JPH1041970A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an information common use environment for the system by seamless radio communication in which replacement or resetting of a MO- DEM and a LAN adaptor is not required so as to allow the user itself not to notify it as to whether its portable information terminal equipment is used in or outside of an office in the case that the user uses the portable information terminal equipment in or outside of the office. SOLUTION: A private LAN 4 and a radio base station 9 are provided in an office 1, and a mobile computing communication system is built up, in which portable information terminal equipments 10, 11, 12 are available of use in and outside of the office. At least one of servers 5 connecting to the terminal equipments 10, 11, 12 or the private LAN 4 is provided with an office inside/ outside use discrimination means that discriminates it that a terminal equipment is used in (1) or at the outside (2) of the office and with a communication means that makes radio communication via the radio base station 9 when the terminal equipment is used in the inside of the office (1) and via a public network 3 when the terminal equipment is used at the outside of the office (2).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system used as a next-generation office system, and more particularly to a mobile computing system using a portable information terminal having a wireless communication function usable inside and outside an office.
omputing) communication system, which comprises a local area network (LAN) constructed in an office from the portable information terminal.
work) through a wireless communication channel, and a communication system that enables seamless wireless communication without the user being conscious of whether the portable information terminal is used in the office or outside the office. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable P types such as a palm top type, a notebook type, and a sub-notebook type have been developed.
C (Personal Computer) or PDA (Personal Digital)
Assistants) and other portable information terminals are being developed. Furthermore, by connecting them to a communication terminal and using them, it is possible to access other terminals and personal computer communication through a public telephone line or the like. In addition, the terminal is often used in the office by engineers and businessmen in each company, and when going out, the terminal is carried and used outside the office.

[0003] As described above, the use of portable information terminals inside and outside the office is increasing, and it is also possible to extract information such as servers in the office from outside the office.

[0004] When a portable information terminal is used in an office, a private LAN installed in the office is used.
By using a LAN adapter to connect to other terminals and servers, information is shared.
On the other hand, when an attempt is made to use a portable information terminal outside the office to access a local LAN in the office, a modem adapter is attached to the terminal and access is made from a public telephone or a mobile phone.

As described above, when the portable information terminal is used inside and outside the office, a LAN adapter is required inside the office (since it is directly connected to the local LAN), and a modem adapter is used outside the office. Required (to connect directly to the public network).

If the type of adapter is different inside and outside the office, it is necessary to replace the adapter and readjust various settings each time the user moves inside and outside the office. For this reason, for users who use the mobile terminal information on a daily basis,
It is difficult to operate the terminal stably due to the problem that it becomes quite complicated, the user is basically an amateur with regard to the inside of the terminal, and the setting is wrong, or it takes time for the setting to hinder the original work. The problem of coming.

[0007]

As described above, in a conventional communication system in which individual functions such as a personal digital assistant and a LAN, a public telephone line, and a mobile telephone are connected, the personal digital assistant is used in an office. It is necessary to replace various adapters and perform various settings between the case where the mobile information terminal is used and the case where the portable information terminal is used outside the office. For this reason, readjustment is required every time the user moves inside and outside the office, and the user is forced to perform complicated operations. In addition, there has been a problem that the terminal is operated stably due to an incorrect setting, or that the setting takes a long time to hinder the original work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when a user uses a portable information terminal inside or outside an office, the user is not conscious of whether the user is using the portable information terminal inside or outside the office. And modems and LA
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system capable of realizing an information sharing environment by seamless wireless communication without having to replace or reset N adapters.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a private LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the private LAN, a wireless base station provided in the office, and a wireless base station provided in the office. A mobile communication system comprising: a local line device for connecting a public network to the local LAN; and a mobile information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office. At least one of the information processing devices includes an inside / outside office judging means for judging that the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office; Data communication is performed via the base station, and if it is determined that the mobile phone is outside the office, data communication is performed via the public network. It is provided with a communication unit.

According to such a configuration, there is no need to replace or reset the modem or LAN adapter so that the user is not aware whether the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office. An information sharing environment by seamless wireless communication can be realized.

Further, the present invention provides a private LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the private LAN, a wireless LAN access point provided in the office, a public network and the private LAN. In a mobile computing communication system including a local line device that connects the mobile communication terminal and a mobile information terminal that performs wireless communication inside and outside the office, the mobile information terminal includes at least one of the mobile information terminal and the information processing device, In-office / in-office determining means for determining that the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office, and when the in-office / in-office determining means determines that the mobile information terminal is in the office, the wireless LAN access is performed by a first communication method. Data communication is performed via the point, and if it is determined that the user is outside the office, the second communication It is provided with a communication means for performing data communication via the public network by the formula.

As the first communication method, a local wireless LAN communication method which is a line connection method (connection method) is used, and as the second communication method, a PHS which is a non-line connection method (non-connection method) is used. Use the communication method.

According to such a configuration, there is no need to replace or reset the modem or LAN adapter so that the user is not conscious of whether the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office. An information sharing environment by seamless wireless communication can be realized.

