Wireless information processing terminal and controlling method thereof

Wireless information processing terminal and its control method

The present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device with wireless communication functions such as PHS (Personal Handyphone System) and its control method, and in particular to a wireless information processing terminal device with additional information processing functions such as PDA (Personal Digital Assist) and Its control method. In particular, the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device of this type that can be connected to a BBS (Billboard System) or an Internet service provider (or an access point prepared by the provider) and a control method thereof.

Previous technologies have developed various types of "remote computing systems" and commercial explorations that link remote computers together through the use of communication networks such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). For example, in 1985, Japan implemented the encryption law for remote communication services, which significantly supports the so-called "personal computer network." A computer user signs a contract with a personal computer network service provider to access the service provider's specific host computer (that is, an information server).

The main trend of remote computing in recent years is to explore the Internet. For example, it is well known in the industry that the Internet is a common name for a global network based on the network "NSFnet" interconnection. NSFnet was established by the National Science Foundation of the United States in the 1970s. Although the Internet initially tended to establish an international network linking universities and/or research institutions in 54 countries to exchange information during the period, the establishment of individual servers (mainly UNIX workstations) in each university and/or research institution was independently repeated As a result, the interconnection has developed into a huge collection of networks covering the world (today the Internet includes hundreds of thousands of servers scattered around the world). The remote server machines are interconnected according to the so-called "TCP/IP" (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol, so the connected network system can be used for data transmission or BBS communication.

Although the previous (or originally expected) Internet was connected between computer systems under the UNIX environment, it was opened to the public in 1994. As a result, Internet providers (service providers) appeared, so the Internet has become It is widely distributed in general corporate organizations and/or individual users in an accelerated manner. For example, major service providers of personal computer networks in Japan (such as "PC-VAN", "NiftyServe", etc.) can also provide Internet connection services today.

Because the Internet includes multiple network collections, each with different administrative/controlling organizations and different strategies, there is no central organization to manage the Internet as a whole. In other words, servers scattered around the world (such as database servers, file servers) are locally managed by individual users in the network. In addition, through a server connected to the Internet, each Internet user can act as an information provider or can seamlessly access any information on the Internet. This is quite different from the conventional "Personal Computer Network", which only allows limited access to specific host computers. In order to distinguish "Internet service", it means that a wide area network is established by connecting certain corporate networks. The Internet is used as a noun in English ("Internet").

As mentioned, the Internet is not a single computer system managed by a specific corporate organization or company. On the contrary, the meaning of the Internet lies in the collection of interconnected networks. Each network contains multiple computer systems (server machines) for storing information.

In order to use the Internet, users must connect their own computers (personal computers) to the subscriber server as their clients. If the user is a research unit or student, his computer is linked to the server machine of the research institution or the affiliated college. On the other hand, if it is a general user or a regular user, it must sign a contract with a commercial Internet service provider (hereinafter referred to as "Internet service connection provider" or "service provider"). As for commercial Internet services, there are, for example, "IBM Internet Services" of Japan's IBM Corporation or "BEKKOAME/Internet" of Bekkoame Internet Corporation.

Although there are several different types of contracts with service providers, the service that is most easily obtained by individual users is called "Dial-up IP (Internet Protocol)." As is well known in the industry, any computer system (server) connected to the Internet needs an identification number called an "IP address". In addition to its own IP address connected to the Internet, the service provider has multiple IP addresses that are sequentially assigned to contract users who request Internet connection via a telephone line (ie dial-up), so an Internet window is provided . In addition, most service providers establish connection points (ie access points) dialed by contracted users in major cities in China, so that users can dial to the nearest access point to save telephone charges. In other words, the user can be a telephone line or modem for connecting his personal computer to the server of the service provider, thereby establishing a connection with the Internet. Through this server, users can access data from another server (such as a web page) on the Internet.

