Abstract:
A method and a terminal for transmitting a message are provided, where whether language information for a receiver has been established is checked when receiver information is input, the established language is displayed on a message input window when it is determined as a result of the check that the language information has been established, a message is created using the established language according to key information input from a key input unit and transmitted. Although a receiver uses a different language from that used by the transmitter, the mobile terminal can create and transmit a message based on the language used by the receiver by means of language information stored in the mobile terminal, so that the receiver may easily confirm a received message.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 2005-120696, filed Dec. 9, 2005 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving messages and a mobile terminal employing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and mobile terminal for creating and transmitting/receiving a message between users who speak different languages.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     In general, mobile terminals include a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal communication services phone (PCS), an international mobile telecommunication-2000 (IMT-2000) terminal, a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) terminal, etc. These terminals can provide a communication function (such as communication or data exchange) while in motion.  
         [0006]     Such mobile communication terminals are now widely used by all kinds of people, of all ages and sexes, throughout the world, and are recognized by people as indispensable. As such, these terminals are routinely carried by their users so that designs of the terminals have tended toward compactness, slimness and lightness in consideration of portability. The design of the terminals has also tended towards multimedia availability so as to have a wider variety of functions.  
         [0007]     One function of a mobile terminal is to perform phone communications. However, the mobile terminal also provides various supplementary functions. One supplementary function is the transmitting/receiving of a short message, such as a voice message, a multimedia message, and an email. Another supplementary function is that of a memory for storing and searching for phone numbers. Mobile terminals also provide various additional functions and services such as a camera function, a digital broadcasting reception function, a game function, and the like.  
         [0008]     Through these various additional functions and services, the mobile terminal provides great convenience to modern persons.  
         [0009]     Recently, mobile terminals are being increasingly used for providing a short message service, multimedia message service, and email service. One reason is that these services enable a desired message to be transmitted regardless of whether a counterpart mobile terminal is being concurrently used for communication. Also, these services can be provided at a lower cost than voice communication.  
         [0010]     The function of a mobile terminal has additionally been expanded so that Internet access has been made possible. Also, the user is able to photograph a desired image regardless of the time and location using a camera function included in the mobile terminal. Accordingly, there is a further increase in the terminal&#39;s use as a multimedia messaging service (MMS) because it enables the user to transmit a photographed or stored image by attaching the image to a short messaging service (SMS).  
         [0011]     In addition, through the combination of computer technology and wireless communication technology, email among computer users is also able to be transmitted/received among users of mobile terminals. This function of enhanced communication by email is being increasingly used by public enterprises as well as by individuals.  
         [0012]     However, as the use of the SMS, MMS, and email rapidly increases throughout the world, there exists a difficulty in transmitting/receiving a message between users who speak different languages.  
         [0013]     One solution of such a problem is a mobile terminal which allows the user to select a desired language and to input characters of the selected language when creating a message. However, in that case, the user must remember languages used by every receiver, which causes an inconvenience to the user.  
         [0014]     Also, if the user misjudges the language used by a receiver and creates and transmits a message for an important engagement or business event to the receiver using the wrong language, the receiver may delete the message without reading it by misconceiving it as being a spam message.  
         [0015]     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method of transmitting and receiving messages on a mobile terminal between users who communicate in different languages.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and mobile terminal for creating a transmission message using a language that is automatically established, based on language information stored in a mobile terminal, when the message is created.  
         [0017]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for creating a transmission message using a language selected by the user, instead of using a language automatically established based on language information stored in the mobile terminal.  
         [0018]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for creating a transmission message having the same contents as the message which has been created using an automatically established language, using a language requested by the user when there is one or more receiver.  
         [0019]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for creating and transmitting a text message after recognizing a voice using a language established in a mobile terminal when the user inputs a voice message.  
         [0020]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for analyzing a received message to automatically establish a language of the received message, and creating and transmitting a reply message in the automatically established language when the user requests a reply function.  
         [0021]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for storing transmitter information of a received message and language information automatically established through the analysis of the received message in a storage area of a mobile terminal according to a request of the user, when the information has not been stored in the storage area.  
         [0022]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for displaying language information of additional receiver information stored in a mobile terminal when there is at least one additional receiver to receive the transmission message, thereby enabling the creation of a transmission message using a language selected by the user.  
