JP2009027355A - Portable communication terminal device, and its priority network setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable communication terminal device for allowing a user to check visually a provider information displayed on a map in an overlapped fashion to set up an optimal network. <P>SOLUTION: A portable communication terminal device 100 equipped with a roaming faculty includes a network provider information retention portion 403 for storing provider information on a network in which roaming is possible, a map information retention portion 404 for storing map information on a region including a service area of the network in which roaming is possible, an operation portion 6 for receiving input of a region used by the portable communication terminal device 100, directed by a user of the device, a display portion 5 for displaying an image composed of a map including the region inputted at the operation portion 6, on which the provider information is overlapped, and a priority network setting portion 401 for setting up a network selected by the user among networks in which roaming is possible, as a network to be connected preferentially. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable communication terminal device that can use a roaming service and a priority network setting method for the portable communication terminal device.

  In mobile communication terminal devices, especially mobile phones, roaming services that allow mobile phones to be used as they are in the service areas of other communication carriers that have contracts with other carriers ing. Communication carriers usually have roaming contracts with a plurality of communication operators, and it is possible to use roaming services in various countries and regions. In particular, in recent years, third-generation mobile phones using technologies such as W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) have become widespread, and an international roaming service that allows mobile communication terminal devices used in Japan to be used overseas as they are. The number of terminals that are compatible with is increasing. Here, CDMA is an abbreviation for “code division multiple access”.

  Such mobile phones also have GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) functions that are widely used worldwide, and if W-CDMA cannot be used, communication is possible using the GSM functions. An increasing number of mobile phones have functions that enable communication in many areas.

  Due to the widespread use of such mobile phones, when using mobile phones overseas, there are not always one network carrier that can be used overseas (a network operator that can roam) or one that can be connected overseas. It is necessary to select a network to be actually connected from among the networks. The network to be connected is selected from a list of network operators that can be connected. However, when using a mobile phone overseas, each business operator does not provide the same service, and the charge system, communication speed, etc. vary depending on the business operator or the communication method used (W-CDMA, GSM, etc.). Different. For this reason, since the charges are generally higher than in domestic communications, it is recommended to use lower-priced services or services with high communication speeds for comfortable use. It is desirable to use the provider provided. As a method for selecting such a desired network operator, for example, proposals described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 have been made.

Patent Document 1 proposes a method of referring to downloaded network information and automatically selecting an optimum network from the list. Patent Document 2 proposes a method for automatically selecting an optimum communication path from past communication history. These methods expect that a desired network is selected when the selection process is performed.
JP 2006-54841 A JP 2001-111718 A

