JP5070989B2 - Mobile communication terminal and out-of-service prediction method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and an out-of-service prediction method, and more particularly to a mobile communication terminal and an out-of-service prediction method that can issue a warning when it is predicted to enter a place where radio waves do not reach.

  In recent years, service areas in which mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones and PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminals can be used have been expanded, and there is almost no gap in the service area range for each region.

  However, there may be places where radio waves from base stations do not reach even within a service area assumed by a communication carrier such as a mobile phone. For example, in some places such as in the shadows of buildings, underground malls, and mountainous areas, there may be places where radio waves from base stations do not reach and are out of the service area. For this reason, there may be a phenomenon that the mobile communication terminal suddenly falls into an out-of-service state despite being in the service area.

  If the mobile communication terminal suddenly falls out of service during a call or data communication, the communication is interrupted, which is very inconvenient for the user of the mobile communication terminal. In addition, even when waiting for communication from a communication partner, if a sudden out-of-service state occurs, there is no communication means and an inconvenient situation may occur.

  In order to reduce such an out-of-service area as much as possible, there is related technology that proposes simple detection of a non-sensing area where a mobile phone service cannot be provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 “Undetected Area Detection Method, Operation State Monitoring Method, and Mobile Communication System” described above includes the following description.

  That is, a mobile phone equipped with a GPS receiving unit constantly monitors the reception state of GPS signals and the state of wireless communication with a wireless base station. The mobile phone acquires GPS information and records it as out-of-service location information when the GPS signal can be received and wireless communication with the wireless base station is not possible. When the wireless communication with the wireless base station becomes possible, the recorded out-of-service location information is transmitted from the mobile phone to the mobile communication management center that manages the mobile phone service via the wireless base station. In the mobile communication management center, the out-of-service location information is statistically processed to estimate a candidate site in a non-sensing area where the mobile phone service cannot be provided or monitor the operating state of the radio base station. As a result, the non-sensing area can be detected easily and more accurately.

  There is also related technology that proposes a navigation system that displays a wireless communication service area that is updated as needed on a wireless communication terminal, and displays a route to a nearby service area (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).

  Patent Document 2 “Navigation system and navigation method of wireless communication terminal” described above includes the following description.

  That is, when the wireless communication terminal is located outside the service area and can be received from the GPS system, the wireless communication terminal receives and stores the position information every predetermined time. When returning to the service area, the wireless communication terminal sends the stored location information to the location information management device via the radio base station device and the host device. The location information management device stores the location information as out-of-service information. When navigation related to the service area is required, the wireless communication terminal receives information necessary for navigation from the position information management device via the wireless base station device and the host device and displays the information. As a result, the wireless communication terminal can navigate and display a route to a nearby service area, avoiding areas outside the service area.

  In recent years, digital terrestrial broadcasts can be viewed on mobile terminals, but even within the broadcast area, there may be areas that cannot receive broadcast radio waves in the shadows of buildings or underground shopping streets. is there.

  When entering a place where it is difficult to receive TV broadcast waves, such as between buildings or under a highway, move to display a map that includes the current location and the area where the broadcast wave of the TV program you are watching can be received There is also related technology that proposes a body device (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  The following description is made in the above-described Patent Document 3 “Device for Moving Body”.

  That is, the mobile device includes current position confirmation means for confirming the current position, broadcast reception means for receiving a television broadcast signal, and reception state confirmation means for confirming the reception state of each received television broadcast wave. Have. The mobile device also has storage means for associating and storing the reception state information indicating the reception state confirmed by the reception state confirmation unit and the current position. By using these means, a place where it is difficult to receive television broadcast waves such as between buildings or under a highway can be recognized once by passing through the place. Then, by accumulating the reception state information, a detailed reception state database can be created by itself. Accordingly, when it becomes impossible to receive the TV program being viewed in accordance with the movement of the mobile object on which the mobile device is mounted, the current position and the area where the broadcast wave of the TV program being viewed can be received are included. A map can be displayed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-235827 (page 6-8, FIG. 1-6) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-089018 (page 5-10, FIG. 1-8) JP 2004-140522 A (page 5-9, FIG. 1-6)

  The above-described mobile communication system of Patent Document 1 can detect a non-sensing area, but does not notify the user of the mobile phone that the non-sensing area is approaching. Have.

  The navigation system of Patent Document 2 can perform navigation from outside the service area to the service area. However, like Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the user of the wireless communication terminal is not notified that the service area is approaching.

  The mobile device of Patent Document 3 also displays an area where a broadcast wave of a television program can be received when the television program cannot be received, but the television broadcast wave cannot be received. It has a problem that it is not designed to notify that it is approaching the area.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and an out-of-service prediction method that can issue a warning when it is predicted that the vehicle will enter a place where radio waves do not reach.