         [0023]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for creating a transmission message using a language requested by the user when the user requests the change of a pre-established language, in the state in which a language for creating the transmission message is automatically established through the analysis of a received message, and the transmission message is created using the automatically established language according to the reply request of the user.  
         [0024]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and mobile terminal for analyzing a voice message when a received message including a voice message is selected by the user, and establishing and displaying the message in a relevant language obtained through the analysis.  
         [0025]     In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and mobile terminal for transmitting a message where, whether language information for a receiver has been established is checked when receiver information is input; the established language is displayed on a message input window when it is determined as a result of the check that the language information has been established; a message using the established language is created according to key information input from a key input unit, and the created message is transmitted. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]     The above and other objects, 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:  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a message in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0029]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are flowcharts illustrating a procedure of transmitting a reply message in response to a received message in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0030]     Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention and are 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. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.  
         [0032]     The term “receiver identification information” used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention represents information relating to a receiver which is required for the user of a mobile terminal to transmit a message. The “receiver identification information” includes a telephone number, an email address, and so on. The term “receiver information” used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention represents all information relating to a receiver which is required for the user of a mobile terminal to create, display, and transmit a message. The “receiver information” includes language information and the like in addition to the receiver identification information. The term “language information” used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes the languages usually used by transmitters and receivers and languages exclusively-used by mobile terminals. The term “storage information” used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention represents information stored in a mobile terminal in order to be used for communication and message transmission. The “storage information” includes a telephone directory, a phone book, a photo phone book, and so on. The term “additional receiver information” used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention represents information similar to the receiver information. The “additional receiver information” is used to represent that there are at least two receivers.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]     The mobile terminal  100  includes a wireless transmission/reception unit  110 , a modem  120 , an audio processing unit  130 , a key input unit  140 , a memory  150 , a camera module  170 , an image processing unit  180  and a display unit  190 .  
         [0035]     The wireless transmission/reception unit  110  functions to transmit/receive voice data, character data, image data, and control data, under the control of the controller  160 . To this end, the wireless transmission/reception unit  110  includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver in which the RF transmitter up-converts and amplifies frequencies of a signal to be transmitted. The RF receiver also low-noise amplifies a received signal and down-converts the frequency of the received signal.  
         [0036]     The modem  120  includes a transmitter for encoding and modulating the signal to be transmitted and a receiver for demodulating and decoding the received signal.  
         [0037]     The audio processing unit  130  may include a codec, which contains a data codec for processing packet data and the like and an audio codec for processing an audio signal such as a voice.  
         [0038]     The audio processing unit  130  modulates an electrical signal input from a microphone, thereby converting the electrical signal into voice data. The audio processing unit  130  demodulates encoded voice data input from the wireless transmission/reception unit  110  to an electrical signal, thereby outputting the demodulated electrical signal to a speaker. In an exemplary implementation, the audio processing unit  130  includes a codec, in order to convert a digital audio signal received through the wireless transmission/reception unit  110  into an analog signal and to reproduce the analog signal, and in order to convert an analog audio signal generated from a microphone into a digital audio signal. The codec contains a data codec for processing packet data and the like and an audio codec for processing an audio signal such as a voice. The codec may be included in the controller  160 .  
         [0039]     In addition, the audio processing unit  130  outputs an audio signal of a music file reproduced in the mobile terminal  100 , through the speaker.  
         [0040]     The key input unit  140  has a key matrix structure, includes character keys, number keys, various function keys and an exterior volume key, and outputs a key input signal corresponding to a key selected by the user to the controller  160 .  
         [0041]     The memory  150  may include program memory and data memory. The memory  150  stores various information required for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal  100 , information required for recognizing the language of a voice and converting recognized voice data into text data, and various information selected and/or established by the user. That is, the memory  150  includes a ROM for storing an operating system accessed through the controller  160  for the general operation of the mobile terminal  100 , and a RAM for storing data according to control commands in the course of processing data.  
         [0042]     The memory  150  may be constructed separately from the controller  160 , or may be integrated or included in the controller  160  according to necessity.  
