JPH1089980A - Information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an information terminal capable of obtaining target information by performing data communication at low cost. In an information terminal that can be connected to a network via an access point, access point information storage means storing access point information of a plurality of the access points, and position information for obtaining position information of the information terminal Acquiring means, access point information selecting means for selecting one access point from the plurality of access points, using position information of the position information acquiring means, and access point information of the access point information storing means, Network connection means for connecting to the network via the selected access point.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile information terminal capable of connecting to an arbitrary network using communication and obtaining information from the network, and more particularly to detecting the position of the information terminal. Then, an optimal access point is selected in accordance with the detected position to keep various operational and economical burdens on the user's communication, and various types of information can be obtained by bidirectional data communication between the information terminal and the network. The present invention relates to an information terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-320197, for example, this type of information terminal uses a mobile telephone or PHS via a ground base station provided in a telephone pole, a traffic light, a building, or the like. In this example, a mobile communication such as an optical beacon or a road-to-vehicle communication such as a radio beacon is used to connect to a network and perform data communication. By the way, when data communication is performed by connecting such an information terminal to a network, the information terminal is connected to a terrestrial base station using a dedicated communication method such as a mobile phone or a beacon. It is common practice to connect to a connection point to a network (hereinafter referred to as an access point) using a general communication line such as a telephone line, and to transmit and receive data in the network via the access point.

[0003] Considering that such an information terminal is connected to a wide-area network such as the Internet to perform data communication and to transmit and receive predetermined information, such an information terminal is physically used as described above. In a wide area network, multiple access points are often set up in each area, and depending on how to select the access point and the communication method for connecting to the access point, even when connecting to the network and obtaining information in the same way Since the communication distance to the access point, especially the communication distance from the base station to the access point, the communication speed, and the stability of the communication are different, the communication fee for the communication is different, or the operator operated by the access point is different. For reasons such as the access point to the network connection speed and usage fee It made it is conceivable.

However, in the conventional information terminal, connection routes to these networks are not particularly considered. Therefore, even when the information terminal moves, the information terminal is always set in advance at the time of shipment without considering the above problem. Connection to the network via the access point
Alternatively, each time communication is performed, the user selects an optimal access point or a communication method up to the access point in consideration of the position of the information terminal, the communication method, and each condition of the access point, and inputs these before communication. Needed to communicate on.

[0005]

However, considering that such an information terminal is mounted on a car or the like and moves, it can be said that the information terminal is always in the same place or in the same communication area. Not set at the time of shipment,
Alternatively, when the user moves to a place far away from the access point previously specified by the user, the communication distance to the access point becomes longer, the communication cost becomes worse, and the communication load on the communication line increases. In such a case, if a plurality of access points to the server are provided, an access point closer to the position of the information terminal is selected, or an access point with a higher communication speed and a communication method are selected. In this way, the economic burden on the user should be reduced.
However, conventional information terminals do not have a selection means for automatically selecting an access point according to the position of the information terminal, for example, so that the position of the information terminal as described above is not provided. It has been difficult to select an optimal access point and communication method according to conditions.

[0006] Alternatively, if the user designates the access point or the communication method to the access point and performs the connection in consideration of various conditions each time the connection to the network is established, the data can be optimally communicated. Although communication can be performed, it is troublesome to consider various conditions every time connection is made, and whether or not a user can completely determine all conditions and decide an access point and a communication method to an access point every time It is doubtful if you are a driver, especially if the user is a driver, you will be distracted by these judgments and you will reduce your concentration on driving. In addition, the number of input operations increases, which is not desirable for safety.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in an information terminal capable of data communication by connecting to a network, and to provide a plurality of access points and a communication method to access points based on the position of the information terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information terminal capable of selecting an optimum combination from among the above and connecting to reduce economical and temporal user costs and performing efficient data communication.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an information terminal capable of communicating data by connecting to a network via an access point.
An access point information storage unit that stores access point information of the plurality of access points, a position information acquisition unit that obtains position information of the information terminal, a position information of the position information acquisition unit, and an access point information storage unit. Access point information selecting means for selecting one access point from the plurality of access points using access point information, and network connecting means for connecting to the network via the selected access point are provided. .

[0009]

According to the present invention configured as described above, communication is performed by automatically selecting an optimum access point and a communication method for connecting to the access point according to the position of the vehicle. It is possible to provide a user with an information terminal that can perform low-cost, highly reliable data communication according to the location and conditions of the information terminal without bothering the user. Can be provided.

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

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the effect of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a server A14 is connected to a network 9 indicated by a dotted line, and a mobile information terminal 1 mounted on the automobile 1 (in FIG. 1, the information terminal is assumed to be included in the automobile 1). , Not shown), use a general communication line 8 such as a mobile phone via a mobile communication base station such as a mobile communication base station A2 or a mobile communication base station B3, and access points A10 and B11 in the figure.
It is assumed that data communication is performed with the server A14 by connecting to the network 9 via an access point such as. An access point A10 and an access point B11 are provided as access points for connecting to the network 9.

Now, a mobile communication such as a mobile phone is used as the general communication line 8 to connect to a network 9 such as the Internet, and data communication is performed between the information terminal 1 and a server on the network 9. Considering the financial cost of the user, the connection from the information terminal 1 to the access point by mobile communication via the mobile communication base station depends on the positional relationship between the information terminal 1 and the access point. Depending on the distance or distance, a communication fee is required. Further, when using the access point, it may be necessary to pay a usage fee to an operator of the access point. On the other hand, when connecting to the Internet, there is no communication charge or other charge for the user for data communication within the network 9.

Here, the communication fee for mobile communication is
As described above, the communication fee is required in accordance with the positional relationship between the mobile communication base station and the access point. Therefore, to describe the case of connecting to the network 9 via the access point A10, for example, the information terminal 1
Is within the area 5 of the mobile communication base station A, the communication fee is set to the mobile communication base station A2 and the access point A10.
Or if the information terminal 1 is in the area 6 of the mobile communication base station B3, the communication fee is charged to the mobile communication base station B3 and the access point A10.
Will be charged according to the positional relationship with.

On the other hand, in order to select an access point in an information terminal in consideration of such a communication fee,
It is necessary to know the exact position of the mobile communication base station in the area where the information terminal is located, but it is difficult to always know the position of such a mobile base station accurately, and the position is always calculated. Doing so is cumbersome and undesirable. Therefore, in the access point selection of the present invention, the position of the information terminal 1 or the position of the automobile 1 on which the information terminal 1 is mounted is detected, and the communication fee is estimated using the position and the positional relationship between the access points. , Access point selection. When the communication charge is estimated in this way, it is not always possible to accurately estimate the communication charge. However, when viewed at a large scale, the position of the information terminal 1 and the position of the mobile communication base station can be regarded as almost the same. It can also be considered that the error in the estimation of the communication fee due to the error is negligible in practical use.

In FIG. 1, while the vehicle 1 is initially traveling in the area 5 of the mobile communication base station A2, the vehicle 1
The information terminal 1 mounted on the server A connects to the network 9 via the general communication line 8 and the access point, and
Data communication is performed with the server A14, and thereafter, the vehicle 1 moves into the area 6 of the mobile communication base station B3 and performs data communication with the server A14 again.

The information terminal 1 is set so as to be connected to the network 9 via the local access point A10 at the time of shipment, or first, the area of the mobile communication base station A is input by a user's input or the like. It is assumed that the connection is set to be the lowest, for example, via the access point A14 closest to the position of the information terminal, so that the communication fee when connecting to the network 9 from the inside is minimized. That is, specifically, the information terminal 1 performs connection by specifying the dial number of the access point A10 from the general communication line 8 using mobile communication, and connects the access point A10 to the network 9
It is assumed that an instruction for making a connection to the server A14 is sent in advance.

Thereafter, when the information terminal 1 moves into the area 6 of the mobile communication base station B, which is remote from the information terminal 1, connects to the network 9 again, and performs data communication with the server A14, the conventional method is adopted. In the information terminal of the above, it is not considered to select the terminal in consideration of the cost such as the position of the terminal, the access point, the communication method to the access point, and the time, etc. Since there is no function to perform the setting, the connection to the network 9 via the access point A10 is made as previously set, unless the user connects each time after inputting these settings. That is, the mobile communication base station B
3 to the access point A1 from the general communication line 8
The connection to the network 9 is made by designating the dial number 0. Therefore, as described above, assuming that the user is charged with a communication fee according to the communication distance when using the general communication line 8, the user is provided with the mobile communication base station B 3 when connecting to the network 9. The communication fee from the access point A10 to the access point A10 will be charged.