  In the mobile communication terminal of the present invention, the position information measuring means for measuring the position information of the mobile communication terminal, the position information storing means, and the position information measured by the position information measuring means are stored in the position information storing means. Control means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the user has approached the out-of-service area of the received radio wave.

  Further, in the out-of-service prediction method of the present invention, when it is determined that the position information measured by the mobile communication terminal has approached the out-of-service area of radio wave reception in the table storing out-of-service position information of the mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal issues a warning.

  According to the present invention, a warning can be issued when a mobile communication terminal is predicted to enter a place where radio waves do not reach.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a mobile communication terminal of the present invention.

  A mobile communication terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes position information measuring means 2, position information storage means 4, and control means 3.

  The position information measuring unit 2 measures the current position of the mobile communication terminal 1. The current position can be measured, for example, by determining the latitude / longitude of the location of the mobile communication terminal 1 using radio waves transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. is there.

  The position information storage means 4 stores the position information of points where the radio waves transmitted from the outside cannot be received (including that the radio waves are extremely weak) among the position information measured by the position information measurement means 2. Stored as out-of-service area information. The radio wave transmitted from the outside is, for example, a radio wave transmitted from a base station of a mobile communication network, or a broadcast wave of terrestrial digital broadcasting transmitted from a broadcast station.

  The control means 3 issues a warning when it is determined that the position information measured by the position information measuring means 2 has approached the radio wave reception out-of-service area stored in the position information storage means 4. The out-of-service area of radio wave reception is an area in which radio waves transmitted from outside cannot be received. However, in the present embodiment, the location information measured in the out-of-service area by the mobile communication terminal 1 The information is stored in the position information storage means 4 as information. Therefore, the area indicating the position information position stored in the position information storage means 4 and the surrounding area (for example, within a range of several tens of meters) is an out-of-service area. In the following description, a point where a radio wave transmitted from the outside can be received and its surrounding points are referred to as an area within the area.

  As described above, the mobile communication terminal 1 according to the present embodiment issues a warning when the mobile communication terminal 1 approaches while moving from the area where radio waves are received to the outside area. Therefore, a user using such a mobile communication terminal 1 can recognize that it will soon be impossible to receive radio waves if it continues to move.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user of the mobile communication terminal 1 from suddenly entering the out-of-service area without knowing it.

  Next, a first example of the present invention that further embodies the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of the present invention.

  A mobile communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a radio unit 10, a GPS reception measurement unit 20, a nonvolatile memory 30, a display unit 40, a sound source unit 50, and a control unit 60.

  Here, the mobile communication terminal 100 is assumed to be a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal, or the like.

  The mobile communication terminal 100 may also be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) terminal, a Bluetooth terminal, or the like. A wireless LAN terminal is a terminal device that can connect to the Internet or the like via an access point installed in a hot spot using a wireless LAN. Further, the Bluetooth terminal is a terminal device that can make an Internet connection or the like through an access point installed in a hot spot or the like using communication by Bluetooth.

  The mobile communication terminal 100 may further be a mobile terminal capable of receiving a broadcast wave of terrestrial digital broadcasting. The mobile communication terminal 100 in this case is a mobile terminal capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting for mobiles, that is, one-segment broadcasting (one-segment broadcasting).

  The wireless unit 10 wirelessly transmits data to and from base stations and access points of an external mobile communication network (such as a mobile phone network, a PHS network, and a wireless communication network including an access point) via an antenna (not shown). Send and receive commands and commands. When the mobile communication terminal 100 is a mobile terminal capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting, the radio unit 10 receives broadcast radio waves transmitted from a terrestrial digital broadcast station via an antenna (not shown).

  The GPS reception measurement unit 20 receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites arranged in the earth orbit, and normally uses the radio waves from the three GPS satellites to determine the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 as latitude.・ Measure as longitude data.

  The non-volatile memory 30 is a semiconductor memory that can retain stored contents even when the power is turned off. For example, the non-volatile memory 30 includes a flash memory that can freely erase and write data. Device. The non-volatile memory 30 includes an out-of-service location information table that includes location information (out-of-service area information) of points where radio waves transmitted from external base stations, access points, etc., or broadcast waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting cannot be received. Memorize and hold. In the following description, a radio wave transmitted from an external base station, an access point, or the like, or a broadcast wave of terrestrial digital broadcasting is simply abbreviated as an external radio wave.

  The display unit 40 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays data and messages output from the control unit 60.

  The sound source unit 50 is configured by a speaker or the like, and outputs sounds and messages output from the control unit 60 as sounds.

  The control unit 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and controls the operation of the entire mobile communication terminal 100 by the operation of the CPU. Software for operating the CPU is stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 or another storage device (not shown).

  Next, the out-of-service location information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the out-of-service location information table.