Furthermore, for example, in an office, a wireless LAN
Different wireless communication systems can be used inside and outside the office, such as a communication system and a PHS communication system outside the office.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile computing communication system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an office 1 indicates an office in which a desk or the like is located in a company where a business person or the like normally operates. The outside office 2 indicates a place other than the inside of the office 1, for example, other companies or other offices, a moving or walking train, a coffee shop, or the like. Public network 3 is NTT
Network, mobile phone network, PHS phone network, etc.

In the office 1, a local LAN 4, a server 5, a PC (Personal Computer) / WS (workstation) are provided.
) 6, line / LAN converter 7, PBX (private bra
nch exchange) 8 and a premises base station 9 are provided.

The private LAN 4 is a corporate LAN provided in the office 1. The server 5 is a server computer connected to the private LAN 4. PC / WS6 is
Personal computer or U connected to premises LAN 4
It is a workstation such as NIX. The line-to-LAN conversion device 7 is a device for converting line-switched data such as PBX into a LAN system. The PBX 8 is a private branch exchange for performing circuit switching, and is connected to the public network 3. The local base station 9 is a local wireless base station of the PHS communication system.

Further, the portable information terminals 10, 11, 12 are:
It is a portable information terminal having a PHS communication function. These portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 can access the local LAN 4 by wireless communication inside and outside the office. In this case, the office 1 accesses the local LAN 4 via the local base station 9, the PBX 8, and the line / LAN converter 7 using the local PHS communication function, and the server 5 or the PC / WS 6 connected to the local LAN 4. Performs data communication with

On the other hand, outside the office 2, the public PHS communication function is used to access the private LAN 4 from the private PBX 8 through the public network 3 such as a public base station and a public exchange via the line / LAN conversion device 7 to access the private LAN 4. Performs data communication with the server 5 or the PC / WS 6 connected to the.

The present system has a function of automatically recognizing whether a place in use is inside the office 1 or outside the office 2 when an access is made by PHS communication inside or outside the office. It is possible to realize seamless (seamless) access regardless of whether it is inside the office 1 or outside the office 2 without being conscious of the inside and outside.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 are provided with a function for judging inside or outside the office. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 according to the first embodiment. Each of the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 includes an application unit 21, a communication control unit 22, an in-office communication unit 23, an out-of-office communication unit 24, an in / out office determination unit 25, a buffer 26, and an antenna unit 27.

When it becomes necessary to access the local LAN 4 of the office 1, the application unit 21 requests the communication control unit 22 to access the local LAN 4. The communication control unit 22 first issues a communication request to the intra-office communication unit 23 according to the communication sequence. Upon receiving the communication request, the intra-office communication unit 23 performs communication processing as in the office 1. The communication processing in the office 1 is to attempt to access the local LAN 4 via the local base station 9, the PBX 8, and the line / LAN converter 7 by transmitting an extension telephone number.

If a line can be secured by this, the inside / outside office judging section 25 judges that the inside of the office is 1, and
The result is notified to the communication control unit 22. Communication control unit 22
Then, the line at that time is maintained, and the application unit 21 is further notified. The application unit 21 accesses the local LAN 4 using the line.

If the line cannot be secured,
If the line is busy, the intra-office communication unit 23 retries at predetermined time intervals. If the line cannot be secured even after a predetermined number of retries,
3 notifies this to the communication control unit 22 and the office inside / outside determination unit 25, and stops the processing here (in-office communication processing). The communication control unit 22 notifies the application unit 21 and follows the instruction from the application unit 21.

In the case where the radio wave intensity is insufficient,
Similarly to the above, the intra-office communication unit 23 notifies the communication control unit 22 and the intra-office / external determination unit 25 of the fact, and stops the processing (in-office communication processing). The communication control unit 22 notifies the application unit 21 and follows the instruction from the application unit 21.

Then, the office inside / outside determination unit 25 that has received the notification determines that it is not inside the office 1. Further, the communication control unit 22 having received the notification makes a communication request to the out-of-office communication unit 24 next. Outside office 24
Performs communication processing as outside the office 2. The communication process for the outside office 2 is to transmit a telephone number of an outside line, and then, via the public network 3, the PBX 8,
An attempt is made to access the local LAN 4 through the line / LAN converter 7.

When the line can be secured by this, the inside / outside office judging section 25 judges that it is outside the office 2 and notifies the communication control section 22 of the result. The communication control unit 22 maintains the line at that time and notifies the application unit 21. The application unit 21 accesses the local LAN 4 using the line.

If a line cannot be secured,
If the line is busy, the out-of-office communication unit 24 retries at predetermined time intervals. If the line cannot be secured even after a predetermined number of retries, the communication unit outside the office 2
4 notifies the communication control unit 22 and the inside / outside office determination unit 25 of the fact, and stops the processing here (out-of-office communication processing).

As described above, the intra-office communication and the out-of-office communication are tried in this order, and
Is determined, and the result is determined by the application unit 21.
, The application unit 21 can perform processing suitable for each of the case of the inside of the office 1 and the case of the outside of the office 2.

