ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERFORMING COMMUNICATION USING DNS NAME AND METHOD THEREOF

An electronic device and method thereof is provided. The electronic device includes a processor configured to obtain a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, a display circuit configured to display the DNS name, a user input receive circuit configured to receive a user input associated with the displayed DNS name, and a communication circuit configured to perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device based on the user input.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Patent Application Serial No. 10-2015-0045102, which was filed on Mar. 31, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device for performing communication using a domain name system (DNS) name and a method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device for performing peer-to-peer communication with another electronic device corresponding to a DNS name based on a user input for the DNS name displayed on the electronic device, received from a user of the electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of information and communication technologies, network devices such as base stations have been installed in many locations. Electronic devices communicate data with other electronic devices over networks, thus allowing users to freely use networks.

Various types of electronic devices have provided a variety of functions following a recent trend in digital convergence. For example, smartphones communicate text messages using networks, support internet access functions, support music or video playback functions, and support image and video capturing functions using image sensors.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is made to provide at least the advantages described below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for performing communication using a DNS name and a method thereof.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a processor configured to obtain a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, a display circuit configured to display the DNS name on a screen of the electronic device, a user input receive circuit configured to receive a user input associated with the displayed DNS name, and a communication circuit configured to perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device based on the user input.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed in an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, displaying the DNS name on a screen of the electronic device, receiving a user input associated with the displayed DNS name, and performing peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device based on the user input.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium storing instructions thereon is provided. The instructions may be set to obtain a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, to display the DNS name on a screen of an electronic device, to receive a user input associated with the displayed DNS name, and to perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device based on the user input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and includes all modifications and/or, equivalents and substitutions within the scope and technical range of the present disclosure. With respect to the descriptions of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements, features, or structures.

Terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe specified embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise defined herein, all the terms used herein, which include technical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings that are generally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overly formal manner unless expressly so defined as such herein. In some cases, even if terms are terms defined in the specification, they may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

Herein, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include”, “comprise”, “may include”, and “may comprise” indicate existence of corresponding features (e.g., elements such as numeric values, functions, operations, or components) but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

The expressions such as “1st”, “2nd”, “first”, or “second”, etc., used herein, may refer to various elements irrespective of the order and/or priority of the corresponding elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements. The expressions may be used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, both “a first user device” and “a second user device” indicate different user devices from each other, irrespective of the order and/or priority of the corresponding elements. Accordingly, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), the first element can be directly coupled with/to or connected to the second element or an intervening element (e.g., a third element) may be present therebetween. In contrast, when the first element is referred to as being “directly coupled with/to” or “directly connected to” the second element, there are no intervening elements.

Depending on the context, the expression “configured to” as used herein may be used interchangeably with, for example, the expression “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or “capable of”. The term “configured to” does not mean only “specifically designed to”. Instead, the expression “a device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” operating together with another device or other components. For example, a “processor configured to perform A, B, and C” may mean a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which may perform corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which stores a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices (e.g., smart eyeglasses, head-mounted-devices (HMDs), electronic apparel, electronic bracelets, electronic necklaces, electronic appcessories, electronic tattoos, smart mirrors, or smart watches).

The electronic devices may also be smart home appliances such as televisions (TVs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, audio players, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, TV boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync®, Apple TV®, or Google TV®), game consoles (e.g., Xbox® and PlayStation®), electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

The electronic devices may also be various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., blood glucose meters, heart rate meters, blood pressure meters, or thermometers, etc.), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) devices, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, a computed tomography (CT) device, scanners, or ultrasonic devices, etc.), navigation devices, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems, gyrocompasses, etc.), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automatic teller machines (ATMs), point of sales (POSs) terminals, or Internet of things (IoT) devices (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, etc.).

The electronic devices may also be parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, etc.). The electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

The electronic devices may also be flexible electronic devices.

Also, electronic devices are not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new electronic devices according to new technology development.

Herein, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence device) that uses an electronic device.