However, when traveling overseas, for example, tourists often travel in multiple countries or regions, and the network operator selected in a certain region cannot determine whether it is optimal for the region to move in the future. . Normally, users have little knowledge of the service contents and service areas of overseas network operators, and it is necessary to check whether or not the optimal network has been selected at each destination, which is not convenient. .
The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and can select an appropriate network even in a country or region where the user does not have sufficient knowledge at the destination or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication terminal device and a method for setting a priority network thereof.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a mobile communication terminal device having a roaming function, the device including a network operator information storage unit for storing operator information of a roamable network and a roaming network service A map information storage unit that stores map information of an area including an area, an input unit that receives an input of an area that uses the mobile communication terminal device, and a map based on map information that includes an area input to the input unit And a priority network setting unit for setting a network selected by the user from roamable networks as a network to be preferentially connected. When the user inputs an area where the roaming service is to be received from the input unit, an image in which the operator information is superimposed on a map including the area input in the input unit is displayed on the display unit. The user selects a desired network while viewing this image, so that the priority network setting unit sets the selected network as a network to be preferentially connected. Therefore, the network can be set while visually confirming the business operator information superimposed and displayed on the map.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the mobile communication terminal device of the above aspect, the provider information includes a service area of a roamable network, and the display unit displays map information including a region input to the input unit. An image in which a service area is superimposed on a map based thereon is displayed. Using the mobile communication terminal device, the user sets a network to be preferentially connected while graphically understanding the service area of the roamable network superimposed on the map including the area where the roaming service is to be received. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the mobile communication terminal device of the above aspect, the operator information further includes at least one of a service type, a usage fee, a communication speed, and a communication method, and the display unit includes: An image obtained by superimposing at least one of a service type, a usage fee, a communication speed, and a communication method on a map including a region input to the input unit is displayed. The user can set a network to be preferentially connected while understanding the type of service, usage fee, communication speed, or communication method displayed on the display unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the aspect described above, the display unit is an image obtained by superimposing business information of a plurality of networks on a map based on map information including a region input to the input unit. Is displayed. When the service area, usage fee, communication speed, and the like are different for each network operator, the user can visually compare these operator information on the display screen.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the aspect described above, the display unit displays an image in which the operator information is superimposed on a map based on map information including a plurality of regions input to the input unit. It is characterized by that. By displaying an image in which operator information is superimposed on a wide range of maps including multiple regions, not only the current location or a single region, but also network operators selected in multiple regions that are scheduled to move in the future You can select the network operator that you want to connect with priority while checking what kind of service you can receive, and you can set the network operator that the user thinks is optimal across multiple roaming regions .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile communication terminal device having a roaming function, the device including a network operator information storage unit that stores operator information of a roamable network and a roamable network service. The map information storage unit that stores the map information of the area including the area, the positioning unit that measures the current location of the mobile communication terminal device, and the operator information superimposed on the map based on the map information that includes the current location measured by the positioning unit A display unit that displays an image and a priority network setting unit that sets a network selected by a user from networks that can be roamed as a network to be preferentially connected are provided. The user can visually recognize the image of the display unit in which the operator information is superimposed on the map including the current location of the mobile communication terminal device measured by the positioning unit. A network to be preferentially connected can be selected while viewing this image. Therefore, the network can be set while visually confirming the business operator information displayed on the map.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the mobile communication terminal device of the above aspect, the positioning unit periodically measures the current location of the mobile communication terminal device, and the priority network setting unit preferentially uses the current location measured by the positioning unit. It is determined whether the network set by the user as the network to connect to and the currently connected network match, and if they do not match, priority is given to the measured current location from the currently connected network. The connection is updated to the network set by the user as the connection network. By updating the connection to the network set by the user as the network to be preferentially connected at the measured current location, the connection state to the priority network set by the user can be maintained.

  An eighth aspect of the present invention is a priority network setting method for setting a network to be preferentially connected when roaming using a mobile communication terminal device. The mobile communication terminal device includes a network operator information storage unit that stores network operator information of a roamable network and a map information storage unit that stores map information of a region including a service area of the roamable network. The priority network setting method accepts the input of the area where the mobile communication terminal device is used, reads out the map information including the area input by the user from the map information storage unit, and roams to a map based on the map information An image in which the user information is superimposed is displayed, and the network selected by the user from the roamable networks is set as a network to be preferentially connected.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is a priority network setting method for setting a network to be preferentially connected when roaming using a mobile communication terminal device. A mobile communication terminal device includes a network operator information storage unit that stores network operator information of a roamable network, a map information storage unit that stores map information of a region including a service area of the roamable network, and a mobile communication terminal And a positioning unit that measures the current location of the device. The priority network setting method is a network operator that measures the current location of the mobile communication terminal device by the positioning unit, reads map information including the current location measured by the positioning unit from the map information storage unit, and can roam to a map based on the map information An image in which information is superimposed is displayed, and a network selected by a user from among roamable networks is set as a network to be preferentially connected.

  According to the present invention, by displaying an image obtained by superimposing business operator information on a map including the area input to the input unit or the current location measured by the positioning unit, the user can display the business superimposed on the map. The optimal network can be set while visually confirming the person information.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a mobile communication terminal device.

  First, the configuration and operation of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The cellular phone 100 includes an antenna 1 that receives and transmits radio signals, an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 2 that converts radio signals received by the antenna into baseband signals, and a baseband that modulates and demodulates RF signals. Unit 3, control unit 4 that performs overall control of mobile phone 100, display unit 5 that displays information such as images and messages to the user, and an operation unit (input unit) that receives input operations from the user 6 and a voice input / output unit 10 for outputting voice to the user and receiving voice input from the user.

