Method for operating application and electronic device thereof

A method is provided for sharing user information in an electronic device. User information is determined. A sharable item is displayed for the determined user information. A setting is provided for the sharable item indicating whether to restrict sharing for the sharable item. It is determined whether to share the user information based on the setting for the sharable item.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to a Korean Patent Application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 17, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0083949, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method for operating an application of an electronic device, and more particularly, to a method for sharing information in the electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the electronic industry and communication technology develops, new services based on data, voice, and video are rapidly being developed. The development of micro electronic, computer software, and computer hardware technologies has become foundational in processing increasingly complicated operations of electronic devices, electronic device provides even a range that resolves a network limitation, so that stronger functionality may be achieved gradually. The demand for electronic devices, particularly mobile terminals, such as smart phones, is urgent for users preferring electronic devices with greater functionality and flexibility. With the development of communication technology, electronic devices have evolved into multimedia devices which provide not only voice communication services, but also various multimedia services using data communication services. Electronic devices provide various applications in order to provide various multimedia services. A Social Network Service (SNS) application is an example of a user-based application which is widely used and enables a user to communicate with a counterpart electronic device and share data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an application and an electronic device thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an application, capable of preventing personal information leakage, and an electronic device thereof.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides a user interface that may be operated intuitively.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for sharing user information in an electronic device. User information is determined. A sharable item is displayed for the determined user information. A setting is provided for the sharable item indicating whether to restrict sharing for the sharable item. It is determined whether to share the user information based on the setting for the sharable item.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided that includes a touchscreen and at least one processor coupled with the touchscreen. The processor controls to determine user information, display a sharable item for the determined user information, provide a setting indicating whether to restrict sharing for the sharable item, and determine whether to share the user information based on the setting of the shareable item.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for sharing information in an electronic device is provided. Contact information is determined. A sharable item for the determined contact information is displayed on a contact information input screen. A setting is provided indicating whether to restrict sharing of the sharable item. The user information is stored with the corresponding setting for the sharable item. It is determined whether to share the stored user information based on the setting of the sharable item.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals although they are illustrated indifferent drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a method for operating an application and an electronic device thereof according to various embodiments of the present invention are described.

In describing various embodiments of the present invention, though an electronic device to which a touchscreen may be applied as a display unit is illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is applicable to various devices which include a touchscreen, devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, mobile phones, smart phones, netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices (MID), Ultra Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), tablet PCs, navigation devices, MP3 players, etc.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device100may be a device such as a mobile phone, a media player, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, or a PDA. The electronic device100may combine two or more functions among these devices.

The electronic device100includes a memory110, a processor unit120, a camera unit130, a sensor unit140, a wireless communication unit150, an audio unit160, an external port unit170, an Input/Output (I/O) controller180, a touchscreen190, and an input unit200. A plurality of memories110and external port units170may be provided. Each element is described below.

The processor unit120includes a memory interface121, at least one processor122, and a peripheral interface123. The memory interface121, the at least one processor122, and the peripheral interface123are integrated in at least one integrated circuit or implemented as separate elements.

The memory interface121controls memory access of elements such as the processor122and the peripheral interface123.

The peripheral interface123controls connection between an I/O peripheral of the electronic device100and the processor122and the memory interface121.

The processor122controls the electronic device100to provide various multimedia services using at least one software program. The processor122executes at least one program stored in the memory110to provide a service corresponding to the relevant program.

The processor122executes various software programs to perform various functions for the electronic device100, and performs processes and controls for voice communication, video communication, and data communication.

The processor122performs methods of various embodiments of the present invention in cooperation with software modules stored in the memory110. According to the present invention, the processor122controls to determine at least one user information, displays at least one sharable item for the determined user information, sets whether to restrict sharing of the displayed sharable item, and shares user information reflecting the set sharing restriction.

The processor122includes one or more data processors, image processors, or CODECs. Furthermore, the electronic device100may configure a data processor, an image processor, or a CODEC, separately.