In terms of it, a wide variety of information equipment has been connected to the Internet. In other words, when the Internet starts to expand, personal computers (PCs) set up at fixed points such as offices and homes mainly use limited dial-up IP connections. However, it is not unusual to use PDA or PHS to establish dial-up IP connection today, which further improves the portability/mobile capability of notebook computers. In a mobile environment, it is extremely rare to use word processing programs (document editing) or spreadsheet programs to handle arduous tasks. Instead, it can handle easy tasks such as sending reports in the form of e-mails. Although a PDA or PHS can only perform simple purposes due to its limited input/output and processing capabilities, it can exchange e-mails and display data (for example, only text). This is why a light, thin and short PDA or PHS is needed in a mobile environment, rather than a personal computer that complies with the full specifications.

Especially in the case of using a terminal device that performs wireless communication functions, such as PHS, the user does not need to worry about the location of the module socket. In other words, Internet users do not need to stay in a specific location, so users can establish dial-up IP connections in mobile environments such as outdoors or wherever users may move. The advantage of using wireless communication terminal devices to connect to the Internet is that users can send e-mails or participate in BBS based on the data/information obtained in a mobile environment, so the data can be kept real-time or fresh. In other words, the portable wireless communication terminal device becomes an information source with improved mobility. In terms of production/operation cost reduction, PHS is better than cellular phones, because PHS has no restrictions on frequency designation.

Even in a mobile environment, users can freely connect to the Internet to exchange required data or e-mail. However, in a mobile environment, the closest access point may not be fixed. In the same way that PHS or cellular phone users move between cells, mobile users can move freely between access points. Because the desktop PC is fixedly installed in a specific location, its closest access point is also fixed, so that the previously set access point can be used without any changes. But this is not the case for the aforementioned mobile users.

Undoubtedly, the cost of dial-up IP connection from the closest access point is the lowest. However, it is extremely difficult for users to store the closest access point (telephone number) of each mobile location or change the program settings.

<p>Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved wireless information processing terminal device with additional information processing functions such as a PDA and its control method.</p><p>Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved wireless information processing terminal device which can be connected to a BBS or access point prepared by an Internet service provider for communication information and its control method.</p><p>Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved wireless information processing terminal device which can be connected to an appropriate point of an access point prepared by an Internet service provider even in a mobile environment (that is, at various mobile locations), and a control method thereof .</p>

