mobile phone 210 and transmits the detected
position information to the first mobile phone 100 for a
predetermined time period in response to a position inquiry request
received from the first mobile phone 100.
[0070] Subsequently, the first mobile phone 100 receives the second
position information from the second mobile phone 210 for the
predetermined time period in step S370. For example, if the
predetermined time period is from 10:00 to 12:00 am, the first
mobile phone 100 receives the second position information from an
external apparatus from 10:00 to 12:00 am. If the predetermined
time period is for two hours, the first mobile phone 100 receives
the second position information from the external apparatus for two
hours from a present time.
[0071] In this case, the received second position information is
received in an encrypted state by using a PIN or a HASH code.
Herein, the PIN or the HASH code is the PIN or the HASH code which
is used by the first mobile phone 100 to encrypt a predetermined
time period. Accordingly, the first mobile phone 100 decrypts the
received second position information using the PIN or HASH code
which is used for encrypting the predetermined time period.
[0072] In addition, the first mobile phone 100 calculates distance
information between the first mobile phone 100 and the second
mobile phone 210 using the first position information and the
second position information in step S375. The first mobile phone
100 also displays positions of the first mobile phone 100 and the
second mobile phone 210 on a screen using the detected first
position information and the decrypted second position information
in step S380.
[0073] Specifically, the first mobile phone 100 displays a map on
the screen, and displays icons corresponding to each of the first
mobile phone 100 and the second mobile phone 210 on the map. In
addition, the first mobile phone 100 may also display calculated
distance information on the screen. Specifically, the first mobile
phone 100 may display calculated distance information between an
icon of the first mobile phone 100 and an icon of the second mobile
phone 210.
[0074] In addition, if a user selects an icon of the second mobile
phone 210 displayed on the screen, the first mobile phone 100 may
display a menu for performing functions of the second mobile phone
210 on the screen. For example, if a user selects an icon of the
second mobile phone 210 displayed on the screen, the controller 160
may display a menu including an item for making a telephone call
and an item for sending a text message to the second mobile phone
210.
[0075] As such, the first mobile phone 100 may display the position
of the second mobile phone 210 on a screen. Since the first mobile
phone 100 receives and displays the position of the second mobile
phone 210 only for a predetermined period of time and
receives/transmits the position information in an encrypted state,
user privacy is protected.
[0076] Hereinafter, a process of displaying position information in
the first mobile phone 100 will be explained in detail with
reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F. FIGS. 4A to 4F are diagrams
illustrating a process of displaying position information on the
first mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 4A illustrates a screen where a user selects a position
inquiry icon 400. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, if the user touches
the position inquiry icon 400, the first mobile phone 100 receives
a position inquiry command.
[0078] Subsequently, the first mobile phone 100 displays a menu 410
for selecting an object for position inquiry on a screen. As
illustrated in FIG. 4B, a user of the first mobile phone 100
selects user A, user B, and user C for position inquiry. Herein, it
can be assumed that the mobile phone of user A is the second mobile
phone 210 in FIG. 1, the mobile phone of user B is the third mobile
phone 220 in FIG. 1, and the mobile phone of user C is the fourth
mobile phone 230 in FIG. 1.
[0079] FIG. 4C illustrates a screen on which an input window 415
for inputting a predetermined time period in the first mobile phone
100 is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, if a user inputs three
hours of a predetermined time period, the first mobile phone 100
receives position information from other mobile phones for three
hours from a present time.
[0080] In FIG. 4C, only one time period is input as a predetermined
time period, but this is only an example. That is, a predetermined
time period may be input in various ways including a predetermined
time interval. Specifically, if a predetermined time period is from
10:00 to 12:00 am, the first mobile phone 100 receives second
position information from other mobile phones from 10:00 to 12:00
am.
[0081] As such, if an object for position inquiry is selected and a
predetermined time period is input in the first mobile phone 100,
the first mobile phone 100 transmits a position inquiry request and
the predetermined time period to each mobile phone of the users
which are subject to position inquiry.
