JP2006157402A - Communication controller and mobile communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly switch location registration areas and to attain the power saving of mobile communication apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A communication controller 40 determines whether it is at a high or low degree of necessity to switch location registration areas on the basis of information acquired from various devices mounted on a vehicle, such as this mobile communication apparatus 10, a navigation system 32, a speed sensor 33, an IG (ignition) switch 34, a P (parking) brake 35, a shift 36 and a robbery sensor 37. The communication controller 40 shortens the intervals of a location confirmation operation and an incoming call confirmation operation by the mobile communication apparatus 10 when it is at a high degree of necessity to switch location registration areas and meanwhile, makes long the interval of the location confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation by the mobile communication apparatus 10 when it is at a low degree of necessity to switch location registration areas. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication control device that controls an in-vehicle mobile communication device and a mobile communication device that performs mobile communication regardless of whether or not the mobile communication device is mounted on a vehicle.

  Conventionally, communication networks used by mobile communication devices such as mobile phone terminals and PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminals are base stations that communicate with mobile communication devices and areas that are units of location registration of mobile communication devices ( A region register that manages a plurality of cells each handled by a plurality of base stations), a home register that manages all mobile communication devices, and the like.

  In such a communication network, a base station always transmits a beacon including an area signal for transmitting position information. In the mobile communication device, when the power is turned on, first, after receiving the area signal, a user ID (identifier assigned to the user of the mobile communication device) is assigned to the base station that is transmitting the area signal. Send to request location registration. Thereafter, the location registration request sent from the mobile communication device is sent from the base station to the regional register that manages the base station, and in the regional register, the user ID that requested the location registration is registered together with the area number. Register in the database. Further, the regional register notifies the home register of the contents of the location registration, and the home register updates the location information (regional register number) registered in association with the telephone number or user ID of the mobile communication device. To do.

  In addition, when a telephone or data (e-mail, content, etc.) that is a destination (destination) is sent to a predetermined mobile communication device, the mobile communication device that is the destination is placed in any area in the home register. Check whether the location is registered, and notify the area register where the location is registered of the incoming request. Thereafter, the regional register includes the user ID (or temporary ID in place of the user ID) of the incoming call request destination for all mobile communication devices also in the area via all base stations in the area. Send phone connection requests and data.

  On the other hand, in the mobile communication device after performing the location registration, it is confirmed whether or not the signal transmitted from the base station includes a telephone connection request or data addressed to itself, and a telephone connection request addressed to itself. Is included, a telephone call is made, and if self-addressed data (email, content, etc.) is included, the data is received. In the following description, an operation for confirming whether or not information addressed to itself is included in a signal transmitted from the base station is defined as an “incoming call confirmation operation”.

  Furthermore, in the mobile communication device after location registration, the area signal sent from the base station is monitored so that communication can be performed wherever the mobile communication device moves, and the area where the mobile communication device is located changes Is requested to update location registration for the changed area. Specifically, one area is usually composed of a plurality of cells. However, if the mobile communication device moves within the same area even if the cell is moved, the location registration is updated. It does not make a request, but requests to update location registration when moving between areas (between areas under the same regional register or between areas under different regional registers). In the following description, an operation for monitoring whether or not to update the location registration area by monitoring the area signal transmitted from the base station is defined as a “location confirmation operation”.

  Recently, such a mobile communication device is mounted on a vehicle, and content (news, weather forecast, traffic jam information, store information, etc.) is received and provided to passengers in addition to telephone calls and e-mails. It has also become common.

JP 2003-134549 A

  By the way, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that power is wasted because the mobile communication device always performs the position confirmation operation. That is, in the above-described conventional technology, the area signal transmitted from the base station is always monitored so that communication can be secured immediately even when moving between areas, so there is no possibility of updating the location registration, for example. The position confirmation operation is performed wastefully even in the center of the area, and as a result, power is wasted.

