CA2489700C - Method and system for location management and location information providing system - Google Patents
Method and system for location management and location information providing system Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
An information providing system provides location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal. A location server in the network manages location of the mobile station. A location information server communicates with the terminal. Upon receiving, from an object's transmitting device, identifying information for an object, the mobile station transmits the mobile station identifying information and the received identifying information to the location server. The location server receives and stores this information. Upon receiving, from said terminal, an inquiry of mobile station location information including the mobile identifying information, the location information server judges whether the corresponding object identifying information is stored in the location server. If the object identifying information is found, then the location information server informs the terminal that the mobile station is in the object.
Description
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATION MANAGEMENT AND LOCATION
INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM
This application is a divisional of co-pending Canadian Patent Application No.
$ 2,372,844 filed on February 21, 2002.
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention IO The present invention relates to a method and a wireless communication system for managing information on locations of mobile stations and a location information providing system.
Description of the Related Art In the conventional mobile communication system, a device for managing location of a plurality of mobile stations is provided, to store information about which area. (called "location area" ) each of mobile stations is located. When an incoming call directed to a mobile station occurs, the device identifies the location area. Next, the device generates paging signal to transmit to the mobile station via a switch covering the location area and one of the base stations belonging to the switch.
In the registration of a location area, firstly a mobile station receives information on location area Secondly, the mobile station transmits a number to identify the mobile station and the location area information, via the base station and the switch. Especially, there is a location management system of a mobile station in a train. In such a system, a communication device is provided in a train, to collectively manage location registration of all mobile stations in the train (for -example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H11-355835A).
However, it is cumbersome and costs a lot to provide such device in a train capable of processing requests of location registration from many mobile stations.
Even if such devices are introduced, base stations and switches still must process large amounts of request especially in an urban city where many trains run.
Specifically, radio channels have to be allocated to exchange signals for location registration between a location registration server and mobile stations.
Therefore, radio frequency bandwidth available for voice and data communication is restricted thereby communication traffic volume increases. It is often the case that a moving object such as a train or a bus moves to a place such as a tunnel into which a radio wave transmitted from a base station does not propagate. In this case the base station does not receive any signals either from the object and a mobile station in the object, so that the location server cannot recognize a location of the mobile station.
INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM
This application is a divisional of co-pending Canadian Patent Application No.
$ 2,372,844 filed on February 21, 2002.
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention IO The present invention relates to a method and a wireless communication system for managing information on locations of mobile stations and a location information providing system.
Description of the Related Art In the conventional mobile communication system, a device for managing location of a plurality of mobile stations is provided, to store information about which area. (called "location area" ) each of mobile stations is located. When an incoming call directed to a mobile station occurs, the device identifies the location area. Next, the device generates paging signal to transmit to the mobile station via a switch covering the location area and one of the base stations belonging to the switch.
In the registration of a location area, firstly a mobile station receives information on location area Secondly, the mobile station transmits a number to identify the mobile station and the location area information, via the base station and the switch. Especially, there is a location management system of a mobile station in a train. In such a system, a communication device is provided in a train, to collectively manage location registration of all mobile stations in the train (for -example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H11-355835A).
However, it is cumbersome and costs a lot to provide such device in a train capable of processing requests of location registration from many mobile stations.
Even if such devices are introduced, base stations and switches still must process large amounts of request especially in an urban city where many trains run.
Specifically, radio channels have to be allocated to exchange signals for location registration between a location registration server and mobile stations.
Therefore, radio frequency bandwidth available for voice and data communication is restricted thereby communication traffic volume increases. It is often the case that a moving object such as a train or a bus moves to a place such as a tunnel into which a radio wave transmitted from a base station does not propagate. In this case the base station does not receive any signals either from the object and a mobile station in the object, so that the location server cannot recognize a location of the mobile station.
There is a system for providing location information stored in the location server to an external terminal. In such a system, a location of a mobile station can be tracked in real-time. In principle, it is possible to know a future location of a mobile station as long as a user of the mobile station gets off a train. However, in the S conventional system such information on future location cannot be provided.
The present invention, as its object, provides a wireless communication system at a low cost, in which locations of mobile stations moving together with an object such as trains and buses are tracked accurately and efficiently. In addition, the present invention provides a communication system for providing a future location of a mobile station to a third party.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an information providing system for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising: a location server in said mobile S network for managing location of said mobile station; and a location information server for carrying out communication with said terminal; and upon receiving from a transmitting device provided in an object identifying information for identifying an object, said mobile station transmits to said location server said mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and received object identifying information; and said location server receives and stores correspondingly said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information sent from said mobile station; and upon receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including said mobile identifying information, said location information server judges whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said location server; and if the object identifying information is stored, transmits to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in the object.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of said mobile station receiving, from a transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object; transmitting to a server in said mobile network said object identifying information and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, judging whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said server; and if the object identifying information is stored, generating and transmitting to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in said object.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of: said server obtaining and storing correspondingly object identifying information for identifying an object and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; obtaining movement information on said object identified by the object identifying information; converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
g In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of: upon receiving, from transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object, said mobile station transmitting mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and said object identifying information to a server in said mobile network; said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; obtaining movement information on said object identified by the object identifying information; converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a communication system based on the first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a location server in the system.
Fig. 3 shows a detail of a location table in the system.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an object information server in the system.
Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the system.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an object information server used for a communication system based on the second embodiment.
Fig. 7 shows details of a first and a second location table of the location server.
Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram of the system based on the second embodiment.
Fig. 9 is an information providing system based on the third embodiment.
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an information server in the system.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a mobile station.
Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram of the system.
Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an object management device in an information providing system based on the fourth embodiment.
Fig. l 4 shows a detail of a management table of the object information server.
Fig.15 is a sequence diagram of the information providing system based on the fourth embodiment.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an information providing system for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising: a location server in said mobile S network for managing location of said mobile station; and a location information server for carrying out communication with said terminal; and upon receiving from a transmitting device provided in an object identifying information for identifying an object, said mobile station transmits to said location server said mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and received object identifying information; and said location server receives and stores correspondingly said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information sent from said mobile station; and upon receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including said mobile identifying information, said location information server judges whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said location server; and if the object identifying information is stored, transmits to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in the object.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of said mobile station receiving, from a transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object; transmitting to a server in said mobile network said object identifying information and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, judging whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said server; and if the object identifying information is stored, generating and transmitting to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in said object.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of: said server obtaining and storing correspondingly object identifying information for identifying an object and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; obtaining movement information on said object identified by the object identifying information; converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
g In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing location information of a mobile station in a mobile network to a terminal comprising the steps of: upon receiving, from transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object, said mobile station transmitting mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and said object identifying information to a server in said mobile network; said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly; when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; obtaining movement information on said object identified by the object identifying information; converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a communication system based on the first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a location server in the system.
Fig. 3 shows a detail of a location table in the system.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an object information server in the system.
Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the system.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an object information server used for a communication system based on the second embodiment.
Fig. 7 shows details of a first and a second location table of the location server.
Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram of the system based on the second embodiment.
Fig. 9 is an information providing system based on the third embodiment.
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an information server in the system.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a mobile station.
Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram of the system.
Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an object management device in an information providing system based on the fourth embodiment.
Fig. l 4 shows a detail of a management table of the object information server.
Fig.15 is a sequence diagram of the information providing system based on the fourth embodiment.
