Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

A mobile terminal includes an output unit outputting information and a controller. The mobile terminal receives information about a current location of the mobile terminal; generates a keyword list including at least a first keyword item associated with at least a first place or a first time; determines whether a distance between the first place and the current location is within a threshold distance or whether a time gap between the first time and present time is within a threshold time gap; outputs alerting information when the distance is determined to be within the threshold distance or when the time gap is determined to be within the threshold time gap; and outputs route guidance from the current location to a first guide point in response to user input received after the alerting information is output, the user input confirming designation of the first place as the first guide point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2012-0130902, filed on Nov. 19, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for collecting a keyword in the course of using the mobile terminal and then providing route information related to the keyword efficiently using the collected keyword.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be further classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to possibility of user's direct portability.

As functions of the terminal are getting diversified, the terminal tends to be implemented as a multimedia player provided with composite functions such as photographing of photos or videos, playback of music or video files, game play, broadcast reception and the like for example.

To support and increase the terminal functions, it may be able to consider the improvement of structural parts and/or software parts of the terminal.

Recently, a mobile terminal tends to provide a navigation function. To this end, the demands for a method and apparatus for guiding a route by facilitating a destination to be set in consideration of user's necessity and environment in providing the navigation function are rising.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof, by which a more convenient navigation function can be provided.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof, by which a destination candidate of navigation can be automatically extracted in response to a schedule in the course of having the mobile terminal used by a user.

Technical tasks obtainable from exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are non-limiting. And, other unmentioned technical tasks can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a position location module and a controller generating a keyword list including at least one keyword item related to a place, the controller obtaining an information on a current location via the position location module, the controller determining a first guide point corresponding to a first keyword item among keyword items included in the keyword list in consideration of at least one selected from the group consisting of a place information configuring each keyword item included in the keyword list, a time information configuring the each keyword item included in the keyword list, an information on the obtained current location and a current time, and the controller providing a route guidance of a route from the obtained current location to the first guide point.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling a mobile terminal includes generating a keyword list including at least one keyword item related to a place, obtaining an information on a current location, determining a first guide point corresponding to a first keyword item among keyword items included in the keyword list in consideration of at least one selected from the group consisting of a place information configuring each keyword item included in the keyword list, a time information configuring the each keyword item included in the keyword list, an information on the obtained current location and a current time, and providing a route guidance of a route from the obtained current location to the first guide point.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a mobile terminal capable of providing a more convenient navigation function.

In particular, in the course of being used by a user, the mobile terminal according to an example embodiment of the present invention extracts a keyword related to a destination then provides the user with a destination candidate in consideration of a schedule and a current location.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various types of terminals may be implemented using the various techniques discussed herein. Examples of such terminals include mobile as well as stationary terminals, such as mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, DTV, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, or the like. Simply for discussion purposes, the description herein after will refer a mobile terminal, however, it should be appreciated that such teachings may equally apply to other types of terminals.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal100in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 1shows the mobile terminal100having a wireless communication unit110, an A/V (audio/video) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, a power supply unit190, among other components. Mobile terminal100is shown having various components, but it should be understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement, as greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more components which permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal100is located. For instance, the wireless communication unit110can include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a position-location module115, or the like.

The broadcast receiving module111receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server which is provided with a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and then transmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information includes information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc. This broadcast associated information can also be provided via a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast associated information can be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in various forms. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received by the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in a suitable device, such as a memory160.

The mobile communication module112may transmit/receive wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, external terminal, server, etc.). Such wireless signals may represent audio, video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceiving, among others.

The wireless Internet module113supports Internet access for the mobile terminal100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. In this case, the wireless Internet technology can include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution) or the like.

The position-location module115may identify or otherwise obtain the location of the mobile terminal100. If desired, this module may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module.

Referring still toFIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit120is shown configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal100. As shown, the A/V input unit120includes a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. Typically, the processed image frames can be displayed on the display151.

The image frames processed by the camera121can be stored in the memory160or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Optionally, two or more cameras121can be provided to the mobile terminal100according to the environment in which the terminal used to according to user needs.

The user input unit130generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like.

The sensing unit140provides sensing signals for controlling operations of the mobile terminal100using status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit140may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal100, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal100, a change of position of the mobile terminal100or a component of the mobile terminal100, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100, or the like.

