Electronic device and method for social networking service

An electronic device including a communication unit configured to receive a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific Social Networking Service (SNS) for other subscribers of the specific SNS in an SNS environment including the specific SNS; and a controller configured to change an application range of a function provided by an application for the specific SNS and to form a social network based on the social network formation history for the subscriber.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0048335 filed on May 23, 2011, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to Social Networking Service (hereinafter referred to as ‘SNS’) and, more particularly, to an electronic device and a method for changing the application range of a function provided by an application for SNS so that a social network can be formed.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the functions of mobile terminals such as a notebook, a mobile phone, and a smart phone, and fixed type electronic devices such as TV and a PC are diversified, the terminal is being implemented into a multimedia player equipped with complex functions such as taking a photograph or capturing a moving image, playing music or a moving image file, playing a game, and receiving broadcasts.

Recently, many users are using SNS using not only the mobile terminals, but also smart TV. In current SNS environments, however, other uses blocked or avoided by a user may be recommended to the user by friends. Furthermore, in current SNS environments, writings or replies written by the user may be open to the other users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other problems.

Another object of the present invention is to allow a user of an electronic device to change the application range of a SNS function based on the user's s social network formation history.

Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to change the application range of SNS functions such ad a friend recommendation function, the disclosure range of content between users, etc.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides in one aspect an electronic device including a communication unit configured to receive a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific Social Networking Service (SNS) for other subscribers of the specific SNS in an SNS environment including the specific SNS; and a controller configured to change an application range of a function provided by an application for the specific SNS and to form a social network based on the social network formation history for the subscriber.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling an electronic device, and which includes receiving, via a communication unit of the electronic device, a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific Social Networking Service (SNS) for other subscribers of the specific SNS in an SNS environment including the specific SNS; and changing, via a controller of the electronic device, an application range of a function provided by an application for the specific SNS and to form a social network based on the social network formation history for the subscriber.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product embodied on a computer programmable medium and including instructions configured to be executed on a computer. The computer program product includes a first computer code to receive and read a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific Social Networking Service (SNS) for other subscribers of the specific SNS in an SNS environment including the specific SNS; and a second computer code configured to change an application range of a function provided by an application for the specific SNS and to form a social network based on the social network formation history for the subscriber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The mobile terminal described in the specification can include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistants (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system and so on.

FIG. 1is an overview illustrating a system10for providing SNS according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the system10includes an electronic device100, an SNS server200, another SNS server300, an e-mail server400, and a mobile communication company server500. The SNS server200may be coupled to the electronic device100in which an application for a specific SNS is installed and configured to provide service to the subscribers of the specific SNS.

Furthermore, the SNS server200may receive a social network formation history for a subscriber of the specific SNS from the other SNS server300, the e-mail server400, and the mobile communication company server500which are connected thereto over a network and transmit the social network formation history for the subscriber to the electronic device100. The SNS server200may also be coupled to other systems in order to receive the social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS.

The social network formation history for the subscriber may include a personal network (e.g., a list of friends) formed by the subscriber of the specific SNS, a friend whose social network formation has been blocked by the subscriber of the specific SNS, the number and frequency of social networks formed between the subscriber of the specific SNS and the other subscriber, a point of time at which the last social network was formed between the subscriber of the specific SNS and the other subscriber, etc. in the other SNS system provided by the other SNS server300, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS may further include a social network formation history in the specific SNS.

Here, the term ‘social network formation’ may include not only the formation of a personal network between subscribers in an SNS system, but also an exchange of instant messages between subscribers, an exchange of text messages between subscribers, the writing of messages and replies between subscriber.

In addition, the social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS may further include a social network formation history related to e-mail between the subscriber of the specific SNS and the other subscribers. The social network formation history related to e-mail may include whether the subscriber has registered other subscribers with an address book, the number or frequency of e-mails exchanged between the subscriber and the other subscribers, a point of time at which the subscriber finally transmitted and received e-mail to and from the other subscribers, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The social network formation history related to e-mail may be transmitted from the e-mail server400to the SNS server200.