         [0043]     The controller  160  controls the entire operation of the mobile terminal  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the controller  160  receives a specific message through the wireless transmission/reception unit  110 , the controller  160  determines if the user requests that the received message be displayed. The specific message may include a multimedia message, an email, and a voice mail.  
         [0044]     The user may request display of the received message by a confirmation signal input through the key input unit  140  to the controller  160 . When the confirmation signal has been input, for example when a confirmation key operates after a message has been received, the controller  160  determines whether the received message is a voice mail or a text message. When a voice mail is received in the form of a voice message, the controller  160  checks language information included in the transmitter information, such as the telephone number or email address included with the received voice mail. Or, the controller  160  analyzes the voice message based on voice analysis information stored in the memory  150 , establishes a corresponding language in the receiver information of the memory  150 , and displays the corresponding language in the display unit  190 .  
         [0045]     In addition, the controller  160  converts the voice message into a text message based on the corresponding language, and displays the converted text message through the display unit  190 . Even when a text message is received, the controller  160  analyzes the text message and transmitter information, and controls the corresponding information to be stored in the memory  150  and to be displayed through the display unit  190 .  
         [0046]     The camera module  170 , which photographs an image, may include a lens unit capable of performing zoom-in/zoom-out action. The camera module  170  includes a camera sensor and a signal processing section. The camera sensor converts an optical signal obtained through photography into an electrical signal. The signal processing section converts an analog image signal obtained through photography by the camera sensor into digital data.  
         [0047]     The camera sensor may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and the signal processing section may include a digital signal processor (DSP). Also, the camera sensor and the signal processing section may be integrally or separately constructed.  
         [0048]     The image processing unit  180  performs a function to generate image data for displaying an image signal output from the camera module  170 .  
         [0049]     The image processing unit  180  processes an image signal, which is output from the camera module  170 , in a unit of frame, and outputs the frame image data to be suitable for the screen size and the property of the display unit  190 . Also, the image processing unit  180  includes a video codec so as to compress frame image data displayed on the display unit  190  by using a predetermined scheme and to restore compressed frame image data to original frame image data.  
         [0050]     In addition, the image processing unit  180  may have an On Screen Display (OSD) function and can output OSD data according to the size of a display screen under the control of the controller  160 .  
         [0051]     The display unit  190  outputs various display data generated in the mobile terminal and may include a liquid crystal display (LCD). When the LCD is realized, it may use a touch screen scheme so that the display unit  190  may serve as an input section.  
         [0052]     In addition, the display unit  190  displays an image signal output from the image processing unit  180  and user data output from the controller  160  on a screen.  
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a message in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0054]     That is,  FIG. 2  shows a procedure for automatically establishing a language according to receiver information input by the user in a mobile terminal, creating a message using the established language, and transmitting the created message.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first, the controller  160  determines that a message transmission function is selected by the user (step  211 ). The message to be transmitted includes, for example, a short message, a multimedia message and an email.  
         [0056]     The controller  160  receives receiver identification information through the key input unit  140  from the user (step  213 ). In step  215 , the controller  160  checks whether or not the memory  150 , such as a telephone directory or phone book, has stored therein the same information as the received receiver identification information. When the memory  150  already has stored therein the same information as the received receiver identification information, the controller  160  checks whether or not language information corresponding to the received receiver identification information is established in the memory  150  so as to be used for creating a message (step  216 ).  
         [0057]     When language information corresponding to the received receiver identification information is established in the memory  150  so as to be used for creating a message, the controller  160  proceeds to step  218  of storing receiver information which includes the receiver identification information and the established language information. The receiver identification information included in the receiver information represents an identification number or address required for transmitting/receiving information among devices (such as mobile terminals and information terminals), and may be a telephone number, an IP address, or an email address.  
         [0058]     In contrast, when language information corresponding to the receiver identification information input from the user is not established in the memory  150 , the controller  160  sets a default language as a language for creating a message (step  220 ), and then proceeds to step  218 , in which receiver information including the receiver identification information and the default language is stored. The controller  160  may establish a language for creating a message by using key information input from the key input unit  140 .  
