Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes obtaining, at an electronic apparatus, one or more candidates based at least in part on a first input associated with a plurality of geographical locations, selecting a destination from the one or more candidates based at least in part on a second input, receiving a map image corresponding to a location of the electronic apparatus and the destination, from an external device, and providing, based at least in part on the map image, a navigation service.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/500,555 filed on Jul. 9, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,775,067 on Jul. 8, 2014, and which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 11, 2008 and assigned Ser. No. 10-2008-0067753, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention: 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to mobile device technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to a navigation service system and method using a mobile device equipped with a navigation widget. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art: 
         [0005]    A mobile device, also known as a portable device, a handheld device and the like, is a pocket-sized computing device typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard (often referred to as a keypad). Many different types of mobile devices, such as a mobile communication device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and a smart phone, are widely used today. Such mobile devices not only provide a voice call, a video call, and a Short Message Service (SMS), but also offer a variety of useful applications (e.g., a schedule manager, games and the like). More particularly, some recently launched portable devices have a navigation function that provides travel or traffic guide path based on location information. 
         [0006]    A conventional navigation service system using a mobile device has an embedded map that has already been stored in the device. Therefore, when a navigation service is activated, the mobile device retrieves map data in connection with current location information from its own storage and displays retrieved map data on a screen. 
         [0007]    The quantity of such map data is large, so the mobile device needs a large storage capacity to store the map data. Also, since map data should be updated frequently to reflect the newest data, a user often suffers great inconvenience in use. In addition, in order to use a navigation service system in foreign countries, a user has to additionally download map data related to those countries. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, a conventional navigation service system uses limited map data provided by a navigation service provider or a mobile device manufacturer. Therefore, a user is restricted in selection of map data and has difficulty in reflecting desired map data to a navigation service system. 
         [0009]    Moreover, a navigation program used in a conventional navigation service system has a slower loading time because of its large size and requires a large amount of resource for running. 
         [0010]    Therefore, a need exists for an improved navigation service technology that requires no embedded map, allows a user to reflect desired map data, and reduces a loading time. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus using a mobile device. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided. The method includes obtaining, at an electronic apparatus, one or more candidates based at least in part on a first input associated with a plurality of geographical locations, selecting a destination from the one or more candidates based at least in part on a second input, receiving a map image corresponding to a location of the electronic apparatus and the destination, from an external device, and providing, based at least in part on the map image, a navigation service. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a display and a processor-implemented controller. The controller is operatively coupled to the display. The processor-implemented controller is configured to obtain one or more candidates based at least in part on a first input associated with a plurality of geographical locations, select a destination from the one or more candidates based at least in part on a second user input, receive a map image corresponding to a location of the apparatus and the destination, from an external device, and present at least one portion of the map image via the display as at least part of a navigation service. 
         [0014]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes storage to store data related to a navigation service to be provided via an external device, and a server module. The server module is operatively coupled to the storage. The server module is configured to receive information associated with a plurality of geographical locations, from the external device, identify one or more candidates based at least in part on the information, retrieve, from the data, a map image corresponding to a location of the external device and a destination selected from the one or more candidates, and transmit the map image to the external device such that the external device can present at least one portion of the map image as at least part of the navigation service 
         [0015]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating a navigation service system using a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device providing a navigation service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a database according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for displaying map data based on current location information of a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for displaying map data based on input of a destination search keyword input according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation widget icon displayed in a standby screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation widget icon displayed in a standby screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6C  is an exemplary view illustrating a map received from a web server and displayed on a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6D  is an exemplary view illustrating a map received from a web server and displayed on a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6E  is an exemplary view illustrating an input screen for a destination search according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6F  is an exemplary view illustrating a list of candidate destinations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6G  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
         [0031]    The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0032]    It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
         [0033]    In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a widget denotes a customized application that allows a user to edit a standby screen with mainly used contents and to directly activate desired services (e.g., a clock, weather, a search, a calendar, a schedule, stock and the like) without accessing related web sites. Depending on types and features of target services, a widget may be formed in a variety of manners, such as a Java Script, an Extensible Markup Language (XML), or an Open Application Programming Interface (API). Since the widget may be activated in a standby screen, the widget has an advantage of a faster loading time over typical applications. 
         [0034]    In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a navigation widget denotes a specific widget configured suitably for a navigation service. A navigation widget may be formed by using the Open API related to map data that a web server provides. Also, a navigation widget may include instructions for a wireless communication unit in a mobile device to receive a list of candidate destinations and related map data from a web server. A navigation widget may further include instructions for a Global Positioning System (GPS) module in a mobile device to receive location information of the device from a GPS satellite. A navigation widget may still further include instructions for a display unit in a mobile device to display a location of the device on a map. A navigation widget may be redesigned to reflect a user&#39;s desired map to a navigation service system. 