In the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described using a smartphone by way of example.

FIG. 1illustrates a system for performing communication using a DNS name according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, the system100includes an electronic device110(e.g., a first electronic device), another electronic device120(e.g., a second electronic device), an external server130, and a network140.

The electronic device110may obtain a DNS name of the other electronic device120. The DNS has been developed to convert a domain name of a host into a network address of the host or to convert a network address of the host into a domain name of the host. The DNS may convert a domain name, easily understood by people, into an identification number (e.g., an internet protocol (IP) address) with numerals to find an address of a specific computer (or any device connected to a network). For example, the DNS may be an internet domain address system, may convert a domain name of a main computer, such as www.example.com, into an IP address such as 192.168.1.0, and may provide routing information, in support of transport control protocol (TCP)/IP. In this case, www.example.com may refer to a DNS name. The DNS name may correspond to an IP version 4 (IPv4) or IP version 6 (IPv6).

There are a plurality of methods in which the electronic device110obtains the DNS name of the other electronic device120.

For example, the electronic device110may obtain the DNS name of the other electronic device120based on a user input for inputting the DNS name of the other electronic device120.

As another example, the electronic device110may receive the DNS name of the other electronic device120from the other electronic device120through the network140. In this case, the DNS name of the other electronic device120may be sent from the other electronic device120to the electronic device110through local-area communication such as a near field communication (NFC) network or a Bluetooth (BT) network.

Alternatively, the DNS name of the other electronic device120may be sent in a text message from the other electronic device120to the electronic device110through a cellular network or a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) network.

As another example, the electronic device110, may receive the DNS name from the other electronic device120through a specific event. The specific event may include, for example, an incoming or outgoing call connection event, a short message service/multimedia message service (SMS/MMS) message transmit or receive event, a chat event through a 3rdparty application, between the other electronic device120and the electronic device110. In this case, the other electronic device120may generate a message including its DNS name and may send the generated message to the electronic device110. The generated message including the DNS name may be, for example, a message for establishing a session between the other electronic device120and the electronic device110.

As another example, the electronic device110may obtain the DNS name of the other electronic device120from the external server130. The external server130may be a server operated by a communication company, a server operated by an electronic device manufacturer, or an application server. If the electronic device110stores at least one information about the other electronic device120or a user, of the other electronic device120, the external server130may send the DNS name of the other electronic device120to the electronic device110through synchronization, etc., according to the stored information.

The electronic device110may display the obtained DNS name on its screen and may perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device120through a DNS server according to a user input for the displayed DNS name.

An IP address corresponding to the DNS name of the other electronic device120may be dynamically changed. In this case, the electronic device110may perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device120through a dynamic DNS (DDNS).

The other electronic device120may perform peer-to-peer communication with the electronic device110. In order to perform the peer-to-peer communication with the electronic device110, the other electronic device120registers a DNS name and an IP address in advance in the DNS server. Also, the other electronic device120may send the DNS name of the other electronic device120to the electronic device110.

The external server130may be a server operated by a communication company, a server operated by an electronic device manufacturer, or an application server. The external server130may send the DNS name of the other electronic device120to the electronic device110through synchronization, etc.

The electronic device110, the other electronic device120, and the external server130included in the system100for performing communication using the DNS name may connect with each other over the network140. In this case, the network140may refer to a connection structure of exchanging information between nodes such as terminals and servers and may include wireless communication and wired communication. The wireless communication may use, for example, at least one of 3rd generation (3G), long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communications (GSM), and the like, as a cellular communication protocol. Also, the wireless communication may include, for example, at least one of wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication, world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication, wireless gigabit (WiGig) communication, Bluetooth (BT) communication, near field communication (NFC), or global positioning system (GPS) communication, etc. The wired communication may include, for example, at least one of universal serial bus (USB) communication, high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) communication, recommended standard 232 (RS-232) communication, or plain old telephone service (POTS) communication, etc. Also, the network140may include a telecommunications network, for example, at least one of a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a personal area network (PAN), or a wide area network (WAN)), the Internet, or a telephone network.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be unnecessary for a DNS name of the electronic device110to be different from the other electronic device120. For example, the electronic device110may perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device120using only the DNS name of the other electronic device120, irrespective of the DNS name of the electronic device110.

