User terminal apparatus and method for communication using the same

A user terminal apparatus and a communication method using the same are provided. A user terminal apparatus includes an inputter configured to receive a request for an access to a second user terminal apparatus; a communicator configured to receive service information including at least one communication service provided in the second user terminal apparatus; a displayer configured to display the service information; and a controller configured to, when at least one of the service information is selected, access the second user terminal apparatus through a communication service corresponding to the selected service information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 2012-0085931, filed on Aug. 6, 2012, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a user terminal apparatus and a method for communication using the same, and more particularly, to a user terminal apparatus configured to expand a communication service available in another user terminal apparatus and a method for communication using the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Due to recent development of mobile apparatus technologies, a mobile apparatus provides various services such as, for example, an e-mail, file sharing, a voice call, a video call, a short message service (SMS), a social network service (SNS), etc. However, since each service is provided through a different communication medium (or server), a user needs to remember his or her identification (ID) for each service and perform a process for establishing a channel for using a corresponding service.

For example, a user of a mobile apparatus may store a telephone number, an email address, a fax number, an SNS ID, etc. of another user in the user's mobile apparatus. In a related mobile apparatus, when the ID of another user is selected, an application for performing a corresponding service is executed and the user's user terminal is connected with the other user. Thus, in order to perform corresponding service and connect with another user, the user needs to know identification information of the other user for the corresponding service.

However, when the user of the mobile apparatus does not know the ID of the other user for a particular service, it is impossible for the user to connect with the other user through the particular service. In this case, the user has no choice but to ask the other user for the other user's ID information used in the corresponding service.

Thus, the user of the mobile apparatus needs to know or request and store the ID information of the other user for a particular communication service in order to communicate with the other user through the particular communication service, which is complicated and inefficient. In addition, in order to obtain the ID information from the other user, additional communication with the other user is required, which causes inconvenience to the user of the mobile apparatus.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments provide a user terminal apparatus capable of expanding various communication services available in another user terminal apparatus connected through a particular identification (ID) and a communication method using the same.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a user terminal apparatus includes an inputter configured to receive a request for an access to a second user terminal apparatus; a communicator configured to receive service information including at least one communication service provided in the second user terminal apparatus; a displayer configured to display the service information; and a controller configured to, when at least one of the service information is selected, access the second user terminal apparatus through a communication service corresponding to the selected service information.

The service information may be packaged information including information about at least one function provided by at least one external apparatus connected to the second user terminal apparatus and information on each external apparatus.

The displayer may display a user interface (UI) frame in which the service information is listed, and a size and a format of the UI frame may be determined according to a number of the service information.

The displayer may display a UI frame in which the service information is arranged in a predetermined priority order thereof.

When an identification ID of the second user terminal apparatus is included in the request for access, the communicator may provide a communication route to the second user terminal apparatus using the identification and request the second user terminal apparatus for the service information through the communication route.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a user terminal apparatus may include a communicator configured to receive a service information request from second user terminal apparatus; and a controller configured to generate service information about at least one available function in the user terminal apparatus from among at least one function of an external apparatus connected to the user terminal apparatus and to transmit the generated service information to the second user terminal apparatus through the communicator, in response to the service information request.

The controller may search for an activated external apparatus from among the at least one external apparatus, selects at least one available function from among functions provided in the searched external apparatus, and generate the service information based on identification information of the searched external apparatus and information about the selected function.

The controller transmits the service information request to a gateway configured to provide an access a network of the external apparatus, receive the service information from the gateway, and transmits the received service information to the second user terminal apparatus.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a communication method using a user terminal apparatus may include receiving a request for an access to a second user terminal apparatus; receiving service information including at least one communication service provided in the second user terminal apparatus; displaying the service information; and when one of the displayed service information is selected, accessing the second user terminal apparatus through a communication service corresponding to the selected service information.

The service information may information about at least one function provided by at least one external apparatus connected to the second user terminal apparatus and identification information about the at least one external apparatus.

The displaying may include displaying the service information in a UI frame, wherein a size and a format are determined according to a number of the service information.

The displaying may display a UI frame in which the service information is arranged in a predetermined priority order thereof.

In the receiving an input, a telephone number of the second user terminal apparatus may be included in the request for an access, and the accessing may include providing a communication route to the second user terminal apparatus using the telephone number, and requests the second user terminal apparatus for the service information through the communication route.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a communication method using a user terminal apparatus may include connecting with at least one external apparatus; receiving a service information request from a second user terminal apparatus; generating service information about at least one available function of the at least one external apparatus according to the service information request; and transmitting the generated service information to the second user terminal apparatus.

