Method for transmitting signal using short range communication and electronic device thereof

A method and electronic device for transmitting an emergency signal. The method includes: establishing a short-range communication link with a counterpart electronic device using a first short-range communication network; generating an emergency signal when the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device is cut off; and broadcasting the emergency signal using a second short-range communication network.

PRIORITY

The present application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to an application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 2, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0049588, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a method for transmitting a signal and an electronic device thereof.

BACKGROUND

As the number of users of portable electronic devices increases due to their portability and provision of various multimedia services, it is possible to provide a service of transmitting emergency information, such as missing-child information or disaster information, using the portable electronic devices.

In a case where an emergency information transmission service is provided using the portable electronic devices, when the emergency information is transmitted with respect to a widespread region at one time, the user of a portable electronic device that receives the emergency signal may not recognize how a location at which the user is located is associated with the emergency information. Accordingly, there is a need for a method for providing emergency information in consideration of a location of a portable electronic device.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object to provide an apparatus and method for transmitting emergency information in an electronic device.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for transmitting emergency information using short range communication in an electronic device.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for transmitting emergency information using short range communication in an electronic device having no GPS module.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for relaying emergency information using short range communication in an electronic device.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for relaying emergency information using short range communication in an electronic device which is in a sleep mode.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for transmitting emergency information using short range communication in an electronic device which supports only short range communication.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for relaying emergency information without exposing the emergency information to a user according to emergency information types in an electronic device.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting an emergency signal in an electronic device includes: establishing a short-range communication link with another electronic device (ex. counterpart electronic device) using a first short-range communication network; generating an emergency signal when the short-range communication link with the other electronic device is disconnected; and broadcasting the emergency signal using a second short-range communication network.

The short-range communication link ID may include identification information generated by applying a random number to unique identification information for at least one electronic device of the electronic device or the counterpart electronic device, and the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a mobile equipment ID (MEID), an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or a telephone number.

The first short-range communication network and the second short-range communication network may be identical to or different from each other, and the near-field communication network may include at least one of infrared wireless communication, Bluetooth communication, Zigbee communication, or wireless LAN communication.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for receiving an emergency signal in an electronic device includes: receiving an emergency signal through a short-range communication network; determining whether the electronic device is a destination of the emergency signal; identifying one or more of an emergency situation type and emergency situation location information included in the emergency signal when the electronic device is the destination of the emergency signal; and displaying one or more of the emergency situation type and the emergency situation location information.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes at least one short-range communication unit; and at least one processor, wherein the processor establishes a short-range communication link with another electronic device (ex. counterpart electronic device) using a first short-range communication network through the short-range communication unit, generates an emergency signal when the short-range communication link with the other electronic device is disconnected, and broadcasts the emergency signal using a second short-range communication network through the short-range communication unit.

The short-range communication link ID may include identification information generated by applying a random number to unique identification information for at least one electronic device of the electronic device or the other electronic device, and the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a mobile equipment ID (MEID), an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or a telephone number.

The first short-range communication network and the second short-range communication network may be identical to or different from each other, and the near-field communication network may include at least one of infrared wireless communication, Bluetooth communication, Zigbee communication, or wireless LAN communication.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a display unit; at least one short-range communication unit; and at least one processor, wherein the processor receives an emergency signal through the short-range communication unit, determines whether the electronic device is a destination of the emergency signal, identifies one or more of an emergency situation type or emergency situation location information included in the emergency signal when the electronic device is the destination of the emergency signal, and displays one or more of the emergency situation type or the emergency situation location information on the display unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 13C, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily embody the present disclosure. In the following description of the exemplary embodiments, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted since they would unnecessarily obscure the subject matters of the present disclosure. Furthermore, terms to be described below have been defined by considering functions in embodiments of the present disclosure, and may be defined differently depending on a user or operator's intention or practice. Therefore, the definitions of such terms are based on the descriptions of the entire present specification.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide technology of transmitting emergency information through a short-range communication network.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may be one or more of a portable electronic device, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a mobile pad, a media player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a netbook computer, a television, a mobile Internet device (MID), an ultra mobile PC (UMPC), a tablet PC, a navigation, or an MPEG Audio Layer-3 (MP3) player. In addition, the electronic device may be any one electronic device in which the functions of two or more devices among the above-described devices are integrated.

The present disclosure relates to a method for transmitting emergency information through a short-range communication network and an electronic device thereof.

