Patent ID: 12260728

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a diagram describing a process between a safety service system and a guardian/ward terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an environment for monitoring and managing a ward. To this end, a safety service system120may collect location information of a ward and image information of the ward, such as a photo and a moving picture, from a ward terminal110. Here, a small terminal embedded with a global positioning system (GPS) and a camera may be used as the ward terminal110in order to provide location information and image information from a ward side to the safety service system120. The safety service system120may support a service environment in which a guardian may monitor a current state of the ward without restrictions on a time and an occasion based on the location information and the image information collected from the ward terminal110. In particular, the safety service system120may provide a safety service based on a location based service (LBS). Here, the safety service may be provided in a web/wap service form through a service page on the safety service system120, or may be provided as a service-only application. The service-only application may include a personal computer (PC) based program or a mobile-only application. That is, the guardian may connect to a service screen, for example, a service page screen or an application execution screen, associated with a safety service using a communication terminal (hereinafter, a guardian terminal)130accessible to the safety service system120, and may monitor an emergency situation of the ward through the service screen. Here, in response to a request of the guardian or an occurrence of a danger to the ward, the safety service system120may provide the collected location information and image information to the guardian terminal130. Further, in response to a request of the guardian or an SOS dispatch request of the ward, the safety service system120may transfer location information and image information of the ward to a security company (not shown) and accordingly, a security agent may directly move to a corresponding location and thereby handle and cope with an emergency situation of the ward.

Initially, a configuration and an operation of a ward terminal will be described in detail with reference toFIG.2.FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a ward terminal200configured to provide a location and an image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.2, the ward terminal200according to an embodiment may include a location calculator210, a camera unit220, a communication unit230, an input unit240, and an impact detector250.

The location calculator210may be configured to calculate location information indicating a current location of a ward. Here, the location calculator210may calculate the current location of the ward using at least one of a GPS measurement method and a mobile communication base station (that is, a cell base station) measurement method. A location value and information on a measurement method used to calculate a corresponding location may be included in the location information.

The camera unit210may provide a function of photographing a focused image. The ward may hold the camera unit220to be externally exposed, so that the ward terminal200may capture a peripheral image of the ward. The camera unit220may photograph a peripheral image of the ward. In this instance, the camera unit220may take at least one photo at predetermined time intervals or may take a moving picture during a predetermined period of time based on a setting environment and may use the same as image information of the ward.

The input unit240may be configured to receive an alert signal from the ward. In a case in which an emergency situation occurs, the ward may generate the alert signal by manipulating the input unit240with the intention of notifying the guardian about the occurrence of the emergency situation.

The impact detector250may be configured to detect a level of impact based on an external impact applied to the ward terminal200. Here, the impact detector250may include an impact detection sensor, such as an acceleration sensor, to detect a level of impact applied to the ward terminal200.

The communication unit230may be configured to transmit location information obtained from the location calculator210and image information obtained from the camera unit220to a safety service system. As an example, in response to a request of the safety service system, the communication unit230may transmit location information and image information to the safety service system. As another example, in response to an alert signal input from the ward via the input unit240, the communication unit230may detect the alert signal as an abnormal signal associated with the ward and thereby transmit location information and image information to the safety service system. As another example, when a level of impact detected by the impact detector250exceeds a threshold, the communication unit230may detect the above impact as an abnormal signal associated with the ward and thereby may transmit location information and image information to the safety service system.

According to the above configuration, the ward terminal200may collect location information and image information associated with the ward and may transmit the collected location information and image information to the safety service system in response to an abnormal signal being detected or a request of the safety service system. Here, the location information and the image information may be collected at the safety service system and may be used as information for a safety service. That is, the safety service system may collect location information and image information from the ward terminal200and then provide the collected location information and image information to a guardian or a security company.

Hereinafter, a configuration and an operation of a safety service system will be described in detail with reference toFIG.3.FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating a safety service system300configured to provide a safety service with respect to a ward according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.3, the safety service system300according to an embodiment may include a collector310and a service provider320.

The collector310may be configured to collect location information and image information associated with a ward with respect to the ward registered by a guardian. Here, in interaction with a ward terminal, the collector310may receive, from the ward terminal as necessary and at predetermined intervals, location information indicating a current location of the ward and image information in which a peripheral image of the ward is captured. The collector310may store and maintain the received location information and image information in association with the ward and the guardian. Here, the location information may include information about a location value and a measurement method used to calculate a corresponding location, and the image information may include at least one of at least one photo taken at predetermined time intervals and a moving picture taken during a predetermined period of time.

The service provider320may perform a server functionality of managing the overall safety service and thus, may provide an LBS based safety service based on location information and image information of the ward that is collected by the collector310. The service provider320may provide location information and image information of the ward to the guardian in response to a request for referring to the ward from the guardian, and may provide the location information and the image information to the guardian or the security company in response to an alert signal detected with respect to the ward. Here, the service provider320may recognize, as the alert signal associated with the ward, at least one of a case in which an abnormal signal occurs in a ward terminal, for example, a case in which the ward directly inputs the alert signal or a case in which an abnormal signal is detected due to a level of impact exceeding a threshold, a case in which the location information is deviated from a safety zone set by the guardian, and a case in which the location information enters a danger zone set by the guardian. The guardian may verify an emergency situation of the ward based on the location information and the image information, and if necessary, may request the security company for an SOS dispatch. Accordingly, the service provider320may transfer location information and image information of the ward to the security company and the security company may directly move to a corresponding location and thereby prevent and cope with an emergency situation of the ward. In addition, when ward information, such as a photo, personal information, and description information of the ward, is input from the guardian, the service provider320may store and maintain the ward information in a system database (not shown). When transmitting location information and image information of the ward to the security company, the service provider320may also provide ward information registered by the guardian. That is, the guardian may frequently register a description of the ward to the safety service system300and may provide the registered description to the security company together with a location and an image of the ward in a case in which the ward encounters a danger, in order to be used as useful information for handling the danger to the ward. Also, the service provider320may provide a memo function of enabling the guardian to input predetermined comments on a location of the ward. That is, the service provider320may receive a memo associated with location information of the ward from the guardian and may store and maintain the received memo in a system database. In addition, the service provider320may service a memo of another person to be shared based on location information between guardians having allowed their memos to be disclosed on an SNS. In response to a request of the guardian, the service provider320may accumulate location information of the ward and may provide a travel route that is a trace along which the ward has moved. The service provider320may provide a service screen associated with a safety service to a guardian terminal connected to the safety service system300. Here, the service screen may support a function of making a general introduction about the safety service and a function of registering or editing information associated with the guardian and the ward, a function of referring to a location of the ward, a function of requesting an SOS dispatch based on a level of an emergency situation which the ward has encountered, a function of providing a travel route of the ward, a function of sharing information between guardians, an environment setting function of setting an environment of the safety service, and the like. A configuration and each configuration of the service screen will be described in more detail below.

