JP3828513B2 - Wireless communication system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system including a mobile terminal that can perform wireless communication with a base station and can also be connected to a wireless LAN.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There has been proposed a wireless communication system including a mobile phone that can communicate with a wireless LAN access point and can also perform cellular communication (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
By the way, when a user who has a mobile phone that can communicate with a wireless LAN is located outside the wireless LAN access point service area and where cellular communication can be performed, in order to connect to the wireless LAN, The user himself / herself had to move to that access point.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-236632
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of this type of conventional wireless communication system. The wireless communication system of FIG. 9 includes a mobile phone 21 that can be connected to both the cellular communication network of the mobile phone company A and the wireless LAN of the wireless LAN operator B, a backbone network 23 connected to the server, and the backbone. A subnet 25 connected to the network 23 via the gateway 24, a base station 26 of the mobile phone company A connected to the subnet 25, a subnet 28 connected to the backbone network 23 via the gateway 27, and And an access point 29 of the wireless LAN operator B connected to the subnet 28. The base station 26 can communicate with the mobile phone 21 in the cell, and the access point 29 can communicate with the mobile phone 21 in the service area.
[0006]
In the example of FIG. 9, the mobile phone 21 is located within the cell of the mobile phone company A, but is located outside the wireless LAN service area.
[0007]
If a user who has a mobile phone 21 wants to perform large-capacity communication via a wireless LAN, the user can access the service area 31 of the access point 29 of the wireless LAN operator B closest to the cell 30 of the mobile phone company A. Have to move up.
[0008]
However, there is a problem that it is not known where the access point of the wireless LAN provider is, and it takes time for the user to reach the target access point, and the wireless LAN service cannot be received quickly.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication system in which a user can easily and quickly receive a wireless LAN service without taking time and effort. is there.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal capable of performing wireless communication with a base station, a wireless LAN terminal connectable to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) via an access point, and the mobile Position notification means for notifying the base station of the position information of the wireless LAN terminal from a terminal, and the position of the wireless LAN terminal notified by the position notification means based on the position information notified from the position notification means An access point determination means for determining an access point closest to the access point, and an AP position control means for moving the access point so that the determined access point is located within a communication area with the notified wireless LAN terminal. A wireless communication system is provided.
[0011]
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal capable of performing wireless communication with a base station and connectable to a wireless LAN via an access point, and the mobile terminal to the base station Based on the location information notified from the location notification unit and the location information notified from the location notification unit, the access point closest to the location of the mobile terminal notified by the location notification unit is determined. A wireless communication system comprising: access point determination means; and AP position control means for moving the access point so that the determined access point is located within a communication range with the notified mobile terminal. Is provided.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a wireless communication system according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention. As in FIG. 9, the wireless communication system of FIG. 1 includes a mobile phone 1 that can be connected to both the cellular communication network of the mobile phone company A and the wireless LAN of the wireless LAN operator B, and an information server 2 (for example, a WWW server). ), A subnet 5 connected to the network 3 via a gateway (GW1) 4, and a base station (BS-a1) 6 of a mobile phone company A connected to the subnet 5 And a subnet 8 connected to the backbone network 3 via a gateway (GW 2) 7, and an access point (AP-b 1) 9 of the wireless LAN operator B connected to the subnet 8.
[0018]
The example of FIG. 1 shows a case where the mobile phone 1 is located in the cell 10 of the mobile phone company A and located outside the service area 11 of the wireless LAN, and the communication by the wireless LAN is more than the communication by the cellular communication network. Suppose that high-speed communication is possible.
[0019]
The access point 9 of the present embodiment is characterized by being movable. For example, a self-propelled driving body such as a robot or a vehicle is provided and moves in a two-dimensional direction in accordance with an instruction from the information server 2. When the number of access points 9 is large, the moving direction may be limited to a one-dimensional direction. The drive body has wheels and movable legs, and has a brake function. The speed may be changed according to the moving distance, so that the user can quickly move to the destination even if the distance is long.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 2 shows a processing procedure when the mobile phone 1 performs large-capacity communication via a wireless LAN. First, the user who possesses the mobile phone 1 notifies the current location information to the information server 2 connected to the network via the gateway (step S1).