Detailed Description Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration of a communication system of first embodiment Fig.l illustrates a wireless communication system based on the first embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig.l, the system comprises a mobile network NET, a moving object 2, and a tragic control device 30.
Object 2 is, for example, a train, a bus, and other means of transportation.
It will now be described assuming that Moving object is a train. In the figure only a moving object 2 is illustrated but in actuality, many trains 2 exist in the system.
Tragic control device 30 manages movements of the trains. Traffic controls device 30 keeps track of each train, specifically, has present location, train schedule, and other information related to the train such as delay. Also, Traffic control device 30 generates movement information INFx, which is the latest information on a movement of an object, to transmit other devices.
Movement information INFx includes object location infotrnation INF1 on a location of Object 2 and related information INF2 for the movement.
Specifically, a form of location information INF1 takes a form of "Longitude, Latitude" or "Name of line, Distance from neighboring station, Direction" . For example, the detail of Location information INF1 is "Long. 136° 15' E., 35° 45' N.", or " Tokaido line, 2km from Shinagawa, to Yokohama" . Related information INF2 includes a name of a train such as "Hikari No.10" and a delay or suspension.
Mobile communication network NET has a plurality of base stations 3-1, 3-2, ...; a plurality of switches 4-1,4-2, ...; object information server 40A;
and location server SOA. Location server SOA manages location area information of all mobile stations it covers.
Each of base stations 3-l, 3-2, ... is provided at a certain distance from neighboring one and covers a base station areas 4s each lettered " 4a" through "
4f" as shown in Fig.l. In other words, each of base stations can carry out radio communication with mobile stations within one of base station areas 4 it covers. As shown, each of base stations 3-1 through 3-6 covers each of Base station areas 4a through 4f. Each Location area 5 lettered SA and SB is a compilation of base station areas 4s. Each of Switches 4-1,4-2,...covers one of Location areas 4.
Object 2 has a transmitting device TD and moves on a railroad L. Railroad L extends across boundaries of Location areas 5. Transmitting device transmits an object m number 1Dt by radio. Each of Objects 2 has a unique object m number IDt. Each of Mobile stations 1 stores a unique mobile m number IDm to identify a mobile station uniquely. Mobile m number is, for example, a phone number.
When a user of Mobile station 1 is not in a train, Mobile station 1 receives and stores Location area information INF from Base station 3. When Mobile station moves into another Location area 1, Mobile station 1 notifies Location information INF and Mobile m number iDm to mobile communication network NET via Base station 3. When a user of Mobile station 1 gets aboard Object 2, Mobile station 1 receives Mobile 1D number mm from Transmitting device TD and notifies Mobile ~ number IDm and received Object )D number IDt to mobile communication network NET via Base station 3.
Specifically, Mobile station 1 keeps watching on reception of Object )D
number IDt. Only when Mobile station receives Object m number IDt, Mobile m number IDm and Object 1D number IDt are transmitted to Mobile communication network NET. In other words, Location area information INF is not transmitted dw-ing the ride. This results in a reduction of fiequency of transmission of information on location about a mobile station that is necessary for a registration.
1-2. Configuration of Location server SOA
As shown in Fig.2, Location server SOA has a control unit 51 and a location table TBL. Control unit S l reads from or writes to Location table TBL data In addition, Control wvt 51 carries out communication with Object information server 40A and Switch 4, to manage locations of all Mobile stations 1 in Mobile communication network NET. 1n addition, Location server SOA generates paging signal when an incoming call for Mobile station 1 is issued.
Fig.3 shows information stored in Location table TBL. Location table TBL has a plurality of records Rbl, Rb2, ..., in each of which a Mobile 1D number IDm and location information of a mobile station are stored. The location information is either Location information INF or an Object m number. Specifically, when a Mobile station 1 is in a train Object ID number IDt is stored, while when not in a train Location area infonmation INF is stored.
For example, if a mobile station whose Mobile 117 number IDm is "X0001 " , is in Object 2 whose Object ID number is "A01234" , "X00001" and "A01234"
are stored in Rbl of Location table TBL correspondingly as shown in Fig.3. If a mobile station whose Mobile ID number is "X00003" is not in Object 2, Mobile number "X00003 " and Location area information INF "SB" are stored correspondingly in a record Rb3.
1-3. Configuration of Object information server 40A
Fig.4 is a schematic diagram of Object information server 40A. As shown, Location information server has a control unit 41 and a convert unit 42.
Control unit 41 carries out communication with Traffic control device 30 and Location server BOA
as well serves as nerve center of Object information server 40A. Convert unit converts Object location information INF 1 included in Movement information INFx sent from Tragic control device 30 into Location area information INF
In one example, Convert unit 42 has a first table for storing Location area information INF and locations represented by latitude and longitude correspondingly; and a second table for information on routes of trains and Location area information INF.
Upon obtaining Movement information INFI in a "Latitude, Longitude" form, Convert unit 42 retrieves from the first table Location area and outputs to Control unit 41 information con-esponding to object location information INF In case of reception of Movement information INF1 in a "Line name, Distance from neighboring station, Direction" forth, Convert unit 42 retrieves from the second table and outputs to Control unit 41 a present location of Object 2 cornesponding to the Object location information INF1.
It is noted that although Object location information INF1 could take various forms, conversion of any types of Location area information INF1 can be effected by Convert unit 42.
1-4. Operation of the system One example of operations of a wireless communication system of the invention will now be described referring to the drawings. Fig.S is a sequence diagram of the communication system. When Mobile station 1 comes into Object 2, the Mobile station 1 receives an Object m number ILIt sent from Transmitting device TD (step S1) and transmits to Location server SOA registration request including the Object ID number IDt and a Mobile m number 1Dm via Base station 3 and Switch 4 (not shown) (step S2). When Location server SOA receives the t~egistration request, the Object 1D number IDt and the Mobile ID number IDm are extracted from the request and stored in Location table TBL (step S3).
For example, if the Mobile m number IDm is "X0002" and the Object m number is "A01234" , "X0002" and "A01234" are stored correspondingly in Rb2 of Location table TBL as shown in Fig.3.
It is noted that even when a Mobile station 1 comes across a border between location areas, the Mobile station 1 does not t1-ansmit Location area information as long as the Mobile station 1 is in an object thereby keeps receiving Object m number IDt.
When one of Switches 4 receives a call for Mobile station l, the Switch 4 issues a location request REQl to Location server 50A (step S4). REQ1 includes Mobile ID number IDm of the Mobile station 1. When Location server receives Location request REQI, Control unit 51 retrieves from Location table location information con-esponding to the Mobile ID number (step S5). Control unit 51 judges whether received location information is Location area information INF
or Object ID number IDt.
if Control unit 51 retrieves Location infom~ation INF, Control unit 51 transmits retrieved Location information INF to the Switch 4. In this case, Location server 50A generates and transmits to Object information server 40A location request REQ2 (step 6).
Object information server 40A generates and transmits to Tra$c control device 30 a movement request REQ3 including the Object 117 number IDt (step S7).
Traffc control device 30 firstly converts received Object ID number IDt into a certain number available for Traffic device 30 and secondly generates Movement information INFx. Next, Traffc control device 30 transmits Movement response RES3 including the Object ID number IDt and the Movement information INFx to Object information server 40A (step S8).