<p>The present invention is completed in consideration of this problem. The first feature of the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units and perform wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. Operation, the terminal device includes: a communication device for performing communication with a wireless base station; a device for retrieving the base station ID from the data received from the wireless base station; a memory device for storing the base station ID and the closest access point of the provider The association table between the access points; the access point search device is used to access the memory device and retrieve one of the access points associated with the current wireless base station; and the device to try and retrieve the access point to establish a connection.</p><p>The second feature of the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units and perform wireless data exchange operations with the wireless base station server in the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The terminal device includes: The communication device is used to communicate with the wireless base station; the display device is used to display processed data, etc.; the device used to retrieve the base station ID from the data received from the wireless base station; the memory device is used to store the closest proximity of the base station ID to the provider Association table between access points; access point retrieval device for accessing memory devices and retrieval of one of the relevant access points of the current wireless base station; device for attempting to establish a connection with the retrieved access point; data downloading device for Download data through the linked access point; and display control device for displaying the downloaded data on the display device.</p><p>The third feature of the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units and perform wireless data exchange operations with the wireless base station server in the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The terminal device includes: The communication device is used to communicate with the wireless base station; the input device allows the user to input data and instructions; the device that retrieves the base station ID from the data received from the wireless base station; the memory device is used to store data and programs; the writing device is used to transfer the user The phone number of the input provider's access point is written into the memory device and is associated with the base station ID of the current wireless base station; the retrieval device can connect to the access point to access the memory device and retrieve the current wireless base station in response to user requests The phone number of the access point related to the base station ID of the base station; and the device to try to establish a connection with the access point retrieved by the retrieval device.</p><p>The fourth feature of the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units and perform wireless data exchange operations with the wireless base station server in the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The terminal device includes: The communication device is used to communicate with the wireless base station; the display device is used to display processed data, etc.; the input device allows the user to input data and instructions; the device to retrieve the base station ID from the data received from the wireless base station; memory device For storing data and programs; the writing device is used to write the provider access point phone number entered by the user into the memory device and associate it with the base station ID of the current wireless base station; the retrieval device can be connected to the access point in response to user requests Used to access the memory device and retrieve the phone number of the access point associated with the base station ID of the current wireless base station; try to establish a connection with the access point retrieved by the retrieval device; data download device for the access point through the connection Downloading data; and a display control device for making the display device display the downloaded data.</p><p>The fifth feature of the present invention relates to a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units and perform wireless data exchange operations with the wireless base station server in the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The terminal device includes: communication The device is used to communicate with the wireless base station; the display device is used to display processed data, etc.; the device used to retrieve the base station ID from the data received from the wireless base station; the memory device is used to store the base station ID and the Internet service provider The association table between the closest access points; the access point retrieval device is used to access the memory device and retrieve one of the access points related to the current wireless base station; the device for dialing to the retrieved access point; by dialing A data download device for downloading network data through an access point; and a display control device for the display device to display the downloaded network data.</p><p>The sixth feature of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units. The terminal device has a table describing the association between the base station ID and the closest access point of the provider , And perform wireless data exchange operations with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The method includes the following steps: receiving notification information from the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located; receiving notification information Retrieve the base station ID; retrieve the association table to learn the access point associated with the base station ID; and try to establish a connection with the learned access point.</p><p>The seventh feature of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units, the terminal device has a display device for displaying data and a table describing the base station ID and the providers best The association between the approaching access points and the wireless data exchange operation with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The method includes the following steps: receiving notifications from the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located Information; retrieve the base station ID from the received notification information; retrieve the association table to know the access point associated with the base station ID; try to establish a connection with the known access point; then establish a link to access via the link Click to download the data; and make the display device display the downloaded data.</p><p>The eighth feature of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units. The terminal device has an input device for inputting data and a table stating that the base station ID is closest to the provider The method includes the following steps: the wireless base station service provider of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located, and the wireless data exchange operation is performed by the wireless base station service provider of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. ; Retrieve the base station ID from the received notification information; retrieve the relevant record of the base station ID from the table; respond to successfully finding the relevant record of the base station ID in the table for attempting to establish the access point with the record Link; In response to unsuccessfully finding the records related to the base station ID in the table, urging the user to enter the relevant access point information; logging in the base station ID and entering the association table of the access point related records; and trying to establish a connection with the entered access point .</p><p>The ninth feature of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, the terminal device has an input device for inputting data, a display device for displaying data and a table describing the base station The association between the ID and the closest access point of the provider, and the wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located, the method includes the following steps: the wireless base station of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located The station server receives the notification information; retrieves the base station ID from the received notification information; retrieves the related record of the base station ID from the table; responds to successfully finding the related record of the base station ID in the table for attempting to match the record The access point establishes a link; in response to unsuccessfully finding the record related to the base station ID in the table, urging the user to input relevant access point information; logging in the base station ID and inputting the association table of the access point related records; The access point establishes a link; then after the link is established, the data is downloaded via the link access point; and the display device displays the downloaded data.</p><p>The tenth feature of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a wireless information processing terminal device that can move across multiple wireless units. The terminal device has a display device for displaying data and a description of the base station ID and Internet service provision The association table between the closest access points and the wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The method includes the following steps: the terminal device is served by the wireless base station of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. Receive the notification information; retrieve the base station ID from the received notification information; retrieve the association table to get the phone number of the access point associated with the base station ID; dial to get the phone number of the access point; then establish a connection Download network data via the link access point; and make the display device display the downloaded network data.</p><p>The eleventh feature of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs in a tangible form that can be executed in a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, and the terminal device has a narrative base station The association table between the ID and the providers closest access point, and the wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The computer program includes: a routine for the terminal device to be currently located The wireless base station server of the wireless unit receives the notification information; a routine is used to retrieve the base station ID from the received notification information; a routine is used to retrieve the access point associated with the base station ID from the association table; and A routine for trying to establish a connection with an access point that is known.</p><p>The twelfth feature of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs in a tangible form that can be executed in a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, and the terminal device has a display data The display device and a table describing the association table between the base station ID and the closest access point of the provider, and perform wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The computer program includes: a regular The format is for receiving the notification information by the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located; one routine is for retrieving the base station ID from the received notification information; one routine is for retrieving the association table with the base station ID-associated access point; a routine for trying to establish a connection with the access point that is known; a routine for working after the connection is established for downloading data through the linked access point; and a routine for displaying the download on the display device material.</p><p>The thirteenth feature of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs in a tangible form that can be executed in a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, and the terminal device has data input The input device and the association table describing the base station ID and the closest access point of the provider, and perform wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The computer program includes: a regular The format is for receiving the notification information from the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located; one routine is used to retrieve the base station ID from the received notification information; one routine is used to retrieve the association table and the base station ID associated access point; a routine can respond to successfully finding a record related to the base station ID in the table, and an attempt to establish a connection with the access point described in the record; a routine responding to an unsuccessful finding of the table In the record associated with the base station ID, it urges the user to load the information about the access point; a routine for registering and loading the access point association record of the base station ID in the table; and a routine for trying and loading The access point establishes a link.</p><p>The fourteenth feature of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs in a tangible form that can be executed in a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, and the terminal device has data input The input device and a table describing the association table between the base station ID and the closest access point of the provider, and perform wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located. The computer program includes: a regular The format is for receiving the notification information by the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located; one routine is for retrieving the base station ID from the received notification information; one routine is for retrieving the association table with the base station ID associated access point; a routine can respond to successfully finding a record related to the base station ID in the table, and an attempt to establish a connection with the access point described in the record; a routine responding to an unsuccessful finding of the table In the record associated with the base station ID, it urges the user to load the information about the access point; a routine for registering and loading the access point association record of the base station ID in the table; and a routine for trying and loading The access point establishes a link.</p><p>The fifteenth feature of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs in a tangible form that can be executed in a wireless information processing terminal device, the terminal device can move across multiple wireless units, and the terminal device has a display data The display device and a table describing the association table between the base station ID and the closest access point of the Internet service provider, and perform wireless data exchange with the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located, the computer program Contains: a routine for receiving notification information from the wireless base station server of the wireless unit where the terminal device is currently located; a routine for retrieving the base station ID from the received notification information; a routine for retrieving the table to know The phone number of the access point related to the base station ID; a routine for dialing to know the phone number of the access point; a routine that can work after the connection is established for downloading network data through the connected access point; and a routine Mode for the display device to display the downloaded network data.</p>