  A radio signal received by the antenna 1 of the mobile phone 100 is converted into a baseband signal by the RF unit 2 and demodulated by the baseband unit 3. The data demodulated by the baseband unit 3 is transferred to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 can use this data as various control data such as processing related to the wireless communication protocol according to the contents of the reception channel. Alternatively, it is processed as individual data such as voice data and packet data actually viewed by the user. In addition, although the operation | movement at the time of receiving a radio signal from the antenna 1 was demonstrated, when individual data, such as audio | voice data and packet data, are transmitted from the antenna 1 as a radio signal, the operation | movement reverse to the case of reception is performed. That is, the control unit 4 adds various control data related to the wireless communication protocol based on individual data such as voice data and packet data, and generates data for wireless access. The baseband unit 3 modulates this data. Then, the RF unit 2 converts the baseband signal output from the baseband unit 3 into an RF signal and transmits the RF signal via the antenna 1. The display unit 5 displays transmission / reception data when performing communication, and also displays information necessary when performing various settings of the mobile phone 100. The voice input / output unit 10 includes a microphone that inputs voice and a speaker that outputs voice.

  The mobile phone 100 has a roaming function. As a result, the user receives the service of the contracted network operator using the mobile phone 100 using the facilities of another affiliated network operator outside the service area of the operator. Can do. It goes without saying that international roaming service is included in roaming, but by using this, the same as for voice calls, videophones, Internet connection, etc., using the facilities of local network operators overseas. You can get a good service.

  The control unit 4 stores a network (NW) provider information table 403 (network provider information storage unit) that stores provider information of a roamable network and map information of a region including a service area of the roamable network. The map information table 404 (map information storage unit) to be set, the priority network setting unit 401 that sets the network selected by the user from the roamable networks as a network to be preferentially connected, and the priority network setting unit 401 And a priority NW information table 402 for storing information of networks to be preferentially connected.

  The carrier information stored in the NW carrier information table 403 includes a network carrier name, a communication system to be used (W-CDMA, GSM, etc.), a frequency band, a communication speed, a network service area, and service contents (voice). Phone calls, videophone calls, packet services, etc.) and usage charges (packet charges, communication charges, call charges, etc.). The service area information is stored in longitude and latitude, or in a format that can be converted into these. For example, the service area is regarded as a set of squares, and the longitude / latitude of the position representing each square is defined. Alternatively, the boundary line of the service area may be defined as a set of nodes and arcs, or may be defined by a mathematical expression. In this case, the service area information can be stored more precisely and accurately. The map information stored in the map information table 404 includes longitude / latitude information so as to overlap with the provider information stored in the NW provider information table 403. The longitude / latitude included in the service area information in the NW provider information table 403 is associated with the longitude / latitude of the map information table 404 in terms of data.

  The operation unit 6 receives an input of a region where the user of the mobile phone 100 uses the mobile phone 100, that is, a region where a roaming service is received. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 6, the control unit 4 reads out candidates for a plurality of regions from the map information table 404 and displays the candidates for the plurality of regions on the display unit 5. The user selects a desired area from the inside. When a region that receives the roaming service is selected, map information including this region is read from the map information table 404. The display unit 5 displays an image in which the business information stored in the NW business information table 403 is superimposed on the map read from the map information table 404. The operator information to be superimposed is network operator information having a portion in which the map range read from the map information table 404 overlaps with the service area. Alternatively, it may be network operator information having a portion where the area selected by the user and the service area overlap. For example, a network service area that can be roamed as business information is superimposed on a map. That is, the display unit 5 displays an image obtained by superimposing a roamable network service area on the map read from the map information table 404. Thereby, the user can understand the service area of the network which can be roamed superimposed on the map including the area which is going to receive the roaming service.

  The number of networks selected by the user from the roamable networks may be one or more. When a plurality of networks are selected, the display unit displays an image in which business information of a plurality of networks is superimposed on a map. When the service area, usage fee, communication speed, and the like are different for each network operator, the user can visually compare these operator information on the display screen. A plurality of networks with different priorities are stored in the priority NW information table 402 according to the user selection result and the like. Further, in the priority NW information table 402, not only the network selected by the user is stored, but also networks or network operators with priorities assigned regardless of the area of use may be stored. Alternatively, for example, a list of prioritized networks or NW operators may be stored for each region such as North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the like. Details of a processing procedure for storing a network with priorities assigned to the priority NW information table 402 will be described later.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, in recent years, the mobile phone 100 has various functions such as a function of receiving digital broadcasting, a function of playing music, and a function as a non-contact IC card. The control unit 4 may have a function of controlling these functions.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a series of operations for selecting an appropriate network when performing roaming in the mobile phone 100 of FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