The generating may include searching for an activated external apparatus selected from at least one external apparatus, selecting an available function from among functions provided in the searched external apparatus, and generating the service information based on identification information of the searched external apparatus and information about the at least one available function thereof.

The transmitting may include transmitting the service information request to a gateway configured to provide an access to a network of the at least one external apparatus; and receiving the service information from the gateway and transmitting the received service information to the second user terminal apparatus.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a user terminal apparatus includes a storage configured to store identification information of at least one second user terminal apparatus; a user interface configured to provide at least one communication service available in a second user terminal apparatus based on specific identification information; and a controller configured to perform the at least one communication service when the at least one communication service is selected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments are described in higher detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference toFIG. 1, a user terminal apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment includes an inputter110, a communicator130, a displayer150, and controller170.

The inputter110receives a request an access to another user terminal apparatus (or second user terminal apparatus). The inputter110may be integrated and provided with the displayer150. In this case, the inputter110may be provided in various forms such as, for example, an icon, a window, a button, a keypad, etc. displayed on the displayer150. Alternatively, the inputter110may be embodied in a physical button or keypad provided on the user terminal apparatus100.

For example, in a case where the user terminal apparatus100is a smart phone, the inputter110may be a number keypad, a character keypad, a symbol keypad, etc. displayed on the displayer150. When a user touches a corresponding keypad of the displayer150, the inputter110recognizes at least one touch and converts the touch into an input signal. That is, when the user sequentially touches, for example, a telephone number 010-1234-5678, the inputter110recognizes each number input on the number keypad and detects the telephone number 010-1234-5678 as an access request signal. Alternatively, when a shortcut button or an icon corresponding to particular information is selected by the user, the inputter110detects the selected shortcut button or icon as an access request signal. The inputter110may transmit the input access request signal to the controller170.

The communicator130may form a channel for communication with the second user terminal apparatus based on the input access request signal under a control of the controller170. That is, the communicator130may form various forms of communication channels according to types of various communication interfaces provided by the user terminal apparatus100.

For example, the communicator130may access an external apparatus or an external network server by being connected to an internet using various communication methods such as, for example, wired or wireless local area networks (LANs), cellular communication networks, Wifi, Zigbee, etc. To this end, the communicator130may include a communication module such as a cellular communication module, a wireless LAN module, a Wifi module, a Zigbee module, a network interface card, etc. The user terminal apparatus100may receive service information available to a second user terminal apparatus (not shown) by communicating with the second user terminal apparatus through the communicator130. Here, the term “service information” refers to communication services available to the second user terminal apparatus. That is, when an access request signal is received from the user terminal apparatus, the second user terminal apparatus may determine whether the second user terminal is connected with an external apparatus, package functional information that the connected external apparatus provides and the service information on each external apparatus, and transmit the packaged information to the user terminal apparatus100. A detailed explanation thereof will be provided below.

When a telephone number of the second user terminal apparatus is input in response to a request for access input through the inputter110, the communicator130may form a communication route to the second user terminal apparatus by using the input telephone number. That is, the communicator130may request searching for whether the second user terminal apparatus having corresponding identification (ID) is accessed by an external server. Here, the input telephone number may be the ID for identifying the second user terminal apparatus. The external server may deliver the access request signal from the user terminal apparatus100to the second user terminal apparatus corresponding to the input telephone number.

The communicator130according to an exemplary embodiment may transmit an access request signal from the user terminal apparatus100to the second user terminal apparatus according to an operation principle of an instant message system.

For example, the user terminal apparatus100which attempts to access the external server through the communicator130may perform an authentication procedure by using, for example, an ID and/or a password. In order to execute a particular application, the user terminal apparatus100may access a network server, request for a session connection, perform the authentication procedure, and perform a session connection when the user terminal apparatus is authenticated. That is, with respect to the user terminal apparatus100for which the authentication procedure is completed, a session connection is created with the external server through the communicator130. When the communicator130transmits an access request signal to the external server under the control of the controller170of the user terminal apparatus100for which a session connection is created, the external server may transmit the access request signal to the second user terminal apparatus identified by the access request signal. When the access request signal is transmitted to the second user terminal apparatus, the second user terminal apparatus may search for an available external apparatus and collect available service information.

The displayer150displays the service information received from the second user terminal apparatus. The displayer150displays a user interface (UI) frame where service information is listed according to a control by the controller170. Here, a size and a form of the UI frame may be adjusted according to a number of service information. In addition, the displayer150may display a UI frame including service information arranged according to a predetermined priority there.