Object information server firstly 40A converts Object location information INF 1 included in received Movement information INFx into Location area information INF (step S9) and next transmits a location area response RES2 including the location area information INF and the Object ~ number IDt to Location server SOA (step S 10).
After the reception of Location area response RES2, Location server 50A
transmits to Switch 4 a location area response RES 1 including the location area information INF and the Object m number IDt (step S 11 ). Switch 4 issues a paging request including the Mobile )D number to Base stations 3 within a location area designated by the Location area information INF. When the Mobile station answers, the connection is established.
In this system a mobile station does not notify location area information to 5 any nodes in a mobile network during the ride. Therefore, the load on the network is reduced thereby improves system performance.
In addition, a communication device capable of registering many mobile stations in a train at one time is not necessarily introduced. The only device provided in a train is one for transmitting an ID number by radio. Therefore, this system can be 10 established at a low cost. In addition, since Convert unit is introduced to convert Movement information INFx into Location area information INF, information on location of a train can be managed regardless of data format of object location information which a traffic control device has.
15 2. Second embodiment 2-1. Configuration of a communication system A wireless communication system based on the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that a location server SOB is introduced instead of Location server SOA.
Fig.6 is a schematic block diagram of Location server SOB. As shown, Location server SOB has a control unit 51, first location table TBL1, and second location table TBL2. Second location table TBL2 is the same as Location table of the first embodiment. Fig.7 shows details of the First location table and Second location table. First location table TBL1 has a plurality of rewords Ral, Ra2,..., each storing Object ll~ number IDt and location area information INF correspondingly. It is noted that the records and Objects 2 are same in number. For example, if Object 2 is located within a location area SA and Object ID number IDt is "A01234" , "A01234" and "SA" are stored in a record Ral of First location table TBL1 as shown in Fig.7.
In this system upon updating movement information INFx on an Object 2, Traffic control device 30 transmits the updated information to Object information server 40A. Object information server 40A firstly converts received information INFx into Location area information INF and secondly transmits the converted information INF to Location server SOB. Location server 50B receives and stores to First location table TBL1 the Movement information INFx. In this way information stored in First location table TBL1 is updated. Information stored in Second location table TBL2 is updated by notification from Mobile station 1, as described in the first embodiment.
2-2. Operation of the system Operations of the wireless communication system based on the second embodiment will now be described referring t~o Fig.B. As shown, steps S 1 through S3 are the same as those of first embodiment.
When Tragic control device 30 updates Movement infonmation INFx, Tragic control device 30 transmits a movement notice N1 including a Mobile lD number and updated information INFx to Object information server 40A (step S21). When receiving Movement notice Nl, Object information server 40A converts Object location information INF1 included in the Movement information INFx into Location area information INF (step S22). Next, Object information server 40A generates and transmits to Location server SOB an Area notice N2 (step S23).
Suppose here that Object 2 is "Tokaido Line" moving from Shinagawa station to Yokohama station and Shinagawa and Yokohama station are located within "SA" and "SB", respectively . When the train arrives at Yokohama station, Traffic control device 30 generates Object location information INF1 indicating a stop of the train at Yokohama station. Next, Tragic control device 30 transmits Movement notice N 1 including the information INF 1. Object information server 40A
receives Movement notice N1. Convert unit 42 converts INF1 into Location area information INF Control unit 41 generates and transmits to Location server SOB
Area notice N2 including an Object ID number IDt and the location area information INF.
Location server SOB receives the Area notice N2 and updates location area information INF corresponding to the Object ll~ number 11?t stored in First location table TBL1 (step S24). Specifically, if Object ID number IDt is "A01234" , Location area information INF in record Ral is updated from "SA" to "SB" shown in Fig.7. In this way First table TBL1 has the latest information on movement.
In other words, Object information server 40A does not ask Tragic control device for movement information when a call for Mobile station 1 in Object 2 is issued. Therefore, Location server SOB is able to obtain location area information on the mobile station quickly, thereby Switch 4 is able to route incoming calls effectively.
3.Third embodiment An information providing system based on the third embodiment is an application of the system based on the second embodiment.
3-I . Configuration of the system Fig.9 is a schematic diagram of the system of this embodiment. This system differs from that of the second embodiment only in having a Location information server 60, Client terminal 70, and Mobile station lA instead of Mobile station 1.
Client terniinal 70 is, for example, a Personal Computer (PC), Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), mobile phone, and other communication devices, which carry out communication with Location information server 60.
Fig.lO is a schematic block diagram of Location information server 60.
As shown, Location server has a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 61, Read Only Memory (ROM) 62, Random Access Memory (ROM) 63, Interface 64, and Hard disk 65. Location information server 60 provides location information of Mobile station lA responsive to a request from Client temlinal 70.
Specifically, CPU61 controls all the functions of all devices in Location information server 60 and executes applications. ROM62 stores, for example, a boot program. RAM 63 temporarily stores data or application programs for CPU61.
Hard disk 65 stores application programs, which are a communication program for the communication with Client terminal 70 and Location server SOB, an estimation program for the estimation of a future location of Object 2, and a call program for calling Mobile station 1 on the basis of Location area information INF Bus 150 links all devices.
Mobile station lA differs form Mobile station 1 in having functions of generation and transmittance of location information. Fig.l l is a schematic diagram of Mobile station lA. As shown, Mobile station lA has a control unit 100, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receiver 110, radio device 120, input device 130, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 140, and Bus 150. GPS receiver 110 receives radio wave sent by a satellite and generates information on the present location of Mobile station lA including the longitude and latitude. Radio device 120 carries out radio communication with Base station 3 under control of CPU61. Input device 130 has 1 S buttons including Push Button (PB) and cursor keys and sends information on a user' s direction into Control unit 100. LCD 140 displays information. Control unit has a CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, and EEPROM 114; and controls all the functions of all devices in Mobile station lA. ROM 112 has application programs for the control of devices, communication with Location information server 60, and generation of related information.
The related information includes, for example, a direction and velocity of Object 2. RAM 113 temporarily stores data and application programs for CPU
111.
EEPROM 114 nonvolatile memory and stores updated application programs. Bus 150 electrically connects all devices.
3-2. Operation of the system Fig.l2 is a sequence diagram of the information providing system. It is noted that this system carries out procedures for updating location area information INF, which is the same as that in the second embodiment.
A user operates Client terminal 70 with Input device 130 to access Location information server 60. Client terminal 70 displays in LCD 140 direction for input of Mobile ID number. When the user input a Mobile )D number IDm (phone umber, for example), Client terminal 70 transmits to Location information server 60 location request REQ 4 including the Mobile ID number IDm (step S31).
Upon receiving location request REQ 4, Location information server 60 transmits location request REQ 5 including the Mobile m number to Location server SOB (step S32). Location server SOB receives location request REQS and retrieves location area information INF corresponding to the Mobile m number IDm from First location table TBL l and Second location table TBLZ (step S33): Furthermore, if Object ID number IDt is stored in Second Location table TBL2, Location server set a flag FLG to "1 " . If Object ID number mt is not stored, the flag FLG is set to "0"
(step S33).
Next, Location server 50 transmits to Location information server 60 a location request RES 5 including the Location area information INF and Flag FLG
(step S34). Location information server 60 receives Location request RES 5 and executes the estimation program, to page Mobile station lA (step S35).
