Bluetooth communication method and terminal adopting same

A communication method and a terminal adopting same are provided. The method includes setting a calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; and transmitting, upon detecting movement of the calling terminal during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, data to a called terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/KR2010/005688, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office Aug. 25, 2010, to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0079304, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 26, 2009, and to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0113202, filed on Nov. 23, 2009 the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a Bluetooth communication method and a terminal adopting the same, and more particularly, to a Bluetooth communication method in which a multimedia file is transmitted using a Bluetooth communication, and a terminal adopting the Bluetooth communication method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technique for transmitting data between mobile devices. Herein, the term “Bluetooth” refers to devices and communications in accordance with the BLUETOOTH® specification. Since Bluetooth uses low power (100 mW) at a low cost, and divides a frequency band into multiple frequency sub-bands to be used for communication, Bluetooth can enable the transmission of data using multiple frequencies. Therefore, Bluetooth has increasingly attracted public attention as a wireless communication technique for mobile devices.

However, configuring a Bluetooth communication between Bluetooth devices is generally complicated. Accordingly, it may often be difficult and require a significant amount of time for a Bluetooth device to search for connect to another Bluetooth device. The configuration of a Bluetooth connection between Bluetooth devices may involve exchanging a password for security purposes, as well as exchanging a User Interface (UI) for searching for a file to be transmitted after the Bluetooth pairing of Bluetooth devices may be complicated.

Since users expect configuration and use of Bluetooth communications to become increasingly easy and more convenient over time, there is a need for a method to transmit or receive data via a Bluetooth connection in an easy and intuitive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a communication method in which data is transmitted to an external terminal via a short-range wireless communication in response to a movement being detected during a short-range wireless communication standby mode, and a terminal adopting the communication method.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication method of a calling terminal that communicates with a called terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The method includes setting the calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; and transmitting, upon detecting movement of the calling terminal during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, data to the called terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a calling terminal that communicates with a called terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The calling terminal includes a communication unit for transmitting data to the called terminal via a short-range wireless communication; and a control unit for setting the calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode, and controlling the communication unit to transmit the data to the called terminal via the short-range wireless communication in response to detection of a movement of the calling terminal during the short-range wireless communication standby mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method of a short-range wireless communication system in which a calling terminal and a called terminal communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication is provided. The method includes setting the calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; setting the called terminal in the short-range wireless communication standby mode; and transmitting, in response to detection of a movement of the calling terminal during the short-range wireless communication standby mode of the calling and called terminals, by the calling terminal, data to the called terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method of a calling terminal that communicates with a called terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The method includes setting the called terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; and in response to detection of a movement during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, receiving data from the calling terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method of a calling terminal that communicates with a called terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The method includes setting the calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; selecting, in response to detection of a movement during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, the called terminal as a target terminal for the calling terminal for short-range wireless communication by using a voice signal; pairing the calling terminal with the called terminal; and transmitting data to the called terminal via short-range wireless communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a calling terminal that communicates with a called terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The calling terminal includes a communication unit for transmitting data to or receives data from the called terminal via a short-range wireless communication; and a control unit for setting the calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode, wherein, in response to detection of a movement during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, the control unit selects the called terminal as a target terminal for the calling terminal to communicate with, via short-range wireless communication, by using a voice signal, pairs, via short-range wireless communication, the calling terminal with the called terminal, and transmits data to the called terminal via the short-range wireless communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method of a called terminal that communicates with a calling terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The method includes setting the called terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; pairing, in response to receipt of a voice signal from the calling terminal, the called terminal with the calling terminal using the voice signal; and receiving a file from the calling terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a called terminal that communicates with a calling terminal via short-range wireless communication is provided. The called terminal includes a communication unit which transmits data to or receives data from the calling terminal via short-range wireless communication; and a control unit for, in response to receipt of a voice signal from the calling terminal, pairing the called terminal with the calling terminal using the voice signal, and receiving a file from the calling terminal via a short-range wireless communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, the same or similar drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. Additionally, detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating two Bluetooth terminals for transmitting a file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For convenience, a terminal that initiates transmission of data may be referred to as a calling terminal, such as the first terminal100, and a terminal that receives data from the calling terminal may be referred to as a called terminal, such as the second terminal200.

Referring toFIG. 1, the first terminal100includes a Bluetooth communication unit110, an audio processing unit120, a voice input unit123, a voice output unit125, a display unit130, a storage unit140, a motion sensor150, a key input unit160, and a control unit170.

The Bluetooth communication unit110may correspond to a communication method for a Personal Area Network (PAN) between terminals that may communicate with each other via a short-range wireless communication, and may be a wireless communication module for transmitting and/or receiving a signal by forming a communication channel over a short distance.