<p>Wireless information processing terminal device (also known as "wireless mobile station" or "mobile station"), which can be represented by PHS, through at least one wireless base station (also known as "base station") and another terminal device (such as PHS or borrowed The conventional telephone with wired connection) establishes communication. Usually two or more base stations are connected together by a communication network such as PSTN or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). In this way, the mobile station dials to the nearest access point through the base station and establishes a dial-up IP connection.</p><p>The mobile station can send and receive data from a base station within a certain range, which is limited to a specific area around the base station due to attenuation caused by environmental factors such as radio waves. Usually this area is called "wireless unit" (or simply "unit"). When a mobile station enters the wireless unit served by the base station and the mobile station registers its current location in the base station, the mobile station can establish a wireless connection with the base station. In addition, each base station can accommodate multiple mobile stations within its own wireless unit range so as to control access to each mobile station.</p><p>Take the use of PHS as an example. PHS is defined as a radio wave that can output weaker than cellular phones. A wireless unit must have a limited coverage and a radius of up to several hundred meters. In other words, in this case, PHS often moves across multiple wireless units. For this reason and in order to repeat the positioning and registration operation, the PHS base station sends a base station ID (CS-ID) periodically (at 1.2 second intervals according to the PHS public service standard) to indicate its existence, and the PHS mobile station responds to receiving the base station The ID logs its location at the base station. The present invention considers that the PHS base station sends the base station ID and the base station ID contains the location information (because the base station has not moved at all) and is engaged in research.</p><p>The wireless information processing terminal device (PHS) of the present invention regularly receives notification information from the wireless base station, and the base station service covers the wireless unit at the current location of the terminal device. For example, it is well known in the industry that the predetermined field of the notification information is allocated to contain the base station ID (CS-ID), and the predetermined bit position of the CS-ID contains the NTT switch identification number, which can be used as location information (detailed later). Note that "NTT" here means Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Company.</p><p>The terminal device stores an association table in the memory in advance, which associates the NTT exchange identification number with the telephone number of the access point closest to the individual exchange. Because the physical location of NTT switches is usually fixed, in most cases, the association between each switch and the access point closest to each switch can be uniquely determined (but there may be exceptions, where multiple switches are associated with the same access point ).</p><p>When the terminal device user requests to connect to the Internet, the terminal device retrieves the CS-ID (more precisely, the NTT switch identification number) from the notification information sent by the current wireless base station, and then retrieves the information provided in its own memory Association table, thus knowing the phone number of the access point closest to the current location.</p><p>In this way, the terminal device dials the known access point to establish an Internet service connection. As a result, the terminal device can download the e-mail sent to it and store it in a web page (HTML file, etc.) of a specific web server or the like. In addition, the terminal device can send the data contained therein (or files and/or emails edited on this terminal device) to another computer system connected to the Internet, or upload this data to a specific network server disk.</p><p>In summary, in the case of connecting a mobile wireless information processing terminal device to the Internet, the closest access point is automatically selected to establish a dial-up IP connection. In this way, the user does not need to know the current location or the access point closest to the current location.</p><p>In addition, the computer-readable storage medium related to the eleventh to fifteenth features of the present invention defines the structure or functional cooperation relationship between the computer program and the storage medium for executing the functions of the wireless information processing terminal device of the present invention. In other words, by installing a storage medium on this terminal device (or installing a computer program on this terminal device), the cooperation function can be verified on this terminal device, thus obtaining advantages similar to the first to fifth features of the present invention.</p><p>It is believed that although the association between the CS-ID (that is, the location information of each wireless base station) and the access point can be stored in the internal memory of the terminal device in advance, the association can be learned one by one and then stored. If the user's range of actions is limited (applicable to users who often communicate with their office but do not travel to other locations), then there is no need for access point information in a wider area of resources. In this way, in order to support only the required number of access points, memory capacity can be saved.</p><p>If the user of the wireless information processing terminal device requests to connect to the Internet, and if the access point associated with the current wireless base station is not registered, the user can urge to load the required access point (in most cases, the closest access point) Phone number. In response to the terminal device dialing to the loaded phone number, and registering the loaded phone number and the current wireless base station CS-ID (more precisely, NTT switch identification number) associated phone number. In this way, when subsequently trying to connect to the Internet from a unit served by the same wireless base station, the previously loaded access point can be automatically selected, thus automatically establishing a dial-up IP connection.</p><p>The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings later.</p>