Specifically, Location information server pages; via a Switch, Base stations 3 located within an area identified by the Location area information INF, by sending a paging signal including Mobile >D number. In addition, if Flag FLG is set to "1" , Location information server 60 generates boarding information indicating whether a user of Mobile station 1 A takes on a train. If Flag FLG is set to "0" , the boarding information is not generated.
Upon receiving the paging signal, Mobile station lA generates and transmits to Location information server 60 location information on the present location and related information including a direction and velocity (step S36).
Location information server 60 receives the location information and the related information from Mobile station lA and transmits the location information, related information, and the boarding information to Client terminal 70 (step 37).
7~
For example, a user of a mobile station lA aboard a train which is located at Long.l36° I S' E., 35° 45' N. and heading toward South at a velocity of 46 Kilometers/hour. In this case, Location information "Long. 136° 15' E., 35°
45' N." , related information "46Km/h, South" , and boarding information "Now boarding" are transmitted to Client terminal 70.
In case a user is not aboard, Location information server 60 does not transmit the boarding information since Flag FLG in location request RES 5 is set to "0"
As desczibed above, people are able to obtain boarding information as well as location information of Mobile station I A by operating Client terniinal 70 in this system. w 3-3. Modification of the third embodiment As described above, the system of the third embodiment is comprised by adding the system of the second embodiment to Location server 60 and Client terminal 70. However, it is possible to introduce a system in which Location server and Client terminal 70 are added to the system of the first embodiment.
In this system, when Location server SOA receives Location request REQ S
from Location information server 60, steps SS through S I 0 shown in Fig.S are carried out. In this way Location server SOA obtains and transmits to Location information server 60 Location area information INF. Next, Location information server 60 pages Mobile station 1 A, on the basis of the Location area information INF, similarly to the third embodiment.
4. Fourth Embodiment 4-1. Configuration of a system An information providing system based on the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except for detailed function of Tragic control device 30 and use of an object infonmation server 40B instead of 40A and Mobile station 1 instead of lA. Specifically, Traffic control device 30 transmits Movement information INFx only when receiving a request from Object information server 40B, ~l similarly to the first embodiment. Object information server 40B has a management table TBLk as shown in Fig.l3, differing from Object information server 40A.
Fig.l4 shows an example of information stored in Management table TBLk.
Management table TBLk has a plurality of records Rcl, Rc2,..., each storing an Object ff~ number IDt, Movement information INFx, and timestamp T. Timestamp T represents the time when Movement information INFx is stored Specifically, upon storing Movement information INFx, Control unit 51 obtains time from a timer not shown in the figure and writes the time to Management table TBLk. For one example, Record Rcl indicates that Object location infornlation INFl "Long.
136°
15' E., 35° 45' N." is stored corresponding to Object m number "A01234"
at 13:00.
4-2. Operations of the system Operations of the system will now be described referring to Fig.lS. Fig.15 is a sequence diagram of the system. Steps S41 and S42 is the same as steps S31 and S32 as described above, respectively.
Next, Location server SOB accesses Second location table TBL2. If Object m number IDt is stored corresponding to a Mobile m number, Location sever SOB
sets the flag FLG to "1 ". if the Object m number is not stored, FLG is set to "0"
(step S43). if Object m number IDt is stored, Location server SOB tr~rnits movement request REQ 8 including the Object m number IDt to Object information server (step S44).
Object information server 40B receives the Movement request REQ 8 and retrieves from Management table TBLk Movement information INFx and Timestamp T, each corresponding to the Object m number IDt. If Movement information INFx is not stored in Management table TBLk or a predetermined time has elapsed since the time represented by Timestamp T, Object information server 40B transmits a movement request REQ 9 to Trafric control device 30 (step S45).
Traffic control device 30 generates Movement information INFx about an Object 2 identified by the received Object ID number IDt and transmits to Object information server 40B a movement response RES 9 including the INFx (step S47).
Object information server 40B transmits to Location server SOB a movement response RES 8 including the Movement information INFx (step S48).
If Movement information INFx is stored in Management table TBLk and a predetermined time has not elapsed since time T, Object information server 40B
skips steps S45 through S47 and transmits a movement response RES 8 to Location server SOB (step S48).
Location server SOB transmits a movement response RES 7 including the Movement information INFx to Location information server 60 (step S49).
Location information server 60 receives Movement response RES7 and extracts from the Movement information INFx included in Movement response RES 7 to estimate a future location of Object 2. A specific way of estimation is as follows:
Suppose that a user of a mobile station 1 is in a train whose Object m number is "A01234" and Management table TBLk stores detailed information shown in Fig.l4. When Location information server 60 receives a location request REQ6 from Client terminal 70, steps S42 through S49 are carried out as described above.
As a result, Location information server 60 obtains Related information INF2 "Azusa No.2" . Next, Location information server 60 estimates a future location of the train refering to timetable data stored in Hard disk 65. The estimated location information generated by Location information server 60 includes, for example, " arrive at Kofu in 18 minutes" .
Next, Location information server 60 transmits to Client terminal 70 a location response RES6 including Object location information INF1, Related information INF2, and Boarding information (step S50). Specifically, INFI
"Long.
136° 15' E., 35° 45' N." , INF2 "Azusa No.2" , and Estimated location information " This train will arrive at Kofu in 18 minutes" , and Boarding information "Now boarding " is transmitted to Client terminal 70.
As described in this embodiment, a person is able to obtain the present and future location of a mobile station by inputting a Mobile ID number to Client terminal 70. In this system, location information of a Mobile station can be obtained, even if the mobile station in Object 2 cannot carry out radio communication with Base stations because Object 2 is moving through a tunnel, for example.
In addition, the number of inquires to Traffic control device 30 for getting the latest information on an object can be minimized. Since Object information server 40B checks Timestamp T, to j udge whether to obtain the information from Traffic control device 30. In other words, the information is obtained efficiently and precisely.
4-3. Modification of the fourth embodiment It is possible that Traffic control device 30 transmits the latest Movement information INFx to Movement information server 40B every time the information INFx is updated. In this case, Location server is able to obtain the latest information on Obj ect 2 and needs not to refer to Timestamp T.
It is also possible that a person uses Client terminal 70, to designate the detailed future location of a Mobile station. For example, a user inputs the desired time (an hour later, for example) in addition to Mobile ID number. After reception of Object location information INF1, Related information INF2, and Estimated location information, the Location information server 60 retrieves the estimated location of "Azusa No.2" (near Matsumoto station, for example) referring to the schedule stored Hard disk 65. Retrieved information is transmitted to Client terminal 70.
5. Supplement By using the method of the present invention, it is not necessary to update registration of location every time a mobile station moves into another location area, once the object identifying information is registered with the server.
Therefore, radio traffic according to location registration is reduced.
The location server keeps the latest location area information on a mobile station. Therefore, the location server does not necessarily request movement information to the traffic control device, when a call for a mobile station is issued.
Thus, identifying the mobile station to transmit a paging signal can be done quickly.
It is possible that when not receiving from the transmitting device the object identifying information and moving into another location area, the mobile station transmits to the location server updated location information on the mobile station and IO the mobile identifying information. In addition, when receiving the location area information and the mobile identifying information sent from the mobile station, the location server stores to the second storing means the mobile identifying information and the updated location area information correspondingly, instead of the object identifying information.
It is possible that when receiving the movement information, the server generates, on the basis of the movement information, estimated location information representing a future location of the mobile station and transmits the estimated location information to the terminal.
