KR20120124111A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling of thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal and control method thereof are provided to effectively control Wi-Fi access according to the service environment of a portable terminal. CONSTITUTION: A control unit(180) receives a first cell Identifier information according to the entry of a first cell. When identifier information matched with the first cell identifier information is existed in a DB(Data Base), the control unit operates a Wi-Fi communication module. The control unit forms one or more access points and a communication interface. When a channel is disconnected from the access point, the control unit stops the operation of the Wi-Fi communication module. [Reference numerals] (110) Wireless communication unit; (111) Broadcast receiving module; (112) Mobile communication module; (113) Wireless internet module; (114) Local communication module; (115) Location information module; (116) Wifi communication module; (120) A/V input unit; (121) Camera; (122) Microphone; (130) User input unit; (140) Sensing unit; (150) Output unit; (151) Display module; (152) Sound output module; (153) Alarm unit; (154) Haptic module; (160) Memory; (165) Data base; (170) Interface unit; (180) Control unit; (181) Multimedia module; (190) Power supply unit

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OF THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method for controlling the mobile terminal, and more particularly, a mobile terminal capable of automatically turning on and off a Wi-Fi according to a usage environment of the mobile terminal in a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) service area; A control method of a mobile terminal.

Recently, in the field of various mobile terminals including mobile terminals, thanks to the rapid development of software and hardware, a wide variety of functions can be provided to users.

Accordingly, there is an increasing need for the development and dissemination of various user interfaces for allowing a user to easily and efficiently control a mobile terminal that provides various and complex functions.

An object of the present invention can provide a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal capable of efficiently controlling the Wi-Fi connection according to the usage environment of the mobile terminal.

Technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned. In addition, other technical problems to be achieved by the present invention will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Mobile terminal according to an aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication module; WiFi module; A database for receiving and storing cell identifier information (CID) of a cell including at least one access point (AP) for providing a Wi-Fi service through the mobile communication module; And receiving first cell identifier information as the cell enters a first cell, and if there is identifier information matching the first cell identifier information among the cell identifier information stored in the database, turn on the Wi-Fi communication module. And a control unit to form a communication interface with the at least one access point, and to turn off the Wi-Fi communication module when the channel connected to the access point is disconnected.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a mobile terminal, the method comprising: receiving and storing cell identifier information (CID) of a cell including at least one access point in a database; Receiving the first cell identifier information as the mobile terminal enters a first cell; Turning on a Wi-Fi communication module when any one of the cell identifier information stored in the database matches the received first cell identifier information; Connecting the Wi-Fi communication module with the access point to form a communication interface; And monitoring the signal strength (RSSI) and the received cell identifier information of the access point at predetermined intervals.

According to the control method of the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal according to the present invention, overhead and power consumption can be reduced by automatically controlling the connection between the Wi-Fi communication module and the access point.

According to the present invention, when the mobile terminal is in the mobile state, the Wi-Fi service connection can be efficiently controlled by turning off the Wi-Fi communication module.

1 is an example of a Wi-Fi system for implementing a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an exemplary system configuration diagram in which a mobile terminal entering a specific cell connects with an access point to form a Wi-Fi communication interface according to a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of turning on a Wi-Fi communication module using cell identifier information and connecting with an access point according to a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of retrying a connection in a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is released according to a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an exemplary system configuration for explaining a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a Wi-Fi communication module according to the signal strength of an access point.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a Wi-Fi communication module as the cell identifier information received by the mobile terminal is changed.

The foregoing objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

The mobile terminal 100 described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and a MID (Mobile). Internet Device) may be included.

1 is an example of a Wi-Fi system for implementing a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 100 moves in the direction of the second cell region C2 after entering the first cell region C1.

In the following description, a first access point (AP1) and a second AP (AP2) are included in different cell areas, and the first and second APs are each connected by a wired network. In addition, a Wi-Fi communication interface may be formed with a mobile terminal entering each cell.

When the mobile terminal 100 enters the first cell C1, the mobile terminal 100 may access the first AP and communicate with a predetermined network through Wi-Fi communication. In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 moves from the first cell C1 to the second cell C2, the mobile terminal 100 is located in an area where the service area of the first cell C1 and the service area of the second cell C2 cross each other. You can enter.

