JP4695168B2 - Communication terminal, communication processing method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal, a communication processing method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication terminal, a communication processing method, a recording medium, and a program that can track and manage the position of cargo in a logistics transaction. .

  Today, various logistics transactions are taking place between remote locations in Japan. In such a logistics transaction, it is important to manage whether or not the cargo has correctly reached the destination. Therefore, in order to manage whether the cargo has arrived at the destination, the current position of the cargo in the logistics process is sequentially measured using, for example, a GPS receiver, and the current position of the cargo is determined using position information based on this GPS positioning. A technique for tracking and managing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In recent years, with the spread of IP technology such as the Internet, worldwide expansion (globalization) has been attempted in various fields. In particular, the trend of globalization is significant in international logistics transactions. However, in the case of international logistics transactions, not only domestic logistics transactions, but also transactions at a remote place, as well as through people from various countries, the loss and arrival of cargo to be transported The difficulty of grasping time has been pointed out. Therefore, in international logistics transactions, it is required to more appropriately manage whether or not the cargo has correctly reached the destination by the set arrival time without losing the cargo to the destination. As described above, in international logistics transactions, there is a possibility that a service for acquiring the current position of a cargo and tracking the cargo using the acquired current position will be rapidly spread in the future.
JP 2001-213503 A

  When managing the current position of a cargo in a logistics transaction using location information based on GPS positioning, for example, a terminal equipped with at least a GPS receiver should be provided in a transport vehicle, a logistics device, or the cargo itself that transports the cargo. To. Once this transport vehicle or cargo is in the logistics process, it is required to use a terminal equipped with a GPS receiver for a long period of time. Therefore, there is a need to reduce power consumption in the terminal so that the terminal can be used for a long period of time. In addition, once this terminal is installed in a transport vehicle or cargo, the cargo is transported daily at various locations, so it is difficult to perform maintenance for collecting the terminal in a short cycle, and maintenance-free is required. It has been. Particularly in international logistics transactions, the transportation distance is long, so once transport vehicles and cargo are in the logistics process, it is necessary to use a terminal equipped with a GPS receiver for a longer period of time. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and maintenance-free in the terminal are important problems.

  Furthermore, in such logistics transactions, since the cargo is transported using many transport vehicles, both domestically and overseas, the cost required to track and manage the current location of the cargo is also required to be low. . As described above, conventionally, there has been a problem that it is difficult to appropriately track and manage the current position of the transported cargo in domestic or international logistics transactions.

  Such a problem cannot be solved by the technique proposed in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a communication terminal, a communication processing method, a recording medium, and a program capable of suitably tracking and managing the position of a cargo in a logistics transaction. With the goal.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the communication terminal according to the present invention uses at least first storage means for storing operator information for each area and area information, and the position of the terminal from position information or base station information based on GPS positioning. Based on the acquisition means to acquire, at least the location information acquired by the acquisition means, and the regional operator information and the regional information stored in the first storage means, the terminal exists. Network determining means for determining any one roaming network from among one or more roaming networks managed by one or more operators at the position to be operated, and an information management device for managing the position information, the network Via the roaming network determined by the determining means, at least before Transmitting means for transmitting location information, every time the transmission processing is performed, at least, the positional information acquired by the acquisition unit, a traveling direction of the own terminal based on the position information, the position information by the acquisition unit Is stored in the second storage unit, and the second storage unit stores the time zone when the network is acquired and the operator who manages the roaming network determined by the network determination unit in association with each other as the data related to the history route. Determining means for determining whether or not the data relating to the plurality of history paths that have been made coincide with each other, wherein the determination means matches the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage means. If it is determined that the network determination means determines that the network determination means has Using data relating to the history path, from among one or more of the roaming network, and determining any one of said roaming network.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the communication processing method of the present invention includes a first storage step for storing at least operator information for each area and area information, and position information or base station information based on GPS positioning for the position of the terminal itself. an acquisition step of acquiring from the at least on the basis of said position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, in said storage step of the regional operator information and the area information stored by the processing, the own terminal A network determination step for determining any one roaming network from one or a plurality of roaming networks managed by one or a plurality of operators at a position where the information exists, and an information management device for managing the position information, The row determined by the processing of the network determination step Via a ring network, a transmission step of transmitting at least the positional information, every time the transmission processing is performed, at least, the position information obtained by the obtaining step, the traveling direction of the own terminal based on the position information A second storage step of associating and storing the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition step and the operator managing the roaming network determined by the network determination step as data relating to a history route; A determination step of determining whether or not the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincides with each other, and the plurality of steps stored in the second storage step by the determination step Is determined to match the history route data of If, characterized in that said network determining step, using the data relating to the determined the history path to match by said determining step, determining from among one or more of the roaming network, any one of said roaming network And

A program of a recording medium of the present invention, in order to solve the problems described above, at least a first storage step of storing regional operator information and area information, position information or the base station based on the location of the terminal itself to the GPS positioning Based on the acquisition step of acquiring position information related to information, at least the position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, and the region-specific operator information and the region information stored by the processing of the storage step A network determination step for determining any one roaming network from one or a plurality of roaming networks managed by one or a plurality of operators at the position where the terminal is present, and information for managing the position information In the management apparatus, in the processing of the network determination step Via the roaming network determined Ri, a transmission step of transmitting at least the positional information, every time the transmission processing is performed, at least, the positional information acquired by the acquisition step, based on the position information the A second direction that stores the travel direction of the terminal itself as data relating to a history route in association with the time zone in which the location information was acquired in the acquisition step, and the operator that manages the roaming network determined in the network determination step. And a determination step for determining whether or not the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincide with each other, and the determination step includes the second storage step. Data on a plurality of stored history routes If it is determined that they match, the network determination step uses any one of the roaming networks out of one or a plurality of the roaming networks using the data regarding the history path determined to match in the determination step. It is characterized by determining .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the program of the present invention obtains at least a first storage step for storing regional operator information and regional information, and the location of the terminal from location information or base station information based on GPS positioning. The local terminal is present based on the acquisition step to be performed, at least the position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, and the regional operator information and the regional information stored by the processing of the storage step. A network determination step for determining any one roaming network from one or a plurality of roaming networks managed by one or a plurality of operators at the position to be operated, and an information management device for managing the position information to the network The lomi determined by the processing of the determining step Via a grayed network, a transmission step of transmitting at least the positional information, every time the transmission processing is performed, at least, the position information obtained by the obtaining step, the traveling direction of the own terminal based on the position information A second storage step of associating and storing the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition step and the operator managing the roaming network determined by the network determination step as data relating to a history route; A determination step of determining whether or not the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincides with each other, and the plurality of steps stored in the second storage step by the determination step Determined to match the data for the historical route If the network determining step, the determination by using the data relating to the determined the history path to match in step, one or more of the from the roaming network, the computer processing of determining any one of said roaming network It is made to perform.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably track and manage the position of a cargo in a logistics transaction.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Here, before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a schematic concept according to the present invention will be described.

  Today, in international logistics transactions, a service that acquires the current position of cargo and tracks the cargo using the acquired current position has the potential to spread rapidly in the future. Here, recently, in mobile terminals represented by mobile phones, the services of contracted carriers are out of service, and the facilities of other affiliated carriers are out of service. There is known a method called “roaming” that can be received and used. In addition, in this roaming, there is also a method called “international roaming” that makes it possible to receive a service of a contracted telecommunications carrier using equipment of an overseas carrier.

  Therefore, in domestic or international logistics transactions, the current position of the cargo is acquired using, for example, a GPS receiver, and the location information based on the acquired GPS positioning is used to track and manage the current position of the cargo. The server used is transmitted (notified) using a roaming network related to the mobile phone. This makes it possible to seamlessly track and manage the current location of cargo internationally by using a roaming network for GPS receivers and mobile phones, even for international logistics transactions. It is also possible to apply to tracking in case of theft at the level and product traceability.

  By the way, once a transport vehicle, cargo, or the like that transports cargo goes into the physical distribution process, it is required to use a terminal equipped with a GPS receiver for a long period of time. Therefore, there is a need to reduce power consumption in the terminal so that the terminal can be used for a long period of time. In addition, once this terminal is installed in a transport vehicle or cargo, the cargo is transported daily at various locations, so it is difficult to perform maintenance for collecting the terminal in a short cycle, and maintenance-free is required. It has been. Particularly in international logistics transactions, the transportation distance is long, so once transport vehicles and cargo are in the logistics process, it is necessary to use a terminal equipped with a GPS receiver for a longer period of time. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and maintenance-free in the terminal are important problems. Furthermore, in such logistics transactions, cargo is transported using many transport vehicles (logistics equipment), both domestically and overseas, so the cost required to track and manage the current location of cargo is low. Something is also required.

  When using a roaming network for mobile phones when transmitting location information based on GPS positioning, the connection environment (communication speed and (Environment related to electric field strength, etc.) and communication costs are different, and in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is necessary to consider the difference in roaming network for each business operator.

  Therefore, for example, position information based on GPS positioning is transmitted (notified) to a server used when tracking and managing the current position of cargo using a roaming network related to a mobile phone, and transmission of position information based on GPS positioning is performed. Sometimes when using a roaming network related to a mobile phone, one of the roaming networks is selected from a plurality of roaming networks based on the connection environment and communication cost when wirelessly connecting to the base station. To. This makes it possible to suitably track and manage the position of the cargo in the logistics transaction. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of explanation, a case where the current position of a cargo is tracked and managed in an international logistics transaction will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and a domestic logistics transaction is performed. In this case, the present invention can be applied.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a network system 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  In the network system 1, base stations 3 which are fixed radio stations are installed in cells in which a communication service providing area is divided into a desired size, and operators (operators) of public mobile telephones (mobile telephones) are installed. Each base station 3 is installed in a cell. For example, in the case of the operator A, a plurality of base stations 3-1-1 to 3-1-n are installed as the base station 3-1 managed by the operator A. For example, in the case of the operator B, a plurality of base stations 3-2-1 to 3-2-n are installed as the base station 3-2 managed by the operator B. For example, in the case of the operator C, a plurality of base stations 3-3-1 to 3-3-n are installed as the base station 3-3 managed by the operator C. The same applies to the base station 3-x managed by the operator X. In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where there are n operators of public mobile telephones (mobile telephones) has been described, but the number n of operators may be one or more.

  In these base stations 3-1 to 3-n, the communication terminal 2, which is a mobile radio station, for example, a code division multiple access method called W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access), GSM (Global System for Mobile) Wireless connection is made by various wireless connection methods such as a communication method. For example, when wirelessly connected by a code division multiple access method called W-CDMA, for example, 2 [Mbps] of a frequency band of 2 [GHz] is used, and 2 [Mbps] when moving and 384 [Kbps] when moving Data can be communicated at high speed at the data transfer rate. The communication terminal 2 is attached to a transport vehicle (distribution equipment) that moves between international countries or the cargo itself. Therefore, in general, there are a plurality of communication terminals 2 according to the amount of cargo (or transportation vehicles, etc.) to be transported.

  The communication terminal 2 includes a GPS receiver (not shown) (GPS receiver shown in FIG. 2), and receives GPS waves (GPS information) from the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4 at the GPS receiver. .

  The base stations 3-1 to 3-n are connected to a roaming network group 5 which is a public line network via a wired line, and one roaming network is installed for each mobile phone operator (operator). Are managed. For example, the operator A has a roaming network 5-1 installed and managed. Further, for example, the operator B has a roaming network 5-2 installed and managed. Furthermore, for example, the operator C is installed and managed by a roaming network 5-3. Similarly, for example, the operator X is installed and managed by the roaming network 5-x.

  The roaming network group 5 includes a network 6 (for example, the Internet (IP), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and other various networks) via an access server (not shown) of an Internet service provider. Are connected). The network 6 includes a server 7 (information management apparatus according to the present invention) that manages position information regarding the communication terminal 2 that is appropriately transmitted from the communication terminal 2 via the roaming network group 5 (roaming networks 5-1 to 5-3). ) Is connected.

  In the following, the base stations 3-1 to 3-n are collectively referred to as the base station 3 when it is not necessary to individually distinguish them.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the communication terminal 2 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the radio signal transmitted from the base station 3 is received by the antenna 11 and then input to the reception circuit (RX) 13 via the antenna duplexer (DUP) 12. The receiving circuit 13 mixes the received radio signal with the local oscillation signal output from the frequency synthesizer (SYN) 14 and converts the frequency into an intermediate frequency signal (down-conversion). Then, the reception circuit 13 performs quadrature demodulation on the down-converted intermediate frequency signal and outputs a reception baseband signal. The frequency of the local oscillation signal generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 is instructed by a control signal SYC output from the control unit 18.

  The reception baseband signal from the reception circuit 13 is input to the signal processing unit 16. The signal processing unit 16 includes a RAKE receiver (not shown). In this RAKE receiver, a plurality of paths included in the received baseband signal are despread with each spreading code (that is, the same spreading code as that of the spread received signal). Then, the signals of the respective paths subjected to the despreading process are subjected to coherent Rake synthesis after the phase is adjusted. The data sequence after Rake combining is subjected to deinterleaving and channel decoding (error correction decoding), and then binary data determination is performed. Thereby, received packet data of a predetermined transmission format is obtained. The received packet data is input to the compression / decompression processing unit 17.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 17 is configured by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like, and the received packet data output from the signal processing unit 16 is separated for each medium by a demultiplexing unit (not shown), and the separated data for each medium Each is decrypted.

  On the other hand, when transmitting location information related to the communication terminal 2 to the server 7 via the roaming network group 5, the control unit 18 is based on GPS positioning based on the GPS wave (GPS information) received by the GPS receiving unit 21. Position information is generated, and position information based on the generated GPS positioning is input to the compression / decompression processing unit 17.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 17 multiplexes data including position information based on GPS positioning from the control unit 18 according to a predetermined transmission format by a demultiplexing unit (not shown) and then packetizes the packetized transmission packet data. The data is output to the processing unit 16.

  The signal processing unit 16 performs spread spectrum processing on the transmission packet data output from the compression / decompression processing unit 17 using the spreading code assigned to the transmission channel, and outputs the output signal after the spread spectrum processing to the transmission circuit (TX ) Is output to 15. The transmission circuit 15 modulates the signal after the spread spectrum processing using various digital modulation methods such as QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) method and GMSK (Gaussian Filtered Minimum Shift Keying) according to the control of the control unit 18. . The transmission circuit 15 synthesizes the transmission signal after digital modulation with a local oscillation signal generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 and converts the frequency into a radio signal (up-conversion). Then, the transmission circuit 15 amplifies the radio signal generated by this up-conversion with high frequency so that the transmission power level instructed by the control unit 18 is obtained. The radio signal amplified by the high frequency is supplied to the antenna 11 via the antenna duplexer 12 and transmitted from the antenna 11 toward the base station 3.

  The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is loaded into the RAM from a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 19. In addition, various processes are executed in accordance with various application programs including an operating system (OS), and various control signals are generated and supplied to the respective units to centrally control the communication terminal 2. The RAM appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU to execute various processes.

  The storage unit 19 includes, for example, a flash memory element that is an electrically rewritable and erasable nonvolatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and the like, and includes various application programs executed by the CPU of the control unit 18 and various types. The data group is stored. The storage unit 19 stores a command program composed of commands, various firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, and the like in each memory region. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, data, command programs, firmware, and the like are stored (stored) in each memory area (for example, a data memory area, a command program memory area, a firmware memory area, etc.) of the storage unit 19, for example. These data are appropriately loaded into (read out from) RAM which is a working memory.

  Further, the communication terminal 2 is provided with a clock circuit (timer) 20 that measures the current accurate current time.

  The GPS receiver 21 receives GPS waves (GPS information) from the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4 via the GPS antenna 22 under the control of the controller 18. This GPS information includes, for example, transmission time information from each of the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4. Thereafter, the GPS information is input to the control unit 18. And the control part 18 calculates the positional information (latitude / longitude information) which shows the present location of the communication terminal 2 using the acquired GPS information (In addition, it can calculate from 3 to 4 GPS information, for example). Desirably, position information based on GPS positioning, which is position information indicating the current location of the communication terminal 2, is obtained. In general, latitude and longitude are acquired as position information obtained based on the GPS information, but address information corresponding to latitude and longitude may be acquired. Therefore, “position information based on GPS positioning” includes information such as position information (for example, latitude / longitude information) calculated from GPS information and address information corresponding to the information.

  The power supply circuit 24 generates a predetermined operating power supply voltage Vcc based on the output of the battery 23 and supplies it to each circuit unit.

  FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the server 7 as the information management apparatus according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the server 7 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. These are connected to each other via a bus 36.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU is loaded into the RAM from the program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32. The server 7 is centrally controlled by executing various processes in accordance with various application programs including an operating system (OS), generating various control signals, and supplying them to each unit. The RAM appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU to execute various processes.

  The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a flash memory element that is an electrically rewritable and erasable nonvolatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and the like, and includes various application programs executed by the CPU of the control unit 31 and various types. The data group is stored. In particular, the storage unit 32 has a terminal information database 40, and information related to the current position information of the communication terminal 2 is registered in the terminal information database 40 in association with the terminal information database 40. In addition, the storage unit 32 stores, as elements of a data set transferred to the communication terminal 2 as necessary, a command program configured by commands, various firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, and the like. The data is stored in the memory area, and these data are updated as appropriate.

  The input unit 33 includes operation keys, buttons, a keyboard, and the like. The display unit 34 is a display configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like.

  The communication unit 35 includes a modem, a terminal adapter, and a network interface (all not shown), and is connected to the communication terminal 2 via the roaming network 5 and the network 6.

  The control unit 31 includes a terminal reload data management unit 37, a main control unit 38, and a terminal remote monitoring control unit 39 as a characteristic configuration according to the present invention. The terminal reload data management unit 37 extracts a desired data set from the elements of the data set stored in the storage unit 32 when transferring the data set to the communication terminal 2 as necessary. The main control unit 38 controls the server 7 in an integrated manner. The terminal remote monitoring control unit 39 updates the terminal information database 40 stored in the storage unit 40 based on the position information (position information based on GPS positioning) from the communication terminal 2 that is appropriately received by the communication unit 35. At the same time, referring to the updated terminal information database 40, the communication terminal 2 is remotely monitored.

  Next, position information transmission processing in the communication terminal 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The position information transmission process in the communication terminal 2 is started immediately after the communication terminal 2 is attached to the transfer vehicle or the cargo itself.

  When executing the location information transmission process in the communication terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU of the control unit 18 may, for example, each memory area (for example, a data memory area, a command program memory area, a firmware, etc.) of the storage unit 19. Data, command programs, firmware, and the like are appropriately loaded (read) from a memory area or the like into RAM as a working memory, and various processes are executed according to the loaded programs and various data.

  Specifically, in the case of FIG. 6, for example, DB1 and DB3 stored in the data memory area of the storage unit 19 are loaded and expanded on the RAM. A command program (JPN2) stored in the command program memory area of the storage unit 19 is loaded on the RAM and expanded. Further, firmware A (firmware relating to communication method A), firmware C (firmware relating to time slot), firmware F (firmware relating to cost comparison), and firmware X (***) stored in the firmware memory area of the storage unit 19 Firmware) is loaded on the RAM and expanded.

  As a premise for explaining the position information transmission processing in the communication terminal 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the communication terminal 2 is moving from the point L1 to L3, the communication terminal 2 is moved to the current point L2. It shall exist. At this time, the communication terminal 2 is moving in the traveling direction indicated by “direction 16”. The “direction” indicating the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2 is given, for example, by dividing 360 degrees by a predetermined number. For example, when the number of divisions is 60, the width of the angle indicated by one direction is 6 degrees, and the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2 can be indicated by 60 directions from direction 1 to direction 60.

  In step S <b> 1, the control unit 18 uses the clock circuit 20 to determine whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) set in advance has elapsed since the position information transmission process was completed most recently. The process waits until it is determined that a predetermined time has passed since the position information transmission process was completed recently. The timer determination process uses the clock circuit 20, but is not limited to such a case. For example, it may be determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed by a soft timer. The predetermined time may be, for example, 10 minutes or 30 minutes. If the predetermined time is shortened, the current position of the communication terminal 2 can be traced in detail, but the power consumption in the communication terminal 2 increases accordingly. End up. Therefore, it is desirable to set the predetermined time so that the current position of the communication terminal 2 can be accurately grasped while suppressing an increase in power consumption to some extent.

  When the control unit 18 determines in step S1 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the position information transmission process was completed most recently, the control unit 18 activates the GPS reception unit 21 in step S2. , Reception of GPS waves (GPS information) from the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4 is started. The GPS receiver 21 receives GPS waves (GPS information) from the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4 via the GPS antenna 22 under the control of the controller 18. This GPS information includes, for example, transmission time information from each of the GPS satellites 4-1 to 4-4. Thereafter, the GPS information is input to the control unit 18.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the position information based on GPS positioning related to the communication terminal 2 is periodically acquired using a timer. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, according to a command from the server 7 Position information based on GPS positioning may be acquired.

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 18 calculates position information (latitude / longitude information) indicating the current location of the communication terminal 2 using the acquired GPS information, and GPS positioning that is position information indicating the current location of the communication terminal 2. Find location information based on. The position information based on the GPS positioning includes information on longitude and latitude such as “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”. For example, in the case of FIG. 7, this indicates that the longitude and latitude of the point L2 where the communication terminal 2 currently exists is the longitude and latitude indicated by “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”.

  At this time, the control part 18 calculates | requires the advancing direction of the communication terminal 2 using the shift | offset | difference of the transmission time information contained in GPS information, etc. For example, in the case of FIG. 7, “direction 16” is calculated as the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2. Further, the control unit 18 acquires the current time (the time when the position information based on GPS positioning is acquired) from the transmission time information included in the GPS information.

  In step S4, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the positioning accuracy of the positional information based on the acquired GPS positioning is valid, that is, whether or not the positional information based on the GPS positioning is acquired with a high positioning accuracy. judge. For example, when the positioning accuracy based on GPS positioning is the lowest level 1 among levels 1 to 3, it is not desirable to use it as position information indicating the current position of the communication terminal 2, and therefore the position based on GPS positioning. It is determined that the positioning accuracy of information is not effective.

  When the control unit 18 determines that the positioning accuracy of the position information based on the GPS positioning is valid in step S4, the control unit 18 reads the latest history learning data stored in the storage unit 19. In the history learning data, records relating to routes generated when the communication terminal 2 determines the roaming network 5-x using position information based on GPS positioning are sequentially registered.

  Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, a record relating to a route generated by each communication terminal 2 or history learning data updated using the record is appropriately selected during the location information transmission process. While being transmitted to the server 7, the server 7 merges (integrates) the records (history learning data) from the respective communication terminals 2 so as to be managed as one history learning data. When the data set is transmitted from the server 7 to each communication terminal 2, the latest history learning data managed centrally by the server 7 is included in a part of this data set, and each communication terminal 2. To send to. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to synchronize with each history learning data managed by each communication terminal 2 (for example, communication terminals 2-1 to 2-3). Thus, a record relating to a new route generated by each communication terminal 2 can be shared. Of course, the history learning data may be managed for each communication terminal 2 without being limited to such a case.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the history learning data stored in the storage unit 19. As shown in FIG. 9, in the history learning data, a route through which the communication terminal 2 has passed in the past is registered as a record (record), for example, in the form of a table. Specifically, the record number, route NO, route ID, operator, position, traveling direction, positioning time zone, adjacent route ID, and learning number are associated and registered in the history learning data in FIG. . The history learning data is managed in the storage unit 19 in a plurality of table formats. Of the history learning data shown in FIG. 9, the current position of the communication terminal 2 is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23”. 34 ”is the data structure of history learning data.

  For example, in the case of the first line, the record number is “0001”, and the record number that records the route that the communication terminal 2 has passed in the past is “0001”. The route NO is “9898”, which indicates that the route NO selected by the departure point and the destination when the communication terminal 2 moves is “9898”. The route ID is “2222”, and the route ID of the movement route selected in a short distance when the communication terminal 2 moves is “2222”. The operator is “A”, and the selected business operator is “business operator A”. The position is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”, which indicates that the current position of the communication terminal 2 measured using the GPS receiver 21 is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”. . The traveling direction is “35”, which indicates that the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2 is the traveling direction indicated by “direction 35”. The positioning time zone is “12”, which indicates that the time zone measured using the GPS receiving unit 21 is “12:00:00 to 12:59:59”. The adjacent route ID is “1111”, which indicates that the route ID adjacent to this moving route indicated by the route ID “2222” is “1111”. The number of learning is “3”, and the current position of the communication terminal 2 has been calculated using the GPS receiver 21 in the past. As a result, the same calculation result is obtained, and the number of times this record is used is “3 times”. It is shown that. The same applies to the second and subsequent rows.

  In the case of international logistics transactions, it is generally assumed that the communication terminal 2 attached to the transport vehicle or the cargo itself moves along the same route on the same route. At this time, if the movement is performed in the same time zone and in the same traveling direction, the learning number of the record regarding the corresponding route is incremented by the learning number increment process (the process of step S15 or step S17) described later. In the embodiment of the present invention, in the server 7, records (history learning data) from each communication terminal 2 are merged (integrated) and managed as a single piece of history learning data. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the communication terminal 2-1 does not generate the same record, the same record is recorded by another communication terminal 2 (in the case of FIG. 8, the communication terminals 2-2 to 2-3). Is generated, the learning number for the record is sequentially incremented via the server 7. Specifically, in the case of the history learning data in FIG. 9, as indicated by the seventh row, the time zone is “12” at the same position (position indicated by “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”). ”And“ 38 ”in the traveling direction are generated a total of“ 99 ”times. This means that the movement route indicated by the record in the seventh row is the movement route that has been performed the most times at this position as a result of appropriate calculation processing when each communication terminal 2 moves. Show. In other words, this is the route that is most frequently used in a certain distribution route, as indicated by the record in the seventh row, and that is optimal from the viewpoint of both communication stability and communication cost. This means that it is estimated that the roaming network 5-x is specified.

  In step S <b> 6, the control unit 18 refers to the read history learning data and matches with the past history path based on the acquired location information based on the GPS positioning, the traveling direction, and the current time. Determine whether. For example, in the case of FIG. 7, the position information based on GPS positioning is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34” and the traveling direction is “direction 16”. If the time zone is “12 o'clock”, since it is the same calculation result as the past history path described in the second row of the history learning data in FIG. 9, it is determined to match the past history path. The

  On the other hand, for example, in the case of FIG. 7, the position information based on GPS positioning is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”, and the time zone measured using the GPS receiver 21 is “12:00”. Even if the traveling direction is not “direction 16” in the first place, it is not the same calculation result as the past history path described in the second row of the history learning data in FIG. Is determined not to match. That is, even if the position information based on GPS positioning is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”, if the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2 or the time zone measured using the GPS receiver 21 is different. Since it is not the same calculation result as the past history path described in the second row of the history learning data in FIG. 9, it is determined that it does not match the past history path.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the communication terminals 2-1 to 2-3 pass through the same position, it is determined that they do not match the past history path because the traveling directions at the positions are different. As a result, it is fully conceivable that a different operator is selected and a different roaming network 5-x is determined. As a result, it is considered that the processing load on the CPU during the determination process of the roaming network 5-x using the position information based on the GPS positioning increases excessively.

  Therefore, even if it is determined by the determination process in step S6 that it does not match the past history path, the past history path (record) is different because only the traveling direction is different at the same position and in the same time zone. ), The history route (record) having the largest learning number is used in the following roaming network determination process using the learning number sequentially updated by the history learning data. .

  When the control unit 18 determines in step S6 that it does not match the past history route, the control unit 18 refers to the read history learning data in step S7, and the positional information based on the acquired GPS positioning, Based on the traveling direction and the current time, it is determined whether or not there is a history route having the same time zone as the position information based on GPS positioning, among the past history routes. For example, in the same position (position indicated by “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”) and the same time zone (time zone “12”), in FIG. 9, record numbers “0001”, “0004” to It is determined that “0008” corresponds to a history route having the same time zone as the position information based on GPS positioning.

  If the control unit 18 determines in step S7 that there is no history path that has the same time zone as the position information based on GPS positioning among the past history paths, the control unit 18 performs current history learning data in step S8. Since the record registered in cannot be used, the area-specific operator information and area information stored in the storage unit 19 are read out.

In the regional operator information, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the region, the operator, the communication speed, and the communication cost are registered in association with each other. For example, in the case of the first row in FIG. 11, the operators that can be used for wireless connection in “region X ₁ ” are “A”, “B”, and “F”. The speed is “medium speed”, “low speed”, and “low speed”, and the communication costs are “medium (medium)”, “low (cheap)”, and “high (high)”. Show. The same applies to the second and subsequent lines in FIG.

In the area information, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the area and the position are registered in association with each other. For example, in the case of the first row in FIG. 12, the longitude and latitude included in the “region X ₁ ” are longitude latitudes α to β. The same applies to the second and subsequent lines in FIG.

  In step S9, the control unit 18 selects an operator to be used for wireless connection in consideration of communication stability, communication cost, and the like based on the read region-specific operator information and region information, and the roaming network. One of the roaming networks 5-x is determined from the group 5.

  Specifically, the control unit 18 determines, for example, in which region the longitude and latitude included in the position information based on the acquired GPS positioning is included, using the region information in FIG. Next, the control unit 18 weights the operators included in the corresponding region according to the communication speed and communication cost included in the region-specific operator information in FIG. 11, and extracts an operator having a high priority from a plurality of operators. Calculate the numerical value to do. That is, for example, when the communication speed is “low speed”, “medium speed”, and “high speed”, the control unit 18 assigns (assigns), for example, “1”, “2”, and “3” as weighting coefficients, respectively. ). For example, when the communication cost is “low”, “medium”, and “high”, the control unit 18 assigns, for example, “3”, “2”, and “1” as weighting coefficients, respectively.

For example, in the area X ₁ , for the operator A, a numerical value “4” is calculated by an expression of weighting coefficient “2” × “2” = “4”. For the operator B, a numerical value “3” is calculated by an expression of weighting coefficient “1” × “3” = “3”. Further, for the operator F, a numerical value “3” is calculated by the formula of weighting coefficient “1” × “3” = “3”. At this time, since the numeric value calculated is means higher high enough priority, the control unit 18, for example in areas X _1, as an operator to be used for wireless connection, the operator "A" The roaming network 5-1 managed by the operator “A” is determined from the roaming network group 5 selected. At this time, since it is determined that it does not match the past history path, a new record number is assigned. For example, in the case of FIG. 9, “0009” is assigned as a new record number. And other route NO, route ID, etc. are provided simultaneously.

  Thereby, from the viewpoints of both communication stability and communication cost, an optimal roaming network 5-x in the region is determined from the roaming network group 5.

  In addition to the communication speed and the communication cost, for example, information on the electric field strength may be used to determine the optimum roaming network 5-x in the area from the roaming network group 5.

  In step S <b> 10, the control unit 18 controls the mobile phone wireless communication unit to wirelessly connect to the determined roaming network 5 -x via the antenna 11 via the base station 3. At this time, the wireless connection is established by a communication method according to the determined roaming network 5-x. If the electric field strength in the area is weak and a wireless connection to the roaming network 5-x cannot be established, the connection process may be retried for a predetermined number of times (for example, two or three times). Good.

  In step S11, when the wireless connection with the determined roaming network 5-x is established, the control unit 18 controls the mobile phone wireless communication unit and newly acquires the position information based on the obtained GPS positioning. Along with the generated data such as a record number (or history learning data), the data is transmitted to the server 7 via the roaming network 5-x, the network 6, or the like.

  At this time, the control unit 18 causes the server 7 to transmit status information regarding the hardware state, the operation state, the radio wave reception state, and the like of the communication terminal 2 to the server 7 via the roaming network 5-x, the network 6, and the like. Thereby, on the server 7 side, various states of the communication terminal 2 attached to the transportation vehicle moving in the remote place or the cargo itself can be monitored, and when there is a malfunction, remote control can be appropriately performed.

  Thereafter, in step S12, the control unit 18 updates the history learning data stored in the storage unit 19 based on the information based on the acquired GPS positioning, the newly assigned record number, and the like. For example, the history learning data in FIG. 9 is updated as shown in FIG. In the ninth line in the case of FIG. 13, the record number “0009”, the route number “9899”, the route ID “1115”, the operator “A”, the position “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”, the traveling direction “16” ”, Positioning time zone“ 15 ”, adjacent route ID“ 1111 ”, and learning number“ 1 ”are registered in association with each other.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeatedly executed, position information based on GPS positioning is acquired every predetermined time set in advance, and position information based on the acquired GPS positioning is used. Thus, the roaming network 5-x is determined, and the determined roaming network 5-x is wirelessly connected, and the position information based on the GPS positioning is transmitted to the server 7.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines in step S7 that there is a history path that has the same time zone as the positional information based on GPS positioning among the past history paths, the control unit 18 determines that the corresponding record in step S13. The one with the highest learning number is extracted.

  For example, in the case of the same position (position indicated by “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34”) and the same time zone (time zone “12”), record numbers “0001” and “0004” are shown in FIG. Thru “0008” is determined to correspond to a history route whose time zone is the same as the position information based on GPS positioning, and therefore the record in the seventh row is extracted as the record having the highest learning number out of these records. Is done.

  In step S <b> 14, the control unit 18 selects an operator to be used for wireless connection using the extracted record with the highest learning number, and determines any roaming network 5-x from the roaming network group 5. To do.

  For example, in FIG. 9, if the record in the seventh row is extracted as the record having the highest learning number, the operator used for wireless connection is selected as the operator “L”, and the operator “L” is selected from the roaming network group 5. The roaming network 5-12 managed by “L” is determined as the roaming network 5-x used at the time of connection.

  This makes it possible to preferentially use a record with a high learning number during the determination process of the roaming network 5-x using position information based on GPS positioning, and the roaming network determination process that is actually performed by the calculation of the CPU. The useless load at the time can be reduced as much as possible. Moreover, the record obtained in the other communication terminal 2 provided to the communication terminal 2 via the server 7 can be used effectively.

  In step S15, the control unit 18 increments the learning number of the extracted record having the highest learning number by one. For example, in the case of FIG. 9, the update is performed as shown in FIG. 14, and the learning number of the record in the seventh row is updated from “99” to “100”.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10, and the processes after step S10 are executed. That is, wireless connection is made using the determined roaming network 5-x, and the position information based on the GPS positioning is transmitted to the server 7 together with data such as a record updated.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines in step S6 that it matches the past history route, the control unit 18 extracts the corresponding past history route (record). For example, in the case of FIG. 7, the position information based on GPS positioning is “E122.23.98-N34.32.23 34” and the traveling direction is “direction 16”. If the time zone is “12 o'clock”, since it is the same calculation result as the past history path described in the second row of the history learning data in FIG. 9, it is determined to match the past history path. The record in the second row is extracted.

  In step S <b> 16, the control unit 18 selects an operator to be used for wireless connection using the extracted record, and determines any roaming network 5-x from the roaming network group 5. For example, when the record in the second row in FIG. 9 is extracted, the operator used for wireless connection is selected as the operator “B”, and the roaming network 5 managed by the operator “B” from the roaming network group 5 is selected. -12 is determined as the roaming network 5-x used at the time of connection.

  This makes it possible to use a record as a calculation processing result based on a past history path during the determination processing of the roaming network 5-x using position information based on GPS positioning, and the roaming actually performed by CPU calculation. It is possible to reduce the useless load during the network determination process as much as possible.

  In step S17, the control unit 18 increments the learning number of the extracted record by one. For example, when the record in the second row in FIG. 9 is extracted, the record is updated as shown in FIG. 15, and the learning number of the record in the second row is updated from “1” to “2”.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10, and the processes after step S10 are executed. That is, wireless connection is made using the determined roaming network 5-x, and the position information based on the GPS positioning is transmitted to the server 7 together with data such as a record updated.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines that the positioning accuracy of the position information based on the GPS positioning is not effective in step S4, the control unit 18 determines in step S18 a predetermined number of times (for example, 2, 3 times, etc.). ) It is determined whether or not the position information acquisition process has been retried. When the control unit 18 determines in step S18 that the position information acquisition process has not been retried for a predetermined number of times (for example, two or three times) set in advance, the process returns to step S2, and after step S2 The position information acquisition process is repeatedly executed until the position information acquisition process is retried for a predetermined number of times (for example, two or three times).

  When the control unit 18 determines in step S18 that the position information acquisition process has been retried for a predetermined number of times (for example, two or three times) set in advance, the control unit 18 performs GPS in that area in step S19. It recognizes that the situation of radio waves from the satellites 4-1 to 4-4 is bad and cannot acquire position information based on GPS positioning accurately, and performs error processing. In addition, you may make it perform an acquisition process repeatedly until the positional information based on GPS positioning is acquired effectively, without restricting to the predetermined number of times set beforehand.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  In the position information transmission process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, position information based on GPS positioning is used as position information regarding the position of the communication terminal 2. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. Base station information from the station 3 may be used.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16, the position information reception process in the server in FIG. 4 corresponding to the position information transmission process in the communication terminal 2 in FIG. 5 will be described.

  In step S21, the communication unit 35 receives data related to location information based on GPS positioning and other updated records from each communication terminal 2 via the roaming network group 5 and the network 6, and receives the received GPS positioning data. Based on the location information and other updated records, the data is supplied to the main control unit 28 via the bus 36.

  In step S <b> 22, the main control unit 38 acquires position information based on GPS positioning and other updated records supplied from the communication unit 35, and acquires position information based on the acquired GPS positioning and other updates. The terminal information database stored in the storage unit 32 is updated based on the data related to the recorded record.

  FIG. 17 illustrates a configuration example of the terminal information database stored in the storage unit 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a location history, a hardware state, an operation state, a radio wave reception state, and the like are associated and registered for each communication terminal 2. The terminal information database is updated based on position information based on GPS positioning from each communication terminal 2 acquired via the communication unit 35, and status information on hardware status, operating status, radio wave reception status, and the like.

  In step S <b> 23, the main control unit 38 updates the history learning data stored in the storage unit 32 based on the position information based on the acquired GPS positioning and data related to other updated records.

  Thereby, after the records regarding the new route generated and managed by each communication terminal 2 are merged on the server 7 side, they can be managed in an integrated manner.

  In step S24, the main control unit 38 controls the terminal remote monitoring control unit 39 to monitor each communication terminal 2 based on the latest position information and status information regarding each communication terminal 2 registered in the terminal information database. Each communication terminal 2 is controlled by appropriately generating a control signal and transmitting the generated control signal to each communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 35.

  Specifically, when the hardware state of one communication terminal 2 is not good, the terminal remote monitoring control unit 39 analyzes the cause of the bad hardware state and eliminates the analyzed cause by remote control. When it is possible, a corresponding control signal is generated and transmitted to the communication terminal 2 via the communication unit 35.

  Thereafter, the position information receiving process is terminated, and the position information receiving process is executed each time position information based on GPS positioning from each communication terminal 2 is received.

  Note that the command program, firmware, regional operator information, regional information, and the like stored in the storage unit 32 of the server 7 are appropriately changed and updated in order to maintain the communication terminal 2 existing at a remote location. In particular, regional operator information and the like may be changed as a result of the integration of operators (operators) and providers, and communication charges and the like are changed as appropriate according to plan changes. These updated data are transmitted to each communication terminal 2 as one data set. Hereinafter, a data set transmission process in the server 7 using this method will be described.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, the data set transmission process in the server 7 of FIG. 4 is demonstrated.

  In step S31, the main control unit 38 determines whether or not the command program, firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, and the like stored in the storage unit 32 have been updated. Wait until it is determined that it has been updated.

  If the main control unit 38 determines in step S31 that the command program, firmware, region-specific operator information, region information, history learning data, and the like have been updated, the main control unit 38 sets the terminal reload data management unit 37 in step S32. To control and extract a data set to be transferred to each communication terminal 2.

  In step S <b> 33, the main control unit 38 controls the communication unit 35 with the data set for each communication terminal 2 extracted by the terminal reload data management unit 37, and communicates with each communication terminal 2 via the roaming network group 5 and the network 6. To send.

  As a result, necessary command programs, firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, and the like are downloaded and downloaded from the server 7 via the roaming network group 5 and the network 6 to each communication terminal 2 as appropriate. Updating is performed based on the various data. Thereby, when these data are updated, the communication terminal 2 existing in a remote place can be maintained via the network 6 or the like, and the trouble of directly maintaining the communication terminal 2 as necessary is saved. And maintenance-free. Therefore, it is possible to provide the communication terminal 2 capable of adapting to occasional changes over a long period of time, and to obtain a product with a lower price and a longer life.

  In the case of FIG. 18, the data set is transmitted to each communication terminal 2 via the roaming network group 5 and the network 6. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, the data set is transmitted to each communication terminal 2 or server 7. A wireless LAN communication unit (not shown) may be provided, and transmission / reception may be performed by wireless LAN communication complying with a predetermined standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g.

  In the data set transmission process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, it is determined that the command program, firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, and the like stored in the storage unit 32 have been updated. In such a case, the server 7 transmits to each communication terminal 7 as appropriate. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, the server 7 transmits to each communication terminal 7 in accordance with the position information transmission processing from the communication terminal 2. The data set may be transmitted.

  A data set reception process in the communication terminal 2 in FIG. 2 corresponding to the data set transmission process in the server 7 in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S <b> 41, the control unit 18 of the communication terminal 2 controls the mobile phone wireless communication unit and receives a data set from the server 7 via the roaming network 5 group and the network 6.

  In step S42, the control unit 18 acquires a data set received via the mobile phone wireless communication unit, and based on the acquired data set, various data (for example, a command program) stored in the storage unit 19 is obtained. And firmware, regional operator information, regional information, history learning data, etc.).

  Here, a more specific roaming network determination method to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, while the communication terminal 2 is moving, operators used for wireless connection are sequentially determined in the order of operators “A” → “C” → “D”. At this time, the first reason for selecting the operator “A” is that the area has a high position information acquisition request (position information acquisition request from the server 7), and the roaming network 5-managed by the operator “A”. 1 is because the communication speed is “medium” and the communication cost is “medium”.

  Secondly, the operator “C” is selected because the next move candidate area has a high request for location information acquisition, and there are various communication methods and types of operators. This is because a network having a high communication speed is selected even if the communication cost is high, in order to guarantee the download while moving.

  Third, the operator “D” is selected because the roaming network 5-1 managed by the operator “D” has a communication speed of “high speed”, a communication cost of “low”, and a communication method of “X”. Because it is.

  As described above, in the determination of the roaming network in the communication terminal 2 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, in consideration of the frequency of the location information acquisition request, the next regionality, etc., the business operation is started from the current location and time. The roaming network 5-x may be appropriately determined as long as there is no trouble.

  In the position information transmission process in the communication terminal 2 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the communication terminal 2 transmits position information based on GPS positioning to the server 7 at a predetermined time set in advance. However, when a plurality of communication terminals 2 are concentrated in a narrow area, local network traffic is congested, and a situation in which it is impossible to connect to the desired roaming network 5-x occurs. obtain. Therefore, the network connection of the communication terminal 2 existing in this narrow area may be selected by a different operator by time slot control from the server 7 side and connected to the roaming network 5-x managed by the operator. The position information transmission processing in the communication terminal 2 using this method is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 are basically the same as the processes in steps S1 to S19 in FIG. 5, and the description thereof will not be repeated. To do.

  In the case of FIG. 21, in step S <b> 55, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a time slot control signal has been acquired from the server 7 in advance. If the control unit 18 determines in step S55 that the time slot control signal has not been acquired from the server 7 in advance, the process proceeds to step S57, and the process proceeds to step S57 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines in step S55 that the time slot control signal has been acquired from the server 7 in advance, the control unit 18 controls the mobile phone wireless communication unit in step S69, based on the time slot control. Connect to the roaming network 5-x. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S61, and the processes after step S61 are executed and connected to an arbitrary roaming network 5-x included in the time slot control signal.

  As a result, when local network traffic congestion occurs or may occur, the communication terminal 2 existing in a narrow area can be controlled by a time slot control from the server 7 side to a different operator. It can be selected and connected to a roaming network 5-x managed by the operator.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, at least region-specific operator information and region information are stored, position information relating to the position of the communication terminal 2 (for example, position information based on GPS positioning) is acquired, and at least the acquired position information; Based on the stored region-specific operator information and region information, one or more roaming networks (roaming network group 5) managed by one or more operators at the position where the communication terminal 2 exists, Any one roaming network 5-x is determined, and the position information can be transmitted to the server 7 which is an information management apparatus for managing the position information via the determined roaming network 5-x.

  Further, each time transmission processing is performed, at least the acquired position information, the traveling direction of the communication terminal 2 based on the position information, the time zone when the position information is acquired, and the determined roaming network 5-x are managed. The data is stored as data related to the history route (record) in association with the operator, and it is determined whether or not it matches the data related to the plurality of stored history routes, and matches the data related to the plurality of stored history routes. If it is determined, one of the roaming networks 5-x can be determined from one or a plurality of roaming networks 5-x using data regarding the history path determined to match.

  As a result, seamless location information of the communication terminal 2 can be acquired, arithmetic processing in the communication terminal 2 can be reduced as much as possible, and power consumption in the communication terminal 2 can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the cost required for tracking and managing the current position of the cargo while ensuring connection to the network 5-x.

  In addition, the data set transmitted from the server 7 is received via the network, and based on the received data set, the data relating to the plurality of stored history routes, the operator information by region, the region information, the command Programs, firmware, etc. are updated as appropriate. Thereby, the maintenance of the communication terminal 2 can be performed remotely by the server 7 via the network, and the maintenance can be made free.

  As described above, it is possible to suitably track and manage the position of cargo in logistics transactions regardless of domestic and overseas, and it is possible to achieve seamless location information acquisition, long-term operation, and maintenance-free. .

  The series of processes described in the embodiments of the present invention can be executed by software, but can also be executed by hardware.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the steps of the flowchart show an example of processing that is performed in time series in the order described. The processing to be performed is also included.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the communication terminal which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the hardware design using a control part and a memory | storage part. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the server as an information management apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart explaining the positional information transmission process in the communication terminal of FIG. The figure which shows the data memorize | stored (stored) in each memory area of the memory | storage part loaded and executed on RAM of the control part of FIG. The figure which shows the movement path | route of a communication terminal. Explanatory drawing explaining the concept of the history learning data managed in a server centrally. The figure which shows the structural example of the history learning data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a communication terminal. Explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a different roaming network is determined when a different communication terminal moves the same position. The figure which shows the structural example of the operator information classified by area memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the communication terminal. The figure which shows the structural example of the regional information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a communication terminal. The figure which shows the other structural example of the log | history learning data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a communication terminal. The figure which shows the other structural example of the log | history learning data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a communication terminal. The figure which shows the other structural example of the log | history learning data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a communication terminal. The flowchart explaining the positional information reception process in the server of FIG. The figure which shows the structural example of the terminal information database memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server. The flowchart explaining the data set transmission process in the server of FIG. The flowchart explaining the data set reception process in the communication terminal of FIG. Explanatory drawing explaining the more specific roaming network determination method to which this invention is applied. The flowchart explaining the other positional information transmission process in the communication terminal of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system, 2 ... Communication terminal, 3 (3-1 thru | or 3-n) ... Base station, 4 (4-1 thru | or 4-4) ... GPS satellite, 5 ... Roaming network group, 6 ... Network, 7 ... Server 11, antenna, 12 antenna duplexer (DUP), 13 receiving circuit (RX), 14 frequency synthesizer (SYN), 15 transmitting circuit (TX), 16 signal processing unit, 17 compression / decompression processing , 18 ... control unit, 19 ... storage unit, 20 ... clock circuit, 21 ... GPS reception unit, 22 ... GPS antenna, 23 ... battery, 24 ... power supply circuit, 31 ... control unit, 32 ... storage unit, 33 ... Input unit 34... Display unit 35. Communication unit 36. Bus 37. Terminal reload data management unit 38 38 Main control unit 39.

Claims (13)

First storage means for storing at least regional operator information and regional information;
An acquisition means for acquiring the position of the terminal from position information based on GPS positioning or base station information ;
At least one or more positions at which the terminal is present based on at least the position information acquired by the acquisition means and the regional operator information and the regional information stored by the first storage means. Network determination means for determining any one roaming network from among one or more roaming networks managed by an operator of
Transmitting means for transmitting at least the position information to the information management apparatus for managing the position information via the roaming network determined by the network determination means ;
Each time the transmission process is performed, at least the location information acquired by the acquisition unit, the traveling direction of the terminal based on the location information, the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition unit, and Second storage means for associating an operator who manages the roaming network determined by the network determination means and storing it as data relating to a history path;
Determining means for determining whether or not the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored by the second storage means match;
When it is determined by the determination means that the data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage means matches, the network determination means relates to the history path determined to match by the determination means A communication terminal , wherein one of the roaming networks is determined from one or more of the roaming networks using data . Corresponding to the data related to the history path used in the determination by the network determination means when the determination means determines that the data related to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage means matches. The communication terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising counting means for incrementing the learning number to be incremented by one . If it is determined by the determination means that the data regarding the plurality of history paths stored by the second storage means does not match, the network determination means is stored by the second storage means. Further comprising an extracting means for extracting the largest learning number corresponding to the data relating to the history route from the data relating to the history route of
The network determining unit determines any one of the roaming networks from one or a plurality of the roaming networks using data on the history route extracted by the extracting unit. The communication terminal according to 1 . Receiving means for receiving the data set transmitted from the information management device via a network;
2. The communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein data relating to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage unit is updated based on the data set received by the receiving unit. Receiving means for receiving a data set transmitted from the information management device via a network;
2. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the region-specific operator information and the region information stored in the first storage unit are updated based on the data set received by the receiving unit. . A third storage means for storing a command program configured by commands and firmware used in the communication terminal;
Receiving means for receiving a data set transmitted from the information management device via a network;
The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the command program and the firmware stored in the third storage unit are updated based on the data set received by the receiving unit.   2. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the position information every predetermined time set in advance or according to an acquisition request or time slot control from the information management device. .   2. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the regional operator information includes at least data relating to a communication speed and a communication cost when using the roaming network managed for each operator. . The transmission means transmits status information about the own terminal to the information management apparatus via the roaming network determined by the network determination means when transmitting the location information. The communication terminal according to 1. The communication terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the status information includes at least status information regarding a hardware state, an operation state, and a radio wave reception state of the terminal itself . A first storage step for storing at least regional operator information and regional information;
An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the own terminal from position information based on GPS positioning or base station information ;
At least, said position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, wherein on the basis of the process the regional operator information and the area information stored by the storing step, 1 or at a position where the own terminal is present A network determination step of determining any one roaming network from one or more roaming networks managed by a plurality of operators;
A transmission step of transmitting at least the location information to the information management device that manages the location information via the roaming network determined by the processing of the network determination step ;
Each time the transmission process is performed, at least the location information acquired by the acquisition step, the traveling direction of the terminal based on the location information, the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition step, and A second storage step of storing data relating to a history path in association with an operator who manages the roaming network determined in the network determination step;
A determination step of determining whether or not the data regarding the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincides with each other,
When it is determined by the determination step that the data related to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step match, the network determination step relates to the history path determined to match by the determination step A communication processing method , comprising: determining one of the roaming networks from one or a plurality of the roaming networks using data . A first storage step for storing at least regional operator information and regional information;
An acquisition step of acquiring position information about the position of the terminal itself based on GPS positioning or position information related to base station information ;
At least, said position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, wherein on the basis of the process the regional operator information and the area information stored by the storing step, 1 or at a position where the own terminal is present A network determination step of determining any one roaming network from one or more roaming networks managed by a plurality of operators;
A transmission step of transmitting at least the location information to the information management device that manages the location information via the roaming network determined by the processing of the network determination step ;
Each time the transmission process is performed, at least the location information acquired by the acquisition step, the traveling direction of the terminal based on the location information, the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition step, and A second storage step of storing data relating to a history path in association with an operator who manages the roaming network determined in the network determination step;
A determination step of determining whether or not the data regarding the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincides with each other,
When it is determined by the determination step that the data related to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step match, the network determination step relates to the history path determined to match by the determination step A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded , wherein one of the roaming networks is determined from one or more roaming networks using data . A first storage step for storing at least regional operator information and regional information;
An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the own terminal from position information based on GPS positioning or base station information ;
At least, said position information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, wherein on the basis of the process the regional operator information and the area information stored by the storing step, 1 or at a position where the own terminal is present A network determination step of determining any one roaming network from one or more roaming networks managed by a plurality of operators;
A transmission step of transmitting at least the location information to the information management device that manages the location information via the roaming network determined by the processing of the network determination step ;
Each time the transmission process is performed, at least the location information acquired by the acquisition step, the traveling direction of the terminal based on the location information, the time zone when the location information was acquired by the acquisition step, and A second storage step of storing data relating to a history path in association with an operator who manages the roaming network determined in the network determination step;
A determination step of determining whether or not the data regarding the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step coincides with each other,
When it is determined by the determination step that the data related to the plurality of history paths stored in the second storage step match, the network determination step relates to the history path determined to match by the determination step A program for causing a computer to execute a process of determining any one of the roaming networks from one or a plurality of roaming networks using data .

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