Specific examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an external view of an information processing terminal device 100 used to implement the present invention. It should be understood that the terminal device 100 has the dual functions of the so-called wireless communication PDA (Personal Digital Assist Device) and PHS (Personal Handyphone System).

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing terminal device 100 includes a relatively thin first housing 10 and a relatively thick second housing 20. The second housing 20 is pivotally supported by a hinge 30 at one end of the first housing 10.

The first housing 10 has an interface defined by PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) and JEIDA (Japan Electronics Industry Development Association), which can be connected to the information processing terminal device 100 of this specific example. The example external computer system has a PC card slot. The personal computer that complies with OADG (PC Open Architecture Developer Group) specifications. For example, the name of the notebook PC sold by IBM in Japan is "IBM ThinkPad 765" ("ThinkPad" is the trade name of IBM).

A keyboard 12 including a plurality of key pads is provided on the top surface of the first housing 10. The keyboard 12 includes ten keys, function keys, cursor keys, a power switch, and a key input control circuit embedded in the casing for generating scan codes in response to key input. The keyboard 12 is used as an input device for the PDA function. In the case of using the PHS around the terminal device 100, the keyboard is used to load phone numbers or switch operating modes. The upper part of the microphone 13 is exposed on the top surface for input of audio signals. When the terminal device 100 is used as a PHS, the microphone 13 can be used for voice conversation.

A liquid crystal display 21 is provided on the surface of the second housing 20 as an output device of the PDA function. In this specific example, the display 21 has a relatively large screen with a resolution of 200X320 dots. The processed data (such as PIM (Personal Information Manager) data downloaded from the PC, web content and/or emails received in the PHS section, etc.) are displayed on the display 21.

