JP5016080B2 - Terminal device, terminal method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, a terminal method, and a computer suitable for suppressing power consumption of a terminal device that communicates with a computer communication network via an access point device disposed on a road, a station, a commercial facility, or the like. It relates to the program to be realized in.

  Conventionally, a service for connecting to a computer communication network such as the Internet via an access point device such as a wireless LAN access point that can be used by the public in a city such as a road, a station, or a commercial facility has been provided.

  One or a plurality of identifiers called SSID (Service Set IDentifier; ESSID (Extended SSID)) is assigned to such a wireless LAN access point (AP), and the SSID is referred to. By doing so, the terminal device selects one of a plurality of access points capable of communication, exchanges necessary authentication and information with the access point, and performs an association process for registering the terminal device in the access point As a result, the terminal device can access the Internet via the access point.

  At this time, in order to decide whether or not to allow the user of the terminal device to connect to the Internet via the access point, the serial number or MAC (Media Access Control) address of the terminal device itself is referred to, A technique for allowing a user to input a user name and a password is also widely used.

  Techniques using such wireless LAN access points are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed later.

  Here, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is intended to manage the location of a terminal device that uses a wireless LAN in real time, and each access point notifies the location management server that an association with each terminal device has been established. Thus, the location of the access point in the vicinity of the terminal device is notified, and the location management server records the location of the access point as the current location of the user based on the notified MAC address of the terminal device.

  On the other hand, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 adds a distribution information based on text information to a radio wave beacon from an access point and transmits it to a terminal device that has not established a connection with the access point. It is possible to distribute information while suppressing wireless band use.

JP 2004-088440 A JP 2006-245906 A

  Here, in a terminal device using a communication service such as a wireless LAN, the power consumption required for communication accounts for a considerable proportion.

  In particular, by adjusting the sensitivity for beacon detection when the terminal device cannot find the access point, or by increasing the power of the signal returned from the terminal device when the beacon from the access point is weak When a technique for establishing communication with a computer communication network is adopted, a user having a terminal device tends to increase power consumption only by moving around the city.

  For this reason, there is a great demand for suppressing the power consumption and making the available time of the terminal device as long as possible.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and is suitable for suppressing power consumption of a terminal device that communicates with a computer communication network via an access point device arranged on a road, a station, a commercial facility, or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal device, a terminal method, and a program that implements these on a computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

  The terminal device which concerns on the 1st viewpoint of this invention is provided with a communication part, a memory | storage part, an acquisition part, a control part, and an update part, and is comprised as follows.

  The terminal device of the present invention is typically applicable to various electronic communication devices such as a portable entertainment terminal, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), and a smartphone integrated with a mobile phone. .

  Here, the communication unit attempts to connect to the access point device, and when the connection is successful, acquires the identification name of the access point device, and the computer through the access point device until the connection is disconnected. Enables communication with a communication network.

  Typically, the communication unit is realized by a wireless LAN interface. In this case, the communication unit detects a wireless beacon broadcast by the access point device and tries to connect to the access point device.

  At this time, the access point device may be requested to authenticate the use by requesting the user to input a user name or password, or by reusing the information input by the user in the past.

  The identification name of the access point device may be transmitted by a wireless beacon or may be provided after authentication. When a wireless LAN access point device for connecting to the Internet is used, it is easiest to use an SSID as an identification name.

  However, in the present invention, the acquisition of the identification name is based on the premise that communication with the computer communication network via the access point device is established. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a technique such as using the MAC address of the access point device as the identification name.

  If the authentication is successful and the connection with the access point device is established, the terminal device can communicate with various communication devices in the Internet via the communication unit.

  Thereafter, when the user who uses the terminal device moves and the distance between the terminal device and the access point device increases, the communication between the two becomes poor and the connection is disconnected.

  On the other hand, in the storage unit, history information specifying a known name string in which a predetermined number of identification names of access point devices are arranged and a waiting time for the history information are stored in association with each other.

  Here, the identification name included in the known name column is the identification name of the access point detected in the past. Therefore, the known name column corresponds to a column in which the identification names of the access point devices detected when the user has moved in the past are arranged in the detected order.

  For example, consider a case where M pieces of history information H [1], H [2],..., H [M] are already stored in the storage unit according to past detection results. The known name sequence for the i-th history information H [i] is expressed as H [i] .ids, and the waiting time is expressed as H [i] .wt.

  If the predetermined number is N, the identification names of the access point devices included in the known name string H [i] .ids are H [i] .ids [1], H [i] .ids [2],. , H [i] .ids [N].

  From this history information H [i], when this terminal apparatus has moved in the past, H [i] .ids [1], H [i] .ids [2], ..., H [i] .ids [ It can be seen that the identification names of the access point devices are detected in the order of [N].

  Further, from this history information H [i], the identification of the access point device is performed in the order of H [i] .ids [1], H [i] .ids [2], ..., H [i] .ids [N]. When the name is detected, it can be seen that the time required to move to the next access point device is approximately H [i] .wt. The management of these pieces of information is performed by an updating unit described later.

  Further, when the communication unit repeats the connection with one of the access point devices and acquires the identification name as many times as the predetermined number, the acquisition unit arranges the number of identification names in the acquired order. The identification name string is generated, and the standby time stored in the storage unit in association with the history information matching the generated identification name string is acquired.

  That is, if the identification name of the access point device detected by the communication unit is ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] in this order, this column becomes the identification name column.

  The known name string specified in the history information and the identification name string generated by the acquisition unit are both common in that they are “sequences of identification names of access point devices”. However, the known name column is “a column of identification names detected when passing in the past”, whereas the identification name column is “a column of identification names detected now”.

  The acquisition unit searches history information that matches the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] from H [1], H [2],. Here, the simplest aspect of “match” is that the generated identification name string matches the known name string specified in the history information.

  In such an aspect, when the user moves on the same route as in the past, history information having a known name string having the same content as the identification name string detected this time is stored in the storage unit. On the other hand, when a route different from the past is moved, there is no history information having a known name string having the same content as the identification name string detected this time in the storage unit.

  Note that the method of determining “match” may have various modes as described later.

  When history information H [k] that matches the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] is found, the acquisition unit sets the waiting time H [k] .wt. get.

  Then, when the connection with the access point device having the last identification name in the generated identification name string is disconnected, the control unit stops the trial of the communication unit only during the acquired waiting time, Resume communications department attempts.

  That is, when the connection with the access point device having the identification name ss [N] is disconnected, the control unit shifts the communication unit to the power saving mode only during the standby time H [k] .wt, Stop sending and receiving.

  That is, the standby time H [k] .wt corresponds to a predicted value of the travel time when the user moves from the access point device having the identification name ss [N] to another access point device.

  As for the transition to the power saving mode, for example, the power supply to the wireless LAN interface may be stopped, the transmission from the terminal device is stopped, the detection of the wireless beacon is stopped, or the wireless beacon is detected. Various techniques can be employed, such as lowering the sensitivity for.

  On the other hand, when the communication unit acquires a new identifier after the communication unit resumes the trial, the update unit disconnects the new identifier from the access point device having the last identifier. Based on the elapsed time until is acquired, the storage unit is updated by correcting the waiting time stored in association with the matching history information.

  The communication unit that has shifted to the power saving mode only during the waiting time H [k] .wt starts searching for a wireless beacon again when returning to normal operation. If the connection with the new access point device is successful, the identification name ss [N + 1] of the new access point device is acquired.

