Data communications terminal equipment

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a data communication terminal device used for mobile communication and the like, and more particularly to a data communication terminal device capable of acquiring content data such as text, moving image, and voice data from a network.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, with the technological progress of digital mobile phones, digital mobile communication using digital mobile phones has become familiar. In particular, in a system using W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access), the line speed is as high as 2 Mbps, and it is possible to communicate a large amount of multimedia data such as video and audio data. For this reason, it is desired to construct a system that can efficiently receive the content providing service that is currently performed on the Internet even from a mobile communication terminal such as a digital mobile phone.

【0003】

Currently, in the world of the Internet, a mechanism is used in which contents on a server are acquired from a terminal such as a personal computer (PC) using a browser through a network and displayed. Content on the server includes multimedia content and information content such as text. Here, the multimedia content refers to stream data such as moving images and audio as described above, and the information content refers to text and still images. The browser acquires these contents using a request / response protocol (for example, HTTP; HyperText Transfer Protocol). At this time, the information acquisition from the server is usually performed by always using only one specific line used for the Internet connection, regardless of the type of the content to be acquired.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

In digital mobile communication, when browsing the WWW, which is mainly text data, a relatively small amount of data is often sent and received, so a network using packet-switched connections in which charges are made according to the amount of communication data. The connection is suitable. However, if the conventional method of continuing to use only one specific line is applied to content acquisition by digital mobile communication as it is, once the mobile phone is connected to the Internet via packet switching connection, what kind of content will be used thereafter? Communication will be performed by packet switching connection even when acquiring.

【0005】

As described above, packet-switched connection is effective as a line connection form when the amount of communication data is small, but since packet delays and packet order changes occur, a large amount of data is distributed while maintaining synchronization. Not suitable for. Therefore, it is not always suitable for distribution of multimedia contents. On the other hand, if a circuit-switched connection is used, a large amount of stable data distribution is possible, but a problem such as an increase in communication charges occurs because the time during which data communication is not actually performed is also charged.

【0006】

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and it is possible to efficiently and stably acquire various kinds of contents from the network while suppressing the communication cost, and it is suitable for content acquisition by mobile communication. An object of the present invention is to provide a data communication terminal capable of performing data communication.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a communication control means for performing connection control for connecting to the network in a data communication terminal device capable of connecting to the network and acquiring content data from the network. It is characterized by providing a line used for network connection or a control means for switching a connection form to the line according to the content acquired from the network.

【0008】

In this data communication terminal device, the acquisition method is dynamically switched according to the difference in content such as text data and multimedia data. For example, when the second line is more suitable for multimedia data than the first line, circuit switching control is performed by using the first line to request content and the second line to acquire content. Alternatively, switching control of the line connection form is performed, such as using a packet switching connection in the case of text data and using a circuit switching connection in the case of multimedia data. By switching the line or line connection form in this way, it becomes possible to select the most suitable data communication for the content to be acquired, and while suppressing the communication cost, various types of content of different types can be efficiently and stably operated on the network. It will be possible to obtain it.

【0009】

In addition, when the line or connection form to the line is switched in this way, the billing mechanism, line usage fee (paid / free), the location of the access point used for the new line connection, etc. Since it may change dynamically, it is preferable to perform regulatory control such as whether or not to switch the line or line connection form by using the calling destination telephone number notified from the server. As a result, even if a mechanism for dynamically switching the line or line connection form is implemented, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as unexpected communication charges.

【0010】

In addition, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of unnecessary communication by regulating using the terminal performance and the expiration date of the content.

【0011】

Further, in a data communication terminal device having a multi-call function capable of connecting a plurality of lines at the same time, if the terminal device is located in an environment where the multi-call function can be used, the connection of the line currently in use is disconnected. It is preferable to connect a new line while maintaining the connection of the line currently in use, instead of reconnecting to the new line. As a result, the disconnection process becomes unnecessary, so that the time required for newly connecting the line and acquiring the content can be shortened. Further, when the content to be acquired is switched from the multimedia data to the text data again, the content can be acquired immediately by using the original line in which the connection is maintained.

【0012】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

【0013】

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the entire network system using the data communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. The data communication terminal 11 is a mobile communication terminal (MS: Mobile Station) such as a mobile phone, and can acquire various contents from a network such as the Internet. This data communication terminal (MS) 11 can perform communication at a maximum of 2 Mbps by the W-CDMA system.

【0014】

There are two types of content provided to the data communication terminal (MS) 11 by this W-CDMA: multimedia stream (MMS) content and information content. Here, the multimedia stream (MMS) content indicates video and audio data such as MPEG-4, and the information content indicates content composed of text-based character data and still images.

【0015】

In the present embodiment, an information providing server 15 for providing information on text-based information content and a multimedia stream server (MMS server) 17 for providing multimedia stream (MMS) content are prepared on the network. There is. The information providing server 15 is connected to the packet switching network 13 via the packet gateway 16, and the MMS server 17 is connected to the circuit switching network 14 via a predetermined protocol conversion gateway 18.

【0016】

The information providing server 15 and the MMS server 17 are linked between the servers, and information such as terminal access management is exchanged between the servers.

【0017】

The data communication terminal (MS) 11 can be connected to either the packet switching network 13 or the circuit switching network 14 through the base station 12, and the information providing server 15 is used by using the packet switching network 13 and the circuit switching network 14. And data communication can be performed with each of the MMS server 17.

【0018】

Normally, communication between the data communication terminal (MS) 11 and the information providing server 15 is sporadic, so data communication between them is performed by a packet switching method. That is, when acquiring information content from the information providing server 15, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 connects to the packet switching network 13 by a packet switching connection and communicates with the information providing server 15 via the packet switching network 13. ..

【0019】

On the other hand, communication between the data communication terminal (MS) 11 and the MMS server 17 is performed by a circuit switching method such as an unrestricted digital bearer. That is, when acquiring MMS contents from the MMS server 17, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 connects to the circuit-switched network 14 by a circuit-switched connection and communicates with the MMS server 17 via the circuit-switched network 14.

【0020】

The basic flow when a user of a data communication terminal (MS) 11 views MMS contents is as follows.

【0021】

1) Connect to the information providing server 15 by packet switching connection, and display the information page acquired from the information providing server 15 on the LCD of the data communication terminal (MS) 11. The information page acquired from the information providing server 15 is like a text-based web page, and is composed of hypertext (hypermedia) information described in HTML.

【0022】

2) References (reference pointers) to other linked contents are embedded in the information page. The reference pointer is described by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and the resource of the corresponding content, that is, information indicating the location of the content is given. Some of the linked contents exist in the information providing server 15 and some are located in the MMS server 17.

【0023】

3) When the user of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 selects the content existing in the MMS server 17, that is, the MMS content, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 connects to the currently connected packet switching network 13. After disconnecting, a new line connection is made by circuit switching connection to connect to the MMS server 17 via the circuit switching network 14.

【0024】

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the target content acquired from the network is the MMS content, the reconnection to the network is performed by the circuit-switched connection, whereby the MMS content is transmitted via the circuit-switched network 14. Can be obtained stably with. Even with the same packet-switched connection or the same circuit-switched connection, there may be multiple types of lines with different line speeds and different qualities. By switching the line actually used for connection, efficient content acquisition becomes possible. Further, since a different line is usually used for each line connection form, switching of the line connection form often involves switching of the line to be used. Therefore, in reality, control is performed such that at least one of the line to be used and the connection form to the line is switched according to the content.

【0025】

Further, FIG. 1 shows a logical connection relationship. For example, the information providing server 15 and the MMS server 17 do not necessarily have to be two servers existing at physically different positions, and the packet switching network 13 does not necessarily have to be two servers. It may be realized as one server that can be connected to both the circuit switching network 14 and the circuit switching network 14.

【0026】

In the present embodiment, the data communication terminal and the server are connected by W-CDMA, but of course, a wired line may be used.

【0027】

(Configuration of Data Communication Terminal) FIG. 2 shows an example of a specific configuration of the data communication terminal (MS) 11.

【0028】

This data communication terminal (MS) 11 has a color LCD and a camera built into the main body, which has the shape of a normal mobile phone, and in addition to normal voice calls, data for acquiring and displaying contents by a browser. You can make communications and make video calls. As shown in the figure, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 includes a main CPU 111, a communication control unit 112, a multiplexing / multiplex separation unit (MUX / DMUX) 113, a video codec 114, an audio codec 115, a display control unit 116, and a switch. It consists of 117, a microphone 118, a speaker 119, a color LCD 120, a camera 121, and the like.

【0029】

The main CPU 111 is a built-in processor for operating and controlling each unit in the data communication terminal (MS) 11, and performs processing for voice call, data communication, video call, etc. by executing a control program. .. During data communication, the browser program executed by the main CPU 111 performs processing related to content request, acquisition, and display. As can be seen from the protocol structure in Fig. 3, the browser program supports both packet-switched and circuit-switched methods, and either when connected to the server by packet-switched connection or when connected to the server by circuit-switched connection. Also, data communication can be performed with the connection-destination server. In addition, the processing of multimedia data such as video and audio is separated from the browser itself and realized by an independent program module (MM viewer, etc.).

【0030】

The communication control unit 112 includes a radio frequency circuit unit (RF), a baseband processing unit, and the like, and performs connection control for network connection, remodulation of transmitted / received signals, and the like. During data communication, call / connection processing for network connection is performed by the communication control unit 112 in response to a request from the browser program.

【0031】

The communication control unit 112 provides a connection control procedure for packet switching connection and a connection control procedure for circuit switching connection, and can switch the connection control procedure to be used under the control of the main CPU 111. it can. When connected to a network by packet-switched connection, data communication is performed by, for example, a packet-switched method of 64 Kbps, and when connected to a network by circuit-switched connection, for example, by a line-switched method such as an unlimited digital bearer of 64 Kbps Data communication is performed.

【0032】

Information content such as browser data acquired by the packet switching method is sent from the communication control unit 112 to the main CPU 111 and processed there. On the other hand, the multiplexed stream (bearer data) of the MMS content acquired by the circuit switching method is sent from the communication control unit 112 to the multiplexing / multiplex separation unit (MUX / DMUX) 113, where it is combined with control data such as browser data. , MPEG-4 video data and audio data are separated. Control data such as browser data is sent to the main CPU 111, and MPEG-4 video data and audio data are sent to the video codec 114 and the audio codec 115, respectively, and are decoded there.

【0033】

Circuit-switched methods are also used for TV telephones, and received data is processed in the same way as for MMS content. Further, the video data such as the user's face taken by the camera 121 and the audio data input from the microphone 118 are encoded by the video codec 114 and the audio codec 115, respectively, and then multiplexed / multiplexed. It is multiplexed and transmitted by part (MUX / DMUX) 113.

【0034】

The display control unit 116 controls the color LCD 120 under the control of the main CPU 111 to display information contents such as browser data and various information such as moving images and still images on the LCD. Information content such as browser data is displayed in the same way as a browser on a normal PC.

【0035】

For example, for browser data that includes a reference pointer to MMS content, processing such as changing the color of the characters associated with the reference pointer or underlining it is performed in the same way as normal hypertext. .. In this case, for MMS content that requires additional charges when acquiring data, the main CPU 111 identifies it based on the information sent along with the browser data and displays it in a special color or charges it. Perform processing such as displaying the amount. In addition, if you are connected to content that is charged an additional fee every fixed time or every time you perform some operation, the accumulated amount may be displayed on a part of the screen and presented to the user, or the fixed amount may be displayed. Every time the amount exceeds the limit, the amount is displayed in a pop-up on the screen, or the user is notified of the timing of billing. Regarding the timing of billing, 1) display the remaining time until the next billing, 2) notify it by vibration of the vibrator etc. at each billing timing, 3) whether to disconnect at each billing timing Is used, such as confirming with the user.

【0036】

The switch 117 is a switching circuit for changing the processing path between normal voice call data and audio data for data communication as MMS contents.

【0037】

(Content acquisition procedure) Next, the basic procedure for the browser executed on the data communication terminal 11 to acquire the content from the network will be described.

【0038】

As described above, the content includes information content and MMS content, and consider the case of requesting each of them.

【0039】

As a protocol for performing the request / response required for content acquisition, the sequence when HTTP is used will be described below.

【0040】

Information content is requested and acquired via the packet switching network 13. In this case, as with the Internet, you can request the linked content using a URL that starts with http: //.

【0041】

When acquiring MMS content, as described above, control is used in which the request for the MMS content is performed by the packet switching network 13 and the acquisition is performed by the circuit switching network 14. In this case, the following method can be used as the request method.

【0042】

(A) Metafile method (B) Response header extension method (C) Scheme expansion method The procedure using these metafile method, response header extension method, and scheme extension method will be described below.

【0043】

(Meta file method) In the meta file method, an intermediate file (meta file) in which the MMS content resource is described is prepared without directly describing the MMS content resource (URL) in the HTML file that composes the information content. Write the URL indicating the address of the meta file in the HTML file. When the browser requests MMS content, a metafile is returned as a response. On the Internet, metafiles are used to realize streaming playback technology in which video and audio data are downloaded and played back. In the present embodiment, this metafile is used to control the line or line connection mode.

【0044】

First, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the procedure for requesting / responding to MMS contents when the packet switching network and the circuit switching network are switched by the metafile method will be described.

【0045】

(1) The browser 21 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 uses the address information (URL) for the metafile embedded in the HTML file to request the metafile corresponding to the target MMS content. Send to the provider server 15.

【0046】

GET address information HTTP / 1.1 This request is sent to the information providing server 15 via the packet switching network 13. The method GET requests the server to retrieve the content identified by the address information given as an argument.

【0047】

(2) The browser 21 receives the metafile as a response via the packet switching network 13.

【0048】

The HTTP response has a header and a body, and the header contains the content information and the body contains the content of the content. The header is up to CRLF. Here, since the metafile is the content, the information of the metafile is included in the HTTP header, and the contents of the metafile are included in the body.

【0049】

HTTP / 1.1 200 OK Content-Type: application / m4v-meta Tel: 1234-5678 CRLF http://www.multimedia/content1.m4v In the header, HTTP / 1.1 is the protocol used, 200 is the status code that means OK, and OK is the reason statement. Following this, Content-Type: application / m4v-meta shows that it is a metafill for working with MMS content, and Tel: 1234-5678 is the calling phone number for reconnecting with circuit switching, That is, it is a telephone number (calling destination telephone number) of the access point or the server itself for PPP connection to the multimedia stream (MMS) server 13 by circuit switching connection. Http://www.multimedia/content1.m4v in the body of the metafile is a URL that indicates the location of the target MMS content.

【0050】

(3) The browser 21 that receives the metafile starts the plug-in 22, and passes the called telephone number and the URL included in the received metafile to the plug-in 22.

【0051】

(4) The data communication terminal (MS) 11 causes the communication control unit 112 to disconnect from the packet switching network 13 and then execute a call processing to the call destination specified by the call destination telephone number. .. As a result, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 is connected to the circuit switching network 14.

【0052】

(5) The plug-in 22 requests the content by the URL received from the browser 21, and receives the MMS content from the multimedia stream (MMS) server 17.

【0053】

(6) Then, the MMS content is displayed by the plug-in 22.

【0054】

It should be noted that it is not always necessary to specify the calling destination telephone number, and for example, only the information to switch the line connection form to the circuit-switched connection may be instructed by the metafile. In this case, by registering the calling destination telephone number for the circuit-switched connection in the data communication terminal (MS) 11 in advance, it is possible to make a call to the access point for connecting to the network by the circuit-switched connection. In addition, when the information providing server 15 and the MMS server 17 cooperate with each other to notify the MMS content address requested by the data communication terminal (MS) 11 from the information providing server 15 to the MMS server 17, or with the information providing server 15. When the MMS server 17 is realized as the same server, it is not necessary to put the URL of the MMS content in the body of the meta file.

【0055】

Next, the flow of processing executed by the data communication terminal (MS) 11 when the metafile method is used will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 13.

【0056】

The flowchart of FIG. 6 is an example of controlling the call processing for line switching by using the call destination telephone number.

【0057】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S11). , Receive the metafile as a response (step S12). As mentioned above, the metafile contains the called phone number and the URL of the MMS content.

【0058】

The main CPU 111 collates the outgoing call restriction rule information registered in advance by the user of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 with the calling telephone number, and the new line 2 (circuit switching network) specified by the calling telephone number is used. ) Is determined whether or not to perform automatic call processing (steps S13, S14).

【0059】

Outgoing regulation rules For outgoing call regulation items regulated by information, call prohibition that specifies prohibition of outgoing calls to all or specific area codes. Outgoing that prohibits outgoing calls to toll lines such as international calls and dial Q2. In addition to the prohibited pay line information, there is user confirmation information that specifies whether or not it is necessary to always present the destination telephone number to the user for confirmation. If the calling destination telephone number corresponds to a number regulated by the area code information for which outgoing calls are prohibited or toll line information for which outgoing calls are prohibited, the new line 2 (circuit switching network) specified by the calling destination telephone number is entered. The connection will be aborted. In addition, if the user confirmation information is valid, the call destination telephone number is presented to the user even if the number does not correspond to the number regulated by the call prohibited area code information or the call prohibited pay line information. , An inquiry is made as to whether or not to connect. In addition, by preparing information that controls permission or prohibition of acquisition of adult content as transmission regulation rule information, and comparing that information with the content type information presented from the server accompanying the content, It is also possible to prevent children's terminals and business-provided terminals from being used to acquire unwanted content.

【0060】

If the number does not correspond to the number regulated by the area code information that prohibits outgoing calls or the toll line information that prohibits outgoing calls, or if the call is permitted by the user, the main CPU 111 controls the communication control unit 112 to control the line. After disconnecting 1 (circuit-switched network), the call / connection process to line 2 (circuit-switched network) is executed using the calling destination telephone number (step S15). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network), and displays it. (Step S16).

【0061】

In this way, by restricting outgoing calls using the calling destination telephone number, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as unexpected communication charges being charged.

【0062】

The flowchart of FIG. 7 is an example of outgoing call restriction control when there are a plurality of calling telephone numbers.

【0063】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S21). , Receive the metafile as a response (step S22). When there are a plurality of access points for circuit-switched connection to the MMM server 17, the telephone number of each of these access points is included in the metafile as the calling destination telephone number.

【0064】

In this case, the main CPU 111 presents all the call destination telephone numbers (1 to n) to the user, inquires whether or not to perform the call processing (step S23), and when making a call, the call destination. Have the phone number selected (step S24). Of course, it is also possible to automatically select the calling telephone number of the access point closest to the current position of the data communication terminal (MS) 11. In this case, for example, a method such as acquiring the position information regarding the current position of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 from the server may be used.

【0065】

When the calling telephone number (m) is selected, the main CPU 111 controls the communication control unit 112, disconnects the line 1 (packet switching network), and then uses the calling telephone number (m). Call / connect to line 2 (circuit-switched network) is executed (step S25). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, and receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network). Display (step S26).

【0066】

The flowchart of FIG. 8 is an example in which a telephone number of a line suitable for the performance of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 is automatically selected when there are a plurality of calling telephone numbers.

【0067】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S31). , Receive the metafile as a response (step S32). If there are multiple access points for connecting to the MMM server 17, it is necessary to receive the telephone numbers (1 to n) of each access point and the services provided by the lines connected by those telephone numbers. Terminal attributes (1 ~ n) are notified by a metafile. The terminal attribute information includes, for example, information on the line speed and the connection form used for connecting to the line. Further, when the service form of the MMS content is different for each line, the screen size, the number of colors, the frame rate, etc. of the terminal can also be used as the terminal attribute information. Further, for each line, information indicating the quality and charge information of the service provided on that line (for example, high charge and high quality, low charge but low quality, etc.) may be added.

【0068】

The main CPU 111 selects the telephone number (m) of the terminal attribute that matches the performance of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 (step S33). Here, it is assumed that the telephone number (m) for connecting via circuit 2 (circuit-switched connection) is selected. If information on the quality and price of the service provided on the line is added, it may be presented and the user may select it.

【0069】

After that, the main CPU 111 controls the communication control unit 112 to disconnect the line 1 (circuit-switched network), and then makes a call to the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the calling telephone number (m). -Execute the connection process (step S34). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network), and displays it. (Step S35).

【0070】

In this way, by automatically controlling the calling destination based on the terminal performance (terminal attribute), it is possible to acquire MMS content via an appropriate line and receive an MMS content providing service that matches the terminal performance. ..

【0071】

The flowchart of FIG. 9 is an example in which the server notifies the telephone number of the line matching the performance of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 that issued the request when there are a plurality of calling telephone numbers.

【0072】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first, first, via the line 1 (packet switching network) currently connected, together with the type (performance) information of the data communication terminal (MS) 11, the target MMS. The content request is sent to the information providing server 15 (step S41), and the metafile is received as a response (step S42). If there are multiple access points for connecting to the MMM server 17, the type (performance) of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 that issued the request in the telephone numbers (1 to n) of each access point. The metafile informs you of the phone number of the access point to the server that provides the appropriate service.

【0073】

The main CPU 111 controls the communication control unit 112, disconnects the line 1 (circuit-switched network), and then makes a call to the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the calling destination telephone number specified in the metafile. -Execute the connection process (step S43). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, and receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network). Display (step S44).

【0074】

In this way, by automatically selecting the calling phone number suitable for the terminal performance (terminal attribute) on the server side and transmitting it to the data communication terminal (MS) 11, the MMS content providing service that matches the terminal performance is received. be able to. In addition, the server can determine whether or not the terminal can provide content according to the terminal performance (terminal attribute), thereby limiting the provision of content to the terminal. In this case, the terminal performance may be transmitted at the time of the call processing for newly connecting the line.

【0075】

The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows whether to switch the line or the line connection form according to the data amount / type of the requested content when the target content can be acquired from either the currently connected line or another line. This is an example of selecting whether or not to use it on the terminal side.

【0076】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target content to the information providing server 15 via the line 1 (packet switching network) currently connected (step S51). , Receive the metafile as a response (step S52). The metafile contains information about the amount and type of data in the content, in addition to the phone number to call and the URL of the requested content.

【0077】

The main CPU 111 selects whether to continue using the current line 1 (packet switching network) or switch to a new line based on the amount of data and the content type given in the metafile (step S53). Of course, the amount of data and the content type given in the metafile may be presented to the user so that the user can select the data.

【0078】

For example, even if it is multimedia data, if the amount of data is relatively small, the line is not switched, and the main CPU 111 uses the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile to line 1 (packet switching network). ), The content is acquired from the line 1 (packet switching network) by accessing the information providing server 15 (steps S54 and S55).

【0079】

On the other hand, in the case of multimedia data with a large amount of data, the main CPU 111 disconnects line 1 (circuit switching network) and then uses line 2 (circuit switching) using the calling telephone number specified in the metafile. Call / connect to the network) (step S56). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, and receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network). Display (step S57).

【0080】

The flowchart of FIG. 11 is an example in which the data communication terminal (MS) 11 has a multi-call function capable of establishing a plurality of lines at the same time. A terminal that communicates using W-CDMA can use this multi-call.

【0081】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S61). ), Receive the metafile as a response (step S62). The metafile contains the above-mentioned calling phone number and the URL of the requested content.

【0082】

After that, the main CPU 111 determines the electric field strength and determines whether or not it is in a radio wave environment in which multicall can be used (steps S63 and S64). That is, when a plurality of lines are set up by multi-call, outputs of a plurality of frequencies are output at the same time, so that the maximum amplitude of the combined output is double the normal amplitude. When the data communication terminal (MS) 11 is relatively close to the base station 12, the output from the data communication terminal (MS) 11 is originally narrowed down by the instruction from the base station 12, so it is synthesized by multi-call. Increasing the maximum amplitude of the output does not cause any problems. However, at a position far from the base station 12, the combined output is saturated, so that multi-call cannot be used.

【0083】

In an environment where multi-call cannot be used, the main CPU 111 disconnects the currently connected line 1 (circuit-switched network), and then uses the calling telephone number specified in the metafile to line 2 (circuit-switched network). Executes call / connection processing to (circuit-switched network) (steps S65, S66. Then, the main CPU 111 uses the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile and uses the MMS server via line 2 (circuit-switched network). Access 17 to receive and display MMS content from line 2 (circuit-switched network) (step S67).

【0084】

On the other hand, in an environment where multi-call can be used, the main CPU 111 uses the calling destination telephone number specified in the metafile while maintaining the connection to circuit 1 (packet switching network). Call / connect to (circuit-switched network) (step S68). Then, using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, the MMS server 17 is accessed via the line 2 (circuit-switched network), and the MMS content is received from the line 2 (circuit-switched network) and displayed (step). S67).

【0085】

In this way, when the user is located in an electric field strength environment where the multi-call function can be used, the line 1 is disconnected by newly connecting the line 2 while maintaining the connection of the line 1 currently in use. Is not required, so the time required to newly connect to line 2 and acquire content can be shortened. In addition, when the content to be acquired is switched from multimedia data to text-based data again, it is possible to acquire the content immediately by using the original line 1 in which the connection is maintained. ..

【0086】

The flowchart of FIG. 12 is an example in which the expiration date of the content is used to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary line switching.

【0087】

The main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S71). Receive the metafile as a response (step S72). In addition to the above-mentioned calling phone number and URL of the requested content, the metafile contains the connectable time as the expiration date information of the content. The value of the connectable time varies depending on the type of content, such as MMS content that changes with time such as news video information and MMS content that has a fixed delivery time such as a TV program.

【0088】

The main CPU 111 determines whether the current time or the elapsed time since requesting the content is within the connectable time specified in the metafile (step S74). For example, when the data communication terminal (MS) 11 receives a call after the content request, or the data communication terminal (MS) 11 moves to an environment where communication is not possible, such as a tunnel, and the connection time is exceeded. The main CPU 111 notifies the user that the connection is not possible (step S74), and does not make a new line connection.

【0089】

On the other hand, if the current time or the elapsed time since requesting the content is within the connectable time specified in the metafile, the main CPU 111 disconnects line 1 (packet switching network) and then specifies it in the metafile. The call / connection process to line 2 (circuit-switched network) is executed using the called call destination telephone number (step S75). Then, when the connection is completed, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile, and exchanges the MMS content with the line 2 (circuit-switched). Receive from (net) and display (steps S76, S77).

【0090】

The flowchart of FIG. 13 is an example of restricting a new connection on the server side according to the caller number of the terminal.

【0091】

The main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S81). Receive the metafile as a response (step S82). The metafile contains the above-mentioned calling phone number and the URL of the requested content. In addition, the information providing server 15 notifies the MMS server 17 of the caller's telephone number of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 that has received the request, and the MMS server notifies that there is access from the data communication terminal (MS) 11. Inform 17 As a result, the caller telephone number of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 is registered in the MMS server 17 or the access point to the MMS server 17 as an accessible user ID.

【0092】

After that, the main CPU 111 disconnects line 1 (circuit-switched network), then calls to line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the calling destination telephone number specified in the metafile, and sets the caller number. Notify the access destination server (step S83). On the server side, it is determined whether or not to allow the PPP connection based on the caller's telephone number. When the connection is allowed and the connection to the MMS server 17 ends normally (steps S84, S86), the main CPU 111 uses the URL of the MMS content given in the metafile and goes through line 2 (circuit-switched network). Access the MMS server 17, receive the MMS content from circuit 2 (circuit-switched network), and display it (step S87). On the other hand, if the connection is not permitted and the connection process does not end normally, the main CPU 111 indicates to the user and ends the process (step S85).

【0093】

By restricting the connection by waiting between the server and the terminal in this way, it is possible to efficiently provide the MMS content on another line without inviting unauthorized access from other users. It is also possible to restrict the use of the content by transmitting a sub-address from the caller side, information indicating the performance of the server, or the like instead of the caller's telephone number.

【0094】

(Response header extension method) Next, the response header extension method will be described. The response header extension method is a method of instructing line switching by a predetermined extended status code that extends the status code included in the response returned from the server in response to the content request from the terminal, and is a metafile. Unlike the method, the resource (URL) of the MMS content is directly described in the HTML file that composes the information content.

【0095】

FIG. 14 shows the procedure for acquiring the content by the response header extension method.

【0096】

(1) The data communication terminal (MS) 11 uses the address information (URL) to the metafile embedded in the HTML file to make a request for the target MMS content via the packet switching network 13 as an information providing server. Send to 15.

【0097】

GET address information HTTP / 1.1 (2) The data communication terminal (MS) 11 receives the metafile as a response via the packet switching network 13. Normally, content transmission from the server is started here, but in the present embodiment, in order to transmit MMS content by circuit switching, the content transmission is not performed immediately, and instead, HTTP Send the response header with an extended status code instructing you to reconnect using circuit switching.

【0098】

HTTP / 1.1 310 OK In this embodiment, a new status code of 310 is newly established, and this is used as the above-mentioned extended status code. Content-Type: application / m4v is the type of content requested, and Tel: 1234-5678 is the calling phone number.

【0099】

(3) The data communication terminal (MS) 11 disconnects from the packet switching network 13, connects to the circuit switching network 14 using the calling telephone number, and uses the URL embedded in the HTML file. By accessing the MMS server 17, the MMS content is received via the circuit switching network 14.

【0100】

Even in the response header extension method, it is not always necessary to specify the calling destination telephone number, and by registering the calling destination telephone number for circuit-switched connection in advance in the data communication terminal (MS) 11, etc. You can make a call to an access point for network connection by circuit-switched connection. Further, the various control processes described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13 can be applied in the same manner as in the case of the metafile method. Here, as an example, an example of regulation processing based on the calling telephone number will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

【0101】

That is, the main CPU 111 of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 first transmits a request for the target MMS content to the information providing server 15 via the currently connected line 1 (packet switching network) (step S101). , Receive a response (step S102). As mentioned above, the header of this response contains the extended status code 310, the type of content requested, and the called phone number.

【0102】

When the main CPU 111 recognizes that it is necessary to reconnect by circuit-switched connection with the extended status code of 310, the outgoing call restriction rule information and the calling telephone number registered in advance by the user of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 To determine whether or not to perform automatic call processing for connecting to the new line 2 (circuit-switched network) specified by the calling destination telephone number (steps S103 and S104). Outgoing regulation rules For outgoing call regulation items regulated by information, call prohibition that specifies prohibition of outgoing calls to all or specific area codes. Outgoing that prohibits outgoing calls to toll lines such as international calls and dial Q2. In addition to the prohibited pay line information, there is user confirmation information that specifies whether or not it is necessary to always present the destination telephone number to the user for confirmation. If the calling destination telephone number corresponds to a number regulated by the area code information for which outgoing calls are prohibited or toll line information for which outgoing calls are prohibited, the new line 2 (circuit switching network) specified by the calling destination telephone number is entered. The connection will be aborted. In addition, if the user confirmation information is valid, the call destination telephone number is presented to the user even if the number does not correspond to the number regulated by the call prohibited area code information or the call prohibited pay line information. , An inquiry is made as to whether or not to connect.

【0103】

If the number does not correspond to the number regulated by the area code information that prohibits outgoing calls or the toll line information that prohibits outgoing calls, or if the call is permitted by the user, the main CPU 111 controls the communication control unit 112 to control the line. After disconnecting 1 (circuit-switched network), the call / connection process to line 2 (circuit-switched network) is executed using the calling destination telephone number (step S105). Then, the main CPU 111 accesses the MMS server 17 via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) using the URL of the MMS content, receives the MMS content from the line 2 (circuit-switched network), and displays it (step S106).

【0104】

(Scheme expansion method) Next, the scheme expansion method will be described with reference to FIG.

【0105】

The scheme extension method is a method of instructing the terminal that it is necessary to reconnect by circuit switching by a predetermined extension scheme name that extends the scheme name of the linked content information embedded in the content acquired from the server. In other words, a scheme that normally writes http is newly prepared and dedicated so that you can see that it is MMS content just by looking at the resource description (URL) before the data communication terminal (MS) 11 sends the request. Scheme description, for example http-v. In other words, the description of the URL for referencing the linked content is as follows: The normal description is, for example, <A HREF="http://server/index.html> index </A> In Although, -For links to MMS content (multimedia.m4v), for example <A HREF="http-v: //server/multimedia.m4v> Multimedia </A> Describe as.

【0106】

The data communication terminal (MS) 11 uses circuit switching when receiving the content described by the scheme called http-v. There are two ways to send a request (1) Make a request on the packet switching network and then make a circuit-switched connection. (2) Circuit switching After connecting, make a request using the circuit switching network. Either method may be used. FIG. 16 shows an example in the case of the method (1).

【0107】

Next, the processing procedures in each of the methods (1) and (2) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 and 18.

【0108】

The flowchart of FIG. 17 corresponds to the method (1).

【0109】

When the URL is selected from the information content received via line 1 (circuit-switched network) (step S201), the browser of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 depends on whether the scheme is http-v or not. Determine if the selected content is MMS content (step S202).

【0110】

If the scheme is other than http-v, the selected content is not MMS content, so the data communication terminal (MS) 11 sends a request via line 1 (packet switching network) as usual (step S203). ), The response and content are received via line 1 (packet switching network) (step S204).

【0111】

On the other hand, if the scheme is http-v, the selected content is MMS content, so the data communication terminal (MS) 11 sends a request via circuit 1 (packet switching network) and receives a response. After that (steps S205 and S206), line 1 (packet switching network) is disconnected, and a call / connection is made to line 2 (circuit switching network) using the calling destination telephone number (step S207). Then, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 receives the MMS content via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) (step S208).

【0112】

The flowchart of FIG. 18 corresponds to the method (2).

【0113】

When the URL is selected from the information content received via line 1 (circuit-switched network) (step S211), the browser of the data communication terminal (MS) 11 depends on whether the scheme is http-v or not. Determine if the selected content is MMS content (step S212).

【0114】

If the scheme is other than http-v, the selected content is not MMS content, so the data communication terminal (MS) 11 sends a request via line 1 (packet switching network) as usual (step S213). ), The response and content are received via line 1 (packet switching network) (step S214).

【0115】

On the other hand, if the scheme is http-v, the selected content is MMS content, so the data communication terminal (MS) 11 disconnects circuit 1 (packet switching network) at that point and calls the call destination telephone number. Call and connect to line 2 (circuit-switched network) using (step S215). Then, the data communication terminal (MS) 11 transmits a request via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) (step S216), and receives the response and the content via the line 2 (circuit-switched network) (step S217).

【0116】

Also in such a scheme extension method, the various control processes described in FIGS. 6 to 13 described above can be applied in the same manner as in the case of the metafile method.

【0117】

As described above, in the present embodiment, by dynamically switching the line to be used and the line connection form according to the content, various contents of different types can be efficiently and stably acquired from the network. It becomes possible.

【0118】

In the present embodiment, the information providing server 15 or the MMS server 17 receives a call request from the data communication terminal (MS) 11, and each server sends the information content and the MMS content to the data communication terminal (MS) 11. For example, the information providing server 15 and the MMS server 17 are provided with a function for making a call to a data communication terminal (MS) 11 and accepting a call from the data communication terminal (MS) 11. Instead of sending the content after that, when the server is switched, the server makes a call to the data communication terminal (MS) 11, and the server sends the content to the data communication terminal (MS) 11. You may go.

【0119】

In addition, although the case where the information content and the MMS content are provided from different servers is illustrated here, it is important to switch the line or the line connection form used between the information content and the MMS content in the present invention. Therefore, it goes without saying that the information content and the MMS content may be received from the same server.

【0120】

In addition, since the calling destination telephone number may be any one for connecting to the server, not only the telephone number that serves as an access point to the server, but also the telephone number for directly dialing up to the server for PPP connection. There may be.

【0121】

Of course, the moving image may be a coding method other than MPEG-4, and the subject of the present invention is not limited to moving images. Furthermore, the connection between the terminal and the server does not depend on wireless / wired, and the type of line such as PDC or CDMA2000 does not matter.

【0122】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, by switching the line to be used and the connection form to the line according to the content, various contents of different types can be efficiently and stably operated on the network while suppressing the communication cost. It becomes possible to acquire the content, and it is possible to realize a content providing service particularly suitable for a mobile communication terminal.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

The block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system using the data communication terminal which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

The block diagram which shows the structure of the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

The figure which shows the communication protocol structure used in the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

The figure for demonstrating the operation by the browser and the plug-in used in the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

The figure for demonstrating the flow of the content acquisition process by the metafile method used in the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 6]

The flowchart which shows the 1st example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 7]

The flowchart which shows the 2nd example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 8]

The flowchart which shows the 3rd example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 9]

The flowchart which shows the 4th example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 10]

The flowchart which shows the 5th example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 11]

The flowchart which shows the sixth example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 12]

The flowchart which shows the 7th example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 13]

The flowchart which shows the 8th example in the case of performing content acquisition using the metafile method of FIG.

[Fig. 14]

The figure for demonstrating the flow of the content acquisition process by the response header extension method used in the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 15]

The flowchart which shows the 1st example in the case of performing content acquisition using the response header extension method of FIG.

[Fig. 16]

The figure for demonstrating the flow of the content acquisition process by the scheme extension method used in the data communication terminal of the same embodiment.

[Fig. 17]

The flowchart which shows the 1st example in the case of performing content acquisition using the scheme extension method of FIG.

[Fig. 18]

The flowchart which shows the 2nd example in the case of performing content acquisition using the scheme extension method of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Data communication terminal (MS) 12 ... Base station 13 ... Packet switching network 14 ... Circuit switching network 15 ... Information server 16 ... Packet gateway 17 ... Multimedia Stream (MMS) Server 18 ... Protocol conversion gateway 111 ... main CPU 112 ... Communication control unit 113 ... Multiplexing / Multiplexing (MUX / DMUX) 114 ... Video codec 115 ... voice codec 116 ... Display control unit 117 ... switch 118 ... Mike 119 ... Speaker 120 ... color LCD 121 ... camera