The electronic device110may obtain an IP address of the other electronic device120and may perform peer-to-peer communication using the IP address. Herein, if the IP address of the other electronic device120is dynamically changed, it may be more effective that the electronic device110communicates with the other electronic device120using the DNS name of the other electronic device120.

The DNS name of the other electronic device120may be registered as contact information about the other electronic device120or the user of the other electronic device120in a phone book application, etc.

FIG. 2illustrates a phone book application displayed on a screen of an electronic device110according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

InFIG. 2, a user of the electronic device110selects PAUL from among a plurality of people registered in a phone book of the electronic device110.

Referring toFIG. 2, the phone book application includes a plurality of fields indicating information about the selected contact PAUL. The plurality of fields include a name field210, a photo field215, a phone number field220, an email field230, a DNS name field240, an address field250, etc.

The DNS name field240may include a DNS name for PAUL's electronic device. PAUL's DNS name may be obtained in various ways. For example, the electronic device110may receive and obtain PAUL's DNS name directly selected from PAUL's contact information of the phone book application by its user.

As another example, the user may verify a DNS name written on PAUL's business card or may verify PAUL's DNS name written on a text message (e.g., a chat message, an SMS message, or an MMS message, etc.) received from PAUL, and may enter the verified PAUL's DNS name in the PAUL's DNS name field of the phone book application.

As another example, the electronic device110may obtain PAUL's DNS name included in a packet received to generate a session between the electronic device110and PAUL's electronic device. In this case, the electronic device110may map the obtained DNS name to PAUL's contact information and may automatically register PAUL's DNS name on the DNS name field240of the phone book application without a user input.

As another example, the electronic device110may receive a text message in which a DNS name is written. If the user verifies the text message, the electronic device110may display a pop-up window for registering a DNS name. In this case, if the user requests to register the DNS name in the pop-up window, the electronic device110may register PAUL's DNS name in the DNS name field240of the phone book application. The electronic device110may register PAUL's DNS name stored in the external server130in the DNS name field240of the phone book application200through synchronization, etc.

As shown inFIG. 2, if receiving a user input for touching or clicking on the DNS name field240from the user, the electronic device110may perform peer-to-peer communication with PAUL's electronic device (e.g., the other electronic device120).

FIG. 3illustrates a phone book application displayed on a screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, an object342of a phone receiver shape, an object344of a letter shape, and an object346of a speech bubble shape may be displayed on a DNS name field displayed on the phone book application.

A DNS name of PAUL's electronic device may be mapped to each of the objects342,344, and346. Therefore, if receiving a user input for the object342, the electronic device110may make a voice call (e.g., a voice over IP (VoIP)) or a video call with PAUL's electronic device according to peer-to-peer communication. Similarly, if receiving a user input for the object344, the electronic device110may communicate a message with PAUL's electronic device according to peer-to-peer communication. Also, if receiving a user input for the object346, the electronic device110may chat with PAUL's electronic device according to peer-to-peer communication.

FIG. 4illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic device110includes a processor410, a display circuit420, a user input receive circuit430, a communication circuit440, and a memory450. Various modifications are possible according to the components shown inFIG. 4. For example, the electronic device110may further include a user interface for receiving an instruction or information from a user of the electronic device110. For example, the user interface may be an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Also, the user interface may be a graphic user interface (GUI) displayed on a screen of the electronic device110.

The processor410may be implemented with, for example, a system on chip (SoC) and may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor, an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The processor410may process and load an instruction or data, received from at least one other component (e.g., the display circuit420, the user input receive circuit430, and a communication circuit440), into the memory450and may store various data in the memory450.