  In particular, when a mobile communication device is mounted on a vehicle, it is common to share the same battery (power supply source) as other vehicle-mounted devices (for example, air conditioners, lights, audio, car navigation systems, etc.). However, as described above, when power is wasted by the mobile communication device, other vehicle-mounted devices and the operation of the vehicle are hindered, which is a serious problem.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a communication control device capable of smoothly switching a location registration area and saving power in a mobile communication device. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 performs mobile communication with a base station registered in one of a plurality of areas and installed in the area. A communication control device for controlling an in-vehicle mobile communication means, comprising: an operation timing control means for controlling an operation timing by the mobile communication means based on the necessity of switching the area where the position is registered. It is characterized by that.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the operation timing control means confirms whether or not the operation timing control means has moved from the position registered area to another area as an operation by the mobile communication means. The timing is controlled for the operation and / or an incoming call confirmation operation for checking whether there is an incoming call from the base station.

  In the invention according to claim 3, in the above invention, the operation timing control means controls the operation timing by the mobile communication means based on the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the base station. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the operation timing control means controls the timing of the operation by the mobile communication means based on the moving speed of the vehicle to be mounted. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the operation timing control means controls the operation timing of the mobile communication means based on whether or not the vehicle to be mounted is stopped. It is characterized by doing.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the operation timing control means controls the timing of the operation by the mobile communication means based on the moving distance of the vehicle to be mounted. To do.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the operation timing control means controls the operation timing by the mobile communication means based on the position of a vehicle to be mounted. .

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the operation timing control means controls the operation timing by the mobile communication means stepwise.

  The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the operation timing control means separately controls timings of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the operation timing control means is based on the urgency associated with the vehicle to be mounted, in addition to the necessity of switching the location registration area. It controls the timing of the operation by the mobile communication means.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the vehicle to be mounted comprises GPS communication means, ETC communication means, VICS communication means and / or LAN communication means, and the operation timing control Based on whether the vehicle is located in an area where the GPS communication means, ETC communication means, VICS communication means and / or LAN communication means can be used, the GPS communication means, ETC communication means, VICS The timing of operation by the communication unit and / or the LAN communication unit is further controlled.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a mobile communication apparatus that performs mobile communication with a base station that is registered in one of a plurality of areas and is installed in the area. It is characterized by comprising operation timing control means for controlling the operation timing based on the necessity of switching the area to be operated.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, when it is highly necessary to switch the location registration area, it is possible to smoothly switch the location registration area by shortening the operation interval by the mobile communication device. On the other hand, when the necessity of switching the location registration area is low, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the mobile communication device by increasing the operation interval of the mobile communication device. In addition, in order to save power of mobile communication devices mounted on vehicles, wasteful power consumption is suppressed for batteries (power supply sources) shared with other on-vehicle devices (air conditioners, lights, audio, car navigation systems, etc.). This makes it possible to ensure stable operation by other on-vehicle equipment.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the timing is controlled for the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation, the essential function of the mobile communication device is not impaired (the position confirmation operation which is an intermittent operation in the first place) Even if the operation interval is controlled for the incoming call confirmation operation, the essential function of the mobile communication device is not impaired), it is possible to smoothly switch the location registration area and save power of the mobile communication device. become.

  According to the invention of claim 3, for example, if the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the base station is low, the operation interval is shortened as being close to the cell boundary (area boundary), while if the electric field strength is high. It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the electric field strength whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the location registration area, such as increasing the operation interval assuming that the cell is separated from the cell boundary.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 4, for example, if the moving speed of the vehicle is high, the time interval for moving between the areas is also short, and the operation interval is shortened. It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the moving speed of the vehicle whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the position registration area, for example, by increasing the operation interval by assuming that the time interval for moving is long.

  According to the invention of claim 5, for example, if the vehicle is moving, the operation interval is shortened because there is a possibility of moving between the areas. On the other hand, if the vehicle is stopped, it moves between the areas. Therefore, it is possible to control the operation timing by determining whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the position registration area, for example, by extending the operation interval because there is no possibility of such a situation. In particular, if the operation interval is increased in a state where the vehicle is stopped and the battery is not charged, it is possible to obtain a great benefit from power saving under a non-charged state.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 6, for example, is it necessary to switch the position registration area, for example, when the vehicle is moved to the same distance as the arrangement interval of the area and is activated as being moved between the areas? It becomes possible to control the operation timing by judging whether or not from the moving distance of the vehicle.