The camera unit130performs a camera function such as a photo and video clip recording, etc. The camera unit130includes a Charged Coupled Device (CCD), or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), etc. Also, the camera unit130may change hardware configuration, for example, lens movement, a number of an aperture, etc. depending on a camera program executed by the processor122.

Various elements of the electronic device100may be connected via one or more communication buses or an electric connection means.

The sensor unit140may include a motion sensor, a Hall sensor, an illuminance sensor, an image sensor, a variable resistance sensor, etc. The motion sensor detects movement of the electronic device100, and the illuminance sensor detects ambient light. The electronic device100may include various sensors besides the above-mentioned sensors.

The wireless communication unit150enables wireless communication, and may include a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver or a light (for example, an infrared) transmitter/receiver. The wireless communication unit150may be designed to operate via one or more of a GSM network, an EDGE network, a CDMA network, a W-CDMA network, an LTE network, an OFDMA network, a Wi-Fi network, a WiMax network, or a Bluetooth network depending on a communication network.

The audio unit160may be connected to a speaker161and a microphone162to support communication functions. Such as, voice recognition, voice duplication, digital recording, or audio input/output. The audio unit160provides an audio interface between a user and the electronic device100, and receives a data signal from the processor unit120, converts the received data signal to an electric signal, and outputs the converted electric signal via the speaker161.

The speaker161converts an electric signal to an audible frequency band and output the same, and may be disposed in the front side or the rear side of the electronic device100. The speaker161includes a flexible film speaker where at least one piezoelectric body has been attached on one vibration film.

The microphone162converts a sound wave transferred from a person or other sound sources to an electric signal. Also, the audio unit160receives an electric signal from the microphone162, converts the received electric signal to an audio data signal, and transmits the converted audio data signal to the processor unit120. The audio unit160may include an earphone, an ear set, a headphone, or a head set detachable from the electronic device100.

The external port unit170directly connects the electronic device100to a counterpart electronic device, or indirectly connects the electronic device100to a counterpart electronic device via a network (for example, the Internet, an Intranet, a wireless LAN, etc.)

The I/O controller180provides an interface between an I/O unit such as the touchscreen190, and the input unit200, and the peripheral interface123.

The touchscreen190provides an I/O interface between the electronic device100and a user. For example, the touchscreen190may apply a touch detect technology, transfer a user's touch input to the processor unit120, and show visual information, text, graphics, or video, etc. provided from the processor unit120to the user.

The touchscreen190displays state information of the electronic device100, a character input by the user, a moving picture, a still picture, etc. The touchscreen190may display information of an application driven by the processor122.

The touchscreen190may further apply an arbitrary multi-touch detect technology including not only capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies but also other proximity sensor arrangements or other elements. The touchscreen190may apply at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED), a flexible display, and a 3 dimensional display.

The input unit200provides input data generated by the user's selection to the processor122via the I/O controller180. The input unit200may include a keypad including at least one hardware button, a touch pad for detecting touch information, etc. The input unit200may include an up/down button for volume control. The input unit200may also include at least one of a push button, a locker button, a locker switch, a thumb-wheel, a dial, a stick, and a pointer device such as a stylus, etc. to which a relevant function has been given.

The memory110includes a high speed random access memory such as one or more magnetic disk storages or a non-volatile memory, one or more optical storages or a flash memory (for example, NADN, NOR). The memory110stores a software. The software may include an Operating System (OS) module111, a communication module112, a graphics module113, a user interface module114, a CODEC module115, a camera module116, an application driving module117, and an application management module118. The application driving module117and the application management module118may be configured in one module. A terminology of a module may be expressed as a set of instructions, an instruction set, or a program.

The OS module111may include WINDOWS, LINUX, Darwin, RTXC, UNIX, OS X, or a built-in OS such as VxWorks, and may include various software elements for controlling general system operations. The control of the general system operation may include memory control and management, storage hardware (device) control and management, power control and management, etc. The OS module111may also perform a function for swift communication between various hardwares (devices) and softwares (modules).