  The update unit then passes from the time when the connection with the access point device having the identification name ss [N] is disconnected to the time when the connection with the access point device having the identification name ss [N + 1] is successful. Calculate time T.

  In the present invention, the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit is corrected based on the elapsed time T. This makes it possible to more appropriately predict the communication unit stop time that will be employed when the identification names ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] are sequentially detected next time.

  Since the identification name ss [N + 1] is acquired, N identification names ss [2], ss [3], ..., ss [N + 1] are detected in order. Thereafter, similar to the above procedure, history information H [k ′] matching the identification name string ss [2], ss [3],..., Ss [N + 1] is searched, and the history information is included in the history information. The specified waiting time H [k ′]. Wt is acquired.

  Then, after the connection with the access point device having the identification name ss [N + 1] is disconnected, the communication unit shifts to the power saving mode for the standby time H [k ′]. Wt. When the standby time H [k ′]. Wt has elapsed, the wireless beacon detection by the communication unit is resumed.

  By such repetition, the combination of the history information stored in the storage unit and the standby time is updated according to the behavior of the user, learning of the standby time proceeds, and unnecessary power consumption by the communication unit is suppressed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the power consumption of the terminal device which communicates with a computer communication network via the access point apparatus arrange | positioned at a road, a station, a commercial facility, etc. can be suppressed now.

  In the terminal device of the present invention, when a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit after the communication unit resumes the trial, the update unit performs the following processing.

  That is, when history information that matches the generated identification name string is not stored in the storage unit, the update unit stores new history information that specifies the generated identification name string, and the new history information Is stored as the waiting time associated with the access point device having the last identification name until the new identification name is acquired.

  In the above example, the history information that matches the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] is typically not stored in the storage unit. This corresponds to a case where the user is moving on a different place or route than usual.

  In such an environment for the first time, the time length during which the communication unit is set to the power saving mode cannot be predicted.

  Therefore, after the communication with the access point device with the identification name ss [N] is disconnected, the control unit continues the detection of the wireless beacon as it is, or automatically shifts to the power saving mode, and the user Typically, the system is configured to return after an instruction input or the like is received.

In the present invention, after the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [N] is disconnected, when the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [N + 1] is successful, the elapsed time T between them is acquired. Thus, the following history information H [M + 1] is added to the storage unit.
The known name sequence H [M + 1] .ids is ss [1], ss [2], ..., ss [N],
The standby time H [M + 1] .wt is the elapsed time T.

  By this processing, the number of history information stored in the storage unit is increased by one. Note that old history information that is not often referred to may be detected based on the number of times history information is matched, the date and time of the last match, and the detected old history information may be appropriately deleted from the storage unit.

  On the other hand, when history information that matches the generated identification name string is stored in the storage unit, the update unit sets the waiting time that is stored in the storage unit in association with the matching history information. The stored waiting time and the weighted average of the elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device having the last identifier is disconnected until the new identifier is acquired are corrected.

This corresponds to updating existing history information and standby time. In the present invention, the waiting time H [k] .wt of the history information H [k] that matches the distinguished name string consisting of the detected distinguished names ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N], The process of successfully connecting to the access point device with the identification name ss [N + 1] after the connection between the weight A greater than 0 and less than 1 and the access point device with the identification name ss [N] is disconnected The time T is updated as follows.
H [k] .wt ← A × H [k] .wt + (1-A) × T

  Here, “←” means an assignment operation. The weight A is a value corresponding to the attenuation rate of the attenuation average, and is typically set to a value of about 0.85 to 0.95, but the specific value can be appropriately changed by, for example, experiments or the like. It is.

  By using the weighted average in this way, in the present invention, the standby time is predicted in consideration of the past elapsed time and the latest elapsed time.

  According to the present invention, the standby time of the communication unit can be predicted more accurately by updating the storage unit based on the sequentially detected identification names.

  In the terminal device of the present invention, the identification name string matches the history information stored in the storage unit when the identification name string matches the known name string specified by the history information. It can be configured to be.

  The present invention corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the invention described above, in which a match between an identification name string and history information is determined by matching or mismatching between the identification name string and an existing name string.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine a match between an identification name string and history information by a very simple comparison operation.

  The terminal device of the present invention can be configured as follows.

  First, in the history information, the connection with the access point device of each identification name included in the known name string specified in the history information is disconnected, and then the connection with the access point device of the next identification name is successful. A time length sequence in which the elapsed time until completion is arranged is further specified.

  That is, in the present invention, the history information H [k] includes a known name sequence H [k] .ids [1], H [k] .ids [2],..., H [k] .ids [N]. On the other hand, time length sequences H [k] .bts [1], H [k] .bts [2],..., H [k] .bts [N-1] are associated.

Each time length H [k] .bts [1], H [k] .bts [2], ..., H [k] .bts [N-1] included in the time length sequence is the first known name sequence in the past This is a value measured when an access point device of H [k] .ids [1], H [k] .ids [2],..., H [k] .ids [N] is detected. In particular,
(1) The time length H [k] .bts [1] is determined after the connection with the access point device with the identification name H [k] .ids [1] is disconnected. ] Is the elapsed time until the connection with the access point device is successful,
(2) The time length H [k] .bts [2] is determined after the connection with the access point device with the identification name H [k] .ids [2] is disconnected. ] Until the connection with the access point device is successful, ...
(N-1) The time length H [k] .bts [N-2] is determined after the connection with the access point device with the identification name H [k] .ids [N-1] is disconnected. k] .ids [N] is the elapsed time until the connection with the access point device is successful.

  On the other hand, the identification name string matches the history information stored in the storage unit because the identification name string matches the known name string specified in the history information, and the generated identification name An elapsed time column in which the elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device with each identification name included in the column is disconnected until the connection with the access point device with the next identification name is successful, and the history information This is a case where the specified time length sequence is similar.

As described above, the detected identification names are ss [1], ss [2], ..., ss [N] in order,
(1) The length of time tt [1] is the elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [1] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [2] is successful. age,
(2) The elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [2] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [3] is successful is the time length tt [2] age,…,
(N-1) The elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [N-1] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device with the identification name ss [N] is successful Consider the case of tt [N-2].

Elapsed time column
H [k] .bts [1], H [k] .bts [2], ..., H [k] .bts [N-1]
And the time length column
tt [1], tt [2], ..., tt [N-1]
For example, the following method can be used to determine whether the image is similar to or not similar to
(1) Consider both as N-1 dimensional vectors. Then, when the angle formed by the two vectors is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that they are similar. In this case, it may be added as a similar necessary condition that the vector lengths are equal to each other within a certain error range.
(2) Calculate the ratio between corresponding elements. When the ratios are all within a predetermined error range from 1 (for example, when the ratio is between 0.90 and 1.11, etc.), it is determined that they are similar.

  In the present invention, there may be a plurality of pieces of history information having a known name string that matches the generated identification name string. When a plurality of pieces of history information have the same known name string, any one may be selected based on the similarity parameter obtained by the above similarity determination method.

  For example, when the angle (1) is used as a reference, it is simplest to select the one having the smallest angle.

  In addition, when the ratio of the corner to the length in (1) is used as a reference, for example, there is a method of selecting the one having the smallest weighted sum of squares of the difference between the length ratio and 1 and the corner. Conceivable.

  Further, in the case of (2) above, a method of selecting the closest sum of squares of the difference between the ratio and 1 can be adopted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to predict the standby time more accurately in consideration of not only the route traveled by the user but also the elapsed time when traveling along the route.

