JP3928796B2 - Service spot guidance method and system for Internet connection service - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for guiding a user to the location of a service spot that provides a wireless Internet connection service, and is particularly located near the current location of the user with respect to the information terminal of the service spot user. The present invention relates to a service spot guidance method and system for an Internet connection service that guides the location of a service spot.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Access points such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth are installed in restaurants, coffee shops, hotel lobbies, etc., and wireless Internet connection services are provided to contract members or users free of charge, that is, hot spots ( Registered trademark) is spreading.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to use a hot spot, you must move to the store that provides the service or the wireless coverage of the access point, but know in advance the location of the store or service area that provides the hot spot service. If you don't, you'll spend wasted time searching.
[0004]
In particular, when visiting an unfamiliar area or an area where hotspot services are not sufficiently widespread, it is not easy to find the provision area. In addition, in a situation where hot spot services are rapidly spreading, it is desirable to be able to search based on the latest information because the number of service providing bases increases every day.
[0005]
The location of the hotspot is also public on the web, but it is difficult to refer to it on the go because it is necessary to connect to the Internet to receive this service. Even if it can be referred to, when trying to find a hot spot in an area close to its current position, it is not convenient because it has to follow a hierarchical menu.
[0006]
The object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art and guide the user of a hot spot or similar service spot such as a service spot that can be moved easily or in a short time from its current position. It is to provide a method and system.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention is characterized in that the following measures are taken in a system for guiding a service spot that provides a wireless Internet connection service.
(1) A location information database that stores location information related to service spots, a receiving means that receives current location information from a user terminal, and a location of service spots near the current location based on the current location of the user. And selecting means for selecting from the database, and notifying means for notifying the user terminal of the location information of the selected service spot.
(2) Receiving means for receiving priority information notified from each service spot, a priority information database for managing received priority information, and priority information for service spots selected by the selecting means And a means for giving priority to each service spot based on the priority information, and the notification means transmits the position information of the selected service spot together with the priority. It is characterized by that.
(3) A map information database storing map information, means for cutting out map information in the vicinity of the current position of the user terminal from the map information database, and superimposing position information of the selected service spot on the cut out map information And a means for generating a guidance map, wherein the notifying means transmits the guidance map to a user terminal.
[0008]
According to the above feature (1), when the current location is received from the user terminal, the service spot close to the current location is selected from the database, and the location information is sent back to the user terminal. By referring to the location information on the user terminal, the location of a nearby service spot can be recognized.
[0009]
According to the above feature (2), since the priority of the service spot is given to the position information of each service spot, the user can easily select the optimum service spot.
[0010]
According to the above feature (3), since the guide map showing the position of the service spot on the map is transmitted to the user terminal, the position of the service spot can be easily grasped.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a hot spot guidance system to which the present invention is applied. Here, the location of a hot spot (registered trademark) that provides an Internet connection service is guided by a wireless LAN. The present invention will be described using a system as an example.
[0012]
An access point AP1 installed in the hot spot A and an access point AP2 installed in the hot spot B are connected to the hot spot network HSN1. An access point AP3 installed in the hot spot C is connected to the hot spot network HSN2. Each access point AP1, AP2, AP3 has a wireless interface that conforms to the IEEE802.11b communication standard. Each hot spot network HSN1, HSN2 is connected to a wide area network such as the Internet.
[0013]
The mobile phone base station 11 is connected to a mobile network. Further, a map information database (DB) 12, a position information DB 13, and a priority information DB 14 are connected to the mobile network via the management server 10.
[0014]
The map information DB 12 stores map information in the jurisdiction area in advance. In the position information DB 13, position information related to the location of each hot spot is registered in advance together with information related to communication capabilities such as output of each access point and wireless reachable distance. In the priority information DB 14, the usage status such as the number of accommodated terminals and throughput, which are regularly notified from the access points of each hot spot, are registered together with their communication capabilities, and are updated regularly thereafter.
[0015]
A hot spot user possesses a portable information terminal 22 such as a notebook computer or a PDA together with a portable telephone 21 that detects the current position based on GPS radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites 30. The portable information terminal 22 is a hot spot. As a communication interface, a wireless LAN interface conforming to the IEEE802.11b communication standard is provided. Instead of having the mobile phone 21 and the mobile information terminal 22, you may have a composite mobile information terminal having a mobile network interface, a wireless LAN interface, and a GPB receiving function.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 10, and the same reference numerals as those described above represent the same or equivalent parts.
