Abstract:
A device for performing a cooperative function with another device is provided. The device includes a communication unit; and a controller that determines whether the other device is in a surrounding area of the device based a signal received through the communication unit, selects one cooperative function from among a plurality of cooperative functions according to a relative position of the device with respect to the other device and performs the selected cooperative function with the other device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/638,757, filed Mar. 4, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/862,301, filed Aug. 24, 2010, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0078349, filed Aug. 24, 2009, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a method for performing a cooperative function and a device using the same, and more particularly, to a method for allowing a plurality of devices to perform a single cooperative function together, and a device using the same. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    With the advent of various digital devices, the number of digital devices that a single user possesses has increased significantly. 
         [0006]    These various digital devices have provided increased convenience, and continue to become more sophisticated by incorporating multi-functions. 
         [0007]    The user, however, still pursues digital devices having more advanced and sophisticated functions. 
         [0008]    However, a digital device is limited in the number of functions it can perform on its own. Therefore, a method for converging and combining each device owned by the user is required to create a new function which can be performed by a plurality of digital devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a method for performing a cooperative function if it is determined that there are other devices in the surrounding area, and a device using the same. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of the present invention, a device for performing a cooperative function with another device is provided. The device includes a communication unit; and a controller that determines whether the other device is in a surrounding area of the device based a signal received through the communication unit, selects one cooperative function from among a plurality of cooperative functions according to a relative position of the device with respect to the other device and performs the selected cooperative function with the other device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1A to 7B  are diagrams illustrating a concept of performing a cooperative function automatically by devices in adjacent areas, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically among devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9A to 10B  are diagrams illustrating a concept of performing a cooperative function automatically which is set in advance considering locations of devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing different cooperative functions automatically considering locations of devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 12A to 14B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing different cooperative functions automatically according to locations of devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0019]    In the following description, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements when they are illustrated in different drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  illustrates that a digital camera  110  is adjacent to an electronic frame  120  (within a predetermined distance). 
         [0021]    If the digital camera  110  is adjacent to the electronic frame  120  as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  110  and the electronic frame  120  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0022]      FIG. 1B  illustrates that the digital camera  110  transmits stored photos to the electronic frame  120 , and the electronic frame  120  reproduces the photos received from the digital camera  110  as a slideshow. 
         [0023]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera  110  is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame  120  if the digital camera  110  is adjacent to the electronic frame  120 . 
         [0024]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the electronic frame  120  is preset to reproduce the photos received from the digital camera  110  as a slideshow if the electronic frame  120  is adjacent to the digital camera  110 . 
         [0025]    Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera  110  and the electronic frame  120 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  illustrates that a digital camera  220  is adjacent to a Personal Computer (PC)  210 . 
         [0027]    If the digital camera  220  is adjacent to the PC  210  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  220  and the PC  210 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2B  illustrates that the digital camera  220  transmits additionally stored photos to the PC  210 , and the PC  210  backs-up the photos received from the digital camera  220  in a designated folder of the Hard Disk Drive (HDD). 
         [0029]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera  220  is preset to transmit additionally stored photos to the PC  210  if the digital camera  220  is adjacent to the PC  210 . 
         [0030]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the PC  210  is preset to back-up the photos received from the digital camera  220  in a designated folder of the HDD if the PC  210  is adjacent to the digital camera  220 . 
         [0031]    Once the cooperative function starts between the PC  210  and the digital camera  220 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  illustrates that a digital camera  310 , which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a printer  320 . 
         [0033]    If the digital camera  310  is adjacent to the printer  320  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  310  and the printer  320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3B  illustrates that the digital camera  310  transmits photos which are being reproduced to the printer  320 , and the printer  320  prints the photos received from the digital camera  310 . 
         [0035]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera  310  is preset to transmit photos that are currently being reproduced to the printer  320  if the digital camera  310  is adjacent to the printer  320 . 
         [0036]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the printer  320  is preset to print the photos received from the digital camera  310  if the printer  320  is adjacent to the digital camera  310 . 
         [0037]    If an MP3 player, which is reproducing music, is adjacent to the printer  320 , the MP3 player transmits information regarding the current music to the printer  320  and the printer  320  may download the lyrics or music book of the current music through the Internet and print them. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  illustrates that a mobile phone-A  410 , which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a mobile phone-B  420 , which is in a standby mode. 
         [0039]    If the mobile phone-A  410  is adjacent to the mobile phone-B  420  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone-A  410  and the mobile phone-B  420 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4B  illustrates that the mobile phone-A  410  transmits photos, which are currently being reproduced, to the mobile phone-B  420 , and the mobile phone-B  420  changes its mode from a standby mode to a photo play mode, and displays the photos received from the mobile phone  410  on a screen. 
         [0041]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone-A  410  is preset to transmit photos, which are currently being reproduced to the mobile phone-B  420 , if the mobile phone-A  410  is adjacent to the mobile phone-B  420 . 
         [0042]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone  420  is preset to display the photos received from the mobile phone-A  410  if the mobile phone  420 -B is adjacent to the mobile phone-A  410 . 
