JP2007189273A - Mobile communication system, network apparatus, and access system selecting method used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile communication system capable of notifying a service user that the other optimum access system is available during using the service without causing exhaustion of power consumption of a mobile terminal. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile terminal management server 1 in a core network 100 manages the mobile state of a mobile terminal 2 connected to an access system 202, and an access system to which the mobile terminal 2 can be connected. The server 1 detects the other optimum access system 203 overlayed to the access system 202 to which the mobile terminal 2 is connected in response to the mobile state of the mobile terminal 2, and then, notifies the mobile terminal 2 about the information of the detected optimum access system 203. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile communication system, a network device, an access system selection method used therefor, and a program therefor, and more particularly, to an access system selection method used by a mobile terminal in a mobile communication system.

  In recent years, 2G (second generation), 3G (third generation), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WiMAX, and the like have been put to practical use as mobile terminal communication systems. A technique for enabling use has also been proposed.

  The technology that enables this multiple systems to be used in one terminal is that the switching center decides which communication system or provider the terminal is connected to, and supports multiple modes using the selected communication system or provider. There is a method of connecting a line with a mobile terminal (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  As another technique, the multi-service terminal detects the position of the local station and sends the position information to the management server. There is a method of selecting and using a radio system that is optimal for the selection condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-010347 A JP 2003-259457 A

  In the above-described conventional mobile communication system, in a scene where a service user is connected to a certain access system and receives a service by using a mobile terminal equipped with a plurality of wireless network interfaces, another suitable access is provided. Even if the system exists, there is a problem that the access system cannot be changed unless the service user actively tries to know the existence of the access system.

  Even in the technique described in Patent Document 2 above, in a situation where a multi-service terminal is connected to a certain access system to receive a service, even if another suitable access system exists, the position information is managed by the management server. Since the information on the available wireless system cannot be obtained unless it is sent to, the access system cannot be changed unless the service user actively tries to know the existence of the access system.

  Although the multi-service terminal can always obtain the information of the wireless system that can be used by always sending the location information to the management server, there is a problem that the power consumption of the multi-service terminal is consumed in this case. Even when a service is being provided, information on a wireless system that can be used is always received, and the service user may feel annoying.

  In addition, in a conventional mobile communication system, it is necessary to constantly monitor the radio waves of all access systems in order to detect an access system that can be used by a mobile terminal equipped with a plurality of wireless network interfaces. There is a problem of exhausting.

  Even in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since it is not known which communication system or operator the exchange station determines, it is necessary to constantly monitor the radio waves of all access systems on the mobile terminal side, and the power consumption of the mobile terminal There is a problem of exhausting.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and allow the service user to know that there is another optimal access system while using the service without incurring power consumption of the mobile terminal. It is to provide a body communication system, a network device, an access system selection method used therefor, and a program thereof.

A mobile communication system according to the present invention is a mobile communication system including a network device that accommodates a plurality of different types of access systems connectable from a mobile terminal,
The mobile terminal has a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to the plurality of access systems;
The network device includes: a detecting unit that detects a moving state of the mobile terminal; and an optimum type for a condition set by the mobile terminal in an access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on a detection result of the detecting unit. Selection means for selecting the access system, and notification means for notifying the mobile terminal of the selection result of the selection means.

A network device according to the present invention is a network device that accommodates a plurality of access systems connectable from a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to different types of access systems,
A detecting means for detecting a moving state of the mobile terminal, and an access system of the type most suitable for the conditions set by the mobile terminal is selected from the access systems to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection result of the detecting means And a notification means for notifying the mobile terminal of the selection result of the selection means.

An access system selection method according to the present invention includes a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to a plurality of access systems of different types, and a network device that accommodates the plurality of access systems of different types. An access system selection method for use in a body communication system, comprising:
The network device detects the moving state of the mobile terminal, and the type most suitable for the conditions set by the mobile terminal in the access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection result of the detection process And a notification process for notifying the mobile terminal of the selection result of the selection process.

An access system selection method program according to the present invention comprises: a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to a plurality of access systems of different types; and a network device that accommodates the plurality of access systems of different types. An access system selection method program for use in a mobile communication system including:
Optimal for the conditions set by the mobile terminal in the access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection process for detecting the movement state of the mobile terminal to the computer of the network device and the detection result of the detection process A selection process for selecting a different type of access system and a notification process for notifying the mobile terminal of the selection result of the selection process are executed.

  That is, the mobile communication system of the present invention includes a plurality of wireless systems in a network device that accommodates a plurality of access systems [second generation (3G) / 3rd generation (3G) / Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) / WiMAX / others]. It is characterized in that the movement state of a mobile terminal implementing a network interface is managed, and the network device selects an optimal access system and notifies the mobile terminal.