As described in the above embodiments, when a user of Mobile station 1 gets aboard a train, Mobile station 1 receives Mobile ID number IDm from Transmitting device TD and notifies Mobile ID number IDm and received Object ID number IDt to Mobile communication network NET via Base station 3. However, it is possible that a device provided in Object 2 transmits Mobile ID numbers IDms each of which is sent from Mobile station l and Object 1D number lDt, to mobile communication network NET. In this case, the device has the function of receiving Object ID
number IDt and Mobile ID nwnber lDm. As an example, Transmitting device TD
may have the function. The point is that Object m number IDt and Mobile m 5 number 1Dm are transmitted together to Mobile communication network NET, when a user gets aboard.
Although the foregoing description provides many variations for use of the present invention, these enabling details should not be construed as limiting in any 10 way the scope of the invention, and it will be readily understood that the present invention is susceptible to many modifications, and equivalent implementations without departing from this scope and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
It is therefore intended that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but should be defined in accordance with claims which follow
1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration of a communication system of first embodiment Fig.l illustrates a wireless communication system based on the first embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig.l, the system comprises a mobile network NET, a moving object 2, and a tragic control device 30.
Object 2 is, for example, a train, a bus, and other means of transportation.
It will now be described assuming that Moving object is a train. In the figure only a moving object 2 is illustrated but in actuality, many trains 2 exist in the system.
Tragic control device 30 manages movements of the trains. Traffic controls device 30 keeps track of each train, specifically, has present location, train schedule, and other information related to the train such as delay. Also, Traffic control device 30 generates movement information INFx, which is the latest information on a movement of an object, to transmit other devices.
Movement information INFx includes object location infotrnation INF1 on a location of Object 2 and related information INF2 for the movement.
Specifically, a form of location information INF1 takes a form of "Longitude, Latitude" or "Name of line, Distance from neighboring station, Direction" . For example, the detail of Location information INF1 is "Long. 136° 15' E., 35° 45' N.", or " Tokaido line, 2km from Shinagawa, to Yokohama" . Related information INF2 includes a name of a train such as "Hikari No.10" and a delay or suspension.
Mobile communication network NET has a plurality of base stations 3-1, 3-2, ...; a plurality of switches 4-1,4-2, ...; object information server 40A;
and location server SOA. Location server SOA manages location area information of all mobile stations it covers.
Each of base stations 3-l, 3-2, ... is provided at a certain distance from neighboring one and covers a base station areas 4s each lettered " 4a" through "
4f" as shown in Fig.l. In other words, each of base stations can carry out radio communication with mobile stations within one of base station areas 4 it covers. As shown, each of base stations 3-1 through 3-6 covers each of Base station areas 4a through 4f. Each Location area 5 lettered SA and SB is a compilation of base station areas 4s. Each of Switches 4-1,4-2,...covers one of Location areas 4.
Object 2 has a transmitting device TD and moves on a railroad L. Railroad L extends across boundaries of Location areas 5. Transmitting device transmits an object m number 1Dt by radio. Each of Objects 2 has a unique object m number IDt. Each of Mobile stations 1 stores a unique mobile m number IDm to identify a mobile station uniquely. Mobile m number is, for example, a phone number.
When a user of Mobile station 1 is not in a train, Mobile station 1 receives and stores Location area information INF from Base station 3. When Mobile station moves into another Location area 1, Mobile station 1 notifies Location information INF and Mobile m number iDm to mobile communication network NET via Base station 3. When a user of Mobile station 1 gets aboard Object 2, Mobile station 1 receives Mobile 1D number mm from Transmitting device TD and notifies Mobile ~ number IDm and received Object )D number IDt to mobile communication network NET via Base station 3.
Specifically, Mobile station 1 keeps watching on reception of Object )D
number IDt. Only when Mobile station receives Object m number IDt, Mobile m number IDm and Object 1D number IDt are transmitted to Mobile communication network NET. In other words, Location area information INF is not transmitted dw-ing the ride. This results in a reduction of fiequency of transmission of information on location about a mobile station that is necessary for a registration.
1-2. Configuration of Location server SOA
As shown in Fig.2, Location server SOA has a control unit 51 and a location table TBL. Control unit S l reads from or writes to Location table TBL data In addition, Control wvt 51 carries out communication with Object information server 40A and Switch 4, to manage locations of all Mobile stations 1 in Mobile communication network NET. 1n addition, Location server SOA generates paging signal when an incoming call for Mobile station 1 is issued.
Fig.3 shows information stored in Location table TBL. Location table TBL has a plurality of records Rbl, Rb2, ..., in each of which a Mobile 1D number IDm and location information of a mobile station are stored. The location information is either Location information INF or an Object m number. Specifically, when a Mobile station 1 is in a train Object ID number IDt is stored, while when not in a train Location area infonmation INF is stored.
For example, if a mobile station whose Mobile 117 number IDm is "X0001 " , is in Object 2 whose Object ID number is "A01234" , "X00001" and "A01234"
are stored in Rbl of Location table TBL correspondingly as shown in Fig.3. If a mobile station whose Mobile ID number is "X00003" is not in Object 2, Mobile number "X00003 " and Location area information INF "SB" are stored correspondingly in a record Rb3.
1-3. Configuration of Object information server 40A
Fig.4 is a schematic diagram of Object information server 40A. As shown, Location information server has a control unit 41 and a convert unit 42.
Control unit 41 carries out communication with Traffic control device 30 and Location server BOA
as well serves as nerve center of Object information server 40A. Convert unit converts Object location information INF 1 included in Movement information INFx sent from Tragic control device 30 into Location area information INF
In one example, Convert unit 42 has a first table for storing Location area information INF and locations represented by latitude and longitude correspondingly; and a second table for information on routes of trains and Location area information INF.
Upon obtaining Movement information INFI in a "Latitude, Longitude" form, Convert unit 42 retrieves from the first table Location area and outputs to Control unit 41 information con-esponding to object location information INF In case of reception of Movement information INF1 in a "Line name, Distance from neighboring station, Direction" forth, Convert unit 42 retrieves from the second table and outputs to Control unit 41 a present location of Object 2 cornesponding to the Object location information INF1.
It is noted that although Object location information INF1 could take various forms, conversion of any types of Location area information INF1 can be effected by Convert unit 42.
1-4. Operation of the system One example of operations of a wireless communication system of the invention will now be described referring to the drawings. Fig.S is a sequence diagram of the communication system. When Mobile station 1 comes into Object 2, the Mobile station 1 receives an Object m number ILIt sent from Transmitting device TD (step S1) and transmits to Location server SOA registration request including the Object ID number IDt and a Mobile m number 1Dm via Base station 3 and Switch 4 (not shown) (step S2). When Location server SOA receives the t~egistration request, the Object 1D number IDt and the Mobile ID number IDm are extracted from the request and stored in Location table TBL (step S3).
For example, if the Mobile m number IDm is "X0002" and the Object m number is "A01234" , "X0002" and "A01234" are stored correspondingly in Rb2 of Location table TBL as shown in Fig.3.
It is noted that even when a Mobile station 1 comes across a border between location areas, the Mobile station 1 does not t1-ansmit Location area information as long as the Mobile station 1 is in an object thereby keeps receiving Object m number IDt.