The social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS may include a social network formation history related to mobile communication such as the number and frequency of telephone calls made and Short Message Service (MS) messages and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages transmitted and received between the subscriber of the specific SNS and the other subscribers, the last point of time between the subscriber of the specific SNS and the other subscribers, and so on, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The social network formation history related to mobile communication may be transmitted from the mobile communication company server500to the SNS server200.

That is, an SNS environment where the SNS server200receives the social network formation history for the subscriber may include a specific SNS system, the other SNS system, an e-mail service system, mobile communication service, and so on, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. A social network formed by the subscriber may also include direct or indirect exchange formed between the subscriber and the other subscribers over a network.

When the social network formation history for the subscriber is received from the SNS server200, the electronic device100may change the application range of a function, provided by an application for the specific SNS so that a social network can be formed, based on the received social network formation history for the subscriber. For example, the electronic device100may change a range of a friend recommendation function, provided by an application for the specific SNS, based on the social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS. More particularly, if the range of the friend recommendation provided by the application for the specific SNS includes even a friend of a subscriber who has been registered as a friend of the subscriber, the electronic device100may extend or reduce the range of friend recommendation according to a social network formation history for the subscriber who has been registered as the friend.

The function provided by the application for the specific SNS so that a social network can be formed may include recommendation functions such as the above friend recommendation function, a group recommendation function formed of a plurality of subscribers, and a content recommendation function, but the range of friend recommendation provided by the application for the specific SNS is not limited to the above examples. The function provided by the application for the specific SNS so that a social network can be formed may also include a function of providing the subscriber with information and content of the other subscribers related to the subscriber and a function of disclosing information and content, related to the subscriber, to the other subscribers.

For example, the electronic device100may change the disclosure range of content, related to the subscriber and provided by the application for the specific SNS, based on the social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS. More particularly, if the disclosure range of content related to the subscriber is set to extend up to a friend of a friend who has been registered as a friend of the subscriber in the application for the specific SNS, the electronic device100may extend the disclosure range of content, related to the subscriber, to a friend of a subscriber registered as a friend or reduce the disclosure range of content to subscribers, registered as friends, according to a social network formation history for the subscriber.

Next,FIG. 2is a flowchart illustrating an SNS method performed in the system10according to the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 1. The SNS method is described below with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. First, the SNS server200receives a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific SNS from the other SNS server300, the e-mail server400, the mobile communication company server500, and so on (step S100). Next, the SNS server200transmits social network formation history for the other subscribers of the specific SNS including the social network formation history for the subscriber received from the other SNS server300, etc. and a social network formation history formed by the subscriber through the specific SNS in the SNS environment of the subscriber, to the electronic device100(S110).

The electronic device100analyzes the received social network formation history for the subscriber received from the electronic device100(S120). Next, the electronic device100changes the application range of a function, provided by an application for the specific SNS so that a social network can be formed, based on a result of the analysis (step S130).

The analysis of the social network formation history for the subscriber has been illustrated to be performed by the electronic device100inFIG. 1. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the SNS server200may analyze the social network formation history for the subscriber and transmit a result of the analysis to the electronic device100. Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the SNS server may change the application range of the function provided by the application for the specific SNS, and an embodiment thereof is described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3shows the construction of a system10′ for providing SNS according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3, the system10′ includes a mobile terminal100′ and the SNS server100, the other SNS server300, the e-mail server400, and the mobile communication company server500according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Like the system10ofFIG. 1, the system10′ receives the social network formation history for the subscriber from the other SNS server300, the e-mail server400, the mobile communication company server500, and so on. Unlike in the system10ofFIG. 1, in the system10′, the SNS server100changes the application range of a function provided by an application for a specific SNS so that the subscriber can form a social network. In other words, in the system10′, the SNS server100corresponds to the electronic device ofFIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present invention. The SNS server100then provides service to the mobile terminal100′ that has executed the application for the specific SNS when the application range of the function provided by the application for the specific SNS has been changed.