The communication module112enables communication with a counterpart electronic device such as a computer, a server, an electronic device, etc. via the wireless communication unit150or the external port unit170. The communication module112communicates with a counterpart electronic device and control to share at least a portion of sharable items of the electronic device100.

The graphics module113includes various software elements for providing and displaying graphics on the touchscreen190. The “graphics” may refer to text, a web page, an icon, a digital image, a video, an animation, etc.

The user interface module114includes various software elements related to a user interface. The user interface module114controls to display information of an application driven by the processor122on the touchscreen190. Also, the user interface module114includes content regarding how a state of the user interface changes or under what condition the state of the user interface changes.

The CODEC module115includes a software element related to encoding and decoding of a video file.

The camera module116includes a camera-related software element enabling camera-related processes and functions.

The application driving module117includes a software element for at least one application installed in the electronic device100. The applications may include a browser, an e-mail, a phonebook, games, a short message service, a multimedia message service, an SNS, an instant message, phone, an MP3 player, a schedule management, a camera, word processing, keyboard emulation, an address book, a contact list, a widget, Digital Right Management (DRM), voice recognition, voice duplication, a position determining function, or a position based service.

The application management module118includes at least one software element for managing an item sharable with a counterpart electronic device with at least one application executed. The application management module118may include various routines for a related process and application operation support to allow a user to set sharable information for an item sharable with the counterpart electronic device. Also, when receiving a user information transmission request from the counterpart electronic device, the application management module118may control not to transmit user information.

Additionally, various functions of the electronic device100according to an embodiment of the present invention may include hardware or software including one or more processors or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating the processor122according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, the processor122includes an application driver210, an application manager220, and a display controller230. Elements of the processor122are formed of separate modules, but according to another embodiment, the elements of the processor122may be included as elements of software inside one module.

The application driver210executes the application driving module117stored in the memory110to provide a service corresponding to a relevant application. The application driver210may be controlled by the application manager220.

The application manager220executes the application management module118stored in the memory110to manage a relevant application. For example, the application manager220may control to determine an item sharable with a counterpart electronic device, and set sharable information for the determined item. Also, when receiving a user information transmission request from a counterpart electronic device, the application manager220may control not to transmit user information.

The display controller230executes the user interface module114stored in the memory110and controls to display a user interface on the touchscreen190using graphics. The display controller230controls to display information of an application driven by the application driver210on the touchscreen190.

FIGS. 3 to 5illustrate a process for setting sharable information via a contact information input screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, the touchscreen190is disposed on one side of the electronic device100. A speaker unit101, a plurality of sensors (for example, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, etc.)102, and a camera module103may be disposed on the upper portion of the touchscreen190, and a physical button (referred to as a ‘home’ button)104may be disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190. When the physical button104is pressed, it may perform a function for changing to a basic set screen either temporarily or permanently from a function currently executed by the electronic device100. The physical button104may be used as a communication start button. Therefore, preferably, the physical button104may be a button easily manipulated by a user. This physical button104may be a key button where a metal dome installed to a substrate included inside the electronic device100, for providing a sense of clicking to a user, has been installed.

