JP2002016541A - Mobile information communication unit and its dialup connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile information communication unit that can automatically select an optimum access point, when the mobile information communication unit conducts a dialup connection to access points installed throughout Japan via a public phone network. SOLUTION: The mobile information communication unit is provided with a position information acquiring means that acquires the current position information of a mobile body, a path selection means that selects an optimum path from a current position to an object place on the basis of current position information of the mobile body acquired by the position information acquisition means and object place information designated by a user and sets a relay point to the optimum path for storing the position information of the relay point, an access point selection means that selects the optimum access point for dialup connection, on the basis of the position information of the relay point and a connection means that applies the dialup connection to the optimal access point.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile information communication apparatus for performing data communication by dial-up connection to a specific access point via a public telephone network, and a dial-up connection method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, network services such as the Internet have been widely used from information communication devices via a public telephone network, especially for mobile objects such as automobiles whose current position changes continuously. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile communication using a network service by wireless connection has been actively performed. Recently, a mobile information communication device that has a wireless communication function and a network connection function in a vehicle-mounted information terminal device such as a car navigation device to enable mobile communication has been put to practical use.

In general, when using a network service via a public telephone network, an information communication apparatus performs data communication by dial-up connection to one of a plurality of access points installed in a network service providing area. . At this time, in order to reduce the communication cost of the dial-up connection, the access point closest to the current position of the information communication device is selected and connected. Is continuously changed, so it is necessary to select an access point that minimizes the communication cost at any time.
However, if the user manually selects such an access point every time the mobile information communication device moves, it is troublesome and inconvenient, and the communication is not necessarily performed due to an artificial access point selection error. Costs may not be reduced.

On the other hand, as a conventional technique for automatically selecting an access point for dial-up connection, for example, a mobile-installed information providing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-190574 has been proposed. The mobile-installed information providing device includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires the current position information of the mobile object by using a GPS antenna, and a position information of an area code area to which one area code is assigned in a public telephone network. An external storage device such as a recorded area code list, an access point nationwide, an access point list in which slang phone numbers and usable communication protocols are recorded, and a CD-ROM in which map data is recorded, and the position information. A CPU is provided for selecting an access point to be dial-up connected to perform data communication by referring to the current position information acquired by the acquisition unit and each data recorded in the external storage means.

[0005] The operation of the conventional mobile-installed information providing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation of selecting an access point when the conventional mobile-installed information providing apparatus moves. In FIG. 15, the moving body on which the moving body installed type information providing device is mounted travels on the route 16 from the traveling start point P1 to the traveling end point P2.

Areas A and B, which are area codes of the public telephone network, are developed around the points P1 and P2. Both areas are divided by a boundary indicated by a broken line 15 in FIG. Have been. In both area codes, access points Pa and Pb for network services are arranged. A dial-up connection can be made to any access point from the mobile-installed information providing device of the mobile that travels on the route 16, but communication between different area code areas is performed in the same city area. The communication cost is higher than the communication in the outside number area.

[0007] When the user gives an instruction to use the network service at the traveling start point P1, the position information acquisition unit acquires the current position information of the moving object. Next, CPU
Acquires the area code at the current position P1 of the moving object from the current position information obtained by the position information obtaining unit and the area code list stored in the external storage unit. Next, referring to the area code of the current location and the access point list recorded in the external storage device, select an access point Pa in the same area code area A where the communication cost is minimized. Then, a dial-up connection is automatically made to the access point Pa to start data communication. The dial-up connection to the access point Pa is maintained until the mobile body reaches the travel end point P2 and ends the data communication.

[0008]

In the conventional mobile-installed information providing apparatus, when selecting an access point to be connected, the communication cost is minimized based on only the current position information at the traveling start point P1 where communication has started. An access point Pa is selected. Therefore, when the mobile maintains the dial-up connection across the border 15 of the area code area, the communication cost may not be minimized.

For example, in the case shown in FIG. 15, the distance d1 from the traveling start point P1 to the intersection P3 with the boundary 15 of the area code area and the distance d2 from the point P3 to the traveling end point P2 In the example, the distance d2 is longer. Assuming that the traveling speed of the moving body is constant, in such a case, the time within the area B is shorter than the time of dial-up connection from the area A to the access point Pa in the same area code area. The time for dial-up connection to the access point Pa in a different area code area is longer. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 15, although the optimum access point that minimizes the communication cost is the access point Pb that exists in the area B, the access point that minimizes the communication cost is not selected. Become.

[0010] The above-mentioned problems occur when the mobile information communication device is mounted on an automobile or the like running on a bullet train or an expressway and moves at a high speed, or for a long time because network services are continuously used. This is noticeable when it is necessary to maintain a dial-up connection. In particular, when the traveling distance of the moving object is large and a network service is used across a large number of area codes, it is necessary to maintain a dial-up connection to an access point that minimizes communication costs at a traveling start point. However, there is a problem that the communication cost increases as the traveling distance increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even when a mobile information communication apparatus moves while using a network service, an appropriate access point can be set on a traveling route. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile information communication apparatus that automatically selects and reduces communication costs and a dial-up connection method thereof.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a mobile information communication apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a mobile body and specified via a public telephone network. A mobile information communication apparatus that performs data communication by dial-up connection to an access point, wherein: a position information obtaining unit that obtains current position information of the mobile unit; and a current position of the mobile unit obtained by the position information obtaining unit. Route selection means for selecting an optimum route from the current position to the destination from the information and the destination information specified by the user, setting a relay point on the optimum route, and storing the position information of the relay point An access point selecting means for selecting an optimal access point for dial-up connection based on the position information of the relay point; And connection means for performing a dial-up connection to suitable access point, characterized by comprising.