Next,FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating an SNS method performed in the system10′ according to the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 3. The SNS method is described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4. First, the SNS server100receives a social network formation history for a subscriber of a specific SNS from the other SNS server300, the e-mail server400, the mobile communication company server500, and so on (step S200). Next, the SNS server200analyzes a social network formation history for the other subscribers of the specific SNS in the SNS environment of the subscriber, including the social network formation history for the subscriber, received from the other SNS server300, etc., and a social network formation history formed by the subscriber through the specific SNS (step S210).

Next, the SNS server100changes the application range of a function, provided by an application for the specific SNS so that a social network can be formed, based on a result of the analysis (step S220) and provides service to the mobile terminal100′ based on the changed application range of the function (step S230). Here, the mobile terminal100′ may apply the changed application range of the function to the application for the specific SNS already installed.

The examples where the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may change the application range of a function, provided by an application for a specific SNS so that a social network can be formed, based on a social network formation history for the subscriber of the specific SNS has been described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4. Hereinafter, examples where an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention changes the application range of a function provided by an application for a specific SNS are described in detail below by taking a mobile terminal as an example of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of the mobile terminal100. The mobile terminal100can include a radio communication unit110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface170, a controller180, and a power supply190. The number of components included in the mobile terminal can be varied.

The components of the mobile terminal will now be described. The radio communication unit110can include at least one module that enables radio communication between the mobile terminal100and a radio communication system or between the mobile terminal100and a network in which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the radio communication unit110can include a broadcasting receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a local area communication module114and a position information module115.

The broadcasting receiving module111receives broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information from an external broadcasting management server through a broadcasting channel. The broadcasting channel can include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcasting management server can be a server that generates and transmits broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information or a server that receives previously created broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information and transmits the broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information to a terminal. The broadcasting signals can include not only TV broadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals and data broadcasting signals but also signals in the form of combination of a TV broadcasting signal and a radio broadcasting signal.

The broadcasting related information can be information on a broadcasting channel, a broadcasting program or a broadcasting service provider. The broadcasting related information can be provided even through a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcasting related information can be received by the mobile communication module112. The broadcasting related information can exist in various forms. For example, the broadcasting related information can exist in the form of electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) or in the form of electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcasting receiving module111receives broadcasting signals using various broadcasting systems. Particularly, the broadcasting receiving module111can receive digital broadcasting signals using digital broadcasting systems such as digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), media forward link only (MediaFLO), DVB-H and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) systems. The broadcasting receiving module111can be constructed to be suited to broadcasting systems providing broadcasting signals other than the above-described digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information received through the broadcasting receiving module111can be stored in the memory160. The mobile communication module112transmits/receives a radio signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server on a mobile communication network. The radio signal can include a voice call signal, a video telephony call signal or data in various forms according to transmission and receiving of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module113corresponds to a module for wireless Internet access and can be included in the mobile terminal100or externally attached to the mobile terminal100. Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and so on can be used as a wireless Internet technique. The local area communication module114corresponds to a module for local area communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB) and ZigBee can be used as a local area communication technique.

The position information module115confirms or obtains the position of the mobile terminal. A global positioning system (GPS) module is a representative example of the position information module115. According to the current technology, the GPS module115can calculate information on distances between one point (object) and at least three satellites and information on the time when the distance information is measured and apply trigonometry to the obtained distance information to obtain three-dimensional position information on the point (object) according to latitude, longitude and altitude at a predetermined time. Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the calculated position and time information using another satellite is also used. In addition, the GPS module115continuously calculates the current position in real time and calculates velocity information using the position information.

Referring toFIG. 5, the A/V input unit120is used to input an audio signal or a video signal and can include a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121processes image frames of still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video telephony mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on a display module151. The image frames processed by the camera121can be stored in the memory160or transmitted to an external device through the radio communication unit110. The mobile terminal100can include at least two cameras according to constitution of the terminal.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode or a speed recognition mode and processes the received audio signal into electric audio data. The audio data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module112and output in the call mode. The microphone122can employ various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated when the external audio signal is received. The user input unit130receives input data for controlling the operation of the terminal from a user. The user input unit130can include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (constant voltage/capacitance), jog wheel, jog switch and so on.