         [0043]    Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone-A  410  and the mobile phone-B  420 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  illustrates that a mobile phone-A  510 , which is reproducing photos, is adjacent to a television (TV)  520 , which is reproducing broadcast. 
         [0045]    If the mobile phone  510  is adjacent to the TV  520  as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone  510  and the TV  520 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5B  illustrates that the mobile phone  510  transmits photos, which are currently being reproduced, to the TV  520 , and the TV  520  stops reproducing broadcast and reproduces the photos received from the mobile phone  510 . 
         [0047]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone  510  is preset to transmit photos, which are currently being reproduced, to the TV  520  if the mobile phone  510  is adjacent to the TV  520 . 
         [0048]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the TV  520  is preset to reproduce the photos received from the mobile phone  510  if the TV  520  is adjacent to the mobile phone  510 . 
         [0049]    Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone  510  and the TV  520 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  illustrates that a digital camcorder  610  is adjacent to a TV  620 , which is reproducing broadcast. 
         [0051]    If the digital camcorder  610  is adjacent to the TV  620  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camcorder  610  and the TV  620 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6B  illustrates that the digital camcorder  610  transmits images currently being photographed to the TV  620 , and the TV  620  stops reproducing broadcast and reproduces the images received from the digital camcorder  610 . 
         [0053]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camcorder  610  is preset to transmit images, which are currently being photographed, to the TV  620  if the digital camcorder  610  is adjacent to the TV  620 . 
         [0054]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the TV  620  is preset to reproduce the images received from digital camcorder  610  if the TV  620  is adjacent to the digital camcorder  610 . 
         [0055]    Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camcorder  610  and the TV  620 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  illustrates that a mobile phone  720  is adjacent to a PC  710 . 
         [0057]    If the mobile phone  720  is adjacent to the PC  710  as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone  720  and the PC  710  as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0058]      FIG. 7B  illustrates that the mobile phone  720  transmits stored schedule information to the PC  710 , and the PC  710  backs-up the schedule information received from the mobile phone  720  in a designated folder. 
         [0059]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the mobile phone  720  is preset to transmit stored schedule information to the PC  710  if the mobile phone  720  is adjacent to the PC  710 . 
         [0060]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the PC  710  is preset to back-up the schedule information received from the mobile phone  720  in a designated folder if the PC  710  is adjacent to the mobile phone  720 . 
         [0061]    Once the cooperative function starts between the mobile phone  720  and the PC  710 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically among devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0063]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a device performs a function according to a user&#39;s command in step S 810 , and determines whether there is another device in surrounding areas in step S 820 . 
         [0064]    If it is determined that there is another device nearby in step S 820 , the device determines whether an automatic cooperative function is set between the device and the other device in step S 830 . 
         [0065]    If it is determined that an automatic cooperative function is set in step S 830 , the device sets a communicable connection with the other device in step S 840 . 
         [0066]    Subsequently, the device performs the cooperative function with the other device automatically in step S 850 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  and  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  illustrates that a digital camera  920  is adjacent to the ‘back’ of an electronic frame  910 . 
         [0068]    If the digital camera  920  is adjacent to the back of the electronic frame  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  920  and the electronic frame  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9B . 
         [0069]      FIG. 9B  illustrates that the digital camera  920  transmits stored photos to the electronic frame  910 , and the electronic frame  910  backs-up the photos received from the digital camera  920  in its own storage medium. 
         [0070]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera  920  is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame  910  if the digital camera  920  is adjacent to the back of the electronic frame  910 . 
         [0071]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the electronic frame  910  is preset to back-up the photos received from the digital camera  920  if the back of electronic frame  910  is adjacent to the digital camera  920 . 
         [0072]    Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera  920  and the electronic frame  910 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0073]      FIG. 10A  illustrates that the digital camera  920  is adjacent to the ‘front’ of the electronic frame  910 . 
         [0074]    If the digital camera  920  is adjacent to the front of the electronic frame  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  920  and the electronic frame  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
         [0075]      FIG. 10B  illustrates that the digital camera  920  transmits stored photos to the electronic frame  910 , and the electronic frame  910  reproduces the photos received from the digital camera  920  as a slideshow. 
         [0076]    In order to perform the above cooperative function, the digital camera  920  is preset to transmit stored photos to the electronic frame  910  if the digital camera  920  is adjacent to the front of the electronic frame  910 . 
         [0077]    In addition, in order to perform the above cooperative function, the electronic frame  910  is preset to reproduce the photos received from the digital camera  920  as a slideshow if the front of electronic frame  910  is adjacent to the digital camera  920 . 
         [0078]    Once the cooperative function starts between the digital camera  920  and the electronic frame  910 , the cooperative function continues even if the distance between the two becomes wide. 
         [0079]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing different cooperative functions automatically considering locations of devices in adjacent areas, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0080]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a device performs a function according to a user&#39;s command in step S 1110  and determines whether there is another device in surrounding areas in step S 1120 . 
         [0081]    If it is determined that there is another device nearby in step S 1120 , the device identifies the location of the other device in step S 1130 . 