Alternatively, even in the conventional information terminal, before data communication, the user sets in advance an appropriate access point and a communication method to the access point, or the user needs to set a communication method to the network every time. Each setting can reduce the cost of connecting to the network, but in order for the user to make such settings, the user must recognize various information such as the location of the access point and It is complicated and not realistic considering that the selection must be made after sufficient consideration and that the user needs to recognize the position of the information terminal. If the user makes a mistake, the cost of inputting / outputting information increases, which is not preferable for the user. Further, the user needs to input the selected access point and the communication method to the access point to the information terminal 1, and the operation for inputting is complicated, especially when the user is a driver. Due to such input work, attention to driving is reduced,
It is not preferable from the viewpoint of traffic safety.

On the other hand, the information terminal 1 is provided with a function of automatically selecting an appropriate access point in accordance with the position of the information terminal, so that the information terminal 1 is connected to the network via the selected access point. Then, even when the information terminal 1 moves into the area 6 of the mobile communication base station B and connects to the network 9, for example, the access point B11 is selected so as to reduce the cost of the user,
A connection to the network 9 can be made via the access point B11.

Here, in addition to the communication fee and the charge to the user required for using the access point, the communication speed and the communication speed and the like as the standard when selecting such an access point and a communication method to the access point are described. Various costs such as the time cost of the user required according to the connection speed with the network at the access point, the cost of user input labor required due to abnormalities during connection, and the cost of usability of information terminals, etc. It is necessary to make the above selection after comprehensively considering the various conditions, and the information terminal of the present invention makes the selection by comprehensively considering these various conditions.

In FIG. 1, as a network for connection from the information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned network 9, for example, a network 16 shown by a dotted line as used in personal computer communication or the like is used. Can be considered. That is, a connection is made from the general communication line 8 to the server B15 using the dedicated communication line via the access point C12, the access point D13, and the like.
When a connection to such a network 16 is made, a server cannot be selected and only data communication with the server B15 is possible. The selection using the criterion such as is the same as in the case of the network 9.

As such an information terminal 1, an information terminal having information presenting means, a position detecting means for detecting the position of the information terminal or the position of the automobile 1 equipped with the information terminal, and an information terminal It can be realized by a configuration including an access point and an access point selecting means for selecting a communication method to the access point in accordance with the calculated position by using a mounted microcomputer and software. A communication device that can connect to a network and perform data communication with a server provided on the network to an in-vehicle navigation device that can detect the position and display the position on the map And an access point and an access point used for connection based on the position information of the vehicle detected by the navigation device. Communication method to the point may be that having an access point selection means for selecting.

An embodiment of an information terminal to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the information terminal is mounted on a mobile body such as an automobile.

The first embodiment to which the present invention is applied is an information terminal for an automobile, and the configuration is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the information terminal includes a location information acquisition unit 20, an access point selection unit 21, a network connection unit 22, and an access point information storage unit 2.
3, output means 24 and input means 25 are provided. FIG. 16 shows an example of the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

The position information acquiring means 20 shown in FIG. 2 has a GPS sensor (Globa
l Positioning System) 131, the vehicle speed sensor 132, the gyro sensor 133, and the like are used to detect the position of the automobile 1 or the information terminal 1. The access point information storage means 23 stores the network 2
Access point information on the access points 27 and 28 for connecting to the access point 6 is stored. Also,
The access point information storage means 23 includes a memory 148 as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a flash memory 149, a hard disk 152, a CD-ROM 154, a floppy disk 156, and a DVD (Digital Video Disk) 15.
8, stored in the IC card 160, the RAM 150, and the ROM 151.
The input unit 25 receives an input from the user and obtains a timing for selecting the access point 27. As the input means 25, a remote control 174, a button 175, a touch panel 176, and a voice recognition device 177 can be used as shown in the input means 123 of FIG. The access point selecting means 21 uses the position information obtained by the position information obtaining means 20 and the access point information of the access point information storage means 23 by using the signal from the input means 25 as a trigger, and performs the access. Point 27
Make a selection. This access point selection means 21
The controller 144 including the CPU 145, the RAM 147, the ROM 146, and the like illustrated in FIG. 6 can be realized by software. The network connection means 22 connects to the network by the communication device 140 shown in FIG. 6 and performs data communication according to a predetermined protocol. As a communication method, for example, the mobile phone 141 and the PHS shown in FIG.
A telephone 142, a beacon 143, or a detachable wired telephone (not shown) can be used, and communication is performed by connecting to a network via the access point selected by the access point selecting means 21. The output unit 24 outputs information obtained from the network 26 by the network connection unit 22 to the user.
As the hardware configuration, the output unit 122 shown in FIG.
As described above, it can be realized by the monitor 170, the voice synthesizer 171 and the head-up display 173. Further, the output unit 24 can output the access point information to a user.

Here, in a vehicle-mounted information terminal such as the present invention, since the user may be a driver, it is determined whether the user of the terminal is a driver or not. It is necessary to take measures such as stopping the output or limiting the information to be output according to the usage situation, such as whether it is running, whether it is traveling automatically, whether it is a safe situation, etc. It is. In addition, since a driver and a fellow passenger often place their viewpoints far away while riding in a car, it is desirable to use a display device with a far viewpoint such as a head-up display as an output means in the case of an in-vehicle information terminal. .

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the access point information storage means 23 as a second embodiment. The access point information storage means 23 includes access point position information 40, access point connection cost information 43, accumulated access point use time information 47, accumulated communication time information 48, and access point performance information 49 as access point information.

The access point position information 40 is information indicating a place where the access point exists, and can be represented by, for example, latitude and longitude data or a place name. Also, by using the access point telephone number 41, which is the telephone number of the facility where the access point is located, an approximate position can be indicated by paying attention to the station number, and can be used as a substitute for the position information. When the access point position information 40 is a place name or a telephone number, it is preferable to use the information after converting it into coordinates, for example, for obtaining a communication distance. In such a case, before use, for example, an access point position information conversion means 53 provided in the access point selection means 21 and described later can convert the coordinates into coordinate values and use the coordinate values. In the case where the access point location information is a place name or a telephone number, for example, the representative coordinates of each place name and the telephone number are stored in the access point information storage means 23, and the coordinates are converted into coordinates using the coordinates. Can be. If the access point telephone number 41 is used as the access point position information 40 after performing such position information conversion, the coordinates of the representative point may become inaccurate and the position information may not be accurate, but the error is reduced sufficiently for practical use. Is possible, and the access point telephone number 41 is information necessary when connecting to the access point from a general communication line.
It can be used for both purposes, and the data capacity of the access point location information 40 can be reduced.

The access point connection cost information includes access point usage charge information (basic charge determined by the access point supply company + time load charge) 43 required to use the access point, and communication charge required for communication between the terminal and the access point. Information (for example, telephone charges) 44,
There are access point connection speed information 45 indicating the speed of data communication at the access point, and communication speed information 46 between the terminal and the access point. The access point connection speed information 45 and the communication speed information 46 include, in the connection cost information, the time required to obtain a desired data amount increases or decreases depending on the speed information, and eventually affects the communication fee and the access point usage fee. Is included. Alternatively, if the amount of communication data is the same, the time cost required for desired data communication is restricted by the access point connection speed information 45 or the communication speed information 46, whichever is later, and is proportional to the reciprocal thereof. It can be said that since the time cost is imposed on the user, the usability of the information terminal is greatly affected.

The accumulated access point use time information 47 is provided for each access point or according to the access point fee system. The accumulated access point use time information 47 is obtained by accumulating the access point use time within a predetermined period. It is used to calculate a charge imposed on the communication time, or is used as a basis for calculating a total use time and a total use charge of an access point within a predetermined period presented to a user.

The integrated communication time information 48 is stored in a mobile phone or a PHS.
It is provided for each communication method such as telephone and beacon or in accordance with the communication fee system, and is obtained by accumulating the communication use time within a predetermined period, and is used for calculating the charge charged to the communication time such as the communication charge. Or a basis for calculating the total usage time and total usage fee of the communication method within a predetermined period to be presented to the user.

The access point performance information 49 is a catalog value indicating the nominal performance of the access point connection cost information 49, whereas the actual communication detected when the information terminal 1 actually connects to the network 26. It stores data such as speed and connection success rate. When actually performing communication, the connection speed to the mobile communication or the access point to the network decreases due to external factors such as noise and congestion, data retransmission is required, or response is slow. Nominal performance may not be exhibited. Therefore, the information terminal of the present invention selects an access point by using the access point performance information 49 or presents the access point performance information 49 to the user, thereby selecting an access point closer to the actual one. This leads to an increase in the reliability of data communication in the information terminal.