That is, in the office 1, by accessing the private LAN 4 without passing through the public network 3, data communication with the server 5 and the PC / WS 6 connected to the private LAN 4 can be performed. If it is the outside 2, by accessing the local LAN 4 via the public network 3, data communication with the server 5 and the PC / WS 6 connected to the local LAN 4 can be performed. Note that even outside the office 1, communication via the public network 3 is possible, but an outside line call is made, so a fee is charged.

Here, the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 determine whether the own terminal is used inside the office 1 or outside the office 2, and determine whether the data is used. FIG. 3 shows the flow of processing when transmitting and receiving.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 in the first embodiment. When a communication request is generated from the application unit 21 (step A11), first, dialing is performed on an extension to try to secure a communication line in the office (step A).
12). As a result, when the intra-office communication path can be secured (Yes in step A12), it is determined that the intra-office is 1 (step A13), the intra-office communication permission is given (step A14), and the data communication is executed (step A14). Step A15).

On the other hand, when the intra-office communication path cannot be secured (No in step A12), if the cause is the line busy (Yes in step A16), the process returns to step A12 to try again.

If the line is not busy (No in step A16), there is a possibility of the outside office 2, so dialing is performed by an outside line to try to secure a communication path outside the office (step A17). As a result, if a communication path outside the office can be secured (Yes in step A17), it is determined to be outside the office 2 (step A18), communication permission outside the office is given (step A19), and data communication is executed (step A19). A15).

On the other hand, when the communication path outside the office cannot be secured (No in step A17), if the cause is line busy (Yes in step A20), the process returns to step A17 to try again. If the line is not busy (No in step A20), it is determined that the communication is out of the communicable range and that communication is not possible (step A21), and the processing here ends.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the mobile computing communication system shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, as a means for determining whether the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 are used inside the office 1 or outside the office 2, the order of access is determined. In the first place, an attempt is made to access the office 1 inside the office, and if the access is not possible, an attempt is made to access the outside office 2 to determine whether the office 1 or the outside office 2 is used.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is determined whether the inside of the office is 1 or the outside of the office 2 based on the frequency of the radio wave received by the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12. That is, usually, the usable frequency band differs between the inside office 1 and the outside office 2. Therefore, the portable information terminal 1
By checking the frequency of the radio wave received by 0, 11, and 12, it can be determined whether the inside of the office is 1 or the outside of the office 2. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 in this case.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 according to the second embodiment. The portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 are provided with the application unit 3
1. Communication control unit 32, intra-office communication unit 33, out-of-office communication unit 34, inside / outside office judgment unit 35, radio wave monitoring unit 3.
6, a buffer 37, and an antenna unit 38.

The radio wave monitor 36 monitors the frequency of the radio wave received through the antenna unit 38 provided in the portable information terminals 10, 11, 12 and notifies the result to the office inside / outside judgment unit 35. The office inside / outside determination unit 35 receiving the determination determines that the received radio wave is the office 1 if the frequency of the received radio wave is used in the office 1,
If it is used outside the office 2, it is determined to be outside the office 2, and the result of the determination is notified to the communication control unit 32.

In response to the notification, the communication control unit 32 issues a communication request to the intra-office communication unit 33 when the judgment result of the inside / outside judgment unit 35 is in the office 1, and when the judgment result is outside the office 2, the communication unit outside the office judges. A communication request is made to 34. Further, the communication control unit 32 notifies the application unit 31 of the result, and follows the instruction from the application unit 31.

If the result of monitoring by the radio wave monitoring unit 36 indicates that communication is not possible due to insufficient radio wave intensity or the like, the result is notified to the office inside / outside judgment unit 35, and the office inside / outside judgment unit 3 is further notified.
5 to the communication control unit 32. The communication control unit 32 notifies the application unit 31 of the notification, and follows the instruction of the application unit 31.

Here, the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 having the configuration shown in FIG. 4 determine whether the own terminal is used inside the office 1 or outside the office 2, and the data FIG. 5 shows a flow of transmission and reception.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 in the second embodiment. When a communication request is issued from the application unit 31 (step B11), by monitoring the received radio wave (step B12), first, it is determined whether the radio wave of the office 1 can be received (whether the radio wave intensity is higher than a certain level). Is determined (step B13). As a result, if the radio wave in the office can be received (Yes in step B13), it is determined that the radio signal is in the office 1 (step B14).

If it is determined that the number is in the office 1, dialing is performed by extension (step B15). As a result, when a communication path can be secured (Yes in step B15),
An intra-office communication permission is given (step B16), and data communication is executed (step B17). If the communication path cannot be secured (No in step B15), the state of the line is checked (step B18). As a result, if the line is busy (Yes in step B18), the process returns to step B15, and if the line is not busy (No in step B18), the process returns to step B12.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step B13 that the in-office radio wave cannot be received, it is determined whether the out-of-office radio wave (a radio wave of a public network or the like) can be received (whether or not the radio wave intensity is higher than a certain level) (step B19). ). As a result, if the out-of-office radio wave can be received (Yes in step B19), it is determined to be out-of-office 2 (step B2).
0).