A configuration and an operation of a guardian terminal will be described in detail with reference toFIG.4.FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a guardian terminal400configured to monitor a ward according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.4, the guardian terminal400according to an embodiment may include a communication unit410and an interface unit420. Here, the guardian terminal400may refer to a device configured to connect to a safety service system and thereby monitor an emergency situation of a ward and to call an SOS dispatch signal in response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward. That is, the guardian terminal400may refer to any type of wired/wireless communication terminal, such as a PC, a tablet, a smart phone, and a communication navigation device, accessible to the safety service system.

The communication unit410may be configured to connect to the safety service system for providing a safety service with respect to a ward registered by a guardian and maintain a connection between the guardian terminal400and the safety service system.

The interface unit420may refer to an interface device used between the safety service system and the guardian, and may be configured to input required information or to display information provided from the safety service system through a service screen provided from the safety service system. That is, through the service screen associated with the safety service, the interface unit420may display a screen for registering or editing information associated with the guardian and the ward, a screen for referring to a location of the ward, a screen for requesting an SOS dispatch based on an emergency situation of the ward, a screen for providing a travel route of the ward, a screen for sharing information between guardians, an environment setting screen for setting an environment of the safety service, and the like.

As described above, only a process for connecting to the safety service system and a user interface (UI) for using the safety service are required for the guardian terminal400. Processes of registering, referring to, and providing actual information, and a process of managing a database are performed by the safety service system. Service screens displayed on the guardian terminal400in association with a safety service provided from the safety service system will be described in detail below. A configuration or a function of each service screen may differ based on an operating system (OS), for example, ANDROID and WinCe, or a usage environment, for example, web/wap and a service-only application, of the guardian terminal400. In the present embodiment, a web environment and a mobile environment may interact with each other and thus, even though guardians are using different devices, the guardians may use a safety service in heterogeneous environments based on information registered to the safety service system. In the following, service screens are described by employing a service screen through a mobile-only application as an example, however, are not limited to or restricted by the drawings or embodiments of the detailed description. Accordingly, a configuration or a function, a flow, and the like, of a service screen may be variously modified.

FIG.5illustrates an initial menu screen of a safety service. In response to an application510associated with the safety service being executed by a guardian, a guardian terminal may display a service page provided from a safety service system. When an automatic login is not set, a login screen for entering an ID/password (PW) may be preferentially displayed in response to executing the application510. Meanwhile, in a case in which the guardian is a member registered to the safety service system and an automatic login is set, a main screen520ofFIG.5may be displayed in response to executing the application510. Here, a latest reference result about a ward basically set by the guardian may be displayed on the main screen520. As illustrated inFIG.5, a map screen on which a location of the ward is marked on a center of a map and simple result content, for example, a thumbnail image and location information, about location information and image information of the corresponding ward may be displayed on the main screen520. Here, a photo of the ward registered by the guardian may be displayed on the map screen at a location of the ward. The main screen520may include a footer menu including a menu521of selecting a ward, a menu522of referring to a location of the selected ward, a menu523of registering and editing a description of the selected ward, a menu524capable of moving to a detailed page associated with the location of the selected ward, and a menu525of requesting an SOS dispatch with respect to the selected ward. A service page associated with the safety service may basically include a main menu526of providing a ward location reference page, that is, providing the main screen520, an SOS center menu527of providing a page on which it is possible to call an SOS dispatch signal to an affiliated security company, a travel route menu528of providing a page for verifying location information of the ward, received at predetermined intervals, based on a log form on the map or an accumulated time-by-time list, and a setting menu529of providing a page on which it is possible to verify a service use state or to input various types of environment settings.

FIGS.6and7illustrate a service screen associated with a function of authenticating a ward terminal and a function of registering ward information. When executing the application510, a guardian may be a member registered to a safety service system and may also initially log in the safety service system. In this case, as illustrated inFIG.6, a popup window610may be displayed to perform a terminal authentication procedure for a ward terminal. In response to the guardian tapping “authenticate a terminal” on the popup window610, the popup window610may be switched to a terminal authentication screen620for authenticating the ward terminal. Here, a window for entering a residential number of the ward and serial number information of the ward terminal may be displayed on the terminal authentication screen620. In response to completing the authentication of the ward terminal, the terminal authentication screen620may be switched to an authentication result screen630for displaying an authentication result. Here, a ‘ward registration’ menu capable of registering a ward of the authenticated ward terminal may be displayed on the authentication result screen630. Here, the “ward registration” menu may provide a menu environment of enabling the guardian to register at least one ward. Even though the ward of the ward terminal authenticated in response to executing the application510is not registered, a ward registration procedure may be performed through a popup window710ofFIG.7. In response to the guardian tapping “okay” on the popup window710or tapping the “ward registration” menu on the authentication result screen630, the popup window710may be switched to a ward registration screen720for registering a ward. Here, a plurality of wards may be registered on the ward registration screen720. In particular, a function of registering or editing ward information such as a photo or personal information, for example, a name, a contact number, a sex, an age, a height/weight, and a school, of each ward, a feature, for example, a physical feature or a description of each ward, and a routing period may be provided. Here, the routing period may refer to collection period information that is time information in which location information and image information associated with a ward is allowed to be collected. As described above, in the present embodiment, a ward terminal authentication procedure and a ward registration procedure may need to be initially performed. Also, when the guardian is an associate member, a service introduction page for guiding and introducing the overall safety service may be displayed through a service page.

