KR100858767B1 - Mobile communication terminal apparatus, control method thereof, communication system, and loaming method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a mobile communication terminal device and a control method thereof capable of realizing a quick and seamless smooth handoff when roaming between a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks. The mobile communication terminal device 100 is a network access unit (NAU) 101 having a network access mechanism uniquely set by adjusting the specifications of each of hardware, software, and protocol, and the NAU 101 by using a set of interfaces. And a multiple access decision unit (MADU) 103 for determining a channel to be used in the communication session by exchanging information and controlling the NAU 101 corresponding to the determined channel. Roam.

Description

Mobile communication terminal device, control method thereof, communication system and roaming method thereof {MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND LOAMING METHOD THEREOF}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal device which can be used in a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks, and which constantly changes, i.e., roams, a connection point for joining the network. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal device having a plurality of network access mechanisms for joining a plurality of the networks, and in which these network access mechanisms are integrated and controlled to conform to the protocol of the network.

The present invention is also applicable to dual radio access technologies such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access).

In addition, the present invention extends the usable range of a mobile communication terminal device by providing a mobile communication terminal device and a control method thereof, which collectively control a network access mechanism so as to conform to the protocol of the network.

With the advent and development of wireless technology, mobile communication terminal devices that can participate in global networks such as the Internet are increasing.

These mobile communication terminal devices roam between different domains to form channels sequentially with base stations of different packet switched data communication networks. The supply of such roaming is quite mature in circuit-switched communication networks such as Global Systems for Mobile communications (GSM) systems.

However, it is difficult to employ such a roaming function in a packet switched data communication network. This is because the communication terminal devices in the packet-switched data communication network each use a unique address. On the other hand, this unique address includes a portion (usually the head) that is effective for the topology of the space.

In Patent Document 1, Valentine et al. Attempted to combine packet switched data communication with a circuit switched telecommunication network. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe a problem of how an address is assigned to a data communication terminal device.

Here, in order to solve this address assignment problem, Patent Document 2 describes a technique for dynamically allocating an address to a mobile terminal device at the time of setup. According to the technique described in Patent Document 2, the problem of assigning the address is considered to be solved. However, Patent Document 2 does not specifically mention how the old address and the new address are related when the mobile terminal device is moved to join the telecommunication network from another connection point different from that until then. On the other hand, it is preferable for the mobile terminal device to be able to continuously receive packets at the same address even after the mobile terminal device changes the connection point participating in the packet-switched data communication network. This enables smooth continuation of the communication session even when the mobile terminal device changes the access point in the packet switched data communication network.

In order to support such a roaming function, Non-Patent Document 1 describes related technologies for Mobile IPv4, and Non-Patent Document 2 describes related technologies for Mobile IPv6. In mobile IP, each data communication terminal device called a mobile node has a permanent home domain. When a mobile node joins a home network constituting this home domain, a permanent global address called a home address is assigned to the mobile node. When a mobile node is away from its home network, i.e., when it belongs to another network, a temporary global address, commonly referred to as a "secondary address", is assigned to the mobile node. Using this auxiliary address, the mobile node can receive packets sent to the home address even if it belongs to another network. On the other hand, to use this auxiliary address, a router called a home agent is required on the home network. The mobile node registers the secondary address with the home agent using a message called 'binding update'. The home agent catches along the way the message sent to the mobile node's home address and forwards it to the mobile node's secondary address. Even if the mobile node belongs to any network other than the home network, when the mobile node is provided with information relating the home address and the secondary address to the home agent, the mobile node can send a packet to the home address. Even if it is possible to receive.

However, in the techniques described in Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2, the preparation of a new relationship between the home address and the new auxiliary address after the mobile node has moved away from the previous connection point (includes time for acquiring a new auxiliary address). I need some time. Therefore, the mobile node cannot receive the packet at this preparation time.

Here, a technique is developed in which a mobile communication terminal device quickly performs a handoff from a base station which has previously formed a channel to a base station to form a new channel, and the technique is described in Patent Document 3. In addition, Patent Document 4 describes a technique in which a plurality of base stations measures the moving speed of the mobile communication terminal device and determines whether a handoff is necessary based on the measured moving speed. These techniques have the potential to reduce the overhead for handoff, but require some time to switch from the old auxiliary address to the new auxiliary address. Therefore, even with these techniques, it is not possible to realize a completely smooth handoff yet. In addition, in these techniques, the relationship between the home address and the auxiliary address of the mobile communication terminal device must be dynamically provided to the base station, thereby increasing the load of signal processing at the base station. In addition, these techniques rely on the base station's ability and function to actually execute each process of handoff, which makes the base station more complicated and also makes the base station more expensive.

It is conceivable to use a plurality of network access mechanisms as one means of realizing such a fast handoff. In the case of a mobile communication terminal apparatus having a plurality of network access mechanisms, handoff can be quickly and smoothly by assigning separate network access mechanisms to a base station that has previously formed a channel and a base station that will form a new channel when executing a handoff. It can be realized.

However, in order to use such a plurality of network access mechanisms, it is necessary for the network interface provided in the mobile communication terminal device to supply a trigger to software for predominantly controlling the mobile communication terminal device.

Patent Document 1: US Pat. No. 6,4848,39

Patent Document 2: US Patent No. 6469998

Patent Document 3: US Patent No. 6473413

Patent Document 4: US Patent No. 5913168

Non-Patent Document 1: Perkins, C. E. et. Al, ‘IP Mobility Support’, IETF RCF 3344, August 2002

Non-Patent Document 2: Johnson et al. (Johnson, DB, Perkins, CE, and Arkko, J.), 'Mobility Support in IPv6', Internet Draft: draft-ietf-mobileip-ipv6-21. txt, Work In Progress, February 2003

[Non-Patent Document 3] Haykin, S., "Adaptive Filter Theory," Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 1996, 3rd edition.

Non-Patent Document 4: Kalman, RE, 'A New Approach to Linear Filtering and Prediction Problems', Trans ASME, March 1960, Vol. 82, Series D , p.35 to 45

Non-Patent Document 5: Haykin, S., "Neural Network: A Comprehensive Foundation", Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, 1994, New Jersey International Edition

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As described above, when the mobile communication terminal device roams a packet-switched data communication network, it is difficult to realize smooth handoff without interruption in a communication session with existing solutions. More specifically, when the mobile communication terminal device newly belongs to another domain, that is, when a new channel is re-formed between another base station and another base station, until a new auxiliary address becomes available. The preparation time is required, and there is a fear that the packet is not transmitted to the mobile communication terminal device during this preparation time.

With the development of wireless technology, many mobile communication terminal devices are currently configured to be able to use a plurality of different access technologies such as IEEE 802.11b and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Therefore, when these different access technologies are alternately used in the mobile communication terminal device, fast handoff can be realized.

However, in order to realize this quick handoff, several triggers need to be supplied to the layer that predominantly controls it from the network access mechanism provided in the mobile communication terminal device. In addition, this trigger should have the same format in order to reduce the complexity of the dominant layer configuration and to reduce the load on the signal processing that occurs here.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal apparatus, a control method thereof, and the like that can realize a smooth and seamless handoff when roaming between a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks.

Means for solving the problem

The mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention exchanges information with the NAU using a set of interfaces with a network access unit (NAU) having a network access mechanism uniquely set by adjusting the specifications of hardware, software and protocols. And a multiple access decision unit (MADU) for determining a channel to be used in the communication session and controlling the NAU corresponding to the determined channel, and roaming between a plurality of packet switched data communication networks.

In the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, in the above invention, one set of interfaces used by the MADU is configured to include a query interface, a configure interface, and a trigger interface. The query interface is made up of another part including a part for identifying the type of query (Query-Code) and a buffer for storing the result of the query (Query-Result). The information on the NAU to be transmitted to the NAU is obtained, the setting interface is a part indicating the parameter (parameter code: parameter code) to be set and the new value (parameter value: Parameter-Value) of the parameter to be set The MADU, which is made up of another part for storing and sets the parameter corresponding to the NAU, is transferred to the NAU. The trigger interface consists of a part that individually identifies the NAU (NAU-Identifier) and another part that fully describes the event that has occurred or will occur (Trigger-Event). In addition, the NAU transmits to the MADU and has a configuration indicating that the event occurs or will occur in the future.

The mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention has a configuration in which the MADU includes a nonvolatile memory device that records and accumulates information on the setting and the situation of the NAU.

The mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention is the NIT (NAU-) which enables information exchange between the NAU and the MADU by converting a format of the query interface, the setup interface, and the trigger interface. specific interface translator).

In the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the NAU is a sub that controls a plurality of NAU communication channels capable of simultaneous parallel operation and the NAU communication channel and exchanges information with the MADU using the interface. It has a configuration with a MADU.

The mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention is, in the present invention, between the sub-MADU and the MADU by converting a format of the query interface, the setting interface, and the trigger interface. It has a configuration with an NIT that enables information exchange of MADUs.

In the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, in the present invention, the set of interfaces used by the MADU includes a query interface, a setting interface, and a trigger interface, wherein the query interface is an operation of the NAU. Mode, the usage cost of the channel provided by the NAU, the band width of the channel provided by the NAU, the quality of the channel provided by the NAU, and the quality of service supported by the channel provided by the NAU. (QoS) level, power consumption information for the channel provided by the NAU, and a configuration for transmitting the information about the security scheme supported by the channel provided by the NAU.

In the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, in the present invention, the set of interfaces used by the MADU includes a query interface, a setting interface, and a trigger interface, wherein the setting interface is an operation of the NAU. A reference to the NAU regarding a mode, transmitting an information signal from the NAU to the MADU, omitting transmitting the information signal from the NAU to the MADU, and generating the information signal to transmit to the MADU And a signal for transmitting the reference for starting the handoff operation of the NAU and information about the specification of the channel used by the NAU, and being transmitted to the NAU.

The mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention is that, in the present invention, the set of interfaces used by the MADU includes a query interface, a setting interface, and a trigger interface, wherein the trigger interface corresponds to a base station. The situation change of the NAU, the usage cost of the channel provided by the NAU whose value has been changed, the QoS level supported by the channel provided by the NAU whose value has been changed, and provided by the NAU which has been changed to any type The NAU has a security scheme used for the channel and a signal for transmitting the information about the modulation scheme used in the channel provided by the NAU to the MADU.

A control method for a mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention is a communication method by exchanging information with a NAU having a network access mechanism uniquely set by adjusting specifications of hardware, software, and protocols, and a set of interfaces. A method of controlling a mobile communication terminal device having a MADU for determining a channel to be used in a session and controlling the NAU corresponding to the determined channel, and roaming between a plurality of packet switched data communication networks, the method comprising: Transmitting, by the MADU to the NAU, a query interface for obtaining information, transmitting, by the MADU, to the NAU a setting interface for setting the parameter corresponding to the NAU, and occurrence or future occurrence of the event. The trigger interface informing that the NAU It was to be equipped with the step of transmitting to the MADU.

In the control method of a mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the step of the MADU to control the NAU, and control a plurality of NAU communication channels capable of simultaneous parallel operation, and using the interface Controlling the sub-MADU to exchange information with the MADU by the MADU, and by the MADU using the interface to communicate with the NAU or the sub-MADU.

In the control method of a mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention, in the above invention, the sub-MADU uses a special identifier indicating itself when communicating with the MADU, and the special identifier is assigned to the trigger interface. When used, the MADU transmits a determination made by the sub-MADU based on the trigger interface to the UPL communicating with the MADU.

The mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention includes a plurality of TDFs for predicting channel interruption with the data communication network based on an input signal received through the packet-switched data communication network according to the present invention; Comparing the input signal from the TDF in time series with a comparator to determine whether to send a trigger interface to the MADU.

In the invention, the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the TDF registers a plurality of delay registers for storing the input signal for each received generation for a predetermined period, and the delay register with respect to the output from the delay register. And a plurality of multipliers for multiplying the prepared weights each, and an adder for adding while adding a preset value to the plurality of multiplication values input from the plurality of multipliers.

A communication system according to the present invention is a communication system comprising a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks and a mobile communication terminal device roaming between the data communication networks, wherein the mobile communication terminal device comprises hardware, software and The specification of each protocol is adjusted to determine a channel to be used in a communication session by exchanging information with the NAU using a set of interfaces and a network access mechanism uniquely set, and controlling the NAU corresponding to the determined channel. It has a configuration having a MADU.

In the communication system according to the present invention, in the invention, the packet-switched data communication network forms a weight set dynamically when forming a channel with the mobile communication terminal device, and sets the weight set to the mobile body. And a base station provided to the communication terminal device, wherein the mobile communication terminal device uses the weight set provided from the base station to predict the interruption of the channel formed between the base station and the base station.

In the communication system according to the present invention, in the invention, the mobile communication terminal device transmits a control message including a timing at which the NAU transmits a trigger interface set by the MADU, and the base station transmits the control message. Has received, and transmits the weight set corresponding to the control message to the mobile communication terminal device.

In the communication system according to the present invention, the packet-switched data communication network includes a base station that forms a channel with the mobile communication terminal device, and the base station triggers from the mobile communication terminal device. When transmission of a message is requested, or when the position of the mobile communication terminal device is monitored and the occurrence of an event in which the mobile communication terminal device moves out of its operation range is detected, the current channel is exchanged between the mobile communication terminal devices. The mobile communication includes a trigger message including a unique identifier for specifying a base station to be formed, a unique identifier for specifying another base station to form a new channel between the mobile communication terminal device, and an estimated time at which the event occurs. Transmit to the terminal device, and The fuselage communication terminal device has a control message to the base station forming a current channel, that is, a unique identifier specifying the mobile communication terminal device, a unique identifier specifying the trigger message, and an estimated time of occurrence of the event. A control message including a time range required for the transmission of the trigger message is transmitted, and when the occurrence of the event is detected, the base station is requested to transmit the trigger message.

In the roaming method of a mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, a communication session is performed by exchanging information with a NAU having a network access mechanism uniquely set by adjusting specifications of hardware, software, and protocol, and a set of interfaces. A mobile communication terminal device having a MADU for determining a channel to be used in the mobile station and controlling the NAU corresponding to the determined channel, and a base station for forming a channel between the mobile communication terminal device and the mobile communication terminal device. A communication system including a data communication network, wherein the mobile communication terminal device roams between a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks, wherein the mobile communication terminal device forms a current channel. Control messages to the base station, i.e. A unique identifier for specifying the mobile communication terminal device, a unique identifier for specifying the trigger message, and a transmission of the trigger message before an estimated time of occurrence of an event in which the mobile communication terminal device moves out of an operation range of the base station. Transmitting a control message including a time range, requesting the base station to transmit the trigger message when the mobile communication terminal device detects occurrence of the event, and the base station triggers from the mobile communication terminal device When transmission of a message is requested, or when the position of the mobile communication terminal device is monitored and the occurrence of an event in which the mobile communication terminal device moves out of the operation range is detected, the current communication with the mobile communication terminal device is performed. Forming channels And a trigger message including a unique identifier for specifying the base station, a unique identifier for specifying another base station to form a new channel between the mobile communication terminal device, and an estimated time at which the event occurs. And transmitting to the device.

Effect of the Invention

According to the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, a communication session is performed by exchanging information with a NAU having a network access mechanism uniquely set by adjusting specifications of hardware, software, and protocols, and a set of interfaces. Since it has a MADU that determines which channel to use and controls the NAU corresponding to the determined channel, a trigger is transmitted to a higher layer protocol before the handoff is executed, so that the higher layer protocol, for example, the UPL is dominant. Seamless control is achieved by seamless control.

In addition, according to the mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to predict whether or not the currently formed channel in the mobile communication terminal apparatus will be suspended in the future, thereby sufficiently securing the preparation time required for changing the NAU in use. have.