         [0082]    Subsequently, the device identifies an automatic cooperative function that should be performed together with the other device based on the location of the other device in step S 1140 . 
         [0083]    The device sets a communicable connection with the other device in step S 1150 . Subsequently, the device performs the cooperative function with the other device automatically in step S 1160 . 
         [0084]      FIGS. 12A and 12B ,  FIGS. 13A and 13B , and  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a cooperative function automatically, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0085]      FIG. 12A  illustrates that a digital camera  1220  is located on the main body of a PC  1210 , and  FIG. 12B  illustrates that the digital camera  1220  is located in front of the main body of the  1210 . 
         [0086]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12A , if the digital camera  1220  is located on the main body of the PC  1210 , the digital camera  1220  may transmit stored photos to the PC  1210  and the PC  1210  may back-up the photos received from the digital camera  1220  in its own storage medium as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  1220  and the PC  1210 . 
         [0087]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12B , if the digital camera  1220  is located in front of the main body of the PC  1210 , the digital camera  1220  may transmit stored photos to the PC  1210  and the PC  1210  may reproduce the photos received from the digital camera  1220  as a slideshow as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the digital camera  1220  and the PC  1210 . 
         [0088]    As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , if the liquid crystal of a mobile phone-A  1310  and the liquid crystal of a mobile phone-B  1320  are placed side by side facing an upper or lower direction, the address book stored in the mobile phone-A  1310  may be synchronized with the address book stored in the mobile phone-B  1320  as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone-A  1310  and the mobile phone-B  1320 . 
         [0089]    As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , if the mobile phone-A  1310  and the mobile phone-B  1320  face each other, the photos stored in the mobile phone-A  1310  may be synchronized with the photos stored in the mobile phone-B  1320  as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone-A  1310  and the mobile phone-B  1320 . 
         [0090]    As illustrated in  FIG. 14A , if a mobile phone  1420  is located in front of a TV  1410 , the mobile phone  1420  may transmit stored photos to the TV  1410 , and the TV  1410  may reproduce the photos received from the mobile phone  1420  as a slideshow as a cooperative function is automatically performed by the mobile phone  1420  and the TV  1410 . 
         [0091]    In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 14B , if the mobile phone  1420  is located next to the TV  1410 , the contents stored in the mobile phone  1420  may be synchronized with the contents stored in the hard-disk of the TV  1410  or the contents stored in the USB connected to the TV. 
         [0092]    In the above embodiments, a cooperative function is automatically performed when two devices become close to each other, but this is only an example. A cooperative function may also be automatically performed when two devices are in contact with each other. 
         [0093]    In this case, the type of cooperative function to be performed may be determined depending on which part of a device is contacted by another device. For example, if the device is in contact with the “front” of another device, “a first” cooperative function may be performed, and if the device is in contact with the “back” of another device, “a second” cooperative function may be performed. 
         [0094]    To sense which part of the device in contact with another device, sensors should be formed on the surface of the other device. 
         [0095]    In addition, the type of cooperative function to be performed may be determined depending on which part of a device contacts which part of another device. For example, if the “front” of the device contacts the “front” of another device, “the first” cooperative function may be performed, and if the “back” of the device contacts the “back” of another device, “the second” cooperative function may be performed. 
         [0096]    The type of cooperative function performed by devices may be determined by a user. In addition, the type of cooperative function that is already set may be changed by a user. 
         [0097]    A cooperative function may be automatically set according to the properties of a device. For example, since the properties of a camera include taking pictures and the properties of a printer includes printing, a cooperative function may be automatically set as the camera taking pictures and the printer printing the photographed pictures. 
         [0098]    The devices mentioned in the above embodiments are only examples. The technical feature of the present invention may be applied to other devices. 
         [0099]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a device to which the present invention is applicable. The device includes a function block  1510 , a display  1520 , a controller  1530 , a storage unit  1540  and a communication unit  1550 . 
         [0100]    The function block  1510  performs an original function of the device. If the device is a mobile phone, the function block performs telephone communication and SMS, and if the device is a TV, the function block  1510  performs broadcast reception and reproduction. 
         [0101]    The display  1520  displays the performance result of the function block  1510  and the GUI. 
         [0102]    The storage unit  1540  is a storage medium to store programs necessary to perform the function of the function block  1510  and to provide the GUI, contents, and other data. 
         [0103]    The communication unit  1550  senses whether another device approaches a device in surrounding areas, and sets a communicable connection between the device and a sensed device. 
         [0104]    In addition, the communication unit  1550  senses the location of another device in surrounding areas. For example, the communication unit  1550  senses from which sides among front, back, left and right another device approaches. To do so, the communication unit  1550  may use a plurality of directional antennas and a plurality of directional sensors. 
         [0105]    Meanwhile, the communication unit  1550  may have a bi-directional wireless communication module to sense the location of other devices in surrounding areas. In this case, there is no limitation to the method of wireless communication of the bi-directional wireless communication module. Therefore, the wireless communication may be realized as infrared communication, sound wave communication, an RF communication, or wireless network communication. 
         [0106]    The controller  1530  controls the device to perform a cooperative function with another device through the process illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11 . 
         [0107]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.