  (A) In step S01, when the user operates the operation unit 6 to select a network selection menu, the control unit 4 can store a network selection program stored in advance in a memory (such as a semiconductor ROM) in the mobile phone 100. Start up. When the network selection menu is selected, the process proceeds to step S02, where the control unit 4 displays a region information selection menu on the display unit 5 and prompts the user to select a region using the roaming service using the mobile phone 100. The regional information is not particularly limited as long as the region such as the country name and city name can be specified. Selection by landmark such as airport name or facility name is also possible. The country name, city name, and landmark that are candidate locations for region selection are stored in association with the longitude and latitude. In this way, in step S02, the region that the user intends to set is selected. Note that the number of areas to be selected is not limited to one, and the user may select a plurality of areas at once, or may select a plurality of areas sequentially. For example, in overseas trips and the like, there are many cases where sightseeing is performed by moving between a plurality of countries and regions, and therefore, a plurality of regions and countries that are planned to stay may be selected.

  (B) Proceeding to step S03, the control unit 4 notifies the priority network setting unit 401 of the location information of the selected area. The priority network setting unit 401 reads a map including longitude / latitude associated with the area from the map information table 404 based on the position information. A map of a range that can be displayed at the default scale with respect to the longitude and latitude of the center position is read out. The range of the longitude and latitude of the map to be read is determined by the center position, the scale, and the screen size of the display unit 5. Further, the priority network setting unit 401 obtains from the NW provider information table 403 network operator information that can be used in the read map range. The “available network” is, for example, a network in which a read map range and a service area overlap each other. In this way, an available network operator is acquired in step S03.

  Here, the “position information” indicates, for example, latitude / longitude or information related thereto. By storing the country name, city name, airport name, facility name, etc. in association with the latitude / longitude, the control unit 4 notifies the priority network setting unit 401 of the latitude / longitude as position information. As will be described later, when the mobile phone includes a positioning system such as GPS, the mobile phone can share map information of the positioning system such as GPS. In the case where the mobile phone 100 holds only simple map information in consideration of the increase in the amount of map information, the area number can be set as the position information. In this case, a number is assigned to each area in advance. For example, if the location of Tokyo Station is a predetermined area number, the control unit 4 notifies the priority network setting unit 401 of the area number, and the priority network setting unit 401 acquires map information of the area number. To do. In addition, when the area number is designated, the area number and the map information can be associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.

  When the map information corresponding to the area number on a one-to-one basis is used, the service area number is stored in the NW carrier information table 403 as the service area of the network operator. When the area number is set as the position information, the priority network setting unit 401 selects a network operator having the corresponding area number as a service area from the NW carrier information table 403.

  (C) Proceeding to step S04, the priority network setting unit 401 displays a list of network operators to be preferentially connected on the display unit 5. An example of this display screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example in which only one network (priority network) to be preferentially connected is set, and therefore, the first priority network operator C is set in the list. When a plurality of networks to be preferentially connected are set, the network operator is set with priorities such as first priority, second priority, third priority,. In addition, when the cellular phone 100 holds information on the priority network in advance, it is also possible to set and display the list of priority network operators as prescribed information (default information). In the list of priority network operators, the user selects the first priority network operator C (step S04).

  (D) Proceeding to step S05, the business operator information of the network business operator C is acquired from the NW business operator information table 403. For example, the provider information such as what service (service type) and what fee (use fee) is provided in which region (service area) is read from the NW provider information table 403.

  (E) Proceeding to step S06, the display unit 5 displays an image in which the business operator information acquired in step S05 is superimposed on the map including the area selected in step S02. An example of an image displayed on the display unit 5 is shown in FIG. The display unit 5 has a service area 21 (hatched area) of the network operator C with respect to a map drawn in a diagram (the lines of this map represent border lines, administrative boundaries, etc.). An image with superimposed is displayed. As described above, in the NW carrier information table 403, the information on the service area of the network operator C is defined and held as a set of squares, a set of nodes and arcs, or using mathematical formulas. ing. The control unit 4 reads out such service area information from the NW carrier information table 403 and graphically superimposes the service area 21 on the map image using the longitude / latitude information included in the service area information. A combined image is generated. That is, the control unit 4 generates an image in which a service area corresponding to the network operator information is superimposed on a map based on the map information table 404. Then, the display unit 5 displays the generated image. Thereby, the user can use the mobile phone 100 to preferentially connect to the network while preferentially understanding the service area 21 of the roamable network superimposed on the map including the area to receive the roaming service. Can be set. Further, in the display example of FIG. 4, usage charges (packet charges, communication charges) are displayed superimposed on the upper right portion of the map. Thus, the user can set a network to be preferentially connected while understanding the usage fee for the network displayed on the display unit 5.