The displayer150may display various screens such as, for example, a background screen, a web browsing screen, an application execution screen, various content reproducing screens for reproducing contents such as, for example, a video and a photograph, and a user interface screen.

The displayer150may be embodied in a touch screen capable of sensing a user's touch. Specifically, the displayer150may include a display (not shown) and a touch sensor (not shown) provided thereon. The touch sensor may be embodied in a touch sensor capable of sensing a user's touch and a proximate sensor capable of sensing an approach of an object such as a stylus pen or a user's finger, and the display may be embodied in a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

The controller170communicates with a second user terminal apparatus based on a request signal for accessing the second user terminal input through the inputter110. The controller170forms a UI frame using service information received through the communicator130. The controller170may form a UI frame including, for example, service information configured in various layouts according to the number of service information, a priority of service information, a user setting, etc.

In addition, the controller170performs overall control operations of the user terminal apparatus100, and when one of the service information displayed on the displayer150is selected, the controller170may control the communicator130to access the second user terminal apparatus in an access method corresponding to the selected service information. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller170may be a central processor unit (CPU).

The user terminal apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1may receive available service information from the second user terminal apparatus. That is, the user terminal apparatus100may access the second user terminal apparatus through ID information, and the user of the user terminal apparatus100may create a route for communication with the second user terminal apparatus even in a case where an ID of the second user terminal apparatus for a corresponding service is not known. Therefore, the user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may expand a communication route in various communication methods available in the second user terminal apparatus, thereby improving user convenience.

FIG. 2is a conceptual view for explaining a network communication between a user terminal apparatus and other user terminal apparatuses according an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 2, a network may include a user terminal apparatus100, a network server200and a plurality of second user terminal apparatuses100-1to100-n.

The user terminal apparatus100may establish a communication route with the network server200through the communicator110, and the network server200may be connected with a plurality of second user terminal apparatuses100-1to100-nin various communication protocols. For example, the network server200may be a server which relays an internet network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), etc. Alternatively, the network server200may be a server configured to relay and manage network connection among a plurality of user terminal apparatuses through Intranet.

For example, the user terminal apparatus100may access the network server200according to an internet service prescribed by the user. When the user terminal apparatus100receives an access request signal, the user terminal apparatus100may transmit the input access request signal to the network server200. The network server200may identify a second user terminal apparatus100-1corresponding to the access request signal from among internet service subscribers and transmit an access request signal to the identified second user terminal apparatus100-1.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1that receives the access request signal may search for available service information thereof and transmit service information to the network server200.

The network server200transmits the received service information to the user terminal apparatus100which transmits the access request signal. The network server200may store identification information of the user terminal apparatuses100,100-1,100-2, . . .100-nin a database (not shown). When the network server200receives an access request signal for forming a route for communication with a particular user terminal apparatus from among at least one other user terminal apparatus, the network server200may identify the particular user terminal apparatus using information included in the corresponding access request signal.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating a communication method using a user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 3, the user terminal apparatus100receives an access request from a user for accessing a second user terminal apparatus (S310). The access request may be generated when the user executes a particular application installed in the user terminal apparatus100and inputs at least one identification (ID) regarding the second user terminal to be connected in the executed application. For example, when a telephone application is executed in the user terminal apparatus100and the user inputs a telephone number corresponding to the second user terminal apparatus by using, for example, a keypad, the user terminal apparatus100recognizes the corresponding telephone number as an access request signal and may transmit the corresponding access request signal to the network server200.

The user terminal apparatus100receives service information available in the second user terminal apparatus from the network server200(S320). That is, the user terminal apparatus100may transmit the access request signal to the second user terminal apparatus through the network server200. The second user terminal apparatus that receives the access request signal searches for an external apparatus connected thereto and collects available service information to the searched external apparatus. The second user terminal apparatus may transmit the service information collected through the network server200to the user terminal apparatus100.

The user terminal apparatus100analyzes the service information transmitted from the second user terminal apparatus according to a communication protocol of the network server200(S330). For example, in a case where the user terminal apparatus100exchanges packet information with the network server200and performs data communication, the user terminal apparatus100may receive packet data regarding the available service information of the second user terminal apparatus from the network server200. The user terminal apparatus100may digitalize the received packet data and obtain service information of the second user terminal apparatus to be accessed.

The user terminal apparatus100determines whether the obtained service information includes available service information (S340). The user terminal apparatus100counts a number of available services in the second user terminal apparatus included in the obtained service information. For example, when the available service information received from the second user terminal apparatus includes a fax, a message, an email, and a social network service (SNS), the user terminal apparatus100determines that four services are available (“Yes” to S340).

