Mobile device and method for messenger-based video call service

A mobile device and method for a messenger-based video call service using camera preview image and voice information are provided. In the method, the mobile device displays a camera preview screen by executing a camera, and detects an input for selecting one or more sharers for a video call from the camera preview screen. Then, the mobile device executes a messenger for providing the video call service, transmits a connection request to the selected sharers through the messenger, and performs the messenger-based video call with the sharers in response to the connection request.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Aug. 27, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2012-0093942, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a messenger-based video call service technology, and more particularly, to a mobile device and a method for a messenger-based video call service using camera preview image and voice information.

2. Description of the Related Art

With a growth of related technologies, a great variety of mobile devices, e.g., smart phones, tablet PCs, etc. are increasingly becoming popular these days. Mobile devices have outgrown of their respective traditional fields, and reached a mobile convergence stage. Not only many advanced functions, services and applications have been added to mobile devices, but steady improvements have also been made in various aspects such as size, design, resolution, and user interface.

For example, one of newly added services is a messenger service, also referred to as an instant messaging service, which allows real-time data transmission between mobile devices. Typically, a messenger service can offer multiuser chatting, photo, or video file transfer, voice call, video call, etc. through a data communication network when subscribers access a messenger server. With the recent advent of Wi-Fi and similar technologies, messenger-based voice call, video call, etc. are increasingly growing.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention is to address the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to offer at least the advantages described below.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology for a messenger-based video call service that allows two or more users to share a camera preview image and voice information in mobile devices.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile device and method for creating specific data by executing a specific function of the mobile device while a messenger-based video call is performed, and then for sharing the created data with other mobile devices.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for a messenger-based video call service in a mobile device, the method includes: displaying a camera preview screen by executing a camera function; detecting an input for selecting one or more sharers for a video call on the camera preview screen; executing a messenger application for initiating a messenger-based video call service; transmitting a connection request to the selected sharers through the messenger application; and performing the messenger-based video call with the selected sharers based on the response to the connection request.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provided is a mobile device for a messenger-based video call service, the mobile device comprising a wireless communication unit configured to access a messenger server and to transmit or receive messenger data to or from the messenger server; a touch screen configured to display a camera preview screen and to display a preview sharing screen restructured from the camera preview image; and a control unit configured to detect an input for selecting one or more sharers for a video call from the camera preview screen, to execute a messenger application for initiating the video call service, to transmit a connection request to the selected sharers through the messenger application, and to perform the messenger-based video call with the selected sharers in response to the connection request.

The present invention may support various functions of the mobile device such as a function to enter into a messenger-based video call service from a camera preview screen, a function to transmit and receive a camera preview image through a messenger application, a function to execute a specific function of the mobile device such as image capture, a memo input, a map display, or message transmission in a video call environment, and a function to create and transmit specific data in a video call environment.

Therefore, participants in a messenger-based video call service can share additional data such as location information, handwriting information, message information, photo, video, etc. as well as a preview image and voice information through a messenger. This can enhance the quality of a messenger-based video call service.

It is noted that inFIGS. 4 to 9, % S sign refers to a character string and may be used as the name of a video call sharer. Additionally, % N sign refers to a number and may be used to represent the number of photos.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that this disclosure may, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Instead, the disclosed embodiments are provided so that this disclosure can represent a thorough and complete description, and can convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. The principles and features of this disclosure may be employed in a variety and plurality of embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It is also noted that well known or widely used techniques, elements, structures, and processes may not be described or illustrated in detail to avoid obscuring the essence of the present disclosure for simplicity and clarity. Although the figures represent exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.

In this disclosure, a camera preview screen may not necessarily represent data stored by image capturing, but may represent a screen output on a display unit after passing through image processing and buffering operations. The camera preview screen may be dynamically adjusted according to a change in an angle of a camera lens.

It is also noted that, a preview sharing screen refers to a screen restructured from a camera preview image and shared with one or more mobile devices through a messenger program to support a messenger-based video call.

