Abstract:
A method and apparatus for managing location information of a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes obtaining one or more point sites associated with a movement characteristic of an electronic device, determining a current position of the electronic device, determining a route based on the current position and the one or more point sites, and presenting the route on a map via a display operably coupled to the electronic device.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/095,301, filed on Apr. 27, 2011, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on May 4, 2010 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2010-0041659, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention: 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing location information of a mobile terminal. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art: 
         [0005]    Mobile terminals of the related art now integrate various supplementary functions. For example, a mobile terminal can now support a messaging function, a wireless Internet access function, a phonebook function, a schedule organizer function, a navigation function, etc. More particularly, a mobile terminal may be equipped with the navigation function which provides the terminal&#39;s user with location information in a location search mode. The location information can include ambient information about a location and a route from a current location to a destination location. 
         [0006]    Such a mobile terminal of the related art is configured to provide the usual location information. For example, in the navigation mode, the mobile terminal of the related art may provide information on a shortest route and a roundabout route from the current location to a destination location, but not any user-specific information about a user&#39;s favorite routes. Also, the mobile terminal of the related art lacks features such as, for example, selective information feedback for providing the user with ambient information regarding local objects such as parks, hospitals, shopping centers, and restaurants selectively according to the user&#39;s preference. This restricts the terminal user from using the location information more efficiently. That is, the mobile terminal of the related art is disadvantageous in that the location information acquired by its navigation function is used inefficiently. There is therefore a need to develop a method for improving the usability of the location information. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Aspects of the present invention are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for managing location information of a mobile terminal. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for managing location information is provided. The method includes determining location information of a current position while in a Global Positioning System (GPS) reception mode, checking at least one of preference routes and interest sites within an interest area in a vicinity of the current position, and presenting at least one of the preference routes and interest sites on a map. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for managing location information is provided. The apparatus includes a GPS module for receiving GPS data while in a GPS reception mode, a control unit for determining location information of a current position by analyzing the GPS data, a memory unit for saving at least one of preference routes and interest sites within an interest area in a vicinity of the current position, and a presentation unit for presenting at least one of the preference routes and interest sites on a map. 
         [0010]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a location information management method for a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a point site determination procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a route learning procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image for explaining a principle of the route learning procedure of  FIG. 5  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a preference learning procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an interest site presentation procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating exemplary screen images for explaining a principle of the interest site presentation procedure of  FIG. 8  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image for explaining a principle of the router presentation procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition description of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
         [0024]    The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0025]    It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
         [0026]    Hereinafter, the term “location information” denotes information that corresponds to a location and is managed in the mobile terminal. The location information may include coordinates and time data. The location information may further include velocity data at a specific location selectively. Here, the velocity data denotes a passing speed of the mobile terminal at the corresponding location. The term “point” denotes a location. The term “point site” denotes a location which the mobile terminal has passed. The term “preference route” denotes a route connecting the current location to the point site. That is, the point site can be regarded as an intermediate destination through which the mobile terminal travels to a final destination. At this time, the point site may include a stop point, a route point, and a turning point. 
         [0027]    The term “stop point” denotes a location where the mobile terminal remained for a period of time. The term “stop period” denotes a time duration for determining a stop point. The term “stop region” denotes an area within a predetermined radius. The term “route point” denotes a location on a predicted route through which the mobile terminal is predicted to pass. That is, the predicted route can be presented as a combination of route points. The term “turning point” denotes a location which is selected from the route points and at which a movement direction of the mobile terminal changed on the predicted route by more than a predetermined threshold amount. 