When it is determined that the outside of the office 2 is selected, dialing on an outside line is performed (step B21). As a result, when a communication path can be secured (Yes in step B21),
An out-of-office communication permission is given (step B22), and data communication is executed (step B17). If the communication path cannot be secured (No in step B21), the state of the line is checked (step B23). As a result, if the line is busy (Yes in step B23), the process returns to step B21, and if the line is not busy (No in step B23), the process returns to step B12.

On the other hand, if the radio wave outside the office cannot be received in step B19, it is determined that the data communication is not possible because the radio wave is out of the communicable range (step B24), and the processing here is terminated.

In the second embodiment, it is determined that the mobile station is located in the office 1 or outside the office 2 based on the difference between the frequencies of radio waves used in the office 1 and the office 2. When the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 receive the specific radio wave, the mobile information terminals 10, 11, and 12 determine that the radio wave is in the office 1, and when the specific radio wave cannot be received. A configuration in which it is determined that the outside of the office 2 is set is also possible.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the mobile computing communication system shown in FIG. 1, in the first or second embodiment, the function for judging inside / outside of the office is provided in the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12. However, in the third embodiment, Then, the server 5 in the office has the function. It should be noted that, in addition to the server 5,
BX8 and other devices (including PCs and the like) can be similarly realized.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 5 in the third embodiment. The server 5 includes an information collecting function unit 41, a data transmission / reception control software unit 42, an office inside / outside determination unit 43, an application unit 44, a data transmission / reception control unit 45, a transmission buffer 46, and a reception buffer 47.

The information collecting function unit 41 collects information indicating the state of the terminal from the $ BX 8 and passes it to the office inside / outside determining unit 43. The inside / outside office determining unit 43 determines that the terminal (10, 11, 12) to be communicated with based on the information is in the first office.
Is used in the data transmission / reception control section 45.
Pass to.

When the data transmission / reception control unit 45 receives a transmission request from the application unit 44, the inside / outside office determination unit 4
If the target terminal (10, 11, 12) is determined to be in the office 1 based on the determination result in 3, the application unit 44 secures a communication path by extension. When the communication path (communication path in the office) can be secured, the application unit 44 notifies the data transmission / reception control unit 45 and transmits data from the transmission buffer 46.

On the other hand, when the target terminal is determined to be outside the office 2 based on the determination result of the inside / outside determination unit 43,
The application unit 44 secures a communication path through an external line. If you can secure that communication path (outside office communication path)
The application unit 44 notifies the data transmission / reception control unit 45 and transmits data from the transmission buffer 46.

Here, the target terminal (10, 11, 12)
The following two methods are conceivable as methods by which the server 5 obtains information indicating that the server exists inside the office 1 or outside the office 2.

(1) Information of a location registration function in a wireless communication system (including a portable information terminal and a base station) is used. (2) A specific signal is transmitted from the portable information terminal and transmitted to the server via the base station and the PBX.

In the third embodiment, the method (1) is used. In this method, the location registration information of the terminal in the PBX 8, that is, the terminal (10, 11, 1
2) uses information indicating which base station within the local base station 9 connected to the PBX 8 is present.
If the local base station 9 connected to the own PBX 8 cannot recognize the terminal, it is out of the range.

When the local base station 9 connected to the PBX 8 can be recognized and the server 5 receives the information that the location registration has been performed, it can be determined that the location is in the office 1 and the location registration is performed. If the server 5 cannot receive the information, it can be determined that the information is outside the office 2. FIG. 7 shows a processing flow of the server 5 using this method.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the server 5 in the third embodiment. The location registration information is collected by the information collection function unit 41 (step C1).
1) Information search of the target terminal (10, 11, 12) is performed (step C12). As a result, if there is location registration information (there is a step C13), it is determined that the terminal is in the office 1 (step C14). On the other hand, if there is no location registration information (there is no step C13), it is determined that the location is outside the office 2 (step C15).

As described above, when the server 5 determines whether the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 are used in the office 1 or outside the office 2, the communication according to the determination result is performed. Mobile information terminal 10 using a road,
11 and 12 can be communicated. That is, in the office 1, the portable information terminal 10 does not go through the public network 3,
The user can access the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 without going through the public network 3 to perform data transmission and reception.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the server 5 is provided with a function of determining inside and outside the office. Note that the configuration of the server 5 at this time is the same as that of FIG. 6, and the description thereof is omitted here.