As an example, consider the mobile terminal100being configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, the sensing unit140may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit140sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit170and an external device. If desired, the sensing unit140can include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150generates output relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, touch or the like. In some cases, the output unit150may include the display151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153, a haptic module154, a projector module155, or the like.

The display151may be implemented using, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional display or another appropriate type of display. The mobile terminal100may include one or more of such displays.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent or optical transmissive type, which can be named a transparent display. As a representative example for the transparent display, there is TOLED (transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of the display151can be implemented in the optical transmissive type as well. In this configuration, a user is able to see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area occupied by the display151of the terminal body.

At least two displays151can be provided to the mobile terminal100in accordance with the implemented configuration of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of displays can be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal100in a manner of being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of displays can be arranged on different faces (e.g., front surface and rear surface) of the mobile terminal100.

In the case where the display151and a sensor for detecting a touch action (hereinafter also referred to a ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter also referred to a ‘touchscreen’), the user can use the display151as an input device as well as an output device. In this case, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad or the like.

The touch sensor can be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display151or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display151to an electric input signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the touch sensor to detect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor, signal(s) corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers the processed signal(s) to the controller180. Therefore, the controller180is able to know whether a prescribed portion of the display151is touched.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, a proximity sensor can be provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal100enclosed by the touchscreen or proximate to the touchscreen. The proximity sensor is the sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength or infrared ray without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor has durability longer than that of a contact type sensor and also has utility wider than that of the contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor can include one or more of a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, an electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, or the like. When the touchscreen includes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it may also be configured to detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this scenario, the touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as a proximity sensor.

In the following description, for clarity, an action that a pointer approaches without contacting with the touchscreen to be recognized as located on the touchscreen is referred to as ‘proximity touch’ while an action that a pointer actually touches the touchscreen may be referred to as a ‘contact touch.’ The meaning of the position on the touchscreen proximity-touched by the pointer refers to the position of the pointer which vertically opposes the touchscreen when the pointer performs the proximity touch.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). In addition, information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.

The audio output module152functions in various modes including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, or the like, to output audio data which is received from the wireless communication unit110or is stored in the memory160. During operation, the audio output module152may output audio relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received, etc.). The audio output module152may be implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, or another appropriate type of audio producing devices, and combinations thereof.

The alarm unit153may output a signal for announcing the occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile terminal100. Typical events may include a call received event, a message received event a touch input received event or the like. The alarm unit153is able to output a signal for announcing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video or audio signal. The video or audio signal can be outputted via the display151or the audio output unit152. Hence, the display151or the audio output module152can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module154. Strength and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module154are controllable. For instance, different vibrations can be outputted in a manner of being synthesized together or can be outputted in sequence.

The haptic module154can be implemented to enable a user to sense the tactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or the like as well as to transfer the tactile effect through a direct contact. Optionally, at least two haptic modules154can be provided to the mobile terminal100in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of the mobile terminal100.

The projector module155is the element for performing an image projector function using the mobile terminal100. And, the projector module155is able to display an image, which is identical to or partially different at least from the image displayed on the display151, on an external screen or wall according to a control signal of the controller180.

In particular, the projector module155can include a light source generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting an image externally, an image producing element for producing an image to output externally using the light generated from the light source, and a lens for enlarging the image for output externally at predetermined focus distance. The projector module155can further include a device for adjusting an image projected direction by mechanically moving the lens or the whole module.

The projector module155can be classified into a CRT (cathode ray tube) module, an LCD (liquid crystal display) module, a DLP (digital light processing) module, or the like, according to a device type of a display means. In particular, the DLP module is operated by the mechanism of enabling the light generated from the light source to reflect on a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) chip and can be advantageous for the downsizing of the projector module151.

The projector module155may be provided in a length direction of a lateral, front or backside direction of the mobile terminal100. It should be appreciated that the projector module155can be provided on any appropriate portion of the mobile terminal100according to the necessity thereof.

The memory160is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal100. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures, moving pictures, etc. And, a recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data (e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or each multimedia) can be stored in the memory160. Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound outputted in case of a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory160.