  The map displayed on the display unit 5 can be enlarged or reduced from the default scale, and the user can operate any key assigned to the operation unit 6 to move the map up / down / left / right. You can also move to and check the status of the surrounding area. In the display example of FIG. 4, since the service area 21 is recognized as a set of rectangles, a rough service area is displayed, but the NW carrier information table 403 holds detailed information on the service area. It is also possible to display the service area information set in more detail.

  (F) In step S07, when the user desires to confirm other business operator information related to the network business operator C, the user information item displayed on the display unit 5 can be changed. The other carrier information includes a communication system (W-CDMA, GSM, OFDM, etc.) used by the network operator C, a frequency band, a communication speed, and service contents (voice call, videophone, packet service, etc.). . When confirming other business operator information (Yes in step S07), the process proceeds to step S08, where the user operates any key assigned to the operation unit 6 to display the business operator information displayed on the display unit 5. The item is changed. FIG. 5 shows an example when the communication speed is selected as the item of the provider information. In this way, the user can update the display information and check the usage fee, service content, communication speed, and the like as necessary. In addition, although the example in the case where the communication speed is the same in the service area is shown, for example, when one service provider provides services of a plurality of communication speeds in parallel, each is indicated by a separate mark. It is of course possible to display the service area and confirm it on a single map.

  (G) Proceed to step S09, and select whether or not to change the display item in the same manner as in step S07. When changing the display item (Yes in step S09), the process returns to step S08, and the display item can be changed repeatedly. If the user has confirmed other company information related to the network operator C and the display change is no longer necessary (No in step S07 or step S09), the process proceeds to step S10 and the network operator C is preferentially connected. Confirm whether to set as a network operator. When the network operator C is set as the priority network (Yes in step S10), it is confirmed whether or not this setting is acceptable (step S11). When the network operator C is not set as the priority network (No in step S10), the process returns to step S07, and the operator information about the network operator C can be further confirmed.

  (H) If it is desired to confirm information of another network operator in step S11, the setting is not completed (No in step S11), the process returns to step S04, and another network operator is selected. Information can be displayed superimposed on a map. FIG. 6 shows an example in which provider information (service area 22 and usage fee) of another network operator is displayed. When the setting is completed (Yes in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12, and the priority network setting unit 401 sets the network operator C selected by the user from the roamable networks as a network to be preferentially connected. Then, the information of the network operator C is stored in the priority NW information table 402. Then, the communication function using the antenna 1, the RF unit 2, and the baseband unit 3 wirelessly accesses the set priority network to confirm whether or not location registration is possible for the priority network. If location registration is possible, location registration is performed on the priority network. In addition, when currently connected to another network, the location registration is performed on the priority network after performing the process of detaching the other network.

  Here, “location registration” refers to notifying the network of information of the mobile phone 100 and setting it in a communicable state. For example, in a W-CDMA mobile phone, when the power is turned on, By making a location registration (attach) request to a connectable network and the network returning an attach response, the mobile phone 100 can be registered in the network. By performing the location registration, the network recognizes that the mobile phone 100 owned by the user is in the area, processes the call request from the user, and requests communication to the mobile phone 100 If so, handle incoming calls. The network operator normally permits the location registration of the mobile phone 100 of another network operator with a roaming contract, but the location registration (attachment) of the mobile phone 100 of another network operator with no roaming contract is allowed. ). “Detach” is the reverse of location registration (attachment), and indicates a procedure for releasing the mobile phone 100 from the network. By performing this process, the network recognizes that the user is no longer in the service area. To do.

  By registering the location in the priority network, the system is in a standby state (idle state) after that, and when the user communicates, the user communicates in the desired network regardless of the outgoing / incoming call. It can be performed. When the priority network cannot be received, when the mobile phone 100 goes out of service area, when the power is turned on, or even when connected to an arbitrary network, the status of another network is searched, When it is confirmed that location registration is possible in the priority network, location registration is performed in the priority network, and then the priority network can be used. When connected to the priority network or when the priority network becomes unavailable, the setting may be changed automatically or the user may be notified via the display unit 5. When notifying the user, it is of course possible to make it easier for the user to recognize by using a warning sound, a vibrator or the like.