Description Registration Function

The description registration function refers to a function that enables a guardian to record detailed ward information, such as a latest photo or clothes of a ward, for example, dress on the way to school. Here, in response to making an SOS dispatch call for the ward, ward information may be provided to a security company together with location information and image information of the ward.

FIG.8illustrates a service screen associated with a function of registering a description of a ward. Referring toFIG.8, a photo811of a ward provided may be provided as a menu of registering or editing descriptions about a plurality of wards on a main page810on which it is possible to refer to a location of the ward. In this case, in response to tapping the photo811of the ward, the main page810may be switched to a description registration screen820for registering the description of the ward. Here, description information of the ward most recently registered may be displayed on the description registration screen820. Also, a page on which a description is recorded based on a date-by-date basis may be provided on the description registration screen820. In this instance, for the same date, description information most recently registered may be displayed. The description registration screen820may provide a function823of moving to a previous/next page or a date-by-date page based on currently displayed description information, a “correction” function824of correcting the currently displayed description information, a “new registration” function825of registering new description information, a “main registration” function826of registering the currently displayed description information as a main thumbnail image, a “list view” function827of providing a list of description information recently registered based on the currently displayed description information, and the like. Here, in response to tapping the “correction” function824on the description registration screen820, a mode may be switched to an edition mode and a function821of changing a photo of the ward and a function of changing the content that depicts the description may be provided. That is, in response to tapping the “correction” function824on the description registration screen820, a “photo change” icon may be displayed. In response to tapping a portion corresponding to the description content, a keyboard OSD screen may be displayed. Here, a method of changing a photo of the ward may include a method of selecting a photo from an album stored in a guardian terminal, a method of taking a photo using a photographing function of the guardian terminal, and the like. In response to tapping the “new registration” function825on the description registration screen820, a window for entering a photo of the ward and a window for entering content that depicts the description of the ward may be provided. Also, in response to tapping the “main registration” function826on the description registration screen820, the photo of the ward currently displayed on the description registration screen820may be registered as a main thumbnail image. In this instance, a predetermined edition tool, for example, an area selection, an image magnification, and an image minification, may be displayed on the description registration screen820to be capable of editing the currently displayed photo of the ward. Also, in response to tapping the “list view” function827on the description registration screen820, a list of description information may be displayed in a most recently registered order, for example, by the respective30sets of description information based on a present day.

Ward Location Reference Function

The ward location reference function (hereinafter, a “where are you now?” function) refers to a function of referring to a current location of a ward. Here, the “where are you now?” function may be provided in an LBS environment, and may provide location information indicating a current location of the ward and image information in which a peripheral image of the ward is captured. In particular, the “where are you now?” function refers to a function of selecting a single ward from among a plurality of wards registered by a guardian and thereby referring to a location of the selected ward.

FIG.9illustrates a service screen associated with a function of referring to a current location of a ward. Referring toFIG.9, a main screen910that is a page on which it is possible to refer to a location of a ward may provide a ward selection menu911of providing a list of wards so that a guardian selects a desired ward from among the plurality of wards. In response to tapping a “where are you now?” function after selecting a desired ward from among the plurality of wards through the ward selection menu911on the main screen910, the main screen910may be switched to a location display screen930for displaying a map screen on which a current location of the ward is marked on a center of a map, a thumbnail image of the ward, and brief information associated with the current location of the ward. In preparation for a case in which a relatively long amount of time is used to refer to a location of a ward, the main screen910may be switched to the location display screen930through an in-loading page920or a popup and pushup message processing. Here, a current state of the ward based on whether the ward is located within a safety zone or a danger zone registered by the guardian may be displayed on the location display screen930based on the current location of the ward. Alternatively, location information and image information may be displayed in different information display forms on the location display screen930based on the current state of the ward. Referring toFIG.10, the current state, for example, a safety zone, a danger zone, and an emergency, of the ward may be directly displayed on the location display screen930, or may be displayed by changing an information display form of a predetermined area based on the current state of the ward. For example, a background color of an information display area on which brief information associated with the current location and the thumbnail image of the ward are displayed may be indicated in “green” when the ward is located in a safety zone, may be indicated in a “yellow” when the ward is located in a danger zone, and may be indicated in “red” when the ward is in an emergency situation in which the ward has called an SOS dispatch. Referring toFIG.11, in a case of referring to a location of another ward, in response to tapping a menu1111of selecting a ward on a main screen1110, the main screen1110may be switched to a ward list screen1120on which a list of wards registered by a guardian is displayed in a ticker form. Here, in response to the guardian selecting another ward from among the plurality of wards on the ward list screen1120, a screen for displaying a final location reference value, that is, the most recently referred value, of the selected ward may be preferentially provided. In response to the guardian tapping a “where are you now?” function, the ward list screen1120may be switched to a location display screen1130for providing location information and image information of the selected ward.