  More specifically, in the mobile communication system of the present invention, the core network accommodates a plurality of access systems managed by the service provider. The access system is one access system connected to a network device (mobile terminal management server) that accommodates a plurality of access systems, such as a 2G access point, a 3G access point, and a WLAN access point. A mobile terminal is a terminal in which a plurality of wireless network interfaces possessed by a service user are installed. For example, 3G and WLAN are installed, and 3G and WLAN access systems can be used.

  The core network manages the movement state of the mobile terminal connected to the access system and the access system type to which the mobile terminal can be connected. The access system to which the mobile terminal is connected depends on the movement state of the mobile terminal. When another optimum access system that has been overlaid is detected, the detected optimum access system is notified to the mobile terminal.

  Thereby, in the mobile communication system of the present invention, it is possible to notify the service user that there is another optimal access system, and the service user can select the optimal access system. .

  In addition, since the core network detects whether there is another access system near the access point of the access system used by the mobile terminal, it is not necessary for the mobile terminal to constantly monitor the radio waves of all access systems. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the power consumption of the mobile terminal.

  In other words, in the mobile communication system of the present invention, the service user is actively engaged in a situation where the service user is connected to a certain access system using a mobile terminal equipped with a plurality of wireless network interfaces to receive service. Because the core network as a service provider notifies you of the existence of other optimal access systems without searching for the existence of other access systems, for example, using a 3G access system while moving When a service user performing data access is stationary, if it is known that there is a WLAN access point that can access high-speed data compared to a 3G access system, the service user can provide a faster service. The merit that it becomes possible to receive is obtained.

  Further, in the mobile communication system of the present invention, the service provider allows the stationary service user to actively use the WLAN by coexisting the WLAN and 3G in a densely populated area. Effective utilization is possible. Generally, the installation cost is higher for the 3G access point than for the WLAN access point, so that the service provider can obtain the merit that the investment cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the mobile communication system of the present invention, assuming a mobile terminal that can use WLAN and 3G, for example, in a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces, a service user selects 3G and is communicating. By disconnecting the other WLAN radio wave monitoring function performed by the mobile terminal, the power consumption of the mobile terminal can be improved. In this case, if the WLAN access point is nearby, the core network notifies that fact, so that the service user can use the WLAN.

  By adopting the above-described configuration and operation, the present invention allows the service user to know that there is another optimal access system while using the service without incurring power consumption of the mobile terminal. The effect is obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mobile terminal management server 1 (network device), a mobile terminal 2 and access systems 201 to 203 in a core network 100.

  The core network 100 is a network that accommodates a plurality of access systems 201 to 203 [2G (second generation) / 3G (third generation) / WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) / WiMAX / others] managed by a service provider. A mobile terminal management server 1 is disposed inside.

  The access system 201 is one access system connected to the mobile terminal management server 1, and is, for example, a 2G access point. The access system 202 is one access system connected to the mobile terminal management server 1, and is, for example, a 3G access point. The access system 203 is one access system connected to the mobile terminal management server 1, and is, for example, a WLAN access point.

  The mobile terminal 2 is a terminal in which a wireless network interface is implemented in order to use the plurality of access systems 201 to 203 possessed by a service user, and for example, 3G and WLAN wireless network interfaces are implemented. It is a terminal.

  The mobile terminal management server 1 in the core network 100 manages the movement state of the mobile terminal 2 connected to the access system 202 and the access system type to which the mobile terminal 2 can be connected. When the mobile terminal management server 1 detects another optimal access system 203 overlaid on the access system 202 to which the mobile terminal 2 is connected, the mobile terminal 2 detects the optimum detected by the mobile terminal 2 according to the movement state of the mobile terminal 2. Information on the access system 203 is notified.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the service user can be notified that there is another optimal access system, and the service user can select the optimal access system.

  Further, since the mobile terminal management server 1 detects whether there is another access system 203 near the access point of the access system 202 used by the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal 2 always keeps all the access systems 201. Since it is not necessary to perform radio wave monitoring of .about.203, the power consumption of the mobile terminal 2 can be improved.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal management server 1 of FIG. 2, the mobile terminal management server 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11, a main memory 12 that stores a control program 12 a executed by the CPU 11, and mobile terminals (# 1 to # 1) that store management information for each mobile terminal 2. #M) A storage device 13 that includes management information storage units 131 to 13m and is used as a work area when the CPU 11 executes the control program 12a, and a communication control unit 14 that controls communication between the access systems 201 to 203 It is composed of

  The CPU 11, the main memory 12, the storage device 13, and the communication control unit 14 are connected to the internal bus 110, respectively. Further, the management information for each mobile terminal 2 may be stored in one table without being stored in an individual storage unit.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the management information for each mobile terminal 2 stored in the storage device 13 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the management information for each mobile terminal 2 includes the access system type that is available for each mobile terminal possessed by the service user (mobile terminal # 1 to mobile terminal #m), the currently connected access system, and the usage access. A system connection time timer threshold value, a connection time from the occurrence of a connected access system switching process, and service request conditions are managed.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile terminal management server 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the mobile terminal management server 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 is realized by the CPU 11 executing the control program 12a in the mobile terminal management server 1.