[0035]

[Table 1]

[0036]

[Table 2]

Tables 1 and 2 show examples of data stored in the access point information storage means 23. Table 1 is a database that summarizes data relating to access points in a form that can be easily used by the access point selection unit 21.

Table 1 shows, as access point basic information which is a catalog value of each performance of the access point, provider name L1, update cycle L2, time interval L3, charge L
4, accumulated use time L5, access point position L6, telephone number L7, connection speed L8, and actual connection speed L as access point performance information calculated at the time of actual communication.
9, the connection success rate L10 is shown.

The provider name L1 is an identification name of an access point business operator that operates an access point and provides a connection service from a general communication line to a network. In many cases, it is set for convenience.

Update cycle L2, time interval L3, charge L
4. The accumulated use time L5 is used to calculate the basic fee and the time load fee defined by the access point operator described above. The update cycle L2 indicates the timing at which the integrated usage time L5 used for charging the access point usage fee is updated. The time interval L3 indicates the interval of the usage time for calculating the basic charge and the time load charge. For example, in the case of the provider A, the charge L4 is used for the first two hours in the update cycle. As shown in the figure, it is shown that a uniform charge of 2,000 yen and thereafter, a charge of 10 yen per minute are made. Note that the accumulated usage time L
5, every time the information terminal 1 uses the access point,
It is updated according to the use time, and reset at the timing indicated by the update cycle L2.

The access point position L6 indicates the name of the place where the access point is located, and is used to find the positional relationship between the information terminal 1 and the access point in the above-described access point selection. Access point position L6
Is represented by a place name as shown in Table 1 to make it easy for the user to understand. Alternatively, it may be represented by the position coordinates of the access point and may be suitable for calculation for obtaining the positional relationship between the information terminal and the access point, or may be stored together.

The access point telephone number is a dial number of the access point on the general communication line for connecting to the access point from the general communication line, and is used when the network connection means 22 connects to the access point. It is also possible to know the position of the access point from the station number.

The connection speed L8 indicates the connection speed to the network when using the access point.

The actual connection speed L9 is the actual connection speed to the network calculated from the use time of the access point and the amount of communication data when the information terminal actually connects to the access point and performs communication. However, when the communication speed of the communication line is lower than the connection speed at the access point, the actual connection speed L9 is affected by the actual connection speed L9, and the performance of the access point cannot be sufficiently exhibited, and is evaluated as low performance. There is. Therefore, at the time of communication, the access point itself identifies the cause of the decrease in the communication speed, measures the connection speed at the accurate access point, transmits it to the information terminal 1 at the end of communication, and stores it. You may do it.

The connection success rate L10 is determined for each access point when connection to the access point is not possible due to concentration of users, system down, confusion, etc., or due to data error or system confusion. It shows the rate of successful communication without causing any trouble such as the failure of normal data communication, and indicates the reliability of the access point.

Table 2 shows data relating to the communication method between the information terminal 1 and the access point.
0, connection mode L21, communication speed limit L22, distance class L
23, actual performance values such as a communication success rate L27 are stored in addition to catalog values such as 23, a time division L24, a dial designation number L25, and a communication charge L26.

The telecommunications carrier L20 includes a mobile phone and a PHS
The identification of a communication carrier that provides a communication service between a terminal such as the information terminal 1 and a network using a communication medium such as a telephone or a beacon is stored.

The connection form L21 is a communication medium used for communication between the information terminal 1 and the network.
This term is unnecessary if the connection 20 and the connection form L21 correspond one-to-one.

The communication speed limit L22 indicates the communication speed for each communication carrier or connection type. As described above, the overall communication speed is determined by this value and the connection speed of the access point to the network. When the same communication data is communicated, the communication time is required in accordance with the reciprocal thereof.

The distance section L23, the time section L24, and the communication charge L26 are for obtaining billing information for communication between the information terminal 1 and the access point. Used to calculate. The distance section L23 indicates a section of a different charge system according to the distance or the positional relationship between the information terminal 1 and an access point to which the communication is connected, and the time section indicates a different charge system according to the communication time. The communication charges L2 set according to these divisions
The communication fee can be estimated using the information of No. 5. Here, depending on the telecommunications carrier, when a specific telephone number is specified, there is a service that provides a certain discount for communication to that number. Although not shown, if a discount rate and the like at that time are considered together, it is possible to estimate a communication fee that is closer to the actual one. The communication success rate indicates the ratio of successful communication and target data communication to the total number of times communication was performed, according to conditions such as the carrier or communication time. It can be said that the reliability of each method was evaluated.

Although not shown as an evaluation of the actual performance of the communication method, storing the actual communication speed for each communication method is also meaningful in order to select a more appropriate communication method.

Although not shown, it is better to store the accumulated communication time information 48 described in FIG. 3 for each communication method in a database showing the performance of the communication method in Table 2; It can be used for calculating the integrated usage fee and, in some cases, the usage fee. Each time the information terminal 1 uses the communication method, the integrated communication time information is updated according to the use time, and is reset at a predetermined timing or in response to a user input.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the access point selecting means 21 as a third embodiment. The access point selecting means 21 in FIG. 3 includes an access point position information converting means 53, a communication distance estimating means 52, a connection cost estimating means 51, an access point determining means 50, and a communication method determining means 54.

Access point position information conversion means 53
Converts the access point location information 40 stored in the access point information storage unit 53 into a form that can be easily used by the connection cost estimation unit 51. For example, the access point location information is represented by a telephone number or a place name to the access point. If there is, the area where the station number is used,
The coordinates of the center of the area represented by the place name are stored as the representative position in the access point information storage means, and the position information represented by the telephone number or the place name is converted into coordinate information. As the representative point, for example, a mathematical center of gravity of the area may be used, and the value may be obtained and stored in advance.

The communication distance estimating means 52 estimates the distance from the information terminal to each access point. For example, the communication distance estimating means 52 obtains the information terminal 1 obtained from the position information obtaining means 20.
And the access point position information conversion means 53
Calculates the distance from the position of each access point input from, and outputs it to the connection cost estimating means.

The connection cost estimating means 51 connects the access point to the network by the information terminal, and the user's operation labor due to the overall cost, time, reliability, etc., required for performing the desired data communication. Estimate costs, etc. Estimation of the cost is performed for a combination of a communication method that can be selected for each of a part or all of the selectable access points, and is used as a reference for determining an access point or a communication method. These costs can be estimated by estimating the cost required to complete all data communication if the amount of data to be communicated is known in advance; otherwise, the cost per unit time can be estimated. May be obtained and used as a reference.

[0057] Of these costs, the toll cost is estimated separately for the connection cost to the network at the access point and the communication cost for communication from the information terminal to the access point.

To determine the connection cost at the access point, first, for example, the update period L shown in Table 1 above is used.
2, a usage fee of the access point per unit time is obtained according to the time interval L3 fee L4, the accumulated usage time L5, and the date and time measured by the timer 30 shown in FIG. Next, regarding the set of the access point and the communication method for which the cost is to be estimated, the connection speed L8 shown in Table 1 and Table 2
Is compared with the communication speed limit L22, and the value of the lower speed is selected, and the access point usage fee per unit time obtained earlier is divided by this value to obtain the charge per unit time. A cost index can be obtained. Alternatively, by dividing the already known communication data amount by the fee cost index per unit time, a fee cost index of an access point connection required for desired communication can be obtained. Further, in these processes, if the actual connection speed L9 is used instead of the connection speed L8, it is possible to estimate the cost closer to the actual condition.

To determine the communication cost required for communication from the information terminal 1 to the access point, first, for example, a communication speed limit L22, a time division L24 and a distance division shown in Table 2 and a timer 30 shown in FIG. The communication fee per unit time is obtained in accordance with the date and time measured in the step (a), the distance division L23 and the communication distance estimated by the communication distance estimating means 52. If the above-mentioned dial number designation fee discount service is performed by the communication carrier, a correct communication fee is estimated by adding the discount rate to the obtained communication fee.
Next, for the set of the access point and the communication method for which the cost is to be estimated, a comparison is made between the connection speed L8 shown in Table 1 and the communication speed limit L22 shown in Table 2, and the value of the lower speed is selected. By dividing the previously determined communication charge per unit time by this value, it is possible to obtain an index of the charge cost required for communication per unit time. Alternatively, a cost index of a communication fee required for desired communication can be obtained by dividing the known communication data amount by the index of the cost per unit time.