         [0059]     When the same information as the received receiver identification information is stored but corresponding language information for creating a message is not established, the controller  160  sets a default language as a language for creating a message (step  220 ), and stores the receiver information including the receiver identification information and the basic language (step  218 ). Also, the controller  160  may establish a language for creating a message by using key information input from the key input unit  140 .  
         [0060]     In step  222 , the controller  160  determines if additional receiver identification information for adding a receiver is input by the user. When it is determined that receiver identification information for adding a receiver is input by the user, the controller  160  returns to step  213  for processing the additional receiver identification information input for adding a receiver.  
         [0061]     In contrast, when it is determined there is no additional receiver identification information input by the user for adding a receiver, the controller  160  determines whether one type, or two or more types of stored language information exist (step  224 ). When it is determined that there is only one type of stored language information, the controller  160  sets the language for creating a message to the language information included in the receiver information and displays a message input window through the display unit  190  (step  226 ). In contrast, when it is determined that there are two or more types of stored language information, the controller  160  sets the default language as the language for creating a message, and displays a message input window through the display unit  190  (step  228 ). That is, when there are two or more types of stored language information, in order to prevent an improper language from being transmitted to a message receiver, a default language is set as the language for creating a message and a message input window is displayed through the display unit  190  (step  228 ).  
         [0062]     In step  230 , the controller  160  determines if the user, having confirmed language information displayed on the message input window, requests a change of the established language. When it is determined that the user does not request a change of the established language, the controller  160  receives and stores a message input through the key input unit  140  based on the established language (step  232 ). The controller  160  also transmits the stored message to one or more receivers corresponding to the receiver identification information included in the receiver information according to the transmission request of the user (step  234 ). The receiver identification information represents an identification number or address required for transmitting/receiving information among devices (such as mobile terminals and information terminals), and may be a telephone number, an IP address, or an email address.  
         [0063]     In contrast, when it is determined that the user requests a change of the established language, the controller  160  sets the language requested by the user as the language for creating a message (step  238 ). Next, the controller  160  displays a message input window, receives and stores a message input through the key input unit  140  using the established language (step  232 ), and then transmits the stored message to one or more receivers corresponding to the receiver identification information included in the receiver information according to the transmission request of the user (step  234 ).  
         [0064]     In a state in which a message is input and displayed using a language established in the mobile terminal, the controller  160  may also determine if the user requests a change of the established language. When it is determined that the user requests a change of the established language, the controller  160  may change the displayed message to a message in the language requested by the user, and display the changed message.  
         [0065]     According to the procedure shown in  FIG. 2 , when there are at least two types of language information, a message created by the user using a default language is transmitted to relevant receivers. However, if the mobile terminal includes a translation program, a message created using a default language is translated into a corresponding language for each receiver, and each translated message is transmitted to each corresponding receiver. In this case, while a transmitter creates a message using a default language, each receiver can receive the message comprised of a language suitable for that receiver.  
         [0066]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are flowcharts illustrating a procedure for transmitting a reply message in response to a message received by a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. That is,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  shows a procedure of analyzing transmitter information and contents of a received message in order to automatically establish a language, and creating and transmitting a message using the established language in a mobile terminal.  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3A  and  3 B, the controller  160  notifies the user of a message reception event through the display unit  190  and/or through the speaker through the audio processing unit  130 . Then, when the controller  160  receives input corresponding to selection of the received message, through the key input unit  140 , from the user (step  311 ), the controller  160  analyzes the language used for creating the received message (step  313 ). In this case, the controller  160  analyzes a voice based on voice analysis information stored in the memory  150  when the received message includes a voice mail, and analyzes characters using character analysis information when the received message is a text message. The received message may be a short message, a multimedia message, or an email.  
         [0068]     The controller  160  checks whether or not the transmitter information included in the received message is stored as storage information in the memory  150  (step  317 ). When the transmitter information is not stored in the memory  150 , the controller  160  asks the user through the display unit  190  if the user wants to store the transmitter information as storage information in the memory  150  (step  319 ). When the user requests the transmitter information to be stored, the controller  160  stores the transmitter information and corresponding language information as the storage information in the memory  150  (step  321 ), and establishes receiver information (receiver identification information and language information) by using the transmitter information (transmitter identification information and language information) (step  323 ).  