  According to the invention of claim 7, for example, map data reflecting an area is provided on a map, and the operation interval is shortened if the position of the vehicle is close to the area boundary, while the position of the vehicle is the area. If it is away from the boundary, it is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the position of the vehicle whether or not it is highly necessary to switch the position registration area, such as increasing the operation interval.

  In addition, according to the invention of claim 8, for example, the operation interval is increased stepwise as the moving speed of the vehicle becomes slow, and further, when the vehicle stops, no operation is performed. Can be controlled from a more practical viewpoint.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, for example, the interval between the position confirmation operations is changed according to the necessity of switching the location registration area, while the incoming confirmation operation is always maintained at a short interval, thereby enabling mobile communication. It is possible to ensure smooth communication while reducing the power consumption of the apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 10, for example, in an emergency where communication is highly necessary such as when a theft occurs or an accident occurs, the operation interval by the mobile communication device is made shorter than normal. Thus, the switching of the location registration area can be further smoothed, and emergency communication can be secured immediately.

  In addition, according to the invention of claim 11, the communication device such as GPS communication, ETC communication, VICS communication, and LAN communication mounted on the vehicle is limited to the case where the vehicle is located in an area where each communication device can be used. By operating the corresponding communication devices, it is possible to save power for these communication devices.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, for example, when there is a high need to switch the location registration area, it is possible to smoothly switch the location registration area by shortening the operation interval. On the other hand, when the necessity of switching the location registration area is low, it is possible to save power by increasing the operation interval.

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication control device and a mobile communication device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the case where the mobile communication device mounted on the vehicle is controlled as the first embodiment, and then the present invention is applied to the mobile communication device itself. Will be described as Example 2.

  In the following embodiment 1, after explaining the main terms used in the embodiment, the outline and features of the communication control device according to the embodiment 1, the configuration of each device connected to the communication control device, the configuration of the communication control device, A communication control processing procedure, effects of the first embodiment, and the like will be described in order.

[Explanation of Terms (Example 1)]
First, main terms used in this embodiment will be described. “Mobile communication device (corresponding to“ mobile communication means ”and“ mobile communication device ”described in the claims”) used in this embodiment is a so-called mobile phone terminal or PHS (Personal Handyphone System). ) A terminal such as a terminal that performs mobile communication with a base station that is registered in one of a plurality of areas and installed in the area. In this embodiment, an area where radio waves reach from one base station is described as `` cell '', and an area which is composed of a plurality of cells and is a unit of location registration is described as `` area ''. When one cell is a unit for location registration, this cell corresponds to an “area” described in the claims.

  Further, the “incoming call confirmation operation (corresponding to“ operation by mobile communication means ”described in the claims)” used in the present embodiment is an operation by the mobile communication device described above, and is a base station. This is an operation for confirming whether or not the signal transmitted from the mobile station contains a telephone connection request or data addressed to itself. Further, the “location confirmation operation (corresponding to“ operation by mobile communication means ”described in the claims)” used in the present embodiment is an operation by the mobile communication device described above, and is a base station. This is an operation of monitoring whether or not to switch the location registration area by monitoring the area signal transmitted from the terminal.

[Outline and Features of Communication Control Device (Example 1)]
Next, the outline and characteristics of the communication control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline and features of the communication control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The target controlled by the communication control device according to the first embodiment is a mobile communication device mounted on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, such a mobile communication device receives not only phone calls and e-mails but also contents (news, weather forecasts, traffic jam information, store information, etc.) from a base station and provides them to a vehicle passenger. After the so-called position registration, the above-described position confirmation operation and incoming call confirmation operation are executed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, each base station in the communication network always transmits a beacon including an area signal for transmitting position information. Then, the mobile communication device monitors the area signal transmitted from the base station, and when the area where the mobile communication device is located has changed, requests to switch the location registration area via the base station for the changed area. To do. That is, in the mobile communication device, if the movement is within the same area even if the cell is moved, the mobile communication device does not request the location registration update, and moves between the areas that are unit of location registration. Request location registration update.

  Also, in the mobile communication device, as an incoming call confirmation operation, it is confirmed whether or not a signal transmitted from the base station includes a telephone connection request or data addressed to itself, and a telephone connection request addressed to itself is included. If there is any data (email, content, etc.) addressed to itself, the telephone is called.