[0013] In the mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the route selection means sets a plurality of relay points on the optimum route, and stores position information of the plurality of relay points, The access point selecting means,
An access point that selects a plurality of access points to be dial-up connected based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set by the route selection unit and that switches the dial-up connection to each of the selected access points A change point is specified, and the connection unit is selected by the access point selection unit based on the current position information of the moving object and the position information of the access point change point acquired by the position information acquisition unit. In which the dial-up connection to the access point is switched.

[0014] In the mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the connection means monitors a data communication state with respect to an access point currently performing a dial-up connection and determines whether the data communication can be interrupted. Only when it is determined that the data communication can be interrupted, the dial-up connection with the access point is disconnected and the dial-up connection is switched to another access point selected by the access point selecting means. Features.

The mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention further comprises a communication charge list in which a distance to a dial-up connection destination and a communication charge per unit time are recorded, and the route selecting means includes: A plurality of relay points are set on the optimum route, and the position information of the plurality of relay points is stored, and the access point selecting unit is configured to store the position information of the plurality of relay points based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set by the route selecting unit. By selecting a plurality of candidates for the access point to be dial-up connected, referring to the position information of each relay point and the communication charge list,
A communication cost estimate is calculated for each of the access point candidates, and based on the communication cost estimate, an optimal access point to be dial-up-connected is selected from the plurality of access point candidates. It is characterized.

The mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention further comprises speed information obtaining means for detecting a running speed of the mobile body, and the access point selecting means comprises:
If the traveling speed of the moving body detected by the speed information acquiring unit is higher than a predetermined speed, the optimal speed is determined based on the position information of the relay point position information set by the route selecting unit. When an access point is selected, and the traveling speed of the moving body detected by the speed information acquiring means is lower than the predetermined speed, the current position of the moving body acquired by the position information acquiring means The configuration is such that an optimal access point is selected based on the information.

In the mobile object information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the mobile object is further determined on the basis of the current position information of the mobile object obtained by the position information obtaining means, such as a highway or a railway line. A specific route traveling mode detecting unit that detects that the vehicle is traveling on the road, and the access point selecting unit detects that the moving body is traveling on a specific route by the specific route traveling mode detecting unit. Only when, based on the location information of the location information of the relay point set by the route selection means,
The configuration is such that an optimal access point is selected.

In the mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the specific route traveling mode detecting means further comprises:
When the user explicitly specifies that the moving object is traveling on a specific route, the moving object determines that the moving object is traveling on the specific route. It is characterized by the following.

The mobile information communication apparatus according to the next invention further comprises specific route point data pre-recorded with information on a relay point of a main trunk route among the specific routes, and the access point selecting means includes: When the specific route traveling mode detecting means detects that the moving object is traveling on the specific route recorded in the specific route point data, the relay point recorded in the specific route point data is detected. And an optimal access point is selected on the basis of information on the access point.

In a dial-up connection method for a mobile information communication device according to the next invention, the method is provided in a mobile object,
In a dial-up connection method for a mobile information communication device that performs data communication by dial-up connection to a specific access point via a public telephone network, a position information obtaining step of obtaining current position information of the mobile object, the position information From the current position information of the moving body obtained in the obtaining step and the destination information specified by the user, an optimal route from the current position to the destination is selected, and a relay point is set on the optimal route. And a route selecting step of storing the position information of the relay point, based on the position information of the relay point set in the path selecting step,
An access point selecting step of selecting an optimum access point for dial-up connection and a connection step of performing dial-up connection to the optimum access point are provided.

[0021] In the dial-up connection method for a mobile information communication device according to the next invention, the route selection step is specified by a current position information of the mobile object obtained in the position information obtaining step and a user. From the destination information, select an optimal route from the current position to the destination, set a plurality of relay points on the optimal route, save the position information of the plurality of relay points, The access point selecting step selects a plurality of access points to be dial-up connected based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set in the route selecting step, and performs dial-up for each of the selected and determined access points. An access point change point for switching connection is specified, and the connection step includes the position information acquisition step. On the basis of the current position information and the position information of the access point changes of the moving object is obtained, and switches the dial-up connection to the access point selected process selected the respective access points at.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information communication device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU that controls the entire mobile information communication apparatus to provide information on the position and operation of a mobile object to be provided to a user, reads a program for each process and executes the program, and 2 denotes a CPU 1 ROM storing a program for processing to be executed by
Is a work RAM for storing data when the CPU 1 executes processing. The program RAM 2 includes a program for a route selection process for selecting an optimum route from a current position to a destination, a program for an access point selection process for selecting an appropriate access point to be dial-up connected, and dial-up to the access point. A connection processing program for performing connection is stored in advance,
The CPU 1 operates as a route selection unit, an access point selection unit, and a connection unit by reading and executing each program stored in the program ROM 2.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a position information acquisition unit which has a GPS antenna 5 and collects current position information of a mobile body on which the mobile information communication apparatus is mounted, and 6 denotes a modem connected to a radio telephone or the like to perform data communication. And the like, a communication I / F section 12 is a CPU 1
A display unit that visualizes and displays information on the operation status of the mobile unit and various network services created by the
Reference numeral 13 denotes a user input unit where a user inputs an instruction necessary for the mobile information communication device.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an external storage device capable of recording large-capacity data. The external storage device 7 includes map data 8, an access point list 9 in which a list of information about access points is recorded, and a public telephone network. Area code list 10 in which a correspondence list of the area code of the telephone number and the location information of the area to which the area code is assigned is recorded, in order to select a route from the current position of the mobile to the destination. The data 11 for route selection necessary for the above are recorded.

In the first embodiment, while moving from a traveling start point to a traveling end point set as a destination as described later, the mobile information communication apparatus maintains a dial-up connection to provide a network service. It is assumed that the use will be continued and the dial-up connection will not be stopped until the vehicle reaches the end point of travel.

Hereinafter, the operation of the mobile information communication apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a processing flow chart showing an access point selection and dial-up connection processing according to the first embodiment.