         [0035]    In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a navigation widget controller may be included in a control unit of a mobile device and performs control functions for entire operations, e.g., activation of a navigation widget, of a navigation service system. A navigation widget controller controls a wireless communication unit to transmit location information of a mobile device to a web server and to receive map data in response to location information from a web server. A navigation widget controller then controls a display unit to display a device location on a map. Additionally, a navigation widget controller controls a wireless communication unit to transmit a destination search keyword to a web server, to receive a list of candidate destinations in response to a destination search keyword from a web server, to transmit a selected destination in a list to a web server, and to receive map data in response to a selected destination. Also, a navigation widget controller controls a display unit to display a device location on a map. 
         [0036]    In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a navigation widget icon denotes a graphical object arranged in a standby screen to allow execution of a navigation service system. That is, by touching a navigation widget icon (if a mobile device has a touch screen) or selecting a navigation widget icon through key input (if a mobile device has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)), a user may execute a navigation service system. If a navigation widget is embedded in a mobile device, a navigation widget icon may appear in a standby screen through a user&#39;s menu selection. If a navigation widget is downloaded from a web server, a navigation widget icon may appear in a standby screen automatically or through a user&#39;s menu selection. 
         [0037]    The GPS, also known as a global navigation satellite system, is often used for navigation purposes. The GPS uses a constellation of satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, which allow GPS receivers to determine their current location. In an exemplary implementation, a GPS module in a mobile device has a GPS receiver communicating with GPS satellites to track the current location of the device. 
         [0038]    The Open API denotes a user-friendly open interface that web service providers open access ways to the public for specific functions or content services. While a traditional API denotes languages or messages used for communication between an Operating System (OS) and applications, the Open API denotes languages or messages used for communication between web servers. As new programs are developed by using API, it is also possible to develop new services by using the Open API. A number of web servers (e.g., GOOGLE, EBAY, YAHOO, NAVER and the like) currently provide a variety of the Open APIs, and also some web servers offer the Open API related to map data. In an exemplary implementation, a mobile device may utilize destination data and map data, stored in a web server, by using the Open API that a web server provides. Additionally, a user may redesign a navigation widget by using suitable Open APIs various web servers provide. 
         [0039]    A web server is a server that provides web pages (i.e., HyperText Markup Language (HTML) files). A web server has a specific domain name and may be equipped with a web server program capable of serving web pages using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). In an exemplary implementation, a web server provides map data and a list of candidate destinations to a mobile device. Also, a web server provides the Open API for easier access to the web server from a mobile device. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view that illustrates a navigation service system using a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the navigation service system  100  includes a mobile device  110 , a GPS satellite  120 , a web server  130  and a database  140 . 
         [0042]    The mobile device  110  includes a GPS module and thereby receives location information of the mobile device from the GPS satellite  120 . Also, the mobile device  110  accesses the web server  130  and then receives navigation data, such as maps and a list of candidate destinations from the web server  130 . 
         [0043]    The GPS satellite  120  transmits location information of the mobile device to the GPS module embedded in the mobile device. 
         [0044]    The web server  130  provides navigation data, such as maps and a list of candidate destinations to the mobile device  110 , being connected to the mobile device  110  through a wireless interne network, for example. Also, the web server  130  provides the Open API related to navigation data so that the mobile device  110  may use navigation data, such as maps and a list of candidate destinations. 
         [0045]    The database  140  stores navigation data, including maps and a list of candidate destinations. The navigation data in the database  140  is provided to the mobile device  110  by the web server  130 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram that illustrates a mobile device providing a navigation service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mobile device  110  includes a wireless communication unit  225 , an audio processing unit  230 , a display unit  240 , an input unit  250 , a memory unit  260 , a GPS module  270  and a control unit  280 . 
         [0048]    The wireless communication unit  225  includes a Radio Frequency (RF) unit  210  and a data processing unit  220 , both of which are elements to execute wireless communications for the mobile device  110 . The RF unit  210  transmits and receives RF signals. Specifically, the RF unit  210  includes an RF transmitter (not illustrated) that up-converts the frequency of transmission signals and amplifies transmission signals, and an RF receiver (not illustrated) that down-converts the frequency of reception signals and low-noise amplifies reception signals. Although, not illustrated, the data processing unit  220  is composed of an encoder, a modulator, both of which are used for transmission signals, a decoder and a demodulator both of which are used for reception signals. 