A device to which this disclosure can be applied may include all kinds of electronic devices having a camera and supporting communication operations, such as a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a handheld PC, a desktop PC, etc. Also, the device may have a multi-tasking function to simultaneously perform two or more tasks. However, it is noted that the following description is with reference to the device of this disclosure as a mobile device.

FIG. 1is an example block diagram to illustrate the configuration of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1, depicts a mobile device100. The mobile device110may include a touch screen110having a touch panel111, and a display panel112. The mobile device100may also include a hard key input unit120, a wireless communication unit130, an audio processing unit140, a camera150, a memory unit160, and a control unit170, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the touch screen110may include the touch panel111, and the display panel112. The touch screen110may create a touch event in response to a user's input (e.g., a user gesture, etc.) and transmit the touch event to the control unit170. The control unit170may then detect the user gesture from the touch event and execute a selected function of the mobile device100in response to the detected user gesture.

A user gesture may be classified as a touch, a touch gesture, etc. For example, a touch gesture may include a tap, a double tap, a long tap, a drag, a drag-and-drop, a flick, a press, etc. A touch may refer to a user's action to bring a touch input tool (e.g., a finger, a stylus pen, etc.) in contact with any point on a screen (e.g., the touchscreen110). A tap may refer to an action to touch any point on the screen and then release (e.g., touch-off) the touch input tool from the touch point without moving the touch input tool. A double tap may refer to an action to tap twice any point on the screen. A long tap may refer to an action to touch the screen relatively longer, i.e., 100 ms, than a tap, and then releasing a touch input tool from the touch point without moving the touch input tool. A drag may refer to an action to move a touch input tool in an arbitrary direction while maintaining a contact with the screen. A drag-and-drop may refer to an action to drag and then release a touch input tool from the screen. A flick may refer to an action to move a touch input tool more quickly than a drag, and then releasing the touch input tool. A press may refer to an action to touch and push any point on the screen through a touch input tool. It is noted that, a touch refers to a state where any contact occurs on the touch screen110, and a touch gesture refers to a movement of a touch which continues from touch-on to touch-off.

In some embodiments, he touch panel111may be placed on the display panel112(i.e., referred to as add-on type) or inserted in the display panel112(i.e., referred to as on-cell type, in-cell type, etc.). Also, the touch panel111may include a resistive type touch panel, a capacitive type touch panel, an electromagnetic induction type touch panel, etc.

In some embodiments, the display panel112may display information input by a user, or provided to a user as well as various menus of the mobile device100. The display panel112may convert image data, received from the control unit170, into analog signals and then display them based on one or more instructions from the control unit170. The display panel112may provide various screens in connection with the use of the mobile device, e.g., a lock screen, an idle screen, a home screen, an application execution screen, a menu screen, a keypad screen, a message writing screen, an Internet access screen, a call screen, a game screen, a music play screen, a video playback screen, etc. The display panel112may be formed of any planar display panel such as LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diodes), AMOLED (active matrix OLED), or any other equivalents.

It is noted that, the display panel112of this disclosure may provide a camera preview screen and a preview sharing screen for a messenger-based video call service. Related user interfaces are described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 3-9.

In some embodiments, the key input unit120may include a plurality of input keys and function keys to receive user's input actions and to set up various functions. Examples of function keys include navigation keys, side keys, shortcut keys, and any other special keys defined to perform particular functions. Additionally, the key input unit120may receive a user's key manipulations for controlling the functions of the mobile device100. The key input unit can create corresponding key input signals, and deliver them to the control unit170. Such key input signals may include power on/off signals, volume regulating signals, screen on/off signals, etc. In response to the key input signals, the control unit170may send one or more instructions to one or more units of the mobile device100. It is also noted that the key input unit120may include a QWERTY keypad, a 3*4 keypad, a 4*3 keypad, any other keypad formed of many keys with typical or special key arrangement, etc. When the mobile device100supports the touch panel111in the form of a full touch screen, the key input unit120may have only at least one side key, (e.g., a side key for power on/off, screen on/off, etc.) formed on any side of the body of the mobile device100.