If there is no available service information included in the service information received from the second user terminal apparatus (“No” to S340), the user terminal100may notify through, for example, a UI frame, that there is no available service information (S342).

Alternatively, without notifying, the user terminal apparatus100may execute the corresponding application using identification (ID) in the access request input. For example, when the user terminal apparatus100inputs a telephone number as an access request signal, the user terminal apparatus100may use the input telephone number to execute the telephone application to place a telephone call to another user. Here, the telephone connecting method may include a wireless telephone connecting method used in related art cellular phones.

When the user terminal apparatus100determines that there is available service information (“Yes” to S340), the user terminal apparatus100analyzes the available service information from the received service information and creates a UI frame according to the number of available services based on the analyzed result (S350). For example, when the number of available services is two, the user terminal apparatus100may create two icons and create a UI frame including the two icons. A UI frame may be created such that, for example, two substantially bar shaped icons are arranged next to each other. Alternatively, a UI frame may be created such that two icons having substantially square shapes are arranged in left and directions. Alternatively, a UI frame may be created such that two icons having substantially circular frames are arranged in up and down directions.

When the number of available services increases, UI frames having various forms may be further created according to the number of increased available services.

The user terminal apparatus100displays the created UI frame on a predetermined area of the screen (S360). For example, the user terminal apparatus100may display the created UI frame on various locations such as, for example, a middle portion of the screen, a lower portion of the screen, an upper portion of the screen, a left portion of the screen, or a right portion of the screen.

A communication method using a user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3may have an effect of expanding various communication services available in the second user terminal apparatus. That is, in the communication method according to an exemplary embodiment, by using only one ID regarding the second user terminal apparatus, it is possible to obtain various communication services available in the second user terminal apparatus and transmit and receive the available service information in various ways, thereby achieving an effect of expanding the communication services.

The communication method illustrated inFIG. 3may be applied to the user terminal apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1. Additionally, the communication method illustrated inFIG. 3may also be applied to any apparatus performing similar functions to those of the user terminal apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1

FIG. 4is a detailed flowchart illustrating a communication method using a user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 4, when it is determined that there is available service information inFIG. 3(‘Yes’ to S340), it is determined whether there is any criteria for arranging the available service information (S344).

If it is determined that there is no criteria for arranging the available service information (‘No’ to S344), the method proceeds to operation S350in which a UI frame is created according to the number of available services (S350).

If it is determined that there is a criteria for arranging the available service information (‘Yes’ to S344), the available service information is arranged according to the arrangement criteria (S346). For example, in a case where the available service is an email, a telephone, and a fax and the second user terminal apparatus uses an email most frequently and uses a fax least frequently, a priority among the available service information may be determined in an order of an email, a telephone, and a fax.

Alternatively, in a case where the second user terminal apparatus presets a priority order among the available service information such as, for example, in an order of a fax, a telephone, and an email, the priority of the available service information may be arranged in the preset priority order of a fax, a telephone, and an email, as named.

The user terminal apparatus100may create a UI frame to be arranged according to a priority order (S352). That is, the UI frame may be created such that service information having a top priority is arranged in a leftmost side of the UI frame and other service information having a lower priority is arranged to a right side of the UI frame. For example, the UI frame may be configured such that service information of a higher priority is arranged in a left side of the UI frame compared to service information of a lower priority. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the UI frame such that an icon capable of executing service information having the top priority to correspond to a bigger size area of the UI frame. Similarly, icons may be arranged to have a size corresponding to a priority of the service information that can be executed by the icons, respectively.

The user terminal apparatus100displays the created UI frame (S360). For example, the created UI frame may be displayed on at least one of a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a lower side of the screen. A location or a size of the area of the screen where the UI frame is to be displayed may be adjusted by the user. Alternatively, when the UI frame is displayed on the screen, the user may freely adjust the location of the displayed UI frame.

FIG. 5is a view for explaining an example of displaying a UI frame in a case where there is two available service information of the user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 5, on the displayer150of the user terminal apparatus100, a status bar image151, a second user image153, a notice message image155, and service information UI frames157-1,157-2are shown.

For example, the user terminal apparatus100receives packaging information of service information from the second user terminal apparatus. The user terminal apparatus100analyzes the received packaging information and determines whether there is available service information, and when available service information exists, the user terminal apparatus100creates a notice message which reads, for example, “select service to use”. Also, the user terminal apparatus100determines the number of available service information and may create a UI frame for displaying at least one available service information according to the number of service information.