If the amount of data to be communicated is known as the time cost, the data amount is divided by the connection speed L8 shown in Table 1 or the lower one of the communication speed limit L22 shown in Table 2 to obtain: The time required for the desired data communication can be obtained.
The time required for data communication is considered to be a waiting time for the user or a delay in the response of the information terminal,
This is one index for selecting an access point and a communication method.

As the operation labor cost of the user due to reliability or the like, for example, connection to a network fails,
In the case where an error occurs in communication, it is necessary to input to the terminal to restart communication, or the cost caused by the user feeling uncomfortable with the occurrence of an abnormality. The index can be created by using the connection success rate L10 of the access point shown in (2) and the communication success rate L27 in Table 2.

The access point deciding means 50 and the communication method deciding means 54 use the respective cost indices obtained by the connection cost estimating means 51 and the like to determine the combination of the access point and the communication method which have been proposed as candidates.
A set of an access point and a communication method is determined.

The criteria for selecting an access point and a communication method in the access point determining means 50 and the communication method determining means 54 include, for example, the fee cost, the time cost, and the user cost calculated by the connection cost estimating means 52. The weight of each operation labor cost is selected, and a set of an access point and a communication method may be selected so that the total sum thereof is the smallest, that is, the cost of the user required for the communication is minimized. The weight assigned to each cost index may be determined according to the method of selecting a preferred access point input by the user. If the weight of an important element is increased, the user's favorite access point and communication method can be selected. Becomes

The access point and the communication method determined in this way are output to the network connection means 22, and the connection to the network is performed using the selected combination.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the network connection means 22 as a fourth embodiment. The network connection means 22 performs desired data communication by connecting to the network using the access point and the communication method selected by the access point selection means 21, and detects various situations and abnormalities of communication at the time of connection. The access point performance information 4 is stored in the access point information storage means 23.
9 is output. In addition, when a communication error or the like occurs and the desired communication cannot be completed, a process for reconnecting is performed. The network connection means 22 includes a connection status detection means 62, a connection time measurement means 61, an integrated connection cost calculation means 60, a selected access point storage means 69, a reconnection method selection means 67, and a reconnection means 68.

The connection status detecting means 62 detects the communication status by monitoring the connection status to the network via the access point or by monitoring the communication data. Means 6
6, a communication data amount detection means 63 and a communication data amount detection means 64 are provided.

The communication state detecting means 65 monitors the communication device 140 shown in FIG.
Identify whether a communication medium such as a telephone or a beacon is available or not, or use communication to connect to a network via a specified access point, ie, the access point Is not connected because it is crowded, or there is an error in data when connecting to the network, or due to an error at the access point, etc. Is detected. Further, the communication state detecting means 65 detects the timing of establishing a network connection, and outputs the timing to the connection time measuring means 61. Normally, data communication with the network is enabled by this network connection establishment, and the usage fee of the user's access point is charged according to the communication time from this timing.

While the connection to the network is established, the communication state detecting means 65 outputs a network probability signal to the output means 36, and performs a display such as blinking an icon representing an access point, for example. Indicates that communication is in progress, or if the connection fails due to a communication error or an access point error when connecting to the network, an icon indicating the connection failure is output from the output means 36, Outputs an icon indicating disconnection from the output means 36 when the communication is terminated or the communication is abnormally terminated and the state of connection to the network is changed to a disconnected state, that is, when the connection is disconnected. To display the status of connection to the network and communication status to the user to improve the usability of the information terminal 1. When the communication waiting and such as abnormal user must wait, it is possible to give a sense of security to the user by presenting the situation.

The communication data analyzing means 66 monitors the data after the data communication is started, and detects whether the communication data is normally transmitted without error.

The communication data amount detecting means 63 detects the total amount of data to be communicated, or the amount of communication data such as data blocks to be communicated as a unit.
The detection is performed at the start of the entire communication or at the start of the data block communication.

The communication data amount detection means 64 includes, among the data amounts detected by the communication data amount detection means 63,
It detects the amount of data that has already been communicated. The detection is performed as needed during communication, and the value is updated.

Here, the connection status detection means 62 measures the connection time detection time 61 or the time in response to the input from the timer 30, and detects the data break detected by the communication data analysis means 66, the data break, and the like. When the continuous time is longer than the set value, it is possible to determine that something has occurred in the communication data or the communication, output the abnormality occurrence signal from the output unit 36, and disconnect the communication.

Further, in the connection status detecting means, as one of the connection statuses, the output means 36 outputs the connection cost as the connection cost.
Outputs the connection cost currently in use, the connection cost used within a predetermined period, and the prediction of the connection cost required to complete the data communication during communication, etc., to improve the usability of the information terminal and wait for communication. The user can give a sense of security by displaying the time, the fee required for the communication, or the fee required for the communication in detail, or if the communication that is not important involves a large cost, the user can stop the communication. As such a connection cost, for example, an un-communicated data amount of the communication data amount calculated using the communication data amount and the communicated data amount or the communication data amount and the communicated data amount is used. The communication data amount, or calculated using the communication data amount and the communicated data amount, using the communication end rate indicating the ratio of the communication data amount in the communication data amount, or using the communication data amount and the uncommunicated data amount. Determined, the remaining communication rate indicating the ratio of the amount of uncommunicated data in the amount of communication data, or the amount of uncommunicated data, and the remaining communication time determined from the actual connection speed, or the remaining communication time, The remaining cost obtained by multiplying the connection fee per hour obtained by using the access point information stored in the access point information storage means 23 is exemplified.

When the communication state detecting means 66 detects the establishment of the network connection, the connection time detecting means 61 stores the time of the timer 30, and keeps the time indicated by the timer 30 and the aforementioned time until the communication is completed. The network connection time is calculated by calculating the difference from the stored time, and is output to the connection status detecting means 62, the integrated connection cost calculating means 60, and the like, and this information is presented to the user from the output means 36.

Here, the communication time used for calculating the communication fee between the information terminal 1 and the network 26 is not actually from the above-mentioned establishment of the network connection but from the time when the communication means is used to connect to the access point. Although the time required for user authentication and protocol probability at the access point is very short, a method of measuring each of these is conceivable, but even if the above network connection time is substituted, No problem.

The integrated connection cost calculating means 60 calculates the connection cost during a predetermined period, for example, during the current month or during the current fiscal year. The integrated use cost and the integrated charge are calculated and output from the output means 36 to the user. To present,
After the end of the communication, the information is output to the access point information storage means 23, and the accumulated access point information use time information 47 and the accumulated communication time information 48 are updated.

As a method of obtaining the connection cost, for example, at the start of communication, the integrated access point use time information 47 and the integrated communication time information 48 stored in the access point information storage means 23 are read, and the connection time measurement means The access point connection cost information 4 stored in the access point information storage means 23 is added based on the obtained value by adding the network connection time measured at 61.
2, the total connection cost within the predetermined period, or the accumulated charge for each provider, the accumulated charge for each communication method, and the like may be obtained. Alternatively, at the end of each communication, a usage fee for each access point and a communication fee for each communication method used for the communication are calculated, and an integrated value thereof is calculated each time.
At the time of communication, and may add and charge the charges during communication with each other to obtain and output an integrated connection charge.

When the communication is completed, the connection status detecting means 62
Then, from the detected various connection states, the actual performance of the access point and the communication method used for communication, that is, the above-described access point performance information 49 is calculated,
Output to the access point information storage means 23.

As such access point performance information, the connection status detecting means 62 is obtained from the amount of communication data during the connection between the information terminal 1 and the network 26 and the connection time, and indicates the communication speed indicating the communication speed at the time of connection. Alternatively, when the network connection unit 22 connects to the network 26 via the access point 27, the number of connections indicates the total number of times of connection and the number of times of successful communication and start of communication. The number of successful connections, or the number of abnormal connections indicating the number of times the connection or communication failed and communication could not be performed normally, or the percentage of successful connections indicating the percentage of the number of successful connections within the number of connections, or the number of successful connections The connection abnormality rate indicating the ratio of the number of connection abnormalities of the network, or the network connection means 22 26, the number of communications indicating the total number of communications, and the number of successful communications indicating the number of successful communications, or the number of abnormal communications indicating the number of abnormal communications, Alternatively, a communication success rate indicating the ratio of the number of successful communication times in the number of communication times, or a communication abnormality rate indicating the ratio of the number of abnormal communication times in the number of communication times is measured and calculated.

The access point information 49 is output from the output unit 36 when the user selects an access point, and is used by the user as a reference for selecting an access point or the access point information storage unit 23.
The access point information 23 stored in the access point is read out by the access point selecting means 21 and is used for estimating a connection cost, and can be used for automatic selection of an access point and a communication method.