In addition, according to the mobile communication terminal device according to the present invention, when the channel currently being used is interrupted in the future, the mobile communication terminal device can be operated in parallel with the network access mechanism to replace the current network access mechanism independently. When entering and leaving the operating range of the base station, it is possible to minimize the downtime of the communication session.

In addition, according to the mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention, since the same format is specified for the trigger interface, even if the mobile communication terminal apparatus uses a network interface card supplied from another vendor or another manufacturer, the UPL configuration and signal The complexity of the process can be reduced.

Further, according to the communication system including the mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention, since the communication system supports the transmission and reception of control messages and trigger messages, the mobile communication terminal apparatus in which a plurality of NAUs has one access mechanism Even if it is, each said effect is exhibited effectively.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile communication terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the MADU during handoff in the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile communication terminal device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing an application example of the configuration of a mobile communication terminal device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile communication terminal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a handoff estimator used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a TDF used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

8 is a diagram showing an outline of a system including a mobile communication terminal device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

The main point of the present invention is to determine a channel to be used in a communication session by exchanging information with the NAU using a NAU having a uniquely set network access mechanism and a set of interfaces, and controlling the NAU corresponding to the determined channel. Roam between packet-switched data communication networks by using a MADU and a mobile communication terminal having a plurality of NAUs and the MADUs to exchange information using the interface, and a UPL that predominantly controls them. At this time, the NAU or the NAU communication channel included in the NAU is allocated to each data communication network to form a channel, and the NAU or the NAU communication channel corresponding to individual channels related to before and after handoff are simultaneously operated in parallel. By doing so, the old address used up to then and the new one to be used afterwards Associate the dress to smoothly handoff without interrupting the communication session.

In the present invention, it has been disclosed that an upper layer protocol in a mobile communication terminal device can receive a trigger from an NAU. This trigger can provide a timing at which each component processes a signal for handoff when the mobile communication terminal device roams. Thus, this trigger can serve as a signal to warn of the occurrence of a handoff or an interruption of the channel currently in use. Therefore, by using this trigger, the upper layer protocol can secure enough preparation time necessary to take over the communication session from one NAU to another NAU, thereby realizing seamless handoff in the communication session.

In addition, in the present invention, the same interface is designated so that the configuration of the upper layer protocol and the complexity of signal processing are eliminated. Thereby, even when the network interface card supplied from another vendor or another manufacturer is used together, compatibility between these cards can be maintained. In addition, in the present invention, the translation routine of the interface is defined so that such a network interface card is seamlessly integrated into the mobile communication terminal device.

In the present invention, a trigger message is processed by a higher layer protocol to realize the takeover of a communication session in a higher layer for the purpose of shortening the interruption time of a network service. Thus, a mobile communication terminal device having a plurality of access mechanisms is provided. It becomes necessary. In the present invention, when the upper layer protocol receives a trigger message warning the interruption of a channel that is currently in use, the network access mechanism, which is different from the network access mechanism currently in use, is applied to the interruption of the channel. It starts working earlier. Thus, in the present invention, preparation for taking over the communication session is started before the interruption of the channel actually occurs.

In addition, in a communication system including a mobile communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention, if transmission and reception of a trigger message to the mobile communication terminal apparatus are supported, the mobile communication terminal apparatus includes one network access mechanism. Just as described above, it is possible to avoid interruption of the channel currently in use and to realize a smooth handoff.

In addition, the communication system according to the present invention includes a mobile communication terminal apparatus requesting transmission of a trigger message such as a handoff warning at a specified timing, and a trigger message having a predetermined format in accordance with the transmission request to the mobile communication terminal apparatus. A transmitting base station is included. This mobile communication terminal device starts preparation for taking over a communication session to a higher layer protocol as soon as it receives such a trigger message from the communication system.

On the other hand, in order to make the description of this specification easier to understand, the following terms are briefly described. However, the meaning of these terms will be apparent to those skilled in the art without the above description.

(a) "Packet" refers to a unit of data that can be transmitted and received via a data communication network, is processed into a predetermined format, and is independent. A packet typically consists of two parts, a "header part" and a "payload part." The 'payload unit' is a part for storing information data to be transmitted, while the 'header part' is a part for storing information for specifying a destination of a packet. Thus, the header section stores an information source address and a destination address to identify the sender and recipient of the packet, respectively.

(b) "Mobile node" refers to a component of the network that changes a connection point in a packet-switched data communication network. On the other hand, unless otherwise noted, a mobile node means a mobile communication terminal device used by an end user.

(c) A "base station" refers to a component of the network that provides a mobile node with a channel for joining a data communication network, regardless of the type of access technology. Examples of these access technologies are wireless communication, wired communication, or optical communication.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described in detail, referring drawings. By the following description, the significance of the specific number, time, configuration and parameters becomes clear.

(Embodiment 1)

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile communication terminal device 100.

The mobile communication terminal device 100 includes m network access units (NAUs) 101 (m is an integer of 2 or more), an UPL (Upper Protocol Layer) 102, and a multiple access decision (MADU). Unit 103 is provided. On the other hand, the NAU 101a to 101m are simply referred to as NAU 101 when they are referred to comprehensively without distinguishing them individually.

The NAU 101 has a physical network interface, i.e., hardware, software for controlling such hardware, and a network access mechanism whose components are protocols for managing communication using such hardware. For example, in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the NAU 101 includes all protocols related to the physical layer and the data link layer.

Since the present invention aims at providing a mobile communication terminal device having a plurality of network access mechanisms, the mobile communication terminal device 100 includes a plurality of NAUs 101, that is, 101m in NAU 101a. On the other hand, physically, one hardware may constitute two or more different network access mechanisms. Such a configuration is configured such that each NAU 101 includes the functions necessary to configure each network access mechanism.

Here, when any network access mechanism forms an active channel with the base station, the NAU 101 including the network access mechanism becomes active. In addition, one NAU 101 can physically form a plurality of connections at the same time by using a plurality of the same network access mechanism. For example, by using a plurality of antennas, it is possible to form a plurality of active channels simultaneously. In this case, the same type of network access mechanism is used as in the case where the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100 includes a plurality of NAUs 101, that is, 101m from NAU 101a. In this case, in order to determine which channel to use, the MADU 103 and the NAU 101 may be integrated to arrange the MADU 103 hierarchically. This hierarchical arrangement is referred to in the third embodiment.

UPL 102 is an abstract concept that is inclusive of all higher layer protocols and applications capable of receiving packets delivered via any of the NAUs 101. Taking the OSI model of ISO as an example, UPL 102 includes an application layer, a presentation layer, a session layer, a transport layer, and a network layer.

Path 110 is a standard data path through which packets pass when UPL 102 transmits packets to NAU 101, or when UPL 102 acquires packets received by NAU 101.

The MADU 103 operates dynamically to determine which NAU 101 to join the data communication network. The main function of the MADU 103 is to prepare for use of another NAU 101 to replace when the access link of the active NAU 101 is about to drop, i.e., when the channel being used is about to be interrupted, It also guarantees the completion of the preparation.

The operation of the MADU 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, in the section marked T1000, the NAU 101a is active.

Then, at the time marked T2000, a trigger interface is transmitted from the NAU 101a that specifies that the busy channel provided by the NAU 101a may be interrupted in the near future. Upon receiving this trigger interface, the MADU 103 activates the NAU 101b.

Subsequently, in the section marked T3000, in order to use the NAU 101b instead of the NAU 101a, the MADU 103 prepares for the operation of the NAU 101b, and a communication session is established in the near future with the UPL 102. Notify that it will be done through another NAU. This is achieved by the control signal transmitted from the MADU 103 to the UPL 102 via the path 112 shown in FIG. 1. As soon as the NAU 101b is ready for operation, the packet is transmitted from the NAU 101b to the UPL 102.

Therefore, the packet is already transmitted from the NAU 101b to the UPL 102 at the time point marked with T4000, that is, the time point at which the channel provided by the NAU 101a is actually stopped. This is an ideal example, before the start of the section marked T5000 (the section after the T4000 has elapsed), i.e., before the channel provided by the NAU 101a is actually stopped, the sequence of such handoffs is all completed. It is desirable to have.