         [0028]    The term “interest area” denotes an area where the terminal user wants to perform a search. Here, the interest area includes locations within a predetermined radius of a certain point. The term “interest site” denotes a location determined in accordance with search criteria when the mobile terminal performs searching of the interest area. For example, the interest site may be a hospital, a drugstore, a park, a public office, a restaurant, a theatre, a shopping center, etc. The term “interest information” denotes information associated with the interest site and provided selectively. For example, the interest information may include a phone number, an email address, a homepage address, a coupon, etc. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image for explaining a principle of the router presentation procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the description is directed to a mobile phone as a representative mobile terminal. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the mobile terminal  100  includes a Radio Frequency (RF) unit  110 , a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit  120 , a memory unit  130 , a control unit  140 , an audio processing unit  150 , a display unit  160 , and an input unit  170 . 
         [0031]    The RF unit  110  is responsible for radio communication of the mobile terminal  100 . The RF unit  110  may include an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying a transmit signal and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and down-converting a received signal. 
         [0032]    The GPS unit  120  is responsible for receiving GPS data from the GPS satellites. Here, the GPS is the global positioning system that uses 24 GPS satellites orbiting about at 20.183 km. 
         [0033]    The memory unit  130  may include a program memory and a data memory. The program memory stores programs necessary for controlling general operations of the mobile terminal  100 . The program memory also stores programs for managing location information according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The data memory stores data generated when the programs are running. The memory unit  130  stores the location information according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the memory unit  130  stores the location information including at least one of a point site and an interest site. 
         [0034]    The control unit  140  controls operations of the mobile terminal  100 . The control unit  140  may include a data processing unit comprising a transmitter for encoding and modulating the transmit signal and a receiver for demodulating and decoding the received signal. The data processing unit may include a Modulator-Demodulator (modem) and a Coder-Decoder (codec) pack. The codec pack can include a data codec for processing packet data and an audio codec for processing an audio signal including voice. The control unit  140  executes a GPS reception mode by means of the GPS unit  120  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The control unit  120  analyzes GPS data and determines location information of a current location based on the analysis result. The control unit  140  determines location information of a current location periodically and saves the location information in the memory unit  130 . The control unit  140  also registers a point site or an interest site with the memory unit  130 . The control unit  140  also determines an interest site and provides the interest site information. For this purpose, the control unit  140  may include a point site detector  210  and an interest site detector  220 . 
         [0035]    The point site detector  210  analyzes location information stored in the memory unit  130  to retrieve and register a point site, and to use the registered point site. The point site detector  210  may be provided with a stop point determiner  211 , a route learner  213 , and a route presenter  215 . The stop point determiner determines a stop point in accordance with a tarry time. The route learner  213  determines a predicted route and extracts a turning point from the predicted route. The route presenter  215  selects a point site according to the current location and provides a preference route connecting the current location and the point site. 
         [0036]    The interest site detector  220  analyzes an event for searching for an interest site to determine and register the interest site and a preference level of the interest site, and utilizes the registered interest site. The interest site detector  220  may be provided with a preference learner  221  and an interest site presenter  223 . The preference learner  221  analyzes the interest site to determine the preference level of the interest site. The interest site presenter  223  selects an interest site based on the preference level and provides information of the selected interest site. 
         [0037]    The audio processing unit  150  processes a received audio signal from the audio codec of the data processing unit so as to output through a speaker (SPK) and transports a transmit audio signal input through a microphone (MIC) to the audio codec of the data processing unit. 
         [0038]    The display unit  160  displays an operating status of the mobile terminal  100  under the control of the control unit  140 . The display unit  160  may be implemented with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and, in this case, may include an LCD controller, a video memory for storing video data, and LCD devices. The LCD may be implemented with a touchscreen function and, in this case, may comprise a part of the input unit  170 . 
         [0039]    The input unit  170  may be provided with a plurality of alphanumeric keys for inputting alphabetic and numeric information and a plurality of function keys for configuring various functions of the mobile terminal. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a location information management method for a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in the location information management method depicted, the control unit  140  first executes the GPS reception mode at step  311 . If GPS data is received by means of the GPS unit  120 , the control unit  140  detects the receipt of the GPS data at step  313  and determines a current location based on the GPS data at step  315 . That is, the control unit  140  analyzes the GPS data and determines the current location based on the analysis result. The control unit  140  stores the location information in the memory unit  130  at step  317 . 
         [0042]    Next, the control unit  140  determines whether a learning period has started at step  319  and, if the learning period is determined to have started, executes a point site determination procedure at step  321 . At this time, the control unit  140  analyzes the location information collected during the learning period. The control unit  140  can determine a stop point. The control unit  140  can also determine a turning point through a route learning process. The point site determination procedure is described hereinafter in more detail. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a point site determination procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in the point site determination procedure depicted, the control unit  140  first determines a stop region at step  411 . Here, the control unit  140  compares coordinates of location information. Next, the control unit  140  determines the stop region by combining location information in which a distance between the coordinates is less than a threshold value. Next, the control unit determines whether a tarrying time of the mobile terminal exceeds a predetermined stop period at step  413 . That is, the control unit  140  continues comparing the time data in location information within the stop region. The control unit  140  also continues collecting the time data and compares the time data with the stop period. 