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration for transmitting position information of a missing child using short-range communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, a first electronic device100-1carried by a child and a second electronic device102carried by a parent may establish a short-range communication link according to a first short-range communication method for missing child prevention. In this case, the first electronic device100-1and the second electronic device102may generate and store an alert identifier (ID) for the short-range communication link for identifying the near-field communication link. For example, the first electronic device100-1and the second electronic device102may generate the alert ID for the short-range communication link by applying a random number to the unique identification information of at least one of the first electronic device100-1or the second electronic device102. That is, the first electronic device100-1and the second electronic device102may prevent the unique identification information of the first electronic device100-1and the second electronic device102from being exposed to the outside by using the random number when transmitting a missing-child occurrence alert message using the short-range communication. Alternatively, the first electronic device100and the second electronic device102may set the unique identification information of their counterpart electronic devices as the alert ID for the short-range communication link. In this case, the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a mobile equipment identifier (MEID), an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), or a telephone number of an electronic device.

When the first electronic device100-1is out of a first short-range communication range with the second electronic device102due to the movement (100-1→100-2) of the first electronic device100-1, the first electronic device100-2may broadcast the missing-child occurrence alert message including the alert ID for the short-range communication link with the second electronic device102to neighboring devices included in a second short-range communication range by using second short-range communication. That is, the first electronic device100-2may broadcast an emergency signal including the alert ID for the short-range communication link with the second electronic device102and missing-child occurrence information to the neighboring devices by using the second short-range communication. For example, when the strength of a signal from the second electronic device102according to the first short-range communication method is equal to or lower than a reference strength, the first electronic device100-2may recognize that the first electronic device100-2is out of the first short-range communication range with the second electronic device102. As another example, when the strength of a signal from the second electronic device102according to the first short-range communication method is equal to or lower than the reference strength for a reference time, the first electronic device100-2may recognize that the first electronic device100-2is out of the first short-range communication range with the second electronic device102. The first short-range communication may be identical to or different from the second short-range communication. The missing-child occurrence alert message may include at least one of a packet ID, an alert ID, a public flag, an emergency situation type, time information, position information, a delivery count, or a delivery time.

Electronic devices104,106,108,110and112located between the first electronic device100-2and the second electronic device102may relay the missing-child occurrence alert message broadcast by the first electronic device100-2through the second short-range communication network to the second electronic device102. For example, the electronic devices104,108and110which had received the missing-child occurrence alert message broadcast by the first electronic device100-2through the second short-range communication network may again broadcast the missing-child occurrence alert message through the second short-range communication network. In this case, the electronic devices104,108and110may determine whether the destination of the missing-child occurrence alert message is directed to the electronic devices104,108and110themselves based on the alert ID included in the missing-child occurrence alert message. When the first electronic device100-2and the second electronic device102generate the alert ID by using a random number, the electronic devices104,108and110may not identify the unique identification information of the first electronic device100-2and the second electronic device102based on the alert ID included in the missing-child occurrence alert message.

As described above, when the missing-child occurrence alert message is broadcast, the electronic devices104,108and110may add the position information of the electronic devices themselves to the missing-child occurrence alert message. For example, when the missing-child occurrence alert message received through the second short-range communication network does not include position information, the third electronic device104may add the position information of the third electronic device104to the missing-child occurrence alert message and broadcast the same through the second short-range communication network.

When receiving the missing-child occurrence alert message broadcast by the sixth electronic device110through the second short-range communication network, the second electronic device102may identify the missing-child occurrence alert message for the first electronic device100-2based on the alert ID of the missing-child occurrence alert message. In this case, the second electronic device102may display missing-child occurrence information for the first electronic device100together with the position information included in the missing-child occurrence alert message on a display unit. Additionally, the second electronic device102may generate a missing-child occurrence alert sound.

As described above, the first electronic device100is for missing-child prevention and may be configured as illustrated inFIG. 2so as to support a missing-child prevention function.

FIG. 2illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device200may include a processor unit210, a memory220, and a communication system230.

The memory220may include a program storage unit for storing a program for controlling an operation of the electronic device200, and a data storage unit for storing data generated during the execution of a program. For example, the program storage unit may include a communication control program and an emergency information generation program.

The communication control program includes at least one software component for performing control to perform short-range communication with a counterpart electronic device through the communication system230. For example, the communication control program may perform control to establish a short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device through the communication system230. In this case, the communication control program may generate an alert ID for identifying the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device. For example, the communication control program may generate the alert ID for the short-range communication link by applying a random number to the unique identification information of at least one electronic device of the electronic device200and the counterpart electronic device. As another example, the communication control program may set the unique identification information of the counterpart electronic device, with which the short-range communication link is established, as the alert ID. In this case, the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a MEID, an IMEI or a telephone number.