The sensing unit140senses the current state of the mobile terminal100, such as open/close state of the mobile terminal100, the position of the mobile terminal100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal100, the direction of the mobile terminal100and acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. For example, the sensing unit140can sense whether a slide phone is opened or closed when the mobile terminal100is the slide phone. Furthermore, the sensing unit140can sense whether the power supply190supplies power and whether the interface170is connected to an external device. The sensing unit140can include a proximity sensor.

The output unit150generates visual, auditory or tactile output and can include the display module151, an audio output module152, an alarm module153and a haptic module154. The display module151displays information processed by the mobile terminal100. For example, the display module151displays UI or graphic user interface (GUI) related to a telephone call when the mobile terminal is in the call mode. The display module151displays a captured or/and received image, UI or GUI when the mobile terminal100is in the video telephony mode or the photographing mode.

The display module151can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display and a three-dimensional display. Some of these displays can be of a transparent type or a light transmission type. This can be referred to as a transparent display. The transparent display includes a transparent liquid crystal display. The rear structure of the display module151can also be of the light transmission type. According to this structure, a user can see an object located behind the body of the mobile terminal100through an area of the body of the mobile terminal100, which is occupied by the display module151.

The mobile terminal100can include at least two display modules151according to constitution of the terminal. For example, the mobile terminal100can include a plurality of displays that are arranged on a single face at a predetermined distance or integrated. Otherwise, the plurality of displays can be arranged on different sides.

When the display module151and a sensor sensing touch (referred to as a touch sensor hereinafter) form a layered structure, which is referred to as a touch screen hereinafter, the display module151can be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor can be in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet and a touch pad, for example. Further, the touch sensor can be constructed such that it converts a variation in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display module151or a variation in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display module151into an electric input signal. The touch sensor can be constructed such that it can sense pressure of touch as well as the position and area of touch.

When touch input is applied to the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal and transmits data corresponding to the processed signal to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180can detect a touched portion of the display151.

Also, the sensing unit inFIG. 5can include a proximity sensor located in an internal region of the mobile terminal, surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor senses an object approaching a predetermined sensing face or an object located near the proximity sensor using electromagnetic force or infrared rays without having mechanical contact. The proximity sensor has lifetime longer than that of a contact sensor and has wide application.

The proximity sensor includes a transmission type photo-electric sensor, a direct reflection type photo-electric sensor, a mirror reflection type photo-electric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, etc. A capacitive touch screen is constructed such that proximity of a pointer is detected through a variation in an electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) can be classified as a proximity sensor.

For convenience of explanation, an action of approaching the pointer to the touch screen while the pointer it not being in contact with the touch screen such that location of the pointer on the touch screen is recognized is referred to as “proximity touch” and an action of bring the pointer into contact with the touch screen is referred to as “contact touch” in the following description. A proximity touch point of the pointer on the touch screen means a point of the touch screen to which the pointer corresponds perpendicularly to the touch screen when the pointer proximity-touches the touch screen.

The proximity sensor senses proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch velocity, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch moving state, etc.). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action and proximity touch pattern can be displayed on the touch screen.

The audio output module152can output audio data received from the radio communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal receiving mode, a telephone call mode or a recording mode, a speech recognition mode and a broadcasting receiving mode. The audio output module152outputs audio signals related to functions (for example, a call signal incoming tone, a message incoming tone, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152can include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

The alarm module153outputs a signal for indicating generation of an event of the mobile terminal100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal include receiving of a call signal, receiving of a message, input of a key signal, input of touch, etc. The alarm module153can output signals in forms different from video signals or audio signals, for example, a signal for indicating generation of an event through vibration. The video signals or the audio signals can be also output through the display module151or the audio output module152.

The haptic module154generates various haptic effects that the user can feel. A representative example of the haptic effects is vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module154can be controlled. For example, different vibrations can be combined and output or sequentially output.

The haptic module154can generate a variety of haptic effects including an effect of stimulus according to arrangement of pins vertically moving for a contact skin face, an effect of stimulus according to jet force or sucking force of air through a jet hole or a sucking hole, an effect of stimulus rubbing the skin, an effect of stimulus according to contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulus using electrostatic force and an effect according to reproduction of cold and warmth using an element capable of absorbing or radiating heat in addition to vibrations.