The top edge of the second casing 20 is shaped into a semi-cylindrical shape. A speaker 22 for outputting voice is provided on the semi-cylindrical surface. Furthermore, an antenna 23 for wireless transmission and reception is installed on the left side edge of the second housing 20 along the longitudinal axis of the second housing 20.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal hardware structure of the information processing terminal device 100.

A PCMCIA interface 51 is installed in the first housing 10. In this specific example, the PCMCIA interface 51 is a circuit which includes the interface protocol of the external computer system to be executed and connected, and other functions of generating scan codes in response to the key input of the keyboard 12. This circuit is manufactured using ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit technology). The data downloaded by an external computer system (not shown) is captured in the terminal device 100 through the PCMCIA interface 51.

Almost all the components of the PDA function for processing computer data and the main components for performing the PHS function of wireless communication are installed in the second casing 20. It should be understood that in this regard, the shaded hardware blocks shown in Figure 2 are components that perform wireless communication functions.

The MISC controller 61 provides the function of feeding signals from the PCMCIA interface 51 to the internal bus 62.

The components on the internal bus 62 are interconnected. Among these components, the CPU 63 is the main controller that controls the PDA function of the information processing terminal device 100. The CPU 63 is also used to control the display 21.

The ROM 55 is a read-only memory, which permanently stores the password group used by the terminal device 100 to control hardware operations. The RAM 65 is a writable volatile memory, which is mainly used as the work area of the CPU 63. The flash memory 66 is an erasable non-volatile memory, which is used, for example, to keep the private data of the terminal device 100. In the case of using the terminal device 100 as a PDA, its operating system (OS) and applications [such as "Dialer" (temporarily named) for calling the phone of the called party, and "browser" (temporarily named) for browsing the Internet Web pages, "mailboxes" (temporarily named) for exchanging e-mails via the Internet, etc.] can be stored in the flash memory 66.

A voice CODEC 67 is a dedicated circuit for amplifying/compressing voice data. For example, the voice data input through the microphone 13 is compressed by the voice CODEC 67 and then captured into the terminal device 100. Conversely, the voice data amplified by the voice CODEC 67 is output by the speaker 22 as voice.

The modem 60 is a dedicated circuit that tunes computer data into analog signals that can be used on the telephone line, or vice versa, demodulates the received analog signals as computer data. For example, the computer data received by the external computer system through the PCMCIA interface 51 and the MISC controller 61 is tuned by the modem 60, compressed by the voice CODEC 67, and then converted into a wireless password for transmission by the antenna 23. On the contrary, the received wireless password is demodulated by the modem 60, and then processed by the internal CPU 63 or a connected external computer system (not shown).

The wireless communication device 71 is a master controller that manages the PHS function of the terminal device 100. For example, the wireless communication device 71 supports multiple functions as a PHS phone, including but not limited to phone book calling, redialing, call input history, dialing latch, calling party number recognition, automatic answering service, etc. The protocol ROM 73 permanently stores control codes for performing operations according to a predetermined communication plan. Usually the communication plan is different for each carrier (such as Astel, DDI Pocket, etc.).

The RF device 72 is a dedicated circuit for performing wireless data input/output through the antenna 23. The RF device 72 outputs the transmission data sent by the wireless communication device 71 as wireless data, or conversely captures the wireless data received through the antenna 23 and enters the terminal device 100.

The terminal device 100 is provided with a battery 81 as a main power source. For the battery 81, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery can be used. The output terminal voltage of the battery 81 is the level converted by the DC-DC converter 82 and then fed to each component. A backup battery 83 is also provided.

Note that in addition to those shown in FIG. 2, additional electronic circuits are required to form the information processing terminal device 100 for performing PDA functions and PHS functions. However, these components are not described in this specification because they are well-known in the industry and are not the focus of the present invention. It should also be understood that in order to make the drawings concise, only partial links of the hardware blocks are shown.

In the following, the inventor will explain the detailed operation of the information processing terminal device 100 of this specific example constructed as described above and the functions of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a first working example of the information processing terminal device 100. In this example, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 is installed in advance (for example, in memory such as ROM 64, flash memory 66, etc.). The associated PHS support area (that is, each base station) is closest to a specific Internet service (or BBS) provider Association table of associations between access points (step S100).