  The communication control device according to the first embodiment controls the timing of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation by the mobile communication device, that is, the position confirmation operation and the incoming call based on the necessity of switching the position registration area. The main feature is that the interval of the confirmation operation is controlled. Specifically, when there is a high need to switch the location registration area, it is necessary to switch the location registration area smoothly by shortening the operation interval by the mobile communication device, while switching the location registration area. When the performance is low, power saving of the mobile communication device is achieved by increasing the operation interval of the mobile communication device.

  Furthermore, the communication control apparatus according to the first embodiment is mainly characterized in that the operation timing by the mobile communication apparatus is controlled based on the urgency (necessity of communication) related to the vehicle. Specifically, in emergency situations where the need for communication is high, such as when a theft occurs or an accident occurs, the location of the location registration area can be switched by making the operation interval of the mobile communication device shorter than normal. It is smoother and ensures emergency communications as soon as possible.

[Configuration of Mobile Communication Device (Embodiment 1)]
Next, the configuration of the mobile communication device connected to the communication control device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication control device according to the first embodiment and the configuration of another device connected to the communication control device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the communication control device 40 according to the first embodiment includes a mobile communication device 10, a navigation device 32, a vehicle speed sensor 33, an IG switch (ignition switch) 34, a P brake (parking brake) 35, a shift ( Transmission) 36, theft sensor 37, and the like. The mobile communication device 10 and the navigation device 32 are connected to an input / output system 20 including a microphone 21, an operation panel 22, a speaker 23, and a display 24. Further, the navigation device 32 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) communication unit. 31 is connected.

  Among these, the mobile communication device 10 is a communication device that performs mobile communication with a base station, such as a so-called mobile phone terminal or PHS terminal. More specifically, when the mobile communication device 10 receives a telephone connection request addressed to itself, the mobile communication device 10 calls the phone from the speaker 23 or the display 24, and when the line with the destination is connected, the microphone 21 and the speaker are also connected. When voice data is input / output via the terminal 23 and data (mail, content, etc.) addressed to itself is received, the incoming data is output from the speaker 23 or the display 24. When a call or mail is accepted via the operation panel 22, a telephone connection request or mail is sent to the base station.

  The navigation device 32 is a device that sets and guides the travel route of the host vehicle. More specifically, the navigation device 32 acquires the current position of the host vehicle using the GPS communication unit 31, identifies the road on which the host vehicle is traveling using the map data, and uses the speaker 23 and the display 24 to route the route. Perform guidance. Furthermore, the operation content with respect to the navigation apparatus 32 is received via the microphone 21 or the operation panel 22.

  The vehicle speed sensor 33 is a sensor that acquires the rotational speed of the tire and measures the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. The IG switch 34 is a switch that receives start and stop of the engine and the electric system. Specifically, the engine and electric system are started at the position “ST”, the engine and electric system are turned on at the position “ACC ON”, and the engine is stopped at the position “ACC OFF” (the electric system is The engine and electrical system are stopped at the “OFF” position.

  The P brake 35 is a brake for parking the vehicle, and the vehicle stops with the P brake 35 pulled. The shift (transmission) 36 is a device for changing gears. For example, the vehicle stops at a neutral position. Furthermore, the theft detection sensor 37 is a sensor that detects theft of the vehicle using, for example, a camera or a vibration sensor.

  Here, the mobile communication device 10 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile communication device 10 includes an antenna 11, an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 12, an AD / DA unit 13, and a BB. (Base Band) unit 14, ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, and control unit (Central Processing Unit) 17.

  Among these, the antenna 11 transmits and receives signals to and from the base station. The RF unit 12 is a processing unit that converts a received signal in a high frequency band into a low frequency and converts the frequency of a signal to be transmitted into a high frequency. The AD / DA unit 13 is a processing unit that converts a received digital signal into an analog signal and converts an analog signal to be transmitted into a digital signal. Further, the BB unit 14 is a processing unit that demodulates and decodes a received signal and modulates and encodes a signal to be transmitted.

  The ROM 15 is a memory for storing a terminal-specific number assigned to the mobile communication device 10, a terminal phone number, an address book, a downloaded application, and the like. A RAM 16 is stored in a control unit (CPU) 17. A memory used as a work area. Further, the control unit 17 is a processing unit that controls the entire mobile communication device 10, and the function closely related to the present invention is described above according to the operation timing instructed by the communication control device 40 described later. Execute location confirmation operation and incoming call confirmation operation.