The haptic module154can not only transmit haptic effects through direct contact but also allow the user to feel haptic effects through kinesthetic sense of his fingers or arms. The mobile terminal100can include at least two haptic modules154according to constitution of the mobile terminal.

The memory160can store a program for the operation of the controller180and temporarily store input/output data (for example, phone book, messages, still images, moving images, etc.). The memory160can store data about vibrations and sounds in various patterns, which are output from when a touch input is applied to the touch screen. The memory160can include at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disk and an optical disk. The mobile terminal100can operate in relation to a web storage performing the storing function of the memory160on the Internet.

The interface170serves as a path to all external devices connected to the mobile terminal100. The interface170receives data from the external devices or power and transmits the data or power to the internal components of the mobile terminal100or transmits data of the mobile terminal100to the external devices. The interface170can include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having a user identification module, an audio I/O port, a video I/O port, an earphone port, etc., for example.

An identification module is a chip that stores information for authenticating the authority to use the mobile terminal100and can include a user identify module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM) and a universal subscriber identify module (USIM). A device (referred to as an identification device hereinafter) including the identification module can be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the mobile terminal100through a card slot included in the interface170.

The construction of the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference toFIG. 5. Examples where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention changes the application range of a function provided by an application for a specific SNS so that a subscriber of the specific SNS can form a social network are described in detail below.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an example of an SNS method performed in the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention. More particularly,FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method of the mobile terminal100changing the range of a recommendation function, provided by an application for a specific SNS, based on a social network formation history for a subscriber of the specific SNS.

As shown, the controller180analyzes the social network formation history for the subscriber received from the SNS server200through the wireless communication unit110(step S300), and determines whether the social network formation history for the subscriber complies with a predetermined criterion (step S310). If, as a result of the determination, the social network formation history for the subscriber is determined to comply with the predetermined criterion (Yes in step S310), the controller180changes the application range of a recommendation function provided by the application for the specific SNS (S320). If, as a result of the determination, the social network formation history for the subscriber is determined not to comply with the predetermined criterion (No in step S310), however, the controller180maintains the application range of a recommendation function provided by the application for the specific SNS without change (step S330).

The recommendation function provided by the application for the specific SNS may include a friend recommendation function, a group recommendation function, a content recommendation function, and so on, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a recommendation provided by the mobile terminal100may include a recommendation related to the other subscribers for the subscriber and a recommendation related to the subscriber for the other subscribers.

Examples of the application range of the recommendation function provided by the mobile terminal100are described below with reference toFIGS. 7 to 15. In particular,FIGS. 7 to 9show processes in which a social network formed in the other SNS system by the subscriber of the specific SNS is used for a friend recommendation in an application SNS APP1for the specific SNS in the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7illustrates that, in the execution screen of the application SNS APP1for the specific SNS, a subscriber may enter his ID and password, already registered in the application SNS APP1for the specific SNS (hereinafter referred to as SNS APP1), in an application SNS APP2for the other SNS (hereinafter referred to as SNS APP2) and search for a friend candidate to be added in the application SNS APP1.

FIG. 8illustrates that the mobile terminal100providing a list of friends formed by the subscriber in the application SNS APP2. The subscriber can select the other subscribers to be registered as friends in the application SNS APP1. For reference, in the list of friends shown inFIG. 8, a mark ‘X’ indicates a friend who has been blocked by the other subscriber in the application SNS APP2, and a mask ‘O’indicates a friend who has been normally registered by the subscriber in the application SNS APP2.

If the subscriber selects the friend blocked in the application SNS APP2as shown inFIG. 8, the mobile terminal100displays a message window, querying whether the friend blocked in the application SNS APP2will be registered as a friend in the application SNS APP1, as shown inFIG. 9.

The friend recommendation processes in the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention, described above with reference toFIGS. 7 to 9, may also be likewise applied to a friend recommendation process in which at least one of the number or frequency of social networks formed in the application SNS APP2of the subscriber and a point of time at which a social network is formed fall below a predetermined criterion.