First, the CPU 1 reads out the map data 8 near the current position from the external storage device 7 based on the current position information of the mobile object acquired by the GPS antenna 5 and the position information acquisition unit 4, and reads the map data 8 near the current position. The display unit 12 displays a map and a pointer that indicates the current position of the moving object. At the same time, a graphical user interface (hereinafter, a GUI) serving as a guide for a user to input an instruction to the mobile information communication apparatus is also provided on the display unit 12.
To be displayed.

Next, the user operates the GU shown on the display unit 12.
According to I, a destination is set via the user input unit 13 (step S1). When the destination is set, the CPU 1
Reads a program for a route selection process from the program ROM 2 and performs a route selection process. In the route selection processing, the CPU 1 stores the route selection data 1 from the external storage device 7.
1 is read to search for an optimal route from the current position to the destination. (Step S2)

The CPU 1 sets the intermediate point on the searched optimum route as a relay point, and uses the position information of the relay point as "route data" in the work RAM 3.
And the searched optimal route is specified on the display unit 12 (step S3).

Next, after the destination setting and the route selection processing, when the user gives an instruction to start using the network service via the user input unit 13 (step S4), C
The PU 1 reads a program for an access point selection process from the program ROM 2 and starts a process for selecting an optimum access point to be connected to use a network service.

In this access point selection process,
The CPU 1 refers to the route data of the optimal route stored in the work RAM 3 and the current position information of the moving object acquired through the position information acquiring unit 4, and determines the moving object from the current position of the moving object. Next, the relay point to be passed is specified (step S5).

Next, the CPU 1 refers to the location information of the relay point and the area code list 10 stored in the external storage device 7 to specify the area code of the public telephone network at the relay point. . Next, the access point with the minimum communication cost is automatically selected with reference to the area code at the relay point and the access point list 9 stored in the external storage device 7 (step S6).
For example, if the access point list 9 includes an access point belonging to the same area code area as the relay point, the access point is selected as the optimal access point with the minimum communication cost, and the area code area is selected. If there is no identical access point, the access point belonging to the area code area closest to the area code area of the relay point is selected as the optimal access point.

When the optimal access point is selected, C
The PU 1 reads out the dial-up connection processing program from the program ROM 2 and starts the connection processing. First,
From the access point list 9 stored in the external storage device 7, the connection destination telephone number and the communication condition of the optimum access point are obtained (step S7), and the communication I / F unit 6 and the connection to the communication I / F unit 6 are connected according to the information. Then, a dial-up connection is made to the optimum access point via communication means such as a wireless telephone, and data communication is started (step S8).

FIG. 3 shows an outline of selection of an optimum access point when the mobile information communication apparatus according to the first embodiment moves.
It will be described according to. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation of selecting an optimum access point of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, while the mobile body moves from the travel start point P1 to the travel end point P2 set as the destination by the user, the mobile body information communication device maintains a dial-up connection and provides a network service. It is assumed that the use is continued, and the dial-up connection is not stopped until the vehicle reaches the traveling end point P2.

First, the route 1 is selected by the route selection process of the CPU 1.
6 is selected as the optimal route, and the position information of the relay point Q, which is an intermediate point between the points P1 and P2 on the route 16, is stored in the work RAM 3 as the route data.
Is stored.

When an instruction to use a network service is input from the user, the CPU 1 refers to the route data, the access point list 9 and the area code list 10 in the external storage device 7, and An optimum access point is selected based on the position information of the relay point Q scheduled to pass. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the relay point Q is in the area code area B, the access point Pb in the same area code area where the communication cost for the area code area B is minimum is selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the mobile unit starts traveling from the communication start point P1 belonging to the area code area A, and moves to the boundary 1 of the area code area.
Even if the use of the network service is continued over step 5, as a result of the access point selection processing of the CPU 1, the optimum access point Pb is automatically selected for the area code area B to which the relay point Q belongs.

With such a configuration, in the mobile information communication apparatus according to the first embodiment, the search is performed based on the destination information input by the user instead of the position information of the point where the mobile starts data communication. The most suitable access point is selected based on the relay point position information on the travel route, so that even when the mobile unit travels across the area of the area code while using the network service, In addition, an optimal access point is selected for an area code area having a high percentage of the travel route, and communication costs can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 4 is configured to acquire the current position information via the GPS antenna 5, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the current position information of the mobile body is acquired using a position detection function of a mobile phone, a PHS, or the like.

In the first embodiment, the case has been described where the intermediate point on the optimum route searched in the route selection processing by the CPU 1 is set as a relay point, but the position of the relay point is limited in this way. Rather, for example, after considering the legal traveling speed of the optimal route and the expected congestion state, etc., relay the "point of expected passage when half of the total required time from the current position to the destination has elapsed" It may be configured to be set as a point, or may be another point where the optimum access point that minimizes the communication cost can be selected.

Embodiment 2 In the mobile information communication apparatus according to the second embodiment, the use of the network service is performed continuously for a long time, and the mobile travels a long distance across a plurality of area codes from the start to the end of data communication. In such a case, data communication is continued while switching a plurality of different access points. The mobile information communication apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the access point selection processing and the dial-up connection processing in the CPU 1, so that only these processings will be described below. The description of the other components is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart showing an access point selection processing according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the route selection processing and the storage of the route data (steps S1 to S3) are first performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
At this time, in the second embodiment, as a result of the route selection processing by the CPU 1, a plurality of points on the optimal route such as an expressway interchange or an intersection are designated as relay points,
The position information of these relay points is stored in the work RAM 3 as route data.

Next, when the mobile unit starts running and receives a network service use start instruction from the user (step S 4), the CPU 1 determines which of the plurality of relay points has been recorded in the route data stored in the work RAM 3. Then, based on the current position of the moving object, an optimal access point is selected for a relay point to be passed next, and a dial-up connection is made to the access point selected as a result (steps S5 to S8).