The memory160may be implemented using any type or combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices including hard disk, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, multimedia card micro type memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), or other appropriate type of memory or data storage device. And, the mobile terminal100is able to operate in association with a web storage for performing a storage function of the memory160on the Internet.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of information for authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal100and can include User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A device having the identity module (hereinafter called ‘identity device’) can be manufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device is connectible to the mobile terminal100via the corresponding port.

The controller180typically may control the overall operations of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller180performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. The controller180may include a multimedia module181that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module181may be configured as part of the controller180, or implemented as a separate component. Moreover, the controller180is able to perform a pattern recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively.

The power supply unit190provides power required by the various components for the mobile terminal100. The power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile terminal100is shown as a bar type terminal body, but the mobile terminal may alternatively be implemented using other configurations such as folder-type, slide-type, rotational-type, swing-type, combinations thereof, or the like. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to a bar-type mobile terminal100, but such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.

Referring still toFIG. 2, the mobile terminal100may include a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) configuring an exterior thereof. The case is shown divided into a front case101and a rear case102. Various electric/electronic parts are positioned or otherwise located in a space or cavity provided between the front and rear cases101and102. Optionally, at least one middle case can be further provided between the front and rear cases101and102. The cases101and102may be formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or they can be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti), or the like, for example.

A display151, an audio output unit152, a camera121, user input units130/131and132, a microphone122, an interface180, or the like, can be provided to the terminal body, and more particularly, to the front case101.

The display151is shown occupying the majority of a main face of the front case101. The audio output unit151and the camera121may be provided at an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display151, while the user input unit131and the microphone122may be provided at another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display151. The user input unit132and the interface170can be provided on lateral sides of the front and rear cases101and102.

The input unit130may be manipulated to receive a command for controlling an operation of the terminal100. The input unit130may also include a plurality of manipulating units131and132. The manipulating units131and132will sometimes be referred to herein as a manipulating portion or, button, switch, or the like, and they may implement any mechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Content inputted by the first or second manipulating unit131or132can be diversely set. For instance, such a command as start, end, scroll or the like is inputted to the first manipulating unit131. A command for volume adjustment of sound outputted from the audio output unit152, a command for switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display151, or the like, can be inputted to the second manipulating unit132.

Meanwhile, such a graphic for pointing at a specific object on a display unit or selecting a menu from the display unit as an arrow, a finger and the like is called a pointer or a cursor. Yet, the pointer is frequently used to mean a finger, a stylus pen or the like for a touch manipulation and the like. In order to clearly discriminate the pointer and the cursor from each other in this disclosure, a graphic displayed on a display unit is named a cursor and such a physical means for performing a touch, a proximity touch, a gesture and the like as a finger, a stylus pen and the like is named a pointer.

For clarity and convenience of the following description, a mobile terminal mentioned in the following description is assumed as including at least one of the components shown inFIG. 1.

Route Guide in Consideration of Place Related Keyword, Time & Current Location

A mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention creates a keyword list of keywords collected in accordance with determination made by the controller180in the course of using the mobile terminal or keywords designated by a user is created, informs the user of information on a time and/or current location related to the keyword in association with a place, and is capable of performing a navigation function.

FIG. 3is a flowchart for one example of a route guiding method according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, in the course of using the mobile terminal, the controller180extracts a keyword [S310] and may be then able to add the corresponding keyword to a keyword list [S320]. In doing so, the keyword extraction may be performed in the course of activating various applications runnable in the mobile terminal. In particular, if the controller180determines keyword candidates and then informs a user of the determined keyword candidates via a prescribed visual effect and the like, a desired keyword, which will be added to the keyword list, may be specified in a manner that the user selects at least one portion of the keyword candidates. A keyword may be automatically added to the keyword list without user's confirmation in accordance with a determination made by the controller180. As references for the controller180to extract keywords (or keyword candidates), it may be able to consider simple place information, information related to a schedule including a place, information on an operation and a target of the operation, information related to articles required for performing a previously saved schedule and the like, by which the references may be non-limited.

