SERVICE CONNECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD IN PORTABLE TERMINAL

Abstract

A call connection method and apparatus are disclosed. When a service is released in a portable terminal that supports different communication modes due to a network problem, the call connection method and apparatus reconnects the service to another network. The call connection method includes performing a first service through a first network, analyzing, when the connected first service is released, the cause of disconnection, acquiring, when the cause of disconnection is a problem in the first network, connection information, and attempting to connect a second service through a second network based on the connection information.

Claims

1. A call connection method in a portable terminal that supports multiple communication modes, the method comprising: establishing a connection with a first network supporting a first wireless communication technology; performing a first service through the first network; analyzing, when the connected first service is released, a cause of the disconnection; acquiring, when the disconnection cause is a problem in the first network, connection information; attempting to establish a connection with a second network supporting a second wireless communication technology different from the first wireless communication technology based on the connection information; and performing a second service different from the first service through the second network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service comprises a Video Telephony (VT) call service and the first network comprises a 3rd generation network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second service comprises a voice call service and the second network comprises a 2nd generation network.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the connection information comprises: information about the first network; and information about a target portable terminal.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the acquiring of the connection information comprises: acquiring the connection information from a target portable terminal upon the performing of the first service; storing the connection information; and acquiring the stored connection information.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: outputting information about the disconnection from the first service; and outputting information about the connection to the second service after the attempting to establish the connection with the second network.

7. A portable terminal that supports multiple communication modes, the terminal comprising: at least one communication circuit configured to establish a connection with a first network supporting a first wireless communication technology; a memory configured to store information about a service disconnection cause and connection information of a target portable terminal that is connected to the service; and at least one processor configured to: performing a first service through the first network, analyzing, when the first service is released, a cause of the service release, acquire, when the service release cause is a problem in the first network, connection information, attempt to establish a connection with a second network supporting a second wireless communication technology different from the first wireless communication technology based on the connection information, and perform a second service different from the first service through the second network.

8. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the first service comprises a Video Telephony (VT) call service and the first network comprises a 3rd generation network

9. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the second service comprises a voice call service and the second network comprises a 2nd generation network.

10. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the connection information comprises: information about the first network; and information about a target portable terminal.

11. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to process the connection with another network based on connection information that is previously stored in the memory.

12. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: output information about the disconnection from the first service, and output information about the connection to the second service after attempting to establish the connection with the second network.

13. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the second service comprises at least one of a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology or a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) technology.

14. The portable terminal of claim 7, wherein the cause of the service release comprises at least one of radio link failure or handover failure.

15. A terminal for communicating with multiple networks, the terminal comprising: a display screen; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive a signal; and at least one processor configured to: identify an activation of a function to display a message regarding a network status, in case that a handover failure has occurred, control the transceiver to connect to a first wireless network associated with a wireless local area network, perform a service over the first wireless network, detect whether a signal received from the first wireless network satisfies a predetermined condition, identify whether a handover failure has occurred, if the handover failure has not occurred and if the signal received from the first wireless network satisfies the predetermined condition: collect information about a second wireless network, and establish a connection with the second wireless network based on the information, and if the handover failure has occurred and if the signal received from the first wireless network satisfies the predetermined condition, control the display screen to display the message regarding the network status based on the identification.

16. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the predetermined condition is associated with a detected signal strength being below a threshold signal strength.

17. The terminal of claim 41, wherein the message comprises a pop-up message.

18. The terminal of claim 41, wherein the network status comprises at least one of a disconnection from the first wireless network or a standby request.

19. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the service comprises at least one of data communication, video call, or voice call.

20. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: control the transceiver to receive connection information of the second wireless network if the signal received from the first wireless network satisfies the predetermined condition, control the transceiver to connect to the second wireless network supporting a cellular communication based on the received connection information, and perform the service over the second wireless network.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing a method for connecting a new call when a connected call is released in a portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0022] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] It is to be understood that the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a component surface includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and apparatus that can automatically reconnect a call when a call drop of the connected call occurs in a portable terminal providing different communication modes. In particular, when a call drop of a Video Telephony (VT) call occurs unexpectedly, for example due to deterioration of an electric field in a wireless service area, an exemplary method and apparatus of the present invention can automatically perform call connection of a voice call. That is, when a connected call of a VT call is disconnected due to various causes, for example, the deterioration of the electric field of a 3.sup.rd generation network, an exemplary method and apparatus of the present invention can automatically connect a voice call to a target portable terminal through a 2.sup.nd generation network.

[0025] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described based on portable terminals that support wireless communication systems of the 2.sup.nd generation communication mode (hereinafter referred to as a 2.sup.nd generation network), such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and wireless communication systems of the 3.sup.rd generation communication mode (hereinafter referred to as a 3.sup.rd generation network), such as, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA 2000) communication mode, and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) communication mode. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the networks described above. That is, the present invention can be applied to portable terminals that support other types of communication modes.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

[0027] The portable terminal includes two slots that support the 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd generation networks and communications therewith, respectively, when the 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd generation network cards are installed into the slots. Of course, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the portable terminal may be implemented in such a way that a dual card supporting the 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd generation networks may be installed in a single slot or that more than two slots may be provided for various networks. That is, the present invention is not limited in its application to the 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd generation networks.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable terminal adapted to the functions of the present invention includes a first antenna 105, a first communication module 110 for providing the 2.sup.nd generation communication service, a second antenna 115, a second communication module 120 for providing the 3.sup.rd communication service, an audio processing unit 130, an input unit 140, a display unit 150, a memory 160 and a controller 170.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the first antenna 105 establishes a communication channel with the 2.sup.nd generation network and processes transmitted/received signals of a frequency band for the 2.sup.nd generation communication service. The second antenna 115 establishes a communication channel with the 3.sup.rd generation network and processes transmitted/received signals of a frequency band for the 3.sup.rd generation communication service.

[0030] The first communication module 110 performs wireless communication through the first antenna 105. It establishes a communication channel with the 2.sup.nd generation network through the first antenna 105 and transmits/receives Radio Frequency (RF) signals of a frequency band supported by the 2.sup.nd generation network. The first communication module 110 includes an RF transmitter for up-converting the frequency of transmitted signals and amplifying the transmitted signals. The first communication module 110 also includes an RF receiver for low-noise amplifying received RF signals and down-converting the received RF signals.

[0031] The second communication module 120 performs wireless communication through the second antenna 115. It establishes a communication channel with the 3.sup.rd generation network through the second antenna 115 and transmits/receives RF signals of a frequency band supported by the 3.sup.rd generation network. The second communication module 120 includes an RF transmitter for up-converting the frequency of transmitted signals and amplifying the transmitted signals. The second communication module 120 also includes an RF receiver for low-noise amplifying received RF signals and down-converting the received RF signals.

[0032] The audio processing unit 130 is provided to play back audio signals received from the controller 170 and to provide externally received audio signals as input to the controller 170. That is, the audio processing unit 130 converts audio signals received from the controller 170 into audible sound and outputs them through a speaker SPK. In addition, the audio processing unit 130 converts audio signals received by a microphone MIC, such as voice signals, into data and outputs them to the controller 170.

[0033] The input unit 140 serves to receive information input by a user and output the information to the controller 170. The input unit 140 may include a plurality of function, number and other keys and receive input about a variety of characters and other functions through the key signals, related to function settings and function control of the portable terminal. In an exemplary implementation, the input unit 140 is formed having a touch pad, a general key arrayed pad, a QWERTY key array pad, or a combination thereof.

[0034] The memory 160 stores at least one application program necessary for the functions according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The memory 160 also stores user data generated by a user, data received from one of the networks, information generated as the application is executed and the like. It may also include one or more buffers that store data generated as an application is executed.

[0035] In an exemplary implementation, the memory 160 may include a display information storage area 161 and a connection information storage area 163. In an exemplary implementation, the display information storage area 161 stores pop-up messages, for example, guide information showing that a connected call is released due to deterioration of the electric field (i.e. poor signal strength) of a network. The connection information storage area 163 buffers call connection information of a target portable terminal when a call connected to the target terminal is disconnected. In an exemplary implementation, the connection information storage area 163 buffers the phone number of the target portable terminal, information about the network to which the target portable terminal is connected, and the like. The connection information storage area 163 supplies the call connection information to the controller 170, for example at the request of the controller 170, when a call connection is attempted again.

[0036] In an exemplary implementation, the guide information may be a pop-up message showing a standby request that is caused as a connected call is disconnected due to a deterioration of the electric field of the 3.sup.rd generation network (e.g. a deterioration caused by entering a gap area, leaving the coverage area of the 3.sup.rd generation network, and so on), and thus a new call is attempted through the 2.sup.nd generation network.

[0037] The display unit 150 displays screen data generated when the application is executed, data generated by the user's key operation states, by the function setting information, etc. The display unit 150 may be implemented with an LCD and the LCD may include a touch screen. In that case, the input unit 150 may provide some or all of the functions of the input unit 140. Furthermore, the display unit 150 may display guide information from the display information storage area 163, through a pop-up method, according to the control of the controller 170.

[0038] The controller 170 controls the operation of the portable terminal. It also controls signal flows between the elements in the portable terminal, such as the first and second communication modules 110 and 120, the audio processing unit 130, the input unit 140, the memory 160, and the display unit 150. It also includes a data processor that includes a codec and a modem.

[0039] In particular, the controller 170, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, controls the connection of a voice call through the 2.sup.nd generation network and the connection of a video telephony call through the 3.sup.rd generation network. When a call connected to a particular target portable terminal is disconnected, the controller 170 analyzes the call disconnection cause. If the controller 170 ascertains that the call disconnection is caused by the network, it attempts to connect a new call to the particular target portable terminal using another network as opposed to the currently disconnected network. While new call connection is attempted, the controller 170 may display a pop-up message showing the determined call disconnection cause and showing that a new call connection is attempted.

[0040] For example, if a VT call service, provided to a particular portable terminal through the 3.sup.rd generation network, is released, the controller 170 controls to be connected to a voice call service, based on the connection information of the particular portable terminal through the 2.sup.nd generation network. It should be understood that the control algorithm of the controller 170 can be activated or inactivated according to a user's function settings.

[0041] In order to efficiently perform the function described above, the controller 170 may include a call connection unit 171 and a call management unit 173.

[0042] The call connection unit 171 processes the connection of a voice call service through the 2.sup.nd generation network and the connection of a VT call service through the 3.sup.rd generation network. In particular, when the connected service is released, the call connection unit 171 processes a new connection service, according to the disconnection causes, so that the connection can be connected not to the currently disconnected network but to another network. The call connection unit 171 can process the new service connection, referring to connection information in the connection information storage area 165.

[0043] When the connected service is released, the call management unit 173 analyzes the disconnection cause. If the call management unit 173 ascertains that the disconnection is caused by the network, it provides the information to the call connection unit 171.

[0044] Although a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. 1 for convenience, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the portable terminal may further include a camera module, an electronic payment module, a digital broadcasting module, a short-range communication module, a battery module, etc. It will also be easily appreciated to those skilled in the art that a portable terminal according to the present invention can be configured to remove one or more elements from the configuration described above or to replace them with other elements.

[0045] In the following description, a call connection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and that there are many modifications from the present example.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing a method for connecting a new call when a connected call is released in a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, it is assumed that a function according to the present invention is previously activated by a user. That is, the function of the present invention may be activated/inactivated by a user. Therefore, the procedure of FIG. 2 may further include a step of determining whether a function is activated.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the controller of a portable terminal performs a VT call with a target portable terminal in step S201. The controller determines whether a VT call is disconnected during the process of the VT call in step S203.

[0048] If it is determined that the VT call is disconnected in step S203, the controller analyzes the cause of disconnection of the VT call in step S205 and then determines whether the disconnection is caused by the network in step S207. More specifically, the cause of disconnection is analyzed to determine whether the disconnection was performed at the user's request or the request of the target portable terminal or whether the disconnection was caused by the network of the VT call (i.e. the 3.sup.rd generation network).

[0049] The call disconnection by the network may occur when an electric field strength deteriorates as a portable terminal, in a call connection with a target portable terminal, enters a gap area, and thus a call drop occurs by radio link failure. A call drop may also occur due to various types of handover failures, such as a network malfunction regarding synchronization. These network problems can be ascertained by evaluating the strength of a signal received from a base station.

[0050] When the controller ascertains what the call disconnection is performed under the direction of the user, that is, under normal circumstances, at step S207, it normally terminates the call in step S209. On the contrary, when the controller ascertains that the call disconnection is caused by a network problem, it acquires connection information about the target portable terminal in step S211.

[0051] In step S213, the controller establishes a communication channel with another network (e.g. the 2.sup.nd generation network) and attempts to connect a voice call, based on the acquired connection information. While the controller is being connected to a voice call, it can display a previously set pop-up message on the display unit in step S215.

[0052] When the voice call is connected to the target portable terminal in step S217, the controller processes operations related to the voice call with the target portable terminal in step S219.

[0053] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, when the portable terminal is connected to a target portable terminal to perform service connection, a method according to an exemplary implementation may further include the processes of acquiring and storing information about the target portable terminal and information about a corresponding network through which the service connection trial is performed. It will also be appreciated that after attempting to connect a voice call at step S213, the process of outputting a pop-up message may be omitted according to a user's setting or the initial setting of the portable terminal.

[0054] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a connected VT call is disconnected, the disconnected call is automatically connected to a voice call. However, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may be variously modified in such a way that, when a connected voice call is disconnected, a new voice call is automatically connected or a new VT call is automatically connected. It may also be modified in such a way that, when a connected VT call is disconnected, a new VT call is automatically connected.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a new call is connected through another network that is not the previously connected network. However, it will be appreciated that a new call can also be connected through the same network.

[0056] As described above, in a method and apparatus for connecting a call in a portable terminal according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a portable terminal supporting different communication modes fails call connection in one of the communication modes, it switches the current communication mode to another communication mode and attempts to connect a call again, thereby enhancing the success rate of call connection. In particular, when a call drop occurs in a portable terminal supporting different communication modes, call connection can be easily attempted again. When a call drop of a connected VT call using the 3.sup.rd generation network occurs, it is automatically connected to a voice call using the 2.sup.nd generation network, thereby providing a user with greater convenience and continuous service.

[0057] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.