A typical Bluetooth communication method involves using a 2.4 GHz Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band. The ISM band may be freely used without requiring an additional license. According to the typical Bluetooth communication method, a 2 MHz guard band and a 3.5 MHz guard band are provided below and above the ISM band, respectively, thereby preventing any interference with other devices. The typical Bluetooth communication method also involves using a frequency hopping technique and may result in 1600 frequency hops per second.

The Bluetooth communication unit110may perform a series of operations for transmitting or receiving data to one or more short-range-communicable terminals, which are located within a short range of the first terminal100and may communicate with the first terminal100via a wireless interface. For example, the Bluetooth communication unit110may receive multimedia data transmitted by one or more short-range-communicable terminals, and may transmit the received multimedia data to the control unit170.

The audio processing unit120may process a Dual-Ton Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signal provided by the control unit170, and may output the processed DTMF signal to the voice output unit125. Herein, the term ‘DTMF signal’ refers a type of audio signal obtained by converting the Bluetooth Device (BD) address of a terminal into a DTMF using DTMF signaling, which is a communication technique for converting numeric data into a voice signal.

For example, a BD address ‘127;0;0;7’ may be converted into a DTMF ‘127*0*0*7,’ and a separator ‘ti’ may be inserted into the DTMF ‘127*0*0*7,’ thereby generating a DTMF signal ‘#127*0*0*7.’ The separator ‘it’ may be inserted into a DTMF in order to allow the second terminal200to easily recognize the beginning of a DTMF signal, even when the DTMF signal is transmitted repeatedly to the second terminal200.

The voice input unit123may receive a voice signal or a DTMF signal from an external source, and may transmit the received signal to the audio processing unit120. For example, the voice input unit123may receive a DTMF signal requesting Bluetooth pairing from the second terminal200. For example, the voice input unit123may be implemented as a microphone.

The voice output unit125may output a processed DTMF signal provided by the audio processing unit120. For example, the voice output unit125may be implemented as a speaker.

The display unit130may visually display various information indicating the state and the operation of the first terminal100. The display unit130may also display a multimedia file to be transmitted via Bluetooth on a screen of the display unit130. Herein, the term ‘multimedia file’ may refer to various types of files including a text file, an image file, a video file, a music file, etc. The display unit130may display a file selected from the storage unit140.

The storage unit140may store various programs and information for operating the first terminal100. The storage unit140may also store various multimedia files.

The motion sensor150may detect the movement of the first terminal100. For example, an acceleration sensor or a geomagnetic sensor may be used as the motion sensor150. The acceleration sensor may detect a user's movement based on vibration and/or based on other similar forms of detection. The acceleration sensor may measure not only dynamic acceleration but also static acceleration with respect to the gravitational force. The acceleration sensor may measure static acceleration by detecting the degree to which an axis of the acceleration sensor is tilted with respect to the ground when placed in parallel with the surface of the ground, i.e., perpendicularly to the direction of the gravitational force. The tilt of the acceleration sensor may be calculated as the sine value of a gravitational acceleration value of each axis of the acceleration sensor with respect to the surface of the ground when the acceleration sensor stands still.

The geomagnetic sensor may detect a geomagnetic signal by performing a particular operation, such as measurement of terrestrial magnetism. Terrestrial magnetism refers to the Earth's magnetic field, which varies periodically or irregularly. To determine the Earth's magnetic field at a particular location on the Earth, three independent elements, i.e., a horizontal component, an azimuth angle, and a dip angle, need to be determined. To detect the Earth's magnetic field, x-, y-, and z-axis sensors may be used. The x- and y-axis sensors may detect a left-right direction and a forward-backward direction, respectively. The z-axis sensor may detect a vertical direction.

The motion sensor150may detect any movement of the first terminal100. In response to a movement of the first terminal100being detected, the motion sensor150may transmit information on the detected movement to the control unit170. Herein, the term ‘movement of the first terminal100’ may refer to various forms of movement including a tilt of the first terminal100, a shake of the first terminal100, a tap on the first terminal100, etc.

The key input unit160may be implemented as a keypad, a touch screen or a touchpad. The key input unit160may transmit an input signal, which is received from the user, to the control unit170to control the operation of the first terminal100. For example, the key input unit160may receive a command to set the first terminal100in a Bluetooth standby mode from the user in response to the user's manipulation of the key input unit160(for example, in response to a user pressing a Bluetooth button on the key input unit160).