The communication control program may perform control to broadcast a missing-child occurrence alert message generated through the emergency information generation program toward the near-field communication area via the short-range communication network when the electronic device200is out of a short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device. For example, when the strength of a signal from the counterpart electronic device through the short-range communication link is equal to or lower than a reference strength, the communication control program may recognize that the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device. As another example, when the strength of a signal from the counterpart electronic device through the short-range communication link is equal to or lower than the reference strength for a reference time, the communication control program may recognize that the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device. In this case, the communication control program may perform control to transmit the missing-child occurrence alert message by using a near-field communication method equal to or different from the near-field communication method with the counterpart electronic device.

In addition, the communication control program may control to again transmit the missing-child occurrence alert message. For example, when a response signal is not received in response to the missing-child occurrence alert message after the missing-child occurrence alert message is broadcast through the short-range communication network, the communication control program may perform control to retransmit the missing-child occurrence alert message. In this case, the communication control program may transmit the missing-child occurrence alert message repeatedly until the number of times of transmission reaches a reference number.

The emergency information generation program includes at least one software component for generating an emergency signal. For example, when the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device, the emergency information generation program may generate the emergency signal including variables as provided in Table 1 under the control of the communication control program.

TABLE 1variablesdescriptionpacket IDan unique number of packet (packet duplication prevention)alert IDan unique value indicating destination of packetpublic flaga flag indicating whether a packet is needed to be identifiedin an electronic device for relaying the packettypeemergency situation typecreate timea time at which packet is initially transmitted (broadcast)timestampa time at which a packet is transmitted in an electronicdevice (packet duplication prevention)deliverylocation information and information about electronicnumber &devices which add the location informationLocationdeliverythe number of times of packet deliverycountTTL (Timea time for which a packet needs to be forwarded or theTo Live)times of effective packet deliveries

The alert ID of Table 1 may be generated by the communication control program in order to identify the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device. For example, the alert ID may be generated by applying a random number to the unique identification information of at least one electronic device of electronic devices connected to each other through the short-range communication link. Accordingly, when the emergency signal is transmitted through the short-range communication, an electronic device that knows the random number used to generate the alert, ID only decodes the alert ID and identifies the emergency signal.

The public flag may be set according to emergency signal types. For example, when there is a need to inform electronic devices, which relay the emergency signal, of the content of the emergency signal, for example, disaster or crime prevention, the public flag may be set to an active mode such that the electronic devices which relay the emergency signal identify a relevant packet.

The emergency information generation program may generate a missing-child occurrence alert message of which the type of the emergency signal is set to “missing-child occurrence” when the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device.

The data storage unit may include alert ID information for the short-range communication link established through the communication control program.

The processor unit210enables the electronic device200to provide various services using at least one software program. In this case, the processor210executes at least one program stored in the memory220and provides a service corresponding to the program. For example, the processor unit210may execute the communication control program stored in the memory220to perform short-range communication with the counterpart electronic device through the communication system230. The processor unit210may perform control to broadcast a missing-child occurrence alert message generated by executing the emergency information generation program through the short-range communication network when the electronic device200is out of a short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device. In this case, the processor unit210may execute the emergency information generation program stored in the memory220to generate the missing-child occurrence alert message including at least one variable of the variables as in Table 1.

The communication system230transmits and receives a signal according to at least one short-range communication method. For example, the communication system230may support near-field wireless communication with the counterpart electronic device using at least one short-range communication method of infrared wireless communication, Bluetooth communication, Zigbee or wireless LAN communication.

In addition, the electronic device200may further include an audio processing unit240for providing an audio interface between a user and the electronic device200through a speaker241and a microphone242. For example, the audio processing unit240may generate an alert sound through the speaker241when the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device, In addition, the audio processing unit240may collect surrounding information through the microphone242when the electronic device200is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device.

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the electronic device300includes a memory310, a processor unit320, an audio processing unit330, a communication system340, an input/output control unit350, a display unit360, an input device370, and a position estimation unit380. In this case, the memory310may be provided in plurality.

The memory310may include a program storage unit311for storing a program for controlling an operation of the electronic device300, and a data storage unit312for storing data generated during the execution of a program.

For example, the program storage unit311includes a Graphic User Interface (GUI) program313, an emergency information control program314, and at least one application program315. In this case, the programs stored in the program storage unit311may be expressed as an instruction set that is a collection of instructions.

The GUI program313may include at least one software component for providing a graphic user interface on a display unit360. For example, the GUI program313may perform control to display information about application programs executed by the processor322on the display unit360. As another example, the GUI program313may perform control to display emergency information and location information at which an emergency situation occurs which are identified by the emergency information control program314on the display unit360as illustrated inFIG. 13AtoFIG. 13C.

