Apparatus for providing communication function and operating method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for providing a communication function on the basis of a network environment, and an operating method thereof. The electronic device may obtain state information of a plurality of community terminals included in a predetermined community group and, in response to a first community terminal among the plurality of community terminals being selected as a call target object, output a first state notification message notifying the state of the first community terminal on the basis of the state information. The electronic device may determine a second community terminal from among the plurality of community terminals on the basis of the state information in response to a replacement request event being triggered to request replacement of the call target object with another community terminal and output a second state notification message notifying the state of the second community terminal on the basis of the state information.

Description

Device providing communication function and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device that provides a communication function based on a network environment and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Electronic devices based on communication functions are designed to be easily carried by users, such as smartphones, mobile phones, or tablet devices. These electronic devices may be equipped with applications that provide various functions. These electronic devices can execute the installed applications in response to user input. These electronic devices can display information based on the execution of these applications.

[0003] These electronic devices offer a variety of functions based on their interconnectivity with network environments, and their utility is steadily increasing. For example, these devices are used in a wide range of aspects of daily life, such as photography, content viewing, and identity verification. Most of these electronic devices' operations are implemented based on communication functions. For example, communication functions that support the sharing of information without spatial or temporal constraints (e.g., voice / video calls, text messaging, or short message services) are being integrated with various services in addition to their core functions. In platforms offering such diverse services, communication functions must be able to maintain rapid and stable communication, which is a fundamental requirement.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding this document. None of the above is claimed to be prior art related to this document or can be used to determine prior art.

[0005] The embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a device and method that enable an electronic device in a network environment to exchange calls between community terminals to perform a communication function based on status information of community terminals belonging to a community group.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a display configured to output visual information, a transceiver configured to perform communication with an external electronic device based on at least one communication method, at least one processor, and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to obtain status information of a plurality of community terminals included in a predetermined community group, display a first status guidance message on the display indicating a status of the first community terminal based on the status information in response to a first community terminal included in the plurality of community terminals being selected as a call target object, determine a second community terminal among the plurality of community terminals based on the status information in response to a replacement request event being triggered requesting replacement of the call target object with another community terminal, and display a second status guidance message on the display indicating a status of the second community terminal based on the status information. Here, the first status guidance message or the second status guidance message may be a message that provides guidance on whether a corresponding community terminal predicted to be available for response in response to a call is available.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for performing a communication function of an electronic device may include: acquiring status information of a plurality of community terminals included in a predetermined community group; outputting a first status guidance message notifying a status of a first community terminal included in the plurality of community terminals based on the status information in response to a first community terminal being selected as a call target object; determining a second community terminal among the plurality of community terminals based on the status information in response to a replacement request event being triggered that requests replacing the call target object with another community terminal; and outputting a second status guidance message notifying a status of the second community terminal based on the status information. Here, the first status guidance message or the second status guidance message may be a message that provides guidance on whether a corresponding community terminal predicted to respond to a call is capable of responding.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device can call a community terminal based on the status information of the community group, thereby preventing unnecessary calls to community terminals that are difficult to respond. Furthermore, the electronic device can receive an automatic configuration message or automatic response message prepared based on the status information from the called community terminal, making it easier to identify the cause of the community terminal's difficulty in responding.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned above can be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field.

[0010] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for supporting a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram for supporting a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of an electronic device for supporting a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 4A to 4C are control flowcharts for providing a communication function by an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a control flowchart for a community terminal to provide a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a community terminal for supporting a communication function in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen for replacing a target to perform communication in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen for providing a status change notification function of a target call object to perform communication in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen for notifying a call arrival from a replacement call object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating user interface screens for transmitting an automatic response message from a called object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12a or FIG. 12b is a diagram illustrating an example of transmitting an automatic response message from a called object to a calling object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 13a to 13c are diagrams illustrating examples of transmitting an alternative call status from a community terminal to a public device and outputting a user interface screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14a or FIG. 14b is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen for showing the status of group members belonging to a community group on a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14c or FIG. 14d is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen showing the status of group members belonging to a community group on a public device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for supporting a communication function in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a network environment (100) can support a communication function (e.g., voice / video calls, text services, or short message services) that connects a plurality of nodes with a transmission medium to exchange signals, information, or data between them. The network environment (100) can provide a platform for supporting a communication function between a plurality of nodes using a network (110) as a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be based on short-range communication or long-range communication. The short-range communication can use a communication protocol such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association) as a standard. The long-range communication can use a communication protocol such as legacy cellular, 5G, next-generation communication, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) as a standard.

[0030] The above-described multiple nodes may include hosts capable of executing an application (or app) in response to a specific event. The hosts may belong to a predetermined community group (130). The hosts included in the community group (130) may be community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n). The community group (130) may include a server (131). The server (131) may manage status information of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n). The server (131) may provide status information of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) to an electronic device (120), which is one of the hosts.

[0031] The electronic device (120) may include a user terminal (e.g., a smart phone, a mobile phone, or a tablet device) that can be carried by a user, a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device in this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices. The electronic device (120) or the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) may have application programs installed to provide various functions. The community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) may execute the installed application programs in response to a user's operation. The community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) may display information according to the execution of the application programs through a display.

[0032] A common device (140) that can be included as a node in the above network environment (100) can form a communication link with the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n). The common device (140) can include, for example, a TV (141), a refrigerator (143), or a tablet (145). In addition, the common device (14) can include most devices that can be shared by the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0033] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram for supporting a communication function in a network environment (e.g., network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the target of communication is replaced from a first receiving terminal (e.g., a first community terminal (133-1) of FIG. 1) to a second receiving terminal (e.g., a second community terminal (133-2) of FIG. 1). However, the target of application may be any other receiving terminal included in a community group (130) other than the first receiving terminal (133-1) or the second receiving terminal (133-2) (e.g., an n-th community terminal (133-n) of FIG. 1).

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of community terminals (e.g., first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) included in a community group (130) can transmit their status information to the server (131) (operations 210-1 to 210-n). The status information can be used to determine whether the corresponding community terminal is in a state where it can respond to a communication request (e.g., voice / video call or text message reception) from the outside. The status information can include, for example, at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery information of the corresponding community terminal. The status information can also be configured by a combination of at least two of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or battery information of the corresponding community terminal. The operation mode identification information can indicate an operation mode set for the corresponding community terminal (e.g., normal operation mode, work mode, exercise mode, movie theater mode, do-not-disturb mode, or airplane mode). The above operation mode can be manually set by the user. The operation mode can be automatically set based on information obtained from a sensor or a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). The location information can indicate the location of the corresponding community terminal. The location information can indicate, for example, a home, a school, a company, or an unregistered location (e.g., a location obtainable based on information such as GPS). The location information can be manually set by the user. The location information can be automatically set based on information obtained by at least one component (e.g., GPS or UWB (ultra-wideband)). The device connection information can indicate a device (e.g., a vehicle, a smartwatch, a Bluetooth speaker, a TV, etc.) to which the corresponding community terminal is connected based on a wireless communication method.The above device connection information may be information regarding a connection based on a method such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, rather than a method such as NFC (near field communication) for transmitting event-related data as needed. The movement information may indicate whether the community terminal is moving. The movement information may indicate the speed at which the community terminal is moving. The battery information may indicate whether the community terminal requires charging. The battery information may indicate the remaining battery capacity of the community terminal.

[0035] below summarizes examples of status information that multiple community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can transmit to the server (131).

[0036] Description of category Operation mode identification information Work mode, exercise mode, movie theater mode, do not disturb mode, airplane mode Location information Home, company, school, other unspecified device connection information Vehicle BT, smartwatch, wireless earphone, TV Movement information Stationary status, moving status (moving speed) Battery information Whether charging is needed, remaining battery level

[0037] According to an example, the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can periodically transmit their status information to the server (131). The period for transmitting the status information to the server (131) may be preset. The period for transmitting the status information to the server (131) may be set differently for each community terminal. The period for transmitting the status information to the server (131) may be included in system information provided from the server (131) to the community terminal with which a communication link is formed. The plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) may form a communication link with the server (131) in order to periodically transmit the status information.

[0038] According to an example, the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can aperiodically transmit their status information to the server (131). The plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can transmit their status information to the server (131), for example, in response to a request from the server (131). The plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can transmit their status information to the server (131), for example, in response to a change in their status. The states of the above-described plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) may include a state in which a response to a communication request is possible (hereinafter referred to as a "response-possible state") or a state in which a response to a communication request is difficult (hereinafter referred to as a "unresponse-unable state"). The unresponse-unable state may be, for example, an operating state in which it is difficult to respond to a call from outside, such as work mode, exercise mode, movie theater mode, do-not-disturb mode, or airplane mode. The response-possible state may be an operating state in which a response to a call from outside is possible, rather than the unresponse-unable state.

[0039] The server (131) can obtain status information transmitted by a plurality of community terminals (e.g., first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) included in the community group (130) (operations 210-1 to 210-n). In the drawing, the server (131) is illustrated as collecting status information targeting one community group (130), but is not limited thereto and may collect status information targeting a plurality of community groups.

[0040] The server (131) may transmit the status information of the community group (130) to a predetermined electronic device (e.g., a sending terminal (120)) based on the status information acquired for the community group (130) (operation 220). The server (131) may transmit the status information of the community group to a sending terminal (120) that legally accesses the community group (130) through an application program installed to share information about the community group (130) in a limited manner.

[0041] For example, the status information of the community group may be status information acquired in response to each of the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)). In this case, the status information of the community group may be transmitted by distinguishing the status information for each community terminal using an identifier indicating the community terminal.

[0042] According to one example, the status information of the community group may be generated by processing the status information acquired for the community group (130). For example, the status information of the community group may include information for guiding a community terminal that can respond to a call among the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)). For one example, the status information of the community group may include information for guiding a community terminal that can replace the community terminal that can respond to a call among the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)). For one example, the status information of the community group may include information for guiding a public device in the vicinity that the plurality of community terminals (e.g., the first to nth receiving terminals (133-1 to 133-n)) can access.

[0043] The above-mentioned sending terminal (120) can obtain the status information of the community group transmitted by the above-mentioned server (131) (operation 220). The above-mentioned sending terminal (120) can update the existing status information with the obtained status information of the community group. The above-mentioned sending terminal (120) can prepare a record field in the database for managing the information according to the type of information included in the status information of the community group.

[0044] The sending terminal (120) can select one or more call target objects from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130) (operation 230). The one or more call target objects may be target community terminals with which the sending terminal (120) wishes to perform communication (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.). In the following description, it will be assumed that the first receiving terminal (133-1) included in the community group (130) is the target community terminal. However, the target community terminal does not have to be specified as the first receiving terminal (133-1), and the same can be applied to other community terminals included in the community group (130).

[0045] The sending terminal (120) can output a status guidance message based on the status information of the call target object (operation 240). The sending terminal (120) can analyze the status information acquired for the first receiving terminal (133-1), which is the call target object, and output a status guidance message through a display based on the result of the analysis. The status guidance message may be a guidance message for informing the user whether the first receiving terminal (133-1) can respond to a call according to a communication function. The status guidance message may be, for example, 'User 1 may not respond to calls due to the do-not-disturb mode.' However, if it is analyzed that the first receiving terminal (133-1) can respond to the call, the sending terminal (120) may output a status guidance message saying 'User 1 may respond to calls due to the normal operation state,' or may not output a status guidance message.

[0046] The above-mentioned sending terminal (120) can display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) on the display to select whether to call the first receiving terminal (133-1) while the above-mentioned status guidance message is output. When the call identifier is selected, the above-mentioned sending terminal (120) can perform a call procedure for calling the first receiving terminal (133-1).

[0047] When the sending terminal (120) calls the first receiving terminal (133-1), the first receiving terminal (133-1) can perform subsequent operations according to its operating state. For example, if the first receiving terminal (133-1) determines that it is not able to respond to the call, it can transmit a preset response message to the sending terminal (120). The preset response message can include, for example, content such as "I will contact you shortly." For example, if the first receiving terminal (133-1) determines that it is not able to respond to the call, it can generate an automatic response message based on the current operating state and transmit the generated automatic response message to the sending terminal (120). If the first receiving terminal (133-1) determines that the user is participating in a class, it can generate an automatic response message containing content such as "I'm in class. I'll call you in an hour" and transmit it to the sending terminal (120).

[0048] The above-mentioned sending terminal (120) may display a search identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) on the display that can request the search for a receiving terminal to replace the first receiving terminal (133-1) while the above-mentioned status guidance message is being output. When the search identifier is selected, the sending terminal (120) may detect that a replacement request event has occurred (operation 250).

[0049] When the sending terminal (120) detects the occurrence of the replacement request event, it may select one or more replacement call objects from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130) based on the status information. The one or more replacement call objects may be replacement community terminals with which the sending terminal (120) wishes to perform communication (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.) on behalf of the first receiving terminal (133-1). For example, the sending terminal (120) may select a community terminal from among the plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) that is located close to the first receiving terminal (133-1) or is in an operational state capable of responding to a call as the replacement community terminal. In the following description, it will be assumed that the second receiving terminal (133-2) included in the community group (130) is the replacement community terminal. However, the above alternative community terminal does not have to be specified as the second receiving terminal (133-2), and the same can be applied to other community terminals included in the community group (130).

[0050] The sending terminal (120) may output a status guidance message based on the status information of the substitute call object (operation 260). The sending terminal (120) may analyze the status information obtained for the second receiving terminal (133-2), which is the substitute call object, and may output a status guidance message through a display based on the result of the analysis. The status guidance message may be a guidance message for informing the user whether the second receiving terminal (133-2) can respond to a call according to a communication function. The status guidance message may be, for example, 'The second user is in a normal operating state and can respond to calls.' However, if it is analyzed that the community terminal cannot respond to calls, the sending terminal (120) may output a status guidance message saying 'The second user is in a do-not-disturb mode and may not respond to calls.'

[0051] The sending terminal (120) may display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) for selecting whether to call the second receiving terminal (133-2) while the status guidance message is output. When the call identifier is selected, the sending terminal (120) may perform a call procedure for calling the second receiving terminal (133-2) (operation 270). The sending terminal (120) may provide identification information to the second receiving terminal (133-2) to inform that the call is a replacement for the call of the first receiving terminal (133-1). The sending terminal (120) may include the identification information in a message for calling the second receiving terminal (120) and transmit it. The sending terminal (120) may transmit the identification information separately from the message for calling the second receiving terminal (120).

[0052] The second receiving terminal (133-2) can receive a call from the sending terminal (120) (operation 270). The call may be, for example, for the purpose of a voice call, a video call, or text transmission. The second receiving terminal (133-2) can identify that the call from the sending terminal (120) is a substitute for the call of the first receiving terminal (133-1) based on the identification information received from the sending terminal (120). The second receiving terminal (133-2) can analyze the identification information and, based on the result of the analysis, output a status guidance message through a display. The status guidance message may be a guidance message to inform the user that the first receiving terminal (133-1) is contacting the user on their behalf because the first receiving terminal (133-1) cannot respond to the call. The status guidance message may be, for example, 'User 1 is contacting you because we cannot reach you. User 1 is in class.'

[0053] If the second receiving terminal (133-2) identifies that the call transmitted by the calling terminal (120) is a substitute call on behalf of the first receiving terminal (133-1), it can determine whether a guidance function by a common device (140) (e.g., TV (141), refrigerator (143), tablet (145)) is activated. The guidance function by the common device (140) may be a function that causes the common device (140) to output a guidance message notifying that a substitute call has occurred. If the guidance function by the common device (140) is activated, the second receiving terminal (133-2) can transmit substitute guidance information to the common device (140) (operation 280). The substitute guidance information may include a guidance message notifying that the calling terminal (120) has called the second receiving terminal (133-2) on behalf of the first receiving terminal (133-1).

[0054] When the public base (140) receives alternative guidance information from the second receiving terminal (133-2), it can output a guidance message included in the alternative guidance information using either visual information or auditory information. The guidance message may be, "The second receiving terminal has forwarded the caller's call to the public device. Would you like to answer the call?" While the guidance message is being output, the public device (140) can display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) on the display to select whether to answer the call. When the call identifier is selected, the public device (140) can perform a communication procedure in response to the call of the calling terminal (120).

[0055] FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1 or the sending terminal (120) of FIG. 2) for supporting a communication function in a network environment (e.g., the network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (120) operating according to the state transition diagram illustrated in FIG. 3 may be a third user terminal not included in a community group (e.g., the community group (130) of FIG. 1) or may be a community terminal included in the community group (130). In the following description, the electronic device (120) will be described as performing the operation according to the state transition diagram, but the same operation may also be performed by a community terminal (e.g., the community terminals 133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n of FIG. 1).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (120) may operate in a wait state (310) when a function that can be provided, such as a communication function, is not activated. The electronic device (120) may obtain status information of a community group (130) transmitted by a server (e.g., server (131) of FIG. 1) in the wait state (310). For example, the electronic device (120) may legally access the server (131) through a pre-installed application program to collect status information of the community group (130). The status information of the community group may be status information obtained in response to community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130). The status information of the above community group can be created by processing the status information acquired by the server (131) for the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n). The status information of the community group can be transmitted by distinguishing the status information for each community terminal using an identifier indicating the community terminal. The status information of the community group can include information for guiding a community terminal that can respond to a call among the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n). The status information of the community group can include information for guiding a community terminal that can replace a community terminal that can respond to a call among the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n). The status information of the community group can include information for guiding a public device in the vicinity that the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) can access.

[0057] The electronic device (120) can update existing status information based on the status information of the acquired community group. The electronic device (120) can provide a record field in a database for managing the information contained in the status information of the community group, depending on the type of information.

[0058] The electronic device (120), when a specific function is activated, can transition to an operation state for performing the function (operation 311). For example, when a call target object for communication is selected, the electronic device (120) can transition to a first communication operation state (320). The electronic device (120) can select one or more call target objects from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130). The one or more call target objects may be target community terminals with which the electronic device (120) intends to perform communication (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.).

[0059] The electronic device (120) may operate in the first communication operation state (320). For example, the electronic device (120) may output a first status guidance message based on status information collected or acquired in response to a call target object (operation 321). The call target object may be referred to as a target community terminal to be called (e.g., the first receiving terminal (133-1) of FIG. 1). The electronic device (120) may, for example, analyze status information acquired for a target community terminal selected as a call target object. The electronic device (120) may output a first status guidance message corresponding to the target community terminal based on a result of analyzing the status information. The first status guidance message may be a guidance message for informing a user whether the target community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function. The status guidance message may be defined differently depending on whether the target community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function.

[0060] The electronic device (120) may display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) on the display to request a call from the target community terminal while the status guidance message is being output. When the call identifier is selected, the electronic device (120) may perform a procedure for calling the target community terminal (operation 323). The electronic device (120) may receive a response message from the target community terminal in response to the call. The response message may include content indicating that the call cannot be answered. The response message may be a message prepared in advance for the purpose of the target community terminal refusing to respond to the call. The response message may be a message automatically generated by the target community terminal based on its own operational state. The message automatically generated based on the operational state will enable the recipient to relatively accurately convey to the caller the reason why the recipient cannot respond to the call.

[0061] The electronic device (120) may set an alarm for a change in the status of the target community terminal in response to the output of a first status guidance message notifying that the target community terminal cannot respond to a call. In this case, the electronic device (120) may monitor whether the status of the target community terminal changes based on updated status information for the target community terminal. If the electronic device (120) recognizes a change in the status of the target community terminal, it may output a guidance message notifying this. The electronic device (120) may output an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) that can call the target community terminal through a display together with the guidance message.

[0062] The electronic device (120) may monitor whether a replacement request event requesting a change of a call target occurs in response to the output of a first status guidance message notifying that the target community terminal cannot respond to a call. For example, the electronic device (120) may display a search identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) on the display that may request the search for a community terminal to replace the target community terminal while the first status guidance message is output. When the search identifier is selected, the electronic device (120) may detect that a replacement request event has occurred.

[0063] The electronic device (120), when detecting that the replacement request event has occurred, may transition to a second communication operation state (330) (operation 325). The electronic device (120) may operate in the second communication operation state (330). When detecting that the replacement request event has occurred, the electronic device (120) may select one or more replacement call objects from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130) based on the state information before transitioning to the state. The one or more replacement call objects may be replacement community terminals (e.g., the second receiving terminal (133-2) of FIG. 1) with which the electronic device (120) intends to perform communication (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.) on behalf of the target community terminal. For example, the electronic device (120) may select a community terminal that is located close to the target community terminal among the plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) or is in an operational state capable of responding to a call as a substitute community terminal.

[0064] The electronic device (120) may not transition to the second community operation state (330) if the replacement request event occurs but the replacement community terminal does not exist, but instead maintains the first community operation state (320) or transitions to the standby state (310).

[0065] When the electronic device (120) transitions to the second communication operation state (330), it may output a second state guidance message based on state information collected or acquired in response to the alternative community terminal (operation 331). For example, the electronic device (120) may analyze the acquired state information regarding the alternative community terminal selected as the call target object to be replaced. The electronic device (120) may output a second state guidance message corresponding to the alternative community terminal based on the result of analyzing the state information. The second state guidance message may be a guidance message for informing the user whether the alternative community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function. The second state guidance message may be defined differently depending on whether the alternative community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function.

[0066] The electronic device (120) may display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) that can request a call from the alternative community terminal while the second status guidance message is output. When the call identifier is selected, the electronic device (120) may perform a procedure for calling the alternative community terminal (operation 333). The electronic device (120) may receive a response message from the alternative community terminal in response to the call. The response message may include content indicating that the call cannot be answered. The response message may be a message prepared in advance for the purpose of the alternative community terminal refusing to respond to the call. The response message may be a message automatically generated by the alternative community terminal based on its own operational state. The message automatically generated based on the operational state will enable the reason why the recipient cannot respond to the call to be relatively accurately conveyed to the caller.

[0067] The electronic device (120) can monitor whether a termination of a communication function is requested in the first communication operation state (320) or the second communication operation state (330). The termination event of the communication function can occur, for example, when an application program that performs the corresponding function is terminated. When the termination event of the communication function occurs, the electronic device (120) can transition to the standby state (310) (operation 327 or operation 335). After the state transition, the electronic device (120) can perform the operation in the standby state (310).

[0068] FIGS. 4A to 4C are control flowcharts for providing a communication function by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1 or the sending terminal (120) of FIG. 2) in a network environment (e.g., the network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (120) operating according to the control flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 may be a third user terminal not included in a community group (e.g., the community group (130) of FIG. 1) or may be a community terminal included in the community group (130). In the following description, the electronic device (120) will be described as performing operations according to the control flowchart, but the same operations may also be performed by a community terminal (e.g., the community terminals 133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n of FIG. 1).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C , the electronic device (120) may obtain status information of a predetermined community group (130) from a server (e.g., the server (131) of FIG. 1 ) in operation 411. For example, the electronic device (120) may receive status information of the community group (130) from the server (131) through a pre-installed application program. The status information of the community group may be status information obtained in response to community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130). The status information of the community group may be created by processing status information obtained by the server (131) for the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n). The status information of the community group may be transmitted by distinguishing status information for each community terminal using an identifier indicating the community terminal. The status information of the above community group may include information guiding a community terminal capable of responding to a call among the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n). The status information of the community group may include information guiding a community terminal capable of replacing a community terminal capable of responding to a call among the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n). The status information of the community group may include information guiding a public device in the vicinity that the community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) can access.

[0070] The electronic device (120) can update existing status information based on the status information of the acquired community group. The electronic device (120) can provide a record field in a database for managing the information contained in the status information of the community group, depending on the type of information.

[0071] The electronic device (120) may determine, in operation 413, whether a call target object to perform a communication function (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.) is selected. The call target object may be selected on an application program running for the communication function. The electronic device (120) may select one or more call target objects from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130). The one or more call target objects may be target community terminals on which the electronic device (120) intends to perform a communication function.

[0072] When the call target object is selected, the electronic device (120) may output a first status guidance message based on status information collected or acquired corresponding to the call target object in operation 415. The call target object may be a target community terminal to be called (e.g., the first receiving terminal (133-1) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device (120) may analyze status information acquired for the target community terminal selected as the call target object. The electronic device (120) may output a first status guidance message corresponding to the target community terminal based on a result of analyzing the status information. The first status guidance message may be a guidance message for informing a user whether the target community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function. The status guidance message may be defined differently depending on whether the target community terminal can respond to a call according to a communication function.

[0073] The electronic device (120) may determine, in operation 417, whether a call is requested for the call target object. For example, the electronic device (120) may display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) on the display and, based on selection of the call identifier, identify whether a call is requested for the call target object.

[0074] If there is a call request for the call target object, the electronic device (120) may perform a communication operation with the call target object in operation 429. The electronic device (120) may receive a response message from the call target object in response to the call. The response message may include content indicating that the call cannot be responded to. The response message may be a message prepared in advance for the purpose of the call target object refusing to respond to the call. The response message may be a message automatically generated by the call target object based on its own operation state. The message automatically generated based on the operation state will enable the reason why the recipient cannot respond to the call to be relatively accurately conveyed to the sender.

[0075] The electronic device (120) may, in operation 419, monitor whether a replacement request event that requests a change of a call target object occurs in response to the output of the first state guidance message. For example, the electronic device (120) may display a search identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) on the display that may request the search of a target object (hereinafter referred to as a “replacement target object”) to replace the call target object while the first state guidance message is output. When the search identifier is selected, the electronic device (120) may detect that a replacement request event has occurred.

[0076] The electronic device (120) may, in operation 437, determine whether an alarm setting for a state change of the call target object is activated in response to the output of the first state guidance message. The state change may be a change from an operating state in which a call cannot be responded to to an operating state in which a call can be responded to. The electronic device (120) may activate the alarm setting in response to a request from a user.

[0077] The electronic device (120), if the alarm setting is activated, can monitor whether a state change of the call target object occurs based on the updated state information for the call target object in operation 439. If the electronic device (120) recognizes a state change of the call target object, it can output a third guidance message notifying that the state of the call target object has changed in operation 441. The electronic device (120) can output an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) that can call the call target object together with the third guidance message through a display. After outputting the third guidance message, the electronic device (120) can monitor whether a call request occurs in operation 417.

[0078] The electronic device (120), when the replacement request event occurs, can determine whether a replacement call object exists in operation 421. For example, the electronic device (120) can select the replacement call object from among a plurality of community terminals (133-1 to 133-n) included in the community group (130) based on status information acquired for the community group (130). The replacement call object may be a replacement community terminal (e.g., the second receiving terminal (133-2) of FIG. 1) with which the electronic device (120) wishes to perform communication (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.) on behalf of the call target object.

[0079] The electronic device (120) may determine whether the full call setting is activated in operation 431 if the replacement request event occurs but the replacement call object does not exist. The full call setting may be a setting that allows calling all or some of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130) on behalf of the call target object.

[0080] The electronic device (120), if the overall call setting is activated, can call community terminals corresponding to a plurality of objects set as call targets in operation 433. The plurality of objects may be, for example, all community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130) or the remaining community terminals excluding the community terminal corresponding to the call target object.

[0081] If the overall call setting is not activated, the electronic device (120) may output a fourth guidance message indicating that no alternative call object exists in operation 435. In this case, the electronic device (120) may not perform any further operations for the communication function.

[0082] The electronic device (120), if the replacement call object exists, can determine the replacement call object based on the status information acquired corresponding to the community group (130) in operation 423. For example, if a plurality of community terminals can be selected as replacement call objects among the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130), the electronic device (120) can select one replacement call object among the candidate community terminals based on the distance to the community terminal corresponding to the call target object or whether the community terminal is in an operational state capable of responding to a call.

[0083] The electronic device (120), in operation 425, may output a second status guidance message based on status information collected or acquired in response to the alternative call object. For example, the electronic device (120) may analyze status information acquired for a community terminal selected as the alternative call object. The electronic device (120) may output a second status guidance message corresponding to the alternative call object based on a result of analyzing the status information. The second status guidance message may be a guidance message for informing a user whether the alternative call object can respond to a call according to a communication function. The second status guidance message may be defined differently depending on whether the alternative call object can respond to a call according to a communication function.

[0084] The electronic device (120) may display a call identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) that can request a call from the alternative community terminal while the second status guidance message is output. When the call identifier is selected, the electronic device (120) may perform a procedure for calling the alternative community terminal in operation 427. The electronic device (120) may receive a response message from the alternative call object in response to the call. The response message may include content indicating that the call cannot be answered. The response message may be a message prepared in advance for the purpose of the alternative call object refusing to respond to the call. The response message may be a message automatically generated by the alternative call object based on its own operational state. The message automatically generated based on the operational state will enable the reason why the recipient cannot respond to the call to be relatively accurately conveyed to the caller.

[0085] The electronic device (120) may monitor whether a communication function termination event occurs while the aforementioned operation is being performed. The communication function termination event may occur, for example, when an application program performing the corresponding function is terminated. If the communication function termination event occurs, the electronic device (120) may no longer perform operations related to the communication function.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a control flowchart for providing a communication function (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission, etc.) by a community terminal (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) in a network environment (e.g., network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The community terminal operating according to the control flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described as being performed by the first community terminal (133-1), which is one of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1), but the remaining community terminals (e.g., second to nth community terminals (133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) may also perform the same operation.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the community terminal (133-1) may, in operation 511, periodically and / or aperiodically transmit its status information to a server (e.g., server (131) of FIG. 1). The status information may be used to determine whether the community terminal is capable of responding to an external communication request (e.g., voice / video call or text message reception). The status information may include, for example, at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery information of the community terminal. The status information may also be configured by a combination of at least two of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or battery information of the community terminal. The operation mode identification information may indicate an operation mode set for the community terminal (e.g., normal operation mode, work mode, exercise mode, movie theater mode, do-not-disturb mode, or airplane mode). The operation mode may be manually set by a user. The above operation mode can be automatically set based on information acquired from a sensor or a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). The location information can indicate the location of the corresponding community terminal. The location information can indicate, for example, a home, a school, a company, or an unregistered location (e.g., a location that can be acquired based on information such as GPS). The location information can be manually set by a user. The location information can be automatically set based on information acquired by at least one component (e.g., GPS or UWB). The device connection information can indicate a device (e.g., a vehicle, a smartwatch, a Bluetooth speaker, a TV, etc.) to which the corresponding community terminal is connected based on a wireless communication method.The above device connection information may be information regarding a connection based on a method such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, rather than a method such as NFC for transmitting event-related data as needed. The movement information may indicate whether the community terminal is moving. The movement information may indicate the speed at which the community terminal is moving. The battery information may indicate whether the community terminal requires charging. The battery information may indicate the remaining battery capacity of the community terminal.

[0088] The community terminal (133-1) may, in operation 513, monitor whether a call is received from an originating terminal (e.g., an electronic device (120) of FIG. 1). The call may include a call based on a communication function (e.g., a voice / video call or text message transmission) and / or a substitute call. The call based on the communication function may be received when the community terminal (133-1) is a call target object. The substitute call may be received when the community terminal (133-1) is a substitute call object.

[0089] The community terminal (133-1), upon receiving the call, may determine whether the automatic response message function is activated in operation 515. The community terminal (133-1) may also first determine whether the user responds to the received call before determining whether the automatic response function is activated. The automatic response message function may be a function that generates an automatic response message to be transmitted in response to a call based on status information according to its own operational status. The automatic response message function allows the user to more accurately convey to the other party a situation in which the user is unable to respond to a call.

[0090] The community terminal (133-1) may perform a call response operation in operation 525 if the automatic response message function is not activated. The call response operation may include an operation of responding to the call or transmitting a preset response message to the counterpart device.

[0091] The community terminal (133-1), if the automatic response message function is activated, can configure a customized automatic response message based on the status information in operation 517. For example, the community terminal (133-1) can analyze the location information called "school" and the operation mode called "class mode" based on the status information, and can determine that the user is participating in a class at school based on the location information and / or the operation mode as a result of the analysis. The community terminal (133-1) can generate a customized automatic response message, such as "I'm in class. I'll call you in an hour!" based on the determination. The community terminal (133-1) can transmit the generated automatic response message to the sending terminal in operation 519.

[0092] The community terminal (133-1) may determine, in operation 521, whether a request has been made to transmit the occurrence of a replacement call from the calling terminal to a public device (e.g., a public device (140) such as a TV (141), refrigerator (143), or tablet (145) of FIG. 1) upon receiving the call. The guidance function by the public device (140) may be preset in the community terminal (133-1). The guidance function by the public device (140) may be a function that causes the public device (140) to output a guidance message notifying that a replacement call has occurred.

[0093] When the guidance function by the public device (140) is activated, the community terminal (133-1) can transmit alternative guidance information to the public device (140) in operation 523. The alternative guidance information can include a guidance message notifying that the calling terminal has called the community terminal (133-1) on behalf of the call target object.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1 or the sending terminal (120) of FIG. 2) for supporting a communication function in a network environment (e.g., the network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (120) illustrated in FIG. 6 may be a third user terminal not included in a community group (e.g., the community group (130) of FIG. 1) or may be a community terminal included in a community group (130).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (120) may include at least one processor (610), a user interface (I / F) (620), a transceiver (630), or at least one memory (640). The processor (610) may be operably connected to the user I / F (620), the transceiver (630), or the at least one memory (640).

[0096] The processor (610) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips and may perform various data processing operations. For example, the processor (610) (or application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). The processor (610) may include sub-components including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a display controller, a memory controller, a storage controller, a communication processor (CP), and / or a sensor interface. The sub-components are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (610) may further include other sub-components. For example, some sub-components may be omitted from the processor (610). For example, some sub-components may be included as separate components of the electronic device (120) outside the processor (610). For example, some subcomponents may be contained within other components (e.g., a display, an image sensor).

[0097] The processor (610) (e.g., CPU or central processing circuit) may be configured to control sub-components based on the execution of instructions stored in the memory (640) (e.g., volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory). The GPU (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (or neural processing circuit) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). The ISP (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (120) or a sub-component within the processor (610). The display controller (or display control circuit) may be configured to process an image acquired from the CPU, the GPU, the ISP, or the memory (640) (e.g., volatile memory) into a format suitable for projecting it onto a projection surface. The memory controller (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory and writing data to the volatile memory. The storage controller (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory and writing data to the non-volatile memory.The CP (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a sub-component within the processor (610) into a format suitable for transmission to another electronic device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) via the transceiver (630), or to process data obtained from another electronic device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) via the transceiver (630) into a format suitable for processing by the sub-component. The sensor interface (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data on the state of the electronic device (120) and / or the state of the surroundings of the electronic device (120), obtained through an internal sensor (e.g., a distance measurement sensor (ToF (time-of-flight) sensor)) or an external sensor (e.g., one or more position measurement sensors (anchors)), into a format suitable for a sub-component within the processor (610).

[0098] The user I / F (620) may be configured to transmit information to a user. The user I / F (620) may be configured to allow a user to input information. The user I / F (620) may generate commands or data to be used in a component (e.g., at least one processor (610)) of the electronic device (120) in response to a user's operation. The user I / F (620) may include a display (621), a touch panel (623), a speaker, or a receiver. The user I / F (620) may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). The display (621) may output visual information to the user on a screen. The touch panel (623) may detect a touch and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the strength, location, area, and / or drag direction of the force generated by the touch. The touch panel (623) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch. The display (621) and the touch panel (623) may be configured as a single hardware device by a laminated structure. The speaker may output an audio signal to the outside. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. The receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker, or as a part of the speaker.

[0099] The transceiver (630) may be configured to transmit and receive information, data, or signals with at least one electronic device (e.g., the server (130) or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) under the control of the processor (610). The transceiver (630) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, or a microwave (uWave) communication unit, depending on the performance and structure of the electronic device (120).

[0100] The transceiver (630) may support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel with an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The transceiver (630) may include one or more communication processors that support wired and / or wireless communication. The one or more communication processors may operate independently with respect to the processor (610). The transceiver (630) may include, for example, a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) via a network (e.g., the network (110) of FIG. 1). The network (110) may include a short-range communication network and / or a long-range communication network. The short-range communication network may follow a wireless communication standard such as, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA. The long-range communication network may include, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0101] The memory (640) may store various data (e.g., instructions) used by at least one component (e.g., processor (610)) of the electronic device (120). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (640) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0102] The electronic device (120) may include components not shown. For example, the electronic device (120) may include a camera. The camera can capture still images and moving images. The camera may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0103] The electronic device (120) may further include an interface or a connection terminal. The interface may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (120) to an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)). The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. The connection terminal may include a connector through which the electronic device (120) may be physically connected to an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)). The above connection terminal may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0104] According to one example, the processor (610) can control the transceiver (630) to obtain status information of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a predetermined community group (130) from the server (131). The status information can include at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or battery remaining amount information of the plurality of community terminals. The processor (610) can perform an authentication procedure to obtain the status information. The processor (610) can, for example, execute a pre-installed application program and perform the authentication procedure through the executed application program.

[0105] The processor (610) may select a community terminal (e.g., the first community terminal (133-1)) included in the community group (130) as a call target object. The processor (610) may configure a status guidance message that notifies the status of the call target object based on the status information. The status guidance message may be a message that notifies whether the call target object is capable of responding in response to a call. The processor (610) may control the display (161) to output the status guidance message.

[0106] The processor (610) may receive a call request from the call target object through the touch panel (623). Upon receiving the call request, the processor (610) may control the transceiver (630) to perform a procedure for calling the call target object. In response to the call, the processor (610) may receive an automatic response message from the call target object through the transceiver (630). The automatic response message may include identification information indicating a reason why a response is impossible based on status information of the call target object.

[0107] The processor (610) above may, when it recognizes that the called object is in a situation where it is difficult to respond to a call, activate a state change notification function to notify that the operating state of the called object has changed. In this case, the processor (610) may monitor the state change of the called object based on the state information updated for the called object. When a state change of the called object is detected, the processor (610) may control the display (621) to display a state guidance message to notify the state change.

[0108] The processor (610) can recognize the trigger of a replacement request event requesting replacement of the called object with another community terminal via the touch panel (623). The processor (610) can recognize that the replacement request event has been triggered even if the called object does not respond to the call.

[0109] The processor (610) may determine another community terminal (e.g., the second community terminal (133-2)) included in the community group (130) as a replacement call object based on the status information in response to the triggering of the replacement request event. If there are multiple replacement call objects, the processor (610) may determine one replacement call object based on the status information and considering the distance and / or operation state from the call target object. If the replacement call object does not exist, the processor (610) may control the transceiver (630) to call all of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130) or all of the remaining community terminals (133-2, 133-3, 133-n) except for the first community terminal (133-1), which is the call target object.

[0110] The processor (610) may control the display (621) to output a status guidance message indicating the status of the alternative call object based on the status information. The status guidance message may be a message indicating whether the alternative call object predicted to respond to a call can respond.

[0111] The processor (610) may receive a call request of the substitute call object through the touch panel (623). When the call request is received, the processor (610) may control the transceiver (630) to perform a procedure for calling the substitute call object. While performing the call procedure, the processor (610) may control the transceiver (630) to transmit information indicating that the call is made on behalf of the call target object to the substitute call object. While performing the call procedure, the processor (610) may control the transceiver (630) to request the substitute call object to transmit instruction information indicating that the call is made on behalf of the call target object to a common device (e.g., the common device (140) of FIG. 1).

[0112] The processor (610) may receive an automatic response message from the alternative call object through the transceiver (630) in response to the call. The automatic response message may include identification information indicating the reason for which a response is not possible based on status information of the alternative call object.

[0113] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a community terminal (e.g., community terminals 133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n of FIG. 1) for supporting a communication function in a network environment (e.g., network environment (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be assumed that the community terminal illustrated in FIG. 7 is a first community terminal (133-1) among community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1). However, other community terminals (133-2, 133-3, 133-n) may also perform the same components and operations.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, the community terminal (133) may include at least one processor (710), a user interface (I / F) (720), a transceiver (730), at least one memory (740), or a sensor (750). The processor (710) may be operably connected to the user I / F (720), the transceiver (730), or the at least one memory (740).

[0115] The processor (710) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips and may perform various data processing operations. For example, the processor (710) (or application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). The processor (710) may include sub-components including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a display controller, a memory controller, a storage controller, a communication processor (CP), and / or a sensor interface. The sub-components are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (710) may further include other sub-components. For example, some sub-components may be omitted from the processor (710). For example, some sub-components may be included as separate components of the community terminal (133) outside the processor (710). For example, some subcomponents may be contained within other components (e.g., a display, an image sensor).

[0116] The processor (710) (e.g., CPU or central processing circuit) may be configured to control sub-components based on the execution of instructions stored in the memory (740) (e.g., volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory). The GPU (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (or neural processing circuit) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). The ISP (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor into a format suitable for a component in the community terminal (133) or a sub-component in the processor (710). The display controller (or display control circuit) may be configured to process an image acquired from the CPU, the GPU, the ISP, or the memory (740) (e.g., volatile memory) into a format suitable for projecting it onto a projection surface. The memory controller (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory and writing data to the volatile memory. The storage controller (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory and writing data to the non-volatile memory.The CP (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a sub-component within the processor (710) into a format suitable for transmission to another electronic device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) via the transceiver (730), or to process data obtained from another electronic device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) via the transceiver (730) into a format suitable for processing by the sub-component. The above sensor interface (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data on the status of the community terminal (133) and / or the status around the community terminal (133), obtained through an internal sensor (e.g., a distance measurement sensor (ToF (time-of-flight) sensor) or an external sensor (e.g., one or more position measurement sensors (anchors)), into a format suitable for a sub-component within the processor (710).

[0117] The user I / F (720) may be configured to transmit information to a user. The user I / F (720) may be configured to allow a user to input information. The user I / F (720) may generate a command or data to be used in a component (e.g., at least one processor (710)) of the community terminal (133) in response to a user's operation. The user I / F (720) may include a display (621), a touch panel (623), a speaker, or a receiver. The user I / F (720) may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). The display (621) may output visual information to the user on the screen. The touch panel (623) may detect a touch and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the strength, location, area, and / or drag direction of the force generated by the touch. The touch panel (623) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch. The display (621) and the touch panel (623) may be configured as a single hardware device by a laminated structure. The speaker may output an audio signal to the outside. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. The receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker, or as a part of the speaker.

[0118] The transceiver (730) may be configured to transmit and receive information, data, or signals with at least one electronic device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) under the control of the processor (710). The transceiver (730) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, or a microwave (uWave) communication unit, depending on the performance and structure of the community terminal (133).

[0119] The transceiver (730) may support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel with an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The transceiver (730) may include one or more communication processors that support wired and / or wireless communication. The one or more communication processors may operate independently with respect to the processor (710). The transceiver (730) may include, for example, a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) via a network (e.g., the network (110) of FIG. 1). The network (110) may include a short-range communication network and / or a long-range communication network. The short-range communication network may follow a wireless communication standard such as, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA. The long-range communication network may include, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0120] The above memory (740) can store various data (e.g., instructions) used by at least one component (e.g., processor (710)) of the community terminal (133). The various data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (740) can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0121] The sensor (750) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the community terminal (133) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. The sensor (750) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0122] The community terminal (133) may include components not shown. For example, the community terminal (133) may include a camera. The camera can capture still images and moving images. The camera may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0123] The community terminal (133) may further include an interface or a connection terminal. The interface may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the community terminal (133) to an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)). The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. The connection terminal may include a connector through which the community terminal (133) may be physically connected to an external device (e.g., the server (130) of FIG. 1 or the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)). The above connection terminal may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0124] According to one example, the processor (710) may control the transceiver (730) to periodically and / or aperiodically transmit its status information to the server (131). The status information may be generated by a status analysis unit (711) that may be included in the processor (710). The status analysis unit (711) may collect information and / or data that can predict the operating status of the community terminal (133-1) and / or the user's situation, and analyze the collected information and / or data to generate the status information. The status information may be used to determine whether the community terminal (133-1) is in a state where it can respond to a communication request from the outside (e.g., a voice / video call or text message reception). The status information may include, for example, at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery level information of the community terminal (133-1). The above status information may be configured by a combination of at least two of, for example, the operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or battery information of the community terminal (133-1).

[0125] The processor (710) can monitor whether a call is received from a sending terminal (e.g., electronic device (120) of FIG. 1) via the transceiver (730). The call can include a call based on a communication function (e.g., voice / video call or text transmission) and / or a substitute call. The call based on the communication function can be received when the community terminal (133-1) is a call target object. The substitute call can be received when the community terminal (133-1) is a substitute call object.

[0126] The processor (710) may perform a call response operation if the automatic response message function is not activated. The call response operation may include an operation of responding to the call or transmitting a preset response message to the counterpart device.

[0127] The above processor (710), if the automatic response message function is activated, can generate an automatic response message based on status information according to its own operational status in response to the call. The automatic response message allows the user to more accurately convey to the other party the situation in which the user is unable to respond to the call.

[0128] The above processor (710) can control the transceiver (730) to transmit the generated automatic response message to the sending terminal.

[0129] The processor (710) may determine, when receiving the call, whether to transmit the occurrence of a replacement call to a public device (e.g., a public device (140) such as a TV (141), refrigerator (143), or tablet (145) of FIG. 1). The guidance function by the public device (140) may be preset in the community terminal (133-1) or may be requested by the calling terminal. The guidance function by the public device (140) may be a function that causes the public device (140) to output a guidance message notifying that a replacement call has occurred.

[0130] The processor (710) may transmit alternative guidance information to the public device (140) if the guidance function of the public device (140) is activated. The alternative guidance information may include a guidance message notifying that the calling terminal has called the community terminal (133-1) on behalf of the call target object.

[0131] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen for replacing a target for performing communication in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (120) may output a first UI screen (810) for calling a call target object through a display (e.g., a display (621) of FIG. 6) in response to a user selecting a call target object to perform a specific community function (e.g., a voice / video call or text message transmission). The call target object may be one community terminal selected by the user from among a plurality of community terminals (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1). As an example, the first UI screen (810) may include a user name (e.g., Kay) (811) of the call target object, a phone number (813), or an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) (815) that can request a call.

[0133] When the call target object is selected, the electronic device (120) may output a second UI screen (820) including a status guidance message (821) through the display (621) to inform whether the call target object can respond to the call based on status information acquired or collected in response to the call target object. For example, when it is determined that the call target object will have difficulty responding to the call, the second UI screen (820) may include a status guidance message (821) informing the reason for difficulty in responding to the call (e.g., Kay is currently in the '***' status and the notification may not ring, so reception may not be possible). The second UI screen (820) may include an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) (823) that can request a call so that the call target object can be called regardless of the status guidance message (821).

[0134] The electronic device (120), when a replacement call is requested by the user, determines a replacement call object that can be called, and can output a third UI screen (830) through the display (621) based on status information collected or acquired for the replacement call object. For example, when “Alicia” is determined as the replacement call object, the third UI screen (830) may include a user name (e.g., Alicia) (831), a phone number (833), a status guidance message (835), or an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (837) of the replacement call object. The status guidance message (835) may include content for notifying whether the replacement call object can respond to the call based on the status information of the replacement call object. As an example, the status guidance message (835) may include content such as “Alicia has been confirmed to be at home with Kay. Would you like to call Alicia?”

[0135] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen for providing a status change notification function of a target call object to perform communication in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (120) may output a first UI screen (910) through a display (e.g., a display (621) of FIG. 6) in response to a user selecting a call target object to perform a specific community function (e.g., a voice / video call or a text message transmission). The call target object may be one community terminal selected by the user from among a plurality of community terminals (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1). The first UI screen (910) may include a user name (e.g., Kay) (911) of the call target object, a status guide message (913), a phone number (915), or an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) (815) that can request a call. The status guide message (913) may be acquired or collected in response to the call target object. It may include content to indicate whether the called object can respond to the call based on state information (e.g., Kay is currently in 'class' state).

[0137] The electronic device (120) may output a second UI screen (920) through the display (621) to inquire whether to set a state change alarm function that notifies that the state of the call target object has changed. The second UI screen (920) may output a pop-up window including a guidance message (921) and an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) (923, 925) for setting the state change alarm function in relation to the state change alarm function. For example, the guidance message (921) may include the content, “Currently, Kay is ‘in class’ and the notification may not ring, so you may not be able to receive it. Would you like to be notified when the status changes?” For example, the pop-up window may include an identifier (e.g., Cancel (923)) that may request not to set the state change alarm function and / or an identifier (e.g., Receive notification (925)) that requests to set the state change alarm function.

[0138] When the status change alarm function is set, the electronic device (120) can analyze the updated status information for the call target object and monitor whether the status of the call target object has changed based on the classification result. When a status change (930) of the call target object occurs, the electronic device (120) can output a pop-up window (940) including a status guidance message (941) guiding the changed status of the call target object and an identifier (e.g., an icon or a touch button) (943, 945) for calling the call target object through the display (621). For example, the guidance message (941) may include the content, “Kay’s ‘In class’ status has changed to ‘On break’. Should I call you?” For example, the pop-up window may include an identifier for selecting not to call the call target object (e.g., Cancel (943)) and / or an identifier for selecting to call the call target object (e.g., Make a call (945)).

[0139] The electronic device (120) can output a third UI screen (950) for calling the call target object through the display (621) when an identifier (e.g., call (945)) requesting a call of the call target object is selected.

[0140] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen for notifying a call arrival from a substitute call object (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The substitute call object may be one community terminal (133) selected for a substitute call from among community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, the community terminal (133) may output a first UI screen (1010) notifying a call arrival through a display (e.g., display (721) of FIG. 7) in response to a call from outside. The community terminal (133) may be one community terminal selected from among a plurality of community terminals (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1). The first UI screen (1010) may include the name of the calling party (e.g., Jennifer) (1011), a phone number (1013), or an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1015, 1017) for responding to a call.

[0142] If the community terminal (133) recognizes that the call is a replacement call, it can output a second UI screen (1020) to notify this through the display (721). The second UI screen (1020) can include a guidance message (1021) notifying that it is a replacement call and an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1023, 1025) for responding to the call. For example, the guidance message (1021) can include the content, "Jennifer has contacted Alicia because she could not contact Kay. Kay is out with a status of 000."

[0143] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating user interface (UI) screens for transmitting an automatic response message from a called object (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The called object is an object that performs a call operation and may be a call target object or a substitute call object. The called object may be one community terminal (133) among the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1).

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B , the community terminal (133) may output a first UI screen (1110) notifying of a call arrival through a display (e.g., display (721) of FIG. 7) in response to a call from outside. The first UI screen (1110) may include the name of the calling party (e.g., Jennifer) (1111), a phone number (1113), an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1115, 1117) for connecting a call in response to the call, or an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1119) for sending a message in response to the call.

[0145] The above community terminal (133) may output a second UI screen (1120) including a pop-up window for notifying the sending of an automatic response message through the display (721) when an identifier (1119) for sending the message is selected. The pop-up window may include content (1121) guiding the sending of an automatic configuration message (e.g., sending an automatic configuration message as shown below after 3 seconds), content (1123) of the automatic configuration message (e.g., I am currently in class at school and the notification may not ring, so I may not be able to receive it), a first identifier (1125) for requesting the sending of an automatic configuration message (e.g., send), or a second identifier (1127) for requesting the re-creation of an automatic configuration message (e.g., create new).

[0146] The above community terminal (133) can output a third UI screen (1130) for sending an automatic configuration message through the display (721) when the first identifier (1125) is selected. The third UI screen (1130) can include the name (1131) of the other party to receive the automatic configuration message (e.g., Jennifer), a phone number (1133), or a message (1135) informing that an automatic configuration message is being sent.

[0147] The community terminal (133), when the second identifier (1127) is selected, can output a fourth UI screen (1140) for generating an automatic configuration message through the display (721). The fourth UI screen (1140) can include a pop-up window (1141) for selecting information (e.g., operation mode or location) for generating an automatic configuration message. The pop-up window (1141) can include, for example, identifiers for selecting an operation mode (e.g., during class (a1), while driving (a2), while sleeping (a3), or hidden (a4)) and / or identifiers for selecting a location (e.g., home (b1), school (b2), office (b3), and / or hidden (b4)). The community terminal (133) can collect necessary information for generating an automatic configuration message in response to a user manipulating the identifiers included in the pop-up window (1141).

[0148] The above community terminal (133) may also output a fifth UI screen (1150) that can provide detailed settings for status sharing through the display (721). The fifth UI screen (1150) may be configured to allow the user to select a target with which status information is to be shared (e.g., full information disclosure or selective information disclosure), or to allow the user to select items to be disclosed when selective information is disclosed (e.g., operation mode, location, or whether to move, etc.).

[0149] FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the transmission of an automatic response message from a called object (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) to a calling object (e.g., electronic device (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The calling object may be an object performing a calling operation, and the called object may be an object performing a calling operation. The called object may be a calling target object or a substitute calling object.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12a or FIG. 12b, when a calling object (120), which is a terminal of user B-1 (or user B-2), calls a called object (133), which is a terminal of user A-1 (or user A-2), to perform a predetermined communication function, the called object (133) can output a first UI screen (1210 or 1230) corresponding to the call through a display (e.g., display (721) of FIG. 7). The first UI screen (1210 or 1230) can include a user name (e.g., user B-1 or user B-2) (1211 or 1231) and / or a phone number (1213 or 1233) of the calling object (120). If the automatic response message function is activated in the called object (133), the first UI screen (1210 or 1230) may include a guidance message (1215 or 1235) informing that an automatic configuration message corresponding to the call is being generated and sent. The automatic configuration message transmitted by the called object (133) may be delivered to the calling object (120).

[0151] The calling object (120) can output a second UI screen (1220 or 1240) including the automatic configuration message received from the called object (133) through a display (e.g., display (621) of FIG. 6). The second UI screen (1220 or 1240) can include the user name (e.g., user A-1 or user A-2) (1221 or 1241) of the called object (133). The second UI screen (1220 or 1240) can include the content (1223 or 1243) of the automatic configuration message (e.g., "Teacher, I'm in a meeting right now and can't answer the phone. I'll contact you soon." or "Pretty, Mom is driving and it's hard to answer the phone. I'll contact you soon.").

[0152] FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of transmitting an alternative call status from a community terminal (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) to a public device (e.g., public device (140) of FIG. 1) and outputting a user interface (UI) screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13c, the community terminal (133) may output a UI screen (1310) indicating a call arrival in response to an external call through a display (e.g., display (721) of FIG. 7). The community terminal (133) may be one community terminal selected from among a plurality of community terminals (e.g., community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) of FIG. 1) included in a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1). The UI screen (1310) may include the name of the calling party (e.g., Jennifer) (1311), a phone number (1313), a first identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1315, 1317) for answering the call, or a second identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1319) for requesting that an alternative call situation be transmitted to a public device (141, 143, 145).

[0154] The above community terminal (133), when the second identifier (1319) is selected, can transmit instruction information to the public device (141, 143, 145) to notify the situation in which a call has occurred on behalf of the call target object.

[0155] The above public device (141, 143, 145), when receiving the instruction information from the community terminal (133), can output a screen (1320, 1340, 1350) through a display to notify that a replacement call has occurred using the instruction information. The screen (1320, 1340, 1350) can include a guidance message (1321, 1341, 1351) notifying that a replacement call has occurred (e.g., Susie is on the phone. Will you answer the phone?) or an identifier (e.g., an icon or touch button) (1323, 1325 or 1343, 1345 or 1353, 1355) for selecting whether to respond to the call.

[0156] The above-described public device (141, 143, 145) may, when an identifier (1323, 1343, or 1353) for responding to the call is selected, display a screen (1330, 1360) for performing a communication function (e.g., voice or video call) with the caller (e.g., Jennifer) for the replacement call. For example, the screen (1330) may include identification information (1331) of the communication function, the name of the original caller who attempted the replacement call (e.g., Jennifer) (1333), or setting identifiers (1335) for the communication function. For example, the screen (1360) may include the name of the original caller who attempted the replacement call (e.g., Jennifer) (1361), or an identifier for selecting whether to connect the call (e.g., call connection (1365) or cancellation (1367)).

[0157] FIG. 14A or FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen for showing the status of group members belonging to a community group (e.g., the community group (130) of FIG. 1) in a user terminal (e.g., the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1 or community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n)) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal may be a calling object performing a calling operation or a called object performing a calling operation. The called object may be a calling object or a substitute calling object.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 14A, a user terminal (1400) collects status information of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (130), and based on the collected status information, outputs the operation status of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) as a visual representation (e.g., avatar) (1411, 1413, 1415, 1417) on a display (1410). The visual representation may be an image depicting the current status of the corresponding user predicted using the collected status information. For example, a first visual representation (1411) corresponding to a user of a first community terminal (133-1) may be an image depicting that the user is working. For example, the second visual representation (1413) corresponding to a user of the second community terminal (133-2) may be an image depicting watching a movie. For example, the third visual representation (1415) corresponding to a user of the third community terminal (133-3) may be an image depicting studying. For example, the n-th visual representation (1415) corresponding to a user of the n-th community terminal (133-n) may be an image depicting sleeping. In this case, the user can check the current status of group members through the visual representation displayed on the display (1410) of the user terminal (1400).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 14b, a user terminal (1400) may collect status information of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (130), and based on the collected status information, may output the operation status of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) through a widget-type pop-up window (1421) on a display (1410). The widget-type pop-up window (1421) may depict the current status of each group member predicted using the collected status information using an identifier such as an icon. For example, the widget-type pop-up window (1421) may include an area (1423) that displays a character of each group member or an area (1425) that displays an icon indicating the current status of each group member. In this case, the user can check the current status of group members through a visual representation displayed in a pop-up window (1421) displayed on the display (1420) of the user terminal (1400).

[0160] FIG. 14c or FIG. 14d is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen showing the status of group members belonging to a community group (e.g., community group (130) of FIG. 1) in a public device (e.g., public device (140) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 14c, a refrigerator (e.g., the refrigerator (143) of FIG. 1) collects status information of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a community group (130), and based on the collected status information, outputs the operational status of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) as a visual representation (e.g., an avatar) (1431) on a display (1430). The visual representation (1431) may be an image depicting the current status of the user predicted using the collected status information. In this case, the user can check the current status of group members with the visual representation (1431) displayed on the display (1430) of the refrigerator (143).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 14d, the TV (141) collects status information of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in the community group (130), and based on the collected status information, outputs the operation status of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) on a display as a visual representation (e.g., avatar) (1441, 1443, 1445, 1447). The visual representation (1441, 1443, 1445, 1447) may be an image depicting the current status of the corresponding user predicted using the collected status information. In this case, the user can check the current status of the group members with the visual representation (1441, 1443, 1445, 1447) displayed on the display of the TV (141).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (120) may include a display (621) configured to output visual information. The electronic device (120) may include a transceiver (630) configured to perform communication with an external electronic device based on at least one communication method. The electronic device (120) may include at least one memory (640) storing at least one instruction. The electronic device (120) may include at least one processor (610) including a processing circuit and operably connected to the display (621), the transceiver (630), or the at least one memory (640). The at least one instruction, when executed by at least a portion of the at least one processor (610), may cause the electronic device (120) to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation of acquiring status information of a plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a predetermined community group (130). The at least one operation may include an operation of displaying a first status guidance message notifying the status of the first community terminal (133-1) based on the status information on the display (621) in response to the first community terminal (133-1) included in the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) being selected as a call target object. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a second community terminal (133-2) among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) based on the state information in response to a replacement request event being triggered requesting replacement of the call target object with another community terminal.The at least one action may include an action of displaying a second status guidance message informing of the status of the second community terminal (133-2) based on the status information on the display (621). The first status guidance message or the second status guidance message may be a message informing of whether the community terminal is expected to be able to respond in response to a call.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include performing an authentication procedure to obtain the state information.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include controlling the transceiver (630) to receive the status information from the server (131).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the status information may include at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery level information of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information indicating that the call is made on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the second community terminal (133-2) through the transceiver (630) in response to a call request for communication with the second community terminal (133-2) while the second status guidance message is displayed on the display (621).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of calling the first community terminal (133-1) through the transceiver (630) in response to a call request.

[0169] In one embodiment, the at least one action may include recognizing that the replacement request event occurred by a rejection of a response to the call.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of calling all of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) through the transceiver (630) if there is no community terminal to replace the first community terminal (133-1) among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of activating a status change alarm of the first community terminal (133-1).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of recognizing that the state of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed based on the state information.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may display a third status guidance message on the display (621) notifying that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include receiving an automatic response message from the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2) via the transceiver (630) in response to a call. The automatic response message may include identification information indicating a reason why a response is not possible based on status information of the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of determining the second community terminal (133-2) based on a distance from the first community terminal (133-1), if there are multiple community terminals that can replace the first community terminal (133-1).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of requesting the second community terminal (133-2) to transmit instruction information to a public device indicating that it has been called on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) through the transceiver (630).

[0177] According to one embodiment, a method for performing a communication function in an electronic device (120) may be provided. The method may include an operation of acquiring status information of a plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a predetermined community group (130). The method may include an operation of outputting a first status guidance message notifying a status of the first community terminal (133-1) based on the status information in response to a first community terminal (133-1) included in the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) being selected as a call target object. The method may include an operation of determining a second community terminal (133-2) from among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) based on the status information in response to a triggering of a replacement request event requesting replacement of the call target object with another community terminal. The method may include an operation of outputting a second status guidance message notifying the status of the second community terminal (133-2) based on the status information. The first status guidance message or the second status guidance message may be a message that guides whether a corresponding community terminal predicted to respond in response to a call is capable of responding.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining the status information may include an operation of performing an authentication procedure for obtaining the status information and an operation of receiving the status information from a server (131).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the status information may include at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery level information of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of transmitting information indicating that the call is made on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the second community terminal (133-2) in response to a call request for communication with the second community terminal (133-2) while the second status guidance message is displayed on the display (621).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining the second community terminal (133-2) may include an operation of calling the first community terminal (133-1) in response to a call request, and an operation of recognizing that the replacement request event has occurred by rejecting the response to the call.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of calling all of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) if there is no community terminal to replace the first community terminal (133-1) among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of activating a status change alarm of the first community terminal (133-1), an operation of recognizing that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed based on the status information, and an operation of outputting a third status guidance message notifying that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of receiving an automatic response message from the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2) in response to a call. The automatic response message may include identification information indicating a reason why a response is not possible based on status information of the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of determining the second community terminal (133-2) based on a distance from the first community terminal (133-1), if there are multiple community terminals that can replace the first community terminal (133-1).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of requesting the second community terminal (133-2) to transmit instruction information indicating that it has been called on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the public device (140).

[0187] According to one embodiment, a storage medium storing at least one computer-readable instruction may be provided. The at least one instruction, when executed by at least a part of at least one processor (120) of an electronic device, may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation of acquiring status information of a plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a predetermined community group (130). The at least one operation may include an operation of displaying a first status guidance message notifying a status of the first community terminal (133-1) based on the status information on the display (621) in response to a first community terminal (133-1) included in the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) being selected as a call target object. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a second community terminal (133-2) from among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) based on the status information in response to a replacement request event triggered to request replacing the call target object with another community terminal. The at least one operation may include an operation of displaying a second status guidance message notifying the status of the second community terminal (133-2) on the display (621) based on the status information. The first status guidance message or the second status guidance message may be a message that guides whether a corresponding community terminal predicted to be able to respond in response to a call is available.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include performing an authentication procedure to obtain the state information.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include controlling the transceiver (630) to receive the status information from the server (131).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the status information may include at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery level information of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information indicating that the call is made on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the second community terminal (133-2) through the transceiver (630) in response to a call request for communication with the second community terminal (133-2) while the second status guidance message is displayed on the display (621).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of calling the first community terminal (133-1) through the transceiver (630) in response to a call request.

[0193] In one embodiment, the at least one action may include recognizing that the replacement request event occurred by a rejection of a response to the call.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of calling all of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) through the transceiver (630) if there is no community terminal to replace the first community terminal (133-1) among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of activating a status change alarm of the first community terminal (133-1).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of recognizing that the state of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed based on the state information.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may display a third status guidance message on the display (621) notifying that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include receiving an automatic response message from the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2) via the transceiver (630) in response to a call. The automatic response message may include identification information indicating a reason why a response is not possible based on status information of the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2).

[0199] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of determining the second community terminal (133-2) based on a distance from the first community terminal (133-1), if there are multiple community terminals that can replace the first community terminal (133-1).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of requesting the second community terminal (133-2) to transmit instruction information to a public device indicating that it has been called on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) through the transceiver (630).

[0201] According to one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium may record a program for executing a method for replacing a call according to a community function in the electronic device (120) or community terminal (133) described above.

[0202] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0203] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. For example, a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C: For example, a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C" can include any of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the component from other corresponding components and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0204] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0205] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (640)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (120)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (610)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (120)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0207] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (120), A display (621) configured to output visual information; A transceiver (630) configured to perform communication with an external electronic device based on at least one communication method; at least one processor (610); and At least one memory (640) storing at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: Obtain status information of a number of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a given community group (130), In response to the first community terminal (133-1) included in the above-mentioned plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) being selected as a call target object, a first status guidance message informing of the status of the first community terminal (133-1) based on the status information is displayed on the display (621). In response to the triggering of a replacement request event requesting replacement of the above-mentioned call target object with another community terminal, a second community terminal (133-2) is determined among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) based on the above-mentioned state information, Based on the above status information, a second status guidance message informing the status of the second community terminal (133-2) is displayed on the display (621). In this case, the first state guidance message or the second state guidance message is an electronic device (120) that provides guidance on whether the community terminal is capable of responding to a call.

2. In paragraph 1, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: Perform an authentication procedure to obtain the above status information, Control the above transmitter / receiver (630) to receive the status information from the server (131), An electronic device (120), wherein the status information includes at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or battery remaining information of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

3. In paragraph 1, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: In response to a call request for communication with the second community terminal (133-2) while the second status guidance message is displayed on the display (621), information indicating that the call is on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) is transmitted to the second community terminal (133-2) through the transceiver (630). An electronic device (120) that requests the second community terminal (133-2) to transmit instruction information indicating that it has been called on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the public device (140) through the transceiver (630).

4. In paragraph 1, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: In response to a call request, the first community terminal (133-1) is called through the transceiver (630), An electronic device (120) that recognizes that the replacement request event has occurred by a rejection of a response to the above call.

5. In paragraph 1, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: An electronic device (120) that causes all of the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) to be called through the transceiver (630) if there is no community terminal to replace the first community terminal (133-1) among the community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

6. In paragraph 1, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: Activate the status change alarm of the above first community terminal (133-1), Based on the above status information, it is recognized that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed, An electronic device (120) that displays a third status guidance message notifying that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed on the display (621).

7. In paragraph 1 or paragraph 3, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: In response to a call, an automatic response message is received from the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2) through the transceiver (630), An electronic device (120), wherein the automatic response message includes identification information indicating the reason why a response is not possible based on status information of the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The at least one instruction, when executed, causes the at least one processor (610) to: An electronic device (120) that determines the second community terminal (133-2) based on the distance from the first community terminal (133-1) when there are multiple community terminals that can replace the first community terminal (133-1).

9. In a method for performing a communication function of an electronic device (120), An operation of acquiring status information of a plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) included in a given community group (130); An operation of outputting a first status guidance message informing of the status of the first community terminal (133-1) based on the status information in response to the first community terminal (133-1) being selected as a call target object among the above-mentioned multiple community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n); An operation of determining a second community terminal (133-2) among the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n) based on the state information in response to a replacement request event triggered requesting to replace the above-mentioned call target object with another community terminal; and It includes an action of outputting a second status guidance message that informs of the status of the second community terminal (133-2) based on the above status information. A method wherein the first state guidance message or the second state guidance message is a message that guides whether the community terminal predicted to respond to a call is capable of responding.

10. In paragraph 9, The action of obtaining the above status information is: An operation for performing an authentication procedure to obtain the above status information; and A method comprising an operation of receiving the status information from a server (131).

11. In paragraph 9, A method in which the above status information includes at least one of operation mode identification information, location information, device connection information, movement information, or remaining battery level information of the plurality of community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n).

12. In paragraph 9, An action of transmitting information indicating that the call is on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the second community terminal (133-2) in response to a call request for communication with the second community terminal (133-2) while the second status guidance message is displayed on the display (621); An action of receiving an automatic response message from the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2) in response to a call; If there is no community terminal to replace the first community terminal (133-1) among the above multiple community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n), an operation of calling all of the above multiple community terminals (133-1, 133-2, 133-3, 133-n); and Includes an action of requesting the second community terminal (133-2) to transmit instruction information indicating that it has been called on behalf of the first community terminal (133-1) to the public device (140). A method in which the above automatic response message includes identification information indicating the reason why a response is not possible based on status information of the first community terminal (133-1) or the second community terminal (133-2).

13. In paragraph 9, The operation of determining the above second community terminal (133-2) is as follows: An action of calling the first community terminal (133-1) in response to a call request; and A method comprising: recognizing that a replacement request event has occurred due to a rejection of a response to said call.

14. In paragraph 9, An action to activate a status change alarm of the first community terminal (133-1); An operation for recognizing that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed based on the above status information; and A method including an action of outputting a third status guidance message notifying that the status of the first community terminal (133-1) has changed.

15. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 14, A method including an operation of determining the second community terminal (133-2) based on the distance from the first community terminal (133-1), when there are multiple community terminals that can replace the first community terminal (133-1).

Images