The manners in which first terminal100may be placed in the Bluetooth standby mode according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific manners set forth herein, and other manners of placing the first terminal100into the Bluetooth standby mode may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Herein, the standby mode of the first terminal100is an operating mode in which the display unit130is activated but there is no input to the display unit130. When the motion sensor150, the voice input unit123, and the voice output unit125are all activated during a standby mode of the first terminal100, the first terminal100may be placed in the Bluetooth standby mode without the need for additional manipulation by the user. For example, when the first terminal100is placed on a desk with the motion sensor150, the voice input unit123, and the voice output unit125activated, the first terminal100may be automatically placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

The control unit170controls the general operation of the first terminal100. For example, the control unit170may set the first terminal100in the Bluetooth standby mode in response to the receipt of a command from the user via the key input unit160.

The Bluetooth standby mode is a standby mode for performing Bluetooth communication. During the Bluetooth standby mode, the voice input unit123, the voice output unit125, the motion sensor150, and the Bluetooth communication unit110may all be activated, such that the first terminal100may sense the input and output of voice data, sense any movement or motion, and may be prepared for performing Bluetooth communication. In response to a predetermined movement of the user being detected during the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100performs Bluetooth pairing and the transmission of data. For example, in response to the detection of the predetermined movement from the user, the control unit170determines whether the first terminal100and the second terminal200are paired with each other. In response to a determination that the first terminal100and the second terminal200are not paired yet, the control unit170pairs the first terminal100with the second terminal200.

The pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200may be performed in various manners. For example, the pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200may be performed using a DTMF signal.

More specifically, the control unit170may convert the BD address of the first terminal100into a DTMF signal, and may control the DTMF signal to be output via the voice output unit125.

In response to the output of the DTMF signal, one or more terminals that are located in the vicinity of the first terminal100may be exposed to the DTMF signal. Since the DTMF signal is an audio signal, any neighboring terminal in the Bluetooth standby mode, i.e., any neighboring terminal with its voice input unit activated, may receive the DTMF signal.

For example, if the second terminal200is in the Bluetooth standby mode, the second terminal200may receive the DTMF signal, which is output from the first terminal100. In response to the receipt of a DTMF signal requesting a Bluetooth connection from the second terminal200via the voice input unit123, the control unit170will pair the first terminal100with the second terminal200.

As explained above, the control unit170may Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100with the second terminal200by using a DTMF signal. However, Bluetooth pairing according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the above-described method. Bluetooth pairing may be performed in various manners other than using a DTMF signal in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In response to the first terminal100being paired with the second terminal200, the control unit170may transmit data to the second terminal200via the Bluetooth communication unit110. For example, the term ‘data’ refers to data that may include, for example, a multimedia file such as a text file, an image file, a video file, a music file, etc.

In response to a detection of a movement of the first terminal100during the Bluetooth standby mode, the control unit170pairs the first terminal100with the second terminal200, which is also in the Bluetooth standby mode, and transmits multimedia data to the second terminal200at the same time.

As explained above, in response to the detection of a movement of the first terminal100during the Bluetooth standby mode, the control unit170controls the first terminal100to serve as a Bluetooth transmitter and thus to transmit data. Therefore, the user may easily transmit data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200via Bluetooth communications.

Referring toFIG. 1, the second terminal200includes a Bluetooth communication unit210, an audio processing unit220, a voice input unit223, a voice output unit225, a display unit230, a storage unit240, a motion sensor250, a key input unit260, and a control unit270.

The second terminal200has a structure similar to that of the first terminal100, and thus, the following description of the structure and operation of the second terminal200mainly focuses on differences between the second terminal200and the first terminal100. Since the first terminal100transmits data and the second terminal200receives data, there are relatively few differences in the respective functions of the first terminal100and the second terminal200.

The control unit270may set the second terminal200in the Bluetooth standby mode.

The voice input unit225may receive a DTMF signal including the BD address of the first terminal100from the first terminal100. The control unit270may identify the BD address of the first terminal from the received DTMF signal, and may generate a DTMF signal requesting Bluetooth pairing. The control unit270may output the generated DTMF signal via the audio output unit223.

In response to the completion of the Bluetooth pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, the control unit270may receive multimedia data from the first terminal100via the Bluetooth communication unit210. The control unit270may control the display unit230to display the received multimedia data on a screen of the display unit230. Accordingly, the user may easily identify a file received by the second terminal200.

By allowing the user to transmit data from the first terminal100to the second terminal200via Bluetooth, simply by moving the first terminal100, it is possible to facilitate the transmission of data via Bluetooth. In addition, by setting a terminal from which a movement is detected as a transmitting terminal and a terminal from which no movement is detected as a receiving terminal, it is possible to further facilitate the transmission of data via Bluetooth.

A Bluetooth communication method for transmitting data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200is described as follows with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth communication method for transmitting data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, the first terminal100may select a target file to be transmitted in accordance with the user's selection, in step S210. Upon receiving a command from the user, the first terminal100is set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S220. For example, in response to the user pressing a button for switching to the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100may be placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

In response to the receipt of a command from the user, the second terminal200is also set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S225. When the first terminal100and the second terminal200are both placed in the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100and the second terminal200communicate with each other via Bluetooth.