Another function of the MADU 103 is to adjust between NAU 101a to 101m when some of the NAUs 101 are active. At any point in time, there may be multiple active NAUs 101 providing communication sessions to the UPL 102. The MADU 103 determines the NAU 101 to use in the next communication session based on the situation information of each of the NAU 101. Whenever it is necessary to change the NAU 101 to be used, the MADU 103 dynamically names another NAU 101 and notifies the UPL 102 via the path 112.

When selecting the NAU 101 to be used from among the plurality of NAUs 101, the MADU 103 can use the following criteria.

(Iii) The cost of the network access mechanism (which is significantly higher compared to IEEE 802.11 because some network access mechanisms use expensive networks such as satellite links) provides the NAU 101 which provides the lowest cost access. Choose.

(Ii) Select the NAU 101 with the lowest power consumption of the network access mechanism (some network access mechanisms consume significantly more power than IEEE 802.11, such as satellite links).

(Iii) Select the NAU 101 with the highest bit rate of the provided channel based on the bandwidth of the network access mechanism and the like.

(Iii) in consideration of the validity of the network access mechanism, that is, the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100, the NAU 101 capable of maintaining the longest connection time, that is, the longest active time, may be provided. Choose.

(Iii) Select NAU 101, which provides better QoS support (which network access mechanism provides better Quality of Service (QoS) support, for example, lower fluctuations and lower latency). do.

(Iii) Security support of the network access mechanism (some network access mechanisms provide better traffic protection than others), i.e., the NAU 101 that provides the best security is selected.

(Iii) The physical characteristics of the network access mechanism (some network access mechanisms can withstand higher temperatures than others), i.e., the NAU 101 is highly adaptable to the environment.

(Iv) Location and regulatory information (no network access mechanisms can be used in any region due to legal restrictions, etc.), i.e., select the NAU 101 suitable for the usage location of the mobile communication terminal device.

(Iii) Select the NAU 101 having the least traffic load of the network access mechanism, that is, the least signal processing load.

(Iii) Weighting is applied to the above-mentioned criteria, and each weighted criterion is summed up (weighting may be zero, positive or negative), and the NAU 101 having the largest sum is selected.

From this fact, it is considered that the MADU 103 needs to be able to set the trigger interface in the NAU 101. In particular, the timing at which the trigger interface is transmitted is important in realizing and assuring a smooth handoff.

In addition, the MADU 103 needs to make the NAU 101 dynamically active and inactive. In addition, the MADU 103 makes a decision to replace the active NAU 101. In order for the MADU 103 to make such a determination, it is necessary to gather information from the NAU 101. In order to supply such information, the format of a set of interfaces is defined. This is the format of the control signal transmitted and received between the MADU 103 and the NAU 101 via the path 111 in FIG. This one set of interfaces will be described in detail below.

The first interface is a query interface transmitted from the MADU 103 to each NAU 101, and is used to inquire information about the target NAU 101, and is defined as follows.

Query (IN Query_Code; OUT Query_Result)

Here, the query code Query_Code is a unique identifier for identifying the content of the query, while the query result Query_Result is a response to the query and a buffer for storing information on the target NAU 101.

The second interface is the Configure interface transmitted from the MADU 103 to the individual NAUs 101. This interface is used to set specific setting parameters of the target NAU 101, and is defined as follows.

Configure (IN Parameter_Code; IN Parameter_Value;)

Here, the parameter code Parameter_Code is a unique identifier for identifying the setting parameter to be adjusted. In addition, the parameter value Parameter_Value is a specified parameter value to be set. The parameter value may have a complex field if necessary, and may store a plurality of parameter values for other setting purposes.

The third interface is a trigger interface transmitted from the NAU 101 to the MADU 103. This interface transmits a trigger or notification of a specific event to the MADU 103 for the NAU 101, and is defined as follows.

Trigger (IN NAU_Identifier; IN Trigger_Event;)

Here, the NAU identifier (NAU_Identifier) is a unique identifier for identifying the NAU 101 that sent the trigger interface, and the trigger event (Trigger_Event) is a descriptor for describing both an event that occurs or a future event. For example, for a cost change trigger interface, Trigger_Event contains an event code that specifies an event type, such as "Cost-Rise," and if the actual cost is described as "10 cents per minute", the corresponding Contains event codes that specify the event type of the data structure. In addition, a plurality of Trigger_Events may be collectively present in one trigger interface. In addition, the trigger interface may include a warning that the channel currently being used is stopped.

Since the MADU 103 can transmit the interface directly to the individual NAUs 101, it is not necessary to specify NAU_Identifier for the query interface and the setting interface. By the way, when the trigger interface is transmitted from the NAU 101, the NAU 101 needs to make the MADU 103 identify the NAU 101 itself. As a result, the MADU 103 can identify which NAU 101 has generated an event.

As an example of the query that the MADU 103 can use to inquire any situation information of the NAU 101 with respect to the query interface, the following are mentioned.

(1) Inquiry of the situation: The MADU 103 queries the situation of the NAU 101, such as whether the network access mechanism is active or power saving mode.

(2) Inquiry of cost: The MADU 103 inquires about an access cost such as a bill of money of a service provider.

(3) Inquiry of Capability: The MADU 103 queries the speed of the connection, such as the maximum throughput or bandwidth allowed by the network access mechanism.

(4) Query of Connection: The MADU 103 inquires about the quality of the connection, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or signal strength.

(5) Inquiry of QoS: The MADU 103 queries the QoS support such as the parameter which guarantees the QoS of the data stream between two points.

(6) Query of Power: The MADU 103 queries the power consumption, such as duration in the current battery situation.

(7) Inquiry of maintenance: The MADU 103 queries the security mechanism supported by the NAU 101.

All of these query types can be set as flags in the query code so that one query also serves a plurality of queries. For queries that require special parameters or some fixed structure, for example TSPEC, if a flag is present it is carried with the query.

The MADU 103 can transmit a plurality of query interfaces to different NAUs 101 at the same time. This enables the quick determination of the MADU 103 at the handoff.

Query_Result enables the MADU 103 to select the NAU 101 to be reactivated when a channel is interrupted. In addition, the MADU 103 periodically monitors the situation of the NAU 101 and calculates the cost of using each NAU 101. When it is clear that the current NAU 101 usage cost exceeds that of the NAU 101 to replace, the MADU 103 forces a handoff to use a lower cost channel.

Query_Result contains different return values from NAU 101 derived from Query_Code of the query interface. Answers to queries existing in Query_Code are stored in Query_Result. To do this, a method of associating a query with its answers (results) must be implemented. For example, it is possible to unify the data structure of all query results and rearrange them in the query order of Query_Code. An example of the results included in Query_Result corresponding to a query arranged in the order of Query_Code is as follows.

(1) Status Query Result :: =

<Not_in_use :: = OxOO│Power_Save_Mode :: = Ox01│Active :: = Ox02>;

(2) Cost Query Result :: = <Charging Rate> <Charging Interval>;

(3) Capability Query Result :: <Supported Bandwidth>;

(4) Connection Query Result :: = <Connection Status (compound filled)>;

(5) QoS Query Result :: = <TSPEC> <Priority> <DSCP code>;

(6) Power Query Result :: = <How many seconds could it last with current battery>;

(7) Security Query Result :: = <Security_mechanism_supported>.