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the network business in which the user preferentially connects while visually confirming the business operator information displayed on the map. Person can be set. In addition, it is possible to set a network operator to be preferentially connected after understanding the operator information such as service area, service type, and usage fee.

  In addition, for example, when traveling in a plurality of countries or regions for overseas travel or the like, it is impossible to determine whether the network operator selected in a certain region is optimal in the region to be moved in the future. Usually, the user has little knowledge of service contents and service areas of overseas network operators, and it is complicated to confirm whether or not the optimum network is selected at the destination. Therefore, by selecting a plurality of countries and regions in step S02 of FIG. 2, it is possible to display a wide range of map information including a plurality of selected regions and to superimpose the operator information on the wide range of map information. . Therefore, select not only the current location or a specific region, but also select the network operator to be preferentially connected while checking whether the network operators selected in the multiple areas that are scheduled to move are optimal. Network operators that users find optimal in the entire roaming region.

(Second Embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 7, the configuration and operation of a mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FIG. 7, the functions of the same names and symbols are equivalent to the functions shown in FIG. In addition to the same configuration as the mobile phone 100 of FIG. 1, the mobile phone 200 further includes a positioning unit 9 that measures the current location of the mobile phone 200 and sets a priority network at the measured current location. The positioning unit 9 performs autonomous positioning based on a GPS antenna 7 that receives radio waves from a GPS (global positioning system, global positioning system) satellite and signals from a plurality of GPS satellites received by the GPS antenna 7. And a GPS receiver 8. The mobile phone 200 may confirm the current location using the positioning unit 9 or may confirm the current location based on the GPS-related assist information provided by the network operator in addition to the positioning result of the positioning unit 9. The operation may be performed. Assist information regarding GPS is provided via the antenna 1, the RF unit 2, and the baseband unit 3.

  For a series of operations for selecting an appropriate network when roaming is performed in the mobile phone 200 of FIG. 7, the same procedure as the flow shown in FIG. 2 is used except that the positioning result of the positioning unit 9 is used in step S02. It becomes. In step S02, the current location measured by the positioning unit 9 may be selected as a region where the roaming service is used as well as when the user selects a region where the roaming service is used.

  When the user selects a region, the processing is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG. When using the positioning result of the positioning unit 9, the user selects to set the current location on the menu selection screen. On the other hand, the control part 4 starts the positioning part 9, and acquires the information of the present location. When the positioning unit 9 performs autonomous positioning, it takes about 30 to 40 seconds. Therefore, the current location may be set to be updated periodically, and the positioning result measured immediately before may be used. When the positioning unit 9 acquires the current location information, the control unit 4 transfers the location information to the priority network setting unit 401. In this way, the region selection (step S02) is performed using the positioning result of the positioning unit 9.

  Subsequent processing is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The priority network setting unit 401 reads a map including the current location from the map information table 404 based on the position information. For example, map information centered on the current location is read from the map information table 404. The priority network setting unit 401 acquires available network operator information based on the map information (available NW operator acquisition). The user displays the operator information superimposed on the map and displays the operator information such as the service area, the usage fee, and the communication speed while viewing this display screen in the procedure described in the first embodiment. It is possible to set a network to be preferentially connected by visual confirmation.

  FIG. 8 shows a display example when a plurality (two) of network operators are set. The network operator C is set as the first priority, and the network operator A is set as the second priority. For example, if both network operator C and network operator A are selected in step S04, in step S06, as shown in FIG. 9, the operator information for each operator is displayed superimposed on the map. That is, the service area 21 with hatching is displayed for the network operator C, and the service area 22 with vertical hatching is displayed for the network operator A. Thereby, when the service area, the usage fee, the communication speed, etc. are different for each network operator, the user can visually compare the operator information of a plurality of network operators on the display screen. In FIG. 9, the communication fee and the packet fee are displayed at the lower right of the screen, but it is also possible to display, for example, the communication speed and other carrier information regarding communication.

  If the display items are not changed (No in step S07 or S09), the network operator C and the network operator A are set in the same priority order (Yes in step S10), and the setting is completed (Yes in step S11). The priority network setting unit 401 sets the network operator C and the network operator A as networks to be preferentially connected, and stores information on the network operator C and the network operator A in the priority NW information table 402. . If the first priority network at the current location is the network operator C, location registration is performed with the network operator C.