The first terminal100determines whether there is any movement detected from the first terminal100, in step S230. Upon a determination that there is a movement detected from the first terminal100in step S230-Y, the first terminal100converts its BD address into a DTMF signal, and outputs the DTMF signal, in step S240.

The second terminal200receives the DTMF signal, in step S245, and determines the BD address of the first terminal100based on the received DTMF signal. The second terminal200generates a DTMF signal requesting Bluetooth pairing based on the determined BD address of the first terminal100, and outputs the generated DTMF signal, in step S250.

The first terminal100receives the DTMF signal generated by the second terminal200, in step S255. The first terminal100and the second terminal200are paired with each other, in steps S60and S265.

The first terminal100transmits the target file to the second terminal via a Bluetooth communication, in step S270. The second terminal200receives the target file from the first terminal100, in step S275, and displays the received file on a screen thereof, in step S280.

In this manner, the first terminal100may transmit data to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication. Since the first terminal100is configured to serve as a Bluetooth transmitter in response to the detection of a movement during the Bluetooth standby mode, the user may easily transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200simply by moving the first terminal100.

In the beginning of the example illustrated inFIG. 2, the first terminal100and the second terminal200are yet to be paired. However, the example illustrated inFIG. 2may also be applied to a case in which the first terminal100and the second terminal200are already paired with each other. The method ofFIG. 2may be modified to exclude steps S240to S265when the first terminal100and the second terminal200are already paired with each other, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The transmission of a file via a Bluetooth communication will hereinafter be described with reference toFIGS. 3 to 7.FIGS. 3 to 7are diagrams illustrating an example of transmitting a file via a Bluetooth communication using a movement of the first terminal100.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of the arrangement of a plurality of terminals including the first terminal100and the second terminal200. Referring toFIG. 3, the first terminal100and the second terminal200may be in the Bluetooth standby mode, and terminals310,320,330, and340may be in a regular mode. In this case, the first terminal100and the second terminal200may perform Bluetooth communication.

Therefore, in response to the detection of a movement of the first terminal100, the first terminal100may serve as a Bluetooth transmitter, and the second terminal200may serve as a Bluetooth receiver.

FIG. 5illustrates examples of the movement of the first terminal100. Referring toFIG. 5, the first terminal100may be moved by tilting the first terminal100, shaking the first terminal100, tapping on the first terminal100, or tilting the first terminal1000while pressing on the first terminal100, for example.

Referring toFIG. 6, in response to the movement of the first terminal100, the first terminal100may convert its BD address into a DTMF signal and output the DTMF signal. The second terminal200may receive the DTMF signal and identify the BD address of the first terminal100from the received DTMF signal. The second terminal200may output a Bluetooth pairing request signal to the first terminal100. In response to the Bluetooth pairing request, the first terminal100and the second terminal200may be Bluetooth-paired with each other.

After the first terminal100and the second terminal200are Bluetooth-paired with each other, the first terminal100may transmit a file to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication, as illustrated inFIG. 7.

In this manner, it is possible to easily transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200by setting the first terminal100in the Bluetooth standby mode and moving the first terminal100.

A Bluetooth communication method in a case in which the first terminal100and the second terminal200are already paired with each other according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10.

FIGS. 8 to 10are diagrams illustrating an example communication between first terminal100and the second terminal200via Bluetooth when the first terminal100and the second terminal200are already paired with each other.

Referring toFIG. 8, the first terminal100and the second terminal200are already paired with each other. In this case, in response to a movement being entered to the first terminal100, the first terminal100may serve as a Bluetooth transmitter, and the second terminal200may serve as a Bluetooth receiver, as shown inFIG. 9. Accordingly, the first terminal100may transmit a file to the second terminal200via Bluetooth.

Referring toFIG. 10, in response to movement of the second terminal200, the second terminal200is designated as a Bluetooth transmitter, and the first terminal100is designated as a Bluetooth receiver. Accordingly, the second terminal200may transmit a file to the first terminal100via Bluetooth.

Operations of the first terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention are described as follows with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth communication method of the first terminal100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 11, the first terminal100is set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S510. The voice input unit123, the voice output unit125, and the motion sensor150of the first terminal100are activated, in step S520.

The first terminal100determines whether the first terminal100is moved, in step S530. In response to a movement being detected the first terminal100, in step S530-Y, the first terminal100is set as a transmitting terminal, in step S540. Accordingly, the first terminal100may serve as a Bluetooth transmitter.