         [0045]    If the tarrying time of the mobile terminal is determined to exceed the stop period at step  413 , the control unit  140  extracts at least one stop point within the stop region at step  415 . That is, the control unit  140  selects a stop point based on the location information collected within the stop region. Next, the control unit  140  assigns a name of the stop point at step  417 . At this time, the control unit  140  collects ambient information at the stop point in map data and assigns a name to the stop point in accordance with the ambient information. The control unit  140  can control the display unit  160  to display a message prompting the terminal user to assign a name to the stop point. The control unit  140  can designate the text input by means of the input unit  170  as the name of the stop point. 
         [0046]    The control unit  140  determines whether to register the stop point at step  419 . At this time, the control unit  140  can determine whether the stop point is already registered in the memory unit  130 . The control unit  140  also can control the display unit  160  to display a message prompting the terminal user to decide whether to register the stop point. The control unit  140  can determine whether to register the stop point according to a user&#39;s input through the input unit  170 . If it is determined to register the stop point at step  419 , the control unit  140  registers the stop point as a point site at step  421 . That is, the control unit  140  saves the location information on the stop point in the storage unit  130 . Finally, the control unit  140  ends the stop point determination procedure and returns to the next step  327  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0047]    If the tarrying time of the mobile terminal is determined not to exceed the stop period at step  413  or if it is determined not to register the stop point at step  419 , the control unit  140  ends the stop point determination procedure and returns to the next step  327  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a route learning procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image for explaining a principle of the route learning procedure of  FIG. 5  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the route learning procedure depicted, the control unit  140  first determines route points  613  that are linked into a predicted route  611  at step  511 . For this purpose, the control unit  140  compares the coordinates data and time data of the location information. The time data is connected regularly, and the control unit  140  determines the predicted route  611  with the combination of the location information of which coordinate data is linked in synchronization with the time data. The control unit  140  also determines positions on the predicted route  611  as the route points  613 . Next, the control unit  140  extracts at least one turning point  615  among the route points  613  at step  513 . In order to detect a turning point  615 , the control unit  140  determines whether an absolute angle (α) formed between two path segments linked at a route point, each path segment being formed by connecting another route point contiguous in time to the linking route point, is greater than a threshold angle. If the absolute angle (α) is greater than the threshold angle, the control unit  140  determines the linking route point as the turning point  615 . 
         [0050]    Next, the control unit  140  determines whether multiple turning points  615  are detected at step  515 . If multiple turning points  615  are detected, the control unit  140  determines whether the distance between two turning points  615  is equal to or greater than a threshold value at step  517 . If only one turning point is detected at step  515  or if the distance between the two turning points is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value at step  517 , the control unit  140  determines whether to register the turning point at step  519 . At this time, the control unit  140  can check whether the turning point  615  is already registered in the memory unit  130 . The control unit  140  can also control the display unit  160  to display a message prompting the terminal user to determine whether to confirm the registration of the turning point. The control unit  140  can determine whether to register the turning point  615  according to a user input by means of the input unit  170 . 
         [0051]    If it is determined to register the turning point at step  519 , the control unit  140  registers the turning point  615  as a point site at step  521 . If it is determined that the turning point  615  is not registered in the memory unit  130 , the control unit  140  registers the turning point  615 . That is, the control unit  140  saves the location information of the turning point  615  in the memory unit  130 . Finally, the control unit  140  ends the route learning procedure and returns to the next step in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0052]    Otherwise, if the distance between the two turning points is less than the threshold value at step  517  or if it is not determined to register the turning point at step  519 , the control unit  140  ends the route learning procedure and returns to the next step in  FIG. 3 . At this time, the control unit  140  can delete the location information collected for the learning period. 
         [0053]    If it is not determined that the learning period has started at step  319 , the control unit  140  determines whether an interest site is detected at step  323  and, if it is determined that an interest site is detected at step  323 , performs a preference learning procedure at step  325 . At this time, the control unit  140  determines a preference level of the corresponding interest site. Table  1  shows items representing the events related to the detection of the interest sites that are stored in the memory unit  130 . The preference learning procedure of the control unit  140  will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Item 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 PREF_DEG_SEARCH_MAP 
                 Select interest site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_SEARCH_DETAIL 
                 Display interest information 
               