The emergency information control program314may include at least one software component for controlling transmission and reception of the emergency signal through the communication system340. For example, when the emergency signal is received through the communication system340, the emergency information control program314may identify the destination of the emergency signal based on the alert ID of the emergency signal. In this case, the emergency information control program314may perform control to transmit a response signal for the emergency signal through the communication system340.

When the destination of the emergency signal is the electronic device300, the emergency information control program314may identify the type of an emergency situation and location information in which the emergency situation occurs which are included in the emergency signal.

When the destination of the emergency signal is not the electronic device300, the emergency information control program314may determine whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted. For example, the emergency information control program314may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received in consideration of the packet ID information and timestamp information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is repeatedly received, the emergency information control program314may determine not to transmit the emergency signal. As another example, the emergency information control program314may identify the validity of the emergency signal in consideration of the TTL information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is not valid, the emergency information control program314may determine not to transmit the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted, the emergency information control program314may perform control to broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area through the communication system340. That is, the emergency information control program314may relay the emergency signal through the communication system340in the short-range communication area. In this case, the emergency information control program314may add the location information of the electronic device300to the emergency signal. For example, when the emergency signal does not include the location information, the emergency information control program314may add the location information of the electronic device300which is estimated by the location estimation unit380to the emergency signal.

The emergency information control program314may perform control to establish a short-range communication link with a counterpart electronic device through the communication system340. In this case, the emergency information control program314may generate an alert ID for identifying the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device. For example, the emergency information control program314may generate the alert ID for the short-range communication link by applying a random number to the unique identification information of at least one electronic device of the electronic device300and the counterpart electronic device. As another example, the emergency information control program314may set the unique identification information of the counterpart electronic device, with which the short-range communication link is established, as the alert ID. In this case, the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a MEID, an IMEI or a telephone number.

The emergency information control program314may perform control to broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area by using the communication system340when an emergency event occurs. For example, the emergency information control program314may perform control to broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area by using the communication system340when an emergency signal generation menu is selected according to input information provided from the input device370. As another example, the emergency information control program314may perform control to broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area by using the communication system340when it is determined that the electronic device300is out of a limited movement area or enters a restricted zone based on the location information of the electronic device300which is estimated by the location estimation unit380. In this case, the emergency information control program314may perform control to transmit the emergency signal including the location information of the electronic device300which is estimated by the location estimation unit380.

The application program315includes a software component for at least one application program installed in the electronic device300.

The processor unit320may include a memory interface321, at least one processor322, or a peripheral interface323. In this case, the memory interface321, the at least one processor322, and the peripheral interface323which are included in the processor unit320may be integrated into at least one integrated circuit or be implemented as separate components.

The memory interface321controls access to the memory310of components, such as the processor322or the peripheral interface323.

The peripheral interface323controls connections of the input/output peripherals of the electronic device300to the processor322and the memory interface321.

The processor322enables the electronic device300to provide various multimedia services using at least one software program. In this case, the processor322performs control to execute at least one program stored in the memory310and provide a service corresponding to the program.

The audio processing unit330provides an audio interface between a user and the electronic device300through a speaker331and a microphone332. For example, when the emergency information control program314identifies that the destination of the emergency signal is the electronic device300, the audio processing unit330may generate an alert sound for the emergency information through the speaker331.

The communication system340transmits and receives a signal according to at least one short-range communication method. For example, the communication system340may support near-field wireless communication with the counterpart electronic device using at least one short-range communication method of infrared wireless communication, Bluetooth communication, Zigbee or wireless LAN communication.

The input/output control unit350provides an interface between an input/output device, such as the display unit360and the input device370, and the peripheral interface323.

The display unit360displays the state information of the electronic device300, characters input by the user, moving pictures, still pictures, or the like. For example, the display unit360displays information about application programs executed by the processor322. As another example, the display unit360may display emergency information and location information at which an emergency situation occurs which are identified by the emergency information control program314as illustrated inFIG. 13AtoFIG. 13C.

The input device370provides input data generated by the selection of the user to the processor unit320through the input/output control unit350. In this case, the input device370includes a keypad including at least one hardware button, a touch pad for detecting touch information, and the like. For example, the input device370provides touch information generated by one or more of a touch pen, a finger and a glove worn on a finger on a touchpad to the processor322through the input/output control unit350.

The location estimation unit380estimates the location of the electronic device300. For example, the location estimation unit380may estimate the location of the electronic device300based on a satellite signal provided from a satellite according to a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). As another example, the location estimation unit380may estimate the location of the electronic device300by using at least one neighboring base station.