The first terminal100determines whether it is Bluetooth-paired with the second terminal200, in step S550. Upon a determination that the first terminal100and the second terminal200are not paired with each other, in step S550-N, the BD address of the first terminal100is converted into a DTMF signal, and the DTMF signal is output, in step S553. After the DTMF signal is output, the first terminal100may be Bluetooth-paired with the second terminal200, in step S556.

Upon a determination that the first terminal100is already Bluetooth-paired with the second terminal200, in step S550-Y, the first terminal100determines whether there is data designated to be transmitted, in step S560. However, upon a determination that there is not any data designated to be transmitted, in step S560-N, the first terminal100designates data to be transmitted in accordance with the user's selection, in step S563. The first terminal100transmits the designated data to the second terminal200, in step S570.

If the first terminal100does not detect any movement of the first terminal100, in step S530-N, the first terminal100is set as a receiving terminal, in step S580, and the first terminal100serves as a Bluetooth receiver.

Upon receiving a DTMF signal from the second terminal200, in step S583, the first terminal100interprets the received DTMF signal, and extracts the BD address of the second terminal200from the received DTMF signal. The first terminal100issues a request for a Bluetooth connection to the second terminal200, in step S586.

The first terminal100determines whether it is Bluetooth-paired with the second terminal200, in step S590. When the first terminal100and the second terminal200are not already Bluetooth-paired, in step S590-N, the first terminal100is Bluetooth-paired with the second terminal200, in step S593. After the pairing is formed, first terminal100may receive a file from the second terminal200, in step S595.

In short, a determination may be made as to whether the first terminal100should serve as a Bluetooth transmitter or a Bluetooth receiver based on whether the first terminal100is moved. Thus, a user may easily transmit data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200via Bluetooth.

Upon a determination that the first terminal100is already paired with the second terminal200, in step S550-Y, the first terminal100displays information indicating that it is paired with the second terminal200on a screen of the first terminal100. Accordingly, the user may easily identify which terminal the first terminal100is currently being paired with.

The first terminal100may be configured to output a DTMF signal even when paired with the second terminal200in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the first terminal100may identify the BD address of the second terminal200from the DTMF signal, and may thus prevent any error in the setting of a Bluetooth connection to the second terminal200.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal100may only be permitted to transmit data to the second terminal200when the second terminal200is not paired with other terminals. This scenario is described in further detail with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13.

FIGS. 12 and 13are diagrams illustrating a case in which the second terminal200is paired with a third terminal600according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the second terminal200is paired with the third terminal600. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 13, even when the first terminal100outputs a DTMF signal in response to a movement of the first terminal100, the second terminal200does respond to the DTMF signal, regardless of whether the second terminal200is in the Bluetooth standby mode.

Accordingly, the first terminal100is not permitted to set a Bluetooth connection to the second terminal200when the second terminal200is Bluetooth-paired with another terminal.

Methods for executing the Bluetooth standby mode and transmitting a file are described as follows with reference toFIGS. 14 to 17.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an example of a method to execute the Bluetooth standby mode, andFIGS. 15 to 17are diagrams illustrating examples of a movement for executing the transmission of a file according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 14, the user may execute the Bluetooth standby mode by long-touching the screens of the first terminal100and the second terminal200.

Referring toFIG. 15, the user may transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200by tilting the first terminal100. Referring toFIG. 16, the user may also transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200by shaking the first terminal100. Referring toFIG. 17, the user may also transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200by bringing the first terminal100into contact with the second terminal200, for example, by hitting the second terminal200with the first terminal100.

The methods for executing described herein with respect toFIGS. 15 to 17, are merely provided as examples. The user may execute the Bluetooth standby mode and may execute the transmission of a file in various manners other than those set forth herein in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

A direct view function provided after receiving a file by the second terminal200is described as follows with reference toFIGS. 18 to 22.

FIGS. 18 and 19are diagrams illustrating an example of executing a direct view function for an image file received by the second terminal200according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 18 and 19, upon receiving an image file with an image list screen displayed on the second terminal200, the second terminal200may readily display the received image file on its screen. More specifically, when an application currently being executed by the second terminal200is an application capable of executing the received image file, the received image file may be readily executed by the current application, and may thus be readily displayed on the screen of the second terminal200.

Since the received image file is readily displayed on the screen of the second terminal200, it is possible for the user to readily identify the corresponding image file requiring additional user manipulation of the second terminal200.

An example of displaying a message confirming the completion of the execution of a direct view function is described as follows with reference toFIGS. 20 to 22.

FIGS. 20 to 22are diagrams illustrating an example of displaying a message confirming the completion of the execution of a direct view function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, upon receiving an image file by the second terminal200with an idle screen displayed on the screen of the second terminal200, a message900that confirms the completion of the execution of a direct view function is displayed on the screen of the second terminal200. In response to the user selecting “Yes” from the message900, the second terminal200displays the received image file on its screen.