Next, in the second embodiment, the CPU 1 reads the program for the access point selection processing from the program ROM 2, selects the optimum access point for all the relay points recorded in the route data, and performs dial-up connection. A search is made for an "access point change point" which is a relay point for switching (step S9).

The procedure for searching for an access point change point in the access point selection processing by the CPU 1 will be described below with reference to the processing flowchart of FIG. First, CPU1
Reads the route data from the work RAM 3 and searches for a next relay point on which the mobile unit is to pass next to the relay point for which the selection of the optimum access point has already been completed on the optimum route (step S11). If there is a next relay point (step S11, yes), position information of the next relay point is acquired from the route data (step S12), and an optimal access point at the next relay point is selected (step S1).
3).

Next, the CPU 1 compares the optimum access point selected for the next relay point with the access point selected in the immediately preceding access point selection processing, and if both access points are different, Step S14, no), the above-mentioned next relay point is identified as an access point change point at which access point switching is to be performed. Further, the CPU 1 refers to the access point list 9 to read out information such as a connection destination telephone number and a communication condition concerning the optimum access point of the next relay point (step S15), and these information and position information of the access point are read out. Are stored in the work RAM 3 as information on the access point change point (step S16).

On the other hand, if the optimum access point of the next relay point is the same as the optimum access point selected immediately before (step S14, yes)
s) The above-mentioned next relay point is not recognized as an access point change point, and is not stored in the work RAM 3.

When the selection of the optimum access point and the necessity of switching the access point are completed for one next relay point, the CPU 1 sequentially repeats the same processing for the next relay point (step S11).
To S16), for all the relay points recorded in the route data, the selection of the optimal access point and the necessity of the access point switching are determined. When the selection of the optimum access point has been completed for all the relay points in the route data and there is no next relay point recorded in the route data (step S11, no), the access point change point search processing is completed.

The information of the access point change point searched by the access point change point search in the access point selection processing by the CPU 1 is stored in the access point change point list prepared in advance in the work RAM 3. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an access point change point list in which information on the access point change points is stored. In the access point change point list, the access point change points are stored in a list format in accordance with the order in which the moving objects pass on the route. In one access point change point, information such as the corresponding relay point 17 and its position information 18, the connection destination telephone number 20 of the access point 19 switched at the access point change point, and its communication conditions 21 are stored.

As described above, when the access point change point search is completed and the information on all the access point change points on the route is stored in the access point change point list, the CPU 1 reads the dial-up connection processing from the program ROM 2. The program is read, and the access point is automatically reconnected (FIG. 15, step S10).

The procedure for automatic reconnection of access points in the dial-up connection processing by the CPU 1 will be described below with reference to the processing flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 1 reads the access point change point list stored in the work RAM 3 and obtains information on an access point change point that the moving object is going to pass next (step S21,
Step S22, yes). Next, the current position information of the moving object is acquired via the position information acquiring unit 4 (step S23), and the current position information of the moving object is compared with the position information 18 of the access point change point. It is monitored whether the mobile has reached the access point change point (step S24). When the mobile reaches the access point change point (step S24, yes), the CP
U1 is the connection destination telephone number 20 and the communication condition 2 of the switching destination access point from the access point change point list.
1 is read (step S25).

Next, the CPU 1 monitors the data communication state of the communication I / F section for a certain period of time (step S26), and determines whether or not access point switching can be performed (step S27). For example, when the user is browsing an e-mail or the like and there is no need to continuously transmit and receive data, it is determined that the access point can be switched (step S27, yes), but continuous streaming of audio and video images is performed. If data transmission / reception is being performed, it is determined that the access point cannot be switched (step S27,
no) Continue monitoring the communication status.

If it is determined that the access point can be switched as a result of the communication state monitoring (step S27, y
es), the dial-up connection to the currently connected access point is disconnected, and a dial-up connection is made to the switching destination access point (step S28).

When the switching of the access point is completed for one access point change point, the CPU 1 reads out the next access point change point stored in the access point change point list and repeats the same processing (steps S21 to S21). S28) The access point switching is performed for all the access point change points stored in the access point change point list until the mobile body reaches the destination specified by the user.

With this configuration, in the mobile information communication apparatus according to the second embodiment, the mobile travels a long distance over a plurality of area codes, and the use of the network service continues for a long time. In the case of performing, the optimal access point is selected for each of the plurality of relay points on the route searched in advance, and while traveling, data communication is continued while switching the plurality of selected access points. Communication costs can be reduced.

When switching the access point, the data communication status is monitored for a certain period of time, and when it is necessary to continue the continuous transmission and reception of data, the switching of the access point is not performed and the transmission and reception of data are intermittent. The configuration is such that the access point is switched only when the access point is switched, so that during the transfer of streaming data requiring continuity such as audio and video, data associated with the access point switching is performed. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use mobile information communication device without interruption of communication.

In the second embodiment, a case where "a plurality of points such as an expressway interchange or an intersection" is specified as a relay point for selecting an access point is set, but is set on a search route. The relay points are not limited to these, and in addition to the above, for example, "a plurality of points set at a fixed distance interval on the search route", "intersection of the search route and the city / prefectural border", etc. Even if a point that specifies a search route obtained as a result of the route search process is used as a relay point, the same effect can be naturally obtained.

In the second embodiment, the route data obtained as a result of the route selection and the access point change point list for storing information on the access point change points are
The configuration in which the data is separately stored in the work RAM 3 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration.
Among all the relay points stored in the route data, a flag that explicitly indicates a relay point that is an access point change point is set, and information about a switching destination access point is added to such a relay point. It may be a configuration. In this case, in the access point automatic reconnection in the dial-up connection processing of the CPU 1, only the relay point which is the access point change point where the flag is set is read from the route data,
Perform access point switching.