As described above, the electronic device300may relay the emergency signal received through the communication system340toward the short-range communication area. In this case, the processor322of the electronic device300may be configured as illustrated inFIG. 4in order to reduce power consumption due to relay of the emergency signal.

FIG. 4illustrates a detailed block diagram of a processor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the processor322may include a first control unit400, a second control unit410, and a connection control unit420.

The first control unit400controls the overall operation of the electronic device300and enables the electronic device300to provide various multimedia services using at least one software program. That is, the first control unit400may control the overall operation of the electronic device300when the electronic device300is in an active mode. For example, when the electronic device300that is in the active mode receives an emergency signal through the communication system340, the first control unit400may analyze the emergency signal and perform control to display emergency information or to broadcast the emergency signal toward a short-range communication area.

The second control unit410may perform control when the electronic device300is in a freeze mode. That is, the second control unit410may perform control to switch the electronic device300to the active mode when a service request is detected during a sleep mode. However, when the electronic device300that is in the sleep mode receives an emergency signal through the communication system340, the second control unit410may analyze the emergency signal and perform control to broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area. That is, the second control unit410may broadcast the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area without switching the electronic device300to the active mode. When the destination of the emergency signal is the electronic device300, the second control unit410may switch the electronic device300to the active mode in order to display emergency information and a location at which the emergency information is generated.

The connection control unit240performs control to transmit the emergency signal provided from the communication system340to the first control unit400or the second control unit410according to the operating mode of the electronic device300. For example, when the electronic device300is in the active mode, the connection control unit420may perform control to transmit the emergency signal provided from the communication system to the first control unit400. As another example, when the electronic device300is in the sleep mode, the connection control unit420may perform control to transmit the emergency signal provided from the communication system to the second control unit410.

FIG. 5illustrates a flowchart for a process of transmitting location information of a missing child using short-range communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, a third electronic device may include at least one electronic device that relays an emergency signal.

Referring toFIG. 5, a first electronic device500carried by a child and a second electronic device510carried by a parent may establish a short-range communication link according to a short-range communication method in a communication system (step501). For example, the first electronic device500and the second electronic device510may establish the short-range communication link according to a Bluetooth method. When the short-range communication link is established, the first electronic device500and the second electronic device510may generate an alert ID for identifying the short-range communication link. For example, the first electronic device500and the second electronic device510may generate the alert ID for the short-range communication link by applying a random number to the unique identification information of at least one of the first electronic device500or the second electronic device510. Alternatively, the first electronic device500and the second electronic device510may set the unique identification information of their counterpart electronic devices as the alert ID for the short-range communication link. In this case, the unique identification information may include at least one of a MAC address, a MEID, an IMEI or a telephone number.

The first electronic device500determines whether an emergency event occurs. For example, the first electronic device500may recognize that there occurs an emergency event in which the first electronic device500is out of a short-range communication range with the second electronic device510when the strength of a signal from the second electronic device510is equal to or lower than a reference strength. As another example, the first electronic device500may recognize that there occurs an emergency event in which the first electronic device500is out of the short-range communication range with the second electronic device510when the strength of a signal from the second electronic device510is equal to or lower than the reference strength for a reference time.

When the emergency event occurs in the first electronic device500(step533), the first electronic device500broadcasts an emergency signal including the alert ID through a short-range communication network (step535). In this case, the first electronic device500may broadcast the emergency signal by using a near-field communication method equal to or different from the near-field communication method with the second electronic device510. For example, when the short-range communication link is established with the second electronic device510using Bluetooth communication, the first electronic device500may broadcast the emergency signal through a Bluetooth communication network. As another example, when the short-range communication link is established with the second electronic device510using Bluetooth communication, the first electronic device500may broadcast the emergency signal through a wireless LAN. In this case, the emergency signal may include a missing-child occurrence alert message.

In step537, the third electronic device520adds the location information of the third electronic device520when receiving the emergency signal through the short-range communication network. That is, when it is, identified the third electronic device520is not the destination of the emergency signal of the third electronic device520based on the alert ID of the emergency signal, the third electronic device520may add the location information of the third electronic device520to the emergency signal. For example, when the emergency signal including no location information is permitted to be transmitted toward the short-range communication area, the third electronic device520may add the location information of the third electronic device520to the emergency signal. In this case, the third electronic device520may add the delivery count and location information of the emergency signal to the emergency signal or updates the same. When the third electronic device520may not estimate the location information, the third electronic device520may update only the delivery count of the emergency signal.