Through this process, the user is able to choose whether to use a direct view function in connection with a received image file by using the message900.

The first terminal100and the second terminal200may be Bluetooth-paired using a voice signal. An example of Bluetooth-pairing the first terminal100and the second terminal200by using a voice signal is described as follows with reference toFIG. 1.

According to a first such example, the voice output unit123of the first terminal100outputs a voice signal in response to the detection of a movement of the first terminal100during the Bluetooth standby mode.

The control unit170of the first terminal100sets the first terminal100in the Bluetooth standby mode. In response to the detection of a movement during the Bluetooth standby mode, the control unit170selects the second terminal200as a target terminal for the first terminal to Bluetooth-communicate with by using a voice signal. The control unit170controls the first terminal to be Bluetooth-paired with the selected target terminal, i.e., the second terminal200. The control unit170controls data to be transmitted to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication.

For example, the control unit170may control the time of the transmission of a voice signal to the second terminal200to be stored in the storage unit140, and may receive the time of the receipt of the voice signal by the second terminal200. In this example, if the transmission time of the voice signal coincides with the receipt time of the voice signal, the control unit170may select the second terminal200as a target terminal for the first terminal to Bluetooth-communicate with.

In another example of Bluetooth pairing according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit170of the first terminal100controls first information corresponding to the voice signal to be stored in the storage unit140, and may receive second information corresponding to the voice signal from the second terminal200. In this example, if the first information coincides with the second information, the control unit170selects the second terminal200as a target terminal for the first terminal to Bluetooth-communicate with. The first information and the second information may represent various properties that identify the voice signal. For example, the first information and the second information may include frequency information, pattern information, and tone information of the voice signal.

The voice input unit225of the second terminal200may receive a voice signal transmitted by the first terminal100.

Upon receiving the voice signal from the first terminal100, the control unit270of the second terminal200performs a Bluetooth-pairing with the first terminal100using the received voice signal, and receipt of a file from the first terminal100via a Bluetooth communication.

For example, in response to the receipt of a voice signal from the first terminal100, the control unit270may control the time of the receipt of the voice signal to be stored in the storage unit240, and to be transmitted to the first terminal100. The control unit270may control the second terminal200to be Bluetooth-paired with the first terminal100based on the time of the receipt of the voice signal. More specifically, if the time of the voice signal by the first terminal100coincides with the time of the receipt of the voice signal by the second terminal200, the first terminal100transmits a pairing request to the second terminal200. In response to the receipt of the pairing request from the first terminal100, the control unit270controls the second terminal200to be Bluetooth-paired with the first terminal100.

In another example of Bluetooth pairing according to an embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving a voice signal from the first terminal, the control unit270analyzes the voice signal, and controls information corresponding the voice signal, which is obtained by analyzing the voice signal, to be stored in the storage unit240. The information corresponding to the voice signal may represent one or more properties that identify the voice signal. For example, the information on the voice signal may include frequency information, pattern information, and tone information of the voice signal. More specifically, the control unit270analyzes the frequency, pattern and tone of the voice signal, and stores the results of the analysis in the storage unit240.

The control unit270controls the voice signal information present in the storage unit240to be transmitted to the first terminal100, and controls the second terminal200to be Bluetooth-paired with the first terminal based on the corresponding voice signal information. More specifically, if first information on the voice signal, which is provided by the first terminal100, coincides with second information on the voice signal, which is provided by the second terminal200, the first terminal100transmits a pairing request to the second terminal200. Upon receiving the pairing request from the first terminal100, the control unit270controls the second terminal200to be Bluetooth-paired with the first terminal100. Accordingly, the first terminal100and the second terminal200are Bluetooth-paired with each other by using a voice signal.

Examples of Bluetooth-pairing the first terminal100and the second terminal200according to an embodiment of the present invention are described as follows with reference toFIGS. 23 to 37.

FIG. 23is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which Bluetooth pairing is performed using the times of the transmission and receipt of a voice signal.

Referring toFIG. 23, the first terminal100selects a target file to be transmitted in accordance with the user's selection, in step S1010. Upon receiving a command from the user, the first terminal100is set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S1020. For example, in response to the user pressing a button for switching to the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100is placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

Upon receiving a command from the user, the second terminal200is also set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S1025. The first terminal100and the second terminal200may Bluetooth-communicate with each other when placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

The first terminal100determines whether the first terminal100is moved, in step S1030. Upon detecting a movement, in step S1030-Y, the first terminal100transmits a voice signal, in step S1040, and stores a time of the transmission of the voice signal, in step S1045.