Next,FIG. 10shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from a friend recommendation even in an application for the specific SNS, if a subscriber A of the specific SNS has blocked the other subscriber C in the other SNS. It is first assumed that a range of friend recommendation to the subscriber in the application for the specific SNS extends up to a friend who is a friend of the subscriber. Referring toFIG. 10, the subscriber A is friends with a subscriber B, and the subscriber B is friends with a subscriber C. As shown inFIG. 10, the mobile terminal100does not recommend the other subscriber C as a friend to the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS. This is because the other subscriber C is a friend who has been blocked by the subscriber A in an application for the other SNS.

Like in the friend recommendation method shown inFIG. 10, if the number of social networks formed by the subscriber with the other subscriber in an application for the other SNS is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of social networks formed by the subscriber with the other subscriber in the application for the other SNS is smaller than a predetermined frequency, and a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last social network was formed, the mobile terminal100may exclude the other subscriber from a friend recommendation to the subscriber.

Next,FIG. 11shows an example where a social network formed in an e-mail system by a subscriber of a specific SNS is used for a friend recommendation in an application for the specific SNS in the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 11illustrates that, in the execution screen of an application SNS APP1, the subscriber may enter his ID and password already registered in the e-mail system and search for a list of friends to be added in the application SNS APP1.

The friend recommendation processes in the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention, described above with reference toFIGS. 7 to 9, may also be likewise applied to a friend recommendation process according to at least one of whether a mail for the other subscriber has been blocked in the e-mail system of the subscriber, whether a spam mail for the other subscriber has been set, the number or frequency (or both) of mails transmitted and received, and a point of time at which a mail has recently be transmitted and received.

FIG. 12shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from a friend recommendation even in an application for the specific SNS, if a subscriber A of the specific SNS has blocked the other subscriber C in an e-mail system.

This example also assumes that a range of friend recommendation to the subscriber in the application for the specific SNS extends up to a friend who is a friend of the subscriber. Referring toFIG. 12, the mobile terminal100does not recommend the subscriber C as a friend of the subscriber A. This is because the other subscriber C is a subscriber whose mail has been blocked by the subscriber A in the e-mail system.FIG. 12also illustrates subscriber A is a friend of the subscriber B, and the subscriber B is a friend of the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS.

Like in the friend recommendation method shown inFIG. 12, if the mail of the other subscriber C has been set as a spam mail, the number of mails of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of mails of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined frequency, and a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last mail was transmitted or received, the mobile terminal100may exclude the other subscriber C from a friend recommendation to the subscriber A.

FIG. 13shows an example where a social network formed in a mobile communication system by a subscriber of a specific SNS is used for a friend recommendation in an application SNS APP1for the specific SNS in the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 13illustrates that, in the execution screen of the application SNS APP1for the specific SNS, the subscriber may enter his telephone number and password and search for a friend candidate to be added in the application SNS APP1.

The friend recommendation processes in the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention, described above with reference toFIGS. 7 to 9, may also be likewise applied to a friend recommendation process according to at least one of whether an incoming call from the other subscriber has been blocked in the e-mail system of the subscriber, the number or frequency (or both) of calls and messages (including SMS, MMS, and e-mail) transmitted and received, and a point of time at which the last call or message was transmitted and received.

FIG. 14shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from a friend recommendation even in an application for the specific SNS, if a subscriber A of the specific SNS has blocked a call received from the other subscriber C in a mobile communication system. This example assumes that a range of friend recommendation to the subscriber in an application for the specific SNS extends up a friend who is a friend of the subscriber A.

Referring toFIG. 14, the mobile terminal100does not recommend the other subscriber Cas a friend of the subscriber A. This is because the other subscriber C is a subscriber whose call received by the subscriber A has been blocked in the mobile communication system.FIG. 14also illustrates subscriber A is a friend of the subscriber B, and the subscriber B is a friend of the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS.

Like in the friend recommendation method shown inFIG. 14, if the number of calls or messages of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of the calls or messages is smaller than a predetermined frequency, and a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last call or message was transmitted or received, the mobile terminal100may exclude the other subscriber C from a friend recommendation to the subscriber A.