  In the terminal device of the present invention, when a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit within a predetermined threshold time after the communication unit resumes the trial, the update unit is associated with the matching history information. After the standby time stored in the storage unit is updated, the storage unit can be further updated so as to shorten the standby time.

  The present invention assumes that the terminal device has already arrived in the wireless beam detection range of the access point device having the identification name ss [N + 1] when the communication unit resumes the trial. .

  Such a case means that the time of the power saving mode of the communication unit is too long. For this reason, the waiting time is shortened in the present invention.

  Accordingly, the predetermined threshold time is a typical elapsed time from the detection of the wireless beacon to the successful connection to the access point device. For example, the time is preferably about several seconds to several tens of seconds.

  According to the present invention, the waiting time can be adjusted more appropriately according to the situation at the time when the connection attempt to the access point device is resumed.

  In the terminal device of the present invention, the length of time for which the standby time is shortened can be configured to be a predetermined threshold time or a longer time.

  The present invention is an invention according to a preferred embodiment of the time length shortened in the above invention.

  As described above, a typical elapsed time from the detection of a wireless beacon to the successful connection to the access point device is often adopted as the threshold time.

  In such a case, if the connection with the access point device succeeds "immediately" after the communication unit resumes operation, the standby time is shortened by at least the threshold time, and the access point device is connected to the access point device next time. When waiting for arrival, communication to the computer communication network becomes possible at an earlier point.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enable communication to a computer communication network at an early point by reducing standby time while considering power consumption.

  Further, the terminal device according to the present invention can be configured to further include a notification unit.

  Here, in the storage unit, the identification name of the access point device is further stored as an attention name.

  A situation in which the present invention is suitable is, for example, when the user moves by train. In this case, a typical attention name is an identification name of an access point device arranged in the vicinity of the nearest station at home, company, or destination.

  On the other hand, a notification part performs a 1st type notification to a user, when the identification name acquired by the communication part corresponds with an attention name.

  That is, the first type of notification is to notify the arrival at the nearest station of the destination.

  According to the present invention, by notifying that the user has arrived in the vicinity of the destination point, it is possible to prevent, for example, oversleeping due to falling asleep on a train or overtaking due to reading etc. .

  Further, in the terminal device of the present invention, when history information that specifies a column obtained by removing the beginning of the generated identification name sequence and adding the attention name at the end as a known name sequence is stored in the storage unit, a notification is given. The unit sends a second type notification to the user after the connection with the access point device having the last identification name in the generated identification name string is disconnected until the acquired waiting time elapses. Can be configured to do.

  For example, the generated distinguished name string is ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N], the history information matching the distinguished name string is H [k], and the attention name is ns. Think about the case.

  In this case, the “sequence obtained by removing the beginning of the generated identification name sequence and adding the attention name to the end” is ss [2], ss [3],..., Ss [N], ns. When history information that designates this column as a known name column is stored in the storage unit, it means that in the past the user has access points in the order of ss [2], ss [3], ..., ss [N], ns It means that it has moved in the vicinity of the device.

  Therefore, after the connection with the last distinguished name ss [N] of the generated distinguished name is communicated, until the waiting time H [k] .wt elapses, the user will soon be near the destination point. Means the time of arrival.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the second type notification is performed at this timing. Therefore, the second type notification can be considered as a notification that the destination station will be reached soon, and the first type notification may be considered as a notification that the destination station is reached.

  Use various settings for the notification time, for example, when half of the waiting time H [k] .wt has elapsed, or several minutes before the waiting time H [k] .wt has elapsed. Can do.

  According to the present invention, by notifying that the user is about to arrive at the vicinity of the destination point, for example, it is possible to prevent oversleeping due to falling asleep on a train or being crazy about reading, etc. Can do.

  Further, in the terminal device of the present invention, when the control unit detects a predetermined instruction input from the user or a communication request with the computer communication network while the communication unit is stopped, the control unit restarts the communication unit. The identification name stored as the attention name can be configured to be the identification name first acquired by the communication unit when a predetermined instruction is input from the user.

  Here, when the user tries to send an e-mail or a short message, or when the user starts a browser and tries to browse a web page in the Internet, it corresponds to a case where a communication request with the computer communication network is issued. .

  On the other hand, the predetermined instruction input by the user is an instruction input for instructing the terminal device to “register this current location as a destination”.

  When the instruction is input, a search for nearby wireless LAN access point devices is started. Then, the identification name of the access point device discovered first, that is, the identification name of the access point device closest to the current position is registered as the attention name.

  According to the present invention, an identification name of an access point device in the vicinity of a place where a user is currently present can be easily registered as an attention name.

  The terminal method which concerns on the other viewpoint of this invention is a terminal method which a terminal device provided with a memory | storage part, a communication part, an acquisition part, a control part, and an update part performs, Comprising: It comprises as follows.

  That is, the storage unit stores history information that specifies a known name string in which a predetermined number of identification names of access point devices are arranged and a waiting time for the history information in association with each other.

  On the other hand, the terminal method includes a communication process, an acquisition process, a control process, and an update process.

  Here, in the communication step, the communication unit tries to connect to the access point device. When the connection is successful, the access point device acquires the identification name of the access point device and disconnects the connection. It is possible to communicate with a computer communication network via the network.

  On the other hand, when it is repeated to connect to any access point device and acquire the identification name as many times as the predetermined number, in the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires the number of identification names. The identification name sequence arranged in order is generated, and the waiting time stored in the storage unit in association with the history information matching the generated identification name sequence is acquired.

  Further, in the control step, when the connection with the access point device having the last identifier in the generated identifier string is disconnected, the controller stops the communication unit from trying for the acquired waiting time. Then, restart the communication unit.

  And after a communication part restarts a trial, if a new identification name is acquired by the communication part, in an update process, the update part will be concerned after the connection with the access point device having the last identification name is cut off. Based on the elapsed time until a new identification name is acquired, the storage unit is updated by correcting the waiting time stored in association with the matching history information.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the terminal device.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, a terminal device, a terminal method, and these suitable for suppressing power consumption of a terminal device that communicates with a computer communication network via an access point device arranged on a road, a station, a commercial facility, etc. Can be provided on a computer.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a typical information processing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the terminal device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the terminal process which controls a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing showing the correspondence of the passage of time, the information memorize | stored in the arrangement | sequence ss and the arrangement | sequence tt, and the wireless beacon intensity | strength which a wireless LAN interface detects. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the terminal device which concerns on this embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using a game information processing device will be described. However, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and the present invention is described. It does not limit the range. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Information processing device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus that can function as a terminal device of the present embodiment by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  An information processing apparatus 101 shown in the figure is a portable multimedia terminal, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, a read only memory (ROM) 104, an input device 105, and an image processing unit. 106, a liquid crystal display 107, an audio processing unit 108, headphones 109, a cassette reader 110, a ROM cassette 111, an external memory 112, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 113, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface 114, and a camera 115.

  By mounting the ROM cassette 111 in which the program according to the present embodiment is recorded on the cassette reader 110 of the information processing apparatus 101, the game apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized.

  Here, the CPU 102 controls each unit of the information processing apparatus 101 and performs various arithmetic processes and determination processes.

  When the information processing apparatus 101 is turned on, the CPU 102 executes an IPL (Initial Program Loader) recorded in the ROM 104, and the ROM cassette 111 connected via the cassette reader 110 in the course of the processing. The process is transferred to the program recorded in

  The game program and multimedia information reproduction program executed by the information processing apparatus 101 are generally provided by the ROM cassette 111, but can be prepared in the ROM 104 in advance.

  Further, a program group called BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is prepared in the ROM 104, and the input device 105, the image processing unit 106, and the audio processing unit 108 can be controlled.

  The RAM 103 is an area for storing temporary information, and the external memory 112 is an area for storing nonvolatile information. As the external memory 112, a hard disk or the like that is mainly built in the information processing apparatus 101, or various memory cards or the like that are inserted into or removed from the information processing apparatus 101 may be used.

  The input device 105 is generally realized by various buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, or the like, but a touch screen formed integrally with the liquid crystal display 107 can also be used as the input device 105. .

  The image processing unit 106 displays various character information and image information on the liquid crystal display 107 under the control of the CPU 102. In general, the image processing unit 106 has a vertical synchronization interrupt period (typically 1/30 second). And the pixel information stored in the frame buffer prepared in the RAM 103 is reflected on each pixel of the liquid crystal display 107 every time.

  In general, an instruction input from the user is performed by moving the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 107 by operating the move button of the input device 105, moving the cursor to a desired menu item, and selecting the menu item by operating the enter button. The cursor is not necessary when using a touch screen. Further, when the function assigned to each button of the input device 105 is determined in advance, the display on the liquid crystal display 107 is not necessarily required.

  The audio processing unit 108 outputs audio data prepared in the RAM 103, the ROM 104, the ROM cassette 111, and the external memory 112 to the headphones 109. As audio data, it is possible to use PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data obtained by digitizing audio waveform data, MP3 (MPeg audio layer-3) data obtained by compressing PCM data to reduce the size, and the like. In addition, data such as MIDI (Music Instruction Data Interface) data that defines the pitch, tone length, volume, and timbre type is prepared, and the sound source waveform data prepared in advance is selected and transformed accordingly. It is also possible to adopt a method for reproducing the image.

  The RTC 113 measures the current date and time, and generally adjusts the time when the information processing apparatus 101 is used for the first time. The RTC 113 is connected to an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server via the wireless LAN interface 114. It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the time is automatically adjusted by connecting.

  There is also an RTC 113 having a function for generating an alarm interrupt. When the set time comes, an alarm interrupt occurs, and the CPU 102 temporarily suspends the currently executing program, executes a preset interrupt handler, and then resumes the interrupted program.

  The wireless LAN interface 114 is connected to the Internet via a wireless LAN access point prepared at home, company, or street corner, and establishes a communication path ad hoc with another information processing apparatus 101 disposed in the vicinity. It is possible to communicate one-on-one.

  The camera 115 realizes the function of a digital camera by the information processing apparatus 101, and a technique such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor can be applied. The captured image is temporarily expanded in the RAM 103 and then stored in the external memory 112 or the like.

  In addition, the game device of the present invention is realized for a business computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a portable game device, a multi-function television device, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player, a portable music player, and the like. It can also be employed as an information processing apparatus.

(Terminal device)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the terminal device according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The terminal device 201 is realized by the CPU 102 executing the program recorded in the ROM cassette 111 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  In general, the terminal device 201 can be applied to various electronic communication devices such as a portable entertainment terminal, a personal computer, a PDA, and a smartphone integrated with a mobile phone. The program may be executable by downloading as appropriate, or may be recorded in advance in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or the like. Further, based on the program, a dedicated electronic circuit may be configured in advance by a technique such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

  As shown in the figure, the terminal device 201 includes a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, an acquisition unit 204, a control unit 205, and an update unit 206.

  The communication unit 203 is an interface for connecting the terminal device 201 to the Internet. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 203 is realized by the wireless LAN interface 114 that operates under the control of the CPU 102.

  While the communication unit 203 is operating normally, the communication unit 203 tries to connect to the access point device. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 203 detects a wireless beacon broadcast by the access point device and tries to connect to the access point device.

  When attempting to connect, the communication unit 203 requests the user to input a user name and password, or reuses the information input by the user in the past, and authenticates the use of the access point device. In some cases, you may want

  When the connection is successful, the communication unit 203 acquires the identification name of the access point device.

  In the present embodiment, an SSID transmitted from the access point device by a wireless beacon can be used as the identification name of the access point device. In addition, information that can be acquired after successful authentication, for example, the private SSID of the access point device, the MAC address of the access point device, or the like, can also be used as the identification name.

  The communication with the Internet through the access point device is intermediated until the connection is disconnected. Thereafter, the terminal device 201 can communicate with various communication devices in the Internet via the communication unit 203 until the connection is disconnected.

  Thereafter, when a user using the terminal device 201 moves and the distance between the terminal device 201 and the access point device increases, communication between the two becomes poor and the connection is disconnected. Moreover, you may comprise so that a user can cut | disconnect connection with an access point apparatus explicitly.

  Hereinafter, for easy understanding, the access point device having the identification name X is represented as “access point device X”.

  The storage unit 202 stores history information and a waiting time for the history information in association with each other. Here, consider a situation in which M pieces of history information H [1], H [2],..., H [M] are already stored in the storage unit 202. The i-th history information specifies the following information.

(A) Known name string H [i] .ids. The individual information H [i] .ids [1], H [i] .ids [2],..., H [i] .ids [N] included in this column is stored in the terminal device 201 in the past. The identification names of the detected access point devices are arranged in order. That is, when this terminal device 201 has moved with the user in the past,
First, pass through the vicinity of the access point device H [i] .ids [1]
Next, pass through the vicinity of the access point device H [i] .ids [2]
…,
Furthermore, it means that the user has passed near the access point device H [i] .ids [N].
N is a constant equal to or greater than 2, and the value can be changed depending on the application, but it is typically set to a value of about 3 to 5.

  (B) Standby time H [i] .wt. This is because, when the terminal device 201 moves, the identification name of the access point device is in the order of H [i] .ids [1], H [i] .ids [2], ..., H [i] .ids [N]. Represents the estimated time it takes for a new access point device to be detected after the connection with the last access point device H [i] .ids [N] is disconnected. It is.

  In addition to the above (a) and (b), the following information may be used as additional information.

(C) Time length sequence H [i] .bts. The individual information H [i] .bts [1], H [i] .bts [2], ..., H [i] .bts [N-1] contained in this column has the following meanings: have. That is,
(1) The time length H [i] .bts [1] is connected to the access point device H [i] .ids [2] after the connection with the access point device H [i] .ids [1] is disconnected. Is the elapsed time until the connection succeeds,
(2) The time length H [i] .bts [2] is connected to the access point device H [i] .ids [3] after the connection with the access point device H [i] .ids [2] is disconnected. Is the elapsed time until the connection succeeds,
…,
(N-1) The time length H [i] .bts [N-1] is connected to the access point device H [i] .ids [N-1] and then the access point device H [i]. Elapsed time until successful connection with .ids [N].
In addition, the time length sequence H [i] .bts is stored in the access point device H [i] .ids [1], the access point device H [i] .ids [2],. The measured value when moved in the order of] .ids [N] is the initial value.

(D) Name of attention. This is stored in the known name sequence H [1] .ids, H [2] .ids,…, H [M] .ids specified by the history information H [1], H [2],…, H [M]. This specifies the identification name of the included access point device, and is information corresponding to the user's destination.
For example, when the user moves by train, the user registers the identification name of the access point device arranged near the nearest station at home, at the company, or as a visited name. There may be one or more attention names.

  The addition and update of new history information to the storage unit 202 is performed by the update unit 206 described later.

  The storage unit 202 stores a history of past movements of the terminal device 201, and the information needs to be maintained even when the terminal device 201 is powered off. In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 is realized by the external memory 112. However, when the information processing apparatus 101 has a nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk, an EEPROM, a flash memory, a RAM with a battery backup function, or the like. May be realized by these.

  In addition, it is possible to adopt a mode in which information stored in the storage unit 202 is stored in a server device in the Internet, and is appropriately uploaded to and downloaded from the RAM 103.

  When the communication unit 203 repeats connecting to any access point device and acquiring the identification name as many times as the predetermined number, the identification names ss [1], ss [2],. , Ss [N] are obtained in order. The acquisition unit 204 generates an identification name string in which ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] are arranged in order.

  Then, the acquisition unit 204 includes the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] and history information H [1], H [2],. Contrast H [M]. Then, the history information H [k] that matches the identification name string is searched.

  Here, “match” means that, in the simplest case, the distinguished name sequence ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] matches the known name sequence H [k] .ids. However, as will be described later, there can be various variations.

  When history information H [k] that matches the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] is found, the acquisition unit 204 sets the waiting time H [k]. Get .wt.

  Therefore, the acquisition unit 204 is realized by the CPU 102 working together with the external memory 112.

  Here, the standby time H [k] .wt is “the terminal device 201 is in the order of the access point device ss [1], the access point device ss [2],..., The access point device ss [N]. Means an estimated value of the time required to move from the vicinity of the last access point device ss [N] to the vicinity of the next new access point device ".

  Therefore, when the connection with the access point device ss [N] having the last identification name in the generated identification name string is disconnected, the control unit 205 communicates only for the standby time H [k] .wt. Is stopped, and then the communication unit 203 is restarted.

  That is, the control unit 205 shifts the communication unit 203 to the power saving mode only during the standby time H [k] .wt, and stops transmission / reception of radio waves. This is realized by the CPU 102 managing the wireless LAN interface 114.

  As for the transition to the power saving mode, for example, the power supply to the wireless LAN interface 114 may be stopped, the transmission from the wireless LAN interface 114 is stopped, the detection of the wireless beacon is stopped, Various techniques such as lowering the sensitivity for detecting a beacon can be employed.

  In this way, the communication unit 203 that has shifted to the power saving mode only during the standby time H [k] .wt starts searching for a wireless beacon again when returning to normal operation. After the communication unit 203 resumes the trial, when the communication unit 203 acquires a new identification name ss [N + 1], the update unit 206 disconnects from the access point device ss [N]. Based on the elapsed time T until the new identification name ss [N + 1] is acquired, the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit 202 is corrected.

  The elapsed time T can be calculated by subtracting the time when the connection with the access point device ss [N] is disconnected from the time when the connection with the access point device ss [N + 1] is successful.

  In the present embodiment, the update unit 206 corrects the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit 202 based on the elapsed time T. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the update unit 206 is realized by the CPU 102 cooperating with the external memory 112 or the like.

  By the process of the update unit 206, the stop time of the communication unit 203 that is employed when the identification names ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] are sequentially detected next time is more appropriately predicted. become able to.

  As will be described later, when history information matching the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] cannot be found from the storage unit 202, the update unit 206 stores the storage unit. 202 is updated to add history information that designates the identification name string ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] as the known name string and designates the elapsed time T as the standby time.

  In this way, when the access point device ss [N + 1] is detected, N identification names ss [2], ss [3],..., Ss [N + 1] are sequentially detected. become.

  Therefore, thereafter, similar to the above procedure, history information H [k ′] matching the identification name string ss [2], ss [3],..., Ss [N + 1] is searched, and the history The standby time H [k ′]. Wt specified in the information is acquired.

  Then, after the connection with the access point device having the identification name ss [N + 1] is disconnected, the communication unit 203 is shifted to the power saving mode for the standby time H [k ′]. Wt. When the standby time H [k ′]. Wt has elapsed, detection of the wireless beacon by the communication unit 203 is resumed.

  Through such repetition, the combination of the history information stored in the storage unit 202 and the standby time is updated according to the behavior of the user, learning of the standby time proceeds, and unnecessary power consumption by the communication unit 203 is suppressed. .

  Hereinafter, the terminal device of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

(Terminal device control processing)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing for controlling the terminal device 201 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  This process is started when the information processing apparatus 101 is turned on, and the CPU 102 reads the program recorded in the ROM cassette 111 into the RAM 103 and jumps to the read address.

When this process is started, the CPU 102 executes various initial settings (step S300). In this initial setting, the following variables are secured and initialized in the RAM 103.
(1) A character string array ss with N elements. All initial values are empty strings. In this array ss, the identification names of the most recently detected access point devices are stored in order.
(2) Numeric array tt with N elements. The initial values are all 0. This array tt stores the elapsed time of movement from one access point device to another access point device.
(3) A character string area rs for storing the identification name of the most recently detected access point device and a detection time rt. The initial values are an empty string and the current time, respectively.

  In addition, initialization for various types of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 101 is also executed.

  Next, the CPU 102 controls the wireless LAN interface 114 to start detection of a wireless beacon of the access point device (step S301).

  If a wireless beacon cannot be detected (step S302; No), other information processing is executed for a short time (step S303), and the process returns to step S302.

  Here, the process of repeatedly calling step S303 corresponds to a coroutine call, an interrupt handler call, or a time-division parallel process of a task or a process. Cannot communicate.

  When a wireless beacon is detected (step S302; Yes), the CPU 102 controls the wireless LAN interface 114 and tries to connect to the access point device that is transmitting the wireless beacon (step S304).

  At this time, if necessary, the user is allowed to input information such as a user name and a password, and based on this information, the use of the access point device is requested, or the information input by the user in the past is stored. By reusing this, processing such as trying to connect to the access point apparatus is performed. If the connection fails (step S305; No), the process returns to step S302.

  If the connection is successful (step S305; Yes), the identification name of the connected access point device is substituted for the variable rs (step S306).

  Further, the CPU 102 calculates a difference T between the current time acquired from the RTC 113 and the current time and the time stored in the variable rt (step S307).

Then, using the array ss as a queue, the acquired identification name is pushed from the end to the array ss (step S308). By this operation, the value of the first element of the array ss is discarded. Specifically, the following substitution operation is performed.
ss [1] ← ss [0];
ss [2] ← ss [1];
ss [3] ← ss [2];
…;
ss [N-1] ← ss [N];
ss [N] ← rs;

Then, using the array tt as a queue, the calculated difference is pushed from the end to the array tt (step S309). By this operation, the value of the first element of the array tt is discarded. Specifically, the following substitution operation is performed.
tt [1] ← tt [2];
tt [2] ← tt [3];
tt [3] ← tt [4];
…;
tt [N-1] ← tt [N];
tt [N] ← T;

  Next, it is checked whether or not there is an empty character string element in the array ss, that is, whether or not there is an element in the array ss that has not been filled with an identification name (step S311).

  If there is still an empty string (step S311; Yes), it is determined whether or not the connection with the access point device rs has been disconnected (step S312).

  If not cut (step S312; No), other information processing is executed (step S313), and the process returns to step S312. Then, this process is repeated until the connection with the access point device rs is disconnected (step S312; Yes).

  This repetition corresponds to a coroutine call, an interrupt handler call, or a time-division parallel process of a task or process, but in “other information processing” in step S313, unlike in step S303, the wireless LAN Communication with the Internet via the interface 114 can be performed.

  The other information processing includes, for example, those in which various applications are executed in a time-sharing manner based on user instructions, such as sending and receiving e-mails, playing network battle games, chatting, and browsing web pages.

  After the connection is disconnected (step S312; Yes), the CPU 102 substitutes the value of the current time acquired using the RTC 113 for the variable rt (step S314), and then returns to step S302.

  By repeating the processing of step S314 and step S307, the difference T obtained in step S307 is the elapsed time T from when the connection with a certain access point device is disconnected until the connection with the next access point device is successful. Will mean.

  When all the elements of the array ss are non-null character strings (step S311; No), N access point devices are detected in order.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the passage of time, the information stored in the arrays ss and tt, and the wireless beacon strength detected by the wireless LAN interface 114. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. In the figure, the case of N = 4 is illustrated.

  The horizontal axis 401 in this figure is the time axis, and the vertical axis 402 is the intensity 403 of the wireless beacon.

  When passing in the vicinity of the access point device, the strength 403 of the wireless beacon increases.

  When the wireless beacon strength 403 exceeds a certain threshold 404, the wireless LAN interface 114 starts connection with the access point device. If the threshold value 404 is less than the threshold value 404, the wireless LAN interface 114 cannot connect to the access point device.

  As shown in the figure, the access point devices with the identification names ss [1], ss [2], ..., ss [N] are detected in order, and the connection with a certain access point device ss [i] is disconnected. The elapsed time until the connection with the next access point device ss [i + 1] is successful corresponds to tt [i].

  On the right side of the figure, after the connection with the last access point apparatus ss [N] is disconnected, a change in the wireless beacon strength 403 is predicted until the connection with the new access point apparatus rs is successful. It is drawn.

  In the present embodiment, the elapsed time wt until the connection with the new access point device succeeds after the connection with the last access point device ss [N] is disconnected using history information as follows: Predict.

  That is, when all the elements of the array ss are non-null character strings (step S311; No), the CPU 102 searches the history information stored in the storage unit 202 for a match with the array ss (step S321). ).

In the simplest case, history information H [1], H [2], ..., H [M] are manipulated in order from the top, and the k-th history information H [k]
H [k] .ids [1] = ss [1] and
H [k] .ids [2] = ss [2] and… and
When H [k] .ids [N] = ss [N] is satisfied, the history information H [k] is matched with the array ss. Other aspects of the match determination will be described later.

  When the history information H [k] matching the array ss can be found in this way (step S322; Yes), the CPU 102 performs processing similar to that in steps S312 to S314 (hereinafter referred to as “processing A”). Is executed (step S323).

  That is, by executing process A, other information processing is appropriately executed until the connection between the wireless LAN interface 114 and the access point device is disconnected. When the connection between the two is disconnected, the current time is assigned to the variable rt. The

  Next, the CPU 102 shifts the wireless LAN interface 114 to the power saving mode (step S324).

  Then, the difference T between the value of the current time acquired using the RTC 113 and the variable rt is calculated (step S325), and the difference T exceeds the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit 202. It is determined whether or not (step S326). If not exceeded (step S326; No), similarly to step S313, other information processing is executed as appropriate (step S327), and the process returns to step S325.

  Thus, other information processing is repeated until the difference T between the current time and the variable rt exceeds the standby time. Here, in step S327, since the wireless LAN interface 114 is in the power saving mode, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the repetition of steps S325 to S327.

  When the difference T between the current time value acquired using the RTC 113 and the variable rt exceeds the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit 202 (step S326; Yes), the CPU 102 The wireless LAN interface 114 is returned from the power saving mode to the normal mode (step S328), and processing similar to that in steps S302 to S307 (hereinafter referred to as “processing B”) is executed (step S329).

  That is, when the terminal device 201 executes the process B, detection of a wireless beacon and appropriate execution of other information processing for connection with the access point device are repeated, and when the connection with the access point device is successful, the variable rs is updated. The identification name of the access point device is substituted, and the difference T between the value of the current time acquired using the RTC 113 and the variable rt is calculated.

  Thereafter, the CPU 102 corrects the standby time H [k] .wt stored in the storage unit 202 based on the difference T (step S330).

As described above, in this embodiment, the attenuation average is obtained as follows using the weight A that is larger than 0 and smaller than 1.
H [k] .wt ← A × H [k] .wt + (1-A) × T

  In this way, by averaging the measured values of the time required for movement from one access point device to the next access point device so as to place importance on the latest measured values, it is possible to appropriately estimate the time required for movement. It becomes like this.

  There may be other methods for correction. For example, every time a difference T for H [k] is calculated, the difference is accumulated as a history. Then, clustering processing is performed on the accumulated history, and the center of gravity of the cluster having the smallest value is set to H [k] .wt.

  Furthermore, a modification that shortens H [k] .wt may be made according to the state of detection of the wireless beacon.

  For example, the sum of the variable rt and the standby time H [k] .wt at the stage of step S329 corresponds to the time when the communication unit 203 resumes detection.

  When the communication unit 203 resumes detection, the wireless beacon is immediately detected, and if the connection with the access point device is successful, the terminal device 201 has already detected the wireless beacon of the access point device at that time. It would have arrived within range. Therefore, the value of H [k] .wt is considered too large.

  In general, a certain amount of time V is required until the connection to the access point device is successful. Typically, the time V is about several seconds to several tens of seconds.

  Therefore, when the difference between the current time and the sum of the variable rt and the standby time H [k] .wt is equal to or less than the time V before the correction in step S330, the terminal device 201 makes the access Assuming that the point device has arrived within the wireless beacon detection range, a correction is made to further reduce the waiting time H [k] .wt.

The following can be considered as a method for shortening the waiting time H [k] .wt.
(1) The standby time H [k] .wt is shortened by the time V before correction by the attenuation average.
(2) After the correction by the attenuation average, the standby time H [k] .wt is shortened by the time V.
(3) The difference T is shortened by the time V, and then the correction by the attenuation average is performed.

  Instead of shortening by time V, for example, a method of multiplying by a constant less than 1 such as 0.95 times, a method of shortening by a constant time longer than time V, or the like can be adopted.

  In this way, after the correction of the standby time H [k] .wt is completed, the process returns to step S308.

  When the history information matching the array ss is searched in step S321 and no matching history information is found (step S322; No), the CPU 102 executes process A (step S331).

  As described above, until the connection between the wireless LAN interface 114 and the access point device is disconnected by the process A, other information processing is appropriately performed. When the connection between the two is disconnected, the current time is assigned to the variable rt. Is done.

  The case where no matching history information is found corresponds to the case where the user who owns the terminal device 201 is moving on a different place or route than usual. When the user is moving in the first environment, the length of time for which the communication unit 203 is in the power saving mode cannot be predicted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the process A (step S331), the CPU 102 executes the process B (step S332).

  Thereby, after the communication with the access point device ss [N] is disconnected, the detection of the wireless beacon is continued as it is by the process B.

  However, instead of the process B, it may be configured to automatically shift to the power saving mode and return after an instruction input from the user or the like.

  As described above, when the process B is executed, the detection of the wireless beacon and the other execution of other information processing for connection with the access point apparatus are repeated, and if the connection with the access point apparatus is successful, the variable rs is set. The identification name of the new access point device is substituted, and the difference T between the current time value obtained using the RTC 113 and the variable rt is calculated.

  When the difference T in the environment of the identification name string ss [1], ss [2], ..., ss [N] encountered for the first time is obtained in this way, new history information is added to the storage unit 202. Become.

First, an area for storing new history information is secured, and the number M of history information is
M ← M + 1
As shown, the area H [M] for storing new history information is secured by 1 (step S333).

Then, the value specified by the new history information H [M] is set as follows, and the new history information is added to the storage unit 202 (step S334).
H [M] .ids [1] ← ss [1];
H [M] .ids [2] ← ss [2];
…;
H [M] .ids [N] ← ss [N];
H [M] .wt ← T;

  As described above, this process increases the number of history information stored in the storage unit 202 by one.

  However, when the storage capacity of the storage unit 202 is limited, old history information that is not often referenced is detected based on the number of times history information is matched, the date and time of the last match, and the detected old history Information may be appropriately deleted from the storage unit 202.

  In this way, the process returns to step S308 where new history information has been added.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user learns the habit of the movement route of the user who moves while carrying the terminal device 201, appropriately shifts the communication function to the power saving mode, and automatically switches from the power saving mode. By returning, the power consumption of the terminal device can be suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, forcible return from the power saving mode is performed by an explicit instruction input from the user. For example, when an e-mail or a short message is transmitted in another information processing, the browser is A request for communication with a computer communication network is generated when, for example, an attempt is made to start and browse a web page in the Internet. The communication unit 203 may be configured to detect such a communication request, return from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and start detection of a wireless beacon.

In the above embodiment, the history information H [1], H [2],..., H [M] are sequentially operated from the top as a criterion for determining whether or not the known name sequence ss matches the history information, and the kth History information H [k] for the first time
H [k] .ids [1] = ss [1] and
H [k] .ids [2] = ss [2] and… and
When H [k] .ids [N] = ss [N] and holds, it is determined that the history information H [k] matches the array ss.

  In the present embodiment, by adding more detailed elapsed time information to the history information, the standby time is more accurately predicted.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, information of a time length sequence H [k] .bts having a length N−1 is added to the history information H [k].

  Each time length H [k] .bts [1], H [k] .bts [2], ..., H [k] .bts [N-1] included in the time length sequence H [k] .bts is Measured when an access point device of the known name sequence H [k] .ids [1], H [k] .ids [2], ..., H [k] .ids [N] is detected for the first time in the past Value.

In particular,
(1) The time length H [k] .bts [1] is connected to the access point device H [k] .ids [2] after the connection with the access point device H [k] .ids [1] is disconnected. Is the elapsed time until the connection succeeds,
(2) The time length H [k] .bts [2] is connected to the access point device H [k] .ids [3] after the connection with the access point device H [k] .ids [2] is disconnected. Is the elapsed time until the connection is successful, ...
(N-1) The time length H [k] .bts [2] is disconnected from the access point device H [k] .ids [2] and then the access point device H [k] .ids [3] ] Is the elapsed time until the connection with

  As described above, when the difference T is calculated, the information is temporarily stored in the array tt prepared in the RAM 103.

That is, in this embodiment, the identification names detected in order are stored as ss [1], ss [2], ..., ss [N]. Also,
(1) In tt [1], an elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device ss [1] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device ss [2] is successful is stored.
(2) tt [2] stores an elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device ss [2] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device ss [3] is successful. ….
(N-1) tt [N-1] includes an elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device ss [N-1] is disconnected until the connection with the access point device ss [N] is successful. Remembered.

  When such history information is employed, the following two-stage match criterion is employed.

  That is, in order for the identification name string array ss and the history information H [k] to match, first, the identification name string array ss and the known name string H [k] .ids must match. This is similar to the above embodiment.

Second, the time length sequence H [k] .bts and the elapsed time array tt need to be similar. Time sequence
H [k] .bts [1], H [k] .bts [2], ..., H [k] .bts [N-1]
And the array
tt [1], tt [2], ..., tt [N-1]
For example, the following method can be used to determine whether the image is similar to or not similar to
(1) Consider both as N-1 dimensional vectors. Then, when the angle formed by the two vectors is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that they are similar. In this case, it may be added as a similar necessary condition that the vector lengths are equal to each other within a certain error range.
(2) Calculate the ratio between corresponding elements. When the ratios are all within a predetermined error range from 1 (for example, when the ratio is between 0.90 and 1.11, etc.), it is determined that they are similar.

  In this way, when it is determined whether the history information H [1], H [2],..., H [M] can be matched, a plurality of matching history information may be found. In this case, any one may be selected based on the similarity parameter obtained by the above similarity determination method.

  For example, when the angle (1) is used as a reference, it is simplest to select the one having the smallest angle.

  In addition, when the ratio of the corner to the length in (1) is used as a reference, for example, there is a method of selecting the one having the smallest weighted sum of squares of the difference between the length ratio and 1 and the corner. Conceivable.

  Further, in the case of (2) above, a method of selecting the closest sum of squares of the difference between the ratio and 1 can be adopted.

  In the present embodiment, if a certain route is moved at a different elapsed time than before, new history information is added, but when a route that has passed in the past is moved at a similar elapsed time, Instead of adding new history information, the waiting time of existing history information is corrected. Therefore, the movement history clustering process is automatically performed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the standby time can be predicted more accurately in consideration of not only the route traveled by the user but also the elapsed time when traveling along the route.

  The terminal device 201 according to the present embodiment appropriately notifies the user so that he / she does not travel over the nearest station when the user is moving by train, and has a function similar to a so-called alarm clock. It is what has.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the terminal device 201 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to this figure, it demonstrates centering on difference with the said embodiment.

  The terminal device 201 shown in the figure further includes a notification unit 211 in addition to the above components.

  The storage unit 202 further stores the identification name of the access point device as the attention name ns. The attention name ns may be limited to one or may be plural. In order to facilitate understanding, the following description assumes that only one attention name ns is selected from the attention name candidates.

  The attention name candidate is registered when the user operates the input device 105 of the information processing apparatus 101.

  Typically, when the user explicitly gives an instruction to start communication via the wireless LAN interface 114 to the terminal device 201, the current position is determined after successful connection with the nearest access point device (step S306). Is registered on the liquid crystal display 107 under the control of the CPU 102 to inquire the user.

  In response to this, when the user operates the input device 105 to input an instruction for registration, the identification name rs of the detected access point device is registered as a candidate name of interest.

  The attention name candidate is, for example, an identification name of an access point device arranged at a station near the user's home or a destination school / work station.

  After some number of attention name candidates are registered in this way, when the user carries the terminal device 201 and starts moving, the user selects one of the attention name candidates and selects this as the attention name ns. And

  In general, when the user starts moving, it is considered that the power of the terminal device 201 is turned on. Therefore, this selection process may be executed in step S300.

  In addition, in “other information processing” in the above-described embodiment, the attention name may be selected based on the user's instruction operation.

  The notification unit 211 notifies the user in one or both of the following two types of situations.

(1) The identification name rs of the access point device that has been successfully connected is obtained (step S306),
If the distinguished name rs and the attention name ns match,
The first type notification is performed.
The first type of notification is, for example, a notification of arrival at the nearest station of the destination.