In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may form a Wi-Fi communication interface with at least one of the first AP AP1 and the second AP AP2. Wi-Fi refers to a wireless communication protocol that connects to the Internet, an intranet, or the like using a nearby access point. Wi-Fi generally communicates after receiving an IP through such an access point.

The mobile terminal 100 may be connected to any one of AP1 and AP2 with reference to a Wi-Fi connection record stored in an internal database that records Wi-Fi connection information. The Wi-Fi connection record may include information on the number of times of connection with a specific AP, Wi-Fi usage time after connection, and signal strength (RSSI).

When the mobile terminal 100 enters the second cell C2 area from the crossing area, the mobile terminal 100 may disconnect from the AP1 and form a Wi-Fi communication interface with the AP2.

When the mobile terminal 100 leaves the second cell C2 area, the Wi-Fi communication module is turned off when there is no connectable AP even if the mobile terminal 100 does not belong to any cell area or belongs to another cell area.

The on-off of the Wi-Fi communication module may mean to supply power to the Wi-Fi communication module through the power supply of the mobile terminal 100 to activate or deactivate the Wi-Fi function.

2 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. The components shown in FIG. 2 are not essential, so that the mobile terminal 100 with more components or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a location information module 115, and a WiFi communication module 116. ) May be included.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information generated by the broadcast management server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcasting signals using various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcasting receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S) Only Digital Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 113 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as the short distance communication technology.

The location information module 115 is a module for checking or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal 100. The location information module 115 may obtain location information using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Here, the Global Positioning System (GNSS) is a term used to describe the radionavigation satellite systems in which certain types of radionavigation receivers orbiting the Earth are transmitting reference signals that can determine their position near the surface or ground surface . The Global Positioning System (GNSS) includes Global Positioning System (GPS) in the United States, Galileo in Europe, GLONASS (Global Orbiting Navigational Satelite System) in Russia, COMPASS in China and Japan QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), which is operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

As a representative example of the GNSS, the location information module 115 may be a Global Position System (GPS) module. The GPS module calculates information on a distance (distance) from three or more satellites to a point (object), information on a time when the distance information is measured, and then applies a trigonometric method to the calculated distance information, Dimensional position information according to latitude, longitude, and altitude with respect to a point (object) in the three-dimensional space. Further, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is also used. The GPS module continuously calculates the current position in real time, and calculates velocity information using the current position.

The WiFi communication module 116 performs a wireless communication function of the mobile terminal 100 in a Wi-Fi system. The Wi-Fi communication module 1160 may include a Wi-Fi communication unit (not shown) and a Wi-Fi control unit (not shown).

The Wi-Fi communication unit communicates with a specific network by connecting to an access point (hereinafter referred to as an 'AP') in a Wi-Fi service area. In this case, the Wi-Fi communication unit may include an RF transmitter that up-changes and amplifies the frequency of the transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise-amplifies and down-converts the received signal.

The Wi-Fi control unit performs a function of controlling the Wi-Fi communication unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the Wi-Fi controller may search for another AP accessible through the Wi-Fi communication unit when leaving the Wi-Fi service area and disconnecting from the currently connected AP. When the Wi-Fi controller detects an accessible AP according to an embodiment of the present invention, the Wi-Fi controller may attempt to access the found AP.

Alternatively, if the Wi-Fi control unit does not find an accessible AP according to an embodiment of the present invention, the Wi-Fi control unit may turn off the Wi-Fi communication unit.

When the mobile terminal enters a predetermined Wi-Fi service area (ie, a specific cell area), the Wi-Fi control unit receives cell information about the cell, and the received cell information is stored in the database 165. If present, an attempt may be made to connect with any one of at least one AP included in the cell.

Referring to FIG. 2, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151. [

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory unit 160 or may be transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for a user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 may sense the position of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence of the user, the orientation of the mobile terminal 100, And generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it may be responsible for a sensing function related to whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154, for example, for generating output related to visual, auditory, have.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received video or UI and GUI are displayed.

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display 3D display).

Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A typical example of the transparent display is a transparent LCD or the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

According to an implementation form of the mobile terminal 100, two or more display units 151 may exist. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another, or may be disposed integrally with one another, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 151 is connected to a display unit 151 and a sensor for sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch sensor') having a mutual layer structure It can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

Referring to FIG. 2, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal 100 surrounded by the touch screen or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity of the detection surface without mechanical contact using an electromagnetic force or an infrared ray. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor.

And to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the pointer when the touch screen is electrostatic. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position where the pointer is proximately touched on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the pointer is touched.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory unit 160 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output module 152 outputs an acoustic signal related to a function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like. Also, the sound output module 152 may output sound through the earphone jack 116. The user can connect the earphone to the earphone jack 116 to hear the sound output.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154 is vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to perform various functions such as an effect of stimulation by a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulation by air spraying force or suction force through a jet opening or a suction opening, A variety of tactile effects such as an effect of stimulation through contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulation by an electrostatic force, and an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using a heat absorbing or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also implement the haptic effect through the muscle sense of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory unit 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory unit 160 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The database 165 may store information related to a Wi-Fi connection (for example, a CID for a specific cell) separately from the memory unit 160.

When the database 165 forms a Wi-Fi communication interface with an AP existing in a specific cell area through the Wi-Fi communication module 116 according to an embodiment of the present invention, information about the cell area may be obtained. ), The AP may further include AP information, the number of times of connection with the AP, the average Wi-Fi usage time, neighbor cell information, and the like.

The mobile terminal 100 can efficiently receive a Wi-Fi service using various Wi-Fi connection information stored in the database 165.

The memory unit 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory) (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power from the external device to transfer the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or to transmit data in the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

The interface unit may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or various command signals inputted from the cradle by a user are input to the mobile terminal. It may be a passage that is delivered to (100). Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

The various embodiments described herein may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, And may be implemented by the control unit 180.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that perform at least one function or operation. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 180. [

3 is a flowchart of a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exemplary system configuration diagram in which a mobile terminal entering a specific cell connects to an access point to form a Wi-Fi communication interface. The above embodiments may be executed under the control of the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100.

3 and 4, an operation in which the mobile terminal is connected to or disconnected from an access point included in a specific cell will be described.

Initially, cell identifier information (CID) may be stored in the DB 165 (S110).

In step S110, the mobile terminal 100 may attempt to connect with a specific access point to receive a Wi-Fi service. In this case, when the mobile terminal 100 is first connected with the specific access point, information of a cell including the access point, for example, cell identifier information (CID) and information of the access point (AP Information) ) May be stored in the database 165.

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may be registered in the access point. The operation of registering the mobile terminal 100 with the access point may be performed by performing a predetermined authentication process with respect to the access point, for example.

Initially, when the mobile terminal 100 enters the cell again with predetermined cell identifier information (CID) stored in the DB 165, the cell identifier information is received and the DB 165 is searched and matched. If the cell identifier information exists, the Wi-Fi communication module 116 may be automatically turned on and connected to the access point.

In operation S120, the first cell C1 may be entered and a first CID may be received.

In the case of step S120, when the mobile terminal 100 enters the first cell C1 in a state in which specific cell identifier information is stored in the DB in step S110, the identifier information (first CID) of the first cell is received. do.

The controller 180 can search whether the received first CID exists in the DB 165. If the first CID does not exist in the DB 165 (S130: No), the Wi-Fi communication module 116 may be automatically turned off (S150). When the first CID does not exist on the DB 165, power is continuously supplied to the Wi-Fi communication module 166 to prevent an unnecessary increase in power consumption.

On the other hand, when the first CID exists in the DB 165, the controller 180 can determine whether the mobile terminal is in a moving state (S140). As a result of the determination, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the mobile state, the power of the Wi-Fi communication module 116 may be automatically turned off (S150).

Here, the moving state may mean a high speed moving state. That is, when the mobile terminal 100 moves faster than a predetermined threshold speed and leaves the service area of the first cell C1, the controller 180 may turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116.

For example, when the mobile terminal 100 exists inside the subway and there is a predetermined access point inside the subway, even if the mobile terminal 100 moves, there is no need to turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116. In the case of assuming that the access points are arranged at regular intervals outside the subway vehicle, the mobile terminal 100 continuously enters and leaves the service area of each access point as the subway moves. In this case, the Wi-Fi service cannot be provided smoothly due to the repetition of the entry and exit, and the unnecessary power consumption is increased due to the continuous Wi-Fi connection attempt. Therefore, when the mobile terminal 100 moves above a predetermined speed, the power of the Wi-Fi communication module 116 may be automatically turned off.

On the other hand, whether the mobile terminal 100 is moving more than a predetermined speed, it can be known by detecting the signal strength (RSSI) value of the currently connected access point. That is, the controller 180 may determine that the mobile terminal 100 moves at a high speed when the variation range of the RSSI value is out of a predetermined threshold for a specific time.

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 100 is not in the mobile state, the controller 180 controls the connection between the Wi-Fi communication module 116 and the access point according to a predetermined event generated between the mobile terminal 100 and the access point. Or (S200), it is possible to automatically control the on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module (1160) (S300).

Hereinafter, a process in which the mobile terminal 100 is connected to or disconnected from a specific access point in the same cell will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of automatically turning on a Wi-Fi communication module using cell identifier information and connecting with an access point according to a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5, in the state in which the mobile terminal 100 does not leave the service area of the first cell C1, in configuring a Wi-Fi communication interface with AP 1 of the first cell C1, various See conditions. For example, the conditions may include at least one of cell identifier information of the first cell, information of AP1, and location information.

First, when the mobile terminal 100 enters the first cell C1, the controller 180 may receive first cell identifier information (first CID) (S211).

Here, the cell identifier information (CID) is a system (or operator) identification number that is ID information for identifying the service network of the mobile communication provider. For example, in a mobile communication system, each base station has a unique Cell ID, and may transmit a Cell ID owned by the base station to which the mobile terminal belongs to the mobile terminal 100.

The controller 180 may control on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module 116 using the cell identifier information (CID).

In addition, the controller 180 may receive AP information together with the first CID (S211).

The AP information may include at least one of a MAC address, an identifier (SSID), and a signal strength (RSSI) of the AP.

The controller 180 may control on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module 116 using the AP information together with the cell identifier information (CID).

For example, the controller 180 may attempt to connect with any one of at least one AP included in the first cell. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 attempts a Wi-Fi connection with all the at least one AP, and may determine which AP to finally connect with based on the attempt result, but in this case, it is consumed due to repeated connection attempts. The amount of power increases. Therefore, in case of receiving AP information from each of at least one AP included in the first cell, the AP and the AP information stored in the database 165 are considered in consideration of the connection with the higher priority AP. By attempting, power consumption due to the AP connection attempt can be reduced.

In addition, when the location information module 115 (for example, the GPS module) is in an on state, the controller 180 receives the location information of the AP (S214) and the first CID and the AP information. By storing the data together in the database, the database 165 related to the Wi-Fi usage record may be updated (S215).

The database 165 of the mobile terminal 100 may further include information on the number of times the Wi-Fi communication module 116 is connected to the AP and the average usage time in addition to the CID information and the AP information. In addition, the database 165 may include not only the CID of the cell to which the current mobile terminal 100 belongs, but also CID information of neighbor cells. Accordingly, the controller 180 may assign a priority for each AP according to the number of connection and the average usage time for the specific AP. In addition, when there are a plurality of APs, the controller 180 may first attempt a Wi-Fi connection with the AP having the highest priority.

In the above, the process of updating the database 165 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to a predetermined AP has been described. Hereinafter, the operation of the mobile terminal 100 when the currently connected Wi-Fi is disconnected.

6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of retrying a connection when a Wi-Fi connection is released according to a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 6, even when not leaving the cell to which the mobile terminal 100 belongs, the connection with the AP may be released. In this case, the controller 180 first operates the Wi-Fi communication module 116. It may be turned off (S222).

After the predetermined time, the Wi-Fi communication module 116 may be turned on to retry connection with the previously connected AP (S224). However, the controller 180 may retry the AP connection only when the mobile terminal 100 belongs to the same cell area (S225).

Accordingly, when the AP connection is released in the same cell area, first, the Wi-Fi communication module 116 is automatically turned off, and after a predetermined time elapses, the mobile terminal 100 attempts to reconnect. If it leaves the cell, the connection retry may be stopped.

The controller 180 may update the database 165 with information about the number of times of connection retries, times, etc. according to the connection retries with the AP.

In the above, when the mobile terminal is connected to the AP, the cell identification information (CID), the AP information and location information, etc. have been described in the database 165, and the accuracy can be improved. In case of disconnection, we looked at AP reconnection process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of controlling on / off of a Wi-Fi communication module in consideration of a change in signal strength (RSSI) and a CID will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary system diagram for describing a method for controlling a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 illustrates an example of controlling a Wi-Fi communication module according to a signal strength of an access point. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a Wi-Fi communication module as the cell identifier information received by the mobile terminal is changed.

8 to 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the mobile terminals M2 and M3 belong to an area of the first cell C1 and include at least one of at least one AP included in the first cell C1. It is possible to form a Wi-Fi communication interface with AP1. Although the mobile terminals M2 and M3 do not leave the area of the first cell C1, the connection with the AP1 may be released or the connection strength (signal strength RSSI) may be very weak (S311).

In this case, the controller 180 may automatically turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116 (S311).

That is, when the Wi-Fi communication module 116 of the mobile terminal M2 is disconnected from the AP1 and there is no AP that can connect with the mobile terminal 100 in the neighbor cell C3, the controller to reduce unnecessary power consumption. 180 may automatically turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116 (S312).

On the other hand, the mobile terminal M3 is not completely disconnected from the AP1, but the signal strength (RSSI) is very weak in a state that can not provide a smooth Wi-Fi service. Even in such a case, the controller 180 may automatically turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 180 (S312).

The controller 180 may store the RSSI value at which the Wi-Fi communication module 116 is turned off and update the database 165 (S313).

That is, the minimum threshold signal strength (RSSI) for the Wi-Fi service may be defined in advance, and the predefined threshold signal strength (RSSI) may be expressed as RSSI Egde. Thereafter, when the RSSI value of the connected AP corresponds to the predefined threshold signal strength RSSI Egde, the controller 180 can automatically turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a Wi-Fi communication module as the cell identifier information received by the mobile terminal is changed.

7 and 9, the mobile terminal M1 forms a Wi-Fi communication interface with the AP1 in the first cell C1 area, and the mobile terminal 100 has a very high degree of connection of the communication channel with the AP1. Can be strong.

In this state, when the location of the mobile terminal M1 moves from the first cell C1 to the second cell C2 area, the mobile terminal 100 receives the cell identifier information of the second cell C2. can do.

The controller 180 may determine whether the received cell identifier information CID has been changed (S401). For example, the first CID is received and stored in the database 165 in the state where the first cell C1 is entered at the first time point, and the second cell C2 is entered at the second time point. When receiving a second CID different from the CID, the controller 180 may determine that the cell identifier information CID has been changed (S402).

Even if the cell identifier information (CID) is changed, if there is a changed cell identifier information (CID) in the database 165, Wi-Fi communication is attempted to attempt Wi-Fi connection with at least one AP included in the changed cell. The module 116 may be automatically turned on (S403).

After power is applied to the Wi-Fi communication module 116, the controller 180 may attempt to connect the Wi-Fi communication module 116 with a predetermined AP.

The controller 180 can start the first timer (S404). The first timer may be set a monitoring time for monitoring whether the Wi-Fi connection, and the number of iterations to monitor during the monitoring time may also be set in advance.

After performing the monitoring through the first timer, it may be determined whether the preset timer time is completed (S405), and it may be monitored whether the Wi-Fi communication module 116 is connected to a specific AP during the timer time (S406). ).

If the Wi-Fi communication module 116 is not connected to any AP as a result of the monitoring (S406), the controller 180 may automatically turn off the Wi-Fi communication module 116 (S408).

On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi is not connected even after repeatedly performing the AP connection monitoring by the first timer, it is possible to perform monitoring again by changing the monitoring timer time (S409).

The controller 180 may set a period for performing monitoring for a longer time than the first timer time (S410) and start a second timer for monitoring the AP connection (S411).

The monitoring time of the second timer is preferably set to be longer than the monitoring time of the first timer. That is, the first monitoring time and the second monitoring time may be set differently. For example, the primary monitoring time may be set to 1 minute, and the secondary monitoring time may be set to 3 minutes.

When the timer time for the secondary monitoring is completed (S412), the controller 180 may automatically turn on the Wi-Fi communication module 116 to repeat the monitoring by the first timer.