[0082] Subsequently, a message 420 for confirming whether to permit
position inquiry is displayed on the mobile phones of the users
which are subject to position inquiry as illustrated in FIG. 4D.
FIG. 4D illustrates a screen where the message 420 for confirming
whether to permit position inquiry is displayed on the screen of
the second mobile phone 210 which is the mobile phone of user A. As
illustrated in FIG. 4D, if a user selects a permission button, the
second mobile phone 210 transmits second position information
regarding the current position of the second mobile phone 210 to
the first mobile phone 100.
[0083] In addition, the third mobile phone 220 which is a mobile
phone of user B and the fourth mobile phone 230 which is a mobile
phone of user C also transmit its own position information to the
first mobile phone 100.
[0084] FIG. 4E illustrates a position inquiry screen 430 where
positions of users who are subject to position inquiry are
displayed on a map. As illustrated in FIG. 4E, the first mobile
phone 100 displays positions of a user of the first mobile phone
100, user A, user B, and user C on the map in the form of icons. As
illustrated in FIG. 4E, the first icon 105 represents the position
of a user of the first mobile phone, the second icon 215 represents
the position of user A who is a user of the second mobile phone,
the third icon 225 represents the position of user B who is a user
of the third mobile phone, and the fourth icon 235 represents the
position of user C who is a user of the fourth mobile phone.
[0085] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4E, if a user selects a
portion between the first icon 105 and the second icon 215, the
first mobile phone 100 displays a distance icon 440 on a screen. As
illustrated in FIG. 4E, the distance icon 440 displays information
regarding distance and time between the two users.
[0086] As such, the first mobile phone 100 displays positions of
users on the position inquiry screen 430 in the form of icons, and
displays the distance icon 440 for displaying distance between
users according to user input.
[0087] FIG. 4F illustrates a screen where a function menu 450
corresponding to an icon selected by a user is displayed. As
illustrated in FIG. 4F, if a user selects the first icon 215, the
first mobile phone 100 displays the function menu 450 for
performing a function of a mobile phone of user A corresponding to
the first icon 215. As illustrated in FIG. 4F, the function menu
450 includes an item of sending a message and an item of making a
telephone call. The first icon 215 corresponds to the second mobile
phone 210 which is a mobile phone of user A. Accordingly, if the
item of sending a message is selected, the first mobile phone 100
executes a window for sending a message to the second mobile phone
210. If the item of making a telephone call is selected, the first
mobile phone 100 performs the function of making a telephone call
to the second mobile phone 210. As such, if one of the icons of
objects for position inquiry displayed on the position inquiry
screen 430 is selected by a user, the first mobile phone 100
displays the function menu 450 for performing a function of a
mobile phone of a user corresponding to the selected icon.
[0088] Through the above processes, the first mobile phone 100 may
make inquiries for positions of other mobile phones and perform
functions of other users who are subject to position inquiry with
ease. Accordingly, a user may easily make inquires for the position
of a desired person easily using a mobile phone.
[0089] In the present embodiment, a predetermined time period is
set by the first mobile phone 100, but this is only an example. The
predetermined time period may be set by a mobile phone which is
subject to position inquiry (that is, the second mobile phone 210
to the fourth mobile phone 230). In this case, if the second mobile
phone 210 receives a position inquiry request from the first mobile
phone 100, the second mobile phone 210 receives information
regarding a predetermined time period from a user.
[0090] Accordingly, if the first mobile phone 100 transmits a
position inquiry request to the second mobile phone 210, second
position information regarding the position of the second mobile
phone 210 is received from the second mobile phone 210 for a
predetermined time period set by the second mobile phone 210.
[0091] In the present embodiment, an electronic apparatus and an
external apparatus are assumed to be a mobile phone, but this is
only an example. That is, the electronic apparatus and the external
apparatus may be any apparatus which is capable of detecting the
current position and transmitting/receiving position information.
For example, the electronic apparatus and the external apparatus
may be television, MP3, PMP, PDA, notebook computer, navigator, and
computer which are capable of detecting a position and
transmitting/receiving data.
[0092] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiment without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *