JP5637918B2 - Portable information terminal and hands-free system using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hands-free system using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, and more particularly, to a power saving method for a battery of the portable information terminal when waiting for a hands-free call.

  With the widespread use of mobile phones and the like, the use of mobile phones in traveling vehicles has increased rapidly, and the danger has become a social problem. Due to the revision of the Road Traffic Law, calls with mobile phones in hand are prohibited, and penalties are applied for violations. On the other hand, there is still a strong demand from users who want to make calls in the car. Against this background, in recent years, a hands-free system or device that can be used for so-called hands-free communication using a headset connected to a mobile phone and equipped with a microphone and an earphone has become widespread.

  In a conventional hands-free system, a mobile phone is connected to the vehicle-mounted device by short-range wireless communication represented by Bluetooth, and voice data is transmitted and received between the mobile phone and the vehicle-mounted device during a call. Yes. This in-vehicle device has, for example, a navigation function, an audio playback function, a TV reception function, etc., and can display video on the display or output sound from the speaker in the car. Information is displayed, voice is output from the in-vehicle speaker, and voice data input from the microphone of the headset is transmitted to the mobile phone.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone including a wireless unit to which a short-range wireless data communication technology is applied. This mobile phone performs intermittent power supply control for the wireless unit for short-range wireless data communication when a call is in a standby state, and supplies power to the wireless unit for short-range wireless data communication when a call is in progress. Continuous supply control is performed.

JP 2001-298780 A

  The conventional hands-free system has the following problems. When the mobile phone and the vehicle-mounted device are connected via Bluetooth, the communication function is maintained even though the wireless function of Bluetooth is not used. . In other words, the mobile phone and the vehicle-mounted device are in a function standby state, and for example, they communicate with each other at regular intervals, and when the mobile phone receives an incoming call, it interrupts the vehicle-mounted device and hands-free You can quickly transition to call mode.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal capable of suppressing power consumption in a state where a hands-free call is possible and a hands-free system using the portable information terminal. And

  The portable information terminal according to the present invention is connectable to an electronic device having a hands-free function, and is a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with the electronic device in order to enable hands-free calling. And a detecting means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the calling means, and if it is determined that the communication area is out of the calling area based on the radio wave state detected by the detecting means, between the portable information terminal and the electronic device And a control means for controlling the wireless communication means so as to switch from the first connection state, which is a function standby state, to the second connection state, which consumes less power than the first connection state.

  Preferably, the second connection state is a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device. Preferably, the second connection state is a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication unit is stopped. Preferably, the control means switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to the detection of the out-of-call area, and the duration outside the in-call area When the predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply is switched to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped. Preferably, the control means switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to detection of an out-of-call area, and further, constant within a certain time period. When the out-of-call area exceeds the number of times, the power supply is switched to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped. Preferably, the control means switches to the first connection state when it is determined based on the detection result of the detection means that the radio wave state is recovered from the outside of the calling area. Preferably, the detection means compares the reception sensitivity map information defining the relationship between the reception sensitivity of the radio wave and the area and the position of the portable information terminal, and detects the radio wave state from the comparison result.

  A hands-free call system according to the present invention includes a portable information terminal having the above-described configuration and the electronic device connected to the portable information terminal via the wireless communication means, and the electronic device is used during a hands-free call. A speaker for outputting sound and a microphone for inputting sound are provided. Preferably, the electronic device is mounted on a moving body.

  The connection control program according to the present invention includes a call means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detection means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the call means. A portable information terminal, which is executed by the portable information terminal, enabling a hands-free call, connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means, detecting a radio wave state by the detection means, A step of determining whether or not out of a call area based on a radio wave state detected by a detection means; and a step of waiting for a function between the portable information terminal and the electronic device when it is determined that the communication area is out of a call area Controlling the wireless communication means to switch from one connection state to a second connection state that consumes less power than the first connection state.

  A connection method according to the present invention is a portable device comprising a calling means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detecting means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the calling means. A type information terminal, in order to enable a hands-free call, the step of connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means, the step of detecting a radio wave state by the detection means, and the detection means A step of determining whether or not the communication area is outside the communication area based on the detected radio wave state; and a first connection that is in a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device if it is determined that the communication area is out of the communication area Controlling the wireless communication means to switch from a state to a second connection state that consumes less power than the first connection state.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the communication area is out of the service area, the connection mode is controlled so that the power consumption is suppressed, so that unnecessary consumption of the portable information terminal is suppressed and the remaining capacity of the battery is prolonged. be able to.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the hands-free call system which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone based on the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the vehicle-mounted electronic apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the headset shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the connection control program in the hands-free telephone call system concerning the example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a connection mode and power consumption. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the hands-free telephone call system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the transition of a connection mode when the mobile telephone by a 1st Example is in a standby state. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the hands-free telephone call system which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the transition of a connection mode when the mobile telephone by a 2nd Example is in a standby state. It is a timing chart which shows the transition of a connection mode when the mobile telephone by the 3rd Example of this invention is in a standby state. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement which concerns on the 5th Example of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The hands-free call system of the present invention is preferably realized by bringing a portable information terminal into a vehicle and connecting it to an in-vehicle electronic device. However, the hands-free call system of the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and may be realized in an environment such as an office or a home. Further, the portable information terminal may be an information terminal such as a smart phone having a call function, a portable laptop, or a laptop personal computer as well as a cellular phone.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hands-free call system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hands-free call system 10 of this embodiment includes a mobile phone 20, a connection means 30 including various communication functions including short-range wireless communication, and an in-vehicle connection connected to the mobile phone 20 via the connection means 30. And the electronic device 40 for use. The mobile phone 20 may be a variety of electronic information terminals and smartphones having a call function. The connection means 30 is preferably short-range wireless data communication such as Bluetooth, but includes wireless data communication connection of another standard such as a wireless LAN, or connection by a wired cable.

  The in-vehicle electronic device 40 includes an apparatus main body 42 mounted on a vehicle, a headset 44 connected to the apparatus main body 42 by wireless communication or the like, and used by being mounted on a user's head, a speaker 46, and a display 48. It is comprised including. The apparatus main body 42 and the mobile phone 20 can transmit / receive data to / from each other via the connection means 30 and can mutually control each other via control data. For example, when there is an incoming call to the mobile phone 20, the user may control the operation of the mobile phone 20 with the apparatus main body 42, for example, start / end of a call. In the case of a hands-free call, voice data is transmitted from the mobile phone 20 to the device main body 42 via the connection means 30, which is output from the speaker 46, and the voice data input from the microphone of the headset 42 is the device. It is transmitted from the main body 42 to the mobile phone 20.

  The apparatus main body 42 and the headset 44 are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange data, preferably via Bluetooth or other wireless communication means or wired communication means, and a microphone (an earphone if necessary) mounted on the headset 44 side. ) Allows users to make calls. In a preferred embodiment, the in-vehicle electronic device 40 can include a navigation function, an audio playback function, a video playback function, a television broadcast reception function, a radio broadcast reception function, and the like. Can operate independently.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone 20. An input unit 100 that receives input from a user, a detection unit 110 that detects a reception state of radio waves for a call, a call unit 120 that makes a call via a public wireless telephone network, the Internet, and the like, a display unit 130, , A voice output unit 140, a connection unit 150 that enables connection to the in-vehicle electronic device 40 via the connection means 30 such as Bluetooth, a control unit 160, a program memory 170 that stores an application or a program, A data memory 180 for storing data and an internal bus 190 for connecting each unit are configured.

  The input unit 100 provides a user interface such as a keyboard, a touch panel, a voice input, and a mouse, receives an input from the user, and provides this to the control unit 160. The detection unit 110 detects the reception sensitivity or the electric field strength of the signal captured by the antenna, and provides the detection result to the control unit 160. In addition to detecting the electric field strength, the detection unit 110 may detect the reception sensitivity or electric field strength of the vehicle position using an electric field strength map as will be described later. The call unit 120 enables a call with the other party when an incoming or outgoing call is received through a user operation. The display unit 130 includes a display provided in the mobile phone body, and displays applications executed by the mobile phone and other information. For example, when a mobile phone executes a navigation application, a road map around the position of the mobile phone is displayed, and when audio is reproduced, information such as a song name and performance time is displayed. When the mobile phone 20 is used as a single unit, the audio output unit 140 outputs the other party's voice or the reproduced audio. Further, when the mobile phone 20 is connected to the in-vehicle electronic device 40, the sound output of the sound output unit 150 may be muted and the sound may be output from the speaker 46.

  The connection unit 150 enables various data communications between the mobile phone 20 and other electronic devices. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 150 enables data communication with the in-vehicle electronic device 40 by short-range wireless data communication using Bluetooth or the like. In addition to the short-range wireless data communication, the connection unit 150 can connect the mobile phone 20 to other electronic devices and networks using a wireless LAN, other standard data communication, or a wired cable such as a USB cable. is there. The control unit 160 includes an information processing device such as a processor, a microcomputer, or a microcontroller, and preferably executes a program or application software stored in the program memory 170 to realize a desired function.

  The program memory 170 stores programs and application software for executing functions necessary for the mobile phone 20. The program memory 170 is preferably composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory, stores application software downloaded from a server on the network via the connection unit 150, or is connected via the connection unit 150. Application software acquired from other electronic devices can be stored. The data memory 180 stores various data, for example, audio data and video data, and can store road map data necessary for the navigation function. The data memory 180 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and can store data acquired via the connection unit 150. Each part of the mobile phone 20 can operate with electric power from a battery, and the battery is preferably a secondary battery that can be charged using an external power source.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the in-vehicle electronic device 40. The in-vehicle electronic device 40 includes a navigation unit 50 having a function of displaying a road map around the position of the vehicle and guiding a route to the destination, and a reproduction unit 52 that reproduces audio data and video data such as a CD and a DVD. A broadcast receiving unit 54 for receiving television broadcasts and radio broadcasts, a connection control unit 56 for controlling connection with the mobile phone 20 by short-range wireless connection such as Bluetooth or other communication, and a headset 44 in a hands-free call state A headset control unit 58 that controls the operation of the computer, an input unit 60 that receives input from the user, a storage unit 62 that stores various data, and the like. Note that the function shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the in-vehicle electronic device 40 may include a function different from this.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the headset 44. The headset 44 is a transmission / reception unit 202 for transmitting and receiving control signals and audio data to and from the apparatus main body 42, and an operation unit that allows a user to perform start and end of a call to the mobile phone 20, volume adjustment, and other operations. 204, a microphone 206 for speaking, an earphone 208 for listening to a ringtone and a call sound, a control unit 210 for controlling the entire headset, and a bus 126 for connecting each unit.

  When an incoming call is received at the mobile phone 20 connected to the apparatus main body 42, a ring tone is transmitted to the headset 44 via the transmission / reception unit 202, and the sound is transmitted to the user from the earphone 208 or the speaker 46. In addition, a screen for notifying an incoming call is displayed on the display 48 as an interruption, and the user operates the operation unit 204 to transmit a call start control, thereby connecting the mobile phone 20 and the headset 44 via the apparatus main body 42. Established and enables hands-free calling.

  The program memory 170 of the mobile phone 20 includes various programs necessary for the functions of the mobile phone 20 as described above. Here, a connection control program in the hands-free call system will be described. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the connection control program 300 in the hands-free call system. As shown in the figure, the connection control program 300 is based on the detection results from the connection confirmation unit 310 and the detection unit 110 that confirm the connection between the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40 via the connection unit 150. The determination unit 320 that determines the radio wave state of the call unit 120, the connection mode selection unit 330 that selects the connection mode of the connection unit 150 based on the determination result by the determination unit 320, and the connection mode of the connection unit 150 is switched according to the selected connection mode. The power supply control unit 350 is configured to control the supply of power to the connection unit 150 based on the results of the connection mode switching unit 340, the connection mode selection unit 330, and / or the connection mode switching unit 340.

  The connection unit 150 searches for an electronic device that can wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone 20, recognizes the searched electronic device, and establishes a communicable state. Here, when the connection unit 150 establishes a communicable state with the in-vehicle electronic device 40, the connection confirmation unit 310 confirms this. The determination unit 320 determines whether or not the mobile phone 20 is in the calling area area based on the electric field strength detected by the detection unit 110.

  The connection mode selection unit 330 selects a desired connection mode from a plurality of connection modes in which the connection unit 150 can operate. FIG. 6 shows a relationship between a plurality of connection modes and power consumption. In the present embodiment, there are four connection modes 1 to 4 that can be operated by the connection unit 150, and the power consumption differs depending on each connection mode. This connection mode is distinguished or defined in relation to the power consumption of the mobile phone 20, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the connection mode shown in FIG.

The connection mode 1 is a mode or a power consumption state when audio data is transmitted and received between the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40. For example, in a hands-free call, when voice data is transferred between the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40, or a music playback application of the mobile phone 20 is executed and the mobile phone 20 transfers to the in-vehicle electronic device 40. This corresponds to the operation when audio data is transferred. The connection mode 2 is a mode or a power consumption state when the mobile phone 20 and the vehicle-mounted electronic device 40 are in a function standby state in which the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40 are connected via the connection unit 150. Can be in standby state. For example, the mobile phone 20 is waiting for an incoming call in the hands-free call system. In the connection mode 2, the mobile phone 20 transmits a signal for confirming or monitoring the connection to the in- vehicle electronic device 40 via the connection unit 150 at a certain timing. The connection mode 3 is a standby state for connection by the connection unit 150, and the connection unit 150 is a state before identifying an electronic device that can communicate with Bluetooth and establishing communication therewith. That is, power is supplied to the connection unit 150, and the connection unit 150 is placed in a state where wireless communication by Bluetooth can be used, but before the vehicle-mounted electronic device 40 can be identified and communicated with it. is there. The connection mode 4 is a state in which power supply such as a battery to the connection unit 150 is stopped, and the wireless connection by Bluetooth by the connection unit 150 is actually stopped. As shown in the figure, power consumption decreases from connection mode 1 to connection mode 4.

  The connection mode switching unit 340 controls the switching of the connection mode of the connection unit 150 based on the determination result whether the determination unit 320 is out of the calling area or not in a state where a hands-free call is possible. However, if the connection mode switching unit 340 performs a call from the call waiting state, and conversely ends the call and shifts to the call waiting state, the connection mode switching unit 340 is not necessarily connected based on the selection result by the connection mode selection unit 330. There is no need to switch between 1 and connection mode 2, and the mode is automatically switched between connection mode 1 and connection mode 2. When the connection mode switching unit 340 switches to the connection mode 4, the power supply control unit 350 stops supplying the battery to the connection unit 150. On the other hand, when the power supply control unit 350 switches to another connection mode 1 to 3, the power supply control unit 350 Start supplying the battery.

  Next, the operation of the hands-free call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the mobile phone 20 is connected to the in-vehicle electronic device 40 via the connection unit 150 (S101). This connection is made by the connection confirmation unit 310. In this initial state, the connection mode 2 is selected, and the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40 are placed in a state where a hands-free call is possible (S102). In this state, when a call is made by the call unit 120, the connection mode is automatically set to the connection mode 1, and the user can make a hands-free call using the headset 44. When the call ends, the mode is automatically switched to connection mode 2.

As the vehicle moves, the call environment of the mobile phone 20 changes. This change in the call environment is detected by the detection unit 110 (S103). The determination unit 320 determines whether or not the communication area is within the communication area based on the reception sensitivity detected by the detection unit 110 (S104). For example, determining the field strength of the signal from the antenna when it is below the threshold value, determines that the service area service area, the service area within it Re Eco threshold. If it is outside the calling area, the mobile phone 20 will not receive a call and cannot make a call. Therefore, the connection mode selection unit 330 selects a connection mode that consumes less power than the connection mode 2 in order to suppress unnecessary battery consumption (S105). That is, connection mode 3 or connection mode 4 is selected.

  Next, the connection mode switching unit 340 switches the connection unit 150 to the connection mode 3 or 4 based on the selection result of the connection mode selection unit 330 (S106). When switched to the connection mode 3, the connection unit 150 releases the data communication with the in-vehicle electronic device 40 and returns to the state before the connection with the in-vehicle electronic device 40 is established. Thereby, regular or non-periodic data communication from the mobile phone 20 to the in-vehicle electronic device 40 is not performed, and thus battery consumption of the mobile phone 20 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the connection mode 4 is switched, the power supply control unit 350 stops the power supply to the connection unit 150 and the operation of the connection unit 150 is stopped. Thereby, much battery consumption is suppressed. Whether to switch to connection mode 3 or connection mode 4 can be determined by an algorithm prepared in advance. For example, the connection mode selection unit 330 acquires information about the remaining battery level of the mobile phone 20 and selects the connection mode 4 that can suppress a lot of battery consumption if the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a certain value. Can do.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication area is within the calling area (S104), the connection mode selection unit 330 continues to select the standby state in the connection mode 2 according to the determination result (S107). When the connection mode switching unit 340 switches to the connection mode 3 or 4, it is continuously determined by the determination unit 320 whether or not the communication area is within the calling area, and is recovered within the calling area. If it is determined (S104), the connection mode selection unit 330 selects the connection mode 2, and the connection mode switching unit 340 switches from the connection mode 3 or 4 to the connection mode 2 (S107). As a result, the mobile phone 20 returns to a standby state for incoming or outgoing calls. Such switching control is repeatedly performed until the connection by the connection unit 150 is completed (S108).

  FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the transition of the connection mode when the mobile phone according to the first embodiment is in a standby state. As shown in the figure, when the mobile phone 20 is in the call area, the connection unit 150 is in a function standby state in the standby mode 2. When the mobile phone 20 moves out of the call area, the connection unit 150 is Switching to connection mode 3 or 4 with low power consumption reduces battery consumption. On the other hand, even when the conventional mobile phone is out of the calling area where it is not possible to make a call, the connection unit 150 is in the connection mode 2 and waste due to communication between the mobile phone 20 and the in-vehicle electronic device 40 Power was consumed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the first embodiment, an example of performing the switching control from the connection mode 2 to the connection mode 3 or 4 is shown, but in the second embodiment, the stepwise switching from the connection mode 2 to the connection modes 3 and 4 is performed. Control is performed. In the figure, steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104 in FIG. In the second embodiment, when the determination unit 320 determines that the communication area is out of range, the connection mode selection unit 330 selects the connection mode 3 that consumes less power than the connection mode 2 and switches the connection mode. The unit 340 switches from the connection mode 2 to the connection mode 3 (S205). Subsequently, the determination unit 320 determines whether or not the state outside the calling area is continued for a certain period of time (S206), and when it is determined that the state is continued, the connection mode selection unit 330 is more than the connection mode 3. The connection mode 4 with low power consumption is selected, and the connection mode switching unit 340 switches from the connection mode 3 to the connection mode 4 (S207). Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the transition of the connection mode when the mobile phone according to the second embodiment is in a standby state. As shown in the figure, when the mobile phone 20 is within the call area, the connection mode 2 is selected, and when the mobile phone 20 is outside the call area, the connection mode 2 is switched to the connection mode 3. When the cumulative period T outside the calling area exceeds a certain value, the connection mode 3 is switched to the connection mode 4. When the time outside the calling area exceeds a certain value, the power consumption can be further suppressed, so that the remaining capacity of the battery can be prevented from decreasing.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, control is performed to switch from connection mode 3 to connection mode 4 when the time outside the calling area exceeds a certain value. However, in the third embodiment, the state outside the calling area is intermittent. When the process is repeated, control for switching from connection mode 3 to connection mode 4 is performed. FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the transition of the connection mode when the mobile phone according to the third embodiment is in a standby state. As shown in the figure, when it is determined that the communication area is out of range, the connection mode selection unit 330 selects the connection mode 3 and switches from the connection mode 2 to the connection mode 3. When traveling in an area where the radio wave reception environment is not good, the reception sensitivity is likely to fluctuate, resulting in a situation where the calling area and the outside of the calling area frequently change. Thus, as shown in the figure, even if the service area shifts to the call area areas P1, P2, and P3, if the period recovered in the call area area is smaller than a certain value, the connection mode 3 is maintained and the connection mode 2 is entered. Switching of is prohibited. At the same time, when the number of times of transition to the calling area is equal to or greater than a certain number k, the connection mode 4 is selected and the connection mode 3 is switched to the connection mode. By doing so, frequent switching between the connection modes 2 and 3 is suppressed, and power consumption during a period in which the telephone state is not stable and the radio wave state is not stable can be effectively suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the communication area is out of the service area, the mode is not switched immediately to the connection mode 3 or 4, but for a certain period of time. Switching to connection mode 3 or 4 may be performed after viewing. In other words, when the transition to the outside of the calling area is continued for a certain period, switching from the connection mode 2 to the connection mode 3 or 4 is performed, and frequent switching of the connection mode is suppressed to perform a stable operation. Can do. Also in the first embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, switching to the connection mode 3 or 4 may be performed when the state outside the calling area is intermittently repeated.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to third embodiments, an example in which the electric field intensity of the signal from the antenna of the mobile phone 20 is used to determine whether or not the communication area is out of the service area is shown, but the fourth embodiment uses an electric field intensity map. It is determined whether or not the call area is outside. The cellular phone 20 has a function of detecting the current position and a field strength map in the data memory 170. The function of detecting the current position of the mobile phone 20 may calculate the current position by a GPS receiver built in the mobile phone 20, or the current position of the mobile phone 20 from a server on the network via the connection unit 150. The position may be acquired, or the current position may be acquired from the own vehicle position information of the navigation unit 50 mounted on the in-vehicle electronic device 40. In addition, the electric field strength map preferably includes information on whether or not the user is in the calling area on the road map data. The determination unit 320 can compare the current position of the mobile phone 20 with the electric field strength map to determine whether the mobile phone 20 is within the calling area.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the mobile phone 20 has an application of a navigation function and route guidance to the destination is executed, the determination unit 320 compares the route to the destination with the electric field strength map, It is possible to predict the timing of transition from the call area to the call area. As shown in FIG. 12, when the vehicle M is traveling on the guidance route Y to the destination and the current position is outside the calling area, the connection unit 150 is placed in the connection mode 3 or 4. Yes. The field strength map and the guidance route are compared, and the determination unit 320 predicts the time to reach the calling area. For example, the travel time set for the link may be used as the predicted time, or the vehicle speed information of the own vehicle and the distance until the vehicle enters the calling area may be calculated from the actual vehicle speed. The connection mode switching unit 340 switches from the connection mode 3 or 4 to the connection mode 2 at a timing slightly earlier than the timing of actually entering the communication area based on the predicted time of the determination unit 320. Thereby, information such as incoming calls to the mobile phone 20 can be obtained with certainty. When the mobile phone 20 is not equipped with a navigation function, the mobile phone 20 obtains information such as an electric field intensity map possessed by the navigation unit 50 of the in-vehicle electronic device 40 via the connection means 30. May be.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Deformation / change is possible.

10: Hands-free call system 20: Mobile phone 30: Connection means 40: On-vehicle electronic device 42: Device body 44: Headset 46: Speaker 48: Display 100: Input unit 110: Detection unit 120: Call unit 130: Display unit 140: Audio output unit 150: Connection unit 160: Control unit 170: Program memory 180: Data memory 300: Connection control program 310: Connection confirmation unit 320: Determination unit 330: Connection mode selection unit 340: Connection mode switching unit 350: Power Supply control unit

Claims (17)