In some embodiments, he wireless communication unit130may perform transmission and reception of signals in connection with a voice call, a video call, or a data communication. Besides converting various data into wireless signals, and transmitting them to an external entity, the wireless communication unit130may also receive wireless signals from any external entity and convert them into suitable data. The wireless communication unit130may include a mobile communication module (e.g., a 3-generation mobile communication module, a 3.5-generation mobile communication module, a 4-generation mobile communication module, etc.), a short-range communication module (e.g., a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, etc.), and/or a digital broadcast module (e.g., a DMB module, etc.).

The audio processing unit140may be formed of a codec (i.e., a coder/decoder) which has a data codec for processing packet data and an audio codec for processing audio signals such as voice. The audio processing unit140can convert received digital audio signals into analog audio signals through the audio codec and output them through a speaker (as shown by label SPK inFIG. 1). The audio processing unit140may also convert analog audio signals received from a microphone (as shown by label MIC inFIG. 1) into digital audio signals using the audio codec and deliver them to the control unit170. It is noted that, the audio processing unit140of this disclosure may collect and output voice information required for a messenger-based video call service.

In some embodiments, the camera150may capture an image and then send the captured image to the control unit170. The camera150may include a front camera disposed at the front side of the mobile device100, and/or a rear camera disposed at the rear side of the mobile device100. It is noted that, in this disclosure, the camera150is configured to collect images utilized by a messenger-based video call service. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the camera150may include a camera sensor to convert received optical signals into electrical signals and a signal processor to convert analog image signals obtained by the camera sensor into digital data.

The camera150of this disclosure may include a camera buffer151to temporarily stores image signals received from the camera sensor (for example, temporarily storing image signals), in a preview mode for a given time. Such image data temporarily stored in the camera buffer151may be data used in a messenger-based video call service. For example, when a messenger-based video call service is started, the control unit170may extract data from the camera buffer151, convert the extracted data into a suitable form for a data communication, and control transmission of the converted data to a messenger server.

The memory unit160may store an operating system (OS) of the mobile device100, various applications etc. The memory unit160may also store various kinds of data created in the mobile device100, or received from any external entity (e.g., any external server, other mobile device, PC, etc.). The memory unit160may store user interfaces and settings information (e.g., configuration settings information, etc.) in connection with functions of the mobile device100.

In this disclosure, the memory unit160may store a messenger application161, which refers to a specific application for supporting a messenger function of the mobile device100. Also, the memory unit160may store data associated with use of a messenger function while the messenger application161is activated. It is noted that, when the messenger application161is activated in response to the execution of a camera function, the mobile device100may perform a process for accessing a messenger server according to a user's input or a predetermined schedule. For access to the messenger server, the mobile device100should be registered in advance with a messenger service and. If the mobile device100is not registered in advance, the mobile device100may perform one or more operations for registration procedure. When the mobile device100sends access information to the messenger server after activation of the messenger application161, the messenger server can authenticate the mobile device100based on the access information received from the mobile device100, and then approves access.

In some embodiments, the control unit170can control operations of the mobile device100. For example, the control unit170can controls signal flows between different units of the mobile device100, and processes data. The control unit170may also control power supply from a battery to different units of the mobile device100. Additionally, once power is supplied, the control unit170may control a booting process, and execute various kinds of applications stored in the memory unit160to perform selected functions of the mobile device100.

In one embodiment, the control unit170may control a menu function to select or add a messenger member on a camera preview screen, a function to enter into a messenger-based video call service from the camera preview screen, a function to transmit or receive a camera preview image through the messenger application, a function to execute a specific function of the mobile device such as image capture, a memo input, a map display, message transmission, voice recording, etc. in a video call environment, and a function to create and transmit specific data in a video call environment. The above mentioned functions of the control unit170in a messenger-based video call service are described below in detail with reference to various screenshots inFIGS. 3-9.

With developments in digital convergence tendencies, the mobile device100may essentially or selectively further include any other elements such as a sensor module for detecting location-based information, a GPS module for measuring the location of the mobile device100, etc. Meanwhile, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, some of the above-mentioned elements in the mobile device100may be omitted or replaced with other element(s). Also, the mobile device100may further or alternatively use any other input unit such as a touch pad, trackball, etc.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram illustrating example operations of a messenger-based video call service from a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

At block210, the control unit170(as described above with reference toFIG. 1) detects a user's input for requesting a camera execution. The flow continues to block211.