Here, the target terminal (10, 11, 1)
As a method for the server 5 to obtain information indicating that 2) exists inside the office 1 or outside the office 2, the above method (2) is used. In this method, the portable information terminals 10, 1
When a specific signal is transmitted from the base station 1 or 12 and the server 5 can acquire the signal via the local base station 9, it is determined to be the office 1. FIG. 8 shows a processing flow of the server 5 using this method.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the server 5 in the fourth embodiment. The information collection function unit 41 collects specific signals unique to each terminal transmitted from the portable information terminals 10, 11, and 12 via the local base station 9 (step D11). At this time, if the specific signal can be obtained, for example, the office inside / outside determination unit 4
"1" is written into a portion corresponding to the terminal in a table (not shown) provided in the terminal 3. If a signal cannot be obtained for a certain period of time, that is, if the specific signal cannot be obtained via the local base station 9, "0" is set in a portion corresponding to the terminal (step D12). ).

Here, the server 5 checks whether information relating to the terminals (10, 11, 12) requesting communication has been collected, and if not collected (step D13: No), step D11 Return to the processing of.

If information on the terminal requesting communication has been collected (step D13 is present), the above table is searched, and if the value of the information is "1", it is determined that it is in the office 1 (step D13). D16) If it is "0", it is determined that it is outside the office 2 (step D17).

As described above, the portable information terminals 10, 11, 1
The function of determining whether the location of use 2 is in the office 1 or outside the office 2 is provided by a device in the office 1 (server 5).
), When data is transferred from the server 5 or the PC / WS 6 to the target terminal (10, 11, 12), if the terminal is in the office 1, the line / LAN converter 7, PBX 8 , The terminal is accessed via the local base station 9. On the other hand, if the terminal is outside the office 2, the line / LAN converter 7 and the PBX 8 access the terminal from the public base station via the public network 3.

At this time, communication via the public network 3 has a risk of eavesdropping and the like from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, when it is determined that the communication is outside the office 2, a function such as stopping the transfer depending on the type of transfer data is provided. Can be.

Further, when the personal digital assistants 10, 11, and 12 access the in-house LAN 4, the PB is determined depending on whether it is determined that the mobile information terminal is in the office 1 or outside the office 2.
By dividing the route transferred from X8, access is made through a route with low security in the office 1 and access is made through a route with strict security in the outside office 2.

In this method, a plurality of line / LAN converters 7 are prepared, a plurality of routes are set from the PBX 8 to each line / LAN converter 7, and a certain route is connected to the line / LAN converter 7 and the local LAN 4. This can be achieved by providing a security management function between the two. That is, a route is set from outside the office 2 so as to pass through the security management function, and a route is set from inside the office 1 so as not to pass through the security management function. As a result, security against access from outside (outside the office 2) can be enhanced.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the mobile computing communication system shown in FIG. 1, the same communication system (PHS communication system) is used inside and outside the office. Here, different communication systems can be used inside and outside the office. In this case, the private wireless LAN communication method is used as the non-line connection method (non-connection method) inside the office, and the PHS communication method is used as the line connection method (connection method) outside the office.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile computing communication system having two communication systems. In FIG. 9, an office 101 indicates an office in which a desk or the like exists in a company where a business person or the like normally operates. The out-of-office 102 indicates a place other than the inside of the office 101, for example, other companies or other offices, a moving or walking train, a coffee shop, or the like. The public network 103 indicates an NTT network, a mobile phone network, a PHS phone network, or the like.

The office 101 has a local LAN 10
4. Server 105, PC (Personal Computer) / WS
(Workstation) 106, line / LAN converter 10
7. A PBX (private branch exchange) 108 and a wireless LAN access point 109 are provided.

The local LAN 104 is a corporate LAN provided in the office 101. The server 105 is a server computer connected to the private LAN 104.
The PC / WS 106 is a workstation such as a personal computer or UNIX connected to the private LAN 104. The line-to-LAN conversion device 107 is a device for converting line-switched data such as PBX into a LAN system. The PBX 108 is a private branch exchange for performing circuit switching, and is connected to the public network 103. Wireless LA
The N access point 109 is an access point using a wireless LAN communication method, and is connected to the local LAN 104.

The portable information terminals 110, 111, 11
Reference numeral 2 denotes a portable information terminal having two communication functions of a wireless LAN communication function and a PHS communication function. These portable information terminals 110, 111, and 112 can access the local LAN 104 by wireless communication inside and outside the office. In this case, the office 101 uses the wireless LAN communication function to access the local LA via the wireless LAN access point 109.
N104, and performs data communication with the server 105 or PC / WS 106 connected to the local LAN 104.

On the other hand, outside the office 102, a public network 103 such as a public base station or a public exchange is used by using the PHS communication function.
Line / LAN converter 1 from PBX 108 on premises
07, access the local LAN 104, and connect to the server 105 or PC / W connected to the local LAN 104.
Data communication with S106 is performed.

Here, the portable information terminals 110, 111, 1
Reference numeral 12 includes a transmission / reception unit which can move freely in the office 101 and outside the office 102 and can perform data communication in both the wireless LAN communication system and the PHS communication system.
By providing such a portable information terminal 110, 111, 112 or the server 105 in the office 101 with the inside / outside judgment function, data communication is performed by the wireless LAN communication method in the office 101 without the user's awareness. In the outside office 102, data communication can be performed by the PHS communication method.