[Configuration of Communication Control Device (Example 1)]
Next, the configuration of the communication control apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the determination condition table of the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication control device 40 includes a determination condition table 41 and an operation timing control unit 42. As shown in FIG. 3, the determination condition table 41 includes a condition (determination condition) that triggers the mobile communication device 10 to instruct operation timing, and an operation timing to be instructed when the condition is satisfied. The contents and the priority order indicating the conditions to be prioritized when a plurality of conditions are duplicated are stored in association with each other.

  More specifically, as will be described below with reference to an example, the registration content of the determination condition table 41 is an operation performed by the mobile communication device 10 (position confirmation operation and On the other hand, when the necessity of switching the location registration area is low, the operation interval by the mobile communication device 10 is increased.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the determination condition table 41, the operation interval is shortened as the moving speed of the vehicle is faster (the operation interval is lengthened as the moving speed is slower). This is because the time interval for moving between areas is short if the moving speed of the vehicle is fast, so there is a high need to switch between location registration areas, while the time interval for moving between areas is low if the moving speed is slow. This is because the necessity for switching the location registration area is considered to be low.

  As shown in the figure, in the determination condition table 41, if the vehicle is stopped, the operation interval is further increased. This is because there is a possibility of moving between areas if the vehicle is moving, so there is a high need to switch location registration areas, while there is no possibility of moving between areas if the vehicle is stopped. This is because the necessity of switching the location registration area is considered to be low.

  As shown in the figure, the determination condition table 41 does not operate at all when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is OFF. This is because if the vehicle is stopped, there is no possibility of moving between areas, and the necessity of switching the position registration area is considered to be low. In particular, in a state where the engine is OFF and the battery is not charged, it is considered that the benefit of stopping the operation of the mobile communication device 10 is great.

  Further, as shown in the figure, in the determination condition table 41, the lower the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the base station (the signal received by the antenna 11 of the mobile communication device 10), the shorter the operation interval (the electric field strength). The higher it is, the longer the operation interval is). This is because it is close to the cell boundary (area boundary) if the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the base station is low, so there is a high need to switch the location registration area, while if the electric field strength is high, it is far from the cell boundary. This is because the necessity of switching the location registration area is considered to be low.

  Further, as shown in the figure, in the determination condition table 41, the operation interval is shortened as the vehicle position is closer to the area boundary (the operation interval is increased as the vehicle position is farther from the area boundary). Yes. This is because if the vehicle position is close to the area boundary, it is highly necessary to switch the position registration area, while if the vehicle position is far from the area boundary, it is considered less necessary to switch the position registration area. is there.

  Also, as shown in the figure, in the determination condition table 41, the operation interval is set to be shorter than normal when a theft occurs when the theft sensor 37 reacts. In an emergency such as when a theft occurs, there is a high need to quickly secure communication, for example, by transmitting vehicle information (for example, location information) from the vehicle to the center to help with recovery of the stolen vehicle. This is because it is considered highly necessary to smoothly switch the location registration area.

  Then, the operation timing control unit 42 determines whether or not the determination condition of the determination condition table 41 described above is satisfied. If the predetermined determination condition is satisfied, the operation timing control unit 42 stores the determination condition table 41 in association with the determination condition. The mobile communication device 10 is instructed about the content of the operation timing being performed. In addition, when a plurality of determination conditions are satisfied, the contents of the operation timing of the determination condition with the highest priority stored in the determination condition table 41 are stored in the mobile communication device in order to avoid conflict of operation timing. 10 is instructed.

  Here, the determination as to whether or not the determination condition stored in the determination condition table 41 is satisfied is performed by using the mobile communication device 10, the navigation device 32, the vehicle speed sensor 33, and the IG switch 34 as described below with reference to an example. , P brake 35, shift 36, theft sensor 37, and the like based on information acquired from various devices mounted on the vehicle.