In the second embodiment, in the dial-up connection processing by the CPU 1, whether or not the access point can be switched is determined by the "method of monitoring the data communication state of the communication I / F section for a fixed time". However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a “method of determining whether the continuation of data communication is requested by application software such as an Internet browser”.

Embodiment 3 The mobile information communication apparatus according to the third embodiment calculates a communication cost estimate for a plurality of access point candidates in advance, specifies one optimal access point, and maintains a connection to the access point during communication. I do.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation of selecting an optimum access point in the mobile information communication apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the moving object is a traveling start point P1.
Travel on the route 16 from the traveling end point P2 to the traveling end point P2. Around the route 16, there are three different area code areas, that is, an area A, an area B, and an area C, and the mobile unit travels in each area code area. Each of the area codes A, B,
C has access points Pa, Pb, and Pc, respectively. Here, the communication cost for connecting to each access point is minimized when dial-up connection is made to an access point in the same area code area, and when communication is performed dial-up to an access point in a different area code area. The communication cost increases as the distance between the area codes increases.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a communication charge list 22 that is referred to when estimating the communication cost is stored in the external storage device 7. As shown in FIG. 10 showing an example of the communication fee list, the communication fee list 22 records different communication fees per unit time according to the distance to the access point and the communication time zone. . The third embodiment is different from the mobile information communication apparatus of the first embodiment only in that the communication charge list 22 is provided and the communication cost is estimated based on the communication charge list 22. Are the same, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Next, a method of selecting an optimum access point of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to a processing flow chart 11. First, when a destination is set by the user (step S31), the CPU 1 reads out a program for a route selection process from the program ROM 2 and performs a route selection process to search for an optimum route from the current position to the destination, and For example, a plurality of relay points are set on the route searched like Q1 to Q9 in FIG. 8 (step S3).
2). The information of the searched optimum route and the position information of the plurality of set relay points are used as the route data as the work R.
It is stored in AM3 (step S34).

Next, when there is an instruction from the user to start using the network service (step S34), the CPU 1 reads out the program for the access point selection processing from the program ROM 2 and obtains information on the current position from the position information obtaining unit 4. (Step S35), referring to the route data stored in the work RAM 3, specify the relay points that the moving object will pass before reaching the destination (Step S36), and position information of the specified relay points Based on the above, an optimal access point with the minimum communication cost is selected (step S37).

Hereinafter, an optimum access point selection process by the CPU 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. First, the CPU 1 refers to the position information of all the relay points specified as described above, the access point list 9 and the area code list 10 of the external storage device 7, and minimizes the communication cost for each relay point. Identify the access point. In the example shown in FIG. 8, since the relay point Q1 is located in the area code area A, the access point Pa in the same area is specified as the access point with the minimum cost. Similarly, in the relay points Q2 to Q4, the access point Pc is The access point Pb is specified at the relay points Q5 to Q9.

Next, the CPU 1 predicts the arrival time at each of the relay points Q1 to Q9 by estimating the arrival time at an arbitrary point on the search route by taking into consideration the expected travel distance of the search route and the like. The time required to travel between the points is sequentially calculated, and this is used as the communication time at each relay point. For example, if the travel time from the relay points Q1 to Q2 is expected to be T, the time T is set to the relay point Q2.
And the communication time.

Next, the CPU 1 selects one candidate access point from the plurality of candidate access points, and the communication cost when the dial-up connection is maintained from the traveling start point P1 to the traveling end point P2 for the candidate access point. Calculate the estimate. Estimation of the communication cost for the identified candidate access point,
Based on the distance from each relay point to the area code area to which the candidate access point belongs, the communication time at each relay point, and the communication charge list 22, the communication charge at each relay point is calculated. Is calculated by accumulating the communication charges in the. Here, as shown in the example of the communication charge list in FIG.
If the communication fee per unit time differs depending on the day of the week or time zone to connect, the arrival time of each relay point predicted by the route selection and the date of dial-up connection when calculating the communication fee at each relay point And the communication cost is estimated as accurately as possible.

After the communication cost estimate is calculated for one candidate access point, the communication cost estimate is sequentially calculated for the other candidate access points. After the communication cost estimates have been calculated for all the candidate access points, the candidate access point for which the communication cost is estimated to be the minimum is selected as the optimal access point for actually performing dial-up connection.

Next, the CPU 1 executes the program ROM 2
From the access point list 9 of the external storage device 7 for the optimum access point selected as described above, and reads out information such as the telephone number of the connection destination and communication conditions. And a data communication is started by performing a dial-up connection to the access point (FIG. 11, step S3).
8).

With such a configuration, in the mobile information communication apparatus of the third embodiment, one optimum access point is specified after estimating the communication cost for a plurality of access point candidates in advance. Dial-up connection, the optimal access point with the lowest communication cost is automatically selected even when the mobile object travels across a plurality of area code areas, and travels from the start of communication. Communication costs until termination can be reduced.

Embodiment 4 In the mobile information communication device according to the fourth embodiment, the traveling speed of the moving object is detected, and the method of selecting the optimum access point is switched according to the detected traveling speed.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The mobile object information communication device according to the fourth embodiment includes a speed information acquisition unit 23 that detects a traveling speed of the mobile object based on a signal detected from, for example, a speed sensor attached to the mobile object. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the speed information acquiring unit 23 is provided and the traveling speed of the moving body is detected to switch the method of selecting an optimal access point. Are the same, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The access point selection processing according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the processing flowchart of FIG. First, when the destination is set by the user, C
The PU 1 reads the program for the route selection process from the program ROM 2, performs the route selection process, stores the route data in the work RAM 3, and displays the selected route on the display unit 12 (step S41).