A button105for a touch pad, for initiating a program or a function displayed on the touchscreen190may be disposed on one side of the physical button104, and a button106for a touch pad, for executing cancellation of a program or a function displayed on the touchscreen190may be disposed on the other side of the physical button104. However, it is not limited thereto, other known buttons may be applied as the button105for initiating and the button106for canceling. Though these buttons104,105, and106are provided to the outside of the touchscreen190in the present drawings, these buttons104,105, and106may be displayed together as a partial element of the touchscreen190.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the touchscreen190is configured as a basic screen displayed when the electronic device100enters a wakeup state. A plurality of objects301,302,303,304,305, and306may be disposed at predetermined intervals or in a specific region of the touchscreen190. The positions or the regions of these objects301,302,303,304,305, and306may be changed by a user. These objects301,302,303,304,305, and306may be displayed as widget icons301, and302according to user setting, and icons303,304,305, and306displaying programs. These objects301,302,303,304,305, and306may further include a shortcut icon that may be performed by the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of objects301,302,303,304,305, and306included in the electronic device100of exceeds the number of icons currently shown on the screen of the touchscreen190generally. Therefore, the currently displayed screen may be only one of a plurality of pages, and the plurality of pages may be by a specific touch operation. The currently shown screen may be changed to the next page or the previous page by a specific touch operation such as a swipe touch or a panning touch in a predetermined direction, with respect to the current page region. Also, an indicator310may be disposed on a predetermined region of the screen so that the user may be made aware of the existence of additional pages. For example, the indicator310may include three indicators311,312, and313for indicating that there are three pages, and therefore the user may know the that contents of the screen spans three pages, and the current page is the first page.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower region of the illustrated touchscreen190is a fixed menu region320and may accommodate objects321,322,323,324, and325for basic functions of the electronic device100. A dialing icon321, contact information icon322, a message transmission/reception icon324, an application select icon325, etc. may be disposed in the fixed menu region320, and e.g. a frequently used Internet entry icon323, etc. may be additionally disposed by the user's setting.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a status bar330, for providing various status information of the electronic device to the user, may be displayed on the upper region of the touchscreen190. The status bar330may include a time331, a battery status indicator332, signal strength indicators333,334for wireless communication, an output notice information indicator335of the electronic device100, etc.

FIG. 4illustrates a screen configuration in the case where the contact information icon322has been executed on the screen ofFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 4, the touchscreen190may be a contact information list screen420where a counterpart user's contact information is stored.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fixed menu region410is disposed on the upper portion of the contact information list screen420of the touchscreen190. A keypad icon411, a recent record icon412, a favorite icon413, a contact information icon414, etc. may be disposed in the fixed menu region410. The fixed menu region410performs a role of the indicator310, and icons411,412,413, and414included in the fixed menu region410may perform a role of the above-described indicators311,312, and313.

Since the four icons411,412,413, and414are illustrated in the fixed menu region410, the fixed menu region410may consist of four pages. The current page may be changed to the favorite icon page413which is the previous page by a swipe touch, and a panning touch in a predetermined direction with respect to the current page region. The contact information icon414is highlighted in a size different from the rest of the three icons411,412, and413, so that the electronic device may inform the user that the current page displayed on the touchscreen190is a page for the contact information icon414. In the case where the view in the touchscreen190changes from the current page to a page of the favorite icon413by an operation of touching the favorite icon413and displays the page of the favorite icon413, the favorite icon413of the fixed menu region410may be highlighted and displayed in a larger size compared to that of the other icons411,412, and414.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, objects421,422, and430for retrieving, storing, and editing, respectively, contact information is disposed on the contact information list screen420. A contact information retrieve screen421for retrieving contact information is disposed on the upper portion of the contact information list screen420. A keyword for retrieving contact information may be input to the contact information retrieve screen421. The keyword may include all or a portion of at least one of a phone number, initial consonant, an e-mail address, and an initial. A contact information addition icon422for storing contact information is disposed on one side of the contact information retrieve screen421.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of contact information lists may be sequentially arranged in the lower portion of the contact information retrieve screen421. A photo431, a name432of a counterpart user, and a call icon433for communication with the counterpart user may be disposed on the contact information list430. However, it is not limited thereto, a phone number, an e-mail address, a nickname, etc. may be further disposed on the contact information list430.

FIG. 5illustrates screen configuration in the case where a user touches the contact information list430on the screen ofFIG. 4.