(2) After the identification name rs is pushed to the array ss (step S308),
History information H [k] matching the array ss [1], ss [2],..., Ss [N] is found (step S321),
Column
ss [2], ss [3], ..., ss [N], ns
Is stored in the storage unit 202 as a known name string,
The second type notification is performed after the connection with the access point device ss [N] is disconnected and before the standby time H [k] .wt elapses.
The second type of notification is for notifying that the nearest station of the destination is approaching, for example.

  The time point of the second type of notification is variously set, for example, when half of the waiting time H [k] .wt has elapsed, or several minutes before the waiting time H [k] .wt has elapsed. Can be used.

  As a specific method of notification, a method similar to the alarm clock function of the portable terminal such as displaying a message on the liquid crystal display 107 or outputting an alarm sound to the headphones 109 can be employed.

  Therefore, the notification unit 211 is realized by the CPU 102 cooperating with the wireless LAN interface 114, the RAM 103, the external memory 112, the image processing unit 106, the liquid crystal display 107, the audio processing unit 108, the headphones 109, and the like.

  According to the present embodiment, by notifying that the user has arrived in the vicinity of the destination point or is about to arrive, for example, overtaking due to sleeping or reading due to sleeping on the train, etc. Etc. can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a terminal device suitable for suppressing power consumption of a terminal device that communicates with a computer communication network via an access point device disposed on a road, a station, a commercial facility, or the like, It is possible to provide a terminal method and a program for realizing these by a computer.

101 Information processing apparatus 102 CPU
103 RAM
104 ROM
105 Input Device 106 Image Processing Unit 107 Liquid Crystal Display 108 Audio Processing Unit 109 Headphone 110 Cassette Reader 111 ROM Cassette 112 External Memory 113 RTC
114 wireless LAN interface 115 camera 201 terminal device 202 storage unit 203 communication unit 204 acquisition unit 205 control unit 206 update unit 401 horizontal axis 402 vertical axis 403 wireless beacon strength 404 threshold

Claims (11)

If the connection to the access point device is attempted and the connection is successful, the access point device identification name is acquired, and communication with the computer communication network via the access point device is possible until the connection is disconnected The communication department,
A storage unit in which history information for specifying a known name sequence in which a predetermined number of identification names of access point devices are arranged and a waiting time for the history information are stored in association with each other,
When the communication unit repeatedly obtains the identification name by connecting to any access point device the same number of times as the predetermined number, an identification name string in which the identification numbers of the number are arranged in the order of acquisition. An acquisition unit that acquires a waiting time stored in the storage unit in association with history information that matches the generated identification name string,
When the connection with the access point device having the last identifier in the generated identifier string is disconnected, the communication unit is stopped during the acquired waiting time, and then the communication unit A controller that resumes the attempt,
When a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit after the communication unit resumes the trial, the new identifier is acquired after the connection with the access point device having the last identifier is disconnected. A terminal device comprising: an update unit that updates the storage unit by correcting a standby time that is stored in association with the matched history information based on an elapsed time until the first time. The terminal device according to claim 1,
When a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit after the communication unit resumes the trial, the update unit
(A) When history information matching the generated identification name string is not stored in the storage unit, new history information designating the generated identification name string is stored, and the new history information is stored. As the waiting time associated with the storage, the elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device having the last identifier is disconnected until the new identifier is acquired is stored,
(B) When history information matching the generated identification name string is stored in the storage unit, the waiting time stored in association with the matched history information is stored. A terminal device, wherein the terminal device is corrected to a weighted average of a waiting time and an elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device having the last identifier is disconnected until the new identifier is acquired. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
The identification name string matches the history information stored in the storage unit when the identification name string matches the known name string specified by the history information. Terminal device. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
In the history information, after the connection with the access point device of each identification name included in the known name string specified in the history information is disconnected, the connection with the access point device of the next identification name is successful. Is further specified a time length column that lists the elapsed time until
The identification name string matches the history information stored in the storage unit because the identification name string matches the known name string specified in the history information, and the generated identification An elapsed time sequence in which the elapsed time from when the connection with the access point device with each identification name included in the name column is disconnected until the connection with the access point device with the next identification name is successful, and the history information A terminal device characterized in that the time length sequence specified in is similar. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit within a predetermined threshold time after the communication unit resumes the trial, the update unit stores the new identification name in association with the matching history information in the storage unit After the updated waiting time is updated, the storage unit is further updated so as to shorten the waiting time. The terminal device according to claim 5,
The terminal device characterized in that the length of time for which the waiting time is shortened is the time length of the predetermined threshold time or a longer time length. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the storage unit, an identification name of the access point device is further stored as an attention name,
The terminal device further comprising: a notification unit configured to notify the user of the first type when the identification name acquired by the communication unit matches the attention name. The terminal device according to claim 7,
When history information that specifies a column obtained by removing the beginning of the generated identification name sequence and adding the attention name at the end as a known name sequence is stored in the storage unit, the notification unit generates the generation A second type of notification is made to the user after the connection with the access point device having the last identifier in the distinguished name string is disconnected until the acquired waiting time elapses. Characteristic terminal device. The terminal device according to claim 7 or 8,
When the control unit detects a predetermined instruction input from a user or a communication request with the computer communication network while the communication unit is stopped, the control unit restarts the communication unit.
The terminal device characterized in that the identification name stored as the attention name is an identification name first acquired by the communication unit in response to a predetermined instruction input from the user. A storage unit, a communication unit, an acquisition unit, a control unit, and an update in which history information specifying a known name sequence in which a predetermined number of identification names of access point devices are arranged and a waiting time for the history information are stored in association with each other A terminal method executed by a terminal device comprising a unit,
When the communication unit tries to connect to the access point device and succeeds in the connection, the communication unit obtains the identification name of the access point device, and the computer communication network through the access point device until the connection is disconnected. Communication process that enables communication with
When the communication unit repeatedly connects to any access point device and acquires the identification name as many times as the predetermined number, the acquisition unit acquires the number of identification names in the order of acquisition. An acquisition step of generating a sequence of identification name strings and acquiring a waiting time stored in the storage unit in association with history information that matches the generated identification name string;
When the connection with the access point device having the last identifier in the generated identifier string is disconnected, the control unit stops the communication unit from trying for the acquired standby time. , A control step for resuming the trial of the communication unit,
When a new identification name is acquired by the communication unit after the communication unit has restarted the trial, the update unit performs the new connection after the connection with the access point device having the last identification name is disconnected. An update step of updating the storage unit by correcting a waiting time stored in association with the matching history information based on an elapsed time until an identification name is acquired is provided. Terminal method. Computer
If the connection to the access point device is attempted and the connection is successful, the access point device identification name is acquired, and communication with the computer communication network via the access point device is possible until the connection is disconnected The communication department,
A storage unit in which history information for specifying a known name sequence in which a predetermined number of identification names of access point devices are arranged and a waiting time for the history information are stored in association with each other,
When the communication unit repeatedly obtains the identification name by connecting to any access point device the same number of times as the predetermined number, an identification name string in which the identification numbers of the number are arranged in the order of acquisition. An acquisition unit that acquires a waiting time stored in the storage unit in association with history information that matches the generated identification name string,
When the connection with the access point device having the last identifier in the generated identifier string is disconnected, the communication unit is stopped during the acquired waiting time, and then the communication unit A controller that resumes the attempt,
When a new identifier is acquired by the communication unit after the communication unit resumes the trial, the new identifier is acquired after the connection with the access point device having the last identifier is disconnected. A program that functions as an updating unit that updates the storage unit by correcting a waiting time that is stored in association with the matching history information based on the elapsed time until the first time.

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