Meanwhile, while the mobile terminal M1 located in the first cell C1 is connected to the AP1, the signal strength RSSI of the AP1 may suddenly decrease. That is, when the mobile terminal M1 moves to the second cell C2 at a very high speed, the controller 180 not only changes the cell identifier information CID but also changes the signal strength RSSI. It may be detected that the cell where M1 is located has changed.

When the Wi-Fi service provided through the AP1 is unstable as the signal strength (RSSI) of the AP1 is changed, the controller 180 automatically turns off the Wi-Fi communication module 116, for the abrupt signal strength (RSSI) Information can be updated in the database 165.

As described above, according to the control method of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention, by automatically controlling the Wi-Fi connection in consideration of the use environment such as the current location, the current situation of the mobile terminal, in an optimal environment with low power consumption Wireless internet service can be provided.

The control method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention can be executed through software. When implemented in software, the constituent means of the present invention are code segments that perform the necessary work. The program or code segments may be stored on a processor readable medium or transmitted by a computer data signal coupled with a carrier on a transmission medium or network.

A computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer-readable recording device include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, DVD ± ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, optical data storage device, and the like. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed to networked computer devices so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited by the drawings. In addition, the embodiments described in this document may not be limitedly applied, but may be configured by selectively combining all or part of the embodiments so that various modifications may be made.

100: mobile terminal 116: Wi-Fi communication module
165: database 180: control unit

Claims (11)

Mobile communication module;
WiFi module;
A database for receiving and storing cell identifier information (CID) of a cell including at least one access point (AP) for providing a Wi-Fi service through the mobile communication module; And
Receiving first cell identifier information as a cell enters a first cell and turning on the Wi-Fi communication module when there is identifier information matching the first cell identifier information among the cell identifier information stored in the database A controller to form a communication interface with the at least one access point, and to turn off the Wi-Fi communication module when the channel connected to the access point is disconnected;
Mobile terminal comprising a. The method of claim 1,
Wherein,
Further including the information (AP Information) of the access point,
The access point information includes at least one of a MAC address, an identifier (SSID), a signal strength (RSSI), the number of times of connection with the Wi-Fi communication module and an average connection time of the access point,
The control unit,
And controlling the on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module in consideration of the information of the access point. The method of claim 1,
The database further includes identifier information of an adjacent cell adjacent to the first cell,
The control unit,
And controlling the on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module in consideration of the identifier information of the neighbor cell. The method of claim 1,
Further comprises a location information module,
The database further includes location information obtained through the location information module,
The control unit,
Mobile terminal, characterized in that for controlling the on-off of the Wi-Fi communication module in consideration of the location information. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
Periodically monitoring the signal strength (RSSI) of the access point and cell identifier information received through the mobile communication module, and controlling on / off of the Wi-Fi communication module in consideration of at least one of the signal strength and cell identifier information Mobile terminal, characterized in that. The method of claim 5, wherein
The control unit,
And when the amount of change in the signal strength (RSSI) exceeds a predetermined threshold or the cell identifier information is changed, turning off the Wi-Fi communication module. The method of claim 5, wherein
The control unit,
In the state where the cell identifier information is not changed,
And when the connection between the Wi-Fi communication module and the access point is released or when the signal strength has a predetermined edge (RSSI Edge), turning off the Wi-Fi communication module. The method of claim 7, wherein
The control unit,
And after the Wi-Fi communication module is turned off, repeatedly monitoring the connection point with the access point a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time. Receiving and storing cell identifier information (CID) of a cell including at least one access point in a database;
Receiving the first cell identifier information as the mobile terminal enters a first cell;
Turning on a Wi-Fi communication module when any one of the cell identifier information stored in the database matches the received first cell identifier information;
Connecting the Wi-Fi communication module with the access point to form a communication interface; And
Monitoring signal strength (RSSI) and the received cell identifier information of the access point at predetermined intervals;
Control method of a mobile terminal comprising a. The method of claim 9,
The monitoring step,
And when the amount of change in the signal strength (RSSI) exceeds a predetermined threshold or when the cell identifier information is changed, turning off the Wi-Fi communication module. The method of claim 9,
The monitoring step,
In a state where cell identifier information of a cell including the mobile terminal is not changed,
And when the connection between the Wi-Fi communication module and the access point is released or the signal strength has a predetermined edge (RSSI Edge), turning off the Wi-Fi communication module.

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