At block211, the control unit170executes a camera function in response to the detected input. The flow continues to block212.

At block212, the control unit170displays on the display panel112a camera preview screen to show an image captured by the camera unit150. The camera preview screen may not necessarily show data stored by image capturing, but may represent a screen output on the display panel112just after passing through image processing and buffering operations. The camera preview screen may be dynamically varied according to a change in an angle of a camera lens. For example, the dynamic variation may easily allow a user to select a subject and adjust its composition through a dynamic preview image. The flow continues to block213.

At block213, the control unit170displays on the display panel112a list of messenger members in response to a user's input signal. In one example, the camera preview screen contains a messenger menu to support a messenger-based video call service in a camera execution mode. When the messenger menu is selected by the user, the control unit170retrieves a list of messenger members from the memory unit160, and outputs the retrieved list to the display panel112. The messenger member list may be a list of other device users who accept a preview sharing service. The flow continues to block214.

At block214, the control unit170detects a selection event for selecting at least one sharer from messenger members in the list. The mobile device100can support a multilateral video call service, and the selected messenger members can become sharers for a multilateral video call in this disclosure. Therefore, at step215, the control unit170executes a messenger application to perform a video call service with the selected sharer, and then accesses a messenger server through the messenger application. Additionally, the control unit170may activate the audio processing unit140to send and receive voice. The flow continues to block216.

At block216, the control unit170transmits a request signal for a messenger-based video call service to the selected sharer's mobile device. The flow continues to block220.

At block220, the control unit170displays on the display panel112a preview sharing screen to perform a video call based on a messenger. The preview sharing screen refers to a user interface screen restructured from the above-mentioned camera preview image so as to support a messenger-based video call. The flow continues to block221.

At block221, the control unit170receives a response signal for accepting a video call from any sharer to which the request signal is transmitted. At this time, the control unit170may receive voices and images from the video call sharer. The flow continues to block222.

At block222, the control unit170performs a video call service while sharing camera preview images and voices with sharer's mobile device. In one example, the control unit170collects data temporarily stored in the camera buffer151from a time point when the response signal is received. Also, the control unit170converts the collected data into a suitable form for a data communication and then transmits it as video call data to a messenger server. The control unit170further receives video call data from the messenger server, converts it into a suitable form for the preview sharing screen, and outputs it to the display panel112.

At block223, the control unit170determines whether a request event for an additional function is detected in a video call environment. In this disclosure, the mobile device100can support, in a video call environment, a camera control function, an image capturing function, a handwriting function, a location indication function, a data transmission function, etc. For example, the control unit170may detect an input event requesting the image capturing function in a messenger-based video call environment. In one embodiment, the image capturing function, also referred to as a camera shutter function, may be invoked in response to an input signal from a specific hard key. In another embodiment, menu items displayed on the screen may contain a shutter button, and the image capturing function may be invoked in response to an input signal from the shutter button.

If a request event for an additional function is detected at step223, at block224, the control unit170creates data association caused by the execution of an additional function. For example, in a messenger-based video call environment, the control unit170may enter into an image capturing mode, a handwriting mode, etc. according to a user's selection and then create a photo, a memo, etc. The flow continues to block225.

At block225, the control unit170determines whether to transmit the created data to the video call sharer. If there is a request for data transmission, the control unit170transmits the created data to the video call sharer at step226.

After step226is performed, or if no request event is detected at step223, the control unit170determines at step227whether an ending request for a video call is detected. In case of no branch at step225or227, the control unit170may perform operations at block222. If ending request for a video call is detected at step227, the control unit170ends a messenger-based video call and returns to the camera preview screen at step228.

Examples of screen interfaces associated with a messenger-based video call service are described in detail inFIGS. 3-9.

FIG. 3illustrates example screenshots to select a member for a messenger-based video call service and send a sharing request to the selected member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the control unit170operates in a camera execution mode in response to user's request for a camera function.