Next, when the user issues an instruction to start using the network service (step S42), the CPU 1
The access point selection program is read from the program ROM 2 and the traveling speed information of the moving body is acquired via the speed information acquiring unit 23 (step S44), and it is determined whether the traveling speed of the moving body is high. (Step S44). As a result, if the traveling speed is higher than the predetermined speed (step S44, yes), the relay point that the vehicle is to pass next is specified from the route data stored in the work RAM 3 and the relay point is determined. (Step S45), and based on the position information of the relay point, refers to the access point list 9 and the area code list 10 to select an optimal access point (step S47).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination of the traveling speed, if it is determined that the moving body is stopped or running at a low speed (step S44, no), the access in the above-described conventional mobile-body-installed information providing apparatus is performed. Similarly to the point selection processing, the CPU 1 acquires the current position information via the position information acquisition unit 4 (step S46), and refers to the access point list 9 and the area code list 10 based on the position information. An optimal access point is selected (step S47).

As described above, when the selection of the optimum access point is completed by the method corresponding to the traveling speed, the CPU 1 reads out the dial-up connection processing program from the program ROM 2 and reads the access point list 9.
And obtains information such as the connection destination telephone number and communication conditions of the optimum access point selected with reference to (step S4).
8) Then, data communication is started by performing dial-up connection based on the information (step S49).

With such a configuration, in the mobile information communication apparatus of the fourth embodiment, only when the traveling speed is high, is the optimal information based on the position information of the relay point on the traveling route. When the access point is selected, the optimal access point is selected based on the current position information of the moving object when stopping or traveling at low speed, so the optimal access point is selected according to the traveling state of the moving object and the communication cost can be reduced. Can be

Although the mobile information communication apparatus according to the fourth embodiment includes the speed information obtaining unit 20 and obtains the speed information of the mobile, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. After acquiring the position information of the moving object via the information acquiring unit 4, the position information of the moving object is acquired again after a predetermined time, and the difference between these positions is divided by the predetermined time to obtain the speed information of the moving object. It may be configured to acquire and switch the method of selecting the optimal access point.

Embodiment 5 FIG. The mobile object information communication device according to the fifth embodiment monitors whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a specific route such as an expressway or a railway line. When it is predicted that the vehicle will stably reach the destination on the specific route, the optimal access point is selected based on the position information of the relay point on the specific route. On the other hand, when it is determined that the moving object is not traveling on the specific route, the optimum access point is selected based on the current position information of the moving object as in the above-described conventional access point selection processing.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The CPU 1 of the mobile information communication device according to the fifth embodiment includes a specific route traveling mode detection unit 24 that monitors whether the mobile is traveling on a specific route such as an expressway or a railway line.

The external storage device 7 stores “specific route point data” in which detailed information on a relay point on the specific route regarding a main specific route such as a main arterial road or a Shinkansen running line is recorded. 25 are stored. Examples of the information related to the relay point of the specific route point data 25 include, for example, position information such as an expressway interchange, a service area, a stop station, a distance post installed at a fixed distance interval, and a target surrounding building. Is recorded. The information recorded in the specific route point data 25 is more detailed than the relay point position information set by the route selection process of the CPU 1.

In the fifth embodiment, the mobile information communication apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the specific route traveling mode detecting unit 24 and the specific route point data 25, and determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the specific route. Is that the method of selecting the optimal access point is switched based on the determination result of
The other configuration is the same, so the same reference numeral is given and the description is omitted.

The operation of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, when a destination is set via the user input unit 13, the CPU 1
Reads a route selection program from the program ROM 2 and refers to the route selection data 11 in the external storage device 7 to search for an optimal route from the current position to the destination. Depending on the distance to the destination and route conditions, the searched optimal route may include a specific route such as an expressway in addition to a general expressway. The case where a specific route is included in the section will be described.

When the user instructs the use of the network service, the specific route traveling mode detecting section 24
The mobile device obtains the current position information of the moving object via the position information obtaining unit 4 and compares the current position information with the map data 8 in the external storage device 7 to determine whether the mobile device has a specific route such as the expressway. It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling on the upper side.

Here, when the moving body is traveling on a specific route such as a highway, it is predicted that the traveling speed will be stable and will follow the searched route accurately. In such a case, the mobile information communication apparatus of the fifth embodiment selects the optimum access point that minimizes the communication cost based on the position information of the relay point on the optimum route, and selects the optimum access point. Make a dial-up connection to the point.

In general, when a specific route is included in a part of the optimum route, the ratio of the distance on the specific route to the optimum route is high. Therefore, in the optimum access point selection processing, the communication cost can be accurately reduced by considering the position information of the relay point set on the specific route.

As described above, the specific route traveling mode detecting section 24
When it is determined that the moving body is traveling on a specific route, the CPU 1 refers to the specific route point data 25 containing the position information of the relay point on the highway, and It is confirmed whether the information on the specific route is included in the specific route point data 25. As a result, if the information on the specific route being traveled is included in the specific route point data 25, the information on the relay point of the specific route is read.

Next, the CPU 1 refers to the position information of the relay point of the specific route read from the specific route point data 25, the access point list 9 and the area code list 10, and performs the above-described operation. By the access point selection process described in the first aspect, the optimum access point for the specific route is selected.

On the other hand, if the specific route point data 25 does not include information on the specific route,
The access point selection processing described in the first embodiment is performed by referring to the access point list 9 and the area code list 10 based on the position information of the relay point set at the time of the above-described optimal route selection. , Select the optimal access point. The above is the method of selecting the optimum access point when the user instructs the use of the network service while the moving body is traveling on the specific route.

