WO2016158344A1

WO2016158344A1 - Communication terminal device and system, in-area determination control method and program

Info

Publication number: WO2016158344A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/057945
Authority: WO
Inventors: 成沢　秀樹
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2015-03-30
Filing date: 2016-03-14
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: JP6497171B2; JP2016189561A

Abstract

This communication terminal device is provided with: an in-area determination unit that performs, on the basis of the reception state of radio waves transmitted from a base station apparatus of a mobile communication network, in-area determination for determining whether or not the communication terminal device is positioned within the area of the base station apparatus; and an in-area determination-processing control unit that causes the in-area determination unit to repeat performing the in-area determination and ceasing the in-area determination on the basis of communication with other communication terminal devices. The communication terminal device is typically provided with a mobile communication unit communicatively connected with the mobile communication network and an inter-terminal communication unit that performs communication directly with the other communication terminal devices.

Description

Communication terminal device and system, area determination control method, and program

The present invention relates to a communication terminal device, a communication terminal system, an area determination control method, and a program.

In order to connect to a mobile communication network, a communication terminal device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone determines whether or not it is located within a range of a base station device of the mobile communication network. From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption by this determination, it is preferable to reduce the frequency of the determination. On the other hand, when a mobile phone or a smart phone moves from outside the area of the base station device to the area, it is located within the area of the base station device of the mobile communication network from the viewpoint of quickly detecting that it is located within the area. It is preferable to frequently determine whether or not there is.
In relation to such a determination, Patent Document 1 includes a mobile station, a regular transmission base station that regularly wirelessly transmits a downlink transmission signal to the mobile station, and information to be transmitted to the mobile station. In this case, a wireless communication system including an emergency transmission base station that wirelessly transmits a downlink transmission signal is shown.
In this wireless communication system, when the received signal level from the emergency transmission base station is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the mobile station performs channel scanning by shortening the reception interval of the signal from the emergency transmission base station.

JP 2012-205176 A

In the wireless communication system described in Patent Document 1, when the radio wave condition from the emergency transmission base station is suddenly improved from a bad situation, the signal reception interval from the emergency transmission base station remains long, and the emergency transmission base station There is a possibility that the detection of being located in the area of will be delayed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal device, a communication terminal system, an area determination control method, and a program that can solve the above-described problems.

The present invention provides a range determination for determining a range in which it is determined whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network And a range determination process control unit that causes the range determination unit to repeatedly execute the range determination and stop the range determination based on communication with the other communication terminal device. .

The present invention also provides a first in-range determination for determining whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network Based on the communication between the first area determination unit and the second communication terminal device, the first area determination unit executes the first area determination and stops the first area determination. A first communication terminal device comprising: a first area determination processing control unit to be repeated;
A second in-range determination is performed to determine whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network Based on the communication between the first area determination unit and the first communication terminal device, the first area determination unit stops the first area determination in at least a part of the period. There is also provided a communication terminal system comprising: a second communication terminal apparatus comprising: a second area determination processing control section that causes the area determination section to perform the second area determination.

The present invention also provides a range determination for determining whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network A range determination process control step in which a communication terminal device including a determination unit causes the range determination unit to repeatedly execute the range determination and stop the range determination based on communication with another communication terminal device. A control method is also provided.

The present invention also provides a range determination for determining whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network An area determination process control step for causing a computer that controls the communication terminal apparatus including the determination unit to cause the area determination unit to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on communication with another communication terminal apparatus. We also provide a program for running

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the communication terminal device and to prevent or reduce the delay in detection that the communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the function structure of the communication terminal system in one Embodiment of this invention. In the embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the area determination stop timing in case two communication terminal devices perform group operation | movement. In the embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the area determination stop timing in case three communication terminal devices perform group operation | movement. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the process sequence which a communication terminal device repeats range determination and stop of range determination. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the process sequence in which a communication terminal device repeats range determination and stop of range determination. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence which a communication terminal device starts a group operation mode. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence which performs the process at the time of group operation mode, while a communication terminal device communicates with another communication terminal device. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence which the communication terminal device used as a parent switches the communication terminal device which performs area determination. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence which a communication terminal device switches execution and stop of area determination. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the minimum structure of the communication terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the minimum structure of the communication terminal system which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, although embodiment of this invention is described, the following embodiment does not limit the invention concerning a claim. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A communication terminal system 1 shown in the figure includes a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses 100.
The communication terminal device 100 includes a mobile communication unit 110, an inter-terminal communication unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation input unit 140, an audio output unit 150, an imaging unit 160, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. And a power supply unit 200.
The control unit 190 includes a range determination unit 191, a range determination processing control unit 192, a timer unit 193, and an application processing unit 194.
Also shown in the figure are a mobile communication network 910 and a base station device 920.
Note that the number of communication terminal devices 100 included in the communication terminal system 1 is not limited to two as shown in FIG. Further, the number of base station devices 920 included in the mobile communication network 910 may be one or more.

Communication terminal apparatus 100 performs communication by connecting to mobile communication network 910 via base station apparatus 920. The communication terminal device referred to here may be a generic term for a mobile phone and a smartphone. In addition, the mobile communication network here may be a communication network provided by a communication carrier for a communication terminal device.
However, the communication terminal device according to the present embodiment is not limited to a mobile phone or a smartphone, and may be various communication devices that can determine whether or not the communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device. Moreover, the mobile communication network in this embodiment should just be a communication network with which a communication terminal device can communicate and connect via a base station apparatus. The area within the range of the base station device here refers to an area where communication with the base station device is possible.