As shown in screenshot301ofFIG. 3, the display panel112of the touch screen110displays a camera preview screen310thereon under the control of the control unit170. The camera preview screen310may have a view region311for showing a real-time image obtained through the camera unit160, and camera function key regions including, but not limited to, a messenger menu button312for supporting a video call service, a home button313for changing to the home screen, and a shutter button314for capturing an image. Other various buttons associated with camera functions may be further used in the camera function key regions. The view region311shows a real-time preview image which is obtained, image-processed and buffered through the camera unit160. The camera preview screen310may be a preview image obtained through a front camera or a rear camera.

While the camera preview screen310is displayed, a user can select the messenger menu button312to activate a messenger-based video call service. In response, the touch screen110transmits a selection input signal to the control unit170, which extracts identification information about messenger members from the memory unit160in response to the selection signal. For example, the control unit170may retrieve a buddy list of the messenger application161.

As shown in screenshot302ofFIG. 3, the touch screen110displays a list320of messenger members who have already accepted a messenger-based video call service. The messenger member list320may contain information321about at least one member, a list edit menu, a cancel button322, and a done button323. The messenger member list320may include a buddy list used in a messenger service. Specifically, the control unit170may collect, through the messenger application, information about messenger members whose mobile devices are available for a messenger-based video call service, and then offer the messenger member list320based on the collected information to the touch screen110. The number of members shown in the messenger member list320may be varied according to user's setting.

A user can select a desired recipient or sharer of a video call from the messenger member list320. It is noted that, since a multilateral video call service is available for this disclosure, a user can select one or more sharers.

After selection, as shown in screenshot303ofFIG. 3, a user can select the done button323to perform a messenger-based video call service with the selected sharer. Then, the control unit170transmits a request signal for a messenger-based video call service to selected sharer's mobile device, and then communicates if the request been accepted by the selected sharer(s).

Meanwhile, as shown in screenshot304ofFIG. 3, the touch screen110may display an addition menu330for adding a video call sharer when there is no member accepting a messenger-based video call service. If a user selects this menu330, the touch screen110displays a buddy list offered from a messenger service as shown in screenshot305ofFIG. 3. Then, a user can select a desired sharer from the displayed buddy list to add it to the messenger member list.

FIG. 4illustrates screenshots of a connection process for a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

When any sharer is selected for a messenger-based video call service as discussed above with reference toFIG. 3, the touch screen110displays a popup window420for indicating the progress of requesting a connection of a video call under the control of the control unit170as shown in screenshot401ofFIG. 4. This popup window420may contain a cancel button421such that a user can cancel a connection request.

When a response signal for accepting a video call from any sharer is received, the touch screen110displays a preview sharing screen460under the control of the control unit170as shown in screenshot402aofFIG. 4. The preview sharing screen460refers to a user interface screen restructured from the above-mentioned camera preview image so as to support a messenger-based video call.

Before displaying the preview sharing screen460, the control unit170executes a messenger application with the selected sharer and then performs a connection process to a messenger server. To perform a messenger-based video call service, the control unit170may transmit and receive, to and from the video call sharer's mobile device through the messenger server, image data outputted on the display unit just after passing through image processing and buffering. Namely, the control unit170enters into a messenger-based video call mode.

The preview sharing screen460may contain, but not limited to, a view region411for showing a camera preview image, a sharer view region430for showing a sharer's preview image, a home button440for returning to the home screen, an end button450for ending a video call, and a camera function setting menu460. Further, the camera function setting menu460may include menu items for supporting a handwriting mode function, a location indication function, a camera remote control function, a camera shutter function, etc. in a video call environment. Also, the camera function setting menu460may support a hiding function and an opening function in the view region411. Based on the number of sharers, one or more sharer view regions430may be displayed at the same time.

The preview sharing screen410may be differently configured depending on whether a mobile device provides or not a call function through a mobile communication network. InFIG. 4, screenshot402ashows the preview sharing screen in a mobile device without a call function, and screenshot402bshows the preview sharing screen in a mobile device with a call function. In the latter case, the preview sharing screen may contain a call end button470, a mute button471and a camera switch button472.