FIG.12illustrates a service screen for providing a detailed function about a current location of a ward. In response to tapping a menu1211capable of moving to a detailed page associated with a current location of the ward on a location display screen1210that is a result screen of a ward location reference function, the location display screen1210may be switched to a service screen1220for providing a detailed function about the current location of the ward. Here, a detailed menu including at least one of a video view function1221of playing image information of a ward, a search function1222of providing a name search based on a map search, a safety information providing function1223of providing safety information based on the current location of the ward, a route searching function1224of providing a route guide service about the current location of the ward, a location change function1225of changing the current location of the ward, and a memo function1226of creating and registering a memo associated with the current location of the ward may be displayed on the service screen1220.

Video View Function

The video view function refers to a function of displaying image information in which a peripheral image of a ward is captured. Here, the image information may be collected from a ward terminal and may include at least one of at least one photo taken at predetermined time intervals and a moving picture taken during a predetermined period of time. For example, in a case in which image information includes three photos, a corresponding screen may be automatically switched to a subsequent photo in response to tapping a screen area associated with the video view function1221, or a guardian may view the photos sequentially by directly flicking a photo. Here, which photo is currently displayed may be marked on a screen area associated with the video view function1221. Similarly, a current state of the ward may be directly displayed on the screen area associated with the video view function1221, or may be displayed by changing an information display form of a predetermined area based on the current state of the ward.

Search Function

The search function refers to a function of conducting a search associated with a current location of a ward. A guardian may conduct a name search by using, as a keyword, a shop name, a place name, and the like, obtained from image information of the ward.

In response to tapping the search function1222on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12, the location display screen1210may be switched to a search screen1310ofFIG.13on which it is possible to conduct a location search. Here, an input window1311for entering a name and a keyboard OSD screen1312may be displayed on the search screen1310. A safety service system may conduct a name search by using, as a keyword, a name input to the input window1311based on location information of a ward, and may provide a search result on a search result screen1320. Here, the search result may be configured as a list and an icon for providing a map screen may be activated and thereby displayed for each search result on the search result screen1320. A location of a place corresponding to the search result and a location of the ward may be displayed together on all the map screens. In response to tapping the entire bar of a predetermined search result from a list on the search result screen1320, the search result screen1320may be switched to a relevant information screen1330for providing relevant information associated with the corresponding search result. Here, a detailed menu including at least one of a call connecting function1331of making a call to a place associated with a search result, a location verifying function1332of providing a map screen of a place associated with the search result, a location change function1333of changing a current location of the ward with the place associated with the search result, a route searching function1334of providing a route guide service to the place associated with the search result, a memo view function1335of providing a list of memos registered by a guardian and/or another person with respect to the place associated with the search result, and a memo creation function1336of creating and registering a memo with respect to the place associated with the search result may be displayed on the relevant information screen1330. In response to the guardian tapping the location verifying function1332or the location change function1333on the relevant information screen1330ofFIG.13, the relevant information screen1330may be switched to a map page1410on which a location change is possible with respect to the current location of the ward. Here, a current location of a ward and a location of a place associated with a search result may be displayed on the map page1410. Also, a menu for requesting a location change may be activated and thereby displayed on the map page1410. In response to the guardian requesting a location change through the corresponding menu on the display page1410, the current location of the ward may be changed with the location associated with the search result, and the changed location may be stored as a travel route of the ward. Also, in response to the guardian tapping the route searching function1334on the relevant information screen1330ofFIG.13, the relevant information screen1330may be switched to an information providing screen1510ofFIG.15for providing public transportation information used to find the place associated with the search result. In response to the guardian tapping the memo view function1335on the relevant information screen1330ofFIG.13, the relevant information screen1330may be switched to a memo view screen1610for configuring, as a list, memos registered by the guardian and/or another person with respect to the place associated with the search result and displaying the list of memos. Here, a menu1611capable of correcting or deleting a memo created by the guardian and a menu1612capable of writing a note to another person and reporting a hazardous publication with respect to a memo created by the other person may be displayed on the memo view screen1610. In response to the guardian tapping the memo creation function1336on the relevant information screen1330ofFIG.13, the relevant information screen1330may be switched to a memo creation screen1620ofFIG.16including an input window for creating a memo and a keyboard OSD screen. Once the memo creation is completed on the memo creation screen1620, the memo creation screen1620may be switched to the memo view screen1610. Also, a newly created memo may be included in a list of memos and thereby displayed. Here, a memo created by the guardian may be registered and managed in association with location information of the place associated with the search result.

Safety Information Providing Function

The safety information providing function refers to a function of providing safety information in which a point of interest (POI) included in a map screen is classified into a safe POI or a dangerous POI based on a type of the POI, when providing the map screen for displaying a current location of a ward.

In response to tapping the safety information providing function1223on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12, the location display screen1210may be switched to a safety information page1710ofFIG.17. Here, a current location1711of the ward may be indicated on a map and a safety POI1712and a dangerous POI1713based on a location of the ward may be displayed on the safety information page1710. Also, in response to the guardian selecting icons of the safe POI1712and the dangerous POI1713on the safety information page1710, a name of a corresponding POI may be displayed through a speech balloon function. Further, in response to the guardian tapping a POI name, the safety information page1710may be switched to a detailed information screen1720for displaying detailed information, for example, an address and a telephone number, of a corresponding POI.

Route Searching Function

The route searching function refers to a function of executing a route guide service by using a location of a guardian as a departure and a location of a ward as a destination.

In response to tapping the route searching function1224on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12, the location display screen1210may be switched to a route searching screen1810ofFIG.18for providing a route guide. Here, a departure search window1811for searching for a departure and a destination search window1812for searching for a destination, a keyboard OSD screen may be displayed on the route searching screen1810. A current location of the guardian may be displayed as a default value on the departure search window1811and a current location of the ward may be displayed as a default value on the destination search window1812. In response to a touch on a search window, a keyboard may be displayed and thus, it is possible to search for and thereby set a desired region or place name. In response to conducting a name search, a search result list may be provided. In response to a request of the guardian for a map screen about a predetermined search result, an icon may be created on a map and the guardian may directly select a departure or a destination through the icon. When setting of the departure and the destination is completed, a route from the departure to the destination may be displayed on the map and various types of information associated with the route, for example, route briefing information, a recommended route, and public transportation information, may be provided.

Location Change Function

The location change function refers to a function of moving or changing a current location of a ward to another place.

In response to tapping the location change function1225on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12, the location display screen1210may be switched to a map page1910ofFIG.19on which it is possible to change a current location of a ward. Here, the map page1910is functionally similar to the map page1410ofFIG.14and may provide a function of changing the current location of the ward by activating a pin1911corresponding to the current location of the ward and by pushing the activated pin1911. When a location of the pin1911is changed on the map page1910, an address of a place of which a location is changed may be displayed on a description area at a lower end of the map together with a speech balloon as illustrated in a map page1920. Accordingly, in response to the guardian pushing a location change complete button, a location of the ward may be changed to a location set at the pin1911and the changed location may be recorded as a travel route of the ward.

Memo Function

The memo function refers to a function of enabling a guardian to create and register a predetermined comment on a current location of a ward in a memo form. Here, a memo may refer to SNS information that may be shared between guardians using a safety service.

In response to tapping the memo function1226capable of creating a memo on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12, the location display screen1210may be switched to a memo creation screen2010ofFIG.20including an input window for creating a memo and a keyboard OSD screen. Here, the memo creation screen2010is functionally similar to the memo creation screen1620ofFIG.16. Once the memo creation is completed on the memo creation screen2010, log content according to the memo may be displayed at an upper end of a location display screen2020that is a result screen according to a ward location reference function. For example, the full content of the memo may be displayed at the upper end of the location display screen2020. Also, the memo may be translucently displayed on an area on which image information of the ward is displayed. Here, a memo capable of “creating a memo” on the location display screen1210ofFIG.12may be changed to a “memo correction” menu capable of correcting a memo on the location display screen2020on which the memo creation is completed. Also, using the memo function, the guardian may create a memo and then set whether to disclose the created memo. Accordingly, a menu for setting whether to disclose a memo may be provided on the memo creation screen2010. A memo created by the guardian may be registered and managed in association with location information corresponding to a current location of the ward.

Neighbor Log Function

The neighbor log function refers to a function of sharing information between guardians using a safety service based on an SNS.

In response to tapping “where are you now?” on a main screen (seeFIG.9) that is a page on which it is possible to refer to a location of a ward, the main page may be switched to a location display screen2110ofFIG.21for displaying a current location2111of the ward. Here, log information of a memo created by another person may be displayed on the location display screen2110. That is, after searching for memos associated with location information within a predetermined radius based on the current location2111of the ward, a memo allowed to be disclosed may be displayed on the location display screen2110. Referring toFIG.21, the current location2111of the ward on a map and a neighbor log POI2112based on the current location2111of the ward may be displayed on the location display screen2110. Here, the neighbor log POI2112that is a POI corresponding to location information for each memo may be displayed on the location display screen2110. Accordingly, in response to a guardian selecting an icon of the neighbor log POI2112, other person information, for example, a name, associated with another person having created a corresponding memo may be displayed. Further, in response to the guardian tapping other person information of the neighbor log POI2112, the full content of the memo may be displayed.

SOS Function

The SOS function refers to a service capable of substantially coping with an emergency situation of a ward. In response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward, a guardian may verify the safety of the ward through a security company or may cope with the danger to the ward using the SOS function. Using the SOS function, the ward may call an SOS through a ward terminal in response to the occurrence of the danger to the ward. Alternatively, when a safety service system determines that the danger to the ward has occurred based on location information of the ward, the safety service system may provide the guardian with location information and image information of the ward using the SOS function, so that the guardian may verify the location information and the image information and thereby call dispatch of the security company. In this case, a message notifying an emergency situation of the ward may be preferentially transferred to the guardian through a text service and the like. Also, when the guardian determines that the ward is in an emergency situation while monitoring location information and image information of the ward, the guardian may directly call dispatch of the security company using the SOS function. That is, the SOS function may be executed in at least one of a case in which an SOS dispatch call of the guardian is present on a service screen for providing a current location of the ward, a case in which an abnormal signal occurs in a ward terminal, a case in which location information of the ward is deviated from a safety zone set by the guardian, a case in which the location information of the ward enters a danger zone set by the guardian, and the like.

FIGS.22through25illustrate a service screen associated with an SOS function capable of coping with an emergency situation of a ward.

In response to tapping the menu525associated with the SOS function on the main screen520ofFIG.2, the main screen520may be switched to an SOS center screen2210ofFIG.22for providing an SOS dispatch call menu. Here, a current location and a current state, for example, a safety zone, a danger zone, and emergency, of the ward may be displayed on the SOS center screen2210. A menu for moving to a detailed page on which location information and image information of the ward is provided may be activated and displayed. Also, a calling target, such as a call by the guardian, a call by the ward, and a call by a safety service system, may be displayed on the SOS center screen2210. Alternatively, a display form of the SOS center screen2210may be classified and thereby displayed based on the calling target. In response to the guardian tapping the menu for moving to the detailed page on the SOS center screen2210, the SOS center screen2210may be switched to an information verifying screen2310ofFIG.23including a map screen for displaying a current location of a ward, a function capable of playing image information of the ward, and an SOS menu2311of requesting a security company for an SOS dispatch with respect to the corresponding ward. That is, the guardian may verify a location and an image of the ward on the information verifying screen2310. In this example, when the guardian determines that the ward is in an emergency situation, the guardian may request the SOS dispatch by tapping the SOS menu2311. In response thereto, the safety service system may transmit information, for example, location information, image information, and description information, of the ward to the security company, such that the security company may verify the safety of the ward and cope with the emergency situation. In response to the SOS dispatch call for the ward on the information verifying screen2310, the information verifying screen2310may be switched to a call details screen2220ofFIG.22for displaying new call information. Here, an SOS dispatch call state with respect to the ward for which the SOS dispatch has been requested may be displayed on the call details screen2220using a flicking method.

Referring toFIG.24, a menu associated with a reference function of referring to details of a SOS dispatch call reported to a security company, a current state of the ward processed at the security company, and processing details thereof may be displayed on an SOS related screen2410, for example, the SOS center screen2210and the call details screen2220ofFIG.22. In response to a guardian tapping a menu2411for referring to SOS dispatch call details among menus displayed on the SOS related screen2410, the SOS related screen2410may be switched to an SOS call details screen2420for displaying details of the SOS dispatch call reported with respect to the ward. Here, a list of SOS dispatch calls may be created and brief information, for example, a time at which the SOS dispatch call is reported and a current processing state, may be displayed for each call on the SOS call details screen2420. In response to the guardian tapping a predetermined call from a list of SOS dispatch calls on the SOS call details screen2420, the SOS call details screen2420may be switched to a details verifying screen2430for displaying details, for example, a time at which a SOS dispatch call is reported, a location of the ward when the SOS dispatch call is reported, a calling target having reported the SOS dispatch call, for example, a call by the ward and a call by the guardian, a current processing state of the SOS dispatch call, and the like. Also, referring toFIG.25, in response to a guardian tapping a menu2511of referring to SOS dispatch details among menus displayed on an SOS related screen2510, the SOS related screen2510may be switched to an SOS dispatch details screen2520for displaying details of dispatch taken by a security company in response to an SOS dispatch signal call. Here, a list of details of dispatches taken by the security company with respect to the ward in response to an SOS dispatch call may be created and brief information, for example, a time at which the SOS dispatch call is reported and a name of a security agent having actually reacted, may be displayed for each dispatch on the SOS dispatch details screen2520. In response to the guardian tapping a predetermined dispatch on the SOS dispatch details screen2520, the SOS dispatch details screen2520may be switched to a details verifying screen2530for displaying details, for example, a reference number of the SOS dispatch, a name of the ward, a time at which the SOS dispatch is received, a dispatched time for the ward, a reported place, that is, a location of the ward at which the SOS dispatch call is reported, a name and a contact number of a security agent having been dispatched to the ward, and a state of the ward verified by the security agent. The aforementioned SOS related screen may provide a function of guiding the overall service associated with an SOS function, for example, what an SOS function is, how to make an SOS dispatch call, how a security company reacts to the call, fee schedules, and the like.

Travel Route Function

The travel route function refers to a function of accumulating location information of a ward collected from a ward terminal and providing a travel route that is a trace along which the ward has moved.

FIG.26illustrates a service screen associated with a travel route function.

Referring toFIG.26, in response to tapping the travel route menu528associated with the travel route function on the main screen520ofFIG.5, the main screen520may be switched to a travel route screen2610for displaying a travel route of the ward. Here, a travel route based on a date-by-date basis may be provided on the travel route screen2610and location information of the ward may be displayed in a log form on a map of the travel route screen2610. Location information of the ward collected at predetermined time intervals may be connected based on the temporal elapse and thereby displayed on the map of the travel route screen2610. Here, a number corresponding to a travel sequence may be indicated on a POI corresponding to each set of location information. In response to the guardian tapping a POI indicated with a number on the travel route screen2610, brief information may be displayed at a lower end of the travel route screen2610together with a speech balloon indicating a collected time. Also, in response to the guardian tapping the speech balloon or brief information at the lower end of the travel route screen2610, the travel route screen2610may be switched to a service screen2630for providing a detailed function about a corresponding location. Here, a function of the service screen2630may be similar to a function of the service screen1220ofFIG.12. Also, a menu associated with a function of accumulating location information corresponding to a travel route of the ward and displaying the accumulated information as a list may be provided on the travel route screen2610. In response to the guardian tapping the corresponding menu on the travel route screen2610, the travel route screen2610may be switched to a list screen2620for sorting and thereby displaying location information of the ward for each item.

Setting Function (Settings of Environment)

The setting function refers to a function of setting a usage environment of a guardian with respect to a safety service.

FIGS.27through37illustrate a service screen associated with a setting function.

Referring toFIG.27, in response to tapping the setting menu520associated with the setting function on the main screen520ofFIG.5, the main screen520may be switched to a setting screen2710on which it is possible to verify a current service use state or perform various environment settings. Here, the setting screen2710may provide a safety zone/danger zone setting function2711of managing a safety zone and a danger zone with respect to a ward, a description setting function2712of registering or editing description information of the ward, a map setting function2713of setting a type of a map displayed on the service screen, a personal information setting function2714of setting personal information of a guardian, a ward setting function2715of setting a plurality of wards, a MY note box function2716of managing a note, and the like.

Setting of Safety Zone/danger Zone

In response to a guardian tapping the safety zone/danger zone setting function2711on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, the setting screen2710may be switched to a zone setting screen2810or2820ofFIG.28on which it is possible to set a safety zone and a danger zone for each ward registered by the guardian. In response to the guardian selecting a ward on the zone setting screen2810or2820and then tapping a corresponding menu associated with the selected ward, the zone setting screen2810or2820may be switched to an input screen2830for entering a specific condition about the safety zone or the danger zone. Here, a menu associated with a function of entering a name of the safety zone or a danger zone, a function of classifying and thereby setting a type of the safety zone or the danger zone of which the name is entered, a function of setting a radius of the safety zone or the danger zone, a function of setting a time, for example, a use day and a use time, at which the safety zone or the danger zone is to be used, and a function of setting a location measurement method of the ward may be displayed on the input screen2830. Here, the function of setting a radius of the safety zone or the danger zone may preferentially provide a map page on which it is possible to conduct a name search and select a location (pin). For example, in response to the guardian selecting a predetermined location as a pin on the map page and adjusting a corresponding radius, an area within the corresponding radius based on the selected location may be set as the safety zone or the danger zone. Also, the safety zone or the damager area set by the guardian with respect to the ward may be displayed as a list on the zone setting screen2820. Further, the zone setting screen2820may provide a function of adding a new safety zone or danger zone or deleting/correcting an existing safety zone or danger zone.

Setting of Description

In response to a guardian tapping the description setting function2717on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, a ward list screen2910ofFIG.29for displaying a list of wards registered by the guardian may be preferentially displayed. Also, in response to tapping a predetermined ward on the ward list screen2910, the ward list screen2910may be switched to a description screen2920for displaying a list of predetermined sets of description information most recently registered with respect to the predetermined ward. In response to the guardian tapping a predetermined item on the description screen2920, detailed description information of the corresponding item may be displayed on the description screen2920and the description screen2920may be switched to a description registration screen2930on which it is possible to register a description of the ward. Here, the description registration screen2930may be functionally similar to the description registration screen820ofFIG.8, and may provide a function of moving to a previous/next page or a date-by-date page based on currently displayed description information, a function of correcting currently displayed description information, for example, a photo and content, a function of registering new description information, a function of registering currently displayed description information as a main thumbnail image, and a function of moving to the description screen2920, and the like.

Setting of Map

In response to a guardian tapping the map setting function2713of setting a type of a map on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, the setting screen2710may be switched to a map setting screen3010ofFIG.30for setting a type of a map screen. Here, a list of map types that can be provided from a safety service system, such as a two-dimensional (2D) map and an air map such as a satellite map, may be provided on the map setting screen3010. The guardian may select, from the list of map types, a map type that the guardian desires to be provided with from a safety service through a service screen and then set the selected map type.

Setting of Personal Information

In response to a guardian tapping the personal information setting function2714of setting personal information of the guardian on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, the setting screen2710may be switched to a personal information setting screen3110ofFIG.31for entering personal information of the guardian. Here, the personal information setting screen3110may provide a function of displaying personal information, for example, a name, an ID/PW, and an email address of a guardian, for example, a mother, registered to a safety service system, and a function of registering an additional guardian, for example, a father in addition to the guardian. In response to the guardian tapping the function of registering an additional guardian on the personal information setting screen3110, the personal information setting screen3110may be switched to a guardian adding screen3120including an input window for entering a name and a contact number of the additional guardian and a relationship between the guardian and the additional guardian, and a keyboard OSD screen. Also, the personal information setting screen3110may provide a function of deleting the additional guardian or correcting information of the additional guardian.

Ward Setting Function

In response to a guardian tapping the ward setting function2715of setting a ward on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, the setting screen2710may be switched to a ward setting screen3210ofFIG.32for setting a ward. Here, the ward setting screen3210may provide an environment in which the guardian may add a plurality of wards or change a ward. The ward setting screen3210may provide a function3211of adding a ward and a function3212of displaying a list of registered wards. In response to the guardian tapping the function3211of adding a ward on the ward setting screen3210, the ward setting screen3210may be switched to a service screen associated with a function of authenticating a ward terminal and a function of registering ward information. Here, the terminal authentication screen620ofFIG.6may be provided as the service screen associated with the function of authenticating the ward terminal. Also, a ward registration screen3310ofFIG.33that is functionally similar to the ward registration screen720ofFIG.7may be provided as the service screen associated with the function of registering ward information. That is, the guardian may perform a procedure of authenticating a ward terminal through the terminal authentication screen620with respect to a ward desired to be added and then may register a photo, a name, a contact number, a sex, an age, a height/weight, a school, a feature or a decryption, a routing period, and the like, of the ward through the ward registration screen3310. In particular, in response to the guardian tapping a function of setting a routing period on the ward registration screen3310, the ward registration screen3310may be switched to a routing period setting screen3320for setting a routing period of the ward. Here, using the routing period setting screen3320, it is possible to set a plurality of routing periods with respect to a single ward and to set a use day, a use time, and a time interval as time information in which location information and image information on the ward is allowed to be collected. Also, the routing period setting screen3320may provide a function of displaying a list of routing periods set with respect to a predetermined ward, a function of deleting or editing a routing period included in the list of routing periods, and a function of adding a new routing period.

MY Note Box

In response to a guardian tapping the MY note box function2716of managing a note on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27, the setting screen2710may be switched to a MY note box screen3410ofFIG.34for managing a note exchanged with another person. The presence/absence of a new note received on the MY note box function2716or a number of notes received on the MY note box function2716may be displayed on the setting screen2710ofFIG.27. The MY note box screen3410may provide a function3411of displaying a list of notes received from other persons in a received order, a reply function3412of sending a reply to another person having sent a note, and a function3413of displaying a list of notes sent to other persons in a sent order. Here, the function3411of displaying a list of received notes may disclose a name of another person having sent a note of each item and partial content of the note on a list of notes. Also, the function3411of displaying a list of received notes and the function3413of displaying a list of sent notes may provide a function of selectively deleting a note or deleting all the notes. In response to the guardian tapping the reply function3412, the MY note box screen3410may be switched to a reply screen including an input window for entering a reply and a keyboard OSD screen.