In step539, the third electronic device520may broadcast the emergency signal by using the short-range communication. In addition, the third electronic device520may transmit a response signal for the emergency signal to the first electronic device500or another third electronic device520.

In step541, the second electronic device510may extract and display the emergency information and the location information included in the emergency signal on a display unit when receiving the emergency signal through the short-range communication network. For example, when receiving the emergency signal through the short-range communication network, the second electronic device510may identify the destination of the emergency signal by comparing the alert ID of the emergency signal with the alert ID of the short-range communication link with the first electronic device500. When the second electronic device510is the destination of the emergency signal, the second electronic device510may display missing-child occurrence information and an estimated missing-child location1301which are extracted from the emergency signal on a map as illustrated inFIG. 13A. In this case, the second electronic device510may display the location1303of the second electronic device510together with the estimated missing-child location1301.

As described above, when the short-range communication link is established between the first electronic device500and the second electronic device510, the first electronic device500may enable the second electronic device510to generate an alert event through the short-range communication network. For example, the first electronic device500may enable the second electronic device510to generate an alert sound through the short-range communication network or to turn on a mars light.

In the above-described embodiment, the second electronic device510maintains the short-range communication link with the first electronic device500in order to determine whether the first electronic device500is out of a reference range (short-range communication area).

According to another embodiment, the first electronic device500may measure a distance from the second electronic device510by using a short-distance measurement sensor to generate an emergency event.

FIG. 6illustrates a flowchart for a process of transmitting a missing-child occurrence signal using short-range communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The following description may include the operation flow of the first electronic device500carried by a missing-child which is illustrated inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 6, in step601, the electronic device establishes a short-range communication link with a counterpart electronic device and performs short-range communication with the counterpart electronic device. For example, the electronic device may establish a short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device according to a Bluetooth method. In this case, the electronic device may generate an alert ID for identifying the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device.

In step603, the electronic device determines whether an emergency event occurs. For example, when the strength of a signal from the counterpart electronic device is equal to or lower than a reference strength, the electronic device may recognize that there occurs an emergency event in which the electronic device is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device. As another example, when the strength of a signal from the counterpart electronic device is equal to or lower than the reference strength for a reference time, the electronic device may recognize that there occurs an emergency event in which the electronic device is out of the short-range communication range with the counterpart electronic device.

When the emergency event does not occur, the electronic device proceeds to step601and maintains the short-range communication with the counterpart electronic device.

When the emergency event occurs, the electronic device proceeds to step605, and generates an emergency signal including an alert ID for identifying the short-range communication with the counterpart electronic device and broadcasts the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area. In this case, the electronic device may transmit the emergency signal using a short-range communication method identical to or different from the short-range communication method with the counterpart electronic device. For example, when the short-range communication link is established with the counterpart electronic device using Bluetooth communication, the electronic device may broadcast the emergency signal through a Bluetooth communication network. As another example, when the short-range communication link is established with the counterpart electronic device using Bluetooth communication, the electronic device may broadcast the emergency signal through a wireless LAN.

FIG. 7illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying missing-child location information using short-range communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The following description may include the operating process of the second electronic device510or the third electronic device520illustrated inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 7, in step701, the electronic device determines whether an emergency signal is received through a short-range communication network.

When the emergency signal is not received through the short-range communication network, the electronic device may end the algorithm.

When the emergency signal is received through the short-range communication network, the electronic device identifies an ID of the emergency signal in step703. For example, in a case where the emergency signal includes the variables listed in Table 1, the electronic device may identify the alert ID of the emergency signal.

In step705, the electronic device determines whether the alert ID of the emergency signal is included in alert IDs for the short-range communication link stored in the electronic device.

When the alert ID of the emergency signal is included in the alert IDs for the short-range communication link stored in the electronic device, the electronic device displays emergency situation information and location information included in the emergency signal in step707. For example, when the emergency signal includes the missing-child occurrence information, the electronic device may display missing-child occurrence information and estimated missing-child location1301which are extracted from the emergency signal as illustrated inFIG. 13A. In this case, the electronic device may display the location of the electronic device together with the estimated missing-child location1301.

When the alert ID of the emergency signal is not included in the alert IDs for the short-range communication link stored in the electronic device, the electronic device recognizes that the emergency signal for relay is received. In step709, the electronic device adds the location information of the electronic device to the emergency signal. In this case, the electronic device may perform addition of the delivery count of the emergency signal together with the location information.

In step711, the electronic device broadcasts the emergency signal including the added location information by using short-range communication.

