JP2014049812A - Communication terminal and network connection control program and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a roaming rate.
A CPU (24) of a communication terminal (10) having a communication unit (14) connectable to a home network (2) and a roaming network (4) has a communication unit connected to the roaming network. When a communication request is generated, it is determined whether or not the communication request is from software running in the background (S1: YES → S3: YES → S5), and from the application running in the background If it is determined that it is not, the home network is searched if it is time to follow a predetermined cycle (S5: NO → S9: YES → S11), and if it is determined that the application is being executed in the background, the home network (S5: YES → S11), and when the home network is acquired, the connection of the communication unit is switched to the home network (S13: YES → S15).
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal and a network connection control program and method, and more particularly to a communication terminal connected to a home network and a roaming network, and a network connection control program and method.

  Roaming means that, even if you are outside the carrier network (home network) with which the user has contracted due to the partnership between the carriers, if you are within the network of the partner carrier (roaming network), Similarly, it is a service that enables a telephone call and data communication. Generally, a carrier that uses a roaming network pays a usage fee according to connection time or communication amount to a carrier that provides the service.

  For this reason, for mobile terminals connected to the home network and roaming network, the connection time to the roaming network is shortened (the amount of communication using the roaming network is reduced). Specifically, for example, the roaming network is used. Therefore, it is required to reduce the ratio (roaming rate) of the time (communication amount) during which communication or data communication is performed to the time (communication amount) during which communication or data communication is performed using the home network.

In this regard, in Patent Document 1, after entering the roaming network, the signal generated from the base station of the home network is scanned according to the change in the reception level of the signal transmitted from the base station of the roaming network (searching the home network). ), A roaming method and a mobile station are described that enable quick return from the roaming network to the home network.
JP 2000-165945 A [H04Q 7/38, 7/22]

  However, normally, the signal reception level at the communication terminal (mobile station) varies not only with the distance from the base station but also with topography and obstacles. For this reason, in the background art of Patent Document 1, a home network search may be frequently performed depending on the surrounding conditions. When the frequency of the search increases, power consumption increases and a delay occurs in a call or data communication. Usability deteriorates.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel communication terminal and network connection control program and method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal and a network connection control program and method capable of reducing the roaming rate.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, supplementary explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments to be described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  A first aspect is a communication terminal having a communication unit connectable to a home network and a roaming network, and when the communication request is generated while the communication unit is connected to the roaming network, the communication request is A determination unit that determines whether or not the communication request is from a software being executed in the network, and a search for a home network when the determination unit determines that the communication request is a communication request from software that is being executed in the background And a search unit.

  In the first aspect, in the communication terminal (10) having the communication unit (14) connectable to the home network (2) and the roaming network (4), for example, the CPU (24) operates according to the network connection control program (52). By doing so, a determination unit and a search unit are realized.

  When a communication request is generated with the communication unit connected to the roaming network, the determination unit determines whether the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background (S1: YES → S3). : YES → S5), the search unit searches the home network when the determination unit determines that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background (S5: YES → S11).

  According to the first aspect, paying attention to the fact that software that is being executed in the background is generally not required to have high real-time characteristics, the home network search is performed in response to a communication request from the software that is being executed in the background. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to the home network while suppressing the frequency of search, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the roaming rate while suppressing increase in power consumption and deterioration in usability.

  A second mode is a communication terminal subordinate to the first mode, and the search unit determines a predetermined cycle when the determination unit determines that the communication request is not a communication request from software running in the background. If it is time to follow, the home network is searched (S5: NO → S9: YES → S11).

  According to the second aspect, a home network search is performed at a timing based on a predetermined cycle in response to a communication request from other than the software being executed in the background, for example, a communication request from software being executed in the foreground. The roaming rate can be reduced while satisfying the real-time property required for software running in the foreground.

  The third aspect is a communication terminal subordinate to the second aspect, and when the home network is captured by the search unit, the switching unit that switches the connection of the communication unit to the home network, and the home network is not captured by the search unit And a maintenance unit for maintaining the connection state of the communication unit to the roaming network.

  In the third aspect, the switching unit and the maintaining unit are further realized, and the switching unit switches the connection of the communication unit to the home network when the search unit captures the home network (S13: YES → S15), When the home network is not captured by the search unit, the connection state of the communication unit to the roaming network is maintained (S13: NO → S17).

  According to the third aspect, in response to a communication request from software running in the background, if the home network is not captured, the connection to the roaming network is maintained. Switch to, and you can start communication.

  The fourth aspect is a communication terminal subordinate to the second or third aspect, wherein the search unit determines that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background by the determination unit When a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined cycle has passed since the previous search, the home network is searched without waiting for the timing based on the predetermined cycle (S5: YES → S7: YES → S11), When it is determined that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, if the predetermined time has not passed since the previous search, the connection to the roaming network is maintained (S5: YES → S7: NO → S17).

  According to the fourth aspect, focusing on the point that it takes a certain amount of time to move between networks, the re-search within a certain time is limited, so the power consumption increases while maintaining the effect of reducing the roaming rate. In addition, the deterioration of usability can be further suppressed.

  A fifth aspect is a communication terminal subordinate to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the search unit has a predetermined period when a communication request is not generated while the communication unit is connected to the roaming network. The home network is searched at a timing according to (S3: NO → S9: YES → S11).

  According to the fifth aspect, since the search is periodically executed even when no communication request is generated, the roaming rate can be reduced by a certain level or more. Then, by selecting an appropriate fixed time for a predetermined period, it is possible to balance the effect of suppressing the increase in power consumption and the deterioration of usability and the effect of reducing the roaming rate.

  In the sixth aspect, the CPU (24) of the communication terminal (10) having the communication unit (14) connectable to the home network (2) and the roaming network (4) is connected to the roaming network. When a communication request is generated in the state, a determination unit (S1: YES → S3: YES → S5) for determining whether the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, and the determination unit When it is determined that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, the home network is searched (S5: YES → S11), and is a network connection control program (52) that functions as a search unit.

  A seventh aspect is a network connection control method performed by a communication terminal (10) having a communication unit (14) connectable to a home network (2) and a roaming network (4). A determination step (S1: YES → S3: YES → S5) for determining whether or not the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background when a communication request is generated in a connected state; and When the determination step determines that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background (S5: YES → S11), the search step is included.

  According to each of the sixth and seventh aspects, similarly to the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the roaming rate while suppressing increase in power consumption and deterioration in usability.

  According to the present invention, a communication terminal and a network connection control program and method that can reduce the roaming rate are realized.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows the home network and roaming network to which the radio | wireless communication circuit of a portable terminal is connected. It is a memory map figure which shows the content of the main memory of a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the network connection control process by CPU of a portable terminal.

  FIG. 1 shows a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 10. Referring to FIG. 1, mobile terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU 24. The CPU 24 is connected to a key input device 26, a touch panel 32, a main memory 34, a flash memory 36, and an imaging device 38, and the antenna 12 is connected via the wireless communication circuit 14 to the microphone 18 via the A / D converter 16. However, the speaker 22 is connected via the D / A converter 20, and the display 30 is connected via the driver 28.

  The antenna 12 captures (receives) a radio signal from a base station (not shown) and emits (transmits) a radio signal from the radio communication circuit 14. The radio communication circuit 14 demodulates and decodes a radio signal received by the antenna 12, and encodes and modulates a signal from the CPU 24. The microphone 18 converts the sound wave into an analog audio signal, and the A / D converter 16 converts the audio signal from the microphone 18 into digital audio data. The D / A converter 20 converts the audio data from the CPU 24 into an analog audio signal, and the speaker 22 converts the audio signal from the D / A converter 20 into a sound wave.

  The key input device 26 includes various keys and buttons (not shown) operated by the user, and inputs a signal (command) corresponding to the operation to the CPU 24. The driver 28 displays an image corresponding to the signal from the CPU 24 on the display 30. The touch panel 32 is provided on the display surface of the display 30 and inputs a signal indicating the position of the touch point to the CPU 24.

  The main memory 34 is composed of, for example, an SDRAM or the like, and stores programs, data, and the like (see FIG. 3) for causing the CPU 24 to execute various processes, and provides a necessary work area for the CPU 24. The flash memory 36 is composed of, for example, a NAND flash memory and is used as a storage area for programs and data.

  The CPU 24 executes various processes according to the programs (52 to 56) stored in the main memory 34 while using the other hardware (12 to 22, 26 to 36). Current time information and timing signals necessary for execution of processing are supplied from an RTC (Real Time Clock) 24a.

  With the mobile terminal 10 configured as described above, a call mode for performing a call, a data communication mode for performing data communication, and the like can be selected through a menu screen (not shown).

  When the call mode is selected, the mobile terminal 10 functions as a call device. Specifically, when a call operation is performed by the key input device 26, the CPU 24 controls the wireless communication circuit 14 to output a call signal. The output call signal is output via the antenna 12 and transmitted to the other telephone through a mobile communication network (not shown). The telephone starts ringing with a ring tone or the like. When the other party performs an incoming call operation, the CPU 24 starts a call process. On the other hand, when the call signal from the other party is captured by the antenna 12, the wireless communication circuit 14 notifies the CPU 24 of the incoming call, and the CPU 24 starts calling by a ringing tone from the speaker 22 or vibration of a vibrator (not shown). . When an incoming call operation is performed by the key input device 26, the CPU 24 starts a call process.

  Call processing is performed as follows, for example. The received voice signal sent from the other party is captured by the antenna 12, demodulated and decoded by the wireless communication circuit 14, and then given to the speaker 22 via the D / A converter 20. As a result, the received voice is output from the speaker 22. On the other hand, the transmitted voice signal captured by the microphone 18 is sent to the wireless communication circuit 14 via the A / D converter 16, encoded and modulated by the wireless communication circuit 14, and then transmitted to the other party through the antenna 12. Is done. The other party's telephone also demodulates and decodes the transmitted voice signal and outputs the transmitted voice.

  When the data communication mode is selected, the mobile terminal 10 functions as a data communication device. Specifically, the CPU 24 obtains e-mail data and hypertext data by performing data communication with a mail server or Web server (not shown) on the Internet via the wireless communication circuit 14, and an e-mail document based thereon Or an HTML document is displayed on the display 30 via the driver 28.

  Further, the CPU 24 can execute another application in the background (multitask compatible CPU) while executing application software (hereinafter referred to as “application”) in the foreground. Hereinafter, an application operating in the foreground may be referred to as a “foreground application”, and an application operating in the background may be referred to as a “background application”.

  For example, in the data communication mode, while browsing a web page by a browser operating in the foreground (that is, in a state where an HTML document is displayed on the display 30), e-mail is transmitted by mail software operating in the background. It is also possible to make incoming calls. Even in call mode, you can receive e-mails in the background while talking in the foreground.

  The above-described call processing and data communication processing are executed using, for example, the home network 2 or the roaming network 4 shown in FIG. Specifically, when the mobile terminal 10 is located in the communication area of the home network 2, the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the home network 2, and the mobile terminal 10 is outside the communication area of the home network 2 and the roaming network 4. When located in the communication area, the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4.

  Whether or not the mobile terminal 10 is located within the communication area of the home network 2 is determined based on, for example, identification information included in a radio signal transmitted from a base station of the home network 2 and its received signal strength. Whether or not the mobile terminal 10 is located within the communication range of the roaming network 4 can also be determined based on identification information included in a radio signal transmitted from a base station of the roaming network 4 and its received signal strength.

  The CPU 24 of the mobile terminal 10 controls the connection of the wireless communication circuit 14 to the home network 2 and the roaming network 4 as follows. That is, when a communication request is generated while the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4, whether the communication request is from an app running in the background or an app running in the foreground When it is determined that the communication request is from the application running in the foreground, if it is time to follow a predetermined cycle, the home network 2 is searched and communication from the application running in the background is performed. When it is determined to be a request, the home network 2 is searched without waiting for the timing according to the predetermined cycle (as soon as possible). If the home network 2 is captured as a result of the search, the connection of the wireless communication unit 14 is switched to the home network 2, and if not captured, the connection state to the roaming network 4 is maintained.

  The network connection control as described above is performed, for example, based on the various programs (52 to 54) and data (62 to 66) shown in FIG. This is realized by executing processing according to the above.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the main memory 34 includes a program area 50 and a data area 60. The program area 50 includes a network connection control program 52, a communication control program 54, etc., and the data area 60 includes a connection state. A flag 62, search information 64, roaming information 66, and the like are stored. Although not shown, the program area 50 also includes an input / output control program for controlling input from the key input device 26 and the touch panel 32 and controlling output to the display 30 via the driver 28. Remembered.

  The network connection control program 52 searches the home network 2 using a data communication request from the background application as a trigger, and switches the connection of the wireless communication circuit 14 from the roaming network 4 to the home network 2 when the home network 2 is captured. If the home network 2 is not captured, it is a program for maintaining the connection state to the roaming network 4, and the CPU 24 performs processing according to the flow of FIG. 4 while referring to the flags and information (62 to 66) in the data area 60. Let it run.

  The communication control program 54 cooperates with the network connection control program 52 to control the wireless communication circuit 14 connected to the home network 2 or the roaming network 4 to execute the above-described call processing and data communication processing. It is a program.

  The connection state flag 62 is a flag indicating a connection state to the network, and is “0” when the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the home network 2 and “1” when the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4. Is written by the communication control program 54 (updated when the connection state changes). The search information 64 is information indicating the time when the search of the home network 2 is executed (time stamp based on the output value of the RTC 24a) and the result, and is written by the communication control program 54 (added when the search is executed). ).

  The roaming information 66 is information indicating the time of connection to the roaming network 4 and the time of disconnection from the roaming network 4 (both are time stamps based on the output value of the RTC 24a) and are written by the communication control program 52 (to the roaming network 4). Added when connection / disconnection occurs.)

  The roaming information 66 stored in the main memory 34 is transferred to the flash memory 36 and stored for a certain period or longer. Thus, the roaming information stored in the flash memory 36 is periodically transmitted to the carrier operating the home network 2 (and / or the carrier providing the roaming network 4), and the mobile terminal 10 roams at the destination carrier. The time using the network 4 is calculated. Then, a usage fee based on the calculation result is paid from the carrier operating the home network 2 to the carrier providing the roaming network 4.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, the CPU 24 first determines in step S <b> 1 whether or not the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4 based on the connection state flag 62 stored in the main memory 34. If the determination is NO, the same determination is repeated with a predetermined waiting time (for example, 1 second) interposed therebetween. If “YES” in the step S1, the process proceeds to a step S3 to determine whether or not a data communication request is generated via the communication control program 54. If NO in step S3, the process proceeds to step S9.

  If “YES” in the step S3, the process proceeds to a step S5 to determine whether or not the data communication request is from a background application via the communication control program 54. If NO in step S5, that is, if the data communication request is from the foreground application, the process proceeds to step S9.

  If “YES” in the step S5, the process proceeds to a step S7 to determine whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the previous search, whether the last search time described in the search information 64 and the output value of the RTC 24a ( It is determined based on a comparison with (current time). If NO in step S7, the process proceeds to step S17. If YES in step S7, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In the case of the first search, since no significant value is described in the search information 64, in step S7, the comparison with the current time is not performed, and it is determined that a predetermined time or more has elapsed, and YES is determined. .

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not a time (for example, 1 minute) corresponding to the search cycle has elapsed since the previous search. If YES in step S9, the process proceeds to step S11. If NO in step S9, the process proceeds to step S17.

  The search period is a fixed value (1 minute) in this embodiment, but may be a parameter that can be set or changed based on a user operation. Alternatively, the location information estimated from the map information describing the arrangement of the home network 2 and the roaming network 4 and the received signal strength of the identification signal from each base station provided in the roaming network 4 (or the mobile terminal 10 is GPS The search period may be dynamically changed based on the comparison with the position information). For example, the control of shortening (longening) the search period stepwise or continuously as the network boundary is approached (moved away from the boundary) is effective for acquiring the home network 2 as soon as possible.

  In step S11, the home network 2 is searched through the communication control program 54. At this time, the search time (11:25:00, 11:37:00,...) And the result (NG indicating acquisition failure or OK indicating acquisition success) are written in the search information 64 by the communication control program 54. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the home network 2 has been supplemented based on the search information 64. If YES, the process proceeds to step S15, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S15, the connection of the wireless communication circuit 14 is switched to the home network 2 via the communication control program 54. When the user leaves the roaming network 4 in this manner, the communication control program 54 adds the departure time to the roaming information 66 and updates the connection status flag 62 to “0” (“1” is overwritten with “0”). Then, it returns to step S1 and repeats the same process as the above.

  In step S17, the connection to the roaming network 4 is maintained. Thus, when it is determined to maintain the connection to the roaming network 4, the connection state flag 62 is maintained at "1" ("1" is overwritten with "1"). Then, it returns to step S1 and repeats the same process as the above.

  The fixed time compared with the elapsed time from the previous search in step S7 is 10 seconds in this embodiment, but in general, it may be shorter than the search cycle (here, less than 1 minute). . However, depending on the application, it may be determined as overtime when data communication cannot be started even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the data communication request. An appropriate time is selected in consideration (for example, in the range of 5 to 30 seconds for a search period of 1 minute).

  As is clear from the above, the mobile terminal 10 of this embodiment has a wireless communication circuit 14 that can be connected to the home network 2 and the roaming network 4, and executes another software in the background while executing the software in the foreground. Is possible. When such a data communication request is generated while the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4, the CPU 24 of the mobile terminal 10 determines whether the data communication request is from a background application. (S1: YES-> S3: YES-> S5), when it is determined that it is not a communication request from software running in the background (that is, a data communication request from the foreground application), a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 minute cycle) ), The home network 2 is searched (S5: NO → S9: YES → S11), and when it is determined that the request is a data communication request from the background application, the process waits for the timing based on the predetermined cycle. The home network 2 is searched without (as soon as possible) (S5: YES → S11). When the home network 2 is captured, the connection of the wireless communication circuit 14 is switched to the home network 2 (S13: YES → S15), and when the home network 2 is not captured, the connection state to the roaming network 4 is maintained (S13: NO → S17).

  According to this embodiment, it is noted that the background application is generally less required to have high real-time performance (compared to the foreground application), and in response to a data communication request from the foreground application, a predetermined cycle is required. If the timing is based on, the home network 2 is searched. However, in response to a data communication request from a background application, the home network 2 is searched without waiting until the timing based on a predetermined period. Thus, it is possible to quickly switch to the home network 2 while suppressing the frequency of search, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the roaming rate while suppressing increase in power consumption and deterioration in usability.

  Preferably, the CPU 24 is based on a predetermined period when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) shorter than a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous search when it is determined that the request is a data communication request from a background application. When the home network 2 is searched without waiting for the timing (S5: YES → S7: YES → S11), and when it is determined that the request is a data communication request from the background application, a predetermined time or more has not elapsed. (For example, when only 5 seconds have passed yet), the connection to the roaming network 4 is maintained (S5: YES → S7: NO → S17).

  In this way, focusing on the point that moving between networks (2, 4) requires a certain amount of time (for example, on the order of 10 seconds to 1 minute), the re-search within a certain time is limited, so the roaming rate is reduced. While maintaining the effect, the increase in power consumption and the deterioration in usability can be further suppressed.

  Further, the CPU 24 searches the home network 2 at a timing according to a predetermined cycle when a data communication request is not generated while the wireless communication circuit 14 is connected to the roaming network 4 (S3: NO → S9: YES → S11). . Therefore, the search is executed periodically even if no communication request is generated, so that the roaming rate can be reduced by a certain level or more. Then, by selecting an appropriate constant time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) for a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute), an effect of suppressing an increase in power consumption and deterioration in usability, and an effect of reducing a roaming rate Can be balanced.

  Although the mobile terminal 10 has been described above, the present invention is a mobile communication terminal (smart phone, tablet PC, mobile phone terminal, mobile information terminal, etc.) having a communication unit that can be connected to a home network and a roaming network. Can be applied to communication terminals (such as car navigation systems) mounted on mobile objects such as automobiles.

2 ... Home network 4 ... Roaming network 10 ... Mobile terminal 14 ... Wireless communication circuit 24 ... CPU
24a ... RTC
34 ... Main memory

Claims (7)

Communication unit connectable to home network and roaming network,
When a communication request is generated while the communication unit is connected to the roaming network, a determination unit that determines whether the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, and the determination unit A communication terminal comprising a search unit that searches the home network when it is determined that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background.   The search unit searches the home network if it is time to follow a predetermined period when the determination unit determines that the communication request is not a communication request from software running in the background. 1. The communication terminal according to 1. A switching unit that switches the connection of the communication unit to the home network when the home network is captured by the search unit; and a connection state of the communication unit to the roaming network when the home network is not captured by the search unit. The communication terminal according to claim 2, further comprising a maintaining unit for maintaining.   In the search unit, when the communication unit determines that the communication request is a communication request from the software being executed in the background, the search unit has not passed a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined period since the previous search. In this case, the connection to the roaming network is maintained, and when the determination unit determines that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, the predetermined time or more has elapsed since the previous search. 4. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the home network is searched without waiting until a timing based on the predetermined period.   5. The search unit according to claim 2, wherein the search unit searches the home network at a timing according to the predetermined period when a communication request is not generated in a state where the communication unit is connected to the roaming network. Communication terminal. CPU of a communication terminal having a communication unit connectable to a home network and a roaming network,
When a communication request is generated while the communication unit is connected to a roaming network, a determination unit that determines whether the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, and the determination unit A network connection control program for searching for the home network and functioning as a search unit when it is determined that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background. A network connection control method performed by a communication terminal having a communication unit connectable to a home network and a roaming network,
When a communication request is generated while the communication unit is connected to the roaming network, a determination step of determining whether the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background, and the determination step A network connection control method including a search step of searching the home network when it is determined that the communication request is a communication request from software running in the background.

Images