  For example, the moving speed of the vehicle is acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 33, and whether or not the vehicle is stopped is determined from the states of the IG switch 34, the P brake 35, the shift 36, etc., and whether the engine is OFF. Whether or not is determined from the state of the IG switch 34 or the like, the electric field strength is acquired from the antenna 11 of the mobile communication device 10, and whether or not the vehicle is in a theft state is determined from the state of the theft sensor 37. The current position of the vehicle is acquired from the navigation device 32. Specifically, the navigation device 32 includes map data reflecting the area on the map, and the relationship between the area and the current position of the vehicle. From this, it is determined whether the position of the vehicle is close to the area boundary.

  By the way, the registered contents of the determination condition table 41 may be set by the user via the input / output system 20. Further, instead of avoiding the competition of the operation timing according to the priority order registered in the determination condition table 41, only the combination of the determination condition and the operation timing that does not cause the conflict may be registered in the determination condition table 41.

  Furthermore, the content of the determination condition table 41 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and other determination conditions and operations are necessary from the viewpoint of the necessity of switching the location registration area and the urgency (necessity of communication) related to the vehicle. You may make it register a timing similarly. In addition, the determination as to whether or not the determination condition stored in the determination condition table 41 is satisfied is not limited to the case where the determination is made based on the information acquired from each device described above, but is acquired from another device mounted on the vehicle. The determination may be made based on the information.

[Communication Control Processing Procedure (Example 1)]
Subsequently, a communication control processing procedure by the communication control device 40 and the mobile communication device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication control processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, when the mobile communication device 10 is turned on, the communication control device 40 continuously determines whether or not the determination condition in the determination condition table 41 is satisfied (step S1). Specifically, based on information acquired from various devices mounted on the vehicle such as the mobile communication device 10, the navigation device 32, the vehicle speed sensor 33, the IG switch 34, the P brake 35, the shift 36, and the theft sensor 37. It is determined whether or not the determination condition is satisfied.

  When any one of the determination conditions stored in the determination condition table 41 is satisfied (Yes at Step S1), the communication control device 40 associates the determination conditions with the operation timing stored in the determination condition table 41. Is instructed to the mobile communication device 10 (step S2). When a plurality of determination conditions are satisfied, the mobile communication device 10 is instructed about the contents of the operation timing for the determination condition with the highest priority.

  On the other hand, when the mobile communication device 10 receives an operation timing instruction from the communication control device 40 (Yes in step S3), the mobile communication device 10 operates at the instructed operation timing (step S4). Specifically, the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation are executed at an operation interval instructed from the communication control device 40. The location registration update process after the location confirmation operation and the incoming call processing after the incoming call confirmation operation are normal.

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, for example, when it is highly necessary to switch the position registration area, the operation registration by the mobile communication device 10 is shortened so that the position registration area can be smoothly switched. On the other hand, when the necessity of switching the location registration area is low, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the mobile communication device 10 by increasing the operation interval of the mobile communication device 10. It becomes possible.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, in order to save power of the mobile communication device 10 mounted on a vehicle, a battery (power supply source) shared with other on-vehicle devices (air conditioner, light, audio, car navigation system, etc.) ), It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption and to ensure stable operation by other on-vehicle equipment.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the timing is controlled for the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation, so that the essential function of the mobile communication device 10 is not impaired (the position confirmation operation and the incoming call which are intermittent operations in the first place). Even if the operation interval is controlled for the confirmation operation, the essential function of the mobile communication device is not impaired), it is possible to smoothly switch the location registration area and save power in the mobile communication terminal 10. become.

  Also, according to the first embodiment, for example, if the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the base station is low, the operation interval is shortened as close to the cell boundary (area boundary), while if the electric field strength is high, the cell boundary It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the electric field strength whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the position registration area, for example, by extending the operation interval assuming that it is far from the operation.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, if the moving speed of the vehicle is high, the time interval for moving between the areas is also short, and the operation interval is shortened. On the other hand, if the moving speed is low, the moving speed is low. It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the moving speed of the vehicle whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the position registration area, for example, by increasing the operation interval with a long time interval.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, for example, if the vehicle is moving, the operation interval may be shortened because there is a possibility of moving between the areas. On the other hand, if the vehicle is stopped, it is possible to move between the areas. It is possible to control the operation timing by determining whether or not there is a high necessity for switching the position registration area, for example, by extending the operation interval because there is no possibility, from the movement or stop of the vehicle. In particular, if the operation interval is increased in a state where the vehicle is stopped and the battery is not charged, it is possible to obtain a great benefit from power saving under a non-charged state.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, map data reflecting an area is provided on a map, and if the position of the vehicle is close to the area boundary, the operation interval is shortened. On the other hand, the position of the vehicle is separated from the area boundary. It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the position of the vehicle whether or not it is highly necessary to switch the position registration area, such as increasing the operation interval if it is away.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, the operation interval is increased stepwise as the moving speed of the vehicle becomes slower, and further, when the vehicle stops, the operation timing is further increased. It becomes possible to control from a practical viewpoint.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, in an emergency where communication is highly necessary such as when a theft occurs or an accident occurs, the operation interval by the mobile communication device is made shorter than normal, The switching of the location registration area can be further smoothed, and emergency communication can be secured immediately.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, another embodiment included in the present invention will be described below as a second embodiment.