The processor410may obtain a DNS name of another electronic device (e.g. the electronic device120ofFIG. 1). As described with reference toFIG. 1, there may be various methods for obtaining the DNS name of the other electronic device120. For example, the processor410may directly receive the DNS name of the other electronic device120from the user through a user input, the processor410may receive the DNS name of the other electronic device120from the other electronic device120, or the processor410may obtain the DNS name of the other electronic device120from the external server130through synchronization.

Also, the processor410may execute a phone book application. A plurality of contact information (e.g., phone numbers of friends, colleagues, restaurants, and service centers) may be registered in the executed phone book application. Also, the processor410may newly add a ‘DNS name’ field to each of contact information to allow the user to enter a DNS name in the phone book application. The DNS name may be directly entered in the ‘DNS’ name field from the user of the electronic device110through a touch input or an external input device such as a keyboard. The processor410may receive the DNS name from the other electronic device120or the external server130, through a text message, etc. In this case, the processor410may automatically register the DNS name in a ‘DNS’ name field of contact information of a user corresponding to the DNS name (e.g., a user of the other electronic device120or a user corresponding to the DNS name registered in the external server130).

The processor410may have a selectable object or icon for performing a voice call service, a video call service, a message transmit or receive service, or a chat service, etc., using the DNS name, as well as the DNS name on the ‘DNS name’ field. The DNS name may be mapped with the selectable object or icon.

The processor410may further obtain state information about contact information registered in the phone book application. The state information may include states such as an online state, an offline state, an empty state, a calling state, a working state, a busy state, another working state.

The display circuit420may display a variety of content (e.g., an application execution screen, text, an image, a video, an icon, or a symbol, etc.) on a screen of the electronic device110. The screen may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display, etc.

The processor410may display an execution screen of the phone book application on the screen through the display circuit420. A plurality of contact information may be displayed on the execution screen of the phone book application. Each of the plurality of contact information may include a ‘DNS name’ field together with user information or electronic device information. The DNS name and the selectable object or icon may be displayed on the ‘DNS name’ field. In addition, state information of each of the plurality of contact information may be further displayed on the execution screen of the phone book application.

The user input receive circuit430may process a user input received from the user. The user input may be a touch input using a finger or a stylus (e.g., an electronic pen) of the user. Also, the user input may include an input for providing an input through sensing of an electrical change although a finger or stylus of the user is not in direct contact with the screen, for example a hover input.

The processor410may receive a DNS name of the other electronic device120through the user input receive circuit430. Also, the processor410may receive a user input for selecting the phone book application through the user input receive circuit430. In addition, the processor410may receive a user input, for selecting a DNS name or a selectable object or icon of contact information displayed on the phone book application, through the user input receive circuit430. In this case, the processor410may perform an operation stored in the memory450, corresponding to a user input, according to the user input received through the user input receive circuit430.

The communication circuit440may perform communication using a network (e.g. network140ofFIG. 1). For example, an operation of obtaining a DNS name of the other electronic device120through the other electronic device120or the external server130by the processor410may be performed through the communication circuit440. Also, an operation of performing peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device120by the processor410may be performed through the communication circuit440. The peer-to-peer communication may be performed through a transport control protocol (TCP) or a user datagram protocol (UDP). Herein, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to performing the peer-to-peer communication through TCP or UDP. For example, the peer-to-peer communication may be performed through a new protocol which may be used in the future.

The memory450may store instructions for operations performed by the processor410. In this case, data stored in the memory450may include data input and output between components included in the electronic device110and may include data input and output between the electronic device110and components outside the electronic device110. For example, the memory450may store the phone book application and a plurality of contact information registered in the phone book application, etc.

The memory450may include an embedded memory or an external memory. The embedded memory may include, for example, at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), or a non-volatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory, etc.), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD)).

The external memory may include a flash drive, for example, a compact flash (CF), a secure digital (SD), a micro-SD, a mini-SD, an extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), or a memory stick, etc. The external memory may operatively and/or physically connect with the electronic device110through various interfaces.