The MADU 103 uses the setting interface to set any parameter of the NAU 101. Examples of settings available at this time are as follows:

(1) activating or de-activating an NAU 101 :: =

<Active :: = Ox01│Deactive :: = OxOO│Power Save :: = Ox02>

(2) requesting the sending of specific trigger interfaces, e.g. when cost from using the connection changes, send a trigger to MADU 103 :: =

<Request_Trigger :: = Ox02> <Trigger_Request :: = * <Trigger_Type> * <Trigger Condition >>;

(3) requesting the cancellation of sending of specific trigger interfaces, e.g. do not sent a trigger when the modulation scheme changes :: =

<Request_No_Trigger :: = Ox03> <Trigger_Request :: = * <Trigger_Type> * <Trigger Condition >>;

(4) setting the timing requirements associated to the sending of specific trigger interfaces, e.g. how many seconds before the signal strength drop to certain level, a trigger must be sent :: =

<Set Time for trigger :: = Ox04> <Trigger_Time_Request :: = * <Trigger_Type>

* <Time requirement >>;

(5) setting thresholds for sending certain trigger interfaces, e.g. if the :: = <Set Threshold :: = Ox05> <Trigger_Threshold :: = * <Trigger_Type> * <Threshold >>;

(6) setting the pattern of sending certain trigger interfaces :: = <Set Trigger Pattern :: = Ox06> <Trigger_patterns :: = * <Trigger_Type> * <Pattern >>;

(7) requesting NAU 101 to connect through another base station, :: = <Redirect_NAU :: = Ox07> <Base station identifier>; and

(8) setting the criteria for having a handoff by NAU 101 :: = <Handoff_Criteria :: = OxO8> <Criteria>.

The NAU 101 uses a trigger interface to send information to the MADU 103 and to instruct the next action to be taken.

An example of a trigger interface is as follows:

<NAU_Trigger> :: = <NAU_Identifier> <Trigger_Event :: = * <Trigger_Type> * <Trigger_Info >>

The information provided from the NAU 101 to the MADU 103 by the trigger interface is used to carry the load to balance handoffs or decisions in the MADU 103. For example, if the NAU 101 transmits a trigger interface to the MADU 103 while the usage cost of the channel currently being used is increasing beyond a predetermined threshold, the MADU 103 is the cost of communication. In order to reduce the traffic, the traffic of the UPL 102 is slightly transmitted to another NAU 101.

An example of the information provided from the NAU 101 to the MADU 103 via the trigger interface is as follows.

(1) base station error

For example, when a base station encounters an error such as an interruption of an upstream link, or encounters some hardware problem, or when a channel to a data communication network is interrupted, the base station is an IEEE 802.11 network. Broadcasts a beacon signal in the plurality of NAUs 101 or individually sends a notification to the NAUs 101. The NAU 101 sequentially provides the MADU 103 with information about the channel status with the base station. The MADU 103 uses that information for handoff to another base station or to make a decision in using another NAU 101.

(2) change in channel cost

For example, when there is a change in a data communication network such as a mobile router attached to another administrative domain, the cost for using the channel also changes. The NAU 101 is notified by the base station via a network access mechanism in a specific way, for example, when the EAP notifies a message when using management of an IEEE 802.1x base. This information is handed over to the MADU 103 by the NAU 101 using the trigger interface.

(3) Change of QoS support

When there is a change in the QoS support of a data communication network, for example an IEEE 802.11e network, the TSPEC required by the NAU 101 is not supported by the data communication network, and the NAU 101 converts the trigger interface into a MADU ( 103). If the NAU 101 supports QoS negotiation, the NAU 101 can likewise provide the newly negotiated QoS support to the MADU 103. The MADU 103 may then determine whether to use the NAU 101 or execute handoff.

(4) Change of security method

The MADU 103 can use the configuration interface to adjust the NAU 101 to the desired security level. When the NAU 101 negotiates with the base station about the security scheme, another security scheme may result. In this case, the NAU 101 can use the trigger interface to notify the MADU 103, and also the MADU 103 can determine whether to accept the new security scheme and whether another NAU 101 should be used. Can be.

(5) change of modulation method

For some reason, the data communication network may decide to change the modulation scheme between communication sessions in which NAU 101 is active. The NAU 101 having a plurality of antennas may form a channel between different base stations according to different modulation schemes. The NAU 101 must notify the MADU 103 of these changes using the trigger interface since these changes affect power consumption or delay, for example.

If there is another reason for causing a notification to the MADU 103 that the signal power is below the set threshold, the NAU 101 performs a handoff to another base station. That is, when the error rate exceeds a certain threshold, the NAU 101 is combined with other base stations to establish a channel.

The MADU 103 needs to record and store information on all settings and situations for the NAU 101. This is accomplished by creating a table in a storage device inside or outside the MADU 103. When the trigger interface from the NAU 101 arrives, the MADU 103 updates the record of information about the situation and executes the determined procedure based on the determination of the provided information, eg handoff. For example, if the NAU 101a transmits a trigger interface for a situation where the channel cost has increased by 20 cents per minute, the MADU 103 scans the table to determine which of 101m in NAU 101a can achieve the lower channel cost. Take a look. And, if possible, the MADU 103 distributes some of the traffic to the lower cost NAU 101.

In addition, the MADU 103 updates the table periodically using the query interface to obtain information about the situation of the NAU 101.

Information on the setting and situation of the NAU 101 is recorded in the nonvolatile memory device provided in the MADU 103 so that the system does not need to be reset after a restart or power failure. The MADU 103 also provides space for accumulating log records, and records all decisions in any time range, for example, at what time the NAU 101 was switched. This information is useful for tracking down problems later. This information is then supplied to the UPL 102 to develop new applications.

In addition, you may modify or apply the mobile communication terminal apparatus which concerns on this embodiment as follows.

The MADU 103 represents all signals having a special identifier among the query code and the parameter code, and collects the plurality of NAU signals by collecting special data of the signal in the query result, the parameter value, and the trigger event. You may transmit to 101 simultaneously.

The MADU 103 further includes: (1) a nonvolatile memory device that records and accumulates information on the situation of the NAU 101, (2) a device that accesses the nonvolatile memory device, and (3) a NAU. A device for updating a record corresponding to the signal when the signal is received from (101), (4) a device for updating the record when information about a new situation is obtained from the NAU 101, and (5 ) When the NAU 101 is set to a new set of parameters, a device for updating the record may be provided.

In addition, the MADU 103 accesses a memory device provided inside or outside the MADU 103 so that all information on the NAU 101 can be recorded and retained. (2) accessing the memory device when the signal is received from the NAU 101, updating the record of information on the situation of the NAU 101, and (3) from the NAU 101; Accessing the memory device when acquiring information on a new situation, updating the record of information on the situation of the NAU 101, and (4) setting the NAU 101 using the new parameters; The step of accessing the device and updating the record of the information on the setting of the NAU 101 may be performed.

In addition, the NAU 101 is provided with (1) a device for notifying the MADU 103 of a change in the situation of the NAU 101 with a channel formed between the base station, and (2) while being provided by the NAU 101. The NAU 101 informs the MADU 103 about the channel cost for null, and (3) the QoS level supported by the NAU 101 for the channel provided by the NAU 101 for the MADU. A device for notifying (103), (4) a device for notifying the MADU 103 of the security system used by the NAU 101 for the channel provided by the NAU 101, and (5) NAU At least one device for notifying the MADU 103 about the modulation scheme used by the NAU 101 for the channel provided by the 101 may be provided.

In addition, the NAU 101 (1) provides the MADU 103 with a situation change regarding the quality of the channel to be provided, and (2) prepares to form a channel with a data communication network of a packet switched system, (3) The MADU 103 may be notified of the decision about the network transmitted by the base station, and (4) the MADU 103 may be notified of the status of the handoff operation.

(Embodiment 2)

The specification of each component in Embodiment 1 is required to understand and follow the contents of the three interfaces defined in all NAUs 101. Since the NAU 101 is usually supplied from another vendor or manufacturer, not all NAUs 101 can understand the interface. Therefore, in Embodiment 2 which concerns on this invention, in the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100, the NIT 305 which is a dedicated translator is added to the NAU101.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile communication terminal device 300. Many of the components of the mobile communication terminal device 300 exhibit the same functions as those of the mobile communication terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those given to the components of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100 are used for the components of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 300 that exhibit the same functions as those of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100. And the description thereof is omitted.