The keyword list may be saved in the memory160. Each keyword item to be saved in the keyword list may be configured with an extracted time, a place, an operation, a target of the operation, an identity or combination thereof. In case that a name of a place is specified in the keyword item, the controller180performs an address search with the specified name. If the name of the place is not included in the keyword item, the controller180searches for a place and address related to the keyword item using the rest of the informations, adds address information to the keyword item, and then saves the address information added keyword item. In case that there are a plurality of places having the same name or a plurality of places found using the rest of the informations except the name of the place, the controller180may be able to update the address information on each keyword item in order of vicinity in consideration of a current location. Therefore, a keyword item may be regarded as related to a place.

Thereafter, the controller180may be able to determine a first guide point in response to a user's command input [S330]. In doing so, the controller180may be able to control a menu, which is provided to enable a user to confirm whether to set the first guide point to the place for the specific keyword item in consideration of at least one of the time information, the place information and the current location included in the each keyword item contained in the keyword list, to be displayed in a prescribed form on the touchscreen151. For instance, in case that there exists a keyword item including place information without time information, the controller180may be able to display indication information related to the corresponding keyword item if the mobile terminal approaches the corresponding place in a prescribed distance or when it is determined that the corresponding place is within a threshold distance from the current location of the mobile terminal100. In one example embodiment, a value of the threshold distance may vary depending on the speed of the mobile terminal moving. For example, if it is determined that the mobile terminal100is not moving or the speed is less than a first threshold speed, the controller180may assume that the user of the mobile terminal100is stationary or walking. Alternatively, if it is determined that the speed is greater than a second threshold speed, the controller180may assume that the user of the mobile terminal100is moving at a fast speed, i.e., in a car or train. Accordingly, the value of the threshold distance would be greater when the speed is greater than the second threshold speed compared to when the speed is less than the first threshold speed.

For another instance, in case that there exists a keyword item including both time information and place information, the controller180may be able to simply display indication information related to the corresponding keyword item when a corresponding time has come or the time associated with the keyword item is within a threshold time period with respect to the current time. Similar to the above discussed variable value of the threshold distance, a value of the threshold time period may also vary depending on the speed of the mobile terminal100moving. For example, the value of the threshold time period may be greater at a lower speed of the mobile terminal100. The transportation type may also be designated by the user and the controller180may calculate the distance and time required with respect to the keyword item according to the designated transportation type.

For another instance, in case that there exists a keyword item including both time information and place information, the controller180calculates a time required for going to a corresponding place from a current location and may be then able to display indication information related to the corresponding keyword item at a timing point prior to the required time from the corresponding time. If a user selects the displayed indication information, the place corresponding to the keyword item may be determined as the first guide point. To this end, the controller180may be able to continuously monitor whether the place contained in the keyword item included in the keyword list is approached, whether the time has come, and/or the current location. Alternatively, a point corresponding to one of a random point and a keyword item included in the keyword list may be determined as the first guide point in response to a user's command input via the user input unit (e.g., the touchscreen).

Once the first guide point is determined, a place (i.e., a keyword associated place) corresponding to a keyword item situated within a predetermined range including a start location and the first guide point, a distance from the start location to the first guide point, a time required for going to the first guide point from the start location and the like may be displayed on the touchscreen [S340]. In this case, a start point may include a current location of the mobile terminal or a location set up by a user. Moreover, the start location, the first guide point and the keyword associated place nearby the first guide point may be displayed as a list (i.e., a list view) or may be displayed on a map (i.e., a map view). A list view mode and a map view mode may be switched to each other in response to a user's input. This shall be described in detail later.

Subsequently, the user may be able to additionally select at least one second guide point [S350]. In particular, the user may be able to select the place related to the keyword included in the keyword list, the keyword associated place displayed in the map/list view or a point directly inputted by the user as the second guide point [S360]. In case that a plurality of the second guide points are selected, the step S360may be iteratively performed [S370].

Once the selection of the second guide point is completed, the controller180searches for a route including the first guide point and the at least one second guide point and may be then able to control a modified route information and an estimated arrival time to be displayed on the touchscreen [S380].

Subsequently, if the user inputs a route guide initiation command, the controller180may be able to start the route guidance [S390].

Meanwhile, in case that the user does not additionally select the second guide point, the route guidance of the route from the start location to the first guide point may be directly initiated [S350, S390].

Although the user fails to select the second guide point, if a place related to a different keyword item exists on a route between the current location and the first guide point or nearby two points, the controller180may control the existing place to be automatically added as the second guide point or recommended to the user.