The reconnection means 68 uses the selected access point and connection method when the connection status detection means 62 detects an abnormality during connection to the network or communication and interrupts the communication, or when the abnormality is detected. Depending on the state, the access point selecting means 21 reselects a combination different from the currently selected access point and communication method, and reconnects to the network using this.

The reconnection method selection means 67 provides a
This is for setting a selection method of a combination of an access point and a communication method, and selects whether to set an access point by an input from a user at the time of reconnection or to automatically perform reselection.

When connecting to the network, the selected access point storing means 69 updates the combination of the access point and the communication method selected by the access point selecting means 21 and used for the connection to a new combination at the start of the next network. The connection is temporarily stored until the reconnection unit 68 performs the reconnection, and the connection is performed using the combination of the access point and the communication method stored in the selected access point storage unit 69 as it is, or the connection is stored. The selected combination of the access point and the communication method is output to the access point selecting means 21, and a different combination of the access point and the communication method is selected and used.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, as a fifth embodiment, the information terminal 1 of the present invention has access point updating means 3
1 shows a configuration example in the case of providing 1. FIG. 3 shows the access point information storage means 23, access point selection means 21, network connection means 22, and position detection means 2 described above.
0, a timer 30, etc., an access point information updating means 31 and an access point information update content reading means are provided.

The access point information updating means 31 is provided with a post-update elapsed time measuring means 70 and an access point information update content recognizing means. The access point information updating means 31 reads various access point information stored in the access point information storing means 23. It updates the data and newly generates a database, and can be easily realized by software in the controller 144 shown in FIG. The access point information can be updated by various methods. For example, the access point information is output from the output unit 36 in response to a user's input from the input unit 37 of the information terminal 1, and the user selects a part thereof. Then, the access point information update content recognizing means 71 recognizes the updated portion of the database of the access point information and the new numerical value in accordance with the update content, and stores the updated information in the access point storage means 23. Rewrite the data of Since the access point information is not always easy for the user to understand, when receiving the update content from the user using the output unit 36 and the input unit 37, a format or a numerical value that is easy for the user to understand is used. This is converted once by the access point information update content recognizing means 71 before use, so that it is possible to create a database which is easy for the user to understand and convenient for data processing. .

Another method for updating access point information is to obtain update information from a network. For example, the post-update elapsed time measuring means 70 stores the time of the timer 30 at the time of the previous access point update, compares it with the value of the timer 30 at a predetermined timing such as when the power to the information terminal is turned on, etc. When it is detected that (e.g., one month) has elapsed, it is automatically connected to the network 26 via the network connection means 22 and communicates with a specific server on the network 26. The access point information update content request signal may be transmitted, and the update information may be transmitted from the network 26. The update information received from the network 26 is converted or decompressed in the access point information update content recognizing means 71 and decrypted in the access point information update means 71.
The update content is recognized, and the access point information database stored in the access point information 23 is called and updated according to the update content. In the above-described example, the update timing is measured using the timer 30 on the information terminal 1 side, and the update content is requested from the network 26. Alternatively, the server on the network 26 determines the elapsed time after the update. After recognizing the information, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the information terminal 1 may be connected to send the update information.

Alternatively, the above-mentioned update information is stored on a CD-ROM.
In the case where the information is distributed on a storage medium such as a ROM, a floppy disk, a DVD, or an IC card, the information terminal shown in FIG.
CD-ROM drive 153, floppy disk drive 155, DVD drive 157, IC shown in FIG.
The access point information update content reading means 32 such as the card slot 159 may be provided, and the access point information update content recognition means recognizes the update information read from the storage medium to update the access point information. good.

FIG. 3 additionally includes a map storage means 33. If the information terminal 1 of the present invention is provided with a communication function in a vehicle-mounted navigation device, for example, and is used as an information terminal, A map of the current position of the car and its surroundings is read out from the map storage means 33 and displayed. The map information stored in the map storage unit 33 can also be used to display the position of the access point on the map to the user, or can be used by the communication distance estimation unit 52. As hardware, map information is, for example, as shown in FIG.
May be stored on a CD-ROM or the like shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output means 24 includes an output control means 34 for controlling a screen for presenting information to a user and generating an audio signal, and a signal output from the output control means 34. Output means 3 for outputting information to a user
The output means 36 includes a monitor 80, a head-up display 81, and an audio output 82.
Etc. can be used. As the hardware, the output control means 34 can be realized by software in the controller 144 shown in FIG. 16, the monitor 80 is the monitor 170, the head-up display 81 is the head-up display 173, and the audio output 82 is the audio synthesizer 1
71 and the speaker 172.

As shown in FIG. 3, the input means 25 receives an input operation from a user and outputs a signal thereof, and an input control means for recognizing input information based on a signal from the input means 123. The input means 37 can be a remote controller 83, a touch panel 84, a voice recognition device 85, or the like. As hardware, the input control means 35 can be realized by software in the controller 144 shown in FIG. 16, the remote control 83 uses the remote control 174, the touch panel 84 uses the touch panel 176, and the voice recognition device 85 uses the voice recognition device 177 and the microphone 178. Alternatively, the input unit 123 may use a button 174 provided on a navigation device or the like.

FIGS. 4 to 14 are flowcharts showing the flow of signal processing in the information terminal 1 of the present invention. The signal processing shown in these flowcharts is performed in a device having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 16, for example, in a device configured to be usable as an information terminal by adding a communication function to an in-vehicle navigation device. 3 shows the processing procedure of the signal processing of each embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and these processings are performed by the memory 148 and the communication device 14 shown in FIG.
0 and the CPU 145 in the controller 144,
It can be easily realized by software executed in the ROM 146 and the RAM 147.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of signal processing in the information terminal 1 according to the present invention, which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, after performing some initial steps, the main processing procedure is repeatedly executed. For example, steps S9 and S10 of the general flow shown in FIG. 4 are performed. It is executed repeatedly. Further, these processes are interrupted, and steps S12 and S1 are executed.
Steps S3 and S14 are executed.

In the processing, the power of the apparatus is turned on (S1).
And first, a predetermined initial processing S
2 is performed. At the time of this initial processing S2, the GPS sensor 1
Initial positioning at 31 is also performed, and satellite information including orbit information (almanac data and the like) of GPS satellites is also obtained.

Next, in step S3, the position information of the device detected by the position detecting device 121 during the previous processing is used, or if there is no previously measured position information, the initial positioning result of the GPS sensor 131 is used. To automatically set the current position.

In the next step S4, map data including the current position set in step S3 is read from the memory 148 or the like, and a predetermined mark indicating the current position of the apparatus is placed on the map indicated by the map data. Image data is generated so as to be superimposed and displayed, and sent to the output unit 123.

In the next step S5, steps S12, S
13. Interrupt processing such as S14 and S14 is permitted.

Thereafter, the post-update elapsed time measuring means 70
, The elapsed time after updating the access point information is calculated from the time of the timer 30 and the stored last updated access point information time (S7), and the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the set time in the next step S8, that is, the access point information is updated. If the elapsed time after the update has already reached the set time, an access point information update interrupt is generated (S
11), the process shown in step S14 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S9. If the elapsed time is smaller than the set time in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, for example, the current position of the device detected by the position detecting device 121 is compared with the stored position of the previous device to determine whether the two are different. Is determined. As a result, if it is moving (Yes in step S9), the display of the current position to be output to the output means 36 is changed in step S10, and if necessary, the map is updated if necessary. If it has not moved (N in step S9)
o), the processes in and after step S9 are repeated.

Access point selection method setting interrupt processing S
A process 12 is started when an access point selection method setting is input from the input unit 37, and is a process for setting an access point selection method in the access point selection unit 21.

The access point and communication method selection and network connection interruption process S13 is a process that is started when a communication request signal is input from the input unit 37 in the information terminal 1, and is executed by the access point shown in FIG. The selection unit 21 selects an access point and a communication method. Then, the network connection unit 22 connects to the network via the selected access point using the selected communication method, and performs desired data communication. This is a process of outputting the connection status from the output unit 36 in addition to the process. In these processes, if the communication cannot be completed normally due to an abnormality or the like, a process for reconnection is also performed.

Access point information update interrupt processing S14
Is when the elapsed time after the update of the access point information exceeds the set time in step S8, when the update processing of the access point information is called by the user's input from the input unit 37 shown in FIG. 3, or, for example, A storage medium such as a floppy disk on which the updated content is recorded is inserted into the information terminal, and the access point information updated content reading means 32 recognizes this and reads the updated content, or when the information terminal 1 is read from the network side. Is started when the access point information update content recognizing means 71 recognizes that the received data is the update content of the access point information, and recognizes the update content of the access point information, and Access point information is called from the access point information storage means 23 and updated. Is a sense.