In the mobile communication terminal device 300, a NAU interface translator (NIT) 305m to 305m is inserted between the NAU 301m and the MADU 103 from the NAU 301a, respectively. The NIT 305 is a translator dedicated to the NAU 301a to 301m that translates the format transparently so that the NAU 301 understands the three interfaces. In the path 111 between the MADU 103 and the NIT 305, the interface in the first embodiment is transmitted and received. In the path 313 between the NIT 305 and the NAU 301, the interface translated for the NAU 301 is transmitted and received. On the other hand, the NAU 301 exhibits the same function as the NAU 101 in Embodiment 1 except for requiring the NIT 305. In addition, since a well-known commercial item can be used for NIT 305, the detailed structure and operation | movement are abbreviate | omitted description.

Thus, by using the NIT 305, even when a plurality of NAUs 301 are provided from a plurality of vendors or manufacturers, smooth interoperation of the plurality of NAUs 301 using one MADU 103 is achieved. It becomes possible.

In addition, the mobile communication terminal device 300 includes an interface defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 between an interface defined by the IEEE 802 and an interface defined by another standard, or the UPL 102. The MIH (Media Independent Handover) service may be performed in the MADU 103 so that information can be exchanged between higher layers. 4 shows a mobile communication terminal device 1300 having such a configuration. In the case of the configuration shown in Fig. 4, in order for the NAU 101 to register SAP (Service Access Points), an operation or PHY (PHYsical) media corresponding to each of the respective media of each interface is defined, and the MADU 103 It is configured to use SAP Modules (SAPM) described as NIT 305 to facilitate communication with and MIH services. In addition, in such a configuration, the MADU 103 explores each remaining SAP to confirm whether there is an NIT 305 communicating with the interface or PHY media, and based on the available trigger interface when it is found. A query is made, and the obtained information is stored. In addition, the newly inserted interface transmits LL-REGISTER.request via the NIT 305 to register the NAU 101 with the MADU 103. In addition, the UPL 102 which is the upper layer may query the validity of the trigger interface from the MADU 103 without registering. However, in order to request and receive trigger and other information, the UPL 102 does not first register itself and the SAPM for the MADU 103, i.e., the ULT (Upper Layer Translator) 1305 shown in FIG. Can not be done. On the other hand, UPL 102 is a plurality of higher layer protocols, each of which requires a separate SAPM, i.e., ULT 1305. In the mobile communication terminal device 1300, communication of MIH service information between an interface of a lower layer and a protocol of an upper layer is performed using an interface or protocol-specific SAPM, that is, an NIT 305 or a ULT 1305. All. The NIT 305 maps specific values of the interface or PHY media to the appropriate distance of the MIH service (MADU 103), and the ULT 1305 likewise maps specific values of the protocol. This is done in reverse due to the information or distance sent to the UPL 102 via the ULT 1305. This allows the MADU 103 or MIH to remain generic for future interfaces and protocols. Older interfaces and protocols can use the standard MIH SPAM.

(Embodiment 3)

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile communication terminal device 400 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The mobile communication terminal device 400 employs a method of hierarchically controlling a MADU. On the other hand, many of the components of the mobile communication terminal device 400 exhibit the same function as that of the mobile communication terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those given to the components of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100 are used for the components of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 400 that perform the same functions as those of the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100. The description thereof is omitted.

The mobile communication terminal device 400 also includes an NAU 401 having a plurality of input channels and output channels together with the NAU 101 that is common in the mobile communication terminal device 100. An example of such an NAU 401 is a WLAN card having a plurality of antennas. Since the NAU 401 includes a plurality of NAU communication channels 407a to 407m, a plurality of channels can be formed between the plurality of base stations. Therefore, the NAU 401 must make a decision on which of the NAU communication channels 407 to use, and a sub-MADU 406 is provided in the NAU 401 as a component for making this determination.

When this NAU 401 is used in combination with a normal NAU 101, the MADU 103 is used for system level control in the mobile communication terminal device 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-MADU 406 does not communicate directly with the UPL 102. Instead, sub-MADU 406 transmits the necessary messages to UPL 102 via path 111 and MADU 103. Therefore, the sub-MADU 406 exhibits its function in transparency in the mobile communication terminal device 400.

In addition, since the sub-MADU 406 is a component that determines the NAU communication channel 407 used in the communication session, a special identifier indicating itself can be used for the trigger interface. Upon receipt of the trigger interface with the special identifier, the MADU 103 makes a decision based on the trigger event and acts accordingly, and sends a notification to the UPL 102 if necessary.

Although the format of the interface transmitted and received via the path 413 may be unique in the path 413, the format of the interface transmitted and received through the path 111 is preferably the same. On the other hand, when the interface transmitted / received through the path 413 is configured in a unique format, it is preferable that the sub-MADU 406 has the same function as the NIT 305 in Embodiment 2 so that it functions as transparent. . This allows the MADU 103 to communicate directly with the NAU communication channel 407 in appearance.

The sub-MADU 406 and the MADU 103 may be provided from different vendors. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the NIT 305 between the sub-MADU 406 and the MADU 103 so that the interface transmitted and received between the sub-MADU 406 and the MADU 103 is properly translated. . In addition, as long as the NAU communication channel 407 exhibits the same function as the normal NAU 101, the configuration and the like are not particularly limited.

According to the mobile communication terminal device 400 according to the present embodiment, since the sub-MADU 406 can be arranged between the MADU 103 and the plurality of NAU communication channels 407, the MADU 103 is an NAU 401. ) Can be hierarchically controlled, and as a result, the load accompanying the control on the MADU 103 can be reduced.

Further, according to the mobile communication terminal device 400 according to the present embodiment, since the NIT can be arranged between the MADU 103 and the sub-MADU 406, the MADU 103 and the sub-MADU 406 are mutually different. It can be obtained from other vendors.

(Embodiment 4)

It can be seen from FIG. 2 that a smooth handoff must be required to transmit the trigger interface from the MADU 103 to the NAU 101a before the channel currently being used is actually stopped. The time required to prepare the NAU 101b for operation and actually transfer the communication session from the NAU 101a to the NAU 101b is related to the timing at which the trigger is transmitted. This means that the NAU 101 needs to predict the handoff. In addition, since the time required to transfer the communication session depends on the type of network access mechanism used in that communication session, the timing at which the trigger interface is transmitted also needs to be adjusted accordingly. The MADU 103 sets the shortest time with respect to the timing at which the trigger interface is transmitted from the NAU 101 before the channel is interrupted by the setting interface.

In Embodiment 4 which concerns on this invention, the structure and means which the NAU 101 equips for predicting a handoff in the mobile communication terminal apparatus 100 demonstrated in Embodiment 1 are demonstrated concretely.

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device known as handoff estimator 500. The handoff estimator 500 may be built in the NAU 101 or may be installed outside the NAU 101 so as to be able to communicate directly with the NAU 101. The NAU 101 uses the handoff estimator 500 to transmit a trigger interface as an early warning of handoff based on the timing set to the shortest time. The handoff estimator 500 includes a plurality of TDF (Tapped-Delay Filters) 502a to 502m (m is an integer of 2 or more) and a comparator 503.

The TDF 502 predicts that the channel of the communication session is stopped based on the signal input through the path 511. On the other hand, signals input to each of the TDFs 502 are signals independent of each other. Although the kind is not specifically limited as such an input signal, For example, SNR with respect to the received signal from a base station is mentioned. In addition, a signal informing the timing for transmitting the trigger interface via the path 510 is input to the TDF 502 to control the TDF 502.

The output from the TDF 502 is an input to the comparator 503 via path 512 as an indication of the probability that the channel of the communication session, calculated based on the input signal, will be discontinued.

The comparator 503 compares the value of the input signal from the same TDF 502 with a time series to determine whether to send a trigger interface to the MADU 103 based on a signal indicating the timing coming from the path 513. do.