When the emergency signal is received through the short-range communication network as described above, the electronic device may transmit a response signal in response to the emergency signal. For example, when the emergency signal includes the identification information of the counterpart electronic device that has transmitted the emergency signal, the electronic device may transmit the response signal for the emergency signal to the counterpart electronic device that has transmitted the emergency signal. As another example, the electronic device may broadcast the response signal including at least one of the packet ID or alert ID of the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area.

In the above-described embodiment, when receiving the emergency signal through the short-range communication network, the electronic device may identify the ID of the emergency signal. When the electronic device determines whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received and it is determined that the emergency signal is not repeatedly received, the electronic device may identify the ID of the emergency signal.

FIG. 8illustrates a flowchart for a process for displaying missing-child location information in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, when it is determined that the alert ID of the emergency signal is included in the alert IDs for the short-range communication link stored in the electronic device, the electronic device identifies an emergency event type in the emergency signal in step801. For example, in a case where the emergency signal includes the variables listed in Table 1, the electronic device may identify emergency situation information included in the emergency signal based on the type information of the emergency signal.

In step803, the electronic device identifies the location information included in the emergency signal. For example, in a case where the emergency signal includes the variables listed in Table 1, the electronic device may identify a location at which the emergency situation occurs based on the location information of the emergency signal.

When identifying the emergency situation information and the location information included in the emergency signal, the electronic device displays the emergency situation information and the location information on the display unit in step805. For example, when the emergency signal includes the missing-child occurrence information, the electronic device may display missing-child occurrence information and estimated missing-child location1301which are extracted from the emergency signal as illustrated inFIG. 13A. In this case, the electronic device may display the location of the electronic device together with the estimated missing-child location1301.

FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart for a process for relaying missing-child location information in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, when it is determined that the alert ID of the emergency signal is not included in the alert IDs for the short-range communication link stored in the electronic device in step705ofFIG. 7, the electronic device determines whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally in step901. For example, the electronic device may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received in consideration of the packet ID information and timestamp information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is repeatedly received, the electronic device may determine not to transmit the emergency signal. As another example, the electronic device may determine whether the emergency signal is valid in consideration of the TTL information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is not valid, the electronic device may determine not to transmit the emergency signal. As another example, the electronic device may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received and valid to determine whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally.

When the emergency signal is not transmitted additionally, the electronic device may end the algorithm.

When the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally, the electronic device determines whether location information is permitted to be added to the emergency signal in step903. For example, the electronic device may determine whether it is possible to estimate the location of the electronic device. As another example, the electronic device may determine whether location information is included in the emergency signal.

When the location information is permitted to be added to the emergency signal, the electronic device adds the location information of the electronic device to the emergency signal in step905. In this case, the electronic device may perform addition of the delivery count of the emergency signal together with the location information.

In step907, the electronic device broadcasts the emergency signal having the added location information toward the short-range communication area by using short-range communication.

When the location information is not permitted to be added to the emergency signal, the electronic device broadcasts the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area by using the short-range communication in step909.

When the missing-child occurrence information is relayed as illustrated, the electronic device broadcasts the missing-child occurrence information toward the short-range communication area according to the public flag of the emergency signal configured as illustrated inFIG. 1without displaying the public flag on the display unit.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device may broadcast the emergency signal through the short-range communication network according to the short-range communication state with the counterpart electronic device in order to transmit the missing-child occurrence information.

As another embodiment, the electronic device may broadcast the emergency signal through the short-range communication network in consideration of user's manipulation and the location information of the electronic device as illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart for a process of transmitting emergency information using short-range communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

When there occurs an emergency event in a first electronic device1000in step1031as illustrated inFIG. 10, the first electronic device1000broadcasts the emergency signal through a short-range communication network in step1033. When an emergency signal generation menu is selected according to input information provided from the input device370, the first electronic device1000may broadcast an emergency signal toward the short-range communication area. In another example, when the first electronic device1000is out of a limited movement area or enters a restricted zone based on the location information of the first electronic device1000which is estimated by the location estimation unit380, the first electronic device1000broadcasts the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area. In this case, the first electronic device1000may broadcast the emergency signal including the location information of the first electronic device1000toward the short-range communication area.

The second electronic device1010may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received when the emergency signal is received through a short-range communication network. For example, the second electronic device1010may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received in consideration of the packet ID information and timestamp information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is repeatedly received, the second electronic device1010may discard the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is repeatedly received, the second electronic device1010displays the emergency information on the display unit according to the emergency situation information included in the emergency signal in step1035. For example, when the emergency signal includes disaster information according to earthquake occurrence, the second electronic device1010displays earthquake occurrence information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13B. When the emergency signal includes location information at which the earthquake occurs, the second electronic device1010may display the location information1311at which the earthquake occurs on a map. As another example, when the emergency signal includes crime prevention information, the second electronic device1010displays criminals' location information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13C. In this case, the second electronic device1010may display the criminals' location information1321on a map.