Meanwhile, in screenshot402a, a sign % S refers to character string and may be used to indicate the name of a video call sharer.

FIG. 5illustrates screenshots of an additional camera function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the mobile device of this disclosure may support a function control of the camera in a video call mode.

A user can select the camera function setting menu460on the preview sharing screen460shown inFIG. 4. The camera function setting menu460may include, but not limited to, menu items for a mute control, a screen ratio adjustment, a camera switch, a camera shutter button, a camera function control authority setting, a map display, a handwriting mode, etc. The mute control menu item is to mute the sound in a video call. The screen ratio adjustment menu item is to adjust a screen ratio of the view region. The camera switch menu item is to perform a switch between the front camera and the rear camera. The camera function control authority setting menu item is to authorize a video call sharer to control a camera function. The map display menu item is to support a location indication function to indicate the location of a mobile device in a view region. The handwriting mode menu item is to support a handwriting function in a video call.

As shown in screenshot501ofFIG. 5, the preview sharing screen may be displayed at a specific screen ratio adapted to the touch screen. For example, the screen ratio in this case may be 16:9.

When a user adjusts a screen ratio through the screen ratio control menu, the screen ratio may be changed as shown in screenshot502ofFIG. 5. For example, if the screen ratio in screenshot501is 16:9, the screen ratio in screenshot502may be changed to 4:3.

Display screens shown inFIG. 5are exemplary only and may be varied according to camera function control menu. For example, if a user selects a camera button add menu item in the camera function menu. Then, a camera shutter button may be added to the preview sharing screen, and a user can select the shutter button to capture an image or start a video recording. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the preview sharing screen may further have a menu item for a toggle function between an image capturing and a video recording. Alternatively, a separate hard key or button may be used for this toggle function.

FIG. 6illustrates screenshots of a screen change function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, in a messenger-based video call mode, the touch screen110displays the preview sharing screen610as shown in screenshot601. A user can select the sharer view region611on the preview sharing screen610. Then, the touch screen110may display a screen layout change menu620under the control of the control unit170. The screen layout change menu620may contain menu items of a switch video621and a hide video622. The switch video menu item621is to support a screen change between the sharer view region and the view region. The hide video menu item622is to support a function to hide the sharer view region.

A user can select the switch video menu item621on the screen layout change menu620as shown in screenshot602. Then, the touch screen620may change the sharer view region and the view region in the preview sharing screen under the control of the control unit170as shown in screenshot603.

Additionally, a user can select the hide video menu item622on the screen layout change menu620as shown in screenshot602. Then, the touch screen620may remove the sharer view region from the preview sharing screen under the control of the control unit170as shown in screenshot604. In this case, a voice call function may be still performed.

FIG. 7illustrates screenshots of a camera shutter function and a data transmission function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, when a hiding function of sharer view region is performed in a video call mode as discussed above, the touch screen110displays the preview sharing screen without a sharer preview region as shown in screenshot701.

At this time, a user can select a camera shutter function. For example, the camera shutter function may be performed in response to an activation of a hard key input. However, if a camera shutter button is added as a menu item to the touch screen, the camera shutter function may be performed in response to a selection of the camera shutter button displayed on the screen. Alternatively, the camera shutter function may be performed in response to a predefined gesture or voice input.

When the camera shutter function is performed, an image being displayed in the preview sharing screen is captured under the control of the control unit170. The captured image may be a still image at the time point when the shutter button is selected. Also, the captured image may be reduced in size to a thumbnail image as shown in screenshot702, and then may be disposed at the bottom of the preview sharing screen as shown in screenshot703. And also, a suitable animation effect may be added as shown in screenshot702when the captured image is reduced in size. At the bottom of the preview sharing screen, a send button721and a cancel button722may be further displayed together with a message for inquiring whether to send the captured image, as shown in screenshot703.

A user can select the send button721to send the captured image to the video call sharer. Meanwhile, the mobile device of this disclosure may support a continuous capturing function in a messenger-based video call mode. When the continuous capturing function is performed, continuously captured images may be overlapped to each other at the bottom of the preview sharing screen as shown in screenshot704.