(1) Individual control of operation timing For example, in the first embodiment, the case where the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation are operated at the same timing has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, the timings of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation may be controlled separately.

  In this way, if the timings of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation are controlled separately, for example, the interval between the position confirmation operations is changed according to the necessity of switching the location registration area, while the incoming call confirmation operation is performed. Can always maintain a short interval and the like, and it is possible to ensure smooth communication while reducing the power consumption of the mobile communication device 10.

(2) Control based on moving distance Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the operation timing is controlled based on the moving speed of the vehicle has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the operation timing may be controlled based on the moving distance of the vehicle, such as controlling the mobile communication device 10 so as to execute the position confirmation operation every time the vehicle moves 100 m. .

  In this way, if the operation timing is controlled based on the moving distance of the vehicle, for example, the active distance is assumed to have moved between the areas each time the vehicle moves the same distance as the arrangement interval of the areas. It is possible to control the operation timing by judging from the moving distance of the vehicle whether or not it is highly necessary to switch the position registration area.

(3) Control based on urgency Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the operation timing is controlled based on whether or not the theft has occurred has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even in an emergency where communication is highly necessary, such as when an accident or a sick person occurs, the operation interval by the mobile communication device 10 may be made shorter than usual, as in the case of theft. . For example, whether or not an accident has occurred is detected from the state of the airbag or shift, etc., and whether or not a sick person has occurred depends on the camera image or the emergency button pressed by the passenger, etc. Detect from.

(4) Control over Other Communication Devices In the first embodiment, the case where the operation of the mobile communication device 10 is controlled has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, as illustrated in FIG. As with the mobile communication device 10, the operation timing of other communication devices such as the GPS communication unit 31, the ETC communication unit 51, the VICS communication unit 52, and the LAN communication unit 53 mounted on the vehicle is controlled. You may do it.

  That is, for example, the communication control device 40 monitors whether or not the vehicle is located in an area where these communication devices can be used, from the information of the navigation device 32, and the like. If the corresponding communication device is operated only when the vehicle is located, it is possible to save power for these communication devices.

(5) Device Configuration In the first embodiment, the case where the mobile communication device 10 and the communication control device 40 are separately configured has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the determination condition table 15 a (corresponding to the determination condition table 41 in the first embodiment) is mounted on the ROM 15 of the mobile communication device 60, and the operation timing is also provided to the control unit 17 of the mobile communication device 60. The mobile communication device 60 may be configured by integrating the functions of the communication control device 40 according to the first embodiment, such as mounting the control unit 17a (corresponding to the operation timing control unit 42 in the first embodiment). Good.

  Further, the components of the mobile communication device 10 and the communication control device 40 shown in FIG. 2 and the mobile communication device 60 shown in FIG. It doesn't need to be configured. That is, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, for example, the functions of the AD / DA unit 13 and the BB unit 14 of the mobile communication device 10 are integrated into the control unit 17. Alternatively, a part can be configured to be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various loads or usage conditions. Further, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, information including various data and parameters shown in the document and drawings (in particular, information stored in the determination condition table 41 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) ) Can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified.

(6) Mobile communication apparatus unrelated to vehicle In the first embodiment, the case where the operation timing is controlled for the mobile communication apparatus 10 mounted on the vehicle has been described, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the above-described operation timing control can be applied to the mobile communication device 70 itself regardless of whether or not it is mounted on a vehicle.