Thereafter, the second electronic device1010determines whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally. For example, the second electronic device1010may determine whether the emergency signal is valid in consideration of the TTL information of the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is valid, the second electronic device1010broadcasts the emergency signal through the short-range communication network in step1037.

A third electronic device1020may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received when the emergency signal is received through a short-range communication network. For example, the third electronic device1020may determine whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received in consideration of the packet ID information and timestamp information of the emergency signal. When the emergency signal is repeatedly received, the third electronic device1020may discard the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is not repeatedly received, the third electronic device1020displays the emergency information on the display unit according to emergency situation information included in the emergency signal in step1039. For example, when the emergency signal includes disaster information according to earthquake occurrence, the third electronic device1020displays earthquake occurrence information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13B. When the emergency signal includes location information at which the earthquake occurs, the third electronic device1020may display the location information1311at which the earthquake occurs on a map. As another example, when the emergency signal includes crime prevention information, the third electronic device1020displays criminals' location information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13C. In this case, the third electronic device1010may display the criminals' location information1321on a map.

Thereafter, the third electronic device1020determines whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally. For example, the third electronic device1020may determine whether the emergency signal is valid in consideration of the TTL information of the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is valid, the third electronic device1020may discard the emergency signal without additional transmission.

As described above, the second electronic device1010and the third electronic device1020may broadcast the valid emergency signal toward the short-range communication area. In this case, at least one of the second electronic device1010or the third electronic device1020may add the location information of the electronic device itself to the emergency signal. When the location information is not included in the emergency signal and it is possible to estimate the location of the second electronic device1010, the second electronic device1010may add the location information of the second electronic device1010to the emergency signal and broadcast the same to the short-range communication area.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart for a process of transmitting emergency information using short-range communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The following description is given under the assumption that the electronic device is able to estimate location information.

Referring toFIG. 11, in step1101, the electronic device determines whether there occurs an emergency event. For example, the electronic device may determine whether an emergency signal generation menu is selected according to input information provided from an input device. As another example, the electronic device may determine whether the electronic device is out of a limited movement area or enters a restricted zone based on the location information of the electronic device.

When the emergency event does not occur, the electronic device may end the algorithm.

When the emergency event occurs, the electronic device estimates a location in step1103. For example, the electronic device may estimate the location of the electronic device based on satellite signals provided from a satellite. As another example, the electronic device may estimate the location of the electronic device by using at least one neighboring base station.

In step1105, the electronic device generates an emergency signal including the location information of the electronic device.

After the generation of the emergency signal, the electronic device broadcast the emergency signal through a short-range communication network in step1107.

FIG. 12illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying emergency information using short-range communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, in step1201, the electronic device determines whether an emergency signal is received through a short-range communication network.

When the emergency signal is not received through the short-range communication network, the electronic device may end the algorithm.

When the emergency signal is received through the short-range communication network, the electronic device displays emergency information included in the emergency signal on a display unit in step1203. Specifically, when the emergency signal is received through the short-range communication network, the electronic device determines whether the emergency signal is repeatedly received. When the emergency signal is not received repeatedly, the electronic device displays the emergency information included in the emergency signal on the display unit. For example, when the emergency signal includes disaster information according to earthquake occurrence, the electronic device displays earthquake occurrence information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13B. When the emergency signal includes location information at which the earthquake occurs, the electronic device may display the location information1311at which the earthquake occurs on a map. As another example, when the emergency signal includes crime prevention information, the electronic device displays criminals' location information on the display unit on the display unit as illustrated inFIG. 13C. In this case, the electronic device may display the criminals' location information1321on a map.

In step1205, the electronic device determines whether the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally. For example, the electronic device may determine whether the emergency signal is valid in consideration of the TTL information of the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is not permitted to be transmitted additionally, the electronic device may end the algorithm. In this case, the electronic device may discard the emergency signal.

When the emergency signal is permitted to be transmitted additionally, the electronic device broadcasts the emergency signal toward the short-range communication area through the short-range communication network in step1207.

As described above, the electronic device relays the emergency information using short-range communication, thereby transmitting the emergency information rapidly and far away without requiring additional cost.

In addition, the electronic device which is in the sleep mode relays the emergency information using short-range communication without activating the control unit, thereby reducing power consumption according to relay of the emergency information.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description of the disclosure but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.