The user terminal apparatus100may display the status bar image151configured to display an overall status of the user terminal apparatus100, a second user image153corresponding to a user of the second user terminal apparatus, a notice message image155notifying that there is available service information in the second user terminal apparatus, and UI frames157-1,157-2representing available service information on the displayer150in a predetermined layout form.

When the user terminal apparatus100is, for example, a mobile phone or a smart phone, the status bar image151may be an image showing time, a remaining battery volume, a state of receiving sensitivity, a receiving state of text messages, and a state of call, etc. Thus, the status bar image151may display various information showing the overall status of the user terminal apparatus.

The second user image153may be at least one of an image, a character, an animation, and an avatar corresponding to the user of the second user terminal apparatus. The second user image153may be predetermined by the user of the user terminal apparatus100to identify the user of the second user terminal apparatus. That is, an image may be preset as the second user image153and prestored in the user terminal apparatus100. The second user image153preset as described above may be displayed on the displayer150when a route for communication with the second user terminal apparatus is formed.

The notice message image155is an image for notifying the user of the user terminal apparatus100when there is one or more available service information in the second user terminal apparatus. Also, the notice message image155may notify when the user may select the service information to be used.

When there are two service information, a first UI frame157-1representing first service information is created and displayed, and a second UI frame157-2representing second service information is created and displayed. Here, the first UI frame157-1and second UI frame157-2may have a substantially rectangular bar shape. That is, the first UI frame157-1and second UI frame157-2may be bar shaped icons displaying the available service information in the second user terminal apparatus. When the user selects an icon, a service application corresponding to service information represented by the selected icon may be executed.

FIG. 6is a view for explaining an example of displaying a UI frame when there is four available service information of the user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 6, a status bar image151, a second user image153, and a notice message image155are displayed, similar to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6. Hence, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

When there are four service information, four UI frames respectively representing the four service information are created and displayed. That is, a first UI frame157-1representing first service information, a second UI frame157-2representing second service information, a third service information representing third UI frame157-3, and a fourth UI frame157-4representing fourth service information may be created and displayed.

Here, the first to fourth UI frames157-1to157-4may have substantially square shapes. The first to fourth UI frames157-1to157-4may be icons each representing available service information in the second user terminal apparatus, and when the user of the user terminal apparatus100selects an icon, a service application corresponding to service information corresponding to the selected icon may be executed.

The UI frames illustrated inFIG. 6are shown as substantially the same size square shaped icons. However, it should be noted that the shape of the UI frame may be in various forms such as, for example, a triangular, square, oval, circular, or polygonal shape. Also, although it is described that a plurality of UI frames157-1to157-4are arranged in a 2×2 matrix format inFIG. 6, it should be noted that the plurality of UI frames157-1to157-4may also be arranged in various formats such as, for example, a 1×4 matrix format, in a row, or in a round table.

FIG. 7is a view for explaining an example of displaying a UI frame created by arranging the available service information of the user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 7, similar to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, a status bar image151, a second user image153, and a notice message image155are displayed. Hence, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

Here, a plurality of UI frames157-1to157-4are arranged and displayed according to a priority order, as will be described in detail below.

When the user terminal apparatus100obtains four service information about four services which are available in the second user terminal apparatus, the user terminal apparatus100may arrange the four service information obtained as aforementioned according to predetermined conditions.

A method for arranging the plurality of service information according to the predetermined conditions is explained in further detail below.

First, the user terminal apparatus100analyzes the available service information from among the received service information and determines a priority order of the corresponding available service information based on a predetermined criteria. For example, when the available service information in the second user terminal apparatus is a telephone, a short messaging service (SMS), a fax, and file transmission, the user terminal apparatus100may determine service information that the user uses most often as a top priority service, and determine the service information that the user uses least often as a lowest priority service. That is, for example, when the user of the user terminal apparatus100uses a telephone the most often, the user terminal apparatus100may determine the telephone service information as the top priority service information. A use frequency may be analyzed based on history information on the number of execution of the application in the user terminal apparatus100.

Alternatively, the user terminal apparatus100may receive information on the user's use frequency with respect to each available service information from the second user terminal apparatus together with the available service information. That is, when it is determined that a use frequency of a short messaging service (SMS) is highest, followed by a use frequency of a telephone, a use frequency of file transmission, and a use frequency of a fax, in an order as named, it is possible to arrange the plurality of service information according to the order of the use frequencies thereof.

Alternatively, the user terminal apparatus100may determine the priority order of the plurality of service information according to the state of communication. For example, when the user terminal apparatus100uses Wifi, a higher priority may be given to service information which needs to be accessed using Wifi, and a lower priority may be given to service information which cannot be accessed using Wifi.