7 shows a specific configuration of the TDF 502. In the TDF 502, input signals are sequentially input to a series of delay registers 621. Each delay register 621 temporarily holds an input signal for a time until the input signal before the first generation is output from the neighbor delay register 621 holding the input signal before the first generation. As such, when the number of samples of the input signal is m, the TDF 502 including the m−1 delay registers 621 may “remember” m samples. These "remembered" samples are input to multiplier 622 where they are each weighted by coefficients w [1] to w [m]. The weighted samples are input to adder 623 where they are summed together with the temporary constant bias w [0]. The total value is input to the comparator 503 as an output from the TDF 502.

 When the input signal at n at any moment is represented by x (n), the output signal y (n) from the comparator 503 at that moment is expressed mathematically as follows.

y (n) = w [0] + sum of all i from 1 to m {x [n-i + 1]. w [i]}. … (Equation 1)

Returning to FIG. 6, the signal temporarily input to the TDF 502 is a signal indicating the timing input through the path 510. The TDF 502 may use different sets of weights w [0] to w [m] in accordance with the input timing signal. Thereby, the TDF 502 can appropriately adjust its output timing according to the input timing signal. In addition, the timing signal is also supplied to the comparator 503. This allows the comparator 503 to compare different output values from the TDF 502 in accordance with the input timing signal. Further, different sets of weights w [O] to w [m] may be specified in advance depending on the vendor or manufacturer.

To determine weights, manufacturers can use standard training techniques for linear filters, such as the least mean square error method (see, eg, Non-Patent Document 3). Further, when the NAU 101 forms a channel with the base station, a set of weights w [O] to w [m] may be provided dynamically from the base station. In this way, the base station can designate a standardized set of weights such that all mobile communication terminal devices 100 use the same set of weights. In this case, the base station may designate different weight sets at different timings.

Another possibility is that the weight is predetermined and the weight is used in each mobile communication terminal device 100. The number of weights used and the values corresponding to the weights may be determined by the standardization body. All vendors or manufacturers according to the standardization body are recommended by the body supplying the mobile communication terminal device 100. From this, the vendor or manufacturer is expected to use weights predetermined by the service operator.

The use of the TDF 502 is an example of the specification of the handoff estimator 500. In addition to the TDF 502, a Kalman filter known for its high predictive capability (see, eg, Non-Patent Document 4), a multilayer perceptron neural network, or a recurrent neural network (see, eg, Non-Patent Document 5) Also, the handoff estimator 500 may be configured. The weight set needs to be appropriately designated according to these filters and the like. Further, other weight sets are appropriately loaded in accordance with the timing at which the trigger interface is required by the MADU 103.

These sets of weights may be predetermined by a vendor or manufacturer, predetermined by a standardization body, or loaded by a base station when the NAU 101 forms a channel with the base station.

In practice, obtaining weights from a base station makes sense because the base station is in a better position to know its operating range and characteristics. Here, two specific scenarios are described below.

In the first scenario, when the NAU 101 establishes a channel with the base station, the base station sends different sets of weights to the NAU 101. In this case, the structure of the handoff estimator 500 and the number of weights are known. For each set of weights, the base station specifies the corresponding estimated time range. For example, if the weight set is recorded from 0 to 500 msec, using this weight set means that the handoff estimator 500 is able to transmit a trigger interface for the handoff from 0 to 500 msec before the handoff occurs. do. Likewise, if the weight set is recorded from 500 to 1000 msec, this means that the handoff estimator 500 is capable of transmitting a trigger interface for handoff 500 to 1000 msec before the handoff takes place. In this way, the NAU 101 records different weight sets and uses the weight sets corresponding to the timings due to the timing at which the trigger interface is transmitted is set by the MADU 103.

The second scenario is that the NAU 101 sends a control message to the base station that includes a request for timing set by the MADU 103. The base station which has received this control message then transmits a weight set corresponding to the mobile communication terminal device 100. In this way, the NAU 101 only needs to retain one weight set. The MADU 103 then sets different timing requests for the trigger interface, and the NAU 101 sends a query message to the base station presenting the timing request. The base station then responds with the corresponding set of weights.

(Embodiment 5)

In Embodiment 5 which concerns on this invention, in the communication system which consists of the data communication network of several packet-switched system and the mobile communication terminal apparatus which are formed centering around a base station, the procedure in case a mobile communication terminal apparatus roams And the form is demonstrated.

In a communication system including a plurality of data communication networks, a situation may occur in which roaming, that is, handoff, of the mobile communication terminal device occurs by the data communication network. Such a situation is likely to occur when a plurality of base stations constituting a communication system are formed densely. The plurality of base stations may cooperate with each other to monitor the position of the mobile communication terminal device. These base stations can detect an event for significant handoff when the mobile communication terminal device is moving toward another base station from the base station currently forming the channel.

8, the structure of the communication system in this embodiment is simplified and shown. This communication system is composed of three packet-switched data communication networks and mobile communication terminal devices 704 formed around three base stations 701, 702, and 703. The base stations 701, 702, and 703 individually monitor the position of the mobile communication terminal device 704 using triangulation techniques. Accordingly, the base stations 701, 702, and 703 can detect in real time that the mobile communication terminal device 704 is moving toward the operating range of the base station 703 within the operating range of the base station 701, for example. have.

When the mobile communication terminal device 704 existing within the operating range of one base station moves within the operating range of another base station, a control message is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal device 704 to the base station at the designated timing before the handoff actually occurs. This control message contains the following fields.

(1) an identifier of a mobile communication terminal device,

(2) the required trigger type, i.e. handoff alert,

(3) Timing required to send a trigger message before the time at which the handoff event is estimated.

In addition, when a handoff event is detected by several base stations that the mobile communication terminal device 704 is prominent, the base station that has detected the signal transmits a trigger message including the following fields to the mobile communication terminal device 704.

(1) trigger type, i.e. handoff alert,

(2) the identifier of the current base station,

(3) the identifier of the new base station,

(4) Time of handoff predicted.

In this communication system, when the mobile communication terminal device 704 includes one network access mechanism or NAU 101, the MADU 103, and the UPL 102, the mobile communication terminal device 704 is provided. Can use a trigger alert to realize a smooth handoff. The MADU 103 calculates the time required for handoff of the communication session in the UPL 102, that is, t_handoff. The MADU 103 then transmits a control message requesting a trigger message to the base station in order to transmit the handoff warning message during the calculated t_handoff before the handoff event.

When the NAU 101 receives such a warning message, the NAU 101 sends a trigger to the MADU 103 using the trigger interface. The MADU 103 then instructs the UPL 102 to prepare for the handoff of the communication session by estimating the handoff event. This allows for a smooth handoff to the UPL 102.

As described in the fourth embodiment, it is possible for the mobile communication terminal device 704 to track its own movement by the support of the base stations 701, 702, and 703. Here, since the purpose of the TDF 502 is the estimation of the time of occurrence of the handoff event, the base stations 701, 702, and 703 are assigned to the mobile communication terminal device 704 so that the mobile communication terminal device 704 can use a filter. Provide a set of weights. For this kind of communication system, the mobile communication terminal apparatus 704 transmits a control message including the following fields to at least one of the base stations 701, 702, and 703.

(1) an identifier of a mobile communication terminal device,

(2) the required trigger type, i.e. handoff alert,

(3) Timing required to send a trigger message before the time when the handoff event was estimated.

In addition, the base stations 701, 702, and 703 return another type of control message with the provision of the weight set to be used for the mobile communication terminal device 704. The reply sent by the base stations 701, 702, and 703 includes the following fields.

(1) the type of reply (to indicate that a weight set is included in the message),

(2) the identifier of the current base station,

(3) a time range for predicting a handoff event,

(4) A set of weights to be used using a filter installed in the mobile communication terminal device 704 to predict a handoff event.

This specification is based on the JP Patent application 2003-284517 of the July 31, 2003 application. Include all of this here.

In the present invention, since the trigger interface is transmitted to the upper layer protocol before the handoff is executed, seamless handoff is realized by the dominant control by the upper layer protocol, for example, UPL, and multiple packet exchanges are realized. It is possible to connect to a data communication network of a system, and is useful for changing a connection point for joining these networks at all times, that is, roaming mobile communication terminal devices.