A portable information terminal that can be connected to an electronic device having a hands-free function,
Call means,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with the electronic device in order to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the calling means;
When it is determined that the communication area is out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detection unit, the first connection state is changed from the first connection state which is a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Control means for controlling the wireless communication means so as to switch to the second connection state with low power consumption ,
The control means switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to the detection of the out-of-call area, and the duration time outside the call-area is a fixed time. When it becomes above, the portable information terminal which switches to the electric power supply stop state which stops the electric power supply to the said radio | wireless communication means . A portable information terminal that can be connected to an electronic device having a hands-free function,
Call means,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with the electronic device in order to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the calling means;
When it is determined that the communication area is out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detection unit, the first connection state is changed from the first connection state which is a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Control means for controlling the wireless communication means so as to switch to the second connection state with low power consumption,
The control means switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to the detection of the out-of-service area, and further, a certain number of times within a certain time period. A portable information terminal that switches to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped when the above-mentioned out-of-call area occurs . The second connection state, the a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device, a portable information terminal according to claim 1 or 2. The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connection state is a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication unit is stopped. Said control means based on a detection result of said detecting means, when it is determined to have recovered to radio conditions possible call from the call service area, switching to the first connection state, according to 4 any one claims 1 Portable information terminal. Said detection means compares the reception sensitivity map information specifying the relation between the reception sensitivity and area of the radio and the position of the portable information terminal, detects the radio wave condition from the comparison result, claims 1 to 5 or 1 The portable information terminal described in 1. A portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the electronic device connected to the portable information terminal via the wireless communication means,
The electronic device includes a speaker that outputs sound during a hands-free call and a microphone that inputs sound. The hands-free call system according to claim 7 , wherein the electronic device is mounted on a mobile body. Connection control executed by a portable information terminal having a call means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detection means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the call means A program,
Connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting a radio wave condition by the detecting means;
Determining whether or not out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detecting means;
When it is determined that the mobile phone is out of the communication range, the second connection that consumes less power than the first connection state from the first connection state that is in a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Controlling the wireless communication means to switch to a state ,
The controlling step switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to the detection of the out-of-call area, and the duration outside the call-area is constant. A connection control program comprising a step of switching to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped when the time is over . Connection control executed by a portable information terminal having a call means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detection means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the call means A program,
Connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting a radio wave condition by the detecting means;
Determining whether or not out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detecting means;
When it is determined that the mobile phone is out of the communication range, the second connection that consumes less power than the first connection state from the first connection state that is in a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Controlling the wireless communication means to switch to a state,
The controlling step switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to detection of an out-of-call area, and further, within a certain time period, A connection control program comprising a step of switching to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped when the number of out-of-call areas exceeds the number of times . The connection control program according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the second connection state is a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device. The connection control program according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the second connection state is a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication unit is stopped. Wherein the step of controlling, based on a detection result of said detecting means, when it is determined to have recovered to radio conditions possible call from the call service area, switching to the first connection state, to 12 any one the preceding claims 9 The connection control program described. A connection control method in a portable information terminal comprising a call means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detection means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the call means There,
Connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting a radio wave condition by the detecting means;
Determining whether or not out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detecting means;
When it is determined that the mobile phone is out of the communication range, the second connection that consumes less power than the first connection state from the first connection state that is in a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Controlling the wireless communication means to switch to a state ,
The controlling step switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to the detection of the out-of-call area, and the duration outside the call-area is constant. A connection control method including a step of switching to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication means is stopped when the time is over . A connection control method in a portable information terminal comprising a call means, a wireless communication means for performing wireless data communication with an electronic device having a hands-free function, and a detection means for detecting a radio wave state for a call by the call means There,
Connecting to the electronic device via the wireless communication means to enable hands-free calling;
Detecting a radio wave condition by the detecting means;
Determining whether or not out of service area based on the radio wave state detected by the detecting means;
When it is determined that the mobile phone is out of the communication range, the second connection that consumes less power than the first connection state from the first connection state that is in a function standby state between the portable information terminal and the electronic device. Controlling the wireless communication means to switch to a state,
The controlling step switches from the first connection state to a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device in response to detection of an out-of-call area, and further, within a certain time period, A connection control method including a step of switching to a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication unit is stopped when the out-of-call area exceeds the number of times . The connection control method according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the second connection state is a connection standby state before establishing a connection with the electronic device. The connection control method according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the second connection state is a power supply stop state in which power supply to the wireless communication unit is stopped.

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