In a case where the user terminal apparatus100cannot use Wifi but may instead use a third generation (3G) network, a higher priority may be given to service information which needs to be accessed using the 3G network and a lower priority may be given to service information which cannot be accessed using the 3G network.

Alternatively, the user terminal apparatus100may determine the priority order of a plurality of service information according to a predetermined user setting. For example, in a case where the user decides a service provided through messages as a top priority and the second user terminal apparatus may use a service through messages, the top priority is given to the service through messages. The user may determine priority orders of a plurality of service information in advance, and the UI frames corresponding to service information may be arranged according to the priority orders thereof.

FIG. 7illustrates four service information displayed through four UI frames157-1to157-4. When the user of the user terminal apparatus100generates a gesture of selecting, for example, a message service (X) shown on the UI frame157-3from among four UI frames, an application executing the corresponding message service may be executed separately or together with an integrated communication application.

A detailed explanation of selecting a message service by the user will be provided below.

FIG. 8is a view for explaining an example of displaying a subset UI frame of a message service when the message service is selected inFIG. 7.

With reference toFIG. 8, the displayer150may display a state bar image151, a message display area158, a UI frame set159including sub UI frames159-1,159-2,159-3, and a keypad160.

Message contents are displayed on the message display area158of the displayer150. The user may input a message through the keypad160and the input message may be displayed on the message display area158.

The sub UI frame set159may include a first UI sub frame159-1indicating an SMS function, a second UI sub frame159-2indicating a first SNS service (e.g., Facebook), and a third UI sub frame159-3indicating a second SNS service (e.g., Twitter).

When the first UI sub frame159-1is executed, an SMS application is executed and an SMS application execution screen is displayed on the message display area158. When the user of the user terminal apparatus100completes writing an SMS message and inputs a transmission command, the user terminal apparatus100may transmit the SMS message to the network server200, and the network server200may transmit the corresponding SMS message to a second user terminal apparatus identified by an input telephone number.

When the user of the user terminal apparatus100executes the second UI sub frame159-2in order to execute the first SNS service, an application for executing the first SNS service may be executed, and the user may send the message contents displayed on the message display area158to a specific user or share the message contents with other users through the first SNS service. When the second UI sub frame159-2is executed, similar to executing the first SNS service, it is possible for the user to input a message on the message display area158and transmit the input message through the second SNS service without directly accessing the corresponding second SNS service. The input message may be transmitted to a second SNS service server through the network server200, and the second SNS service server may store corresponding message data in a database for the user of the second user terminal apparatus identified by, for example, the input telephone number and display the corresponding message on a second SNS application execution screen of the second user terminal apparatus.

The user terminal apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment may form a route for communication with the second user terminal apparatus based on the one identification information of the second user terminal apparatus, and when available service information is received from the second user terminal apparatus based on the formed communication route, the user terminal apparatus100may communicate with the second user terminal apparatus through at least one available service. Thus, it is possible to achieve an effect of expanding various services available in the second user terminal through a communication route without performing an additional accessing or authentication process to use corresponding service information.

A process in which the available service information in the second user terminal apparatus is transmitted to the user terminal apparatus100is explained in more detail below.

FIG. 9is a conceptual view illustrating a user terminal apparatus which receives packaging information including service information from a second user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 9, when a first user terminal apparatus100and a network server200are connected, the user of the first user terminal apparatus100transmits a request signal for accessing a second user terminal apparatus100-1to the network server200. The network server200analyzes identification information of the second user terminal apparatus100-1included in the access request signal from the first user terminal apparatus100and searches for the second user terminal apparatus100-1based on the analyzed identification information. When the network server200cannot locate the second user terminal apparatus100-1, the network server200may transmit a message that the second user terminal apparatus100-1is not connected to the first user terminal apparatus100.

When the network server200locates the second user terminal apparatus100-1, the network server200may perform a session connection with the second user terminal apparatus100-1and transmit the access request signal from the first user terminal apparatus100to the second user terminal apparatus100-1.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1which receives the access request signal analyzes its connection state with an external apparatus300. Here, the second user terminal apparatus100-1may perform a home gateway function. That is, the second user terminal apparatus100-1may analyze its wired or wireless connection state of the external apparatus300such as, for example, a fax300-1, a mail server300-2, and a network access server (NAS)300-3.

Here, the fax300-1may perform a wired or wireless communication interface with the second user terminal apparatus100-1, and the second user terminal apparatus100-1may perform a gateway role between the network server200and the fax300-1.