In the following description, a method of extracting a keyword and adding the extracted keyword to a keyword list is explained with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 5.

FIG. 4is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for extracting a keyword from a text message application in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, as a text message application is activated, a message thread exchanged with a counterpart is displayed on a text touchscreen151[FIG. 4(a)]. In doing so, the controller180extracts words related to times or places as keywords and may be then able to give a prescribed visual effect (e.g., highlight) to the extracted words. In doing so, if a user selects the visual effect, a menu410, which enables the user to determine whether to save the extracted information as a single keyword item, may be displayed [FIG. 4(b)]. In case that information, which may be associated with a different application, is included in the extracted information, e.g., in case that a location of HONG Gil Dong home is saved in a phonebook or searchable, as shown inFIG. 4(b), an icon411for paging a map application can be displayed on the menu410. In doing so, if the user selects a save button from the menu410, information included in the menu410may be saved as a single keyword item in the keyword list.

In a situation shown inFIG. 4(a), as a message exchange further proceeds, the controller180may be able to extract keywords additionally. In particular, in case that an operation to be performed on ‘ice cream’ is ‘buy’ [FIG. 4(c)], the controller180links ‘ice cream’ to ‘exit #2, Gupabal Station’ and may be then able to save the linked words as a single keyword item [FIG. 4(d)]. In doing so, although ‘Line #3’ of a place field shown inFIG. 4(d) is not directly mentioned in the message thread shown inFIG. 4(c), the controller180performs a search with ‘Gupabal Station’ and may then display the found ‘Line #3’. This search may be performed using a database previously saved in the memory160or may include an internet search via a wireless communication unit.

FIG. 5is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for extracting a keyword from a memo application in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5(a), as a memo application is activated, a memo content inputted by a user is displayed on the touchscreen151. In doing so, the controller180extracts keywords in accordance with prescribed reference and may be then able to give such a prescribed visual effect as a bold effect to the extracted keywords.

Referring toFIG. 5(b), if the visual effect given keywords are selected, the controller180may be able to display the extracted keywords on the touchscreen151in a manner of sorting the keywords into a check box type list. Subsequently, the user may be able to save/delete the keywords in/from a keyword list by sorting out the keywords by entity unit in a manner of selecting check boxes respectively corresponding to the desired keywords and then saving the selected check boxes.

Meanwhile, the visual effect may not be further represented on the memo content corresponding to the keywords saved in the keyword list.

The keyword extracting process and the applications applied thereto are exemplarily described with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 5, by which the present invention may be non-limited. Moreover, a desired keyword can be added to a keyword list by various methods using various applications. For instance, a keyword may be extracted from a schedule management application and a keyword related to a person or contact may be extracted from an address book application. For another instance, the controller180performs voice recognition on a voice of a user or a voice of a call counterpart in the course of an ongoing voice call and may be then able to extract a keyword from a voice recognition performed result.

In the following description, a process for performing a navigation function in accordance with the keywords added inFIG. 4is explained with reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7.

FIG. 6is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for activating a navigation function in response to indication information displayed in accordance with time information on a specific keyword item in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, assume a case that a keyword item related to an ice cream purchase is saved in a keyword list by the steps shown inFIG. 4(c) andFIG. 4(d).

Referring toFIG. 6(a), in consideration of a timing point indicated by time information included in a keyword item related to an ice cream purchase and a time required for going to a place indicated by place information included in the corresponding keyword item from a current place, the controller180may be able to inform a user of information on the corresponding keyword item via an indication popup window610at a timing point for the user to reasonably perform a corresponding schedule. Together with or instead of the popup window, an indication information620on the keyword item may be displayed on a quick panel, as shown inFIG. 6(b). In this case, the quick panel may mean a layer that is gradually displayed toward a bottom end when an indicator region provided to a top end of the touchscreen is dragged in bottom direction.

In case that the user selects the indication popup window610or the indication information620displayed on the quick panel, referring toFIG. 6(c), a guide point list of a list view type may be displayed. An information630on a remaining time until a schedule and a map view switch menu button640for switching to a map view may be arranged on a top end of the guide point list. A current location, which is a start point, and a current time are displayed on a most top end of the guide point list and a first guide point and an estimated arrival time may be displayed on a most bottom end of the guide point list. In doing so, the controller180may be able to automatically search for and display passing-through possible points between the first guide point and the current location using the place information of the keyword item included in the keyword list. An icon indicating that the keyword item matching the corresponding guide point is extracted from which application may be displayed on the left side of each of the guide point items.