On the other hand, when the user instructs the use of the network service, the specific route traveling mode detecting section 24 detects that the mobile is not traveling on a specific route such as an expressway, that is, the mobile is not normally traveling. When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling on a motorway, it is predicted that the traveling route of the moving body may change or the traveling speed may fluctuate due to the congestion of the road, a change in destination by the user, and the like. In this case, the CPU 1 obtains the current position information via the position information obtaining unit 4 and reduces the communication cost from the current position information, similarly to the access point selection processing in the conventional mobile-installed information providing apparatus described above. Select the optimal access point to be minimized and make a dial-up connection.

With this configuration, in the mobile information communication apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, when the user instructs the use of the network service, the specific route traveling mode detecting unit 24 sets the specific route on the specific route. Judge whether you are driving
If it is determined that the vehicle is traveling on the specific route, the optimum access point is selected based on the position information of the relay point on the specific route, and dial-up connection is performed. Therefore, when traveling on a specific route such as an expressway, if the traveling speed is stable and it is predicted that the vehicle will follow the specific route accurately,
Communication cost can be reduced by connecting to the optimal access point selected based on the position information of the relay point on the search route.

Further, by storing detailed information on relay points such as main highways in advance as specific route point data 25, information on a specific route during travel is recorded in the specific route point data 25. In this case, the access point selection processing can be performed based on the detailed information on the relay point, and the accuracy of the optimum access point selection can be increased.

On the other hand, when traveling on a general road other than when traveling on the specific route, the optimal access point that minimizes the communication cost is selected based on the current position information of the mobile body, so that the travel route of the mobile body is changed or traveled. It is possible to appropriately cope with large fluctuations in speed.

In the fifth embodiment, the case where the mobile information communication apparatus is mounted on a mobile body such as a car and performs access point selection processing using a highway or the like as a specific route has been exemplified. The route to be performed is not limited to the expressway. For example, when a person carries and uses the mobile information communication device, the railway line is used as a specific line, and the main trunk line such as a bullet train is specified. It may be configured to be recorded in the route point data 25 in advance.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the specific route traveling mode detecting section 24 performs the “method of comparing the map data 8 in the external storage device 7 with the current position information of the moving object”.
Is configured to determine whether the moving object is traveling on a specific route. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, “the user is explicitly traveling on the specific route via the user input unit 13. May be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a specific route. For example, when the mobile information communication device is mounted on a bullet train,
The user inputs the information “in the Shinkansen” on the user input unit 13
The specific route traveling mode detecting unit 24 determines that the moving body is traveling on the specific route.

In the fifth embodiment, while traveling on a specific route, a dial-up connection is made to the optimum access point selected based on the position information of the relay point, but the optimum access point selected for one specific route is one. For example, when it is expected that the specific route is a long distance and runs across a plurality of area codes, the above-described relay point on the specific route is used. According to the method described in the second embodiment, a plurality of different access points are selected as optimal access points, and an access point change point for switching connections to these optimal access points is searched in advance. And switching the plurality of optimal access points based on the location information of the access point change point. It may be configured to al traveling.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, the position information of the relay point on the optimum route selected by the route selection processing is not the position information of the point where the mobile information communication device has started data communication. Therefore, even if the mobile information communication device moves across the area code area while using the network service, the optimum access point that minimizes the communication cost is selected based on the access point. Selection is appropriately performed, and communication costs can be reduced.

Further, based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set on the optimum route, a plurality of access points to be dial-up connected are selected, and while the mobile information communication apparatus is moving, these access points are selected. Since the data communication is continued while automatically switching the dial-up connection to the access point, the use of the network service is continuously performed for a long time, during which the mobile information communication device straddles a plurality of area codes. Therefore, even if the user travels a long distance, it is possible to provide a mobile information communication device that can reduce communication costs and is easy to use.

As described above, when the access point is switched, the data communication status is monitored to determine whether the data communication can be interrupted, and only when it is determined that the data communication can be interrupted, the access point is switched. Data communication is interrupted during access point switching while streaming data that requires continuity, such as audio and video, is being transferred. Therefore, a highly convenient mobile information communication device can be provided.

In addition to selecting a plurality of access point candidates for dial-up connection, the location information of the plurality of relay points set on the optimum route, the distance to the dial-up connection destination, and the communication charge per unit time Based on the communication fee list recorded with the above, the communication cost estimate to each of the access point candidates is calculated in advance, and a dial-up connection is performed by specifying one optimal access point. Even when the mobile information communication device travels across a plurality of area codes, the access point with the minimum communication cost is automatically selected, and the communication cost for using the network service is reduced. be able to.

Further, the mobile information communication device is provided with speed information acquiring means for detecting a running speed, and when the running speed is higher than a predetermined speed, the speed information obtaining means is optimized based on the position information of the relay point on the running route. Select an appropriate access point,
When the vehicle is stopped or traveling at low speed, the optimal access point is selected based on the current position information of the mobile object, so that the optimal access point can be selected according to the traveling state of the mobile object equipped with the mobile information communication device. Selected,
Communication costs can be reduced.

Further, the information communication terminal device includes a specific route traveling mode detecting means for determining whether or not the information communication terminal device is traveling on a specific route such as an expressway or a railway line. If the traveling speed is stable and it is predicted that the vehicle will follow the specific route accurately, the optimal point is selected based on the position information of the relay point set on the optimal route. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the communication cost by performing an optimal access point selection process while taking into account the travel plan of the mobile information communication device.

[0102] Specific route point data pre-recorded with information on relay points of the main trunk route among the specific routes is provided, and when the mobile information communication device travels on the main trunk route, the specific route point data is stored. The configuration in which the optimum access point is selected based on the information on the relay point with reference to the data can improve the accuracy of the selection of the optimum access point.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a processing flowchart showing processing of access point selection and dial-up connection according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation of selecting an optimal access point of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart showing an access point selection processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a processing flow chart showing a procedure of an access point change point search according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an access point change point list in which information on access point change points according to the second embodiment of the present invention is stored.