FIG. 15is a diagram showing that the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention may change the application range of a friend recommendation function in an application for a specific SNS according to a social network formation history for a subscriber A of the specific SNS. In particular,FIG. 15illustrates that the application range of the friend recommendation function for the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS is a friend C of a friend B, but may be extended or reduced based on a social network formation history for another subscriber B in an SNS environment in the application for the specific SNS.

For example, if the number or frequency (or both) of social networks of the subscriber A formed for another subscriber B is a predetermined criterion or higher or a point of time at which the subscriber A finally formed a social network with another subscriber B is within a specific period of time from the present time, a range of friend recommendation to the subscriber A may be extended up to a friend D of a friend C who is the friend B of the subscriber A. Also, if the number or frequency (or both) of social networks of the subscriber A formed for another subscriber B is less than a predetermined criterion or a point of time at which the subscriber A finally formed a social network with another subscriber B is before a specific period of time from the present time, a range of friend recommendation to the subscriber A may be reduced.

Next,FIG. 16shows a screen where the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention displays settings for changing a range of friend recommendation. In particularFIG. 16illustrates that a subscriber may change a range of friend recommendation in an application SNS APP1for the specific SNS so that the other subscriber whose mail received by the subscriber has been blocked in an e-mail system, the other subscriber whose number of mails transmitted to and received from the subscriber is 10 or less, and the other subscriber whose frequency of transmitted to and received from the subscriber is 10 a year may be blocked from a friend recommendation to the subscriber. The settings for changing the range of friend recommendation shown inFIG. 16is an example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the example.

In the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention described above with reference toFIGS. 7 to 16, the examples illustrate a range of friend recommendation to a subscriber of a specific SNS may be changed based on a social network formation history for the subscriber. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100may change the application range of a recommendation function for the other subscribers of the specific SNS in relation to the subscriber based on a social network formation history for the subscriber.

In particular,FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating another example of the SNS method performed in the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention. More particularly,FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating a method of the mobile terminal100changing the disclosure range of content, provided by an application for a specific SNS, based on a social network formation history for a subscriber of the specific SNS.

As shown, the controller180analyzes the social network formation history for the subscriber which is received from the SNS server200through the wireless communication unit110(step S400) and determines whether the received social network formation history complies with a predetermined criterion (step S410).

If, as a result of the determination, the social network formation history is determined to comply with the predetermined criterion (Yes in S410), the controller180changes the disclosure range of content which is provided by the application for the specific SNS (step S420). If, as a result of the determination, the social network formation history is determined not to comply with the predetermined criterion (No in S410), however, the controller180maintains the disclosure range of content without change at step S430. Here, the content related to the subscriber may include writings posted by the subscriber, replies written by the subscriber, files uploaded by the subscriber, writings and replies uploaded by other users regarding the subscriber, files uploaded by other users regarding the subscriber, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Examples where the mobile terminal100changes the disclosure range of content or information (or both) which is related to the subscriber of the specific SNS is changed are described below with reference toFIGS. 18 to 21. In particular,FIG. 18shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from the disclosure range of content or information (or both) which is provided by an application for the specific SNS and related to a subscriber A of the specific SNS, if the subscriber A has blocked the other subscriber in the other SNS.

This examples assumes that the disclosure range of the content or information (or both) related to the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS extends up to a friend who is a friend of the subscriber. The same principle applies toFIGS. 19 to 21to be described later. Referring toFIG. 18, the mobile terminal100does not disclose the content or information (or both) of the subscriber A to the other subscriber C who is a friend of the subscriber B who is a friend of the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS. This is because the other subscriber C is a subscriber who has been blocked as a friend by the subscriber A in an application for the other SNS.

In this example, the other subscriber C may not view information about the subscriber A and also may not check writings and replies written by the subscriber A, files uploaded by the subscriber A, writings and replies written by other users regarding the subscriber A, files uploaded by other users regarding the subscriber A.