It should be well understood to those skilled in the art that each of the processor410, the display circuit420, the user input receive circuit430, the communication circuit440, and the memory450is implemented to be independent of the electronic device110. In addition, one or more of the processor410, the display circuit420, the user input receive circuit430, the communication circuit440, and the memory450may be integrated and implemented with each other.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating a method for communicating with another electronic device using a DNS name according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, in step510, the electronic device110ofFIG. 1, obtains a DNS name of the other electronic device120. The electronic device110may obtain the DNS name of the other electronic device120from a direct user input or externally.

In step520, the electronic device110displays the DNS name obtained in step510on its screen. For example, the electronic device110may display the DNS name obtained in step510on a DNS name field of contact information registered in a phone book application.

In step530, the electronic device110receives a user input for the DNS name displayed in step520. For example, the electronic device110may receive a user input for selecting one of at least one or more selectable objects or icons displayed in the DNS name field.

In step540, the electronic device110performs peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device120according to the user input received in step530. In this case, the electronic device110may perform the peer-to-peer communication by operating a TCP server through one port. The peer-to-peer communication may have differences in at least some of the schemes of the peer-to-peer communication according to the object or icon selected in step530.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining state information of another electronic device using a DNS name according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 6, in step605, the electronic device110ofFIG. 1, executes a phone book application.

In step610, the electronic device110displays a plurality of contact information from the phone book application executed in step605.

In step615, the electronic device110selects one of the plurality of contact information displayed in step610. For example, an electronic device corresponding to the selected contact information is the other electronic device120.

In step620, the electronic device110obtains a DNS name for the contact information selected in step615.

In step625, the electronic device110attempts to access the other electronic device120through the DNS name obtained in step620.

In step630, the electronic device110verifies the result of attempting to access the other electronic device120in step625. If succeeding in accessing the other electronic device120, the method proceeds to step635. If failing in accessing the other electronic device120, the method proceeds to step650.

In step635, the electronic device110requests the other electronic device120to send state information.

In step640, the electronic device110receives the state information of the other electronic device120, requested in step635, from the other electronic device120.

In step645, the electronic device110displays the state information of the other electronic device120, received in step640, on the phone book application.

In step650, the electronic device110determines whether there is another contact information on which state information is not displayed. If there is the other contact information on which the state information is not displayed, the method proceeds to step615. If there is no other contact information on which the state information is not displayed, the method ends.

Although step605to step650are illustrated separately and in series inFIG. 6, some of the above-described steps may be simultaneously performed, may be repeated at intervals of a predetermined time, or may be performed again according to a user input.

FIG. 7is a signal flow diagram illustrating a method for performing a chat service with another electronic device using a DNS name according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, in step705, an electronic device110receives a user input requesting a chat service, from a user. For example, the electronic device110may receive the user input, for requesting the chat service, through an operation of touching or selecting an object346located in a DNS name field as illustrated inFIG. 3with which a DNS name of a counterpart who will be in contact with the user is mapped. Alternatively, if an icon of a chat service application, with which a DNS name is mapped, is generated on a screen of the electronic device110, the electronic device110may receive a user input for touching or selecting the icon of the chat service application.

In step710, the electronic device110receives a chat message from the user.

In step715, the electronic device110and the other electronic device120establish a TCP connection for peer-to-peer communication.

In step720, the electronic device110requests the other electronic device120to perform a chat service.

In step725, the other electronic device120sends an acceptance message for the chat service requested in step720to the electronic device110. If the other electronic device120declines the chat service or if there is no response during a predetermined time, the method proceeds with step775.

In step730, the electronic device110sends the chat message input in step710to the other electronic device120.

In step735, the other electronic device120receives the chat message sent in step730and informs its user of the received chat message.

In step740, the other electronic device120sends the notification that the chat message sent in step730is correctly received to the electronic device110. The notification may be provided if the other electronic device120verifies the chat message.