  On the other hand, if the setting is not completed (No in step S11), the process returns to step S04, and the business operator can be selected again. Thereby, for example, the priorities of the network operator C and the network operator A can be switched. For example, in the screen display of FIG. 9, a part of the service area 21 of the network operator C is covered and hidden by the service area 22 of the network operator A. On the other hand, in the screen display of FIG. 10, a part of the service area 22 of the network operator A is covered and hidden by the service area 21 of the network operator C. By comparing these two screen displays, the user can visually confirm how the relationship between the service area and the usage fee changes when the priority order is changed.

  Of course, the map can be enlarged or reduced and the neighboring area can be confirmed, and the user can easily determine what kind of communication fee will be charged in the area where he / she will move from now on. Change).

  The above describes the case where the setting is made only with the priority order of the network operator. However, the priority order in the area can be arbitrarily changed using a user interface capable of selecting an arbitrary area on the map. By doing so, it is possible to make a setting more suited to the needs of the user.

  In the second embodiment, after the priority network is set, the priority network update process is performed based on the current location information measured by the positioning unit 9 in order to maintain the priority network state set by the user as much as possible. I do. This processing flow is shown in FIG.

  (A) The priority network setting unit 401 sets the priority network in step S12 in FIG. 2 and completes the location registration in the priority network (priority network setting: step S101). Then, the process proceeds to step S102. The positioning unit 8 is set so as to periodically measure the current location (current location regular positioning setting). Although the time interval of this regular measurement can take an arbitrary value, the network setting can be surely performed by shortening the time interval, but the power consumption increases because the number of times the positioning unit 9 is activated increases. Therefore, it is desirable to set a value that takes into account the trade-off between the accuracy of network settings and the increase in power consumption. This time interval can be set by default, but it is of course possible for the user to select and set an arbitrary value. By setting the time interval of the regular measurement, the current location information is periodically reported from the positioning unit 9 to the priority network setting unit 401.

  (A) In step S103, the priority network setting unit 401 stands by until current location information is reported (No in step S103). If there is a report of the current location information (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, and the priority network in the current location measured by the positioning unit 9 is registered (attached) with reference to the priority NW information table 402. Check whether the network matches (priority network information check). If they match, there is no need to change the priority network (No in step S105), so the process proceeds to step S107, and the standby state is maintained (Idle state). And it returns to step S103 and waits for the report of the next present location information.

  (C) If the priority network at the current location measured by the positioning unit 9 is different from the network currently registered (attached), it is necessary to change the priority network (Yes in step S105), and the process proceeds to step S106. Detach the currently attached network and connect to the preferred network set by the user. After the position registration is completed, the process proceeds to step S107, and shifts to a standby state (Idle state). And it returns to step S103 and waits for the report of the next present location information. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, by displaying an image in which business information is superimposed on a map including the current location measured by the positioning unit 9, the user can display the map on the map. An optimal network can be set while visually confirming the displayed operator information.

  Further, the positioning unit 9 periodically measures the current location of the mobile phone 200, and the priority network setting unit 401 is currently connected to a network set by the user as a network to be preferentially connected at the current location measured by the positioning unit 9. It is determined whether or not the current network matches (step S104). If they do not match (Yes in step S105), the network that is preferentially connected at the measured current location from the currently connected network is determined. Update the connection to the network set by the user. As a result, the connection state to the priority network set by the user can be maintained.

  In addition, although the example which used the positioning part 9 was shown as a method of confirming a present location, the method of performing a priority network update process based on the positional information transmitted from the base station of a network, or a user's own Needless to say, the priority network update process can be manually performed in response to the movement of the position.

  As described above, the present invention has been described by two embodiments. However, it should not be understood that the description and the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  There is no particular limitation on the communication system of the mobile communication terminal device, and the mobile communication terminal system such as the 3rd generation W-CDMA system, GSM, and the OFDM system, which is being studied as the next generation mobile phone system. The present invention can be applied to any communication method or service supported by the communication terminal device.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the mobile phones 100 and 200 have been described as examples of the mobile communication terminal device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information communication is performed by wire or wireless such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The present invention can also be applied to portable terminals that can be used.