  The out-of-service location information table 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a column of page number 301, a column of flag 302, a column of storage date and time 303, and a column of location information 304 as shown in the 310th row.

  The column of the page number 301 is a column for entering a number indicating each row of the out-of-service location information table 300. In this embodiment, each row is referred to as a page.

  The column of the flag 302 is a column for entering a flag indicating whether the data of the page (the row) is valid, invalid, or unused. That the flag is valid indicates that the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page can be used to determine the approach to the out-of-service area. When the flag is invalid, the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page cannot be used yet for the determination of the approach to the out-of-service area, but may be used for the determination of the access to the out-of-service area in the future. It shows that it is some data. The flag not used indicates that the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page has not been used for the determination of the approach to the out-of-service area for a long period (for example, for several months). Yes.

  In the present embodiment, when the control unit 60 determines whether or not the vehicle has approached the out-of-service area based on the position information measured by the GPS reception measurement unit 20, the control unit 60 uses the flag in the out-of-service area information table 300 for which the flag is valid. Refer to the position information and determine its approach. The position information in which the flag is invalid is not used for determining the approach to the out-of-service area.

  In addition, when the position information in the column of the position information 304 is not used for determination of approach to the out-of-service area for a long period (for example, for several months), the control unit 60 changes the valid or invalid flag to an unused flag. .

  The column of the storage date and time 303 is a column for entering the date and time when the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page is acquired and stored in the out-of-service location information table 300.

  The column of position information 304 is a column in which position information of a point where radio waves transmitted from the outside cannot be received is entered as latitude and longitude data.

  An example of the out-of-service location information table 300 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  In the row of page number 1 shown in the row 311 of FIG. 3, the latitude / longitude data in the column of the position information 304 is at 13:00 on June 1, 2007 as described in the column of the storage date / time 303. Indicates that it was acquired. The position information data indicates that the flag 302 column is valid and can be used to determine the out-of-service area. Note that the latitude / longitude data in the column of the position information 304 are specifically “(northern latitude) 35.692... Degrees, (east longitude) 139.636. An example of nearby data) ”.

  Further, in the row of page number 3 shown in row 313 of FIG. 3, the latitude / longitude data in the column of the position information 304 is 8:30 on July 30, 2007 as described in the column of the storage date and time 303. Indicates that it was acquired in minutes. The position information data indicates that the flag 302 column is invalid and cannot be used for the determination of the out-of-service area.

  Next, the outline of the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a first diagram showing an outline of the operation of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the shade of the building (the triangular area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 4) is an out-of-service area that cannot receive radio waves transmitted from the outside. The outside of the out-of-service area is an in-service area where radio waves transmitted from the outside can be received. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites can be received in both the out-of-service area and the in-service area.

  Here, it is assumed that the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved from the point a in the area to the point b where the area is within the area but close to the out-of-range area and is about to enter the out-of-area area soon. Since the point c on the left side of the point b is in the out-of-service area, when the mobile communication terminal 100 moves to the point c, radio waves transmitted from the outside cannot be received.

  At the point b, the mobile communication terminal 100 measures its current position using radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites. Then, the mobile communication terminal 100 is close to any of the position information (column 304 in FIG. 3) in the out-of-service location information table 300 stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 of the mobile communication terminal 100 ( Determine whether or not (within several tens of meters).

  When the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 (that is, the point b) is close to any of the position information in the out-of-service location information table 300, the mobile communication terminal 100 displays on the display unit 40 a message such as “Soon to be out of service area”. To warn the user of the mobile communication terminal 100. Alternatively, a warning sound such as “beep” may be emitted from the sound source unit 50 of the mobile communication terminal 100, or a warning message may be emitted as a sound. The portion of the enlarged view of the mobile communication terminal of FIG. 4 (right side of FIG. 4) illustrates the warning operation of the mobile communication terminal 100.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a second diagram showing an outline of the operation of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5 (a), it is assumed that the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved from the in-service area (left side in FIG. 5) to the out-of-service area (right side in FIG. 5). It is assumed that it is the first (first time) entry to a point in the destination non-service area. At that time, the mobile communication terminal 100 receives the radio wave transmitted by the GPS satellite by the GPS reception measurement unit 20, acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 using the radio wave, and uses the acquired current position as out-of-service location information. Store / store in table 300. In this case, since the current position is position information measured for the first time, the page (row) flag (column 302 in FIG. 3) of the out-of-service position information table 300 of the current position is invalidated.

  At the next opportunity, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), it is assumed that the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved from the in-range area to the out-of-service area at the same or a surrounding point as described in FIG. 5 (a). This is the second time to enter a point in the destination non-service area. At this time, as in FIG. 5A, the mobile communication terminal 100 acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 using radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites. Then, the position information of the current position or a point around the current position (for example, within a range of several tens of meters) is entered in the position information column (column 304 in FIG. 3) of the out-of-service position information table 300. Find out what has been done. As a result, the current position exists in the out-of-service area that is the position information in the position information column (column 304 in FIG. 3) in the out-of-service position information table 300 and the surrounding points (for example, within a range of several tens of meters). Find out what to do.

  In the case of FIG. 5 (b), since it has moved to a point close to the out-of-service area in FIG. 5 (b), the out-of-service position information table 300 shows the current position in FIG. Information is filled in. Therefore, the flag (column 302 in FIG. 3) of the page (row) in which the position information in the out-of-service position information table 300 is entered is changed from invalid to valid.

  Next, the operation described in FIGS. 5A and 5B will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of creating the out-of-service location information table according to the first embodiment.

  If the mobile communication terminal 100 is moving in the area, it is determined whether the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved to the outside area (step S10 in FIG. 6). The movement to the out-of-service area can be determined, for example, by detecting, for example, that the reception field strength of the radio wave transmitted from the outside is significantly reduced by the radio unit 10 of the mobile communication terminal 100.

  If the mobile communication terminal 100 has not moved to the out-of-service area (No in step S10), the processing of the mobile communication terminal 100 is terminated.

  When it is determined that the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved to an out-of-service area (Yes in step S10), the GPS reception measurement unit 20 of the mobile communication terminal 100 receives radio waves transmitted by the three GPS satellites. Then, the GPS reception measurement unit 20 acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 using the radio wave. The current position is measured as latitude / longitude data (step S11).

  Next, the control unit 60 of the mobile communication terminal 100 searches the position information (page) of the page (row) in which the flag (column 302 in FIG. 3) is invalid from the out-of-service location information table 300 in the nonvolatile memory 30. All the columns 304 in FIG. 3 are read (step S12). In the example of FIG. 3, since the flag (column 302) of the page (row) of page number 3 is invalid as shown in line 313, the position information (in the column of position information 304 of the page) ( Read latitude / longitude).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a page in the out-of-service location information table 300 that describes location information for which the flag is invalid (step S13).

  If there is no location information in which the flag is invalid in the out-of-service location information table 300 (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S16.

  If there is position information in which the flag is invalid in the out-of-service position information table 300 (Yes in step S13), the current position acquired in step S11 or position information around the current position is It is determined whether it exists in the position information read in S12 (step S14).

  If it exists (Yes in step S14), the flag (column 302 in FIG. 3) of the page (row) in which the position information is entered in the out-of-service position information table 300 is changed from invalid to "valid" ( Step S15).

  If it does not exist (No in step S14), the current position (latitude / longitude) measured in step S11 is entered in the position information column (304 in FIG. 3) of the new page of the out-of-service position information table 300. Further, the flag of the page (column 302 in FIG. 3) is invalidated, and the date and time when the current position is measured in step S11 is entered in the column of storage date and time (column 303 in FIG. 3) (step S16). . Then, the control unit 60 ends the process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5C will be described.

  As described above, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the operation of creating the out-of-service location information table 300 stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 of the mobile communication terminal 100. On the other hand, FIG. 5 (C) shows an operation when warning that the mobile communication terminal 100 has approached the out-of-service area.

  In FIG. 5 (c), it is assumed that the mobile communication terminal 100 is moving in the in-service area (left side in FIG. 5) toward the out-of-service area (right side in FIG. 5). When the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is within the coverage area, the mobile communication terminal 100 measures its current position by the GPS reception measurement unit 20.

  Whether the measured current position is close to the position information (column 304 in FIG. 3) in the out-of-service position information table 300 stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 of the mobile communication terminal 100 (for example, within a range of several tens of meters). Determine. When the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is close to the position information in the out-of-service location information table 300, the mobile communication terminal 100 uses the display unit 40 or the sound source unit 50 to issue a warning that the mobile communication terminal 100 is approaching the out-of-service area. Do.

  Next, the operation described in FIG. 5C will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the warning operation when approaching the out-of-service area according to the first embodiment.

  The mobile communication terminal 100 determines whether or not its own position is within the coverage area (step S20 in FIG. 7). For example, the wireless unit 10 of the mobile communication terminal 100 can determine that it is within the vicinity area by detecting that the received electric field intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the outside is sufficiently strong for radio wave reception. is there.

  When the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is not within the coverage area but outside the coverage area (No in step S20), the processing of the mobile communication terminal 100 is terminated.

  When the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the area (Yes in step S20), the GPS reception measurement unit 20 of the mobile communication terminal 100 receives radio waves transmitted by the three GPS satellites. Then, the GPS reception measurement unit 20 acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 using the radio wave. The current position is measured as latitude / longitude data (step S21). Note that the current position is measured at predetermined intervals (for example, within a range of several tens of seconds to several minutes).

  Next, the control unit 60 of the mobile communication terminal 100 searches the location information (page) of the page (row) in which the flag (column 302 in FIG. 3) is valid from the out-of-service location information table 300 in the nonvolatile memory 30. All columns 304 in FIG. 3 are read (step S22). In the example of FIG. 3, as shown in lines 311 and 312, the page (row) flag (column 302) of page number 1 and page number 2 is valid, so the position information of the two pages The position information (latitude / longitude) described in the column 304 is read.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a page describing the position information for which the flag is valid in the out-of-service position information table 300 (step S23).

  If there is no position information in which the flag is valid in the out-of-service position information table 300 (No in step S23), the process of the control unit 60 is terminated.

  If there is position information in which the flag is valid in the out-of-service position information table 300 (Yes in Step S23), the position information in the vicinity (within a range of several tens of meters) of the current position acquired in Step S21 is displayed. Then, it is determined whether it exists in the position information read in step S22 (step S24).

  If it exists (Yes in step S24), a warning is given to the effect that the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is approaching the out-of-service area (step S25). The warning is performed, for example, by displaying “Soon to be out of service area” on the display unit 40 of the mobile communication terminal 100. Alternatively, a warning sound or warning message may be issued from the sound source unit 50 of the mobile communication terminal 100.

  If it does not exist (No in step S24), the process of the control unit 60 is terminated.

  In the out-of-service location information table 300, the pages used for the warning output described above among the pages (rows) in which the flag is valid may be handled as follows. That is, the date and time information used as the history information used for warning output in the area different from the out-of-service location information table 300 in the non-volatile memory 30 of the mobile communication terminal 100 for the page used for warning output. You may make it preserve | save with.

  The following modifications may be made to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

  First, in the explanation of the operation in FIG. 7, when the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is within the coverage area, the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is measured at predetermined intervals. However, the measurement of the current position by the GPS reception measurement unit 20 of the mobile communication terminal 100 may require a time of about several tens of seconds. Therefore, if the current position is frequently measured, the battery built in the mobile communication terminal 100 may be consumed quickly.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the control unit 60 determines that the measured current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is far from the position information entered in the out-of-service position information table 300 in the nonvolatile memory 30. In some cases (for example, when the distance is several hundred meters or more), the control unit 60 controls the GPS reception measurement unit 20 to lengthen the measurement interval of the current position after that time. In addition, when the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is close to the position information entered in the out-of-service position information table 300 in the non-volatile memory 30 (for example, when approaching within 100 meters), the measurement interval is shortened. To do. By making such a change, it becomes possible to suppress the battery consumption of the mobile communication terminal 100.

  Second, when measuring the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 during high-speed movement by a train or a car, the result of calculating the latitude / longitude measurement data of the current position from the radio wave reception from the GPS satellite It may move a long distance before getting. In such a case, the error in the data obtained as the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 becomes considerably large.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the moving speed of the mobile communication terminal 100 is calculated using the previous measurement result of the current position and the current measurement result of the current position. Then, using the moving speed, the current position of this time is corrected and calculated by prediction. By making such a change, the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 can be accurately calculated even when the mobile communication terminal 100 is moving at high speed.

  The first embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of the present invention has been described above.

  The mobile communication terminal of this embodiment includes a position information measuring means (GPS reception measuring section 20), a position information storing means (out-of-service position information table 300 in the nonvolatile memory 30), a control means (control section 60), a wireless Means (radio section 10).

  The control means issues a warning when it is determined that the position information measured by the position information measuring means has approached a radio wave reception out-of-service area stored in the position information storage means.

  More specifically, when it is determined by the wireless means of the mobile communication terminal that the mobile communication terminal has moved from the coverage area of the radio wave reception to the out-of-service area, the control means further operates as follows.

  That is, the control means acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measurement means, and determines whether or not position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is stored in the position information storage means. When position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is not stored in the position information storage means, the control means indicates that the current position is data that may be used for determining an out-of-service area. The information is stored in the position information storage means as position information with a flag.

  Further, when the position information storage means stores position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position and with an invalid flag, the control means displays the position information flag with the invalid flag as an out-of-service area. To a valid flag indicating that the data is used for the determination.

  Further, when it is determined by the wireless means of the mobile communication terminal that the mobile communication terminal exists in the area where radio waves are received, the control means further operates as follows.

  That is, when the current position of the mobile communication terminal is acquired from the position information measuring means and it is determined that the current position is within a predetermined distance range from the position information with the valid flag in the position information storage means, the mobile communication terminal A warning is issued when it is determined that the vehicle has approached an out-of-service area. The warning is performed by displaying a warning message on the display unit 40. Alternatively, the sound source unit 50 outputs a warning message or warning sound.

  As described above, the mobile communication terminal according to the present embodiment gives a warning that the out-of-service area is near when the mobile communication terminal approaches while moving from the within-area that can receive radio waves transmitted from the outside to the outside-area. It comes to emit. Therefore, a user using such a mobile communication terminal can recognize that it will soon be impossible to receive radio waves if it continues to move.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user of the mobile communication terminal from suddenly entering the out-of-service area during a call, data communication, or viewing of terrestrial digital broadcasting. Thus, inconvenience and inconvenience for the user can be avoided.

  Note that the first embodiment described above can be further modified as follows.

  That is, in the first embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 5 (a), when the mobile communication terminal 100 enters a certain point in the out-of-service area for the first time (first time), The current position of the point is acquired and stored / stored in the out-of-service location information table 300. At this time, the flag of the page (row) of the out-of-service location information table 300 of the current location is “invalid”. Then, as described in FIG. 5B, when the “second time” is entered at a certain point in the out-of-service area, the flag of the out-of-service position information table 300 at the current position is changed to “valid”. ing. This is performed in order to make sure that the “certain point” is an out-of-service area by making a determination twice.

  On the other hand, when a certain point in the out-of-service area is entered for the first time (first time), the flag of the page (row) of the out-of-service location information table 300 of the current position is set to “valid” from the beginning. Good. That is, only the “valid” flag may be used in the out-of-service location information table 300, and the “invalid” flag may not be used. By adding such a change to the first embodiment, even if it is closer to the second time than the third time described in FIG. It is possible to issue a warning of approaching.

  Next, a second embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.

  The mobile communication terminal of the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment only in the following points.

  That is, the out-of-service location information table 300 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 of the mobile communication terminal 100 in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the out-of-service location information table 300-2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 30. The out-of-service location information table 300-2 adds state information (for example, received electric field strength, remaining battery level, open / closed state of the main body, etc.) of the mobile communication terminal to the out-of-service location information table 300 of the first embodiment. It differs only in respect.

  The reason why the above-described status information of the mobile communication terminal is added to the out-of-service location information table 300-2 is as follows. In other words, if a mobile communication terminal becomes out of service due to a problem with a mobile communication terminal or mobile communication network or terrestrial digital broadcasting, the location where the problem occurred (which can be determined by location information) and its This is because leaving the state information of the mobile communication terminal at the time as a record makes it easier to analyze the situation of the occurrence of the malfunction. The analysis of the situation of occurrence of defects is usually performed by a mobile communication terminal manufacturer or dealer.

  Therefore, in the following description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols, and the description thereof is omitted as much as possible.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of the present invention.

  A mobile communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. 8 includes a wireless unit 10, a GPS reception measurement unit 20, a nonvolatile memory 30, a display unit 40, a sound source unit 50, a control unit 60-2, an open / close detection sensor 70, and a battery remaining amount sensor 80. It is out.

  Here, the radio unit 10, the GPS reception measurement unit 20, the nonvolatile memory 30, the display unit 40, and the sound source unit 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  The open / close detection sensor 70 detects the open / close state of the main body when the main body of the mobile communication terminal 100 is a folding type, and sends the open / close state to the control unit 60-2.

  The battery remaining amount sensor 80 detects the remaining amount of power of a battery (not shown) of the mobile communication terminal 100 and sends the detected remaining battery amount to the control unit 60-2.

  The control unit 60-2 includes a CPU (not shown), and controls the operation of the entire mobile communication terminal 100 by the operation of the CPU. Software for operating the CPU is stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 or another storage device (not shown).

  Next, the out-of-service location information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the out-of-service location information table.

  As shown in the 320th row, the out-of-service location information table 300-2 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a page number 301 column, a flag 302 column, a storage date / time 303 column, a position information 304 column, and a received electric field strength. It includes a column of 305, a column of the remaining battery level 306, and a column of the open / close state 307.

  Here, the column of the page number 301, the column of the flag 302, the column of the storage date and time 303, and the column of the position information 304 are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  The column of the received electric field strength 305 is transmitted from the outside detected by the radio unit 10 when the GPS reception measurement unit 20 measures the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page (the row). This is a column for entering the received electric field strength of radio waves. In this embodiment, the unit of the received electric field strength is expressed by μV / m. Note that 1 μV / m indicates the electric field strength that excites a voltage of 1 μV (microvolt) on a 1 m (meter) conductor.

  The column of the remaining battery level 306 indicates the battery level detected by the remaining battery level sensor 80 when the GPS reception measurement unit 20 measures the position information described in the position information 304 column of the page (the row). This is a column for entering the remaining amount. In this embodiment, a case where the remaining battery level is sufficient is expressed as “1”, a case where the remaining battery level is zero is expressed as “0”, and an intermediate remaining level value is “1” corresponding to the remaining level value. ”And“ 0 ”.

  The column of the open / close state 307 indicates the open / close state of the main body detected by the open / close detection sensor 70 when the GPS reception measurement unit 20 measures the position information described in the column of the position information 304 of the page (the row). It is a column to fill in. In the present embodiment, the folding mobile communication terminal 100 is expressed as “open” when the main body is open, and is expressed as “closed” when the main body is closed.

  In addition, when information other than the above is necessary as the status information of the mobile communication terminal 100, the necessary information may be further added and stored using the column 308 in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of creating the out-of-service location information table according to the second embodiment.

  When the mobile communication terminal 100 is moving within the area, it is determined whether the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved to the outside area (step S10-2 in FIG. 10). The movement to the out-of-service area can be determined, for example, by detecting, for example, that the reception field strength of the radio wave transmitted from the outside is significantly reduced by the radio unit 10 of the mobile communication terminal 100.

  If the mobile communication terminal 100 has not moved to the out-of-service area (No in step S10-2), the process of the mobile communication terminal 100 is terminated.

  When it is determined that the mobile communication terminal 100 has moved to the out-of-service area (Yes in step S10-2), the GPS reception measurement unit 20 of the mobile communication terminal 100 receives radio waves transmitted by the three GPS satellites. Then, the GPS reception measurement unit 20 acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 100 using the radio wave. The current position is measured as latitude / longitude data (step S11-2).

  Next, the control unit 60-2 of the mobile communication terminal 100 sets the page (row) in which the flag (column 302 in FIG. 9) is invalid from the out-of-service location information table 300-2 in the nonvolatile memory 30. All the position information (column 304 in FIG. 9) is read (step S12-2).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a page describing the position information in which the flag is invalid in the out-of-service position information table 300-2 (step S13-2).

  If there is no location information in which the flag is invalid in the out-of-service location information table 300-2 (No in step S13-2), the process proceeds to step S16-2.

  If there is location information in which the flag is invalid in the out-of-service location information table 300-2 (Yes in step S13-2), the current location acquired in step S11-2 or the vicinity of the current location Is determined to be present in the position information read in step S12-2. Thereby, it is determined whether the current position exists in the out-of-service area that is the position information read in step S12-2 and its surroundings (for example, within a range of several tens of meters) (step S14-2).

  If it exists (Yes in step S14-2), the flag (column 302 in FIG. 9) in which the position information in the out-of-service position information table 300-2 is entered is changed from invalid to “valid”. (Step S15-2).

  If it does not exist (No in step S14-2), the current position (latitude / longitude) measured in step S11-2 is used as the position information column (304 in FIG. 9) of the new page of the out-of-service position information table 300-2. Column). Further, the flag of the page (column 302 in FIG. 9) is invalidated, and the date and time when the current position is measured in step S11-2 is written in the column of storage date and time (column 303 in FIG. 9). In addition, the control unit 60-2 acquires the received electric field strength at the time when the current position is measured in step S11-2 from the wireless unit 10, and receives the received electric field strength column (column 305 in FIG. 9) of the page. To fill in. Further, the control unit 60-2 obtains the remaining battery level from the remaining battery level sensor 80 at the time when the current position is measured in step S11-2, and displays the remaining battery level level column (see FIG. 9). Column 306). Furthermore, the control unit 60-2 obtains the open / close state of the main body from the open / close detection sensor 70 at the time when the current position is measured in step S11-2, and displays the open / close state column of the page (307 in FIG. 9). Column) (step S16-2). Then, the control unit 60-2 ends the process.

  The operation for creating the out-of-service location information table in the second embodiment has been described above.

  Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a warning operation is performed when the mobile communication terminal 100 approaches an out-of-service area. The warning operation in the second embodiment is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, further explanation for the second embodiment will be omitted.

  The second embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of the present invention has been described above.

  The mobile communication terminal of this embodiment includes a position information measuring unit (GPS reception measuring unit 20), a position information storage unit (out-of-service location information table 300-2 in the nonvolatile memory 30), and a control unit (control unit 60-2). ) And wireless means (wireless unit 10).

  The control means issues a warning when it is determined that the position information measured by the position information measuring means has approached a radio wave reception out-of-service area stored in the position information storage means.

  More specifically, when it is determined by the radio wave transmission / reception means of the mobile communication terminal that the mobile communication terminal has moved from the area where radio waves are received to the outside area, the control means further operates as follows.

  That is, the control means acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measurement means, and determines whether or not position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is stored in the position information storage means. When position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is not stored in the position information storage means, the control means indicates that the current position is data that may be used for determining an out-of-service area. The information is stored in the position information storage means as position information with a flag.

  At this time, the control means further stores information such as the received electric field intensity at the time of acquiring the current position, the remaining battery level, and the main body open / close state of the mobile communication terminal in the position information storage means. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the unlikely event that the mobile communication terminal is out of service due to a failure of the mobile communication terminal or mobile communication network or terrestrial digital broadcasting, a failure has occurred. By using the location and the state information of the mobile communication terminal at that time, it becomes easy to analyze the situation of the occurrence of the malfunction.