Referring toFIG. 5, the touchscreen190may be a contact information edit screen for editing stored contact information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a basic information display window510where a photo511and a name of a counterpart user corresponding to relevant contact information is disposed on the upper portion of the touchscreen190. However, it is not limited thereto, and a phone number, an e-mail address, a nickname, a birthday, etc. of the counterpart user may be further displayed on the basic information display window510.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a detailed information display window520is further disposed in the lower portion of the basic information display window510. A plurality of objects521,522,523,524,525, and526may be disposed at a predetermined interval or in a specific region of the detailed information display window520. The positions or the regions of these objects521,522,523,524,525, and526may be changed by a user. These objects521,522,523,524,525, and526may be displayed as a phone number521of a counterpart user corresponding to relevant contact information, a call icon522for communication with the counterpart user, an icon524for video communication with the counterpart user, and on/off icons525,526for setting sharable information in an SNS application. According to an embodiment, as the on/off icons525,526for setting sharable information are selected, the electronic device100may share user information or block user information sharing in the SNS application.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare views of screen configurations illustrating setting sharable information on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6Aillustrates screen configuration in the case of selecting an on icon525for setting sharable information on the screen ofFIG. 5. Referring toFIG. 6A, an on icon601for setting sharable information is highlighted and displayed in a size different from an off icon602. Also, a detailed item window600for share information setting is disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190. A plurality of items610,620,630,640, and650or arranged in the detailed item window600. The plurality of items610,620,630,640, and650may be a position information item610, a contact information item620, a birthday information item630, a photo information item640, and a schedule information item650. However, they are not limited thereto and various user information items may be further included in the detailed item window600. The plurality of items610,620,630,640, and650may include on/off icons611,612, etc. for setting share information corresponding to each item.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100controls setting a sharable information for each item via the on/off icons611,612. According to the present drawing, since on icons611of the position information item610and the birthday information item630are selected, information for the position information item610and the birthday information item630enter a shared state in the electronic device100. At this point, the selected icons611, etc. may be highlighted and displayed in a size different from the off icons612, etc. The electronic device100may store user information reflecting a sharable information setting using a pressable button or a backspace button.

FIG. 6Billustrates a screen configuration in the case of selecting the off icon526for sharable information setting on the screen ofFIG. 5. Also,FIG. 6Bincludes a case where the off icon602for sharable information is selected on the screen ofFIG. 6A.

Referring toFIG. 6B, the off icon602for setting sharable information is highlighted and displayed in a size different from the on icon601. Also, a detailed item window600for sharable information setting is disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190. The plurality of items610,620,630,640, and650is arranged on the detailed item window600. The plurality of items610,620,630,640,650may be the position information item610, the contact information item620, the birthday information item630, the photo information item640, and the schedule information item650. However, they are not limited thereto and various user information items may be further included in the detailed item window600. The plurality of items610,620,630,640, and650may include on/off icons611and612for setting sharable information corresponding to each item.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100controls setting sharable information for each item via the on/off icons611and612. However, as described above, in the case where the off icon602for setting sharable information is selected, the electronic device100deactivates all of sharable information setting for the respective items610,620,630,640, and650. The off icon612, for example, of the items610,620,630,640, and650included in the detailed item window600may be highlighted and displayed in a size different from those of the on icons611.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare views of screen configurations sharable information on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7Aillustrates screen configuration in the case of selecting the on icon525for setting sharable information on the screen ofFIG. 5. Referring toFIG. 7A, an on icon701, for setting sharable information, is highlighted and displayed in a size different from that of an off icon702. Also, a detailed item window700, for setting sharable information is disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190. A plurality of items710,720,730,740, and750is arranged on the detailed item window700. The plurality of items710,720,730,740, and750may be a position information setting icon710, a contact information setting icon720, a birthday information setting icon730, a photo information setting icon740, and a schedule information setting icon750. However, they are not limited thereto and various user information icons may be further included in the detailed item window700. The plurality of icons710,720,730,740, and750selected for setting sharable of information corresponding to each icon.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100displays selection of the plurality of icons710,720,730,740, and750using a specific symbol. This specific symbol may be a prohibited symbol. For example, when the position information setting icon710is selected once, the electronic device100displays a prohibited symbol on the position information setting icon710, and when the position information setting icon710is selected twice, the electronic device100deletes the prohibited symbol from the position information setting icon710. According to the present drawing, since the position information setting icon710and the birthday information setting icon730are selected, information for the position information setting icon710and the birthday information setting icon730enters a shared state in the electronic device100.