When one of Switches 4 receives a call for Mobile station l, the Switch 4 issues a location request REQl to Location server 50A (step S4). REQ1 includes Mobile ID number IDm of the Mobile station 1. When Location server receives Location request REQI, Control unit 51 retrieves from Location table location information con-esponding to the Mobile ID number (step S5). Control unit 51 judges whether received location information is Location area information INF
or Object ID number IDt.
if Control unit 51 retrieves Location infom~ation INF, Control unit 51 transmits retrieved Location information INF to the Switch 4. In this case, Location server 50A generates and transmits to Object information server 40A location request REQ2 (step 6).
Object information server 40A generates and transmits to Tra$c control device 30 a movement request REQ3 including the Object 117 number IDt (step S7).
Traffc control device 30 firstly converts received Object ID number IDt into a certain number available for Traffic device 30 and secondly generates Movement information INFx. Next, Traffc control device 30 transmits Movement response RES3 including the Object ID number IDt and the Movement information INFx to Object information server 40A (step S8).
Object information server firstly 40A converts Object location information INF 1 included in received Movement information INFx into Location area information INF (step S9) and next transmits a location area response RES2 including the location area information INF and the Object ~ number IDt to Location server SOA (step S 10).
After the reception of Location area response RES2, Location server 50A
transmits to Switch 4 a location area response RES 1 including the location area information INF and the Object m number IDt (step S 11 ). Switch 4 issues a paging request including the Mobile )D number to Base stations 3 within a location area designated by the Location area information INF. When the Mobile station answers, the connection is established.
In this system a mobile station does not notify location area information to 5 any nodes in a mobile network during the ride. Therefore, the load on the network is reduced thereby improves system performance.
In addition, a communication device capable of registering many mobile stations in a train at one time is not necessarily introduced. The only device provided in a train is one for transmitting an ID number by radio. Therefore, this system can be 10 established at a low cost. In addition, since Convert unit is introduced to convert Movement information INFx into Location area information INF, information on location of a train can be managed regardless of data format of object location information which a traffic control device has.
15 2. Second embodiment 2-1. Configuration of a communication system A wireless communication system based on the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that a location server SOB is introduced instead of Location server SOA.
Fig.6 is a schematic block diagram of Location server SOB. As shown, Location server SOB has a control unit 51, first location table TBL1, and second location table TBL2. Second location table TBL2 is the same as Location table of the first embodiment. Fig.7 shows details of the First location table and Second location table. First location table TBL1 has a plurality of rewords Ral, Ra2,..., each storing Object ll~ number IDt and location area information INF correspondingly. It is noted that the records and Objects 2 are same in number. For example, if Object 2 is located within a location area SA and Object ID number IDt is "A01234" , "A01234" and "SA" are stored in a record Ral of First location table TBL1 as shown in Fig.7.
In this system upon updating movement information INFx on an Object 2, Traffic control device 30 transmits the updated information to Object information server 40A. Object information server 40A firstly converts received information INFx into Location area information INF and secondly transmits the converted information INF to Location server SOB. Location server 50B receives and stores to First location table TBL1 the Movement information INFx. In this way information stored in First location table TBL1 is updated. Information stored in Second location table TBL2 is updated by notification from Mobile station 1, as described in the first embodiment.
2-2. Operation of the system Operations of the wireless communication system based on the second embodiment will now be described referring t~o Fig.B. As shown, steps S 1 through S3 are the same as those of first embodiment.
When Tragic control device 30 updates Movement infonmation INFx, Tragic control device 30 transmits a movement notice N1 including a Mobile lD number and updated information INFx to Object information server 40A (step S21). When receiving Movement notice Nl, Object information server 40A converts Object location information INF1 included in the Movement information INFx into Location area information INF (step S22). Next, Object information server 40A generates and transmits to Location server SOB an Area notice N2 (step S23).
Suppose here that Object 2 is "Tokaido Line" moving from Shinagawa station to Yokohama station and Shinagawa and Yokohama station are located within "SA" and "SB", respectively . When the train arrives at Yokohama station, Traffic control device 30 generates Object location information INF1 indicating a stop of the train at Yokohama station. Next, Tragic control device 30 transmits Movement notice N 1 including the information INF 1. Object information server 40A
receives Movement notice N1. Convert unit 42 converts INF1 into Location area information INF Control unit 41 generates and transmits to Location server SOB
Area notice N2 including an Object ID number IDt and the location area information INF.
Location server SOB receives the Area notice N2 and updates location area information INF corresponding to the Object ll~ number 11?t stored in First location table TBL1 (step S24). Specifically, if Object ID number IDt is "A01234" , Location area information INF in record Ral is updated from "SA" to "SB" shown in Fig.7. In this way First table TBL1 has the latest information on movement.
In other words, Object information server 40A does not ask Tragic control device for movement information when a call for Mobile station 1 in Object 2 is issued. Therefore, Location server SOB is able to obtain location area information on the mobile station quickly, thereby Switch 4 is able to route incoming calls effectively.
3.Third embodiment An information providing system based on the third embodiment is an application of the system based on the second embodiment.
3-I . Configuration of the system Fig.9 is a schematic diagram of the system of this embodiment. This system differs from that of the second embodiment only in having a Location information server 60, Client terminal 70, and Mobile station lA instead of Mobile station 1.
Client terniinal 70 is, for example, a Personal Computer (PC), Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), mobile phone, and other communication devices, which carry out communication with Location information server 60.
Fig.lO is a schematic block diagram of Location information server 60.
As shown, Location server has a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 61, Read Only Memory (ROM) 62, Random Access Memory (ROM) 63, Interface 64, and Hard disk 65. Location information server 60 provides location information of Mobile station lA responsive to a request from Client temlinal 70.
Specifically, CPU61 controls all the functions of all devices in Location information server 60 and executes applications. ROM62 stores, for example, a boot program. RAM 63 temporarily stores data or application programs for CPU61.
Hard disk 65 stores application programs, which are a communication program for the communication with Client terminal 70 and Location server SOB, an estimation program for the estimation of a future location of Object 2, and a call program for calling Mobile station 1 on the basis of Location area information INF Bus 150 links all devices.
Mobile station lA differs form Mobile station 1 in having functions of generation and transmittance of location information. Fig.l l is a schematic diagram of Mobile station lA. As shown, Mobile station lA has a control unit 100, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receiver 110, radio device 120, input device 130, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 140, and Bus 150. GPS receiver 110 receives radio wave sent by a satellite and generates information on the present location of Mobile station lA including the longitude and latitude. Radio device 120 carries out radio communication with Base station 3 under control of CPU61. Input device 130 has 1 S buttons including Push Button (PB) and cursor keys and sends information on a user' s direction into Control unit 100. LCD 140 displays information. Control unit has a CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, and EEPROM 114; and controls all the functions of all devices in Mobile station lA. ROM 112 has application programs for the control of devices, communication with Location information server 60, and generation of related information.
The related information includes, for example, a direction and velocity of Object 2. RAM 113 temporarily stores data and application programs for CPU
111.
EEPROM 114 nonvolatile memory and stores updated application programs. Bus 150 electrically connects all devices.
3-2. Operation of the system Fig.l2 is a sequence diagram of the information providing system. It is noted that this system carries out procedures for updating location area information INF, which is the same as that in the second embodiment.