Claims (19)

A plurality of network access units (NAUs) having a network access mechanism including a protocol relating to a physical layer and a data link layer, and wherein the access target networks of the network access mechanisms each have are different; Multiple Access Decision (MADU), which determines a usage channel to be used in a communication session established with the access target network, and controls the NAU corresponding to the usage channel by using an interface set of a common format for the plurality of NAUs. Unit), A mobile communication terminal device roaming between a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks by switching the access target network to which a packet-switched method is applied in accordance with the switching of the use channel by the MADU. The method of claim 1, The interface set includes a query interface, a configure interface, and a trigger interface, The query interface further includes a portion for identifying the type of query (Query-Code) for the NAU of the MAUD and a buffer for storing the result of the query (Query-Result). Consisting of, The setting interface comprises a part indicating a parameter to be set (parameter code) and another part for storing a new value (parameter value: parameter-value) of the parameter to be set, and also in the NAU. The MADU for setting the corresponding parameter is a signal transmitted to the NAU, The trigger interface consists of a part for separately identifying the NAU (NAU-Identifier) and another part for describing the contents of a triggered or future event (Trigger-Event). The NAU transmits to the MADU to signal that the occurrence of the event or to occur in the future mobile communication terminal device. The method of claim 1, And the MADU comprises a nonvolatile memory device which records and accumulates information on the setting and the situation of the NAU. The method of claim 1, And a NAU-specific Interface Translator (NIT) that enables information exchange between the NAU and the MADU by converting the format of the interface set. The method of claim 1, The NAU, Multiple NAU communication channels capable of simultaneous parallel operation, And a sub-MADU for controlling the NAU communication channel and exchanging information with the MADU using the interface set. The method of claim 5, And a NIT enabling information exchange between the sub-MADU and the MADU by converting a format of the interface set between the sub-MADU and the MADU. The method of claim 1, The interface set includes a query interface, a configuration interface, and a trigger interface, The query interface may include an operating mode of the NAU, a usage cost of a providing channel provided by the NAU, a bandwidth of a providing channel provided by the NAU, a quality of a providing channel provided by the NAU, Quality of Service (QoS) level supported by the provisioning channel provided by the NAU, power consumption information for the provisioning channel provided by the NAU, and information about the security scheme supported by the provisioning channel provided by the NAU A mobile communication terminal device which is a signal to be transmitted. delete The method of claim 1, The interface set used by the MADU is configured to include a query interface, a configuration interface, and a trigger interface, The trigger interface may be configured to change a situation of the NAU corresponding to a base station, a change in a use cost of a provision channel provided by the NAU, a change in a QoS level supported by a provision channel provided by the NAU, A mobile communication terminal apparatus, wherein the NAU transmits information about a change in the security scheme used in the provision channel provided by the NAU and a change in the modulation scheme used in the provision channel provided by the NAU to the MADU. Communication provided with a plurality of NAUs having a network access mechanism including a protocol relating to a physical layer and a data link layer, and having different access target networks of the respective network access mechanisms, and the access target network. A multiple access decision unit (MADU) for determining a usage channel to be used in the session, and controlling the NAU corresponding to the usage channel by using an interface set of a common format for the plurality of NAUs, A method for controlling a mobile communication terminal device that roams between a plurality of packet switched data communication networks by switching the access target network to which a packet switched method is applied in accordance with switching of a use channel, Sending, by the MADU, to the NAU a query interface that includes a query type for the NAU of the MADU; Transmitting, by the MADU, to the NAU a setting interface for setting a parameter corresponding to the NAU; And transmitting, by the NAU, to the MADU, a trigger interface for notifying occurrence of an event or future occurrence. The method of claim 10, The MADU controlling the NAU; Controlling a plurality of NAU communication channels capable of simultaneous parallel operation and controlling the sub-MADUs that exchange information with the MADUs using the interface set; And the MADU communicating with the NAU or sub-MADU using the interface set. The method of claim 11, Using the identifier indicating the sub-MADU itself when communicating with the MADU; When the identifier is used for the trigger interface, determining a usage channel to be used in a communication session, which is performed by the sub-MADU based on the trigger interface to an UPL (Upper Protocol Layer) that communicates with the MADU. A control method of a mobile communication terminal device comprising the step of transmitting the MADU. The method of claim 1, A plurality of trapped delay filters (TDF) for predicting channel interruption with the data communication network based on an input signal received through the packet switched data communication network; And a comparator for determining whether to transmit a trigger interface to the MADU by comparing a plurality of input signals from the TDFs in time series. The method of claim 13, The TDF includes a plurality of delay registers for recording and holding the input signal for each received generation, and a plurality of multipliers for multiplying the weights prepared for the delay registers with respect to an output from the delay register, respectively; And an adder configured to add a plurality of multiplication values inputted from the multiplier while adding the preset value. A communication system comprising a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks and a mobile communication terminal device roaming between the data communication networks, The mobile communication terminal device, A plurality of NAUs each having a network access mechanism including a protocol relating to a physical layer and a data link layer, and wherein the access target networks of the network access mechanisms each have are different; Determining a usage channel to be used in a communication session established with the access target network, and having a MADU for controlling the NAU corresponding to the usage channel by using an interface set of a common format for the plurality of NAUs. Communication system. The method of claim 15, The packet-switched data communication network includes a base station which dynamically sets a weight set when forming a use channel with the mobile communication terminal device, and provides the set weight set to the mobile communication terminal device. And the mobile communication terminal apparatus predicts an interruption of the use channel formed between the base station and the base station using the weight set provided from the base station. The method of claim 16, The mobile communication terminal device transmits a control message including a timing at which the NAU transmits a trigger interface set by the MADU to the base station, And the base station, when receiving the control message, transmits the weight set corresponding to the control message to the mobile communication terminal device. The method of claim 15, The packet-switched data communication network includes a base station that forms a use channel with the mobile communication terminal device. When the base station is requested to transmit a trigger message from the mobile communication terminal device, or monitors the position of the mobile communication terminal device and detects occurrence of an event in which the mobile communication terminal device moves out of the operation range, An identifier for specifying a base station forming a current use channel with the mobile communication terminal device, an identifier for specifying another base station forming a new use channel between the mobile communication terminal device, and the event Send a trigger message including the estimated time of occurrence to the mobile communication terminal device, The mobile communication terminal apparatus has a control message to the base station forming a current use channel, that is, an identifier specifying the mobile communication terminal apparatus, an identifier specifying the trigger message, and before an estimated time of occurrence of the event. And transmitting a control message including a time range necessary for transmitting the trigger message, and requesting the base station to transmit the trigger message when the occurrence of the event is detected. Communication provided with a plurality of NAUs having a network access mechanism including a protocol relating to a physical layer and a data link layer, and having different access target networks of the respective network access mechanisms, and the access target network. A mobile communication terminal device having a MADU for determining a use channel to be used in a session, and controlling the NAU corresponding to the use channel by using an interface set of a common format for the plurality of NAUs; and the mobile communication terminal device; A communication system comprising a plurality of packet-switched data communication networks having a base station forming a channel therebetween, wherein the mobile communication terminal device roams between a plurality of the packet-switched data communication networks. As a method, The mobile communication terminal apparatus controls the base station forming a current use channel, that is, an identifier specifying the mobile communication terminal apparatus, an identifier specifying the trigger message, and an out of the operation range of the base station. Transmitting, by the mobile communication terminal device, a control message including a time range required for transmitting the trigger message before an estimated time of occurrence of a moving event; When the mobile communication terminal device detects occurrence of the event, requesting the base station to transmit the trigger message; When the base station is requested to transmit a trigger message from the mobile communication terminal device, or when monitoring the position of the mobile communication terminal device and detecting the occurrence of an event that the mobile communication terminal device moves out of the operation range, An identifier for specifying the base station that forms a current use channel with the mobile communication terminal device, an identifier for specifying another base station for forming a new use channel between the mobile communication terminal device, and the event Transmitting a trigger message to the mobile communication terminal device, wherein the trigger message includes an estimated time at which the data is generated.

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