FIG. 7Billustrates a screen configuration in the case of selecting the off icon526for sharable information setting on the screen ofFIG. 5. Also,FIG. 7Bincludes a case where the off icon702for setting sharable information has been selected on the screen ofFIG. 7A.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the off icon702for setting sharable information is highlighted and displayed in a size different from that of the on icon701. Also, the detailed item window700for setting sharable information is disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190. The plurality of items710,720,730,740, and750is arranged on the detailed item window700. The plurality of items710,720,730,740, and750may be the position information setting icon710, the contact information setting icon720, the birthday information setting icon730, the photo information setting icon740, and the schedule information setting icon750. However, they are not limited thereto and various other user information icons may be further included in the detailed item window700. The plurality of icons710,720,730,740, and750is selected for setting sharable information corresponding to each icon.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100displays selection of the plurality of icons710,720,730,740, and750using a specific symbol. This specific symbol may be a prohibit symbol. However, as described above, when the off icon702for setting sharable information is selected, the electronic device100deactivates all of the sharable information settings for the respective icons710,720,730,740, and750. A specific symbol may be displayed on the icons710,720,730,740, and750included in the detailed item window700.

FIG. 8is a view of a screen configuration illustrating setting sharable information on of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8illustrates a screen configuration in the case of selecting the on icon525for setting sharable information on the screen ofFIG. 5. Referring toFIG. 8, an on icon801for setting sharable information is highlighted and displayed in a size different from that of an off icon802. Also, a sharable range display window800for setting the range of sharable information is disposed on the lower portion of the touchscreen190.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator803for manipulating the range sharable information is disposed on the sharable range display window800. A user may drag this indicator803in an up or down direction to set a corresponding share information range. For example, the electronic device100may determine a sharable class such as ‘high’ or ‘low’. In case of a ‘high’ class, the electronic device100publicizes all information of a user. In case of a ‘low’ class, the electronic device100shares user information restrictively. However, the sharable class is not limited thereto but a plurality of classes may be further added between the ‘high’ and the ‘low’. The sharable information range band on a class may be set by a user and implemented in various ways.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, the electronic device100determines at least one user information in step901. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user information may be contact information.

The electronic device100may display at least one sharable item regarding the determined user information in step903. According to an embodiment, the share item may be displayed as text or an image object.

The electronic device100may then determine whether to restrict sharing of the displayed share item in step905.

The electronic device100shares the user information reflecting set sharing restriction in step907. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100shares the user information with a counterpart electronic device via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application, etc.). The user information includes at least one of position information, contact information, birthday information, photo information, and schedule information.

An instruction set for each operation is stored as one or more modules in the above-mentioned memory110. In this case, a module stored in the memory110is executed by one or more processors122.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, the electronic device100displays a contact information input screen in step1001. According to an embodiment, the contact information input screen may be configured as inFIG. 5, and the contact information input screen may be a contact information edit screen for editing contact information input in advance.

Next, the electronic device100determines whether to share user information in step1003. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user information may include position information, contact information, birthday information, photo information, schedule information, etc. of a user. However, the contact information is not limited thereto but may further include various other user information.

The electronic device100displays a sharable item related to the user information in step1005. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100displays a sharable item in the form of text or an icon on the contact information input screen.