In order to establish communication connection with the mobile communication network 910, the communication terminal device 100 determines whether or not it is located within the range of the base station device 920. In order to reduce the power consumption due to the determination, the communication terminal apparatus 100 provides a period for stopping the determination as to whether or not it is located within the range of the base station apparatus 920, as will be described later.
With only one communication terminal apparatus 100, there may be a delay in determining whether or not it is located within the range of the base station apparatus 920 by providing a determination stop period. However, a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses 100 alternately determine determination stop periods. By providing, it is possible to prevent or reduce a delay in detection of being located within the range of the base station device 920.
Hereinafter, determination of whether or not the communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device is referred to as “in-range determination”.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the area determination stop timing when the two communication terminal devices 100 perform the pairing operation.
The horizontal axis of the figure shows the elapsed time from the start of the set mode. Further, in the figure, the two communication terminal devices 100 are assigned the reference numerals 100A and 100B, respectively, to distinguish between them, and the communication terminal devices 100A and 100B each have a period in which the area determination is performed and a period in which the area determination is stopped. Is shown.

The communication terminal devices 100A and 100B may be located close to each other, for example, owned by two persons in a lost group. In this case, it is considered that the in-range determination result by the communication terminal device 100A and the in-range determination result by the communication terminal device 100B are the same result. Thus, either one of the communication terminal devices 100A and 100B performs the range determination, thereby preventing a delay in determining whether or not the communication terminal devices 100A and 100B are located within a range where the communication terminal device 920 can communicate with the base station device 920 or Can be reduced.
Similarly, when the communication terminal system 1 includes three or more communication terminal apparatuses 100, the three or more communication terminal apparatuses 100 may be located close to each other.

In the example of FIG. 2, first, during the period N1, the communication terminal device 100B stops the coverage area determination, and the communication terminal device 100A performs the coverage area determination. On the other hand, when the period N1 elapses, during the period N2, the communication terminal device 100A stops the area determination, and the communication terminal apparatus 100B performs the area determination. Even after the elapse of the period N2, the communication terminal apparatuses 100B and 100A alternately repeat the stop of the area determination.
Note that the length of the period N1 and the length of the period N2 may be the same or different.

In FIG. 2, the length of the period during which the communication terminal device 100B stops the range determination is N1, but the length of the period during which the communication terminal device 100B stops the range determination may be changed. Good. In that case, it is preferable that the period during which communication terminal apparatus 100A performs the area determination also changes in the same manner as the period during which communication terminal apparatus 100B stops the area determination. This is because the communication terminal apparatus 100A performs the area determination while the communication terminal apparatus 100B stops the area determination.

Similarly, the length of the period during which communication terminal apparatus 100A stops the area determination (period N2 in FIG. 2) may be changed. In that case, it is preferable that the period during which the communication terminal device 100B performs the area determination also changes in the same manner as the period during which the communication terminal apparatus 100A stops the area determination. This is because the communication terminal apparatus 100B performs the area determination while the communication terminal apparatus 100A stops the area determination.

In FIG. 2, an example has been described in which the timing at which communication terminal apparatus 100 </ b> A stops the area determination and the timing at which communication terminal apparatus 100 </ b> B starts the area determination match, but communication terminal apparatus 100 </ b> A stops the area determination. Before doing so, the communication terminal apparatus 100B may start the area determination. Alternatively, the communication terminal apparatus 100B may start the area determination after some time after the communication terminal apparatus 100A stops the area determination.

Similarly, the communication terminal device 100A may start the area determination before the communication terminal apparatus 100B stops the area determination. Alternatively, the communication terminal apparatus 100A may start the area determination after some time after the communication terminal apparatus 100B stops the area determination.
In particular, it suffices that at least a part of the period during which either one of communication terminal apparatuses 100A and 100B stops the area determination and the other performs the area determination. As a result, the power consumption of the communication terminal device 100 that stops the area determination can be reduced, and the communication terminal apparatuses 100A and 100B can determine whether the base station apparatus 920 It is possible to prevent or reduce a delay in detection of being located within the vicinity.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the area determination stop timing when the three communication terminal devices 100 perform the pairing operation. The horizontal axis of the figure shows the elapsed time from the start of the set mode. In the same figure, the three communication terminal devices 100 are assigned the reference numerals 100C, 100D, and 100E, respectively, to distinguish between the two, and the communication terminal devices 100C, 100D, and 100E are subjected to the period determination and the range determination. Indicates the period of suspension.

In the example of FIG. 3, first, during the period N3, the communication terminal apparatuses 100D and 100E stop the area determination, and the communication terminal apparatus 100C performs the area determination. On the other hand, when the period N3 has elapsed, during the period N4, the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100E stop the area determination, and the communication terminal apparatus 100D performs the area determination. When the period N4 further elapses, during the period N5, the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100D stop the area determination, and the communication terminal apparatus 100E performs the area determination. Even after the elapse of the period N5, one of the communication terminal devices 100D, 100E, and 100C performs the area determination alternately, and the remaining two repeat the operation of stopping the area determination.
Note that the length of the period N3, the length of the period N4, and the length of the period N5 may all be the same, only one of them may be different, or all may be different.

In FIG. 3, the length of the period during which communication terminal apparatuses 100D and 100E stop the range determination is N3 each time, but the length of the period during which communication terminal apparatuses 100D and 100E stop the range determination changes. It may be. In that case, it is preferable that the period during which communication terminal apparatus 100C performs the area determination also changes in the same manner as the period during which communication terminal apparatuses 100D and 100E stop the area determination. This is because the communication terminal apparatus 100C performs the area determination while the communication terminal apparatuses 100D and 100E stop the area determination.

Similarly, the length of the period during which the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100E stop the area determination (period N4 in FIG. 3) may be changed. In that case, it is preferable that the period during which the communication terminal device 100D performs the area determination also changes in the same manner as the period during which the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100E stop the area determination. This is because the communication terminal apparatus 100D performs the area determination while the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100E stop the area determination.

Further, the length of the period during which the communication terminal devices 100C and 100D stop the area determination (period N5 in FIG. 3) may be changed. In that case, it is preferable that the period during which communication terminal apparatus 100E performs the area determination also changes in the same manner as the period during which communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100D stop the area determination. This is because the communication terminal apparatus 100E performs the area determination while the communication terminal apparatuses 100C and 100D stop the area determination.

In addition, although FIG. 3 demonstrated as an example the case where only one of the communication terminal devices 100C, 100D, and 100E performs the area determination and the remaining two stop the area determination, the communication terminal devices 100C, 100D In addition, there may be a period in which two or more of the communication terminals 100E and 100E perform the area determination, or there may be a period in which all of the communication terminal devices 100C, 100D, and 100E stop the area determination.
If one or more of the communication terminal devices 100C, 100D, and 100E are performing the area determination in at least a part of the period during which one or more of the communication terminal apparatuses 100C, 100D, and 100E have stopped the area determination. Good. As a result, the power consumption of the communication terminal apparatus 100 that stops the area determination can be reduced, and the communication terminal apparatuses 100C, 100D, and 100E can make the base station apparatus when the other communication terminal apparatus 100 makes the area determination. A delay in determining whether or not the vehicle is located within the range of 920 can be prevented or reduced.
Note that the number of communication terminal devices 100 included in the communication terminal system 1 may be four or more. Also in this case, if at least a part of the period during which one or more of the four communication terminal devices 100 have stopped the coverage determination, at least one of the remaining communication terminal devices 100 performs the coverage determination. Good.

The mobile communication unit 110 is connected to the mobile communication network 910 via the base station device 920 by communicating with the base station device 920. The communication method in which the mobile communication unit 110 communicates with the base station device 920 may be any method that makes a coverage area determination.
For example, the communication method in which the mobile communication unit 110 communicates with the base station apparatus 920 may be 3G (third generation mobile communication system) or LTE (Long Term Evolution, LTE is a registered trademark). Alternatively, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system) may be used.

The inter-terminal communication unit 120 communicates with the inter-terminal communication unit 120 of another communication terminal device 100. The communication method in which the inter-terminal communication unit 120 communicates with the inter-terminal communication unit 120 of the other communication terminal device 100 may be any method that performs direct communication without using a base station device or the like. For example, a short-range wireless communication system such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication) may be used. Alternatively, a communication method using a medium other than radio waves such as an infrared communication method may be used.

The display unit 130 has a display screen, and displays various images such as a still image, a moving image, or characters (text). In particular, the display unit 130 displays information such as the group operation mode start and the group operation mode end. The group operation mode here is a mode in which a period during which the communication terminal apparatus 100 stops the area determination is provided.
The display screen included in the display unit 130 may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, but is not limited thereto.

The operation input unit 140 has an input device and receives an input operation by the user of the communication terminal apparatus 100. The input device included in the operation input unit 140 may be, for example, a touch sensor that is provided on the display screen of the display unit 130 and constitutes a touch panel, may be a push button such as a numeric keypad, or may be a touch sensor and a push button. It may be a combination with a button, but is not limited to these.

The audio output unit 150 has a speaker and outputs sound. For example, during a voice call, the voice output unit 150 outputs the voice of the other party.
The imaging unit 160 has a camera and performs imaging.
The memory | storage part 180 is comprised using the memory | storage device with which the communication terminal device 100 is provided, and memorize | stores various data.

The control unit 190 controls each unit of the communication terminal device 100 to execute various functions.
The communication terminal device 100 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the communication terminal device 100.
The range determination unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines the range based on the reception status of the radio wave transmitted from the base station device 920 of the mobile communication network 910 (positioned within a range where the communication terminal device 100 can communicate with the base station device 920). Determination of whether or not to do).

For example, the area determination unit 191 determines whether the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a signal provided by the contract carrier. The contract carrier here is a communication carrier that provides a mobile communication network that the communication terminal apparatus 100 can use.
When it is determined that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a contract carrier signal, the area determination unit 191 determines that the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the area of the base station apparatus 920. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 does not include the contract carrier signal, the area determination unit 191 determines that the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located outside the area of the base station apparatus 920.

The area determination processing control unit 192 controls the area determination unit 191 to perform the area determination. In particular, the area determination processing control unit 192 causes the area determination unit 191 to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on predetermined communication with another communication terminal device 100 performed by the inter-terminal communication unit 120. .
The timer unit 193 measures time. In particular, the timer unit 193 measures a period during which the area determination is performed in the group operation mode and a period during which the area determination is stopped.
The application processing unit 194 executes various application programs.
The power supply unit 200 includes a storage battery, for example, and supplies power to each unit of the communication terminal device 100.

Next, the operation of the communication terminal system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of a processing procedure in which communication terminal apparatus 100 repeats the area determination and the stop of the area determination.
In the figure, an example of a processing procedure of the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination at the start of the group operation mode, such as the communication terminal apparatus 100A of FIG. 2 and the communication terminal apparatus 100C of FIG. The communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the process of FIG. 4 when the group operation mode is started.

In the process of FIG. 4, the timer unit 193 starts a timer count (step S101). Here, the timer unit 193 performs a timer count in order to detect the passage of a period during which the area determination unit 191 performs the area determination.
In the example of the communication terminal device 100A in FIG. 2, the period during which the area determination unit 191 performs the area determination is the period N1. For example, the storage unit 180 stores in advance the length of the period during which the area determination unit 191 performs the area determination.

Next, the area determination unit 191 performs a process for area determination according to an instruction from the area determination processing control unit 192 (step S102). For example, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a contract carrier signal.
Note that the area determination unit 191 may perform area determination every predetermined cycle by waiting for time in step S102.

After step S102, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not the communication terminal device 100 including the area determination unit 191 is located within the area of the base station device 920 (step S103).
For example, if the area determination unit 191 determines in step S102 that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a contract carrier signal, the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the area of the base station apparatus 920. It is determined that
On the other hand, if the area determination unit 191 determines in step S102 that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 does not include the contract carrier signal, the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the area of the base station apparatus 920. It is determined that there is no (out of service area).

When it is determined that the communication terminal device 100 is not located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S103: NO), the range determination processing control unit 192 determines whether or not the period during which the range determination unit 191 performs the range determination has elapsed. Is determined based on the count value of the timer unit 193 (step S111).
If the area determination unit 191 determines that the period for performing the area determination has not elapsed (step S111: NO), the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when the area determination unit 191 determines that the period for determining the area has elapsed (step S111: YES), the area determination processing control unit 192 stops the operations of the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 ( Step S121). In particular, the area determination unit 191 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 200 to the mobile communication unit 110.
Then, the timer unit 193 starts timer counting (step S122). Here, the timer unit 193 performs a timer count in order to detect the elapse of a period during which the area determination unit 191 stops the area determination. In the example of the communication terminal device 100A in FIG. 2, the period during which the area determination unit 191 stops the area determination is the period N2.
Note that the length of the period during which the area determination unit 191 stops the area determination is stored in advance by the storage unit 180, for example.

Next, the area determination process control unit 192 determines whether or not the period during which the area determination unit 191 stops the area determination has elapsed based on the count value of the timer unit 193 (step S123).
If the area determination unit 191 determines that the period for stopping the area determination has not elapsed (step S123: NO), the process returns to step S123. In this case, the area determination processing control unit 192 waits for the elapse of a period during which the area determination unit 191 stops the area determination.

On the other hand, when the area determination unit 191 determines that the period for stopping the area determination has elapsed (step S123: YES), the area determination processing control unit 192 activates the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 (step S123). S131). In particular, the area determination unit 191 restarts the power supply from the power supply unit 200 to the mobile communication unit 110.
After step S131, the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that the communication terminal device 100 is located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S103: YES), the display unit 130 displays the communication terminal device 100 according to the control of the control unit 190. The fact that it is detected that it is located within the range of the base station device 920 is displayed (step S141).
And the control part 190 makes the communication terminal device 100 transfer to a standby state (step S142). Specifically, control unit 190 sets the settings of each unit of communication terminal device 100 to the settings in the normal standby state. Thereby, the communication terminal apparatus 100 ends the group operation mode.
After step S142, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second example of a processing procedure in which communication terminal apparatus 100 repeats the area determination and the stop of the area determination.
In the figure, an example of a processing procedure of the communication terminal apparatus 100 that stops the area determination at the start of the group operation mode, such as the communication terminal apparatus 100B of FIG. 2, the communication terminal apparatus 100D of FIG. 3, and the communication terminal apparatus 100E of FIG. Indicates. These communication terminal devices 100 perform the processing of FIG. 5 when the group operation mode is started.

Steps S201 to S203 and S211 in FIG. 5 are the same as steps S121 to S123 and S131 in FIG.
After step S211, the process proceeds to step S212. Steps S212 to S214 in FIG. 5 are the same as steps S101 to S103 in FIG.
When it determines with the said communication terminal device 100 not being located in the range of the base station apparatus 920 in step S214 (step S214: NO), it changes to step S221. Step S221 in FIG. 5 is the same as step S111 in FIG.

In step S221, when it is determined that the period for performing the area determination has not elapsed (step S221: NO), the area determination unit 191 proceeds to step S213.
On the other hand, when the area determination unit 191 determines that the period for determining the area has elapsed (step S221: YES), the process proceeds to step S201.

On the other hand, when it determines with the communication terminal device 100 being located in the range of the base station apparatus 920 in step S214 (step S214: YES), it changes to step S231. Steps S231 to S232 in FIG. 5 are the same as steps S141 to S142 in FIG.
After step S232, the process of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the communication terminal device 100 starts the combination operation mode. For example, the communication terminal apparatus 100 periodically repeats the process in FIG. 5 in a state where communication with the base station apparatus 920 has not been established.
In the process of FIG. 6, the area determination unit 191 performs a process for area determination according to the instruction of the area determination processing control unit 192 (step S301). For example, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a contract carrier signal. Note that the area determination unit 191 may perform area determination every predetermined cycle by waiting for time in step S301.

Then, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination unit 191 is located within the area of the base station device 920 (step S302).
For example, if the area determination unit 191 determines in step S301 that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 includes a contract carrier signal, the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the area of the base station apparatus 920. It is determined that
On the other hand, if the area determination unit 191 determines in step S301 that the signal received by the mobile communication unit 110 does not include the contract carrier signal, the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the area of the base station apparatus 920. It is determined that there is no (out of service area).

When it is determined that the communication terminal device 100 is located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S302: YES), the processing in FIG. In this case, the communication terminal device 100 does not transition to the group operation mode, and performs normal processing within the range of the base station device 920, such as establishment of communication with the base station device 920, for example.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication terminal device 100 is not located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S302: NO), the communication terminal device 100 inquires of the user whether or not to transit to the group operation mode (step S302). S311). For example, the display unit 130 displays a message prompting a user operation to instruct whether or not to transition to the group operation mode.

Then, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not there is an instruction to transition to the group operation mode (step S312). For example, the area determination unit 191 determines whether or not the operation input unit 140 has received a user operation instructing a transition to the group operation mode.
If it is determined that there is no instruction to transition to the group operation mode (step S312: NO), the process returns to step S301.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an instruction to transition to the group operation mode (step S312: YES), the communication terminal apparatus 100 adjusts whether or not there is a transition to the group operation mode with another communication terminal apparatus 100. Is performed (step S321).
For example, the inter-terminal communication unit 120 communicates with another communication terminal apparatus 100 and receives information indicating whether or not the other communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the range of the base station apparatus 920. Then, when it is determined that all communication terminal apparatuses 100 that have received the information are located outside the area of the base station apparatus 920, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines to shift to the group operation mode. On the other hand, when there is a communication terminal device 100 located within the area of the base station device 920, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines not to transition to the group operation mode.
The communication performed by the terminal-to-terminal communication unit 120 in step S321 corresponds to an example of communication that is based on which the area determination processing control unit 192 causes the area determination unit 191 to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination.

In addition, the area determination process control unit 192 may adjust the period in which each communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the area determination in step S321. For example, the area determination processing control unit 192 sets a short period during which the communication terminal device 100 with a small remaining battery capacity makes the area determination. Alternatively, the area determination processing control unit 192 may set a longer period during which the communication terminal apparatus 100 with a small remaining battery capacity makes the area determination.
Alternatively, the range determination processing control unit 192 may set the order in which each communication terminal device 100 performs the range determination in step S321 in addition to or instead of the time during which the range determination is performed.

The setting of the period in which each communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the area determination, the setting of the order in which each communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the area determination, or a combination thereof performed by the area determination processing control unit 192 in step S321 is performed within the area determination. This corresponds to an example of determining the timing at which the area 191 executes the area determination and the timing at which the area determination section 191 stops the area determination.
Alternatively, the period and order in which the area determination is performed may be determined in advance.

The area determination process control unit 192 determines whether to start the group operation mode (that is, whether to transition to the group operation mode) based on the adjustment in step S321 (step S322).
If it is determined that the group operation mode is to be started (step S322: YES), the display unit 130 displays that the mode is changed to the group operation mode under the control of the control unit 190 (step S341).

And the terminal communication part 120 transmits the signal which shows the timing which starts a group operation mode to the other communication terminal device 100 (step S342). This is because the plurality of communication terminal apparatuses 100 execute processing in the group operation mode in synchronization.
The transmission performed by the inter-terminal communication unit 120 is an example of communication that causes the other-area communication processing unit 192 to cause the in-range determination processing control unit 192 to repeat the execution of the in-range determination and the stop of the in-range determination. It corresponds to.

Further, when the area determination process control unit 192 sets a period for performing the area determination, the inter-terminal communication unit 120 transmits information indicating the period set by the area determination process control unit 192 to other communication terminal devices 100. .
After step S342, communication terminal apparatus 100 transitions to the group operation mode and performs processing in the group operation mode (step S343). Specifically, the communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the process described with reference to FIG. 4 or the process described with reference to FIG.
After step S343, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

Note that the condition for the communication terminal device 100 to transition to the group operation mode is not limited to the condition described with reference to FIG. For example, when all users have instructed transition to the group operation mode, the communication terminal apparatus 100 may transition to the group operation mode. Alternatively, when all the communication terminal devices 100 are located outside the service area of the base station device 920, the communication terminal device 100 automatically shifts to the group operation mode (that is, without requiring a user instruction). Also good.

As described above, the area determination processing control unit 192 causes the area determination unit 191 to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on the communication with the other communication terminal device 100.
The area determination process control unit 192 can reduce the power consumption of the communication terminal device 100 by stopping the area determination by the area determination unit 191.
In addition, the area determination processing control unit 192 causes the area determination unit 191 to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on the communication with the other communication terminal apparatus 100, so that the other communication terminal apparatus 100 The group operation mode processing can be performed in synchronization with. Thereby, the other communication terminal device 100 can make the area determination in at least a part of the period during which any communication terminal apparatus 100 stops the area determination. In this regard, it is possible to prevent or reduce a delay in detection that the communication terminal device 100 is located within the range of the base station device 920.

Also, the mobile communication unit 110 is connected to the mobile communication network 910 for communication. On the other hand, the inter-terminal communication unit 120 directly communicates with another communication terminal device 100. As a result, the communication terminal apparatus 100 can perform processing in the group operation mode in synchronization with the other communication terminal apparatuses 100, and the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the base station apparatus 920 as described above. Can be prevented or reduced.

Further, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines a timing for causing the area determination unit 191 to execute the area determination and a timing for causing the area determination unit 191 to stop the area determination based on communication with the other communication terminal device 100. To do. Thereby, the area determination processing control unit 192 can perform the group operation mode process according to the status of each communication terminal apparatus 100 such as the remaining battery level of each communication terminal apparatus 100.

In the processing described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, it is not necessary for the communication terminal apparatuses 100 to communicate with each other except at the start of the group operation mode. In this respect, the power consumption of the communication terminal apparatus 100 can be reduced.
In the group operation mode, the application processing unit 194 may suppress (not execute) execution of some application programs. For example, the application processing unit 194 may suppress execution of a game application program. Thereby, the power consumption of the communication terminal device 100 can be reduced.

Note that the communication terminal apparatus 100 may communicate with another communication terminal apparatus 100 even in the process in the group operation mode. This point will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the communication terminal device 100 performs processing in the group operation mode while communicating with another communication terminal device 100. The communication terminal apparatus 100 starts the process of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 performs processing in the group operation mode while changing. The parent here is a communication terminal apparatus 100 that transmits an instruction to another communication terminal apparatus 100. The parent communication terminal apparatus 100 is referred to as a parent communication terminal apparatus 100. The communication terminal device 100 other than the parent is referred to as a child communication terminal device 100.
7 shows an example of the processing procedure of the parent communication terminal apparatus 100, and the child communication terminal apparatus 100 performs the processing from step S422 in FIG.

Steps S401 to S403 in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S101 to S103 in FIG. When it is determined in step S403 that the communication terminal device 100 is not located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S403: NO), the range determination process control unit 192 includes the range determination process control unit 192. It is determined based on the count value of the timer unit 193 whether or not the period during which the device 100 performs the area determination has elapsed (step S411).
When the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination process control unit 192 determines that the period for performing the area determination has not elapsed (step S411: NO), the process returns to step S402.

On the other hand, when the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination processing control unit 192 determines that the period for performing the area determination has elapsed (step S411: YES), the inter-terminal communication unit 120 performs the next operation according to the control of the control unit 190. A signal for instructing the change of the parent is transmitted to the communication terminal apparatus 100 to be the parent (step S421).
Note that the order in which the communication terminal device 100 becomes a parent is set in advance by the user and stored in the storage unit 180, for example.
Or you may make it determine between the some communication terminal devices 100 at the time of the start of group operation mode, and determine the order which should become a parent. For example, you may make it become a parent in an order from the communication terminal device 100 with many remaining battery levels.

Next, the area determination process control unit 192 stops the operations of the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 (step S422). In particular, the area determination unit 191 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 200 to the mobile communication unit 110.
Next, the area determination process control unit 192 determines whether or not the inter-terminal communication unit 120 has received a signal instructing the end of the group operation mode (step S423).
When it is determined that the inter-terminal communication unit 120 has not received a signal for instructing the end of the group operation mode (step S423: NO), the area determination processing control unit 192 transmits a signal for instructing the parent change to the inter-terminal communication It is determined whether the part 120 has received (step S431).

When it is determined that the inter-terminal communication unit 120 has not received a signal instructing parental change (step S431: NO), the process returns to step S423.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the inter-terminal communication unit 120 has received a signal instructing the change of the parent (a signal indicating that the communication terminal device 100 becomes a parent again) (step S431: YES), the area determination processing control unit 192 activates the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 (step S441). In particular, the area determination unit 191 restarts the power supply from the power supply unit 200 to the mobile communication unit 110.
After step S441, the process proceeds to step S401.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S403 that the communication terminal apparatus 100 is located within the range of the base station apparatus 920 (step S403: YES), the inter-terminal communication unit 120 performs the group operation according to the control of the control unit 190. A signal instructing the end of the mode is transmitted to another communication terminal apparatus 100 (step S451).
Further, the display unit 130 displays a message indicating that the pairing operation mode is ended according to the control of the control unit 190 (step S452).
Then, the communication terminal device 100 ends the group operation mode and shifts to a normal standby state (step S453).
After step S453, the process of FIG.

8 and 9 show examples of processing procedures when the parent communication terminal device 100 is fixed.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the parent communication terminal device 100 switches the communication terminal device 100 that performs the area determination. The parent communication terminal apparatus 100 starts the process of FIG.
In the process of FIG. 8, the area determination process control unit 192 performs a process of initially setting the communication terminal device 100 that performs the area determination (step 501). Specifically, the area determination processing control unit 192 notifies the communication terminal device 100 that is initially set to perform the area determination, an instruction that the area determination should be performed.
8 and 9, when the notification partner is another communication terminal device 100, the area determination processing control unit 192 sends a signal indicating the notification content via the inter-terminal communication unit 120. To the communication terminal apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the notification partner (communication terminal device 100 set to perform the area determination) is its own communication terminal device 100, information is exchanged within the communication terminal device 100.

After step S501, the timer unit 193 starts timer counting (step S502). This is for detecting the switching timing of the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination.
Next, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines whether or not the timing for switching the communication terminal device 100 that performs the area determination has arrived based on the count value of the timer unit 193 (step S503).
When it is determined that the timing for switching the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination has arrived (step S503: YES), the communication terminal apparatus 100 performs processing for switching the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination (step S511).
For example, the area determination processing control unit 192 notifies each of the communication terminal apparatuses 100 that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is switched. At that time, the area determination processing control unit 192 performs notification including identification information indicating the communication terminal device 100 that should perform the area determination.
After step S511, the process returns to step S502.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S503 that the timing for switching the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination has not arrived (step S503: NO), the area determination unit 191 determines that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that is performing the area determination Then, it is determined whether or not it is detected that the mobile station is located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S521).
If it is determined that it is not detected that the mobile terminal is located within the base station device 920 (step S521: NO), the process returns to step S503.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is detected that the mobile station is located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S521: YES), the range determination processing control unit 192 sends a notification that the combination operation mode should be terminated to each communication. The terminal device 100 is notified (step S531).
After step S531, the process of FIG. 8 ends.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the communication terminal device 100 switches between execution and stop of the area determination. Each of the communication terminal devices 100 starts the process shown in FIG.
In the process of FIG. 9, the area determination process control unit 192 determines whether or not the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination process control unit 192 (that is, the own device or the own terminal). Is determined (step S601).
For example, the area determination process control unit 192 acquires identification information indicating the communication terminal apparatus 100 that should perform the area determination, notified by the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 in step S511 of FIG. Then, the area determination process control unit 192 determines whether or not the communication terminal apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information is the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination process control unit 192.
When it is determined that the communication terminal device 100 that performs the area determination is its own terminal (step S601: YES), the area determination processing control unit 192 activates the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 (step S611).

After step S611, the process proceeds to step S612. Steps S612 to S613 in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S102 to S103 in FIG.
If it is determined in step S613 that the communication terminal device 100 is located within the range of the base station device 920 (step S613: YES), the range determination processing control unit 192 is located within the range of the base station device 920. This is notified to the parent communication terminal device 100 (step S621).
The parent communication terminal apparatus 100 determines whether or not there is a notification in step S621 in step S521 of FIG.

Next, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines whether or not the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 has notified that the group operation mode should be terminated (step S622). The notification that the combination operation mode should be ended here is a notification that is performed by the parent communication terminal device 100 in step S531 in FIG.
When it is determined that there is no notification that the group operation mode should be terminated (step S622: NO), the area determination processing control unit 192 is notified that the notification that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is switched is the parent communication terminal apparatus. It is determined whether or not there is 100 (step S631). The notification that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is switched here is a notification that the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 performs in step S511 of FIG.

If it is determined that there is no notification of switching the communication terminal device 100 that performs the area determination (step S631: NO), the process proceeds to step S612.
On the other hand, when it determines with the notification to switch the communication terminal device 100 which performs area | region determination (step S631: YES), it changes to step S601.
On the other hand, when it determines with the communication terminal device 100 not being located in the range of the base station apparatus 920 in step S613 (step S613: NO), it changes to step S622.

Further, when it is determined in step S622 that there is a notification that the combination operation mode should be terminated (step S622: YES), the display unit 130 determines that the communication terminal apparatus 100 is in the base according to the control of the control unit 190. The fact that it is located within the station device 920 is displayed (step S661).
Then, communication terminal apparatus 100 ends the group operation mode and shifts to a normal standby state (step S662).
After step S662, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S601 that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is not the communication terminal apparatus 100 including the area determination processing control unit 192 (step S601: NO), the area determination processing control unit 192 Then, the operations of the mobile communication unit 110 and the area determination unit 191 are stopped (step S641). In particular, the area determination unit 191 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 200 to the mobile communication unit 110.
Next, the area determination processing control unit 192 determines whether or not the parent communication terminal device 100 has notified that the group operation mode should be terminated (step S642).
When it is determined that there is no notification that the group operation mode should be terminated (step S642: NO), the area determination processing control unit 192 is notified that the notification that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is switched is the parent communication terminal apparatus. It is determined whether or not there is 100 (step S651). The notification that the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination is switched here is a notification that the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 performs in step S511 of FIG.

When it determines with there being no notification to switch the communication terminal device 100 which performs area determination (step S651: NO), it changes to step S642.
On the other hand, when it determines with the notification to switch the communication terminal device 100 which performs area determination (step S651: YES), it changes to step S601.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S642 that there is a notification that the combination operation mode should be terminated (step S642: YES), the process proceeds to step S661.

As described above, the communication terminal apparatus 100 communicates with other communication terminal apparatuses 100 to synchronize even in the processing in the group operation mode. Thereby, the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 can change the cycle for switching the communication terminal apparatus 100 that performs the area determination.
For example, in step S401 in FIG. 7, the area determination processing control unit 192 of the parent communication terminal apparatus 100 determines the timer count time based on the remaining battery level of each communication terminal apparatus 100 and instructs the timer unit 193 to instruct it. It may be.
Alternatively, in step S502 of FIG. 8, the area determination processing control unit 192 of the parent communication terminal device 100 determines the timer count time based on the remaining battery level of each communication terminal device 100, and instructs the timer unit 193 to instruct it. It may be.