Like in the content or information (or both) disclosure method shown inFIG. 18, if the number of social networks of the subscriber A formed with the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of social networks of the subscriber formed with the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined frequency, and a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last social network was formed, the mobile terminal100may exclude the other subscriber C from the disclosure range of content or information (or both) related to the subscriber A in an application for the other SNS.

Next,FIG. 19shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from the disclosure range of content or information (or both) which is provided by an application for the specific SNS and related to a subscriber A of the specific SNS, if the subscriber A has blocked the other subscriber in an e-mail system.

Referring toFIG. 19, the mobile terminal100does not disclose the content or information (or both) of the subscriber A to the other subscriber C who is a friend of another subscriber B who is a friend of the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS. This is because the other subscriber C is a subscriber whose mail received by the subscriber A has been blocked in the e-mail system.

Like in the content or information (or both) disclosure method shown inFIG. 19, if the mail of the other subscriber C has been set as a spam mail, the number of mails of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of the mails of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined frequency, and a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last mail was transmitted and received, the mobile terminal100may not disclose the content or information (or both) of the subscriber A to the other subscriber C.

FIG. 20shows an example where the mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention excludes the other subscriber C of a specific SNS from the disclosure range of content or information (or both) which is provided by an application for the specific SNS and related to a subscriber A of the specific SNS, if the subscriber has blocked a call received from the other subscriber in a mobile communication system.

Referring toFIG. 20, the mobile terminal100does not disclose the content or information (or both) of the subscriber A to the other subscriber C who is a friend of another subscriber B who is a friend of the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS. This is because the other subscriber C is a subscriber whose incoming call received by the subscriber has been blocked by the subscriber A in the mobile communication system.

Like in the content or information (or both) disclosure method shown inFIG. 20, if the number of calls or messages of the subscriber A transmitted to and received from the other subscriber C is smaller than a predetermined number, the frequency of the calls or messages is smaller than a predetermined frequency, or a specific period of time has elapsed from a point of time at which the last call or message was transmitted or received, the mobile terminal100may not disclose the content or information (or both) of the subscriber A to the other subscriber C.

FIG. 21is a diagram showing that the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention may change the disclosure range of content or information (or both), related to a subscriber A of a specific SNS, in an application for the specific SNS according to the social network formation history for the subscriber A. In particular,FIG. 21illustrates that a range of the content or information (or both) related to the subscriber A in the application for the specific SNS extends up to a friend C of a friend B, but be extended or reduced based on a social network formation history in the application for the specific SNS in the SNS environment of the subscriber B.

For example, if the number or frequency (or both) of social networks of the subscriber A formed with another subscriber B is greater than a predetermined criterion or a point of time at which the latest social network of the subscriber A was formed with another subscriber B is within a specific period of time from the present time, the disclosure range of content or information (or both) related to the subscriber A may be extended up to a friend D who is a friend of the friend C who is the friend B of the subscriber A. If the number or frequency (or both) of social networks of the subscriber A formed with another subscriber B is smaller than a predetermined criterion or a point of time at which the latest social network of the subscriber A was formed with another subscriber B is before a specific period of time from the present time, however, the disclosure range of content or information (or both) related to the subscriber A may be reduced.

In addition, the setting for changing the disclosure range of content or information (or both) related to a subscriber of a specific SNS in the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention may be performed, like the setting for changing the range of friend recommendation which has been described with reference toFIG. 16.

The examples where the mobile terminal100according to the embodiment of the present invention may change the disclosure range of content or information (or both) related to a subscriber of a specific SNS based on a social network formation history for the subscriber have been described above with reference to FIG.17toFIG. 21. On the other hands, the mobile terminal100may change the disclosure range of content or information (or both), related to another subscriber of a specific SNS, to the subscriber based on a social network formation history for the subscriber.

The above-described social networking service method may be written as computer programs and may be implemented in digital microprocessors that execute the programs using a computer readable recording medium. The method of controlling the mobile terminal may be executed through software. The software may include code segments that perform required tasks. Programs or code segments may also be stored in a processor readable medium or may be transmitted according to a computer data signal combined with a carrier through a transmission medium or communication network.

The computer readable recording medium may be any data storage device that can store data that can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium may include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, DVD±ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium may also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distribution fashion.