An instruction set for each operation is stored as one or more modules in the above-mentioned memory110. In this case, a module stored in the memory110is executed by one or more processors122.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 11, the electronic device100determines whether a sharable range for a sharable item is set in step1101. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sharable item includes at least one user information that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device, that is, position information, contact information, birthday information, photo information, schedule information, etc. of a user. However, the user information is not limited thereto but may further include various other user information.

In the case where a sharable range is not set, the electronic device100does not share the sharable item in step1103. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may block all of items that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

In the case where the sharable range is set, the electronic device100shares the sharable item depending on the set share range in step1105. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100shares a determined item that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

An instruction set for each operation is stored as one or more modules in the above-mentioned memory110. In this case, a module stored in the memory110may be executed by one or more processors122.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the share range may include friendliness. Where friendliness may be determined by the number of communication transmissions/receptions between the user and a counterpart electronic device, the number of message transmissions/receptions, or status information of a user-based application.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the electronic device100determines whether sharable class for a sharable item is set in step1201. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sharable item includes at least one user information that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device, that is, position information, contact information, birthday information, photo information, schedule information, etc. of a user. However, the user information is not limited thereto but may further include various other user information. Also, a sharable item is determined based on a set class, and the sharable item may be changed based on a set class by a user's setting.

In the case where a sharable class is not set, the electronic device100does not share a sharable item in step1203. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may block all of items that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

In the case where the sharable class is set, the electronic device100may determines whether a set sharable class is equal to or greater than a predetermined class in step1205.

In the case where the set sharable class is less than the predetermined class, the electronic device100shares all of sharable items in step1207. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100shares all of sharable items via a counterpart electronic device and a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

In the case where the set sharable class is equal to or greater than the predetermined class, the electronic device100shares a sharable item restrictively in step1209. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100determines a sharable item based on a set share class. The electronic device100shares a determined sharable item with a counterpart electronic device via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

An instruction set for each operation is stored as one or more modules in the above-mentioned memory110. In this case, a module stored in the memory110is executed by one or more processors122.

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, the electronic device100sets a sharable class for sharable user information in step1301. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sharable user information may include at least one user information that may be shared with a counterpart electronic device, that is, position information, contact information, birthday information, photo information, schedule information, etc. of a user. However, the user information is not limited thereto but may further include various other user information. Also, sharable user information is determined depending on a set class, and the sharable user information is changed depending on a set class by a user's setting.

Next, the electronic device100determines whether a user information share request has been received from a counterpart electronic device in step1303. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the counterpart electronic device makes a user information transmission request to the electronic device100via a user-based application (for example, an SNS application).

In case of receiving a user information transmission request, the electronic device100transmits user information depending on a set sharable class in step1305.

An instruction set for each operation is stored as one or more modules in the above-mentioned memory110. In this case, a module stored in the memory110is executed by one or more processors122.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, each of modules may be configured in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, all or a portion of a module may be configured in one entity and may perform the function of each module. According to various embodiments of the present invention, respective operations may be executed sequentially, repetitively, or in parallel. Also, some operations may be omitted or other operations may be added and executed. For example, respective operations may be executed by a corresponding module described by the present invention.

Also, methods according to embodiments of the present invention described in claims and/or the specification of the present invention may be implemented in the form of hardware, a software, or a combination of hardware and a software.

In case of implementation in the form of a software, a computer readable storage medium for storing one ore more programs (software modules) is provided. One or more programs stored in the computer readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors inside the electronic device. One or more programs includes instructions for enabling the electronic device to execute the methods according to the embodiments described in claims and/or the specification of the present invention.

This software program may be stored in Random Access Memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a Compact Disc (CD)-ROM, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other types of optical storage devices, and a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a memory configured by a portion or all of these. Also, a plurality of respective element memories may be provided.

Also, the program is stored in an attachable storage accessible to the electronic device via a communication network such as the Internet, an Intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide LAN (WLAN), or SAN, or a communication network configured in a combination of these. The storage may access the electronic device via an external port.

Also, a separate storage on a communication network may access a portable electronic device.