Table 1 below shows an example of the association table. A record is prepared for each NTT exchange in the table, and the record includes the identification number of the NTT exchange and the telephone number of the related access point. Because the physical location of the NTT switch is fixed and it implies the caller (the location of the caller), the closest access point can be determined by using the NTT switch identification number. It is believed that for the NTT number area of the access point where there is no Internet service/BBS provider, the closest access point data can be conveniently retained or the NTT number can be simply calculated to select the access point.

<tables><img file="TW398159B_D0001.tif" /></tables>

The association table can be permanently stored in the ROM 64 of the information processing terminal device 100 by the manufacturer before shipment, or the association table can be written into the flash memory 66 so that the content can be updated appropriately. Considering that new access points will continue to be established in the near future, the following methods are more useful (the update method of this table depends on downloading from an external computer system through the PCMCIA interface 51, or wireless communication from a contract Internet service/BBS provider ).

Next, the user carrying the information processing terminal device 100 moves into another unit (step S102).

In response to the movement across the cell, as is well known in the industry, the information processing terminal device 100 performs location registration on the base station of the newly entered cell (step S104). According to the well-known PHS public service standard, each base station stipulates to send notification information for PHS mobile station location registration at regular intervals (1 slot at 1.2 seconds interval).

Figure 4 schematically shows the format of this notification information. The R and GT columns respectively contain sufficient margins for the sweep bit and the guard bit to provide a temporary response. The SS column and the PR column contain the start symbol and the foreword, each forming a 2T continuous signal for bit synchronization. The UW column contains unique words for frame synchronization. The CI column contains the path identifier which is equal to 4 (hex) of the notification information. Column I contains 62 bits assigned to information messages, which describe structures such as hyperframes in a predetermined format. The CRC column contains a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) code.

The ID column contains the base station ID (CS-ID) which usually contains 42 bits. The CS-ID column is divided into sub-columns including "public/private", "carrier identification number", "carrier identification number", "NTT switch identification number" and "extra information" (but the CS-ID structure can vary slightly with each carrier Change). In the "NTT Switch Identification Number" column, specify the NTT switch identification number that covers the current base station. Note that there is a one-to-one correspondence between this identification number and the NTT pass number (for example, "03" for Tokyo, and "045" for Yokohama).

Referring again to FIG. 3, if the terminal device 100 obtains a CS-ID, the process returns to step S102 again, where it waits for the terminal device 100 to enter the next unit or start the specific terminal device software. It is believed that the current CS-ID of the base station has been stored in a specific location of the flash memory 66, for example.

It is assumed here that the user of the information processing terminal device 100 activates terminal device software such as "browser" for browsing web pages, and "mailbox" for exchanging e-mails, etc. (step S106). Since starting the "browser" or "mailbox" requires connection to the Internet, another terminal device software "Dialer" is required to connect to the Internet.

First, the "Dialer" retrieves the NTT switch identification number from the current CS-ID previously known, and then retrieves the record of this identification number from the association table in [Table 1], thus knowing the access point closest to the current location Telephone number (step S108). Next, the "dialer" dials the phone number of the access point (step S110).

When the terminal device 100 is confirmed by the selected access point and establishes communication with it, it completes the dial-up connection to the contract service provider. As a result, the terminal device 100 can access a desired web server to obtain web pages or exchange e-mails (step S112).

When the user closes the mobile terminal device software (such as "browser" or "mailbox") after completing the desired task such as browsing the web or exchanging e-mails, the connection established with the access point is cut off (step S114). Then the process returns to step S102, where it is waited for the terminal device 100 to enter the next unit or to activate the specific terminal device software.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a second working example of the wireless information processing terminal device 100. Provide in the flash memory 66 the association table between each PHS support area and the destination Internet service (or BBS) provider closest to the access point. Although the format of this association table is roughly the same as [Table 1], it is assumed here that the table is initially blank when the terminal device 100 is shipped, and then when the terminal device 100 is connected to the Internet or BBS in a mobile environment, respectively One or more records are added or updated (that is, learned) (step S200). In this way, the association table of this example plays the role of the "communication record table" of the terminal device 100.