  That is, in this case, as shown in the figure, the mobile communication device 70 is equipped with the determination condition table 15a (corresponding to the determination condition table 41 in the first embodiment) in the ROM 15, and the control unit 17 also. Are mounted with an operation timing control unit 17a (corresponding to the operation timing control unit 42 in the first embodiment), and further, a GPS communication unit 31, a navigation device 32, and an input / output system 20 (microphone 21, operation panel 22, speaker 23). And a display 24).

  For example, the navigation device 32 includes map data that reflects the area on the map, and the operation timing control unit 17a of the control unit 17 automatically determines the relationship between the area and the current position of the terminal itself. Whether the terminal is close to the area boundary is monitored, and the operation interval of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation is shortened as the terminal is closer to the area boundary. This makes it possible to smoothly switch the location registration area and save power in the mobile communication device 70 regardless of whether it is mounted on the vehicle.

  The communication control method described in the first and second embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a mobile phone terminal or a PHS terminal. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

  As described above, the communication control device and the mobile communication device according to the present invention are useful for mobile communication, and are particularly suitable for smooth switching of the location registration area and power saving.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview and characteristics of a communication control apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to a first embodiment and a configuration of another device connected to the communication control device. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in the determination condition table of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication control processing procedure according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in the determination condition table of another Example. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation timing in another Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication control apparatus which concerns on another Example, and the structure of the other apparatus connected with the said communication control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication control apparatus which concerns on another Example, and the structure of the other apparatus connected with the said communication control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile communication apparatus which concerns on another Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile communication apparatus 11 Antenna 12 RF (Radio Frequency) part 13 AD / DA part 14 BB (Base Band) part 15 ROM (Read Only Memory)
16 RAM (Random Access Memory)
17 Control Unit (Central Processing Unit)
20 Input / Output System 21 Microphone 22 Operation Panel 23 Speaker 24 Display 31 GPS (Global Positioning System) Communication Unit 32 Navigation Device 33 Vehicle Speed Sensor 34 IG Switch (Ignition Switch)
35 P brake (parking brake)
36 shift (transmission)
37 Theft Sensor

Claims (12)

A communication control device that controls a vehicle-mounted mobile communication means for performing mobile communication with a base station that is registered in one of a plurality of areas and installed in the area,
A communication control apparatus comprising operation timing control means for controlling operation timing by the mobile communication means based on the necessity of switching the area to be registered.   The operation timing control means, as the operation by the mobile communication means, confirms whether the mobile station has moved from the registered area to another area and / or whether an incoming call is received from the base station. The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein timing is controlled for an incoming call confirmation operation to be confirmed.   The communication control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation timing control means controls the operation timing of the mobile communication means based on the electric field strength of a signal transmitted from the base station. .   The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation timing control unit controls a timing of an operation by the mobile communication unit based on a moving speed of a vehicle to be mounted. Control device.   The operation timing control means controls the operation timing of the mobile communication means based on whether or not the vehicle to be mounted is stopped. The communication control device according to one.   The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation timing control unit controls a timing of an operation by the mobile communication unit based on a moving distance of a vehicle to be mounted. Control device.   The communication control according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation timing control unit controls a timing of an operation by the mobile communication unit based on a position of a vehicle to be mounted. apparatus.   The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation timing control unit controls the operation timing of the mobile communication unit in a stepwise manner.   The communication control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation timing control unit separately controls timings of the position confirmation operation and the incoming call confirmation operation.   The operation timing control means controls the timing of the operation by the mobile communication means based on the urgency related to the vehicle to be mounted in addition to the necessity of switching the area where the position is registered. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The vehicle to be mounted includes GPS communication means, ETC communication means, VICS communication means and / or LAN communication means,
The operation timing control means is based on whether the vehicle is located in an area where the GPS communication means, ETC communication means, VICS communication means and / or LAN communication means can be used. The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, further controlling timing of operations performed by the communication unit, the VICS communication unit, and / or the LAN communication unit. A mobile communication device that performs mobile communication with a base station that is registered in one of a plurality of areas and installed in the area,
A mobile communication apparatus comprising operation timing control means for controlling operation timing based on the necessity to switch the area to be registered.

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