As described above, in the mobile computing communication system as shown in FIG. 9, by judging the inside and outside of the office, not only the economical viewpoint that the communication system with the lower call charge can be adopted, but also the transmission performance ( It is possible to properly use communication systems having different transmission speeds inside and outside the office. In other words, in the office 101, the data transmission speed can be used at or above the Mbps order, and in the outside office 102, the PH can perform data communication in a wide range of the Kbps order.
An S communication scheme can be used. The transmission speed of the wireless LAN communication system is 2 to 10 Mbps, and the transmission speed of the PHS communication system is 32 kbps.

Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the portable information terminals 110, 111, 1
12 will be described. Note that the configuration of the portable information terminals 110, 111, and 112 is the same as that of the first
Since this embodiment is the same as the embodiment (FIG. 2), the description thereof will be omitted, and the flow of processing will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the portable information terminals 110, 111, 112 according to the fifth embodiment. When a communication request occurs (step E1)
1) First, the wireless LAN communication function is set (Step E1).
2) Attempt to secure intra-office communication (step E1)
3). As a result, if the intra-office communication path can be secured (Yes in step E13), it is determined that the intra-office 101 is present (step E14), the intra-office communication permission is given (step E15), and the non-line connection method (non-line connection method) is performed. Data communication is performed by the wireless LAN communication method (connection method) (step E16).

In this case, the wireless LAN access point 1
09, access the local LAN 104, and connect to the server 105 or PC / W connected to the local LAN 104.
Data communication with S106 will be performed.

On the other hand, if the intra-office communication cannot be ensured (No in step E13), there is a possibility of the outside office 102, so the PHS communication function is set this time (step E17), and the outside office communication path is secured. (Step E18). As a result, if a communication path outside the office can be secured (Yes in step E18), the outside office 1
02 (step E19), an out-of-office communication permission is given (step E20), and data communication is executed by the PHS communication method which is a line connection method (connection method) (step E16).

In this case, the private PB through the public network 103
X 108 accesses the local LAN 104 via the line / LAN converter 107, and performs data communication with the server 105 or PC / WS 106 connected to the local LAN 104.

On the other hand, when communication outside the office cannot be secured (No in step E18), if the cause is line busy (Yes in step E21), the process returns to step E17 to try again. If the line is not busy (No in step E21), the communication is determined to be out of the communicable range and communication is not possible (step E22), and the process here is terminated.

As described above, first, the wireless LAN communication is tried, and if the line can be secured, the office 101 can perform data communication by the wireless LAN communication method.
If a communication path cannot be secured by wireless LAN communication,
If PHS communication is tried and a line can be secured, data communication by the PHS communication method can be performed as the outside office 102.

Note that the wireless LAN communication is tried first when, for example, the premises base station 9 as shown in FIG.
This is because both types of communication can be performed, and at this time, if PHS communication is tried first to secure a line, it cannot be determined whether the terminal is inside the office 101 or outside the office 102.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the mobile computing communication system shown in FIG. 9, in the fifth embodiment, a trial communication is used as means for determining whether the portable information terminals 110, 111, and 112 are used inside the office 101 or outside the office 102. The order of the schemes is defined, and access is first attempted by wireless LAN communication, and when access is not possible, access by PHS communication is attempted, thereby determining whether the office 101 is inside the office or outside the office 102. there were.

On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, it is determined whether the mobile information terminal 110, 111, or 112 is inside the office 101 or outside the office 102 based on the frequency of the radio wave received. That is, usable frequency bands differ between wireless LAN communication and PHS communication. Therefore, by checking the frequency of the radio wave received by the portable information terminals 101, 111, and 112, it is possible to determine whether the terminal 101 is inside the office or outside the office.

In this case, the portable information terminals 110, 1
Since the configurations of 11 and 112 are the same as those of the second embodiment (FIG. 4), description thereof will be omitted.
Hereinafter, the flow of the processing will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the portable information terminals 110, 111, 112 according to the sixth embodiment. When a communication request occurs (step F1)
1) By monitoring the received radio wave (step F1)
2) First, it is checked whether a radio wave for wireless LAN communication can be received (step F13). As a result, if the radio wave for wireless LAN communication can be received (step F1)
(Yes of 3), it is determined that it is in the office 101 (step F14).

When it is determined that the location is in the office 101, the wireless LA
The N-communication function is set, communication permission in the office is given (step F16), and data communication is executed by the wireless LAN communication method which is a non-line connection method (non-connection method) (step F17).

On the other hand, in step F13, the wireless LA
If the radio wave for N communication cannot be received, it is checked whether the radio wave for PHS communication can be received (step F1).
8). As a result, if the radio wave for PHS communication can be received (Yes in step F18), it is determined that the terminal is outside the office 102 (step F19).

When it is determined that the outside of the office 102 is set, the PHS communication function is set to try to secure a communication path (step F2).
0). As a result, when a communication path can be secured (Yes in step F21), communication outside the office is permitted (step F22), and data communication is performed by the PHS communication method, which is a line connection method (connection method) ( Step F17).