The second terminal200receives the voice signal, in step S1050, and stores a time of the receipt of the voice signal, in step S1052. The second terminal200tags the receipt time of the voice signal to a BD address, in step S1054, and transmits the BD address to the first terminal100, in step S1056. More specifically, the second terminal200transmits the receipt time of the voice signal to the first terminal100by tagging the receipt time of the voice signal to a BD address.

The first terminal100receives the BD address tagged with the receipt time of the voice signal from the second terminal200, in step S1060. More specifically, the first terminal100receives the receipt time of the voice signal from the second terminal200by receiving the BD address tagged with the receipt time of the voice signal.

The first terminal100determines whether the transmission time of the voice signal coincides with the receipt time of the voice signal, in step. Upon determining that the transmission time of the voice signal does not coincide with the receipt time of the voice signal, in step S1065-N, the first terminal100repeats step S1030.

Upon determining that the transmission time of the voice signal coincides with the receipt time of the voice signal, in step S1065-Y, the first terminal100transmits a pairing request to the second terminal200, in step S1070. The second terminal200receives the pairing request from the first terminal100, in step S1075. The first terminal100and the second terminal200are paired with each other, in steps S1080and S1085.

The first terminal100transmits the target file to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication, in step S1090. The second terminal200receives the target file from the first terminal100, in step S1095, and displays the target file on its screen, in step S1098.

In this manner, a voice signal is used to Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100and the second terminal200, in order to transmit data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication.

FIG. 24is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth communication method according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which Bluetooth-pairing is performed using information on a voice signal.

Referring toFIG. 24, the first terminal100selects a target file to be transmitted in accordance with the user's selection, in step S1110. Upon receiving a command from the user, the first terminal100is set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S1120. For example, in response to the user pressing a button for switching to the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100is placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

Upon receiving a command from the user, the second terminal200is set in the Bluetooth standby mode, in step S1125. The first terminal100and the second terminal200communicate with each other over a Bluetooth connection when placed in the Bluetooth standby mode.

The first terminal100determines whether the first terminal100is moved, in step S1130. If movement is detected, in step S1130-Y, the first terminal100transmits a voice signal, in step S1140, and stores first information corresponding to the voice signal, in step S1145. The first information represents one or more properties that identify the voice signal. For example, the first information may include frequency information, pattern information, and tone information of the voice signal.

The second terminal200receives the voice signal, in step S1150, and stores second information corresponding to the voice signal, in step S1152. The second information represents one or more properties that identify the voice signal. For example, the second information may include frequency information, pattern information, and tone information of the voice signal. The second terminal200analyzes the frequency, pattern, and tone of the voice signal, and stores the results of the analysis.

The second terminal200tags the second information to a BD address, in step S1154, and transmits the BD address to the first terminal100, in step S1156. More specifically, the second terminal200transmits the second information to the first terminal100by tagging the second information to a BD address.

The first terminal100receives the BD address tagged with the second information from the second terminal200, in step S1160. More specifically, the first terminal100receives the second information from the second terminal200by receiving the BD address tagged with the second information.

The first terminal100determines whether the first information coincides with the second information, in step S1165. Upon a determination that the first information does not coincide with the second information, in step S1165-N, the first terminal100repeats step S1130.

Upon a determination that the first information coincides with the second information, in step S1165-Y, the first terminal100transmits a pairing request to the second terminal200, in step S1170. The second terminal200receives the pairing request from the first terminal100, in step S1175. The first terminal100and the second terminal200are paired with each other, in steps S1180and S1185.

The first terminal100transmits the target file to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication, in step S1190. The second terminal200receives the target file from the first terminal100, in step S1195, and displays the target file on its screen, in step S1198.

Through this process, a voice signal is used to Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100and the second terminal200and transmit data between the first terminal100and the second terminal200via Bluetooth communication.

FIGS. 25 to 27are diagrams illustrating an example of performing Bluetooth pairing and the transmission of a file by using a voice signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 25, image11200is displayed on the screen of the first terminal100, and is selected by the first terminal100as a target file to be transmitted.

The second terminal200is laid down. When laid down, the second terminal200may be in a standby state for receiving a file via a Bluetooth communication.

FIG. 26illustrates an example of Bluetooth-pairing the first terminal100and the second terminal200by using a voice signal. Referring toFIG. 26, the first terminal100is tilted toward the screen of the second terminal200. Upon detecting movement such as a tilt, the first terminal100transmits a voice signal to the second terminal200. The second terminal200receives the voice signal, and is Bluetooth-paired with the first terminal100.

In response to the Bluetooth pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, the first terminal100transmits image11200to the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication.

FIG. 27illustrates a case in which the transmission of image11200from the first terminal100to the second terminal200is complete. Referring toFIG. 27, upon receiving image11200, the second terminal200displays image11200on its screen. Through this process, a voice signal is used to Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100and the second terminal200in order to transmit a file between the first terminal100and the second terminal200.