         [0049]    The audio processing unit  230 , which includes a microphone and a speaker, performs functions of processing audio signals. The audio processing unit  230  may provide a navigation voice service to a user. 
         [0050]    The display unit  240  displays various kinds of graphical information input by a user or offered to a user. The display unit  240  may be formed of an LCD and the like. Also, the display unit  240  may be formed with a touch screen, which performs portions or all of functions of the input unit  250 . The display unit  240  displays map data in connection with the location of the mobile device  110  or the destination. Also, the display unit  240  displays the device location overlapped on the map data. 
         [0051]    The input unit  250  may be formed of a keypad, a touchpad, and the like. The input unit  250  creates input signals based on user&#39;s manipulations and transmits the input signals to the control unit  280 . For example, a user may execute a navigation program through the input unit  250 . 
         [0052]    The memory unit  260  stores user&#39;s information and a variety of programs required for operation of the mobile device  110 . The memory unit  260  may store a navigation widget that corresponds to a specific application created using the Open API that the web server  130  provides. 
         [0053]    The GPS module  270  receives GPS satellite signals including location information of the mobile device  110  from the GPS satellite  120  and transmits the satellite signals to the control unit  280 . 
         [0054]    The control unit  280  provides control signals required for entire operations of the mobile device  110 . More particularly, the control unit  280  includes a navigation widget controller  290  for the control of the navigation service system. 
         [0055]    The navigation widget controller  290  controls the wireless communication unit  225  through activation of a navigation widget so that the wireless communication unit  225  may receive map data and a list of candidate destinations from the web server  130 . Also, the navigation widget controller  290  controls the GPS module  270  through activation of a navigation widget so that the GPS module  270  may receive location information of the mobile device  110  from the GPS satellite  120 . The navigation widget controller  290  further controls the display unit  240  through activation of a navigation widget so that the display unit  240  may display map data and a device location. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view that illustrates a configuration of a database according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the DataBase (DB)  140  includes a destination list DB  310  and a map data DB  320 . Additionally, the map data DB  320  has a display DB  321 , a network DB  322  and a guide DB  323 . 
         [0058]    The destination list DB  310  stores a list of addresses in connection with destinations (including domestic and foreign countries). When a user requests a destination list to the web server  130  by inputting a destination search keyword, the web server  130  retrieves a list of candidate destinations in connection with the keyword input from the destination list DB  310  and transmits the list to the mobile device  110 . 
         [0059]    The map data DB  320  stores map image data that will be displayed on the display unit  240  of the mobile device  110 . The display DB  321 , the network DB  322  and the guide DB  323  in the map data DB  320  stores display format data, road line data and route guidance data, respectively. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for displaying map data based on current location information of a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0061]    In an exemplary implementation, the mobile device  110  has a navigation widget stored therein, and the navigation widget controller  290  embedded therein. The navigation widget and the navigation widget controller  290  may be equipped in the mobile device before launching or may be installed in the mobile device through a download. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the navigation widget controller  290  of the mobile device  110  activates the navigation widget in step S 410  in response to a user&#39;s manipulation of a navigation widget icon which is displayed on the display unit  240  in a standby state. If the navigation widget is embedded in the mobile device, the navigation widget icon may appear in a standby screen through a user&#39;s menu selection. If the navigation widget is downloaded from the web server, the navigation widget icon may appear in a standby screen automatically or through a user&#39;s menu selection. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6A  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation widget icon displayed in a standby screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the display unit  240  of the mobile device may be formed with a touch screen or an LCD. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , if the mobile device is formed with a touch screen, the navigation widget is activated when a user touches the navigation widget icon  610  in a standby screen. If the mobile device is formed with an LCD, the navigation widget is activated when a user selects the navigation widget icon  610  through key input using the input unit  250 . Additionally, a shortcut key may be established for activation of the widget. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6B  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation widget icon displayed in a standby screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the navigation widget icon  610  may be arranged at different positions in different shapes. A user may change the position of the navigation widget icon  610  through a drag action (in case of a touch screen) or by using key buttons (in case of an LCD). Also, the shape of the navigation widget icon  610  may vary with a user&#39;s selection. 
         [0067]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , when the navigation widget is activated, the mobile device  110  requests information related to the current location of the mobile device  110  to the GPS satellite in step S 420 . The mobile device  110  then receives GPS satellite signals including information related to the device location from the GPS satellite  120  through the GPS module  270  in step S 430 . On receipt of GPS signals, the mobile device  110  accesses the web server  130  and transmits current location information of the mobile device  110  to the web server  130  through the wireless communication unit  225  in step S 440 . In response to location information of the mobile device  110 , the web server  130  retrieves map data from the map DB  320  in step S 450 . The mobile device  110  then receives map data from the web server  130  through the wireless communication unit  225  in step S 460 , and displays the received map data and the current location of the mobile device  110  on the display unit  240  in step S 470 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6C  is an exemplary view illustrating a map received from the web server and displayed on a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 6C , a map  620  related to the current location  630  of the mobile device  110  is received from the web server  130  and displayed on the display unit  240 . Additionally, the current location  630  of the mobile device  110  is received from the GPS satellite  120  and overlapped with the map  620  displayed on the display unit  240 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 6D  is an exemplary view illustrating a map received from a web server and displayed on a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 6D , a map  620  has a scaled-down form and is arranged in a portion of a standby screen. When a user touches or selects the navigation widget icon  610  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the icon  610  disappears and the map  620  appears at the position of the icon. The scaled-down form of the map  620  may be increased or decreased in size and moved through a drag action (in case of a touch screen) or by using key buttons (in case of an LCD without touchscreen capabilities). 
         [0072]    However, the GPS satellite  120  begins to transmit information related to the current information of the mobile device  110  to the GPS module  270  in step S 430 , and continues such transmission in real time until the navigation widget is ended. 
         [0073]    The navigation widget includes the Open API the web server  130  provides. Also, the navigation widget includes several instructions for the wireless communication unit  225  to receive a list of candidate destinations and related map data from the web server  130 , for the GPS module  270  to receive device location information from the GPS satellite, and for the display unit  240  to display the device location on map data. 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for displaying map data based on input of a destination search keyword according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , while the mobile device  110  receives current location information from the GPS satellite  120  and map data related to the current location from the web server  130  in step S 500 , a keyword for destination search is input through the input unit  250  of the mobile device  110  in step S 510 . The input of the destination search keyword may be performed while or before the GPS module  270  receives the current location of the mobile device  110  from the GPS satellite  120 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 6E  is an exemplary view illustrating an input screen for destination search according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 6E , when the map  620  is displayed with the current device location  630  as illustrated in  FIG. 6C , a search icon  640  may also be displayed on the map  620 . If the search icon  640  is touched or selected, a screen on the display unit is changed from the map  620  to the input screen for destination search illustrated in  FIG. 6E . In an exemplary implementation, the input screen may appear immediately after the navigation widget is activated through a touch or selection of the navigation widget icon  610  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . When the input screen is displayed, a user inputs a keyword (e.g., OO Store) for destination search through the input unit  250 . 
         [0078]    Returning to  FIG. 5 , when a keyword for destination search is input, the mobile device  110  transmits the keyword to the web server  130  to request candidate destinations related to the keyword in step S 520 . The web server  130  then retrieves a list of candidate destinations from the destination list DB  310  in step S 530 , and transmits the list to the mobile device  110  in step S 540 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 6F  is an exemplary view illustrating a list of candidate destinations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 6F , the mobile device  110  displays a list that includes several candidate destinations (e.g., a main branch of OO Store, a branch A of OO Store and the like) related to the keyword (e.g., OO Store). 
         [0081]    Returning again to  FIG. 5 , a user selects one of the candidate destinations in the list in step S 550 , and the mobile device  110  transmits the selected destination to the web server  130  to request related map data in step S 560 . 
         [0082]    The web server  130  retrieves map data related to the selected destination from the map data DB  320  in step S 570 , and transmits the map data to the mobile device  110  in step S 580 . The mobile device  110  starts a navigation service to the destination while displaying the map data and the current device location on the display unit  240  in step S 590 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 6G  is an exemplary view illustrating a navigation screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 6G , the mobile device  110  displays a current location of the mobile device  110  that is represented as a dot  630  in the map, and a guide path to the destination that is represented as a dotted line  650  in the map. During a navigation service, the mobile device  110  may further provide voice guidance through the speaker. 
         [0085]    As described above, the navigation service system of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide a navigation service to a user of the mobile device without requiring a map-embedded mobile device. Therefore, updating map data is not required. Also, it is possible to easily use a navigation system in foreign countries. 
         [0086]    Furthermore, the navigation service system may allow a user to reflect desired map data by redesigning a navigation program, thus implementing a wide selection of map data. 
         [0087]    Additionally, the widget-based navigation program may reduce a loading time of the navigation service system. 
         [0088]    While this invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.