  FIG. 4 shows processing of the mobile terminal management server 1 when the mobile terminal 2 performs pre-registration with the mobile terminal management server 1. When the service user of the mobile terminal 2 uses the optimum access system selection function (step S1 in FIG. 4), the mobile terminal management server 1 registers all the access system types that can be connected to the mobile terminal 2 in the storage device 13 ( 4 (step S2 in FIG. 4), registration of the use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold value in the storage device 13 (step S3 in FIG. 4), and registration of the service request condition desired by the service user in the storage device 13 (step S4 in FIG. 4). Do.

  As the service request conditions, for example, conditions such as selecting from an access system with a low usage fee, selecting from an access system with a high-speed bandwidth, or selecting from an access system with many available access points are registered in advance. It will be.

  FIG. 5 shows the processing of the mobile terminal management server 1 when an access system is selected. The mobile terminal management server 1 manages the movement frequency of the service user of the mobile terminal 2 during the time that the mobile terminal 2 is connected to the same access point without switching the access point of the connected access system.

  When movement occurs in the service user and access point switching of the connected access system occurs (step S11 in FIG. 5), the mobile terminal management server 1 resets and initializes the managed access system connection time monitoring timer. (Step S12 in FIG. 5).

  If there is no movement of the service user and access point switching of the connected access system does not occur (step S11 in FIG. 5), the use access system connection time monitoring timer value managed by the mobile terminal management server 1 is registered in advance. It is determined whether or not the used access system connection time monitoring timer threshold has been exceeded (step S13 in FIG. 5).

  When the managed use access system connection time monitoring timer value exceeds the pre-registered use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold, the mobile terminal management server 1 determines whether there is another access system that can be used by the service user. It detects (step S14 in FIG. 5).

  When the mobile terminal management server 1 detects other available access systems, the mobile terminal management server 1 compares all the detected access systems with the service request conditions pre-registered by the service user (step S15 in FIG. 5). When detected, the service user of the mobile terminal 2 is notified of the detected optimum access system information (step S16 in FIG. 5).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the service user is actively provided in a situation where the service user is connected to a certain access system using the mobile terminal 2 that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces to receive service. Even if the existence of other access systems is not searched for, the core network as the service provider notifies the existence of other optimal access systems, so that service users use other optimal access systems. Can do.

  For example, when a service user who is accessing data using a 3G access system while moving is stationary, there is a WLAN access point that can access data at a higher speed than the 3G access system. If it is understood, the service user can obtain a merit of being able to receive a higher-speed service.

  In this embodiment, the service provider allows the stationary service user to actively use the WLAN by coexisting the WLAN and 3G in a densely populated area, thereby effectively utilizing the 3G cell. be able to. In this case, since the installation cost of the access point is generally higher for the 3G access point than for the WLAN access point, there is an advantage that the service provider can suppress the investment cost of the access point.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, assuming that a mobile terminal that implements a wireless network interface of WLAN and 3G is assumed in a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of radio network interfaces, the service user selects 3G and is moving during communication. The power consumption of the mobile terminal can be improved by disconnecting the radio wave monitoring function of the other WLAN performed by the terminal. In this case, if the WLAN access point is nearby, the mobile terminal management server 1 notifies that the WLAN access point is nearby, so that the service user of the mobile terminal 2 also uses the WLAN. The advantage of being able to

  In the present invention, the service user is notified of the result when the other access system optimum for the conditions pre-registered by the service user is detected. However, the mobile terminal management server 1 is notified of the access system switching. In this case, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the service user is not conscious of switching of the access system by setting in advance so that the mobile terminal 2 automatically performs the process of switching the access system according to the switching instruction. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile communication system by one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal management server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the content of the management information for every mobile terminal 2 memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile terminal management server 1 by one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile terminal management server 1 by one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile terminal management server
2 Mobile terminals
11 CPU
12 Main memory
12a Control program
13 Storage device
14 Communication control unit
100 core network
110 Internal bus 131 to 13m Mobile terminal (# 1 to #m) management information storage unit 201 to 203 Access system

Claims (21)