In step745, the other the electronic device120receives a chat message to be sent to the electronic device110.

In step750, the other the electronic device120notifies the electronic device110that the chat message received in step745is being input.

In step755, the electronic device110informs its user of an input state of the chat message of the other electronic device120, which is notified in step750.

In step760, the electronic device110and the other electronic device120communicate a chat message with each other, e.g. perform operations as described in steps730to755.

In step765, the electronic device110receives' a request to end a session from the user of the electronic device110. The request to end the session may be received as the user ends the chat service.

In step770, the electronic device110sends a session end message to the other electronic device120. In step775, the TCP connection between the electronic device110and the electronic device120is ended.

Alternatively, some of the above-described steps705to775may be simultaneously performed, may be repeated at intervals of a predetermined time, or may be performed again according to a user input.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a processor configured to obtain a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, a display circuit configured to display the DNS name on a screen of the electronic device, a user input receive circuit configured to receive a user input for the displayed DNS name, and a communication circuit configured to perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device according to the user input.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor may obtain the DNS name by receiving the DNS name from a user of the electronic device through the user input receive circuit.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor may obtain the DNS name by receiving the DNS name from the other electronic device through the communication circuit.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor may obtain the DNS name by receiving the DNS name from an external server through the communication circuit.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the external server may include a communication company server, an electronic device manufacturer server, or an application server.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the peer-to-peer communication may include at least one or more of an incoming or outgoing call service, a message transmit or receive service, or a chat service.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display circuit may display objects corresponding to the incoming or outgoing call service, the message transmit or receive service, and the chat service on the screen. The communication circuit may perform the peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device according to a user input for one of the displayed objects corresponding to the incoming or outgoing call service, the message transmit or receive service, and the chat service.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display circuit may display state information of the other electronic device. The state information may include at least one or more of an online state, an offline state, an empty state, a calling state, a busy state, or another working state.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display circuit may display the DNS name on the screen by displaying the DNS name as contact information of the other electronic device in a phone book of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an internet protocol (IP) address corresponding to the DNS name may be dynamically changed.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method performed in an electronic device may include obtaining a, domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, displaying the DNS name on a screen of the electronic device, receiving a user input for the displayed DNS name, and performing peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device according to the user input.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the performing of the peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device may include performing at least one of an incoming or outgoing call service, a message transmit or receive service, or a chat service with the other electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may further include displaying objects corresponding to the incoming or outgoing call service, the message transmit or receive service, and the chat service on the display screen. In this case, the receiving of the user input for the displayed DNS name may include receiving a user input for one of the displayed objects corresponding to the incoming or outgoing call service, the message transmit or receive service, and the chat service.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an internet protocol (IP) address corresponding to the DNS name may be dynamically changed.

FIG. 8illustrates a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic device801includes an application processor (AP)810, a communication module820, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card824, a memory830, a sensor module840, an input device850, a display860, an interface870, an audio module880, a camera module891, a power management module895, a battery896, an indicator897, and a motor898.

The AP810may drive, for example, an operating system (OS) or an application program to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected thereto and may process and compute a variety of data. The AP810may be implemented with, for example, a system on chip (SoC). The AP810may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU).

The communication module820may communicate data between the electronic device801and another electronic device connected over a network. The communication module820includes the cellular module821, a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) module823, a Bluetooth (BT) module825, a global positioning system (GPS) module827, a near field communication (NFC) module828, and a radio frequency (RF) module829.

The cellular module821may provide, a voice call service, a video call service, a text message service, or an Internet access service, etc., through a communication network (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiBro, or GSM, etc.). Also, the cellular module821may identify and authenticate, for example, the electronic device801in a communication network using a SIM (e.g., the SIM card824). The cellular module821may perform at least some of functions which may be provided by the AP810. For example, the cellular module821may perform at least part of a multimedia control function.