In addition to the function of setting various types of environments associated with the guardian, the aforementioned setting function may provide a function of enabling the guardian to access a notice associated with a safety service, a use guide, a current service use state of the guardian, and the like.

As described above, a safety service system may manage the overall process of a safety service in which a guardian may constantly monitor and manage a location of a ward based on a location and an image of the ward collected from a ward terminal, and may make an SOS dispatch call in response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward. Accordingly, a process and a user interface for a safety service request may be configured in a guardian terminal. Through this, it is possible to display service screens provided from the safety service system.

FIG.35is a flowchart illustrating a safety service method for providing a safety service that supports monitoring and management of a ward according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each operation of the safety service method according to the present embodiment may be performed by the safety service system300ofFIG.3.

In operation3510, the safety service system300may collect location information and image information associated with a ward with respect to the ward registered by a guardian. Here, in interaction with a ward terminal, the safety service system300may receive, from a ward terminal as necessary and at predetermined intervals, location information indicating a current location of the ward and image information in which a peripheral image of the ward is captured. The ward terminal may refer to a communication terminal having a function of calculating a location of the ward and a function of capturing a peripheral image of the ward and thus, may provide location information and image information of the ward in response to a request of the safety service system300. Also, when an alert signal is input from the ward or when a level of external impact exceeds a threshold, the ward terminal may detect the alert signal or the external impact as an abnormal signal associated with the ward and thereby provide the location information and the image information to the safety service system300. Here, the location information may refer to information calculated using at least one of a GPS measurement method and a mobile communication base station measurement method, and the image information may refer to at least one of at least one photo captured at predetermined time intervals and a moving picture taken during a predetermined period of time.

In operation3520, the safety service system300may provide an LBS based safety service based on location information and image information of the ward that is collected from the ward terminal. That is, the safety service system300may provide location information and image information of the ward to the guardian in response to a request for referring to the ward from the guardian, and may provide the location information and the image information to the guardian or a security company in response to an alert signal detected with respect to the ward. Here, the safety service system300may recognize, as the alert signal associated with the ward, at least one of a case in which an abnormal signal occurs in a ward terminal, for example, a case in which the ward directly inputs the alert signal or a case in which an abnormal signal is detected due to a level of impact exceeding a threshold, a case in which the location information is deviated from a safety zone set by the guardian, and a case in which the location information enters a danger zone set by the guardian. The guardian may verify an emergency situation of the ward based on the location information and the image information provided from the safety service system300, and if necessary, may request the security company for an SOS dispatch. Accordingly, the safety service system300may transfer location information and image information of the ward to the security company and the security company may directly move to a corresponding location and thereby prevent and cope with an emergency situation of the ward. In addition, the safety service system300may receive, from the guardian, ward information, such as a photo, personal information, and description information of the ward, and maintain the received ward information. When transmitting location information and image information of the ward to the security company while maintaining the ward information, the safety service system300may also provide the ward information registered by the guardian. Here, the ward information including the description information may be provided to the security company together with a location and an image of the ward in response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward and thereby be used as useful information for handling the danger to the ward. Also, the safety service system300may provide a memo function of enabling the guardian to input predetermined comments on a location of the ward. That is, the safety service system300may receive a memo associated with location information of the ward from the guardian and may store and maintain the received memo. In addition, the safety service system300may service a memo of another person to be shared based on location information between guardians having allowed their memos to be disclosed based on an SNS. In response to a request of the guardian, the safety service system300may accumulate location information of the ward and may provide a travel route that is a trace along which the ward has moved. The safety service system300may provide a service screen associated with a safety service to a guardian terminal connected to the safety service system300. Here, through the service screen, the safety service system300may support a function of registering or editing information associated with the guardian and the ward, a function of referring to a location of the ward, a function of requesting an SOS dispatch based on a level of an emergency situation which the ward has encountered, a function of providing a travel route of the ward, a function of sharing information between guardians, an environment setting function of setting an environment of the safety service, and the like. Here, the function of referring to a location of the ward may include a detailed function about a current location of the ward based on location information and image information of the ward together with a map page on which the current location of the ward is marked on a center of a map. The detailed function may be, for example, a function of playing image information of the ward, a function of providing a name search based on a map search, a function of providing safety information based on a current location of the ward, a function of providing a route guide service about the current location of the ward, a function of changing the current location of the ward, a function of creating and registering a memo associated with the current location of the ward. Also, the function of requesting an SOS dispatch may provide a function of showing a latest location and a current state, for example, a safety zone, a danger zone, and an emergency, of the ward, and may also providing a function of displaying the current location of the ward on a map page, a function of playing image information of the ward, a function of making an SOS dispatch call to a security company with respect to the corresponding ward, a function of displaying details of the SOS dispatch call made with respect to the ward, a function of displaying details of a dispatch taken by the security company in response to an SOS dispatch signal call, and the like. Also, an environment setting function of setting an environment about a safety service may provide a function of setting a ward, a function of setting a safety zone and a danger zone with respect to the ward, a function of registering or editing description information of the ward, a function of setting a type of a map type displayed on a service screen, a function of setting personal information of a guardian, and the like.

As described above, according to example embodiments of the present invention, an environment in which it is possible to constantly monitor and manage a ward may be supported and thus, it is possible to more readily verifying an emergency situation of the ward and to quickly cope with the emergency situation. In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, by transmitting a location and an image of a ward to a guardian or a security company in response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward, an emergency situation of the ward may be easily verified. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, by further transmitting a description of a ward in addition to a location of the ward and an image of the ward in response to an occurrence of a danger to the ward, more useful information may be provided. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, by sharing information between guardians to monitor and manage wards, it is possible to provide an SNS.

Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications from the description.

Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and is defined by the claims and their equivalents.