The specific processing contents will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the access point selection method setting interrupt processing S12, which is a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this processing, an input for setting is made by the user from the input means 37 shown in FIG. 3, for example, an access point selection method input is selected from a menu output from the output means 36. This is started (S20).

First, in step S21, a list of selectable access point selection methods is displayed from the output means 36 such as the monitor 80. As a selection method, for example, in the access point selecting means 21, a fully automatic 1 for selecting an access point and a communication method such that the connection cost calculated by the connection cost estimating means 51 is minimized,
In order to minimize the communication distance between the information terminal 1 and the access point calculated by the communication distance estimating means 52, the access point and the communication method are automatically selected. The user inputs a priority performance item for increasing the weight at the time of selection from the input unit 37, and increases the weight of the input priority performance. Priority performance specification selection for selecting a method, a map around the current position of the information terminal 1 and an access point position on the map are output from the output means 36, and the user selects an access point from among them to input means 37. And the access point selecting means 21 selects an optimum communication method for the input access point. For example, a list of access point information of the information terminal 1 as shown in Table 1 is output from the user selection 1, output means 36, and the user selects an access point from the indicated access points and enters the input means. 37, and the user selection 2 in which the access point selecting means 21 selects a communication method most suitable for the input access point.

In the next step S22, the output means 3
The user selects a preferred selection method from the access point selection methods output to 6 and inputs the selection method from the input means 37.

In the following step S23, the input access point selection method is stored in, for example, the access point information storage means 23 or the like, and the processing is terminated (S23).
24).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the access point and communication method selection and the network connection interruption processing S13 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

This processing is started when, for example, a user requests information obtained by communication from the input means 37 shown in FIG. 3, that is, when a communication request signal is input from the input means 37 (S30).

First, the reconnection flag is turned off in step S 31, and then the process proceeds to step S 32, where the location information of the information terminal 1 is fetched by the location information acquisition means 20 in FIG. 3 and output to the access point selection means 21.

In the next step S33, the access point selecting means 21 reads out necessary access point information from the access point information storage means, and in step S34, the access point and the communication are performed using the position information of the information terminal and the access point information. A method selection process is performed, and the selected access point and the communication method are set in step S35.
The information is stored in the selected access point storage means 69, and in the following step S36, a network connection process is performed by the network connection means 22, and the process proceeds to step S37.
In the network connection process S36, the connection to the network is performed using the selected communication method via the selected access point, desired data communication is performed, and the output unit 36 outputs a connection status. In addition, in these processes, when an error or the like occurs and communication cannot be completed normally, a process for reconnection is also performed.

In step S37, a reconnection flag is checked. If reconnection is ON in this step, the flow returns to step S32 to select an access point and perform network connection processing again. If it is determined in step S37 that the reconnection flag is OFF, the process ends assuming that the communication has been normally completed (S38).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the access point and communication method selection processing S34 shown in FIG.

When the process is started (S50), the access point prohibition flag is updated in the first step S51. This access point prohibition flag is for prohibiting the selection of an access point for which the flag is ON. In step S51, for example, an access point for which connection has failed is avoided and a new access point is selected from other access points. Or re-selecting the access point information, or searching for access point information such as those for which the user has specifically set use prohibition or those for which the connection success rate L10 or the actual connection speed L9 after a predetermined number of uses has been abnormally low,
An access point that satisfies a preset condition is searched and a prohibition flag is turned on. Step S51
Now, we set a prohibition flag for inappropriate access points,
Although the access point is not selected, this can prevent an increase in connection cost due to improper access point selection, and can provide a highly reliable and easy-to-use information terminal. If the communication method up to the point also has such a problem, a prohibition flag can be provided to prohibit the selection.

In the next step S52, it is checked whether all the coordinates of the access point have been calculated. That is, the access point selecting means 21 calculates the connection cost and the like using the positional relationship between the access point and the information terminal 1 and, when selecting the access point and the communication method, uses the access point information to calculate the positional relationship between the two. Is easier to use, but if the database of the access point information has just been created, updated, or a new access point has been added, the access point position information conversion means This is because it is possible that the calculation of the coordinates of the access point may not have been performed in 53 and the data may not be lost when the access point is selected.

If there is any uncalculated access point coordinate in step S52, the access point coordinate information is calculated by the access point position information conversion means in step S53, and this is stored in the access point information storage means 23 in step S54. Memorize, step S55
Proceed to If all the access point coordinates have been calculated in step S52, the process directly proceeds to step S55.

In step S55, branching is performed according to the set access point selecting method. If No. 1 is selected as the access point selecting method, step S55 is executed.
After performing the access point and communication method selection processing according to the access point selection method 56 of step 56, if the access point selection method 2 is selected, the access point and communication method selection processing according to the access point selection method 2 of step S57 is performed. If No. 3 is selected as the access point selection method after the execution, the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 3 in step S58 is performed, and then No. 4 is selected as the access point selection method. For example, after performing the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 4 in step S59, if No. 5 is selected as the access point selection method, the access point and communication method selection by the access point selection method 5 in step S60. After processing, To terminate the proceeding and process in-flops S61.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the contents of the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 1 shown in FIG.

In this processing, as an example of a method of selecting an access point, a distance between each access point and the information terminal 1 is estimated, and an access point whose obtained distance falls within a predetermined range is first selected as a candidate. Next, for each of the selected candidate access points, an available communication method is selected, and the connection cost is estimated based on the combination, and the combination of the access point and the communication method that ultimately minimizes the connection cost is obtained. Is performed to select a set of. In this way, by initially selecting only access points whose distance to the information terminal is within a predetermined range as selection candidates, even if there is an item having outstanding performance among the access points, it is unnatural and distant. Selecting an access point can be prevented. If you connect to an access point that is located extremely far away,
These processes can prevent a problem that the communication distance is increased and the communication quality is deteriorated, and the reliability at the time of communication is deteriorated.

When the process is started (S70), in the first step S71, the distance between each access point and the information terminal 1 is calculated by the communication distance estimating means 52 shown in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S72. Then, only those which fall within a predetermined range, for example, within 300 km, are set as candidate access points and the access point information thereof is read.

Next, proceeding to step S73, the connection cost estimating means 51 can select each of the candidate access points selected in step S72, that is, connect to the access point to perform communication. A search for a combination of communication methods is performed, and a connection cost is calculated for the obtained combination of the access point and the communication method.

Thereafter, in step S74, the access point determining means 50 and the communication method determining means 54
To determine the access point and communication method by
The process ends (S75).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the contents of the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 2 shown in FIG.

In the present process, as an example of a method of selecting an access point, the distance between each access point and the information terminal 1 is estimated, the access point is determined so that the obtained distance becomes the smallest, and then the determined access point is determined. The processing of selecting a communication method so as to minimize the communication cost from the communication methods capable of communicating by connecting to the point has been described. Access point usage fee L4 and connection speed L
If 8 and the like are the same irrespective of the access point, it is desirable to select the nearest access point because the connection cost is reduced.

When the process is started (S80), in the first step S81, candidate access points are selected excluding those which are not suitable for use in advance, such as access points for which the prohibition flag is ON, and the next. In step S82, each of the candidate access points and the information terminal 1
Is calculated, and in the succeeding step S83, the access point is determined by the access point determining means 50 to be the one having the smallest distance. Then, in the next step S84, the connection cost estimating means 52 estimates the cost for each communication method to the access point determined in step S83, and
In step S4, the communication method having the lowest cost is determined, and the process ends in step S85.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 3 shown in FIG.

In the present processing, as an example of a method of selecting an access point, the output means 36 lists the access point information relating to the access point and the communication method from the output unit 36 in a form as shown in Table 1 or Table 2 and outputs the list to the user. In the connection cost estimating means 51, the user selects an item to be particularly emphasized from the items of the access point information presented, and inputs the selected item from the input means 37. Among them, the weight of the cost related to the item input by the user is increased,
The optimum access point is determined by the access point determining means 50 after reflecting the intention of the user, and thereafter, the communication method determining means 54 selects a communication method which can be connected to the access point at the lowest cost and performs access. The processing for selecting a point and a communication method has been described.

When the processing is started (S90), in the first step S91, the output means 36 outputs, for example, Table 1
Is output as shown in FIG. In the following step S92, the user selects an item to be emphasized and inputs the item from the input unit 37. Here, when the charge L4 is selected, for example, the weight of the charge cost in the connection cost estimating means 51 is increased in the selection of the access point in step S93, and the evaluation is performed. The access point determining means 50 selects an access point at which the charge is low even if the cost of connection or the success rate of the connection is low and the reliability is low.