  Thus, it should be understood that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from this disclosure.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the mobile telephone 100 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation of cellular phone 100 at the time of network selection, and processing operation. The example of a display of the list | wrist of the network operator connected preferentially displayed in step S04 of FIG. 2 is shown. An example of display of an image in which the business operator information acquired in step S05 is superimposed on the map including the area selected in step S02 of FIG. 2 is shown. The example of a display which displayed the communication speed instead of the usage charge in the example of a display of FIG. 4 is shown. The example of a display with which the service area 22 and usage charge of another network operator were displayed is shown. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the mobile telephone 200 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the second embodiment, a display example of a list of network operators to be preferentially connected is shown. In 2nd Embodiment, the example of a display of the image which superimposed the provider information of two network operators on the map is shown. The example of a display at the time of switching the priority of the network operator C and the network operator A is shown with respect to the display example of FIG. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which updates a priority network based on the present location information measured in the positioning part 9. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Antenna 2 ... RF part 3 ... Baseband part 4 ... Control part 5 ... Display part 6 ... Operation part (input part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 ... GPS antenna 8 ... GPS receiving part 9 ... Positioning part 10 ... Voice input / output part 21, 22 ... Service area 100, 200 ... Mobile phone (mobile communication terminal device)
401 ... Priority network setting unit 402 ... Priority NW information table 403 ... NW carrier information table (network carrier information storage unit)
404 ... Map information table (map information storage unit)

Claims (9)

A mobile communication terminal device having a roaming function,
A network operator information storage unit for storing operator information of roamable networks;
A map information storage unit for storing map information of a region including a service area of the roamable network;
An input unit for receiving an input of a region where the mobile communication terminal device is used;
A display unit for displaying an image in which the operator information is superimposed on a map based on the map information including the region input to the input unit;
A mobile communication terminal device comprising: a priority network setting unit that sets a network selected by the user from among the roamable networks as a network to be preferentially connected. The service provider information includes a service area of the roamable network,
The mobile communication terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image in which the service area is superimposed on a map based on map information including a region input to the input unit. The provider information includes at least one of service type, usage fee, communication speed, and communication method,
The display unit displays an image in which at least one of the service type, usage fee, communication speed, and communication method is superimposed on a map including a region input to the input unit. The mobile communication terminal device according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image in which operator information of a plurality of networks is superimposed on a map based on map information including a region input to the input unit. 5. The mobile communication terminal device according to claim 1.   5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image obtained by superimposing the business operator information on a map based on map information including a plurality of regions input to the input unit. The portable communication terminal device according to the item. A mobile communication terminal device having a roaming function,
A network operator information storage unit for storing operator information of roamable networks;
A map information storage unit for storing map information of a region including a service area of the roamable network;
A positioning unit that measures the current location of the mobile communication terminal device;
A display unit for displaying an image in which the operator information is superimposed on a map based on the map information including the current location measured by the positioning unit;
A mobile communication terminal device comprising: a priority network setting unit that sets a network selected by a user from the roamable networks as a network to be preferentially connected.   The positioning unit periodically measures the current location, and the priority network setting unit includes a network set by a user as a network to be preferentially connected at the current location measured by the positioning unit, and a network that is currently connected. It is determined whether or not they match, and if they do not match, the connection is updated from the currently connected network to the network set by the user as the network to be preferentially connected at the measured current location. The mobile communication terminal device according to claim 6. Using a mobile communication terminal device comprising: a network operator information storage unit that stores network operator information of a roamable network; and a map information storage unit that stores map information of a region including the service area of the roamable network A method of setting a network to be preferentially connected when roaming,
Accepts the input of the area where the mobile communication terminal device is used,
Read the map information including the region input by the user from the map information storage unit,
An image in which the roamable network operator information is superimposed on a map based on the map information is displayed,
A priority network setting method for a mobile communication terminal device, wherein a network selected by the user from the roamable networks is set as a network to be preferentially connected. Network operator information storage unit for storing roamable network operator information, map information storage unit for storing local map information including the service area of the roamable network, and measuring the current location of the mobile communication terminal device A method of setting a network to be preferentially connected when roaming using a mobile communication terminal device comprising a positioning unit,
The positioning unit measures the current location of the mobile communication terminal device,
Read the map information including the current location measured by the positioning unit from the map information storage unit,
An image in which the roamable network operator information is superimposed on a map based on the map information is displayed,
A priority network setting method for a mobile communication terminal device, wherein a network selected by the user from the roamable networks is set as a network to be preferentially connected.

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