When a user selects transmission of captured image to the video call sharer, the preview sharing screen may display a message for indicating the progress of transmission as shown in screenshot705. After transmission is completed, any related information for indicating the completion of transmission may be displayed. In screenshot706, a sign % N refers to a number and may be used as the number of the sent images.

In another embodiment, a video may be recorded in a messenger-based video call mode and then sent to the video call sharer.

FIG. 8illustrates a screenshot of a handwriting function and a location indication function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, when a user selects a handwriting menu item in the menu displayed on the touch screen, the mobile device may operate in a handwriting input mode. Then, the control unit170may detect a handwriting input using a stylus pen or a finger from the touch screen.

As shown, a user can handwrite on the preview sharing screen. Then, the touch screen110may display handwriting data on the preview sharing screen. The control unit170may create video call data including handwriting data on the basis of both image data collected by the camera sensor and handwriting data received from the touch screen. Also, using such video call data including handwriting data, the control unit170may perform a video call with the video call sharer. In response, the video call sharer can see the handwriting data on the preview sharing screen.

Meanwhile, a user can select a location indication function in the menu displayed on the touch screen. Then, the control unit170may obtain location information through a GPS receiver of the mobile device, retrieve map information matched with the location information, and display on the preview sharing screen a map that indicates the location of the mobile device.

FIG. 9illustrates screenshots illustrating an ending function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, a user can end a messenger-based video call service. A video call service end function may be performed in response to a selection of a relevant end button displayed on the preview sharing screen. Alternatively, the video call service end function may be performed in response to a specific hard key input or a predefined gesture or voice input.

As shown in screenshot901, a user can select an end button910. Then, as shown in screenshot902, the touch screen110may display a popup window920for inquiring whether to end a video call under the control of the control unit170. This popup window920may contain a cancel button921and an okay button922. When a user selects the okay button922, a messenger-based video call service is terminated. Then, the touch screen110displays again the camera preview screen930as shown in screenshot903.

FIG. 10illustrates a flow diagram of example operations for a camera remote control function of a messenger-based video call service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10, the mobile device of this disclosure may obtain or transfer a camera function control authority from or to other mobile device in a messenger-based video call mode. In other words, the mobile device may perform a remote control for camera functions of other mobile device or may become a target of remote control by other mobile device.

For illustrative purpose, there are the first mobile device1010and the second mobile device1020.

At step1110, the first mobile device1010executes the camera. At step1120, to perform a messenger-based video call, the first mobile device1010transmits a camera preview sharing request signal to the second mobile device1020. Then, the second mobile device1020transmits a response signal to the first mobile device1010at step1130, and executes the camera at step1140. At step1152, the first and second mobile devices1010and1020perform a video call through a messenger server on the basis of voice and image information collected through the camera preview screen. At this time, the first mobile device1010displays the first preview sharing screen, and the second mobile device1020displays the second preview sharing screen.

At step1160, the first mobile device1010transmits a control authority accept request signal to the second mobile device1020in order to transfer a control authority of the first camera to the second mobile device1020. At this time, such a camera control authority may be transferred to a selected sharer in a multilateral call.

At step1170, the second mobile device1020transmits an accept response signal to the first mobile device1010in order to obtain a control authority of the first camera. Then, at step1180, both the first and second mobile devices1010and1020display the first preview sharing screen of the first mobile device1010. The first mobile device1010merely displays the first preview sharing screen and does not control camera functions. Instead, the second mobile device1020can control camera functions of the first mobile device1010. Camera function associated with this authority may include, but not limited to, an image capture function, a focus setting function, a flash determination function, a white balance determination function, a zoom in/out setting function, a screen quality and size adjusting function, and a camera control authority cancel function.

The second mobile device1020controls functions of the first camera at step1190, and transmits these control information to the first mobile device1010at step1191. Then, at step1192, the first mobile device1010can modify the first preview sharing screen based on the control information received from the second mobile device1020. Thereafter, in response to a camera control authority cancel signal from the first mobile device1010or the second mobile device1020, the function control authority of the first camera is transferred again from the second mobile device1020to the first mobile device1010.