If the communication channel cannot be secured (No in step F21), the state of the line is checked (step F22). As a result, if the line is busy (Yes in step F23), the process returns to step F21, and if the line is not busy (No in step F23), the process returns to step F12.

On the other hand, if the radio wave for PHS communication cannot be received in step F18, it is determined that data communication is not possible because the radio wave is out of the communicable range (step F24), and the processing here ends.

As described above, the reception of the radio wave for wireless LAN communication is tried first, and if the radio wave can be received, data communication can be performed in the office 101 by the wireless LAN communication method. If the radio wave for wireless LAN communication cannot be received, reception of the radio wave for PHS communication is attempted, and if the electric field can be received, data communication by the PHS communication method can be performed as the outside office 102.

Note that the reception of the radio wave for wireless LAN communication is tried first when, for example, the indoor base station 9 as shown in FIG.
Communication and PHS communication are both possible. At this time, reception of a PHS communication radio wave is tried first, and if the radio wave can be received, it is either inside the office 101 or outside the office 102.
This is because it is impossible to determine whether or not it is.

In the sixth embodiment, the difference between the frequencies of the communication systems used in the inside of the office 101 and the outside of the office 102 causes the difference between the inside of the office 101 and the outside of the office 101.
However, for example, by transmitting a specific radio wave from the office 101, when the portable information terminals 110, 111, 112 receive the specific radio wave, it is determined that the mobile information terminal 110 is in the office 101. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is determined that when the specific radio wave cannot be received, it is determined to be outside the office 102.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the mobile computing communication system shown in FIG. 9, in the seventh embodiment,
The server 105 has a function of judging inside and outside the office. Note that the configuration of the server 105 at this time is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 6), and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Here, the portable information terminals 110, 111,
A specific signal is transmitted from 112, and when the signal can be obtained by the server 105 via the wireless LAN access point 109, it is determined that the signal is in the office 101. FIG. 12 shows a processing flow of the server 105 using this method.

FIG. 12 shows a server 1 according to the seventh embodiment.
12 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the embodiment 05. Server 1
In step 05, a wireless LAN communication function is set (step G11), and signals unique to each terminal transmitted from the portable information terminals 110, 111, 112 are collected via the wireless LAN access point 109 (step G12). At this time, when the specific signal can be obtained, “1” is written in a portion of the table (not shown) corresponding to the terminal. If a signal cannot be obtained for a certain period of time, that is, if the specific signal cannot be obtained via the wireless LAN access point 109, "0" is set to a portion corresponding to the terminal (step G13).

Here, the server 105 checks whether or not information on the terminals (110, 111, 112) requesting communication has been collected. If the information has not been collected (step G14: No), the process proceeds to step G12. Return to the processing of.

If information on the terminal requesting communication has been collected (step G14 is present), the table is searched, and if the value of the information is "1", it is determined that the terminal is in the office 101 (step G14). G17), if it is “0”, it is determined that it is outside the office 102 (step G18).

As described above, the portable information terminals 110 and 11
A function for determining whether the use location of the first and the second 112 is the inside 101 of the office or the outside 102 is provided in the office 10.
1 (e.g., the server 105), the server 1
05 or PC / WS 106 to the target terminal (110,
111, 112), if the terminal is in the office 101, the wireless LAN communication method is a non-line connection method (non-connection method).
The terminal is accessed via the N access point 109. On the other hand, if the terminal is outside the office 102, the PH which is the line connection method (connection method) is used.
Line / LAN converter 107, PBX by S communication method
From 108, the terminal is accessed via the public network 3.

As described above, in the mobile computing communication system as shown in FIG. 9, different communication systems can be used inside and outside the office.
The one with higher communication performance inside and outside the office can always be used. In addition, by having the function of judging inside and outside the office, a seamless information sharing environment can be provided without making the user conscious of inside and outside the office.

[0104] Further, in a normal PHS terminal or a mobile phone, even if switching between inside and outside of the office is performed, only the one with the lower call charge is selected, but the portable information terminal which performs data communication has high data transmission performance. Since the communication method can be selected, it is possible to provide the user with an effect in terms of usability.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention, a local LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the local LAN, a wireless base station provided in the office, and a wireless base station provided in the office A mobile computing system comprising: a base station and the private LAN, or a private line device for connecting a public network to the private LAN, and a portable information terminal that performs wireless communication inside and outside the office. Or at least one of the information processing devices, an inside / outside office determining means for determining that the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office, and when the inside / outside office determining means determines that the portable information terminal is inside the office, Data communication is performed via the wireless base station, and when it is determined that the mobile terminal is outside the office, data communication is performed via the public network. Communication means, so that users do not need to replace or reconfigure modems or LAN adapters so that users do not have to be aware of whether the mobile information terminal is used inside or outside the office. An information sharing environment by simple wireless communication can be realized.