The mail server300-2may be a mail server exclusively provided for the second user terminal apparatus100-1or may be a general mail server provided by the internet service provider (ISP). Also, when an intranet network is provided, the main server300-2may be a server which manages mails of a plurality of user terminal apparatuses connected by the intranet.

The NAS300-3may be a computer server of the internet service provider (ISP) which performs interface functions and log-in checking functions of communication service providers and internet backbones. The user of the second user terminal apparatus100-1may input a user name and a password to perform an authentication procedure to the NAS300-3, and the second user terminal apparatus100-1authenticated by the NAS300-3may initiate communication with other computers connected through the internet.

The NAS300-3may be configured to perform both fax and mail server functions. That is, the NAS300-3may be a type of internet network server that may provide services such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP), a fax, an over-internet protocol (IP), and a voice mail over-IP.

The VoIP provides a voice service which is provided through a general telephone.

In the VoIP, the voice service, which is provided through public switched telephone network (PSTN) in the related art, is provided using the internet protocol technologies. That is, as a voice is digitalized and internet protocols (IPs) are used as transmission systems, an improved internet telephony service is possible using, for example, an internet fax, a web call, and an integrated message processing as well as a telephone. Such VoIP technologies may be applied to not only the Internet but also private IP base networks, PSTN or combination networks thereof.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1may, based on the state analysis of the connected external apparatus300, create packaging information including available service information according to the result of the state analysis and transmit the created packaging information to the network server200.

The network server200may transmit the packaging information including the available service information received from the second user terminal apparatus100-1to the first user terminal apparatus100.

The first user terminal apparatus100may receive the packaging information including the available service information of the second user terminal apparatus100-1corresponding to the access request signal from the network server200.

In the above, it is described that the access request signal is transmitted to the server200by the first user terminal apparatus100and that the second user terminal apparatus100-1analyzes the state of connection with the external apparatus300in response to the access request signal transmitted through the network server200. However, it should be noted that, even when the access request signal is not received, the second user terminal apparatus100-1may check the state of connection with the external apparatus300at every predetermined period or may check the state of connection with the external apparatus at a user's command.

A process where the second user terminal apparatus100-1scans the external apparatus and creates state information as packaging information in response to the access request signal transmitted from the first user terminal apparatus100through the network server200will be described below.

FIG. 10is a timing view for explaining a communication process between a user terminal apparatus and a second user terminal apparatus in a network shown inFIG. 9.

With reference toFIG. 10, the first user terminal apparatus100transmits an access request signal to the network server200(S1010). The network server200transmits the corresponding access request signal to the second user terminal apparatus100-1(S1012). The process of transmitting the access request signal from the first user terminal apparatus100to the second user terminal apparatus100-1through the network server200has been explained in detail in the above.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1may analyze the connection state of the external apparatuses300-1,300-2, and300-3upon receiving the access request signal. However, alternatively, the second user terminal apparatus100-1may transmit, in response to the received access request signal, the packaging information to the network server200based on a preset analysis result on the connection state with the external apparatuses300-1,300-2, and300-3. The packaging information transmitted to the network server200as aforementioned may be transmitted to the first user terminal apparatus100.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the second user terminal apparatus100-1transmits a state check request to each of the external apparatuses300-1,300-2, and300-3(S1020, S1022, S1024). That is, the first user terminal apparatus100may check the connection state with each external apparatus300-1,300-2, and300-3and transmit the state check request to obtain information on the available service in the external apparatus.

When the external apparatuses300-1,300-2,300-3receive the state check request signal, the external apparatuses300-1,300-2,300-3transmit their state information to the second user terminal apparatus100-1(S1030, S1032, S1034). InFIG. 10, it is illustrated that all the external apparatuses300-1,300-2,300-3transmit state information thereof, however, an external apparatus that is not connected to the second user terminal apparatus100-1or that is not turned on may not transmit the state information thereof.

In this case, when the second user terminal apparatus100-1transmits the state check request but does not receive the state information from the external apparatuses300-1,300-2,300-3within a certain period of time, it is determined that the corresponding external apparatus is not connected to the second user terminal apparatus100-1. The second user terminal apparatus100-1analyzes the received state information (S1040) and extracts available service information of a corresponding external apparatus according to a result of the analysis. Based on the extracted available service information and the state information of the corresponding external apparatus, the packaging information is created.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1may transmit the created packaging information to the network server (S1050), and the network server200may transmit the packaging information to the first user terminal apparatus100(S1052).