Next, assume that the user carrying the information processing terminal device 100 moves to another unit at this stage (step S202).

In response to the movement across the cell, as is well known in the industry, the information processing terminal device 100 performs location registration on the base station of the newly entered cell (step S204). According to the well-known standard of PHS public service, each base station sends notification information regularly (1 slot at 1.2 seconds interval) for PHS mobile station location registration. This notification information includes the CS-ID format, etc., as described in Figure 4 above.

If the terminal device 100 learns the CS-ID while registering the location, the process returns to step S202 again, where it waits for the terminal device 100 to enter the next unit or to activate the specific terminal device software. Of course, it is known that the CS-ID of the current base station has been stored in a specific location of the flash memory 66, for example.

Here, it is assumed that the user of the information processing terminal device 100 activates terminal device software such as "browser" for browsing web pages, and "mailbox" for exchanging e-mails, etc. (step S206). Because the activation of "Browser" or "Mailbox" requires connection to the Internet, another terminal device software "Dialer" is required to connect to the Internet.

First, the "dialer" retrieves the NTT switch identification number from the current CS-ID previously known, and then retrieves the identification number record from the past [communication record table] (step S208). If there is a communication record of the current NTT switch identification number, refer to this record to know the phone number closest to the access point. Then the "dialer" dials the phone number of this access point (step S216).

On the other hand, if for any reason (for example, the current unit accesses the Internet for the first time) there is no communication record of the current NTT switch identification number, the display 21 (for example) requires the user to manually enter the phone number of the desired access point (step S212). Then, it is explained that the association record between the telephone number of the access point and the current NTT switch identification number is entered into the "communication record table" (step S214). Then dial the phone number of the access point accordingly.

When the terminal device 100 is confirmed by the selected access point and establishes communication with it, the dial-up connection with the contract service provider is completed. As a result, the terminal device 100 can access the required network server to obtain web pages or exchange e-mails (step S218).

When the user closes the activated terminal device software (such as "browser" or "mailbox") after completing the desired task such as browsing the web or exchanging e-mails, the communication currently established with the access point is cut off (step S220) . Then the process returns to step S202, where it waits for the terminal device 100 to enter the next unit or to activate the specific terminal device software.

Due to limitations in manufacturing cost, packaging space, etc., it is difficult for a certain type of information processing terminal device 100 to have an association table with a sufficient number of access points scattered throughout the PHS support area (for example, all of Japan). In this case, the aforementioned second working example is better. In yet another case, when the user's work circle is limited to the passable area and/or a specific business travel program, which results in the association table containing only a small number of records, it is better to use the aforementioned second working example to save the required memory capacity. In the foregoing, the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific specific examples. However, it should be understood that people in the industry can make various changes or substitutions to the foregoing specific examples without departing from the essence of the present invention. In other words, the present invention has been illustrated by examples rather than being limited, so the scope of the present invention is only defined by the scope of the attached patent application.

[Advantages of the invention]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, an improved wireless information processing terminal device can be provided, which can be connected to multiple access points prepared by an Internet service provider even in a mobile environment (that is, at each mobile location) The appropriate point and its control method.

<p>10First shell</p><p>12Keyboard</p><p>13Microphone</p><p>20Second shell</p><p>21Display</p><p>22Speaker</p><p>23antenna</p><p>30Hinge</p><p>51PCMCIA interface</p><p>61MISC Controller</p><p>62Internal bus</p><p>63CPU</p><p>64ROM</p><p>65RAM</p><p>66Flash memory</p><p>67Voice CODEC</p><p>71Wireless communication device</p><p>72RF device</p><p>73Protocol ROM</p><p>81Battery</p><p>82DC-DC converter</p><p>83Spare battery</p><p>100Information processing terminal device</p>

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external view of a wireless information processing terminal device 100 implementing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal hardware structure of the wireless information processing terminal device 100 implementing the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a first working example of the wireless information processing terminal device 100.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the format of the notification information gap sent by the PHS base station.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a second working example of the wireless information processing terminal device 100.