In addition, simply tilting the first terminal100, initiates Bluetooth-pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200and transmission of a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200. Therefore, the user may intuitively transmit a file from the first terminal100to the second terminal200by mimicking the gesture of pouring water into the second terminal200with the first terminal100.

FIGS. 28 to 31are diagrams illustrating an example of Bluetooth-pairing the first terminal100and the second terminal200by using a voice signal during the Bluetooth standby mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28illustrates a case in which the user selects a Bluetooth icon1310on the screen of the first terminal100. Referring toFIG. 28, an icon1320indicating that the second terminal200is in the Bluetooth standby mode is displayed at the top of the screen of the second terminal200.

In response to the selection of the Bluetooth icon1310by the user, a Bluetooth pairing guide message is displayed on the screen of the first terminal100, and a Bluetooth standby mode display icon1330is displayed at the top of the screen of the first terminal100, as shown inFIG. 29. The Bluetooth standby mode display icon1330may be an icon indicating that a voice signal may be output by the first terminal100.

In response to the user entering a motion manipulation by tilting the first terminal100toward the screen of the second terminal200, the first terminal100and the second terminal200exchange a voice signal with each other, and are Bluetooth-paired with each other, as shown inFIG. 30.

Referring toFIG. 30, the first terminal100displays a message1340requesting Bluetooth pairing, and the second terminal200displays a message1345that confirms the receipt of a Bluetooth pairing request.

Referring toFIG. 31, in response to the Bluetooth pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, messages1350and1360indicating that the first terminal100and the second terminal200are connected is displayed on the screens of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, respectively.

Through this process, a voice signal is used to Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100and the second terminal200, even during the Bluetooth standby mode.

FIGS. 32 to 37are diagrams illustrating an example of Bluetooth-pairing the first terminal100and the second terminal200by using a voice signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 32, a photo file1400, is selected by the first terminal100as a target file to be transmitted, is displayed on the screen of the first terminal100. An icon1410indicating that the second terminal200is in the Bluetooth standby mode is displayed at the top of the screen of the second terminal200.

Referring toFIG. 33, when the second terminal200is in the Bluetooth standby mode, a Bluetooth pairing guide message1430is displayed on the screen of the first terminal100, and a Bluetooth standby mode display icon1420is displayed at the top of the screen of the first terminal100. The Bluetooth standby mode display icon1420indicates that a voice signal may be output by the first terminal100.

In this case, referring back toFIG. 26, in response to the user tilting the first terminal100toward the screen of the second terminal200, the first terminal100and the second terminal200may exchange a voice signal with each other, and may be Bluetooth-paired with each other, as shown inFIG. 34.

Referring toFIG. 34, the first terminal100displays a message1440requesting Bluetooth pairing, and the second terminal200displays a message1450that confirms the receipt of a Bluetooth pairing request.

Referring toFIG. 35, in response to the Bluetooth pairing of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, messages1460and1470indicating that the first terminal100and the second terminal200are connected are displayed on the screens of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, respectively, and icons1465and1475that confirm that the first terminal100and the second terminal200have been Bluetooth-connected are displayed on the screens of the first terminal100and the second terminal200, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 36, the first terminal100transmits the photo file1400to the second terminal100, the first terminal100displays a file transmission window1480on its screen, and the second terminal200displays a file reception window1485on its screen.

Referring toFIG. 37, in response to the completion of the transmission of the photo file1400, the first terminal100displays a message1490indicating that the transmission of the photo file1400is complete, and the second terminal200displays a message1495indicating that the receipt of the photo file1400is complete.

In this manner, a voice signal is used to Bluetooth-pair the first terminal100and the second terminal200, even during the Bluetooth standby mode.

In the above-described examples according to embodiments of the present invention, the first terminal100may serve as a Bluetooth transmitter, and the second terminal200may serve as a Bluetooth receiver. However, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, either of the first terminal100and the second terminal200may perform a data transmission function and a data reception function.

For example, in response to the detection of a movement during the Bluetooth standby mode, the first terminal100may receive data from the second terminal200via a Bluetooth communication. In this case, the second terminal200from which no movement is detected may serve as a Bluetooth transmitter.

Examples of the first terminal100and the second terminal200include nearly all types of devices equipped with a Bluetooth function, such as, for example, mobile terminals, mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) phones, and the like.

As explained above, according to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to utilize a Bluetooth communication method for transmitting data to an external terminal via Bluetooth in response to the detection of a movement during a Bluetooth standby mode and a terminal employing the Bluetooth communication method. Therefore, it is possible for a user to easily transmit data between terminals simply moving a terminal.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention includes modifications and variations of this invention that are included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.