FIG. 7 is a processing flowchart showing a procedure of automatic reconnection of an access point according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation of selecting an optimum access point of the mobile information communication apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information communication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication charge list according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a process flowchart showing an access point selection process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information communication device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a processing flowchart illustrating an access point selection processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information communication device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an operation of selecting an optimal access point of the conventional mobile-installed information providing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Program ROM 3 Work RAM 4 Location information acquisition part 5 GPS antenna 6 Communication I / F part 7 External storage device 8 Map data 9 Access point list 10 Area code list 11 Route search data 12 Display part 13 User input part 15 Boundary of area code area 16 Travel route of moving object 17 Relay point as access point change point 18 Location information of access point change point 19 Switching destination access point at access point change point 20 Connection destination telephone number of switching destination access point 21 Communication conditions of switching destination access point 22 Communication charge list 23 Speed information acquisition unit 24 Specific route driving mode detection unit 25 Specific route point data P1 Driving start point P2 Driving end point P3 Intersection between driving route and area code area Pa Pa Area code d Access point in rear A Pb Access point in area code area B Pc Access point in area code area C Q, Q1-Q9 Relay point

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A mobile information communication device provided in a mobile object and performing data communication by dial-up connection to a specific access point via a public telephone network, wherein position information obtaining for obtaining current position information of the mobile object is provided. Means for selecting an optimum route from the current position to the destination from the current position information of the mobile object obtained by the position information obtaining means and destination information specified by a user, and Route selection means for setting a relay point in the network and storing position information of the relay point; access point selection means for selecting an optimum access point to be dial-up-connected based on the position information of the relay point; Mobile unit information comprising: connection means for making a dial-up connection to Communication apparatus. 2. The route selection means sets a plurality of relay points on the optimum route and stores position information of the plurality of relay points, and the access point selection means sets by the route selection means Based on the location information of the plurality of relay points, and select a plurality of access points to dial-up connection, specify the access point change point to switch the dial-up connection to each of the selected access point, The connection unit dials each access point selected by the access point selection unit based on the current position information of the moving object and the position information of the access point change point acquired by the position information acquisition unit. Wherein the connection is switched up. Mobile information communication apparatus according to. 3. The connection means monitors a data communication state with respect to an access point currently performing a dial-up connection, determines whether the data communication can be interrupted, and only determines that the data communication can be interrupted. 3. The mobile body information according to claim 2, wherein a dial-up connection with the access point is disconnected, and the dial-up connection is switched to another access point selected by the access point selecting means. Communication device. 4. The mobile information communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication fee list in which a distance to a dial-up connection destination and a communication fee per unit time are recorded. A plurality of relay points are set on the optimal route, and the position information of the plurality of relay points is stored, and the access point selecting unit is configured based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set by the route selecting unit. A plurality of access point candidates for dial-up connection are selected, and a communication cost estimate is calculated for each of the access point candidates by referring to the position information of each relay point and the communication charge list. Based on the cost estimate, the optimal access for dial-up connection from among the plurality of access point candidates A mobile information communication device characterized by selecting a point. 5. The mobile information communication device according to claim 1, further comprising speed information obtaining means for detecting a running speed of the mobile body, wherein said access point selecting means includes: When the traveling speed of the moving object detected by the information acquisition unit is higher than a predetermined speed, the optimum access point is determined based on the position information of the relay point position information set by the route selection unit. If the traveling speed of the moving body detected by the speed information obtaining means is lower than the predetermined speed,
A mobile object information communication device, wherein an optimum access point is selected based on current position information of the mobile object obtained by the position information obtaining means. 6. The mobile information communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mobile unit that determines whether the mobile unit is a highway or a highway based on current position information of the mobile unit obtained by the position information obtaining unit. The vehicle further includes a specific route traveling mode detecting unit that detects that the vehicle is traveling on a specific route such as a railway track, and the access point selecting unit is configured such that the moving body is traveling on a specific route by the specific route traveling mode detecting unit. Mobile information communication, wherein only when it is detected that the access point is detected, an optimum access point is selected based on the position information of the position information of the relay point set by the route selecting means. apparatus. 7. The specific route traveling mode detecting means, further comprising: when the user has explicitly specified that the moving object is traveling on a specific route, the moving object is set to the moving object. The mobile information communication device according to claim 6, wherein the mobile information communication device is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling on a specific route. 8. The mobile information communication apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: specific route point data in which information on a relay point of a main trunk route among the specific routes is recorded in advance. The access point selecting means, when the specific route traveling mode detecting means detects that the moving body is traveling on the specific route recorded in the specific route point data, the specific route point data A mobile information communication apparatus characterized in that an optimum access point is selected based on information on relay points recorded in the mobile information communication apparatus. 9. A dial-up connection method for a mobile information communication device provided in a mobile unit and performing data communication by dial-up connection to a specific access point via a public telephone network, comprising: Position information acquisition step to be acquired, from the current position information of the moving body acquired in the position information acquisition step and destination information specified by the user,
A route selection step of selecting an optimal route from the current position to the destination, setting a relay point on the optimal route, and storing position information of the relay point; and An access point selecting step of selecting an optimal access point for dial-up connection based on the relay point location information, and a connection step of making a dial-up connection to the optimal access point. A dial-up connection method for the body information communication device. 10. The route selecting step determines an optimal route from the current position to the destination based on the current position information of the moving object obtained in the position information obtaining step and destination information specified by a user. Select and
A plurality of relay points are set on the optimal route, and the position information of the plurality of relay points is stored.The access point selecting step is based on the position information of the plurality of relay points set in the route selecting step. hand,
A plurality of access points to be dial-up connected are selected, and an access point change point for switching the dial-up connection to each of the selected and determined access points is specified. The dial-up connection to each of the access points selected in the access point selecting step is switched based on the current position information of the moving object and the position information of the access point change point. 10. The dial-up connection method for a mobile information communication device according to item 9.