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating a second user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference toFIG. 11, the second user terminal apparatus100-1according to an exemplary embodiment may have the same function as the second user terminal apparatus100-1to100-nin the exemplary embodiments described above. The second user terminal apparatus100-1will be described in detail below.

The second user terminal apparatus100-1includes a communicator130, a controller170, and an interface190. The communicator130receives a service information request from the first user terminal apparatus100. Here, the service information request is information included in the access request signal transmitted from the first user terminal apparatus100.

The controller170may search for information on the available services from among at least one service of the external apparatus300and transmit the searched information to the second user terminal apparatus100-1through the communicator130.

The controller170searches for an activated external apparatus from among at least one external apparatus and selects an available function from among functions provided by the searched external apparatus. The controller170may package the service information including the identification information of the searched external apparatus and available function information on the selected function and may create packaging information based thereon.

In addition, the controller170may control to forward the service information request to a gateway (not shown) that supervises the network of at least one external apparatus. When the service information is created in the gateway, the controller170may control to receive the service information and transmit the received service information to the first user terminal apparatus100. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller170may be a central processor unit (CPU).

The interface190is connected to at least one external apparatus300and performs a function of a communication interface.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating a communication method using the second user terminal apparatus shown inFIG. 11.

With reference toFIG. 12, the communication method using the second user terminal apparatus100-1according to an exemplary embodiment includes connecting with the external apparatus (S1210), receiving a service information request (S1220), searching for service information (S1230), and transmitting the searched service information (S1240).

An operation of connecting with the external apparatus300includes connecting the second user terminal apparatus100-1to at least one external apparatus300in a wired or wireless method (S1210). Here, connection between the second user terminal apparatus100-1and the external apparatus300may be performed in various communication methods according to the external apparatus300. For example, when the external apparatus300supports a wireless LAN, the second user terminal apparatus100-1may be connected to the external apparatus through the wireless LAN. Also, when the external apparatus300supports Bluetooth communication, the second user terminal apparatus100-1and the external apparatus300may be connected in Bluetooth communication. Such various types of communication methods may be embodied not only wirelessly but also via wires.

In the operation of receiving the service information request, the second user terminal apparatus100-1receives the service information request signal from the network server200. That is, the second user terminal apparatus100-1receives a request for service information available through connected external apparatus300(S1220).

In the operation of searching for service information, the second user terminal apparatus100checks which communication service is available through the external apparatus300connected to the second user terminal apparatus100-1. That is, the second user terminal apparatus100-1requests for service information supported by each of the external apparatuses300. According to the request signal from the second user terminal apparatus100-1, the external apparatus300may transmit the service information including, for example, types of available services and service characteristics to the second user terminal apparatus100-1.

In the operation of transmitting service, the second user terminal apparatus100-1creates the packaging information including the service information received from the external apparatus300and transmits the created packaging information to the network server200. The network server200transmits this to the first user terminal apparatus100described in the above exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 13is a detailed flowchart illustrating a communication method using the second user terminal apparatus shown inFIG. 11.

With reference toFIG. 13, in the communication method according to an exemplary embodiment, the second user terminal apparatus100-1connects with at least one external apparatus300(S1310). The second user terminal apparatus100-1receives a service information request from the first user terminal apparatus100(S1320). According to the received service information request, the second user terminal apparatus100-1searches for service information on the available functions of the at least one external apparatus300(S1330).

The operation of searching for the service information (S1330) include searching for an activated external apparatus from among the at least one external apparatuses300, selects an available function from among the functions provided in the searched external apparatus300, and packages the identification information of the searched external apparatus300and the functional information on the selected function, and create the service information.

If there is no available service information (‘No’ to S1330), the second user terminal apparatus100-1creates packaging information including a message that there is no available service information (S1332). When available service information is searched (‘Yes’ to S1330), the second user terminal apparatus100-1analyzes the available service information and creates a packaging signal (S1340). The second user terminal apparatus100-1transmits the packaging signal including the created service information to the first user terminal apparatus100(S1350).

The operation of transmitting the packaging signal (S1350) includes forwarding the service information request to the gateway supervising the network of at least one external apparatus300and transmitting the service information to the second user terminal apparatus100-1when the service information is created in the gateway.

In addition, the communication method using the second user terminal apparatus100-1according to an exemplary embodiment may be applied to the second user terminal apparatus100-1and may be embodied in at least one execution program for executing the communication method using the second user terminal apparatus100-1.

The program for performing a method according to various exemplary embodiments may be stored in various types of record media.

For example, a code for performing communication methods according to exemplary embodiments may be stored in various types of record medium readable by a terminal such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electronically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, and a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM).