JP4974616B2 - COMMUNICATION METHOD AND TERMINAL DEVICE USING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To materialize a standby operation according to the characteristics of a terminal device. <P>SOLUTION: A wireless section 20 and a baseband processing section 22 carry out wireless communications among two or more base station equipment corresponding to two or more radio communication systems, respectively. A control section 28 selects base station equipment with which the wireless section 20 and the baseband processing section 22 should perform wireless communications. The control section 28 has specified a priority to each of two or more radio communication systems. A base station equipment corresponding to the wireless communications method with the highest priority is specified among communicable base station equipment. The control section 28 determines the execution of standby operation to the base station device corresponding to the wireless communications method of the priority beyond a priority given to the specified base station equipment, and also determines the cease of the standby operation to the base station equipment corresponding to a wireless communications method of a priority lower than the priority given to the specified base station equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication technique, and more particularly, to a communication method for executing an operation when supporting a plurality of wireless communication methods and a terminal device using the communication method.

In a wireless communication system, generally, a terminal device and a base station device are connected to perform communication. Also, a terminal device and a base station device corresponding to each of the plurality of wireless communication systems are provided. Each of the plurality of wireless communication systems has different characteristics such as a wide service area, a data rate, and a processing delay time. When comparing the plurality of wireless communication systems, each has advantages and disadvantages. In order to make up for each other's disadvantages, it is effective to realize a terminal device compatible with a plurality of wireless communication systems (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-341734 A

  When one terminal device supports a plurality of wireless communication systems, a standby operation for each of the plurality of wireless communication systems is required in order to respond to an incoming call for any of the plurality of wireless communication systems. That is, it is preferable to execute a plurality of types of standby operations in parallel. However, such an operation is not always preferable in consideration of the characteristics of the terminal device. For example, since the terminal device performs the battery operation, it is preferable that the power consumption by the standby operation is small. In particular, when the remaining amount of the battery is low, a simple operation for realizing low power consumption is desired. Moreover, the area of a service area differs in several radio | wireless communication systems. At a predetermined location, there are wireless communication systems included in the service area, and there are wireless communication systems not included in the service area. The standby operation for the latter is a useless process, and in particular, a timeout or the like occurs, so that the process becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication technique for realizing a standby operation according to the characteristics of a terminal device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a terminal device according to an aspect of the present invention is a wireless device corresponding to each of a first wireless communication method and a second wireless communication method having a higher priority than the first wireless communication method. A communication unit that performs communication, and a control unit that determines a wireless communication method when the communication unit performs wireless communication. The control unit determines execution of the standby operation in the second wireless communication method regardless of whether the second wireless communication method is communicable in the communication unit.

  According to this aspect, since a standby operation is performed for a wireless communication method to which a high priority is given among communicable wireless communication methods, normal processing is performed for a wireless communication method with a high priority. For a wireless communication method that can be executed and has a low priority, unnecessary processing can be reduced.

  When the second wireless communication method is not communicable and the first wireless communication method is communicable, the control unit may determine execution of the standby operation in both wireless communication methods. In this case, since the standby operation in both wireless communication systems is executed, an incoming call in the first wireless communication system can be reliably received, and even when the second wireless communication system becomes communicable.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a terminal device. The apparatus includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of a plurality of wireless communication methods, and a control unit that selects a wireless communication method when the communication unit performs wireless communication. The control unit defines priority for each of a plurality of wireless communication methods, and means for identifying at least one wireless communication method having a high priority among wireless communication methods with which the communication unit can communicate, Decide to perform standby operation in a wireless communication method with a priority higher than the priority assigned to the specified wireless communication method, and use a wireless communication method with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the specified wireless communication method. Means for determining the stop of the standby operation.

  According to this aspect, since a standby operation is performed for a wireless communication method that is given a priority higher than a high priority among communicable wireless communication methods, a normal communication method with a high priority is generally used. As a wireless communication system with a low priority, unnecessary processing can be reduced.

  When the communication unit receives an incoming call while the control unit is performing a standby operation, the communication unit can communicate with a wireless communication method with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the wireless communication method with which the incoming call was made. The control unit may determine whether to perform wireless communication in a wireless communication method with a low priority among wireless communication methods in which the communication unit can communicate. In this case, since the wireless communication system with the lowest priority is used, the concentration of traffic on the wireless communication system with the higher priority can be reduced.

  When wireless communication in a wireless communication method with a low priority among wireless communication methods with which the communication unit can communicate does not satisfy a predetermined quality, the control unit uses a wireless communication method with a higher priority than the priority. Execution of wireless communication may be determined. In this case, even if communication is possible, if the wireless quality is poor, a wireless communication method with a high priority is used, so that further deterioration of the wireless quality during communication can be suppressed.

  You may further provide the notification part which notifies a user about the information about the radio | wireless communication system selected in the control part. In this case, the operation status can be notified to the user.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a communication method. This method is a communication method for determining a wireless communication method for a first wireless communication method and a second wireless communication method having a higher priority than the first wireless communication method. The standby operation in the second wireless communication system is executed regardless of whether the wireless communication system is communicable.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a communication method. This method is a communication method for selecting a wireless communication method for performing wireless communication among a plurality of wireless communication methods, and defines a priority for each of the plurality of wireless communication methods. Identify at least one high-priority wireless communication method from among the possible wireless communication methods, and perform standby operation with a wireless communication method with a priority higher than the priority assigned to the specified wireless communication method. The standby operation in the wireless communication system with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the wireless communication system is stopped.

  If the incoming call is received while the standby operation is being performed, it is investigated whether communication with a wireless communication method with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the wireless communication method with which the incoming call was made is possible. Of the possible wireless communication methods, execution of wireless communication in a wireless communication method with a low priority may be determined. If the wireless communication in the low-priority wireless communication method does not satisfy the predetermined quality among the communicable base station devices, the wireless communication method in the wireless communication method with a higher priority than the priority is determined to be executed. May be. The user may be informed of information about the selected wireless communication method.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also a terminal device. This device includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a plurality of base station devices respectively corresponding to a plurality of wireless communication methods, a control unit that selects a base station device with which the communication unit should perform wireless communication, The control unit defines a priority for each of a plurality of wireless communication methods, and identifies a base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the highest priority among the base station devices with which the communication unit can communicate And a priority given to the identified base station apparatus by determining the execution of the standby operation to the base station apparatus corresponding to the wireless communication method having a priority higher than the priority given to the identified base station apparatus. Means for deciding to stop the standby operation to the base station apparatus corresponding to the lower priority wireless communication system.

  When the communication unit receives an incoming call from the base station device while the control unit is performing a standby operation, the communication unit supports a wireless communication method with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the base station device that received the incoming call. The control unit performs wireless communication with a base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the lowest priority among the base station devices with which the communication unit can communicate. May be determined.

  When the wireless communication with the base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the lowest priority among the base station devices with which the communication unit can communicate does not satisfy the predetermined quality, the control unit has a higher priority than the priority. The execution of the wireless communication with the base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method may be determined.

  You may further provide the notification part which notifies a user about the information about the base station apparatus selected in the control part.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also a communication method. This method is a communication method for selecting a base station device that should perform wireless communication among a plurality of base station devices respectively corresponding to a plurality of wireless communication methods, and has priority over each of the plurality of wireless communication methods. The base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the highest priority is identified from among the communicable base station devices, and the priority is higher than the priority given to the identified base station device. Execute a standby operation to a base station device corresponding to a wireless communication method, and stop a standby operation to a base station device corresponding to a wireless communication method with a priority lower than the priority assigned to the identified base station device .

  When an incoming call is received from the base station device while the standby operation is being performed, communication is possible with a base station device that supports a wireless communication method with a lower priority than the priority assigned to the base station device that received the incoming call. May be determined, and execution of wireless communication with a base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the lowest priority among the communicable base station devices may be determined. If the wireless communication with the base station device corresponding to the wireless communication method with the lowest priority among the communicable base station devices does not satisfy the predetermined quality, the wireless communication method with the higher priority than the priority is supported. The execution of wireless communication with the base station apparatus that has been performed may be determined. The user may be informed of information about the selected base station device.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  A standby operation according to the characteristics of the terminal device can be realized.

  Before describing the present invention in detail, an outline will be described. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a terminal apparatus that performs communication with a base station apparatus of a mobile communication system. The mobile communication system uses time division multiple access (TDMA) or code division multiple access (CDMA). Here, for example, the latter will be described. Hereinafter, a mobile communication system compatible with CDMA is simply referred to as “CDMA”. The terminal device according to the present embodiment also performs communication with a base station device of a fixed communication system in addition to a base station device of a mobile communication system. As a fixed communication system, for example, there is a communication system compliant with the IEEE 802.16 standard or the IEEE 802.16e standard, and these are also called WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) (trademark).

  If the terminal device is not performing communication, it performs a standby operation. The standby operation is an operation in which the terminal device periodically receives a signal transmitted from the base station device and confirms whether there is an incoming call addressed to itself in the received signal. Such a standby operation is generally performed intermittently. Further, since the terminal device is driven by a battery, it is desirable that the power consumption is small. On the other hand, since it is unknown for the terminal device whether to receive an incoming call by CDMA or an incoming call by WiMAX, it is preferable to execute a standby operation for both CDMA and WiMAX. However, if such a standby operation is executed when the remaining amount of the battery is low, it is not preferable in terms of reducing power consumption. Therefore, the terminal device according to the present embodiment performs the following standby operation.

  The terminal device checks the remaining battery level. If the remaining amount of the battery is large, the terminal device sets standard values for the time interval of the standby operation in CDMA and the time interval of the standby operation in WiMAX. If the remaining amount of the battery decreases, the terminal device does not change the time interval of the standby operation in CDMA, but increases the time interval of the standby operation in WiMAX. Furthermore, if the remaining battery level is low, the terminal device does not change the time interval of the standby operation in CDMA, but stops the standby operation in WiMAX. In general, the time interval of standby operation in CDMA designed to widen the service area is constant regardless of the remaining amount of battery, so that incoming calls in CDMA can be received. On the other hand, for WiMAX, which has a smaller service area than CDMA and has a low possibility of receiving an incoming call, if the remaining amount of the battery is reduced, the time interval is increased, so that power consumption is reduced.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 100 includes a terminal device 10, a first base station device 12a, a second base station device 12b, and a network 14 collectively referred to as a base station device 12. The terminal device 10 includes a terminal antenna 16, the first base station device 12a includes a first base station antenna 18a, and the second base station device 12b includes a second base station antenna 18b. Here, the first base station antenna 18 a and the second base station antenna 18 b are collectively referred to as the base station antenna 18.

  The first base station apparatus 12a corresponds to the above-described base station apparatus compatible with CDMA, and the second base station apparatus 12b corresponds to the above-described base station apparatus compatible with WiMAX. These are connected to the network 14. In addition, the network 14 includes an exchange, a router, and the like (not shown), and controls communication with the first base station apparatus 12a and the second base station apparatus 12b. Note that a base station apparatus compatible with CDMA is a base station apparatus of a mobile communication system that performs communication with the terminal apparatus 10 multiplexed by CDMA. Moreover, the base station apparatus corresponding to WiMAX is a base station apparatus of a fixed communication system that performs communication with the terminal apparatus 10 multiplexed by OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). Note that details of CDMA and WiMAX are omitted.

  The terminal device 10 has a function for voice communication and data communication. The terminal device 10 has a communication function compatible with CDMA and a communication function compatible with WiMAX. Therefore, the terminal device 10 executes communication by CDMA by connecting to the first base station device 12a, and executes communication by WiMAX by connecting to the second base station device 12b. Also, the terminal device 10 performs a standby operation on the first base station device 12a and the second base station device 12b even in a state before the communication is performed. Details of the standby operation will be described later.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 includes a first terminal antenna 16a, a second terminal antenna 16b, a fourth terminal antenna 16d, which are collectively referred to as a terminal antenna 16, a radio unit 20, a baseband processing unit 22, an audio processing unit 24, data A processing unit 26, a control unit 28, an operation state management unit 30, a battery remaining amount management unit 32, a microphone 34, a speaker 36, an operation unit 38, a display unit 40, and a battery 42 are included.

  The radio unit 20 includes a plurality of terminal antennas 16. Here, the number of terminal antennas 16 is “4”. In addition, as a reception process, the radio unit 20 performs frequency conversion on a radio frequency signal received by the terminal antenna 16 to generate a baseband signal. Further, the radio unit 20 outputs a baseband signal to the baseband processing unit 22. In general, baseband signals are formed by in-phase and quadrature components, so they should be transmitted by two signal lines. Here, for clarity of illustration, only one signal line is used. Shall be shown. The radio unit 20 also includes an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and an A / D conversion unit.

  As a transmission process, the radio unit 20 performs frequency conversion on the baseband signal input from the baseband processing unit 22 to generate a radio frequency signal. In addition, although the radio frequency used in each of CDMA and WiMAX is generally different, here, they are collectively referred to as a radio frequency. Further, the radio unit 20 outputs a radio frequency signal to the terminal antenna 16. That is, the radio unit 20 transmits a radio frequency signal from the terminal antenna 16. The wireless unit 20 also includes a PA (Power Amplifier) and a D / A conversion unit. Through the above processing, the radio unit 20 performs radio communication with a plurality of base station devices 12 respectively corresponding to a plurality of radio communication systems, but the first base station device 12a and the second base station are subject to communication. Whether one of the devices 12b is selected is based on an instruction from the control unit 28.

  The baseband processing unit 22 demodulates the baseband signal input from the radio unit 20 as reception processing. At that time, the baseband processing unit 22 may perform adaptive array signal processing and diversity processing on a plurality of baseband signals. Here, the plurality of baseband signals correspond to radio frequency signals received by the plurality of terminal antennas 16, respectively. The adaptive array signal processing derives a reception weight vector for each of a plurality of baseband signals, weights the plurality of baseband signals with the derived reception weight vector, and adds them. In addition, the adaptive array signal processing may be realized by a known technique even if it is other than these. On the other hand, as diversity processing, selection diversity, in-phase synthesis diversity, maximum ratio synthesis diversity, or the like may be performed.

  When the received baseband signal corresponds to CDMA, the baseband processing unit 22 performs despreading processing as reception processing. When the received baseband signal corresponds to WiMAX, the baseband processing unit 22 performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) as a reception process. Furthermore, the baseband processing unit 22 also performs decoding. Finally, when the received baseband signal corresponds to an audio signal, the baseband processing unit 22 outputs the processed signal to the audio processing unit 24. On the other hand, when the received baseband signal corresponds to a data signal, the baseband processing unit 22 outputs the processed signal to the data processing unit 26.

  The baseband processing unit 22 modulates the signal input from the audio processing unit 24 or the data processing unit 26 as transmission processing. Here, an audio signal is input from the audio processing unit 24, and a data signal is input from the audio processing unit 24. Further, the baseband processing unit 22 may perform adaptive array signal processing and diversity processing on the input signal as in the reception processing. In the adaptive array signal processing, a transmission weight vector is derived based on the reception weight vector, and after the modulated signal is weighted by the derived transmission weight vector, they are output as a baseband signal. In the diversity processing, one of the modulated signals is selected so that a radio frequency signal is transmitted from any one of the plurality of terminal antennas 16. When the signal to be transmitted corresponds to CDMA, the baseband processing unit 22 performs spreading processing as transmission processing. When the signal to be transmitted corresponds to WiMAX, the baseband processing unit 22 executes IFFT as the transmission process. Furthermore, the baseband processing unit 22 also performs encoding.

  The voice processing unit 24 executes processing related to voice communication such as telephone communication. The audio processing unit 24 is connected to a microphone 34 and a speaker 36, inputs audio from the microphone 34, encodes the input audio, and outputs the encoded signal to the baseband processing unit 22 as the aforementioned audio signal. . The audio processing unit 24 receives the above-described audio signal from the baseband processing unit 22 and decodes it to reproduce the audio. The reproduced sound is output from the speaker 36. A known technique may be used for encoding and decoding in the audio processing unit 24, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The data processing unit 26 executes processing related to data communication such as e-mail and Internet connection. The data processing unit 26 is connected to the operation unit 38 and the display unit 40, receives user instructions and data (hereinafter referred to as “data etc.”) from the operation unit 38, encodes the input data, etc. The converted data or the like is output to the baseband processing unit 22 as the aforementioned data signal. Further, the data processing unit 26 receives the above-described data signal from the baseband processing unit 22 and decodes it to reproduce data and the like. In addition, the reproduced data is displayed on the display unit 40.

  The battery 42 supplies power to the entire terminal device 10 through a power transmission line (not shown). The battery remaining amount management unit 32 investigates the remaining amount of the battery 42. Here, the survey is performed at a predetermined cycle. The battery remaining amount management unit 32 notifies the control unit 28 of the investigation result. The investigation may be performed based on an instruction from the control unit 28.

  The control unit 28 controls a standby operation to be executed by the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22. The standby operation means that the control unit 28 periodically receives the content of a signal transmitted from the base station apparatus 12 (not shown) via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 and includes the own signal in the received signal. This is an operation to check whether there is an incoming call. Generally, the base station apparatus 12 transmits a notification signal at a predetermined time interval. The control unit 28 of the terminal device 10 receives the notification signal via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22. Further, the notification signal includes a number for identifying the terminal device 10 to be the destination.

  When the control unit 28 confirms the incoming call addressed to itself, the control unit 28 requests the base station apparatus 12 to allocate a channel in the same manner as the transmission operation. After that, when a channel is allocated by the base station apparatus 12, communication is performed between the terminal apparatus 10 and the base station apparatus 12. As described above, since the terminal device 10 is compatible with a plurality of wireless communication systems, the control unit 28 performs a standby operation corresponding to each of the plurality of wireless communication systems. For example, the control unit 28 performs a standby operation corresponding to CDMA for the first base station device 12a via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, and for the second base station device 12b, A standby operation corresponding to WiMAX is executed.

  The standby operation as described above is generally executed intermittently. The control unit 28 controls the standby operation that the communication unit should execute for the plurality of base station apparatuses 12 based on the remaining amount investigated by the battery remaining amount management unit 32. Here, in particular, the time interval of the standby operation is controlled. More specifically, the control unit 28 stores in advance a table that associates the threshold value related to the remaining amount and the operation when the threshold value is satisfied, and the remaining amount acquired from the remaining battery amount management unit 32. The time interval of the standby operation is determined by comparing the table. Further, the control unit 28 instructs the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 to perform a standby operation at the determined time interval. Further, the control unit 28 may output the determined content to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 informs the user of the content of the standby operation controlled by the control unit 28.

  FIG. 3 shows the data structure of the control conditions stored in the control unit 28. This corresponds to the aforementioned table. The condition column 200 shows a threshold value. Here, since the value of “A” is larger than the value of “B”, the uppermost “A or higher” corresponds to a state with a large remaining amount, and the lowermost “other” is the remaining amount. This is equivalent to a state with little. In the operation content column 202, operations when the conditions are satisfied are shown as “first operation” to “third operation”. Returning to FIG.

  As a premise for explaining the “first operation” to the “third operation”, the control unit 28 defines the priority for each of the plurality of wireless communication systems. Here, the CDMA priority is specified to be higher than the WiMAX priority. A standard time interval is defined in advance for the standby operation in each of the plurality of wireless communication systems. The standard time interval may be set to the same value among a plurality of wireless communication systems, or may be set to different values.

  In the “first operation”, the control unit 28 communicates with the radio station 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 with the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to the radio communication system with a low priority, that is, with the second base station apparatus 12b. Check if communication is possible. For example, if the broadcast signal transmitted from the second base station apparatus 12b can be received, it is concluded that wireless communication with the second base station apparatus 12b is possible, and if the broadcast signal cannot be received, the second base station apparatus 12b It is concluded that wireless communication with is not possible. If wireless communication is not possible, the control unit 28 increases the time interval of the standby operation for the second base station apparatus 12b. On the other hand, if the wireless communication is possible, the control unit 28 maintains the time interval of the standby operation for the second base station apparatus 12b at a standard value. The time interval of the standby operation for the first base station apparatus 12a is maintained at a standard value.

  In the “second operation”, the control unit 28 causes the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 to check whether radio communication with the second base station apparatus 12b is possible, and radio communication must be possible. For example, the standby operation to the second base station apparatus 12b is stopped. This corresponds to setting the time interval of the standby operation to the second base station apparatus 12b to the longest value. On the other hand, when the wireless communication is possible, the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation to the second base station device 12b to the base station device 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system with high priority, that is, the first base station. It depends on whether wireless communication with the device 12a is possible. Specifically, if wireless communication with the first base station apparatus 12a is possible, the control unit 28 lengthens the time interval of the standby operation to the second base station apparatus 12b, and the first base station apparatus 12a If the wireless communication is not possible, the time interval of the standby operation to the second base station apparatus 12b is maintained at a standard value. The time interval of the standby operation for the first base station apparatus 12a is maintained at a standard value.

  In the “third operation”, the control unit 28 determines whether the wireless communication between the wireless unit 20, the baseband processing unit 22, and the second base station device 12b is possible. Stop standby operation. Further, the control unit 28 causes the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 to check whether radio communication with the first base station apparatus 12a is possible. If radio communication is not possible, the first base station The time interval of the standby operation to the station apparatus 12a is lengthened. On the other hand, if wireless communication with the first base station apparatus 12a is possible, the control unit 28 maintains the time interval of the standby operation for the first base station apparatus 12a at a standard value.

  As described above, the control unit 28 reduces the power consumption by increasing the time interval of the standby operation to the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system with a low priority as the remaining amount of the battery decreases. . In the above description, the control unit 28 selects the base station apparatus 12 that should perform the standby operation, which is equivalent to selecting the wireless communication system that should perform the standby operation. Further, the control unit 28 reduces the number of terminal antennas 16 to be used for the standby operation among the plurality of terminal antennas 16 as the remaining amount of the battery decreases. For example, in the case of “first operation”, four terminal antennas 16 are used. In the case of “second operation”, two terminal antennas 16 are used. In the case of “third operation”, one terminal is used. An antenna 16 is used. That is, if the remaining battery level is high, the maximum number of terminal antennas 16 are used. If the remaining battery level is low, one terminal antenna 16 is used. If the remaining battery level is between them, Between the number of terminal antennas 16 are used.

  The operation state management unit 30 manages the operation state of the entire terminal device 10. For example, “standby operation”, “during communication”, and the like are managed. Here, if an incoming or outgoing call is made during the “standby operation”, a transition to “communication” is made, and when the “communication” operation ends, a transition to the “standby operation” is made. When making a call, the operating state management unit 30 notifies the control unit 28 of the call. Moreover, the control part 28 selects the radio | wireless communications system which should be used for transmission among several radio | wireless communications systems. The radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 perform transmission using the radio communication system selected by the control unit 28. The destination at this time is instructed by the operation unit 38, for example. The display unit 40 displays the selected wireless communication system.

  This configuration can be realized in terms of hardware by a CPU, memory, or other LSI of any computer, and in terms of software, it is realized by a program having a communication function loaded in the memory. Describes functional blocks realized by collaboration. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

  The operation of the terminal device 10 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching the standby operation in the terminal device 10. The battery remaining amount management unit 32 investigates the battery remaining amount (S10). If the remaining battery level is “A” or more (Y in S12), the control unit 28 determines execution of the first operation (S14). If the remaining battery level is not “A” or higher (N in S12) and the remaining battery level is “B” or higher (Y in S16), the control unit 28 determines to execute the second operation (S18). If the remaining battery level is not “B” or more (N in S16), the control unit 28 determines to execute the third operation (S20). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the first operation in the terminal device 10. FIG. 5 corresponds to step 14 in FIG. The control unit 28 sets the terminal antenna 16 to four (S30). If the CDMA is in the service area (Y in S32) and the WiMAX is also in the service area (Y in S34) as a result of the investigation by the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 performs a standby operation for CDMA. Is set to a normal value, and the standby operation time interval for WiMAX is also set to a normal value (S36). Here, the normal value corresponds to the standard value described above. If WiMAX is not within the service area (N in S34), the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation for CDMA to a normal value, and sets the time interval of the standby operation for WiMAX to an extension value (S38). ). Here, the extension value corresponds to the long value described above.

  If the CDMA is not in the service area (N in S32) and the WiMAX is in the service area (Y in S40) as a result of the investigation of the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 performs the standby operation for CDMA. Is set to a normal value, and the standby operation time interval for WiMAX is also set to a normal value (S42). If WiMAX is not within the service area (N in S40), the control unit 28 sets the standby operation time interval for CDMA to a normal value, and sets the standby operation time interval for WiMAX to an extension value (S44). ). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second operation in the terminal device 10. FIG. 6 corresponds to step 18 in FIG. The control unit 28 sets the number of terminal antennas 16 to two (S60). If the CDMA is in the service area (Y in S62) and the WiMAX is also in the service area (Y in S64) as a result of the investigation of the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 performs a standby operation for CDMA. Is set to a normal value, and the standby operation time interval for WiMAX is set to an extension value (S66). If WiMAX is not within the service area (N in S64), the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation for CDMA to a normal value, and sets the standby operation for WiMAX to OFF (S68).

  If the CDMA is not in the service area (N in S62) and the WiMAX is in the service area (Y in S70) as a result of the investigation of the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 performs the standby operation for CDMA. Is set to a normal value, and the standby operation time interval for WiMAX is also set to a normal value (S72). If WiMAX is not within the service area (N in S70), the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation for CDMA to a normal value, and sets the standby operation for WiMAX to OFF (S74). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the third operation in the terminal device 10. FIG. 7 corresponds to step 20 in FIG. The control unit 28 sets the terminal antenna 16 to one (S80). The control unit 28 sets the standby operation for WiMAX to OFF (S82). If the CDMA is within the service area as a result of the investigation of the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 (Y in S84), the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation for CDMA to a normal value (S86). . If CDMA is not within the service area (N in S84), the control unit 28 sets the time interval of the standby operation for CDMA to an extension value (S88). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  A modification of the present invention will be described. Similar to the embodiment, the modification also relates to a standby operation in the terminal device. Further, the terminal device according to the modification corresponds to a plurality of communication systems as in the embodiment. Such a standby operation of the terminal device is generally preferably executed with low power consumption, but there are cases where an instruction is received from the user regarding the standby operation. For this reason, it is desirable to execute a standby operation according to a user instruction while having low power consumption.

  The configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the modification is the same type as the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. The operation unit 38 receives an instruction regarding a standby operation to be executed by the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 for the plurality of base station apparatuses 12. Here, instructions regarding the standby operation will be described later. The battery remaining amount management unit 32 investigates the remaining amount of the battery 42 as described above. The control unit 28 controls the standby operation in the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 based on the remaining amount investigated in the battery remaining amount management unit 32 and the instruction received in the operation unit 38. Specifically, if the remaining amount is greater than the threshold value, the control unit 28 performs a standby operation according to the instruction, and if the remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, regardless of the content of the instruction, A predetermined standby operation is executed. Here, the predetermined standby operation corresponds to, for example, the aforementioned “third operation”. The display unit 40 may display the contents of the standby operation determined by the control unit 28.

  An instruction regarding the standby operation will be described. While the user may input the time interval of the standby operation while operating the operation unit 38, a plurality of modes are defined in advance for the convenience of the user. The user selects one of a plurality of modes while operating the operation unit 38. Here, for example, “high-speed communication mode”, “low power consumption mode”, “telephone mode”, “web / mail mode”, etc. are stipulated in the type of mode, A time interval is defined for each wireless communication system. Here, the time interval in each mode may be set to an arbitrary value as necessary, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The mode switching by the operation unit 38 is executed as follows. First, the user depresses a mode switching button (not shown). The display unit 40 transitions to the mode selection screen. The user selects a desired mode while using the operation unit 38. The control unit 28 sets the selected mode for the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22. Note that when an application executed in the terminal device 10 is activated, the control unit 28 may determine a bandwidth required for the application and automatically switch the mode. Furthermore, when starting the application, the control unit 28 asks the user “whether to switch automatically or switch by the user” via the display unit 40, and executes processing according to the result. Good.

  The operation of the terminal device 10 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a standby operation switching procedure according to a modification of the present invention. The operation unit 38 receives an instruction from the user (S100). The battery remaining amount management unit 32 investigates the battery remaining amount (S102). If the remaining amount is greater than the threshold (Y in S104), the control unit 28 determines an operation according to the instruction as a standby operation in the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 (S106). If the remaining amount is not greater than the threshold (N in S104), the control unit 28 determines to execute the third operation as a standby operation in the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 (S108). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  Still another modification of the present invention will be described. The terminal device according to this modification also supports a plurality of communication systems as before. The terminal device executes a standby operation for reducing power consumption while increasing the possibility of receiving an incoming call, and effectively uses another communication system when receiving an incoming call. If CDMA is usable in the standby operation, the terminal device stops the standby operation for WiMAX. On the other hand, if CDMA is not usable, the terminal device executes a standby operation for CDMA and WiMAX.

  Here, since it is assumed that the CDMA service area is wider than the WiMAX service area, the reception probability of incoming calls is improved by preferentially executing the standby operation for CDMA. Further, when an incoming call is accepted by CDMA, if WiMAX can be used, the terminal apparatus executes communication by WiMAX after executing a handover from CDMA to WiMAX. On the other hand, when the incoming call is accepted by WiMAX, the terminal device performs communication by WiMAX. That is, the terminal device preferentially uses CDMA in the standby operation and preferentially uses WiMAX in communication after an incoming call.

  The configuration of the terminal device 10 according to another modification is the same type as the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. The control unit 28 selects the base station apparatus 12 with which the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 should perform radio communication. Here, the first base station apparatus 12a and the second base station apparatus 12b are to be selected. Two base station apparatuses 12 may be selected. The control unit 28 defines the priority for each of the plurality of wireless communication systems as in the embodiment. Here, it is assumed that priorities similar to those in the embodiment are defined for CDMA and WiMAX.

  First, the standby operation will be described. The control unit 28 specifies the base station device 12 corresponding to the radio communication system with the highest priority among the base station devices 12 with which the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 can communicate. For example, if the first base station device 12a can communicate, the control unit 28 identifies the first base station device 12a, the first base station device 12a is not communicable, and the second base station device 12b communicates. If possible, the control unit 28 specifies the second base station apparatus 12b. Since the detection method of the base station apparatus 12 with which the radio | wireless part 20 and the baseband process part 22 can communicate is made similarly to an Example, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The control unit 28 determines execution of a standby operation for the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to a wireless communication system having a priority level equal to or higher than the priority assigned to the identified base station apparatus 12. For example, if the first base station device 12a is specified, the control unit 28 determines execution of a standby operation for the first base station device 12a, and if the second base station device 12b is specified, the control unit 28 The execution of the standby operation for the first base station apparatus 12a and the second base station apparatus 12b is determined. On the other hand, the control unit 28 determines to stop the standby operation to the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system having a lower priority than the priority assigned to the identified base station apparatus 12. For example, if the first base station apparatus 12a is specified, the control unit 28 determines to stop the standby operation for the second base station apparatus 12b. Note that the time interval of the standby operation is set to the standard value described above.

  Next, the incoming call operation will be described. A standby operation is performed by the control unit 28 on the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22. For example, a standby operation for the first base station device 12a is executed, or a standby operation for the first base station device 12a and the second base station device 12b is executed. In such a state, when receiving an incoming call from the base station device 12 via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 determines the priority given to the base station device 12 that has received the incoming call. It is investigated whether communication with the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to a low priority wireless communication system is possible. For example, when receiving an incoming call from the first base station apparatus 12a, the control unit 28 checks whether communication with the second base station apparatus 12b is possible. On the other hand, when receiving an incoming call from the second base station apparatus 12b, the control unit 28 does not perform such an investigation.

  The control unit 28 determines execution of wireless communication with the base station device 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system with the lowest priority among the base station devices 12 with which the wireless unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 can communicate. For example, when communication is possible with the first base station apparatus 12a and the second base station apparatus 12b, the control unit 28 determines execution of wireless communication with the second base station apparatus 12b. When communication is possible only with the first base station apparatus 12a, the control unit 28 determines execution of wireless communication with the first base station apparatus 12a. When communication is possible only with the second base station apparatus 12b, the control unit 28 determines execution of wireless communication with the second base station apparatus 12b. The radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 continue the incoming operation for the base station apparatus 12 determined by the control unit 28. Since the incoming call operation may be the same as a known technique, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Note that the radio communication system corresponding to the base station apparatus 12 that has received the incoming call may be different from the radio communication system for which execution of the radio communication is determined by the control unit 28. For example, it is a case where an incoming call is received from the first base station apparatus 12a and execution of wireless communication with the second base station apparatus 12b is determined by the control unit 28. At this time, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 continue the incoming operation to the first base station device 12a that has received the incoming call, and then, from the first base station device 12a to the second base station device 12b. Handover, that is, handover from CDMA to WiMAX is executed.

  In order to realize the handover from the first base station apparatus 12a to the second base station apparatus 12b, the terminal apparatus 10 transmits the exchange connected to the network 14 (not shown) via the first base station apparatus 12a. A handover start request signal is transmitted to the second base station apparatus 12b. The exchange instructs the second base station apparatus 12b to allocate the terminal apparatus 10. The terminal apparatus 10 performs communication with the second base station apparatus 12b using the channel allocated by the second base station apparatus 12b.

  The control unit 28 has a predetermined quality of radio communication with the base station device 12 corresponding to the radio communication system with the lowest priority among the base station devices 12 with which the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 can communicate. If the above condition is not satisfied, execution of wireless communication with the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to a wireless communication system having a higher priority than the priority may be determined. For example, when the second base station device 12b is selected, but the wireless quality with the second base station device 12b does not satisfy a predetermined quality, the control unit 28 executes wireless communication with the first base station device 12a. To decide. Here, the radio quality is indicated by reception strength, desired signal power to interference signal power ratio, and error rate. In addition, the display unit 40 notifies the user of information about the base station device 12 selected by the control unit 28. In the above description, the control unit 28 selects the base station device 12, which is equivalent to selecting a wireless communication system.

  The operation of the terminal device 10 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a communication procedure according to still another modification of the present invention. The radio unit 20 causes the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 to perform a standby operation (S120) and then execute an incoming operation (S122). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a standby operation according to still another modification of the present invention. FIG. 10 corresponds to step 120 in FIG. If the CDMA is within the service area as a result of the investigation of the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 (Y in S130), the control unit 28 determines execution of the standby operation for CDMA and turns off the standby operation for WiMAX. Determine (S132). If the CDMA is not in the service area (N in S130) and the WiMAX is in the service area (Y in S134) as a result of the investigation by the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22, the control unit 28 performs standby operation for CDMA. Is determined, and execution of a standby operation for WiMAX is determined (S136). If WiMAX is not within the service area (N in S134), the control unit 28 determines execution of the standby operation for CDMA and determines OFF of the standby operation for WiMAX (S138). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an incoming call operation according to still another modified example of the present invention. FIG. 11 corresponds to step 122 in FIG. The control unit 28 receives an incoming call via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 (S150). If the incoming call is from the first base station apparatus 12a compatible with CDMA (Y in S152) and WiMAX can be used (Y in S154), the control unit 28 determines a handover from CDMA to WiMAX (S156). ). If WiMAX cannot be used (N in S154), the control unit 28 determines to use CDMA (S158). On the other hand, if the incoming call is not from the first base station apparatus 12a compatible with CDMA (N in S152), the control unit 28 determines the use of WiMAX (S160). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a transmission operation according to still another modified example of the present invention. If the transmitted content is emergency communication (Y in S180), the control unit 28 determines the use of CDMA (S182). Even if the outgoing content is not emergency communication (N in S180), if it is voice communication (Y in S184), the control unit 28 determines the use of CDMA (S186). If it is not voice communication (N in S184), if only one wireless communication system can be used (Y in S188), the control unit 28 determines the usable one (S190). On the other hand, if only one wireless communication system is not usable (N in S188) and WiMAX is faster (Y in S192), the control unit 28 determines the use of WiMAX (S194), and WiMAX If it is not faster (N in S192), the control unit 28 determines the use of CDMA (S196). Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  When the use of CDMA is determined by the control unit 28, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 transmit a channel allocation request to the first base station apparatus 12a and are allocated by the first base station apparatus 12a. Wireless communication with the first base station apparatus 12a is executed on the channel. When the use of WiMAX is determined by the control unit 28, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 transmit a channel assignment request to the second base station device 12b, and the second base station device 12b assigns the channel assignment request. The wireless communication with the second base station apparatus 12b is executed using the determined channel. Further, in order to determine which of CDMA and WiMAX is faster, the terminal apparatus 10 performs communication between each of the first base station apparatus 12a and the second base station apparatus 12b, A typical transmission rate may be measured. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may perform communication between each of the first base station device 12a and the second base station device 12b, acquire the signal strength at that time, and estimate the transmission rate from the signal strength. .

  Hereinafter, the display contents on the display unit 40 and the operability of the operation unit 38 that can be implemented in common in the embodiment and the modification will be described. As described above, the display unit 40 displays the wireless communication system used in the terminal device 10. In that case, the display part 40 notifies the radio | wireless communications system currently used by displaying a character, a pictogram, etc. so that a user can identify a radio | wireless communications system. Here, the used wireless communication system may be a wireless communication system that is performing a standby operation, or may be a wireless communication system that is actually performing communication.

  13A to 13B show display contents on the display unit 40. FIG. FIG. 13A corresponds to the display contents when a standby operation is executed for CDMA and WiMAX. The display unit 40 includes a CDMA information display area 50 and a WiMAX information display area 52. The display unit 40 also displays contents other than these, but the description is omitted here for the sake of clarity. In the CDMA information display area 50, information related to CDMA is displayed. Here, the radio quality is indicated by the number of antennas. Further, a display outside the service area may be made. In the WiMAX information display area 52, information related to WiMAX is displayed. Here, WiMAX is identified by the letter “W”, and the wireless quality is indicated by the number of antennas. Further, the transmission rate is also displayed as “3.0 Mbps”. The display of the transmission rate may be indicated by a character color or a character blinking interval.

  FIG. 13B shows the display contents when the standby operation is executed only for CDMA. In the CDMA information display area 50, the same display as in FIG. In the WiMAX information display area 52, a cross is displayed on the letter “W” to indicate that the standby operation for WiMAX is not performed.

  Even when the standby operation is controlled according to the remaining amount of the battery 42 as in the embodiment or the modification, the display unit 40 performs the same display as in FIGS. For example, when the remaining amount of the battery 42 is large, usable radio communication systems are displayed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the battery 42 is low, as shown in FIG. 13B, a display is made so that an unusable wireless communication system can be identified. Note that an unusable wireless communication system may not be displayed. When the wireless communication system is switched during communication, the display unit 40 notifies the user of the change by changing the LED or the color of the display. Note that the notification may be made by sound output from the speaker 36 or by vibration.

  Next, the configuration and function of the operation unit 38 will be described. The operation unit 38 may include a button for automatically switching the wireless communication system. When the button is pressed, a switching instruction is input to the control unit 28. Since the subsequent processing is as described above, the description thereof is omitted. Alternatively, the control unit 28 may display a communicable wireless communication system on the display unit 40, and a switching instruction may be input to the control unit 28 when the user presses the corresponding button. At this time, an application for measuring the throughput is incorporated in the control unit 28, the transmission rate is measured by the application, and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 40. Note that the transmission rate may be displayed in stages such as fast, normal, and slow, or the actual speed may be displayed as “3.0 Mbps”.

  FIG. 14 shows an execution result of the communication speed measurement application in the terminal device 10. The display unit 40 shows the measurement result of the transmission rate as shown in the figure. In such a case, WiMAX is recommended for automatic switching. Further, the controller 28 determines to use the recommended wireless communication system by depressing the button corresponding to “2” in the operation unit 38 or leaving it as it is for a certain period. If it is determined that there is a possibility that the user may exit from an area where WiMAX can be used by performing high-speed movement, or if the user wants to use CDMA in consideration of a fee or the like, the user operates the operation unit 38. By depressing the button corresponding to “1”, the control unit 28 determines to use CDMA.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the time interval of the standby operation in the low-priority wireless communication system is increased according to the remaining battery level. Power consumption can be reduced while maintaining operation. Further, if CDMA with a wide service area is set as a high-priority wireless communication system, the possibility of incoming calls can be maintained even when the time interval is long. In addition, since the time interval is adjusted according to whether wireless communication is possible, useless processing can be excluded and processing can be easily executed. Also, if the remaining battery level is low, it is not checked whether WiMAX communication is possible, so that power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the wireless communication system is switched according to the characteristic of the remaining battery level, a standby operation according to the characteristic can be realized. Moreover, the power consumption of the terminal device corresponding to a some radio | wireless communications system can be reduced by considering a battery residual amount and a priority.

In addition, since whether or not to accept the instruction is switched according to the remaining battery level, if the remaining battery level is large, processing according to the user's instruction can be realized. Further, since whether or not to accept the instruction is switched according to the remaining battery level, the power consumption can be reduced if the remaining battery level is low. Further, since whether or not to accept the instruction is switched according to the characteristic of the remaining battery level, a standby operation according to the characteristic can be realized. Also, depending on the remaining battery level,
In addition, the convenience for the user can be improved by enabling the setting according to the user's preference. Since the number of antennas to be used is adjusted, the radio quality can be improved if the remaining battery level is high. Further, since the number of antennas to be used is adjusted according to the remaining battery level, the power consumption can be reduced if the remaining battery level is low. In addition, the operation status can be notified to the user.

  In addition, since a standby operation is executed for a radio communication system to which a priority higher than the highest priority among communicable radio communication systems is assigned, a radio communication system with a high priority is set as usual. Processing can be executed. In addition, since a standby operation is executed for a wireless communication system to which a priority higher than the highest priority is given among communicable wireless communication systems, unnecessary processing is performed for a wireless communication system with a low priority. Can be reduced. If the priority of CDMA with a wide service area is increased, a standby operation according to the characteristic of the wide service area can be realized. In addition, since a wireless communication system with the lowest possible priority is used for incoming calls, the concentration of traffic on the wireless communication system with a higher priority can be reduced. In addition, a wireless communication system with high priority is preferentially used for standby operation, and a wireless communication system with low priority is preferentially used for communication after incoming call. Traffic can be distributed. Further, even if communication is possible, if the wireless quality is bad, a wireless communication system with a high priority is used, so that further deterioration of the wireless quality during communication can be suppressed.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 correspond to two radio communication systems, and the control unit 28 uses the radio with the lower priority according to the remaining amount of the battery 42. The time interval of the standby operation for the communication system is adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 may correspond to three or more radio communication systems. As the third wireless communication system, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system compliant with IEEE 802.11 is used. At that time, priorities are defined for each of the three or more wireless communication systems, and the control unit 28 increases the standby operation time interval as the priority decreases according to the remaining amount of the battery 42. Control to be. In the embodiment, the operation is classified into three steps according to the remaining amount of the battery 42. However, the operation may be classified into more steps or less steps. According to this modification, a standby operation according to the remaining battery level can be realized for the terminal device 10 that supports three or more wireless communication systems. That is, it is only necessary that the time interval of the standby operation for the wireless communication system with low priority is long.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 correspond to two radio communication systems. If the radio communication system with a higher priority can communicate, the other radio communication system The standby operation for is stopped. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 may correspond to three or more radio communication systems. At that time, the control unit 28 specifies the base station device 12 corresponding to the radio communication system with the highest priority among the base station devices 12 with which the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 can communicate. The control unit 28 determines the execution of the standby operation for the base station device 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system having a priority higher than the priority given to the identified base station device 12, and gives it to the identified base station device 12. It is determined to stop the standby operation to the base station apparatus 12 corresponding to the wireless communication system having a priority lower than the priority. According to this modification, it is possible to realize a standby operation in consideration of the size of the service area for the terminal device 10 compatible with three or more wireless communication systems.

  In addition, the control unit 28 makes a call by WiMAX. If the communication partner terminal device 10 can only receive a call by CDMA because the communication partner terminal device 10 has a small battery 42, the control unit 28 You may switch to At that time, the control unit 28 accepts that it can only be received by CDMA from the communication partner terminal device 10 via the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22. The display unit 40 may display that effect. According to this modification, user convenience is improved.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when communication is being performed, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 are performing operations corresponding to any of a plurality of radio communication systems. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the radio unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 22 may execute operations corresponding to a plurality of radio communication systems in parallel. According to this modification, the transmission rate can be increased.

The features of the invention described in the embodiments may be defined by the following items.
(Item 1)
A communication unit that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of a plurality of wireless communication methods;
A survey unit for investigating the remaining amount of battery to which power is to be supplied to the communication unit;
A control unit that controls standby operations that the communication unit should perform for a plurality of wireless communication systems, based on the remaining amount of the battery investigated in the investigation unit;
The control unit defines a priority for each of a plurality of wireless communication schemes, and increases the time interval of a standby operation in a wireless communication scheme with a low priority as the remaining battery level decreases. A terminal device characterized by the above.

(Item 2)
The control unit causes the communication unit to check whether wireless communication using a low-priority wireless communication method is possible in the first state where the remaining amount of the battery is large. In the second state, the time interval of the standby operation in the low-priority wireless communication method is lengthened, and the remaining amount of the battery is lower than that in the first state. If the wireless communication is not possible, the standby operation in the low-priority wireless communication method is stopped, and the remaining battery level is lower than in the second state. Item 2. The terminal device according to Item 1, wherein the standby operation in the low-priority wireless communication method is stopped regardless of whether wireless communication in the low-priority wireless communication method is possible.

(Item 3)
A communication unit that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of a plurality of wireless communication methods;
A survey unit for investigating the remaining amount of battery to which power is to be supplied to the communication unit;
A reception unit that receives an instruction regarding a standby operation to be executed by the communication unit for a plurality of wireless communication methods;
Based on the remaining amount of the battery investigated in the investigation unit and the instruction received in the reception unit, a control unit for controlling the standby operation in the communication unit,
The control unit executes a standby operation according to an instruction if the remaining amount of the battery is large, and executes a predetermined standby operation regardless of the content of the instruction if the remaining amount of the battery is low. A terminal device.

(Item 4)
The communication unit includes a plurality of antennas,
Any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the control unit reduces the number of antennas to be used for the standby operation among the plurality of antennas provided in the communication unit as the remaining amount of the battery decreases. A terminal device according to any one of the above.

(Item 5)
The terminal device according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit that informs a user of the content of a standby operation controlled by the control unit.

(Item 6)
A terminal device that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of a plurality of wireless communication methods is a control method of a standby operation for controlling a standby operation to be executed for a plurality of wireless communication methods,
Priorities are defined for each of a plurality of wireless communication systems. After investigating the remaining amount of battery to which power is to be supplied to the terminal device, as the remaining amount of the battery decreases, the lower priority wireless A control method for a standby operation, characterized in that the time interval of the standby operation in the communication system is lengthened.

(Item 7)
A terminal device that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of a plurality of wireless communication methods is a control method of a standby operation for controlling a standby operation to be executed for a plurality of wireless communication methods,
The terminal device receives an instruction related to a standby operation to be executed, investigates a remaining battery level to which power is to be supplied to the terminal device, and if the remaining battery level is high, executes a standby operation according to the instruction, A control method for a standby operation, wherein a predetermined standby operation is executed regardless of the content of the instruction when the remaining battery level is low.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the communication system which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the terminal device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the control conditions memorize | stored in the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the switching procedure of the standby operation | movement in the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the 1st operation | movement in the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the 2nd operation | movement in the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the 3rd operation | movement in the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the switching procedure of the standby operation | movement which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the communication procedure which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the standby operation | movement which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the incoming operation | movement which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the transmission operation | movement which concerns on another modification of this invention. FIGS. 13A to 13B are diagrams showing display contents on the display unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows the execution result of the communication speed measurement application in the terminal device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 terminal device, 16 antenna for terminal, 20 radio unit, 22 baseband processing unit, 24 audio processing unit, 26 data processing unit, 28 control unit, 30 operation state management unit, 32 battery remaining amount management unit, 34 microphone, 36 Speaker, 38 operation unit, 40 display unit, 42 battery, 100 communication system.

Claims (2)

A communication unit that performs wireless communication corresponding to each of the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method in a service area wider than the service area of the first wireless communication method;
A controller that determines a wireless communication method when the communication unit performs wireless communication;
The control unit determines use of the second wireless communication method if the outgoing content is emergency communication, determines use of the second wireless communication method if the outgoing content is voice communication , and the outgoing content is voice communication. while only determines whether available one of the first wireless communication scheme and a second wireless communication system when not only one of the first wireless communication system and a second wireless communication system If communication is possible, use of the one capable of communication is determined, and if both the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method are communicable, the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method are determined. A terminal device that determines use of a higher one of measured communication speeds for each communication method. A communication method for determining a wireless communication method for a first wireless communication method and a second wireless communication method having a service area wider than a service area of the first wireless communication method,
If the outgoing content is emergency communication, use of the second wireless communication method is determined. If the outgoing content is voice communication, use of the second wireless communication method is determined. If the outgoing content is not voice communication, the first is determined. of only one of the wireless communication system and a second wireless communication system determines whether it is possible to use, only one of the first wireless communication system and a second wireless communication method capable of communication If it is decided to use one that can communicate and both the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method are communicable, the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method respectively. A communication method characterized by determining the use of the higher one of the measured communication speeds.

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