               
                   
                 of interest site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_SEARCH_CALL 
                 Place call to interest site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_SEARCH_NET 
                 access interest site via 
               
               
                   
                 Internet 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_DOWNLOAD_COUPON 
                 Download coupon of interest 
               
               
                   
                 site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_VISIT_BYNAVI 
                 Display route to interest site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_VISIT_SIMPLE 
                 Visit interest site 
               
               
                 PREF_DEG_VISIT_BYPAY 
                 Pay at interest site 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a preference learning procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , in the preference learning procedure depicted, the control unit  140  first determines an interest site at step  711 . Next, the control unit  140  analyzes the interest site at step  713 . At this time, the control unit  140  can determine an interest area around the interest site. Next, the control unit  140  checks location information about the interest area. Here, the control unit  140  can determine a place, e.g., Myongdong, Gangnam, or Suwon, corresponding to the interest area. Next, the control unit  140  analyzes an interest category at step  715 . That is, the control unit  140  categorizes the interest information according to interest categories comprising at least one layer. Interest categories classified on a first layer can be stored in the memory unit  130  as shown in Table 2. The interest categories also can be further classified on a second layer and stored in the memory unit as shown in Table 3. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 First layer 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Auto Service 
               
               
                   
                 Bank 
               
               
                   
                 Business 
               
               
                   
                 Community 
               
               
                   
                 Eating and Drinking 
               
               
                   
                 Accommodation 
               
               
                   
                 Health and Medical 
               
               
                   
                 Shopping 
               
               
                   
                 Tourist Attraction 
               
               
                   
                 Transport 
               
               
                   
                 Leisure and Sports 
               
               
                   
                 Restaurant 
               
               
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Second layer 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Bowling Center 
               
               
                   
                 Casino 
               
               
                   
                 Cinema 
               
               
                   
                 Golf Course 
               
               
                   
                 Ice Skating Rink 
               
               
                   
                 Marina 
               
               
                   
                 Public Sport Airport 
               
               
                   
                 Recreation Facility 
               
               
                   
                 Ski Resort 
               
               
                   
                 Sports Activity 
               
               
                   
                 Sports Center 
               
               
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0056]    Next, the control unit  140  analyzes a search time at step  717 . At this time, the control unit  140  can check a start time or an end time of a search for an interest site. Here, the control unit  140  can classify the search time into interest times, e.g. weekend and weekday, morning and afternoon, or before and after work hours. Next, the control unit calculates an increment of preference on the interest site at step  719 . At this time, the control unit  140  can calculate the increment of preference on the interest site by applying a weight determined according to at least one of the item, interest area, interest category, and interest time. For example, the control unit  140  might apply a higher weight to the ‘PREF_DEG_VISIT_SIMPLE’ or ‘PREF_DEG_VISIT_BYPAY’ as compared to other items among the search event items. If the interest area is a location such as ‘Myongdong’, the control unit  140  might apply a higher weight to ‘weekend’ as compared to ‘weekday’ in the search time. Similarly, if the interest area is ‘Soowon’, the control unit  140  might apply a higher weight to ‘Restaurant’ in the interest category. 
         [0057]    Next, the control unit determines whether the interest site has already been registered at step  721 . If it is not determined that the interest site has been registered, the control unit  140  extracts the interest information at step  723 . That is, the control unit  140  retrieves the interest information about the interest site from the memory unit  130  or accesses an external server (not shown) to retrieve the interest information about the interest site. Next, the control unit  140  registers the interest site at step  725 . After registering the interest site, the control unit  140  registers the preference level by reflecting the increment of the preference on the interest site at step  727 . That is, the control unit  140  saves the interest site and the preference of the interest site in the memory unit  130 . Finally, the control unit  140  ends the preference learning procedure and returns to the next step  327  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0058]    If it is determined at step  721  that the interest site has been registered, the control unit  140  changes the preference by reflecting the increment of the preference of the interest site at step  727 . That is, the control unit  140  updates the preference of the interest site in the memory unit  130 . Finally, the control unit  140  ends the preference learning procedure and returns to the next step  327  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0059]    At the next step, the control unit  140  performs an interest site presentation procedure at step  327 . Here, the control unit  140  determines an interest area and presents an interest site within the interest area. The interest site can be stored in the memory unit  130  as shown in Table 4. The interest site presentation procedure is described hereinafter in more detail. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Interest 
                 Interest 
                 Interest 
                 Interest 
                 Interest 
               