[0017]
The current position receiving unit 101 receives position information indicating the current position of the user transmitted from the mobile phone 21. The hot spot selection unit 102 searches the position information DB 13 based on the received current position of the user, and selects position information of a plurality of hot spots within a predetermined range from the current position of the user. The map information cutout unit 103 searches the map information DB 12 based on the received current position, and cuts out map information around the current position of the mobile phone 21.
[0018]
The priority level assigning unit 104 searches the priority information DB 14 for the usage status of the plurality of hot spots selected by the hot spot selecting unit 102. A priority is assigned to each of the selected hot spots so that the priority is higher as the hot spot has a smaller number of accommodated terminals, higher throughput, and a shorter distance from the current position of the user.
[0019]
The guide map generation unit 105 is based on the map cut out by the map information cutout unit 103, the position information of the hot spot selected by the hot spot selection unit 102, the priority given by the priority assignment unit 104, and the like. Then, a guide map (FIG. 5), which will be described in detail later, is generated. The guide map transmission unit 106 transmits the guide map to the mobile phone 21.
[0020]
The usage status receiving unit 107 receives information on the usage status of the access point that is periodically transmitted from the access point of each hot spot. When the usage status receiving unit 107 receives information on the usage status transmitted from any access point, the usage status updating unit 108 displays the usage status of the access point registered in the priority information DB 14. Update based on the usage status received this time.
[0021]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone 21, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 10.
[0022]
In FIG. 3, when using a hot spot, in step S11, the mobile phone 21 receives GPS radio waves from a plurality of GPB satellites 30, and calculates its current position based on time information included in the received signal. In step S12, the calculated current position information is notified to the management server 10 via the mobile network.
[0023]
In step S21 of FIG. 4, the management server 10 determines whether or not there is current position information transmitted from the user terminal. If the current position information cannot be received, the management server 10 proceeds to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not there is information regarding the usage status periodically transmitted from the access point of each hot spot.
[0024]
In step S27, when the usage status receiving unit 107 receives the usage status transmitted from any access point, in step S28, the usage status updating unit 108 is registered in the priority information DB 14. The usage status of the access point is updated based on the newly received usage status.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the current position information transmitted from the mobile phone 21 is received by the current position receiving unit 101 in step S21, the hot spot selection unit 102 stores the position information DB 13 in step S22 based on the received current position information. Search and select a hot spot located near the user.
[0026]
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically representing the hot spot selection criteria in step S22. In this embodiment, the hot spot (or access point) registered in the position information DB 13 is referred to and used. All hot spots HS1, HS2, HS3 located within a predetermined reference range R from the current position of the user are selected.
[0027]
Returning to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 23, the communication capability of each wireless access point installed in a plurality of selected hot spots and the current usage status thereof are read from the priority information DB 14 by the priority assigning unit 104. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, from the communication effective range of each access point calculated based on the distance r (r1, r2, r3) between each hot spot and the current position and the communication capability of each wireless access point, Priorities are assigned to the selected hot spots based on the distance S (s1, s2, s3) to the position and the current usage status of each wireless access point.
[0028]
In this embodiment, priority is given to each hot spot so that the priority becomes higher as the hot spot has a shorter distance r and distance s and a smaller number of accommodated terminals.
[0029]
In step S24, based on the current location information transmitted from the user's mobile phone 21, the map information cutout unit 103 searches the map information DB 12, and the map information near the user's current location is obtained from the mobile phone 21. Cut out according to the display ability. In step S25, the guidance map generation unit 105 generates a guidance map by superimposing the current position of the user, the position of the selected hot spot, and the priority order on the extracted map information, In step S26, the information is transmitted from the guide map transmission unit 106 to the mobile phone 21.
[0030]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the guide map. Here, the current position of the user, that is, the position of the mobile phone 21 is represented by a black circle (●), and the plurality of hot spots selected in step S22 are white circles. (○) The numbers in white circles indicate the priority order of each hot spot. As for the hot spot (3), the communication effective range of the open type hot spot is indicated by a concentric circle with a broken line.
[0031]
Returning to FIG. 3, when the mobile phone 21 receives the guide map in step S13, the mobile phone 21 displays the guide map on the display screen in step S14. When the user confirms the location of the nearest hot spot with reference to the guide map, the user moves to the location of the hot spot as shown in FIG. 1 and accesses the wireless access point from the portable information terminal 22. To do.
[0032]
According to the present embodiment, the map information indicating the location of the nearest hot spot can be received simply by transmitting its current position to the management server, so that the hot spot can be used quickly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, priority is given to each hot spot, and this is displayed together with the position of each hot spot, so that the user can easily select the optimum hot spot.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hot spot guidance system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the same reference numerals as those described above represent the same or equivalent parts. As is clear when compared with FIG. 1, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the map information DB is omitted.
[0034]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the management server 10a in the present embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those described above represent the same or equivalent parts. As is apparent from comparison with FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the map information cutout unit 103 is omitted, the guide map generating unit 105 is replaced with the guide information generating unit 109, and the guide map transmitting unit 106 transmits the guide information. Part 110 has been replaced.
[0035]
The guidance information generation unit 109 guides the location of the hot spot in text based on the position information of the hot spot selected by the hot spot selection unit 102 and the priority order given by the priority order assigning unit 104. Guide information is generated.
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance information. Here, the possession locations and names of the selected hot spots are displayed in a text format together with the priority given to each hot spot. Yes.
[0037]
According to this embodiment, even a mobile phone that cannot display map information can enjoy the hot spot guidance service.
[0038]
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example of application to a hot spot in which a wireless LAN is introduced has been described. The same applies to service bases provided.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.
(1) A user who wants to use a service spot (for example, a hot spot) that provides a wireless Internet connection service simply sends his / her current location to the management server and provides information indicating the location of the nearest service spot. Because it can be received, the hot spot can be used quickly.
(2) If the user terminal has a map display function, a guide map showing the location of the nearest service spot can be acquired, so that the location of the service spot can be easily recognized.
(3) Since priority is given to each service spot and this is provided to the user together with each service spot position information, the user can easily select the optimum hot spot.
(4) If the location information and priority of the nearest service spot are provided in text format, the location of the service spot can be guided to a user who uses a terminal that does not have a map display function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a hot spot guidance system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance map.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of a hot spot guidance system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of guidance information.
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically representing a hot spot selection method.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Management server, 11 ... Mobile phone base station, 12 ... Map information database, 13 ... Location information database, 14 ... Priority information database, 21 ... Mobile phone, 22 ... Mobile information terminal

Claims (6)

In a system that guides the location of a service spot that provides an Internet connection service by installing a wireless access point,
A location information database storing location information of each service spot;
Receiving means for receiving priority information notified from each service spot;
A priority information database for managing the received priority information;
Receiving means for receiving current location information from the user terminal;
Selection means for selecting a service spot near the current position from the position information database based on the current position of the user;
Priority order assigning means for extracting priority information of the selected service spot from the priority information database and assigning a priority to each service spot based on the priority information;
The location information of the service spots said selected look-containing and notification means for notifying to the user terminal together with their priority,
The priority information includes information on communication capability of a wireless access point installed in each service spot,
The priority order assigning unit calculates a communication effective range based on the communication capability of each wireless access point, and the priority is higher as the distance from the communication effective range to the current position of the user is shorter. A service spot guidance system for an Internet connection service, characterized in that priority is given to service spots. A map information database storing map information;
Means for extracting map information in the vicinity of the current position of the user terminal from the map information database;
Means for superimposing position information and priority of the selected service spot on the extracted map information, and generating a guidance map;
The service spot guidance system for the Internet connection service according to claim 1, wherein the notification means transmits the guidance map to a user terminal. 3. The service spot guidance system for the Internet connection service according to claim 1, wherein the priority information notified from each service spot includes a use status of a wireless access point installed in each service spot. In a method for providing a location of a service spot that provides an Internet connection service by installing a wireless access point,
A procedure for detecting the current position on the user terminal;
Transmitting the detected current position information to a management server,
In the management server,
A procedure for receiving priority information notified from each service spot and registering it in the priority information database;
Receiving the current location information;
Selecting a service spot close to the current position of the user terminal from a plurality of registered service spots of the Internet connection service;
The priority information of the selected service spot is extracted from the priority information database, a procedure for assigning priority to each service spot based on the priority information, and the position information of the selected service spot , and the procedure for notification to the user terminal together with the priorities seen including,
The priority information includes information on communication capability of a wireless access point installed in each service spot,
In the procedure for assigning the priority, the communication effective range is calculated based on the communication capability of each wireless access point, and the priority is increased as the distance from the communication effective range to the current position of the user is shorter. A service spot guidance method for an Internet connection service , wherein priority is given to each service spot . In the management server,
A procedure for extracting map information in the vicinity of the current position of the user terminal from the map information database storing the map information,
Including a procedure for generating a guidance map by superimposing position information of the selected service spot and its priority on the extracted map information,
5. The service spot guidance method for Internet connection service according to claim 4 , wherein the guidance map is transmitted to a user terminal . The user terminal, service spot guidance method of Internet connection service according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that to calculate the current position based on GPS radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites.

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