If the switch menu button640is selected in the list view mode, referring toFIG. 6(d), a guide point may be displayed on the map in map view mode. If a switch menu button650displayed on a top end is selected in the map view mode, the map view mode may be switched to the list view mode shown inFIG. 6(c).

If a screen is switched without having an end menu selected in the situation shown inFIG. 6(a) (e.g., a home key button manipulation, an incoming call, etc.) or the indication menu is selected again, the indication information620may keep remaining on the quick panel. Moreover, a visual effect may be given to the indication information620displayed on the quick panel to indicate a cumulative count of reselections of the indication menu, an imminent time until a schedule time, or an increasingly extended time having the indication information failing to be checked. This visual effect may be given to the location matching the corresponding indication information on the map view.

Meanwhile, a user checks whether a passing-through possible point exists nearby a specific guide point by among places for a keyword item included in a keyword list and may be then able to additionally designate the existing passing-through possible point as a guide point. This is described with reference toFIG. 7as follows.

FIG. 7is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for adding a second guide point in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, assume that the process shown inFIG. 7is subsequent to the former process shown inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 7(a), in order to check whether a passing-through possible place exists nearby a specific guide point, a user may be able to select an item711matching the specific guide point by performing a touch input thereon. In case of attempting to check a passing-through possible place between two guide points711and712, the user touches the guide points with different fingers and may then drag the fingers in a manner that a distance between the touched points increases.

If an area to be searched for the passing-through possible places is selected by one of the above-described methods, the controller180searches the keyword list for a keyword item including information on a place adjacent to the selected area and may be then able to display the corresponding result in map view mode, as shown inFIG. 7(b). Referring toFIG. 7(b), the guide point722for the keyword ‘ice cream’ and a local community center723for issuing a certificate nearby the guide point722are found as the passing-through possible places.

If the user selects the local community center723, referring toFIG. 7(c), a route730including the local community center723is displayed in map view. As the switch menu is selected, if the map view is switched to the list view, referring toFIG. 7(d), an item713matching the newly selected guide point may be additionally displayed between the 2 selected guide point items711and712. As the passing-through possible place is selected, an estimated arrival time740of an arrival at a final destination may be updated and displayed.

In the following description, a case of selecting a first guide point from a keyword list is explained with reference toFIG. 8andFIG. 9.

FIG. 8is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a method of selecting a first guide point from a keyword list in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8(a), if a user inputs a keyword list paging command, the controller180may be able to display a keyword list on the touchscreen151. In doing so, a time information812is displayed on a keyword item including time information. If a time information closing is imminent, an indicator811may be additionally displayed to indicate that the timing information closing is imminent. An icon indicating an application, from which the corresponding keyword item is collected, may be displayed on the left side of each keyword item. In case that the same keyword item is extracted from the same application multiple times, a corresponding extraction count821may be displayed on the corresponding icon. And, a different user, who shares location information, may be displayed as a human-shaped icon823on a left side of the corresponding keyword item. The order of displaying the keyword items on the keyword list may be determined in consideration of at least one of a priority designated by a user, a closing imminent order according to time information and a distance from a current location.

If a switch menu button831is selected, referring toFIG. 8(b), a map view is entered so that keyword item matched places existing in a predetermined range with reference to the current location840can be displayed. A prescribed visual effect may be given to the place having a high priority among the places displayed on a map. For instance, if a place842matching a keyword ‘wedding ceremony’ and a place841matching a keyword ‘congratulation money’ have high priorities, respectively, an outline effect may be given to each of the places842and841. In doing so, if a different user, who shares location information, exists on the displayed map, a location843of the corresponding user may be displayed as well.

If the user selects a place that matches a specific keyword, additional information on the selected place may be further displayed. For instance, if the place841matching the wedding celebration money is selected [FIG. 8(b)], the controller180searches for locations of nearby ATMs and fee information on each of the ATMs and may then display the results851and852on the map [FIG. 8(c)]. Subsequently, the user may be able to sequentially select a guide point for the place corresponding to a specific ATM and a guide point for the place corresponding to a wedding ceremony through a touch input (e.g., a long touch) of a specific pattern. In this case, the additional information may be obtained through a web search or may include information recommended through SNS application.

Once the selection of the guide point is completed, referring toFIG. 8(d), the controller180determines the selected location as the guide point and may be then able to display a route870from a start point840. The controller180may be able to display an estimated required time of the route including the selected guide point. In case that an arrival is not possible until an expiry timing point in consideration of a current time, a required time for going to a final guide point and a time information on the final guide point, the controller180may be able to display a warning text860. Moreover, if the selection of the guide point is completed, a menu for selecting transportation means (e.g., on-foot, car, bus, subway, etc.) may be provided [not shown in the drawing]. In doing so, if the transportation means is selected, a route and estimated required time may be updated in accordance with the selected transportation means.

In the following description, a method of deleting a guide completed keyword item is explained with reference toFIG. 9.

FIG. 9is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a method of deleting a completed keyword item in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, assume a situation that the guide for the route designated by the process described with reference toFIG. 8is already completed.

Referring toFIG. 9, if an item842′ matching the keyword ‘wedding ceremony’, of which guidance has been completed in the map view mode, is selected, a delete menu910may be displayed [FIG. 9(a)]. While the delete menu910is displayed, if the corresponding item842′ is dragged & dropped onto the delete menu910, the corresponding item may disappear from the map view [FIG. 9(b)]. In this case, the corresponding item may be deleted from the keyword list as well. In case that the corresponding item842′ is dragged & dropped onto an edge of the touchscreen151, the corresponding item may be deleted [FIG. 9(c)].

FIG. 10is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a method of deleting a guide point in a list view mode in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 10, assume a process subsequent to the situation shown inFIG. 6(c) for example.

Referring toFIG. 10, in case of attempting to delete a second guide point item1010from the guide points displayed in list view mode, a user may be able to select the corresponding item1010by performing a touch input thereon [FIG. 10(a)]. Hence, it may be able to display a popup window to select whether the corresponding item will be changed into a guide completed state or deleted from the list view [FIG. 10(b)]. If ‘delete’ is selected, the corresponding item may be deleted from the keyword list. If ‘done’ is selected, the corresponding item may not be deleted from the keyword list despite disappearing from the list view. Alternatively, if ‘done’ is selected, the corresponding item may be deleted from the keyword list by the former method described with reference toFIG. 9.

Once ‘delete’ or ‘done’ is selected inFIG. 10(b), the corresponding item1010′ is deleted and then displayed on a top end by changing its position [FIG. 10(c)]. Hence, an estimated arrival time1020shown inFIG. 10(a) is re-calculated and an updated estimated arrival time is then displayed [FIG. 10(c)].

In the following description, a method of extracting a keyword from preset alarm information and then adding a place information required for a corresponding alarm to a keyword list is explained with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 11is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for extracting a keyword from an alarm application in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 11, if a user sets up an alarm1110including a frequency information and a time information and then selects an activate button1111in order to listen to a radio program, the controller180may be able to obtain information on the program broadcasted on the corresponding frequency and time in a manner of obtaining a radio schedule by an internet search [FIG. 11(a)]. The controller180extracts a keyword from the obtained information. As a result of the extraction, if a purchase of a book is necessary, the controller180may be able to control a popup window1120, which is provided to add a keyword item shown inFIG. 11(b), to be displayed on the touchscreen151. If the user selects ‘OK (add keyword item)’ from the popup window1120, the corresponding information is added to the keyword list. If a broadcast time is imminent or a current location is adjacent to a bookstore, the controller180outputs an indication information (not shown in the drawing) is outputted in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 6(a) orFIG. 6(b) and may be then able to guide a route to the bookstore1130[FIG. 11(c)]. Meanwhile, even if the alarm shown inFIG. 11is not set up, the controller180obtains a user's pattern (e.g., user's flow line, etc.) and may be then able to add a keyword item.

In the following description, in case that a place matching a specific keyword item included in a keyword list is adjacent to a current location, a process for executing a navigation function according to the present invention is explained with reference toFIGS. 12 to 14.