According to the present invention, a private LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the private LAN, a wireless LAN access point provided in the office, a public network, In a mobile computing communication system including a private line device connecting to a LAN and a portable information terminal performing wireless communication inside and outside an office, the portable information terminal is at least one of the portable information terminal or the information processing device. Means for judging that the portable information terminal is used inside or outside the office; and when the inside / office judging means judges that the portable information terminal is inside the office, the first wireless communication method is used for the wireless communication. Data communication is performed via a LAN access point. By providing communication means for performing data communication via the public network by the communication system, so as not to be aware of whether you are using a mobile information terminal in either office and out to the user, modem or LAN
It is possible to realize an information sharing environment by seamless wireless communication without having to replace or reset an adapter.

Furthermore, for example, in an office, a wireless LAN
Different wireless communication systems can be used inside and outside the office, such as a communication system and a PHS communication system outside the office.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile computing communication system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a server according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a server according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile computing communication system having two communication systems according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the portable information terminal according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the portable information terminal according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a server according to the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inside an office 2 ... Outside an office 3 ... Public network 4 ... Local LAN 5 ... Server 6 ... PC / WS 7 ... Line / LAN converter 8 ... PBX 9 ... Local base station 10, 11, 12 ... Portable information terminal 101 ... Inside office 102 Outside office 103 Public network 104 Local LAN 105 Server 106 PC / WS 107 Line / LAN converter 108 PBX 109 Wireless LAN access point 110, 111, 112 Mobile information terminal

Claims (7)

[Claims] An indoor LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the indoor LAN, a wireless base station provided in the office, the wireless base station and the indoor LAN, or a public network. A private line device for connecting a network to the private LAN; and a portable information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the portable information terminal determines that oneself is used inside or outside the office. An inside / outside office determining means for performing data communication via the wireless base station when the inside / outside office is determined by the inside / outside office determining means, and data via the public network when outside the office is determined A communication system comprising: communication means for performing communication. 2. An in-house LAN provided in an office, an information processing device connected to the in-house LAN, a wireless base station provided in the office, and the wireless base station and the in-house LAN or public A private line device that connects a network to the private LAN, and a portable information terminal that performs wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the information processing device is configured such that the portable information terminal to be communicated with is inside or outside the office. Means for judging that the terminal is being used inside / outside the office, and when the inside / outside judging means determines that the terminal is inside the office, data communication is performed via the wireless base station. A communication means for performing data communication via the public network. 3. A local LAN provided in the office, an information processing device connected to the local LAN, a wireless base station provided in the office, the wireless base station and the local LAN or the public A private line device for connecting a network to the private LAN; and a portable information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the portable information terminal determines that oneself is used inside or outside the office. An inside / outside office determining means for performing data communication via the wireless base station when the inside / outside office is determined by the inside / outside office determining means, and data via the public network when outside the office is determined The communication means for performing communication and the information processing apparatus determine that the portable information terminal to be communicated is used inside or outside the office. Means for judging inside / outside the office, data communication is performed via the wireless base station when the inside of the office is judged by the inside / outside judging means, and data communication is performed via the public network when the outside of the office is judged. And a communication means for performing the following. 4. A premises LAN provided in the office, an information processing device connected to the premises LAN, a wireless LAN access point provided in the office, a premises connecting the public network and the premises LAN. A line device, and a portable information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the portable information terminal includes an inside / outside office determining means for determining that one's self is used inside or outside the office; When it is determined by the determining means that the terminal is inside the office, data communication is performed via the wireless LAN access point according to the first communication method. When it is determined that the terminal is outside the office, the public network is connected using the second communication method. A communication means for performing data communication via the communication system. 5. A premises LAN provided in the office, an information processing device connected to the premises LAN, a wireless LAN access point provided in the office, a premises connecting the public network and the premises LAN. A line device, and a portable information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the information processing device determines whether the portable information terminal to be communicated is used inside or outside the office. A determining means, and performing data communication via the wireless LAN access point by the first communication method when the inside of the office is determined by the inside / outside determining means; A communication means for performing data communication via the public network by a communication method. 6. A premises LAN provided in the office, an information processing device connected to the premises LAN, a wireless LAN access point provided in the office, a premises connecting the public network and the premises LAN. A line device, and a portable information terminal for performing wireless communication inside and outside the office, wherein the portable information terminal includes an inside / outside office determining means for determining that one's self is used inside or outside the office; When it is determined by the determining means that the terminal is inside the office, data communication is performed via the wireless LAN access point according to the first communication method. When it is determined that the terminal is outside the office, the public network is connected using the second communication method. Communication means for performing data communication through the communication device, wherein the information processing device is provided with the portable information terminal to be communicated in an office. Or inside / office determining means for determining that the terminal is used outside the office; and when the inside / outside determining means determines that the terminal is used inside the office, data communication is performed via the wireless LAN access point by the first communication method. And communication means for performing data communication via the public network by the second communication method when it is determined that the user is outside the office. 7. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein a line connection system is used as said first communication system, and a non-line connection system is used as said second communication system.