The cellular module821may include a communication processor (CP). Also, the cellular module821may be implemented with, for example, an SoC. InFIG. 8, the cellular module821(e.g., a CP), the memory830, the power management module895, etc., are independent of the AP810. However, the AP810may be implemented to include at least some (e.g., the cellular module821) of the above-mentioned components.

The AP810or the cellular module821(e.g., the CP) may load an instruction or data, received from at least one of a non-volatile memory or another component connected thereto, into a volatile memory to process the instruction and data. Also, the AP810or the cellular module821may store data, received from at least one of other components or generated by at least one of the other components, in a non-volatile memory.

The Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, or the NFC module828may include, for example, a processor for processing data transmitted and received through the corresponding module. InFIG. 8, the cellular module821, the Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, and the NFC module828are independent of each other. However, at least some (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module821, the Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, or the NFC module828may be included in one integrated chip (IC) or one IC package. For example, at least some (e.g., a CP corresponding to the cellular module821and a Wi-Fi processor corresponding to the Wi-Fi module823) of processors corresponding to the cellular module821, the Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, and the NFC module828may be implemented with one SoC.

The RF module829may communicate data, for example, an RF signal. The RF module829may include, for example, a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, or a low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. Also, the RF module829may further include components, for example, conductors or wires, etc., for communicating radio waves in free space upon performing wireless communication. InFIG. 8, the cellular module821, the Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, and the NFC module828share the one RF module829with each other. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the cellular module821, the Wi-Fi module823, the BT module825, the GPS module827, or the NFC module828may communicate an RF signal through a separate RF module.

The SIM card824may be inserted into a slot formed in a specific position of the electronic device801. The SIM card824may include unique identification information (e.g., an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory830(e.g., a memory450ofFIG. 4) includes an embedded memory832or an external memory834. The embedded memory832may include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), or a non-volatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a NAND flash memory, or a NOR flash memory, etc.).

The embedded memory832may be a solid state drive (SSD). The external memory834may include a flash drive, for example, a compact flash (CF), a secure digital (SD), a micro-SD, a mini-SD, an extreme digital (xD), or a memory stick, etc. The external memory834may operatively connect with the electronic device801through various interfaces. The electronic device801may further include a storage device (or a storage medium) such as a hard drive:

The sensor module840may measure, for example, a physical quantity or may detect an operation state of the electronic device801, and may convert the measured or detected information to an electric signal. The sensor module840includes a gesture sensor840A, a gyro sensor840B, a barometric pressure sensor840C, a magnetic sensor840D, an acceleration sensor840E, a grip sensor840F, a proximity sensor840G, an RGB sensor840H (e.g., red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor840I, a temperature/humidity sensor840J, an illumination sensor840K, or an ultraviolet (UV) sensor840M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module840may include, for example, an e-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, or a fingerprint sensor, etc. The sensor module840may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors included therein.

The input device850includes a touch panel852, a (digital) pen sensor854, a key856, or an ultrasonic input unit858. The touch panel852may recognize a touch input using at least one of, for example, a capacitive detecting method, a resistive detecting method, an infrared detecting method, or an ultrasonic detecting method. Also, the touch panel852may further include a control circuit. In case of the capacitive detecting method, the touch panel852may recognize physical contact or proximity. The touch panel852may further include a tactile layer. In this case, the touch panel852may provide a tactile reaction to a user.

The (digital) pen sensor854may be implemented, using, for example, the same or similar method as a method of receiving a touch input of the user or a separate sheet for recognition. The key856may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input unit858may allow the electronic device801to detect a sound wave using a microphone888and to verify data through an input tool generating an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic input unit858may perform wireless recognition. The electronic device801may receive a user input from an external device (e.g., a computer or a server), connected with the communication module820, using the communication module820.

The display860includes a panel862, a hologram device864, or a projector866.

The panel862may be, for example, a liquid-crystal. display (LCD) or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED), etc. The panel862may be implemented to be, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel862and the touch panel852may be integrated into one module. The hologram device864may show a stereoscopic image in a space using interference of light. The projector866may project light onto a screen to display an image. The screen may be positioned, for example, inside or outside the electronic device801. The display860may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel862, the hologram device864, or the projector866.