[0021]
Receiving this notification, the information server 2 performs matching processing between the current location of the user and the arrangement map of the access points 9 owned by the server, and determines the access point 9 closest to the current location of the user (step S2).
[0022]
Next, the information server 2 notifies the movement command and the movement destination to the access point 9 determined to be the closest (step S3). Receiving this notification, the access point 9 moves so that the user enters the service area 11 (step S4). FIG. 1 shows an example in which the access point 9 moves from the position L1 to the position L2.
[0023]
For example, when the present embodiment is implemented in a closed area such as a theme park or an event venue, the function of the access point 9 may be added to a robot or a vehicle that can move to any location in this area. Alternatively, when the present embodiment is implemented in a general home and there is a place where only one access point 9 cannot perform wireless communication, the function of the access point 9 may be added to an electronic pet that functions as a mascot. .
[0024]
As described above, in the first embodiment, when the user's mobile phone 1 is not located in the wireless LAN service area 11, the wireless LAN access point 9 can move within the service area 11. This saves the trouble of searching for the access point 9 by itself and improves the usability of the user.
[0025]
(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment is mainly intended for use in an office, and the access point 9 is moved by a moving device installed on a ceiling or a wall.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second embodiment of the wireless communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to FIG. 1, and the differences will be mainly described below.
[0027]
The wireless communication system of FIG. 3 is characterized in that the access point 9 is moved along a rail-shaped moving device 12 installed on a ceiling, a wall, or the like. The access point 9 includes a drive wheel that sandwiches, for example, a rail-shaped moving device 12, and moves along the moving device 12 by the drive wheel.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system of FIG. Steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 4 are the same as steps S1 to S3, and the information server 2 notifies the access point 9 closest to the current position of the user holding the mobile phone 1 of the movement command and the movement destination. In response to this notification, the access point 9 moves along the mobile device 12 (step S14).
[0029]
Unlike the first embodiment, the access point 9 can move only along the moving device 12, so that the moving direction is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to previously install the moving device 12 vertically and horizontally on the ceiling or wall. Since the mobile device 12 itself is installed in a place free from obstacles such as a ceiling and a wall, the access point 9 can be moved more accurately to the originally intended position than in the first embodiment. In addition, since it is not affected by obstacles during movement, power consumption during movement can be reduced.
[0030]
When this embodiment is used in an office, it is desirable to change the number of operating access points 9 according to the person in the office. More specifically, if the number of access points 9 is reduced as the number of people in the office is smaller, the access points 9 can be connected to the user in almost a fixed time even if the number of people in the office changes. It can be moved closer. Alternatively, when the number of people in the office can be predicted in advance, the number of access points 9 corresponding to that number may be installed.
[0031]
If there is only one access point 9, the process of step S13 in FIG. 4 is omitted.
[0032]
As described above, in the second embodiment, since the access point 9 is moved along the moving device 12, even if the user himself / herself does not move, the user can always communicate with the access point 9 when necessary. We can receive service by wireless LAN anytime.
[0033]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a service by a wireless LAN can be received when necessary without moving the access point 9 and the user at all.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the third embodiment of the wireless communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to components common to FIG. 1, and the differences will be mainly described below.
[0035]
The wireless communication system in FIG. 5 assumes a closed space such as an amusement park. A plurality of access points 9 are arranged in close contact with the floor, ceiling or wall of this space without any gaps.
[0036]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system of FIG. First, the power sources of the access points 9 arranged in close contact are turned off (step S21). Next, the user of the mobile phone 1 notifies the current position to the information server 2 via the base station 6 (step S22). Next, the information server 2 turns on only the access point 9 corresponding to the current position of the user (step S23).
[0037]
As described above, in the third embodiment, a plurality of access points 9 are arranged in close contact, or the service area 11 of the plurality of access points 9 covers the entire movement range of the mobile phone 1 to communicate with the mobile phone 1. Since the power of the possible access point 9 is turned on, it is possible to always receive the service by the wireless LAN without moving the user who has the mobile phone 1 or the access point 9 wherever the mobile phone 1 is.
[0038]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the antenna directivity of the access point 9 is controlled without moving the access point 9.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fourth embodiment of the wireless communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to FIG. 1, and different points will be mainly described below.
[0040]
The wireless communication system of FIG. 7 includes a plurality of access points 9, and each access point 9 has a smart antenna 12 that can variably control directivity at high speed.
[0041]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system of FIG. Steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 2, and the information server 2 determines the access point 9 closest to the current position of the user who owns the mobile phone 1.
[0042]
Next, the information server 2 transmits an instruction signal to direct the directivity in the direction of the current position of the user who has received the notification to the determined access point 9 (step S33). Upon receiving this instruction signal, the access point 9 determines whether or not the user enters the service area 11 when the directivity of the smart antenna 12 is directed toward the user's current position (step S34). The directivity of the smart antenna 12 is changed (step S35), and if not, the directivity of the smart antenna 12 is not changed (step S36). In this case, however, the mobile phone 1 is notified via the base station 6 that it does not enter the service area 11 and information indicating the distance to the service area 11.
[0043]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since the directivity of the smart antenna 12 of the access point 9 is directed toward the current position of the user, the access point 9 and the user are moved even if the access point 9 is away from the user. Without having to use a wireless LAN service.
[0044]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the example using the hybrid mobile phone 1 capable of cellular communication and wireless LAN connection has been described. However, the present invention has a wireless LAN connection separately from the mobile phone capable of cellular communication. The same applies when the user has a possible wireless LAN terminal. For example, when the user is carrying a mobile phone and a notebook PC.
[0045]
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the cellular communication network of the mobile phone company A and the wireless LAN of the wireless LAN operator B are connected to the backbone network 3 via the gateways 4 and 7 has been described. The specific form of is not particularly limited.
[0046]
In addition, the mobile phone 1 is not limited to PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) but also various mobile terminals such as W-CDMA and PHS (Personal Handy Phone).
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the wireless LAN terminal or mobile terminal is located outside the communication range of the access point, the access point is moved toward the wireless LAN terminal or mobile terminal. Even if the user of the LAN terminal or mobile terminal does not move, it can be connected to the wireless LAN, saving the trouble of searching for an access point, and using the wireless LAN simply and quickly.
[0048]
Further, according to the present invention, since a plurality of access points are closely arranged within the moving range of the mobile terminal without gaps, the wireless LAN terminal and the mobile terminal can be connected to the wireless LAN without moving the access point.
[0049]
Furthermore, the present invention controls the directivity of an access point so that the wireless LAN terminal or mobile terminal can communicate with the access point when the wireless LAN terminal or mobile terminal is located outside the communication range of the access point. Even if neither is moved, the wireless LAN terminal and the mobile terminal can be connected to the wireless LAN.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention.
4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication system in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional wireless communication system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 2 Information server 3 Backbone network 4, 7 Gateway 5, 8 Subnet 6 Base station 9 Access point 10 Cell 11 Service area 12 Mobile device

Claims (5)

A mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with a base station;
A wireless LAN terminal that can be connected to a wireless local area network (LAN) via an access point;
Position notification means for notifying the base station of the position information of the wireless LAN terminal from the mobile terminal;
Based on the location information notified from the location notification unit, an access point determination unit that determines an access point closest to the location of the wireless LAN terminal notified by the location notification unit ;
A wireless communication system , comprising: AP position control means for moving the access point so that the determined access point is located within a communication area with the notified wireless LAN terminal . A mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with a base station and connected to a wireless LAN via an access point;
Position notification means for notifying the base station of the position information of the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal;
An access point determination unit that determines an access point closest to the location of the mobile terminal notified by the location notification unit based on the location information notified from the location notification unit ;
A wireless communication system , comprising: AP position control means for moving the access point so that the determined access point is located within a communication range with the notified mobile terminal . A driver having the access point and the AP position control means;
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the driver moves the access point according to an instruction from the AP movement control unit. A movement guide member for guiding the movement of the access point;
The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the access point moves along the movement guide member in accordance with an instruction from the AP movement control means.   The wireless communication system according to claim 4, wherein the movement guide member is disposed on at least one of an indoor ceiling and a wall.

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