A user operates Client terminal 70 with Input device 130 to access Location information server 60. Client terminal 70 displays in LCD 140 direction for input of Mobile ID number. When the user input a Mobile )D number IDm (phone umber, for example), Client terminal 70 transmits to Location information server 60 location request REQ 4 including the Mobile ID number IDm (step S31).
Upon receiving location request REQ 4, Location information server 60 transmits location request REQ 5 including the Mobile m number to Location server SOB (step S32). Location server SOB receives location request REQS and retrieves location area information INF corresponding to the Mobile m number IDm from First location table TBL l and Second location table TBLZ (step S33): Furthermore, if Object ID number IDt is stored in Second Location table TBL2, Location server set a flag FLG to "1 " . If Object ID number mt is not stored, the flag FLG is set to "0"
(step S33).
Next, Location server 50 transmits to Location information server 60 a location request RES 5 including the Location area information INF and Flag FLG
(step S34). Location information server 60 receives Location request RES 5 and executes the estimation program, to page Mobile station lA (step S35).
Specifically, Location information server pages; via a Switch, Base stations 3 located within an area identified by the Location area information INF, by sending a paging signal including Mobile >D number. In addition, if Flag FLG is set to "1" , Location information server 60 generates boarding information indicating whether a user of Mobile station 1 A takes on a train. If Flag FLG is set to "0" , the boarding information is not generated.
Upon receiving the paging signal, Mobile station lA generates and transmits to Location information server 60 location information on the present location and related information including a direction and velocity (step S36).
Location information server 60 receives the location information and the related information from Mobile station lA and transmits the location information, related information, and the boarding information to Client terminal 70 (step 37).
7~
For example, a user of a mobile station lA aboard a train which is located at Long.l36° I S' E., 35° 45' N. and heading toward South at a velocity of 46 Kilometers/hour. In this case, Location information "Long. 136° 15' E., 35°
45' N." , related information "46Km/h, South" , and boarding information "Now boarding" are transmitted to Client terminal 70.
In case a user is not aboard, Location information server 60 does not transmit the boarding information since Flag FLG in location request RES 5 is set to "0"
As desczibed above, people are able to obtain boarding information as well as location information of Mobile station I A by operating Client terniinal 70 in this system. w 3-3. Modification of the third embodiment As described above, the system of the third embodiment is comprised by adding the system of the second embodiment to Location server 60 and Client terminal 70. However, it is possible to introduce a system in which Location server and Client terminal 70 are added to the system of the first embodiment.
In this system, when Location server SOA receives Location request REQ S
from Location information server 60, steps SS through S I 0 shown in Fig.S are carried out. In this way Location server SOA obtains and transmits to Location information server 60 Location area information INF. Next, Location information server 60 pages Mobile station 1 A, on the basis of the Location area information INF, similarly to the third embodiment.
4. Fourth Embodiment 4-1. Configuration of a system An information providing system based on the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except for detailed function of Tragic control device 30 and use of an object infonmation server 40B instead of 40A and Mobile station 1 instead of lA. Specifically, Traffic control device 30 transmits Movement information INFx only when receiving a request from Object information server 40B, ~l similarly to the first embodiment. Object information server 40B has a management table TBLk as shown in Fig.l3, differing from Object information server 40A.
Fig.l4 shows an example of information stored in Management table TBLk.
Management table TBLk has a plurality of records Rcl, Rc2,..., each storing an Object ff~ number IDt, Movement information INFx, and timestamp T. Timestamp T represents the time when Movement information INFx is stored Specifically, upon storing Movement information INFx, Control unit 51 obtains time from a timer not shown in the figure and writes the time to Management table TBLk. For one example, Record Rcl indicates that Object location infornlation INFl "Long.
136°
15' E., 35° 45' N." is stored corresponding to Object m number "A01234"
at 13:00.
4-2. Operations of the system Operations of the system will now be described referring to Fig.lS. Fig.15 is a sequence diagram of the system. Steps S41 and S42 is the same as steps S31 and S32 as described above, respectively.
Next, Location server SOB accesses Second location table TBL2. If Object m number IDt is stored corresponding to a Mobile m number, Location sever SOB
sets the flag FLG to "1 ". if the Object m number is not stored, FLG is set to "0"
(step S43). if Object m number IDt is stored, Location server SOB tr~rnits movement request REQ 8 including the Object m number IDt to Object information server (step S44).
Object information server 40B receives the Movement request REQ 8 and retrieves from Management table TBLk Movement information INFx and Timestamp T, each corresponding to the Object m number IDt. If Movement information INFx is not stored in Management table TBLk or a predetermined time has elapsed since the time represented by Timestamp T, Object information server 40B transmits a movement request REQ 9 to Trafric control device 30 (step S45).
Traffic control device 30 generates Movement information INFx about an Object 2 identified by the received Object ID number IDt and transmits to Object information server 40B a movement response RES 9 including the INFx (step S47).
Object information server 40B transmits to Location server SOB a movement response RES 8 including the Movement information INFx (step S48).
If Movement information INFx is stored in Management table TBLk and a predetermined time has not elapsed since time T, Object information server 40B
skips steps S45 through S47 and transmits a movement response RES 8 to Location server SOB (step S48).
Location server SOB transmits a movement response RES 7 including the Movement information INFx to Location information server 60 (step S49).
Location information server 60 receives Movement response RES7 and extracts from the Movement information INFx included in Movement response RES 7 to estimate a future location of Object 2. A specific way of estimation is as follows:
Suppose that a user of a mobile station 1 is in a train whose Object m number is "A01234" and Management table TBLk stores detailed information shown in Fig.l4. When Location information server 60 receives a location request REQ6 from Client terminal 70, steps S42 through S49 are carried out as described above.
As a result, Location information server 60 obtains Related information INF2 "Azusa No.2" . Next, Location information server 60 estimates a future location of the train refering to timetable data stored in Hard disk 65. The estimated location information generated by Location information server 60 includes, for example, " arrive at Kofu in 18 minutes" .
Next, Location information server 60 transmits to Client terminal 70 a location response RES6 including Object location information INF1, Related information INF2, and Boarding information (step S50). Specifically, INFI
"Long.
136° 15' E., 35° 45' N." , INF2 "Azusa No.2" , and Estimated location information " This train will arrive at Kofu in 18 minutes" , and Boarding information "Now boarding " is transmitted to Client terminal 70.
As described in this embodiment, a person is able to obtain the present and future location of a mobile station by inputting a Mobile ID number to Client terminal 70. In this system, location information of a Mobile station can be obtained, even if the mobile station in Object 2 cannot carry out radio communication with Base stations because Object 2 is moving through a tunnel, for example.
In addition, the number of inquires to Traffic control device 30 for getting the latest information on an object can be minimized. Since Object information server 40B checks Timestamp T, to j udge whether to obtain the information from Traffic control device 30. In other words, the information is obtained efficiently and precisely.
4-3. Modification of the fourth embodiment It is possible that Traffic control device 30 transmits the latest Movement information INFx to Movement information server 40B every time the information INFx is updated. In this case, Location server is able to obtain the latest information on Obj ect 2 and needs not to refer to Timestamp T.
It is also possible that a person uses Client terminal 70, to designate the detailed future location of a Mobile station. For example, a user inputs the desired time (an hour later, for example) in addition to Mobile ID number. After reception of Object location information INF1, Related information INF2, and Estimated location information, the Location information server 60 retrieves the estimated location of "Azusa No.2" (near Matsumoto station, for example) referring to the schedule stored Hard disk 65. Retrieved information is transmitted to Client terminal 70.