FIG. 12is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for activating a navigation function in response to a place in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, a message1210containing a text ‘buy cookies’ is displayed via a text message application [FIG. 12(a)]. In doing so, the controller180determines that an object of an action ‘buy’ is ‘cookies’ and may be then able to add the corresponding word as a single keyword item to a keyword list. Subsequently, the controller180detects whether a shop for buying cookies exists in a predetermined distance from a current location by real time or prescribed periods. If the shop is detected, the controller180may be able to control an indication information1220to be displayed on the touchscreen151[FIG. 12(b)]. If the indication information1220is selected, the current location1231, the location1233of the shop and a recommended route can be displayed on a map in map view mode [FIG. 12(c)].

Meanwhile, after a first guide point has been set, while a navigation function is active, if a current location is adjacent to a place matching a specific keyword item, the corresponding place may be added as a second guide point. This case is described with reference toFIG. 13as follows.

FIG. 13is a diagram of display screen configuration for one example of a process for adding a guide point in response to a place when the guide point is already set in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

A situation shown inFIG. 13is almost similar to that shown inFIG. 12. Yet,FIG. 13assumes a case that a navigation function is activated as a point matching a keyword ‘appointment place’ is set as a first guide point. In this case, while a route guidance to the first guide point is being performed, if a current location is adjacent to a place matching a keyword item added via a text message, an indication information may be displayed. Hence, a current location1231, a shop location1233and an appointment place location1235may be displayed on a map in map view mode and a route modified to pass through the shop location1233may be displayed [FIG. 13(a)].

While a user stays at the shop, the controller180calculates a remaining distance to the appointment place and a time required for arriving at the appointment place. When the required time is added to a current time, if the added time approaches a closing time set in the keyword ‘appointment place’, the controller180may be able to display a warning text1310[FIG. 13(b)]. Subsequently, the controller180may be able to control a remaining route to be displayed on the touchscreen151again [FIG. 13(c)].

Meanwhile, while the navigation function is provided, if a current location approaches a selected guide point, the controller180may be able to control a source of a keyword item to be displayed on the touchscreen. In particular, the controller180may be able to remind a user of the reason why the user arrives at the guide point. Once the mobile terminal arrives at the guide point, the controller180may be able to control a keyword item matching the corresponding guide point to be automatically deleted from the keyword list. This is described with reference toFIG. 14as follows.

FIG. 14is a diagram of display screen configuration to describe convenience features providable to a user when a navigation function is active in a mobile terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 14, assume a case that the mobile terminal arrives at the shop location1233in the situation shown inFIG. 13(a).

Referring toFIG. 14(a), if the mobile terminal arrives at the shop location1233, the controller180may be able to perform a reminder function in a manner of controlling a text message, from which an information on a keyword item matching the shop location1233is extracted, to be displayed as a popup window1410on the touchscreen.

If the mobile terminal arrives at the shop location1233, the controller180may be able to control a popup window1420to be displayed to inform a user of the arrival. If the user selected the popup window1420, the controller180may control the keyword item matching the corresponding guide point to be deleted from the keyword list.

The reminder function shown inFIG. 14(a) and the keyword deleting function shown inFIG. 14(B) may be performed in sequence. Alternatively, either the reminder function shown inFIG. 14(a) or the keyword deleting function shown inFIG. 14(B) may be performed.

According to the example embodiments mentioned in the foregoing description, a route guiding process after selection of at least one guide point is similar to a general navigation function. For clarity, the redundant description shall be omitted. According to the example embodiments mentioned in the foregoing description, the extraction of information related to a keyword item is described as mainly performed on the basis of text for example, by which the present invention may be non-limited. For instance, information related to a keyword item may be extractable from a multimedia content (e.g., image, voice recognition, video, etc.).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be specified into other form(s) without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions.

According to one example embodiment of the present invention, the above-described methods can be implemented in a program recorded medium as processor-readable codes. The processor-readable media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a processor are saved. The processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet).

The aforementioned example embodiments are achieved by combination of structural elements and features of the present invention in a predetermined type. Each of the structural elements or features should be considered selectively unless specified separately. Each of the structural elements or features may be carried out without being combined with other structural elements or features. Also, some structural elements and/or features may be combined with one another to constitute the embodiments of the present invention.