When the access point close to the location is desired as the priority performance selection item in step S92, it is desired to select the access point position L6 and the access point installed in the same station number as the position number of the information terminal 1. In this case, the telephone number L7 is selected, the connection speed L8 or the actual connection speed L9 is selected when importance is attached to the speed, and the connection success rate L10 is selected when it is desired to increase the reliability of the connection and perform reliable communication. By reflecting the user's preferences,
An accurate access point can be selected.

In the next step S94, a step S93 is executed.
The communication method that can be connected to the access point selected at the lowest cost at the lowest cost is selected by the communication method determining means. The cost at this time is calculated by the connection cost estimating means 52, and as in the case of step S93, the cost of the priority performance item input in step S92 is increased and the total cost is minimized. What is necessary is just to select a communication method.

After the selection of the access point and the communication method is performed in this manner, the process proceeds to step S95 and ends.

Here, in the above example, only the priority performance as an item of access point selection is input, and using this, both the access point and the communication method are selected by increasing the weight of the various costs. However, in step S92, priority performance of access point selection,
It goes without saying that the priority performances of the communication method selection can be input independently and the weights can be set and selected.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the contents of the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 4 shown in FIG.

This processing can be easily realized when a navigation device capable of displaying a map is used as an information terminal. In this process, as an example of a method of selecting an access point, the information terminal 1 and each of the access points provided in the vicinity are output from the output unit 36 together with a map, and the user selects a favorite access point from among them. The processing has been described in which the access point is determined by inputting from the input means 37, and the communication method is selected such that the communication cost is minimized from the communication methods capable of communicating by connecting to the determined access point. .

When the process is started (S100), in the first step S101, the display area of the output means 36 is selected or changed so that the surrounding access points can be sufficiently displayed. When the information terminal 1 is an in-vehicle navigation device, a map with a large scale factor may be displayed in order to display a detailed map or the like. You may get a map of a completely different location. In such a case, in order to display the position of the information terminal 1 on the map and to display the access points installed around the information terminal 1 on the map, select an appropriate map portion,
For example, it is necessary to read out from the map storage unit 33 and output from the output unit 36. In determining the range of such a map portion, for example, an access point provided within a radius of 200 km from the information terminal 1 may be displayed, or an access point provided around the information terminal 1 may be changed from the nearest one to the nearest one. For example, a method of selecting a scale factor to a size that can be displayed at about several places can be considered.

Next, in step S102, a map of the range selected in step S101 is displayed from the output means 36, and in step S103, the position of the information terminal 1 is displayed, for example, the information terminal is displayed on the map in the form of an icon. indicate. Next, in step S104, the access point is
For example, an access point is displayed on a map by an icon or the like. At this time, it is desirable to output more information to the user, for example, by changing colors according to the access point information such as the connection speed, and the user can make a more appropriate determination based on more information. it can.

In step S105, the access point selected by the user is input from the input means 37, and based on the result, the access point determining means 50 determines the access point.

In step S106, step S106
With respect to the communication method that can be connected to the access point determined in the above, the connection cost is estimated by the connection cost estimating means 51, and the communication method is determined by the communication method determining means.

When the access point and the communication method are determined as described above, the process ends in step S107.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the contents of the access point and communication method selection processing by the access point selection method 5 shown in FIG.

In this processing, as an example of a method of selecting an access point, the output unit 36 lists the access point information relating to the access point and the communication method from the output unit 36 in the form shown in Tables 1 and 2, for example. And the user selects an access point based on the presented information, and inputs the result from the input means 37, whereby the access point is determined by the access point determining means 50, and thereafter, the communication method determining means 5
In FIG. 4, a process of selecting a communication method that can be connected to the access point at the lowest cost and selecting an access point and a communication method is shown.

When the process is started (S110), in the first step S111, the output means 36 outputs, for example, access point information as shown in Table 1. The user selects a preferred access point based on the presented access point information, and then proceeds to step S11.
In step 2, the result is input from the input means 37, and based on the result, the access point determining means 50 determines an access point.

In the next step S113, step S1
Regarding the communication method that can be connected to the access point determined in 12, the connection cost estimation unit 51 estimates the connection cost, and the communication method determination unit 54 determines the communication method.

When the access point and the communication method are determined as described above, the process ends in step S114.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the access point network connection processing S36 shown in FIG.

When the processing is started in step S120,
First, in step S121, the abnormal connection frequency counter is reset. This connection abnormality frequency counter indicates that the network connection means 22 attempts to connect to the network through the selected access point 27 for a certain data communication, and the line of the access point is blocked,
This is a counter that counts the number of times that connection could not be made normally due to an abnormality such as a failure of the access point, and is reset at the beginning of communication processing.

In the next step S122, 1 is added to the number of times of use of the selected communication method. The number of times this communication method is used may be provided as one item of information on each communication method as shown in Table 2, for example, and stored in the access point information storage means 23.

Thereafter, in step S123, the communication state detecting means 65 checks whether the selected communication method is currently usable. This is to detect, for example, whether a mobile phone or the like is within a communication area or whether communication is possible by receiving radio waves emitted from a base station. Then, if communication is possible in the next step S124, the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, step S124
If the communication is not possible, the process proceeds to step S150, in which the number of successful communications stored in the access point information storage unit 23 is divided by the number of uses of the communication method updated in step S122. The communication success rate (communication success rate L27 in Table 2 above) is updated, and step S15
The prohibition flag of the communication means selected in step 1 is turned on, and the reconnection flag is turned on in step S152, and step S18 is performed.
By proceeding to 0, the network connection process is temporarily interrupted, and then reconnection is performed using a communication method other than the currently selected communication method.

In step S125, 1 is added to the number of times of use of the selected access point. The number of times the access point is used may be provided as one item of information on each access point as shown in Table 2, for example, and stored in the access point information storage unit 23.

In the following step S126, the network connection means 22 connects to the network 26 via the selected access point. Actually, this operation is performed by the communication device 140 shown in FIG. 16 calling the dial number to the access point. At this time, if the connection is successful in step S126, the process proceeds to step S128, and if the connection fails, the process proceeds to step S160.

If the connection has failed in step S127, 1 is added to the connection error counter in step S160, and in step S161, a connection error is output from the output means 36, and the flow advances to step S163. It is determined whether or not the connection error counter has exceeded a set number N. N is, for example, a number such as three times, and connection abnormalities due to the fact that the line is in use are allowed up to N times. If the number exceeds this, it is determined that connection to the access point has failed, and step S164 is performed.
The connection abnormality counter is set to N in step S164.
In the case of the following, the process returns to step S126 to connect to the access point again.

If the connection is successful in step S127, the connection start time indicated by the timer 30 is held by the connection time measuring means 61 in step S128, and data communication is started in step S129.
In step S130, the communication data amount detection means 63 detects the communication data amount of the entire communication block or the data block of the communication block which performs communication collectively. In step S131, after performing the data communication, the next step S132 In step S133, the communication data amount detection unit 64 detects the communication data amount.
, An error check is performed by the communication data analysis means 66, and if the communication is normally performed in step S134, the process proceeds to step S135.

If an error or the like is detected in the data in step S134 and it is determined that an error has occurred in the communication, a communication error is output from the output means 36 in step S162, and the flow advances to step S164.

Steps S164 to S170 are processing when an abnormality occurs in access point connection or data communication.

In the first step S164, it is determined whether or not reconnection is to be performed. This determination may be made in the information terminal 1 in advance, such as whether the user automatically reconnects when an abnormality occurs, or temporarily interrupts processing when an abnormality occurs, or may set the output means 36 in step S164. A message may be output to input a reconnection instruction, and it may be determined whether or not to perform reconnection in response to a user input from the input unit 37.

If reconnection is not performed in step S164, the flow directly proceeds to the end processing of step S180.

When reconnection is to be performed in step S164, an access point reselection method is input from the input unit 37 in step S165. This access point reselection method depends on how to select an access point and a communication method at the time of reconnection. For example, the first case of performing reconnection using the selected access point and communication method as it is, A second case in which an optimal access point and a communication method are selected again from access points different from the above and a reconnection is performed, a third case in which a user sets an access point and then reconnects, and the like are conceivable. .

In the next step S166, if the input reselection method is 1, that is, the above-described first case, the flow returns to step S121 to access the access point stored in the selected access point storage means 69. And the connection process is restarted from the beginning using the communication method.