A mobile communication system including a network device accommodating a plurality of access systems of different types connectable from a mobile terminal,
The mobile terminal has a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to the plurality of access systems;
The network device includes: a detecting unit that detects a moving state of the mobile terminal; and an optimum type for a condition set by the mobile terminal in an access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on a detection result of the detecting unit. A mobile communication system comprising: selection means for selecting the access system; and notification means for notifying the mobile terminal of the selection result of the selection means.   The mobile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means detects a movement state of the mobile terminal according to whether or not an access point switching of the connected access system has occurred.   The notification means notifies the mobile terminal of the other optimum access system when another optimum access system overlaid on the access system to which the mobile terminal is connected is detected. Or the mobile communication system of Claim 2. The network device includes storage means for storing all access system types that can be connected in advance registered from the mobile terminal, use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold values, and service request conditions desired by a service user,
The selection means is all detected when the managed access system connection time monitoring timer value that is managed exceeds the use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold value and there is any other access system that can be used by the mobile terminal. The mobile communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an access system of an optimal type is selected by comparing the access system with the service request condition.   5. The movement according to claim 4, wherein the service request condition includes at least a condition for selection from an access system with a low usage fee, selection from an access system of a high-speed band, and selection from an access system having many available access points. Body communication system.   The mobile communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mobile terminal automatically switches the access system in accordance with a notification from the notification means.   The plurality of access systems include at least an access system of a communication system of each of 2G (second generation), 3G (third generation), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and WiMAX. The mobile communication system according to any one of the above. A network device that accommodates a plurality of access systems connectable from a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces to connect to different types of access systems,
A detecting means for detecting a moving state of the mobile terminal, and an access system of the type most suitable for the conditions set by the mobile terminal is selected from the access systems to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection result of the detecting means A network device, comprising: a selection unit configured to perform notification; and a notification unit configured to notify a selection result of the selection unit to the mobile terminal.   9. The network device according to claim 8, wherein the detection unit detects a movement state of the mobile terminal according to whether or not an access point switching of the connected access system has occurred.   9. The notifying means notifies the mobile terminal of the other optimum access system when another optimum access system overlaid on the access system to which the mobile terminal is connected is detected. The network device according to claim 9. Storage means for storing all access system types that can be connected in advance registered from the mobile terminal, use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold, and service request conditions desired by the service user;
The selection means is all detected when the managed access system connection time monitoring timer value that is managed exceeds the use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold value and there is any other access system that can be used by the mobile terminal. The network device according to claim 8, wherein an access system of an optimum type is selected by comparing the access system with the service request condition.   12. The network according to claim 11, wherein the service request condition includes at least a condition for selection from an access system with a low usage fee, selection from an access system with a high-speed band, and selection from an access system with many available access points. apparatus.   13. The plurality of access systems include at least an access system of a communication system of each of 2G (second generation), 3G (third generation), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and WiMAX. Any one of the network devices. Access system selection method for use in a mobile communication system, comprising: a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces for connecting to a plurality of access systems of different types; and a network device that accommodates the plurality of access systems of different types Because
The network device detects the moving state of the mobile terminal, and the type most suitable for the conditions set by the mobile terminal in the access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection result of the detection process A method for selecting an access system, and a notification process for notifying the mobile terminal of a selection result of the selection process are executed.   15. The access system selection method according to claim 14, wherein the detection processing detects a movement state of the mobile terminal according to whether or not an access point switching of the connected access system has occurred.   15. The notification process according to claim 14, wherein when another optimal access system overlaid on an access system to which the mobile terminal is connected is detected, the other optimal access system is notified to the mobile terminal. Or the access system selection method of Claim 15. The network device executes a process of storing in the storage means all access system types that can be connected in advance registered from the mobile terminal, use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold values, and service request conditions desired by the service user. ,
The selection process is all detected when the managed use access system connection time monitoring timer value exceeds the use access system connection time monitoring timer threshold value and it is detected whether there is any other access system usable in the mobile terminal. The access system selection method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein an access system of an optimum type is selected by comparing the access system with the service request condition.   18. The access according to claim 17, wherein the service request condition includes at least a condition for selection from an access system with a low usage fee, selection from an access system of a high-speed band, and selection from an access system having many available access points. System selection method.   The access system selection method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the mobile terminal automatically switches the access system in accordance with a notification from the notification means.   The plurality of access systems includes at least an access system of a communication system of each of 2G (second generation), 3G (third generation), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and WiMAX. The access system selection method as described in any of the above. Access system selection method for use in a mobile communication system, comprising: a mobile terminal that implements a plurality of wireless network interfaces for connecting to a plurality of access systems of different types; and a network device that accommodates the plurality of access systems of different types The program of
Optimal for the conditions set by the mobile terminal in the access system to which the mobile terminal can be connected based on the detection process for detecting the movement state of the mobile terminal to the computer of the network device and the detection result of the detection process A program for executing a selection process for selecting an access system of a different type and a notification process for notifying the selection result of the selection process to the mobile terminal.

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