               
                 site 
                 area 
                 cat. 
                 time 
                 info. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ) 
                 Myongdong 
                 Shopping 
                 Weekend/afternoon 
                 00-000-0000 
               
               
                 (x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ) 
                 Soowon 
                 Restaurant 
                 Weekday/afternoon 
                 11-111-1111 
               
               
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0060]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an interest site presentation procedure of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating exemplary screen images for explaining a principle of the interest site presentation procedure of  FIG. 8  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , in the interest site presentation procedure depicted, the control unit  140  first determines an interest area at step  811 . The interest area can be determined as a vicinity of the current location. Also, when a point site is selected by means of the key input unit  170 , the control unit  140  can determine the interest area around the selected point site. Next, the control unit  140  searches for interest sites within the interest area at step  813 . Next, the control unit  140  determines whether an interest site exists within the interest area at step  815 . If it is determined that no interest site exists in the interest area at step  815 , the control unit  140  expands the interest area at step  817 . After expanding the interest area, the control unit  140  repeats steps  813  and  815 . 
         [0062]    If it is determined that at least one interest site exists in the interest area at step  815 , the control unit  140  sorts the interest sites at step  819 . At this time, the control unit  140  compares a preference of each interest information with a threshold value to select at least one corresponding interest site of which the preference is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, the control unit  140  selects one of the interest sites in accordance with at least one of interest area, interest time, and interest category. Next, the control unit  140  controls the display unit  160  to present the selected interest site  915  as shown in  FIG. 9  at step  821 . At this time, the control unit  140  can control to also display the interest information on the interest site  915 . Finally, the control unit  140  ends the interest site presentation procedure and returns to the next step  329  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0063]    For example, the control unit  140  can control such that the interest site  915  is presented on a map  913  displaying the interest area including the current location  911  in the form of an icon as shown in part (a) of  FIG. 9 . Here, the current location  911  can be replaced with a point site. At this time, the control unit  140  can display the interest categories  917  in a form of icons. The control unit  140  can sort the interest categories in order of preference levels of at least one of the interest area or the interest time. If another interest category  917  is selected, the control unit  140  retrieves the interest sites  915  belonging to the selected interest category and presents the interest sites  915  in the form of icons as shown in part (b) of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0064]    The control unit  140  can also present the interest sites  915  in a form of a list as shown in part (c) of  FIG. 9 . At this time, the control unit  140  can present the interest categories  917  in the form of icons. Here, the control unit  140  can sort the interest categories  917  in an order of preference of at least one of the interest area or the interest time. If another category  917  is selected, the control unit reselects interest sites  915  belonging to the reselected interest category  917  and presents the reselected sites  915  in the form of a list as shown in part (d) of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0065]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , the control unit  140  analyzes the current location and determines whether the location of the mobile terminal has changed at step  329 . That is, the control unit  104  compares the current location information with the previous location information to determine whether the location has changed. If it is determined that the location of the mobile terminal has changed, the control unit  140  retrieves a preference route at step  331 . At this time, the control unit  140  determines an interest area around the current location. Next, the control unit  140  searches for point sites within the interest area. At this time, the control unit  140  can determine a movement direction of the mobile terminal  100  according to the previous location information and current location information. The control unit  140  can also search for point sites in accordance with the movement direction of the mobile terminal  100 . At this time, the control unit  140  can retrieve at least one point site. The control unit  140  further determines the preference route connecting the current location and a point site. At this time, the control unit  104  can determine at least one preference route. 
         [0066]    Finally, the control unit  140  presents the preference route  927 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , at step  333 . That is, the control unit  140  presents the point sites  925 , in the form of icons, on the map  923  displaying the interest area including the current location  921  of the mobile terminal  100 . At this time, the control unit  140  can present a message prompting the terminal user to determine whether to present the preference route  927 . If the terminal user determines to display the preference route  927  by means of the input unit  170 , the control unit  140  presents the preference router  927  on the map. 
         [0067]    As described above, the location information management method and apparatus of the present invention are capable of providing a preference route according to a current location of the mobile terminal. That is, although the terminal user does not select a search location manually, the mobile terminal  100  selects a destination according to the point site and provides a preference route from the current location to the destination location. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the terminal user with a user-preference route. The location information management method and apparatus of the present invention is advantageous to provide the terminal user with the information on the interest sites in accordance with the user preference without requiring manual selection by the user. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the user&#39;s convenience and utilization efficiency of the location information of the mobile terminal. 
         [0068]    While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.