Next, the minimum configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the minimum configuration of the communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the communication terminal device 10 includes an area determination unit 11 and an area determination processing control unit 12.
In this configuration, the area determination unit 11 is based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station apparatus of the mobile communication network, and the communication terminal apparatus 10 including the area determination unit 11 is located within the area of the base station apparatus. It is determined whether or not. In addition, the area determination processing control unit 12 causes the area determination unit 11 to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on communication with another communication terminal device.

As described above, the area determination processing control unit 12 stops the area determination by the area determination unit 11, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication terminal device 10.
Further, the area determination processing control unit 12 synchronizes with other communication terminal apparatuses by causing the area determination unit 11 to repeat the execution of the area determination and the stop of the area determination based on the communication with the other communication terminal apparatuses. Thus, it is possible to carry out the processing of the group operation mode described above.
Thereby, another communication terminal apparatus can perform area determination in at least a part of a period during which any communication terminal apparatus has stopped area determination. In this respect, it is possible to prevent or reduce a delay in detection that the communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the minimum configuration of the communication terminal system according to the present invention.
In the figure, the communication terminal system 20 includes a first communication terminal device 21 and a second communication terminal device 24. The first communication terminal device 21 includes a first area determination unit 22 and a first area determination processing control unit 23. The second communication terminal device 24 includes a second area determination unit 25 and a second area determination processing control unit 26.

In such a configuration, the first in-range determining unit 22 includes the first in-range determining unit 22 based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network. 1st area determination which determines whether is located in the area of a base station apparatus is performed. The first area determination processing control unit 23 performs the first area determination and the first area determination on the first area determination unit 22 based on the communication with the second communication terminal device 24. Repeat the stop.
The second area determination unit 25 is configured such that the second communication terminal apparatus 24 including the second area determination unit 25 is based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station apparatus of the mobile communication network. A second area determination is performed to determine whether or not the station apparatus is located within the area. Further, the second area determination processing control unit 26 is based on communication with the first communication terminal device 21 and is at least part of a period during which the first area determination unit 22 stops the first area determination. Then, the second area determination unit 25 makes the second area determination.

As described above, the first area determination processing control unit 23 stops the first area determination by the first area determination unit 22, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first communication terminal device 21. .
Further, at least a part of a period during which the first area determination unit 22 stops the first area determination based on the communication with the first communication terminal device 21 by the second area determination processing control unit 26. Then, the second area determination unit 25 makes the second area determination. Thereby, it is possible to prevent or reduce a delay in detection that at least one of the first communication terminal apparatus 21 and the second communication terminal apparatus 24 is located within the range of the base station apparatus.

In addition, the control part 190, the area determination part 11, the area determination process control part 12, the 1st area determination part 22, the 1st area determination process control part 23, the 2nd area determination part 25, and the 2nd area determination A program for realizing all or part of the functions of the processing control unit 26 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed. Processing may be performed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system.
The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-068989 filed on Mar. 30, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the power consumption of a communication terminal device can be reduced, and the delay in the detection that a communication terminal device is located in the area of a base station apparatus can be prevented or reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,20

Communication terminal system

100, 10, 21, 24 Communication terminal device 110 Mobile communication part 120 Inter-terminal communication part 130 Display part 140 Operation input part 150 Audio | voice output part 160 Imaging part 180 Storage part 190

Control part

191,11, 22, 25

area determination unit

192, 12, 23, 26 area determination processing control unit 193 timer unit 194 application processing unit 200 power supply unit

Claims

Based on the reception status of the radio wave transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network, a range determination unit that performs a range determination to determine whether the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device,
Based on communication with other communication terminal devices, a range determination processing control unit that causes the range determination unit to repeatedly execute the range determination and stop the range determination;
A communication terminal device comprising:
A mobile communication unit for communication connection with the mobile communication network;
An inter-terminal communication unit that directly communicates with the other communication terminal device;
The communication terminal device according to claim 1, comprising:
The area determination processing control unit determines a timing for causing the area determination unit to execute the area determination and a timing for causing the area determination unit to stop the area determination based on communication with the other communication terminal device. The communication terminal device according to claim 1 or 2.
A first in-range determination is performed to determine whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network A range determination unit;
First area determination processing control for causing the first area determination unit to repeatedly execute the first area determination and stop the first area determination based on communication with the second communication terminal device. And
A first communication terminal device comprising:
A second in-range determination is performed to determine whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network The area determination part of
Based on the communication with the first communication terminal device, the first area determination unit receives the first area determination unit in the second area determination unit during at least a part of the period during which the first area determination is stopped. A second area determination processing control unit for performing the area determination of 2;
A second communication terminal device comprising:
A communication terminal system comprising:
A communication provided with an in-range determination unit for determining whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network The terminal device
An area determination control method comprising: an area determination process control step for causing the area determination unit to repeatedly execute the area determination and stop the area determination based on communication with another communication terminal device.
A communication provided with an in-range determination unit for determining whether or not the own communication terminal device is located within the range of the base station device based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted from the base station device of the mobile communication network To the computer that controls the terminal device,
A program for executing a range determination process control step for causing the range determination unit to repeatedly execute the range determination and stop the range determination based on communication with another communication terminal device.