5. Supplement By using the method of the present invention, it is not necessary to update registration of location every time a mobile station moves into another location area, once the object identifying information is registered with the server.
Therefore, radio traffic according to location registration is reduced.
The location server keeps the latest location area information on a mobile station. Therefore, the location server does not necessarily request movement information to the traffic control device, when a call for a mobile station is issued.
Thus, identifying the mobile station to transmit a paging signal can be done quickly.
It is possible that when not receiving from the transmitting device the object identifying information and moving into another location area, the mobile station transmits to the location server updated location information on the mobile station and IO the mobile identifying information. In addition, when receiving the location area information and the mobile identifying information sent from the mobile station, the location server stores to the second storing means the mobile identifying information and the updated location area information correspondingly, instead of the object identifying information.
It is possible that when receiving the movement information, the server generates, on the basis of the movement information, estimated location information representing a future location of the mobile station and transmits the estimated location information to the terminal.
As described in the above embodiments, when a user of Mobile station 1 gets aboard a train, Mobile station 1 receives Mobile ID number IDm from Transmitting device TD and notifies Mobile ID number IDm and received Object ID number IDt to Mobile communication network NET via Base station 3. However, it is possible that a device provided in Object 2 transmits Mobile ID numbers IDms each of which is sent from Mobile station l and Object 1D number lDt, to mobile communication network NET. In this case, the device has the function of receiving Object ID
number IDt and Mobile ID nwnber lDm. As an example, Transmitting device TD
may have the function. The point is that Object m number IDt and Mobile m 5 number 1Dm are transmitted together to Mobile communication network NET, when a user gets aboard.
Although the foregoing description provides many variations for use of the present invention, these enabling details should not be construed as limiting in any 10 way the scope of the invention, and it will be readily understood that the present invention is susceptible to many modifications, and equivalent implementations without departing from this scope and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
It is therefore intended that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but should be defined in accordance with claims which follow
Claims (10)
1. An information providing system for providing location information of a mobile station accommodated in a mobile network to a terminal outside said mobile network, the system comprising:
a location server provided in said mobile network for managing location of said mobile station; and a location information server for carrying out communication with said terminal; and upon receiving from a transmitting device provided in an object identifying information for identifying an object, said mobile station configured to transmit to said location server said mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and received object identifying information;
and said location server configured to receive and store correspondingly said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information sent from said mobile station and said location server capable of obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device provided outside said mobile network;
upon receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including said mobile identifying information, said location information server configured to judge whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said location server; and if the object identifying information is stored, transmit to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in the object.
a location server provided in said mobile network for managing location of said mobile station; and a location information server for carrying out communication with said terminal; and upon receiving from a transmitting device provided in an object identifying information for identifying an object, said mobile station configured to transmit to said location server said mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and received object identifying information;
and said location server configured to receive and store correspondingly said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information sent from said mobile station and said location server capable of obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device provided outside said mobile network;
upon receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including said mobile identifying information, said location information server configured to judge whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said location server; and if the object identifying information is stored, transmit to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in the object.
2. The information providing system of claim 1, wherein said location information server further comprises means for identifying said mobile station using said mobile identifying information, carrying out communication with the mobile station, and obtaining from the mobile station said location information; and transmitting to said terminal said boarding information and the location information.
3. The information providing system of claim 1, further comprising an object information server for carrying out communication with said traffic control device which controls movement of said object and enabling said location server to obtain said movement information; and wherein upon receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information including said mobile identifying information, said location information server configured to transmit the mobile identifying information to said location server; and upon obtaining from said location server said location information, transmit to said terminal said boarding information and said location information; and upon receiving from said location information server said mobile identifying information, said location server configured to transmit to said object information server said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; and upon receiving said object identifying information from said location server, said object information server configured to extract from said traffic control device said movement information on said object corresponding to the object identifying information; convert obtained movement information into said location information; and transmit the location information to said location information server via said location server.
4. The information providing system of claim 3, wherein said object information server stores said movement information obtained from said traffic control device and said object identifying information correspondingly; and when receiving from said location server said object identifying information, configured to generate said location information on said object identified by the object identifying information on the basis of stored movement information on the object.
5. The information providing system of claim 4, wherein upon detecting a movement change of said object, said traffic control device configured to update and notify said object information server of said movement information;
and said object information server configured to receive the movement information and generate said location information on the basis of the movement information.
and said object information server configured to receive the movement information and generate said location information on the basis of the movement information.
6. The information providing system of claim 3, wherein when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of said location information on said mobile station, said location information server configured to generate, on the basis of said movement information, estimated location information representing a future location on said mobile station and transmit said estimated location information to said terminal.
7. A method for providing location information of a mobile station accommodated in a mobile network to a terminal outside said mobile network, the method comprising:
said mobile station receiving, from a transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object;
transmitting to a server in said mobile network said object identifying information and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, judging whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said server; and if the object identifying information is stored, generating and transmitting to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in said object.
said mobile station receiving, from a transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object;
transmitting to a server in said mobile network said object identifying information and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, judging whether said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information is stored in said server; and if the object identifying information is stored, generating and transmitting to said terminal boarding information representing that said mobile station is in said object.
8. A method for providing location information of a mobile station accommodated in a mobile network to a terminal outside said mobile network, the method comprising:
said server obtaining and storing correspondingly object identifying information for identifying an object and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
said server obtaining and storing correspondingly object identifying information for identifying an object and mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information; and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
9. A method for providing location information of a mobile station accommodated in a mobile network to a terminal outside said mobile network, the method comprising:
upon receiving, from transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object, said mobile station transmitting mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and said object identifying information to a server in said mobile network;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information;
and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
upon receiving, from transmitting device provided in an object, object identifying information for identifying said object, said mobile station transmitting mobile identifying information for identifying said mobile station and said object identifying information to a server in said mobile network;
said server storing said object identifying information and said mobile identifying information correspondingly;
when receiving from said terminal an inquiry of location information on said mobile station including the mobile identifying information, retrieving said object identifying information corresponding to the mobile identifying information;
and obtaining information on movement of an object based on said object identifying information from a traffic control device which controls movement of said object, said traffic control device being located outside said mobile network;
converting obtained movement information into said location information; and transmitting said location information to said terminal.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein when receiving said movement information, said server generates, on the basis of the movement information, estimated location information representing a future location of said mobile station and transmits said estimated location information to said terminal.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001-055819 | 2001-02-28 | ||
| JP2001055819 | 2001-02-28 | ||
| JP2001-110325 | 2001-04-09 | ||
| JP2001110325A JP3949902B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-04-09 | Location management method, communication system, and information providing system |
| CA002372844A CA2372844C (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2002-02-21 | Method and system for location management and location information providing system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002372844A Division CA2372844C (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2002-02-21 | Method and system for location management and location information providing system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2489700A1 CA2489700A1 (en) | 2002-08-28 |
| CA2489700C true CA2489700C (en) | 2010-02-09 |
Family
ID=34139156
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2489700A Expired - Fee Related CA2489700C (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2002-02-21 | Method and system for location management and location information providing system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2489700C (en) |
-
2002
- 2002-02-21 CA CA2489700A patent/CA2489700C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2489700A1 (en) | 2002-08-28 |
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