It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of the mobile communication terminal of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st Example of the mobile communication terminal of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an out-of-service location information table. It is a 1st figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a 1st Example. It is a 2nd figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of out-of-service location information table preparation of a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the warning operation | movement when approaching the out-of-service area of a 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd Example of the mobile communication terminal of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of an out-of-service location information table. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of out-of-service location information table preparation of a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile communication terminal 2 Position information measurement means 3 Control means 4 Position information storage means 10 Radio | wireless part 20 GPS reception measurement part 30 Non-volatile memory 40 Display part 50 Sound source part 60 Control part 60-2 Control part 70 Open / close detection sensor 80 Battery remaining charge Sensor 100 Mobile communication terminal 300 Out-of-service location information table 300-2 Out-of-service location information table

Claims (7)

Position information measuring means for measuring position information of the mobile communication terminal;
Position information storage means;
Control means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the position information measured by the position information measuring means has approached an out-of-service area of radio wave reception stored in the position information storage means,
Furthermore, it includes wireless means for transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the mobile communication network,
When it is determined by the wireless means that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a coverage area to a non-service area,
The control means further acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measuring means, and when position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is not stored in the position information storage means, The current position is stored in the position information storage means as position information with an invalid flag indicating that it is data that may be used for determination of the out-of-service area,
When it is determined by the wireless means that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a coverage area to a non-service area,
The control means further acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measuring means, and stores position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position and with an invalid flag in the position information storage means. If it is, the position information flag with the invalid flag is changed to a valid flag indicating that the data is used for determination of the out-of-service area.
A mobile communication terminal characterized by the above. Position information measuring means for measuring position information of the mobile communication terminal;
Position information storage means;
Control means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the position information measured by the position information measuring means has approached an out-of-service area of radio wave reception stored in the position information storage means,
In addition, it includes a wireless means for receiving broadcast waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting,
When it is determined by the wireless means that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a coverage area to a non-service area,
The control means further acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measuring means, and when position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is not stored in the position information storage means, The current position is stored in the position information storage means as position information with an invalid flag indicating that it is data that may be used for determination of the out-of-service area,
When it is determined by the wireless means that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a coverage area to a non-service area,
The control means further acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measuring means, and stores position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position and with an invalid flag in the position information storage means. If it is, the position information flag with the invalid flag is changed to a valid flag indicating that the data is used for determination of the out-of-service area.
A mobile communication terminal characterized by the above. When it is determined by the wireless means that the mobile communication terminal exists in an area where radio waves are received,
The control means further acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal from the position information measuring means, and the current position is within a predetermined distance range from the position information with a valid flag in the position information storage means. If it is determined, the mobile communication terminal determines that the mobile communication terminal has approached an out-of-service area, and issues the warning.
The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile communication terminal is a mobile communication terminal. The control means stores the current position in the position information storage means as position information with an invalid flag indicating that the current position is data that may be used for determination of an out-of-service area. Information such as the received electric field strength at the time of acquiring the position, the remaining battery level, and the main body opening / closing state of the mobile communication terminal is also stored in the position information storage means.
The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile communication terminal is a mobile communication terminal. When it is determined that the position information measured by the mobile communication terminal is close to the out-of-service area of radio reception in the table storing out-of-service position information of the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal issues a warning,
If it is determined that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a radio wave reception area to an outside area,
The mobile communication terminal further measures the current position of the mobile communication terminal, and when position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position is not stored in the table, the current position is determined as an out-of-service area Is stored in the table as position information with an invalid flag indicating that the data may be used in the table,
If it is determined that the mobile communication terminal has moved from a radio wave reception area to an outside area,
The mobile communication terminal further measures the current position of the mobile communication terminal, and when the position information within a predetermined distance range from the current position and with an invalid flag is stored in the table, the invalid flag Change the position information flag with a valid flag indicating that the data is used for determination of the out-of-service area.
Out-of-range prediction method characterized by this. When it is determined that the mobile communication terminal is in an area where radio waves are received,
The mobile communication terminal further measures the current position of the mobile communication terminal, and determines that the current position is within a predetermined distance range from position information with a valid flag in the table. Determines that the vehicle has approached an out-of-service area and issues the warning.
The out-of-range prediction method according to claim 5 . The mobile communication terminal stores the current position in the table as position information with an invalid flag indicating that the current position is data that may be used for determination of an out-of-service area. Information such as the received electric field strength at the time of acquisition, the remaining battery level, the main body opening / closing state of the mobile communication terminal is also stored in the table,
The out-of-range prediction method according to any one of claims 5 and 6 .

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