         [0069]     In contrast, when the transmission information is stored in the memory  150 , the controller  160  determines if language information stored in the memory  150  is equal to the language information analyzed from the received message (step  325 ). When it is determined that the language information stored in the memory  150  is equal to the language information analyzed from the received message, the controller  160  establishes receiver information using the transmitter information (step  323 ). In contrast, when it is determined that the language information stored in the memory  150  is not equal to the language information analyzed from the received message, the controller  160  checks whether or not the user requests the corresponding language to be stored in the memory  150  (step  327 ). When the user requests the corresponding language to be stored, the controller  160  changes the stored language information (step  329 ). In contrast, when the user does not request the corresponding language to be stored, the controller  160  establishes receiver information using the transmitter information (step  323 ).  
         [0070]     The controller  160  determines if the user requests that a reply message be created in response to the received message (step  331 ). When the user does not request that a reply message is created, the controller  160  may perform an alternative function as requested by the user (step  333 ). When the user requests that a reply message be created, the controller  160  determines if there is a different or additional receiver to be added to the receiver information (step  335 ).  
         [0071]     When a different or additional receiver is requested by the user, the controller  160  receives receiver identification information (step  337 ) and determines if the received receiver identification information is included in information stored in the memory  150  (step  339 ). When the received receiver identification information is included in information stored in the memory  150 , the controller  160  determines if language information corresponding to the received receiver identification information is stored in the memory  150  (step  341 ). When language information corresponding to the received receiver identification information is stored in the memory  150 , the controller  160  stores receiver information using the additional receiver information (step  343 ) and determines if there is another additional receiver (step  335 ).  
         [0072]     If it is determined in step  339  that the received receiver identification information is not included in information stored in the memory  150 , or when it is determined in step  341  that language information corresponding to the received receiver identification information is not stored in the memory  150 , the controller  160  stores only receiver identification information as additional receiver information (step  345 ).  
         [0073]     In contrast, if it is determined in step  335  that there is no additional receiver, the controller  160  determines if additional receiver information exists (step  347 ). When there is no additional receiver information, the controller  160  displays a message input window through the display unit  190  by using the language information included in the receiver information (step  349 ). In contrast, when there is additional receiver information, the controller  160  determines if the additional receiver information includes language information (step  351 ).  
         [0074]     When the additional receiver information does not include language information, the controller  160  displays a message input window through the display unit  190  by using the language information included in the receiver information (step  349 ). In contrast, when the additional receiver information includes language information, the controller  160  displays the receiver information and the additional receiver information (step  353 ).  
         [0075]     In step  355 , the controller  160  determines if a language is selected by the user. When no language is selected by the user, the controller  160  displays a message input window through the display unit  190  by using the language information included in the receiver information (step  349 ). In contrast, when a language is selected by the user, the controller  160  displays a message input window by using the selected language (step  357 ), thereby entering a message input mode for creating a message (step  362 ).  
         [0076]     After the message input window using the receiver&#39;s language is displayed, if a change of the language is requested by the user (step  358 ), the controller  160  establishes the language requested by the user as the language for creating a message (step  360 ). In contrast, if a change of the language is not requested by the user, the controller  160  enters a message input mode for creating a message (step  362 ).  
         [0077]     In a state in which a message is input and displayed using a language established in the mobile terminal at the message input mode, the controller  160  may also determine if the user requests change of the established language. When it is determined that the user requests a change of the established language, the controller  160  may change the displayed message to be a message of the language requested by the user, and display the changed message.  
         [0078]     After the user completes the input of a message, the controller  160  transmits the created message to receivers corresponding to the receiver information and additional receiver information as applicable (step  364 ).  
         [0079]     According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above, the mobile terminal can automatically establish a language according to language information stored therein and can enable a message using the established language to be created. Also, when the user requests a change of the established language, the mobile terminal enables a transmission message to be created using a language requested by the user. In addition, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the mobile terminal can automatically establish a language by analyzing a received message, and can store transmitter information and language information as storage information according to selection by the user, when the transmitter and language information is not stored in the mobile terminal. Also, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the mobile terminal detects language information by analyzing a voice message, and utilizes the detected language information, thereby providing better convenience to the user when using the mobile terminal.  
         [0080]     While the 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 by the appended claims and their equivalents.