The interface870may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)872, a universal serial bus (USB)874, an optical interface876, or a D-subminiature878. Additionally or alternatively, the interface870may include, for example, a mobile high definition link (MHL) interface, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module880may convert a sound and an electric signal in bidirectionally. The audio module880may process sound information input or output through, for example, a speaker882, a receiver884, an earphone886, or the microphone888, etc.

The camera module891may be a device which captures a still image and a moving image. The camera module891may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp).

The power management module895may manage, for example, power of the electronic device801. The power management module895may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be implemented in, for example, an integrated circuit or an SoC semiconductor. A charging method may be classified into a wired charging method and a wireless charging method. The charger IC may charge the battery896and may prevent overvoltage or overcurrent from flowing in from a charger. The charger IC may include a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging method or the wireless charging method.

The wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, or an electromagnetic method, etc. An additional circuit for wireless charging, for example, a coil loop, a resonance circuit, or a rectifier, etc., may be further provided.

The battery gauge may measure, for example, the remaining capacity of the battery896and voltage, current, or temperature thereof while the battery896is charged. The battery896may store or generate electricity and may supply power to the electronic device801using the stored or generated electricity. The battery896may include, for example, a rechargeable battery or a solar battery.

The indicator897may display a specific state of the electronic device801or part (e.g., the AP810) thereof, for example, a booting state, a message state, or a charging state, etc. The motor898may convert an electric signal into mechanical vibration. The electronic device801may include a processing unit (e.g., a GPU) for supporting mobile TV. The processing unit for supporting mobile TV may process media data according to standards, for example, a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) standard, a digital video broadcasting (DVB) standard, or a MediaFlo™ standard, etc.

The term “circuit” as used herein may refer to, for example, a unit including one of hardware, software, and firmware or two or more combinations thereof. The term “circuit” may be interchangeably used with, for example, the terms “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, or “module”, etc. A “circuit” may be a minimum unit of an integrated component or a part thereof. A “circuit” may be a minimum unit performing one or more functions or a part thereof. A “circuit” may be mechanically or electronically implemented. For example, a “circuit” may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a programmable-logic device, which is well known or will be developed in the future, for performing certain operations.

At least part of a device (e.g., modules or the functions) or a method (e.g., operations) may be implemented with, for example, instructions stored in computer-readable storage media which have a program module. When the instructions are executed by a processor (e.g., an AP810ofFIG. 8), one or more processors may perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable storage media may be, for example, a memory830ofFIG. 8.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, computer-readable storage media store instructions executed by at least one processor. The instructions are set to obtain a domain name system (DNS) name of another electronic device, to display the DNS name on a screen of an electronic device, to receive a user input for the displayed DNS name, and to perform peer-to-peer communication with the other electronic device according to the user input.

The computer-readable storage media may include a hard disc, a floppy disk, magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), optical media (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD)), magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk), a hardware device (e.g., a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory), etc. Also, the program instructions may include not only mechanical codes compiled by a compiler but also high-level language codes which may be executed by a computer using an interpreter etc. The above-mentioned hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

Modules or program modules according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one or more of the above-mentioned components, some of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or other additional components may be further included therein. Operations executed by modules, program modules, or other elements may be executed by a successive method, a parallel method, a repeated method, or a heuristic method. Also, some of the operations may be executed in a different order or may be omitted, and other operations may be added.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may communicate with a counterpart electronic device without a log-in operation through a separate server by communicating with the counterpart electronic device through a DNS name of the counterpart electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may perform communication with a counterpart electronic device without the communication passing through a separate server, thus communicating data without paying additional network access fees.

Embodiments of the present disclosure described and shown in the drawings are provided as examples to describe technical content and help understanding but do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be interpreted that besides the embodiments listed herein, all modifications or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims, and their equivalents.