If the reselection method is 2 or 3 in step S166, the process proceeds to step S167. If the reselection method is 2, the prohibition flag of the currently selected access point is turned on in step S168. Step S1
If the reselection method is 3 in step S166, the access point selection method is set to 5, that is, the user selects an access point in step S169, and the process proceeds to step S170.

At step S170, the reconnection flag is turned on.
After the network connection process is completed, a series of processes of selecting an access point and network connection is performed again, and the process proceeds to the end process of step S180.

On the other hand, if the communication has been normally performed in step S134, in step S135, the connection time is calculated from the connection start time stored by the connection time measuring means 61 and the time indicated by the timer 30, and In step S135, the connection status detection unit 62 calculates a connection fee using the connection time and the access point information stored in the access point information storage unit 23. In step S137, the connection fee is stored in the access point information storage unit. The accumulated access point use time information 47 and accumulated communication time information 4
8. The other access point information is read out, and in step S138, the connection status recognizing means 62 and the total connection cost calculating means 60 calculate the total connection time and total connection fee required for the network connection, and step S13
In step 9, the obtained connection status is output from the output means 36, and the flow advances to step S140.

In step S140, the communication data is analyzed by the communication data analyzing means 66. If the communication of the data block being communicated has been completed, step S1 is executed.
Proceeding to 41, if not completed, return to step S131 to continue communication.

In step S141, the communication data is analyzed by the communication data analyzing means 66, and it is determined whether or not all of the target data communication has been completed. The flag is turned off, 1 is added to the number of successful communications of the selected communication method in step S143, and 1 is added to the number of successful connections of the communication access point in step S144.
The process proceeds to the end process of 0, and if not completed, returns to step S130 to perform communication of the next data block.

Steps S180 to S182 are processing for terminating the network connection processing.

In step S180, a communication success rate is obtained from the number of communication times and the number of successful communication times of the selected communication method, and the communication success rate L2 stored in the access point information storage means 23 is obtained.
7 is updated.

In step S181, a connection success rate is determined from the number of times of use of the selected access point and the number of successful connections.
The connection success rate L10 stored in the access point information storage means 23 is updated.

Thereafter, in step S182, the various access point information obtained in the above processing is stored in the access point information storage means 23, and all the processing is terminated (S183).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the access point information update interrupt processing S14 shown in FIG. 4 and is a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

This processing is performed in step S8 shown in FIG.
When the elapsed time after the update of the access point information exceeds the set time, when the update process of the access point information is called by the user input from the input unit 37 shown in FIG. When the recorded storage medium such as a floppy disk is inserted into the information terminal and the access point information update content reading means 32 recognizes this and reads the update content, or
The connection to the information terminal 1 is performed from the network side, and the received data is the updated content of the access point information.
When the access point information update content recognizing means 71 recognizes the start of the access point information, the update content of the access point information is recognized, and the corresponding access point information is stored in the access point information storage means 2.
3 and is a process for updating this.

First, start interrupt 1, ie, when the elapsed time after updating the access point information exceeds the set time in step S8, the process is started by an interrupt generated by the software itself (S190).
In step S191, a connection to the network is made by the network connection means 22. In step S192, an access point information update content request signal is transmitted to a predetermined server on the network to request update information. Receiving the access point information update content from the server,
Proceed to 1.

The start point interrupt 2, ie, the update processing of the access point information by the user's input, such as selecting the item of the access point information update from the operation menu from the input means 37 shown in FIG. When called (S194), in step S194, an update menu or access point information as shown in Tables 1 and 2 is output from the output unit 36, and the access point information presented by the user in step S196 is output. Select the item or part you want to update from
The updated content is input from the input unit 37, and the process proceeds to step S201.

The start interruption 3, that is, the CD-ROM 154 or the floppy disk 15
6, a storage medium such as a DVD 158 or an IC card is inserted into the information terminal, and the access point information update content reading means 32 recognizes this, reads the update content, and generates an interrupt (S197). In S198, the access point information update content reading means 32
To read the updated contents of the access point information, and the process proceeds to step S201.

The start interrupt 4, that is, a connection is made to the information terminal 1 by, for example, receiving a telephone call and performing data communication from a server or the like on the network, and the received data is used for updating the access point information. In step S200, the network connection unit 22 receives the data of the update content from the server by the interrupt 4 (S199) generated when the communication data analysis unit 66 recognizes that

In step S 201, the access point information update content recognizing means 71 recognizes and analyzes the update content input in the processing following the start interrupts 1 to 4.
In step S202, the corresponding access point information is called, and the content is updated or data is added in step S203, and the access point information storage unit 23 is updated.
And the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether or not all the updates have been completed based on the data input by the access point information update content recognizing means 71. If the update has been completed, the flow advances to step S205 to terminate the interrupt processing.
If the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S202 to continue updating the access point information.

FIG. 15 shows a communication device in which a navigation device mounted on a car is used as the information terminal 1 of the present invention and a display device such as a monitor 80 or a head-up display 81 is used as the output means 36. 13 is a tenth embodiment of the present invention showing the display output of FIG.

In FIG. 15, first, the map 100 and the position of the navigation device on the map, that is, the position 107 of the car are displayed. When connecting to the network, the positions 101 and 102 of the access points on the map are displayed on the screen. In displaying the access point, it is difficult to see the access point in a simple point or the like. For example, the access point icon 101 shown in FIG.
Displaying with the use of an icon makes the display easier for the user to see.

Here, any one of the access points 101 may be automatically determined, or the user may select and determine the access point icon 101 on the screen using the remote controller 83, the touch panel 84, or the like. . When the access point 102 is determined in this way, connection to the network 26 is performed via the determined access point 102. At this time, the determined access point 102 flashes, etc. Demonstrate that it will be useful information for the user, and in particular, if the communication is toll, remove the problem that puts unnecessary cost on the user due to mistakes such as leaving it connected. Can be.

On the other hand, when the connection to the network 26 is made, for example, if the communication line to the target access point 102 is full, or if there is a problem in the communication line, the connection cannot be made. Is displayed on the screen to notify the user of the connection failure.

Alternatively, even if the connection to the network can be made normally, if a data communication error occurs due to a data error or noise, a communication error icon 104 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen. To inform the user that a communication failure has occurred.

As described above, by indicating the connection status with the network using the icons and the like, even if an abnormality occurs in the communication or the like, the user can know the cause and the user can communicate with confidence. be able to.

Even during communication, if the connection status is displayed, the sense of security of the user is increased. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, during the communication, the connection status 106 includes a connection time, a connection cost, a communication fee of this month, a communication data amount, a communication completed data amount, a non-communication data amount, a communication termination rate, a communication remaining rate, The remaining communication charges and remaining communication time are now displayed.

The connection time is determined by the navigation device
It indicates the time elapsed since the connection to the network, and may be stopped or reset when the connection is cut off.

The connection cost indicates the total charge from the access point information and the connection time to the present since the connection of the navigation apparatus to the network. The connection cost is calculated based on a communication fee, a fee required for using an access point, and a fee required for using a server. May be.

The communication fee of this month indicates, for example, the accumulated communication fee from the start of this month to the present, and is obtained by adding the sum of the connection costs up to the previous time and the connection fee from the present connection to the current network. Display The accumulated connection fee may be an accumulated fee within a predetermined period, and the period may be this year or an arbitrary period from any time to any time. Also,
The accumulated charge may be the accumulated cost required for all communications, or may be information for each server and each connection provider.

The amount of communication data is the total data currently being communicated,
Alternatively, it indicates the amount of data in one part that has been collected, and the communicated data is the
Represents the data amount of data that has already been communicated, and the uncommunicated data amount is the data amount of data that has not yet been communicated among the communication data amounts, that is, the difference between the data amount and the communicated data amount. Represents.

The communication end rate indicating the ratio of the amount of data transmitted to the amount of communication data, the remaining communication ratio indicating the ratio of the amount of uncommunicated data to the amount of communication data, and the amount of uncommunicated data, and the current communication speed. The remaining communication time, the remaining communication time, and the remaining communication fee calculated from the access point information and the like are displayed. These can be replaced with intuitive displays such as bar graphs instead of numbers and displayed. In particular, the communication end rate, the remaining communication rate, and the like are easy to see for the user.

By obtaining such information, the user can know the usage cost and the state of communication, and is useful information when the user decides whether or not to end communication during data communication. is there.

Further, when an error occurs during communication and the connection with the network is forcibly cut off, or when all data communication is terminated and the connection with the network is cut off, the connection is cut off. After a predetermined time, the network disconnection icon 105 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen.
The time required to display the network disconnection icon 105 may be such that the user can confirm the icon, for example, about 5 seconds is sufficient. Thus, the user can know that the connection has been disconnected or confirm that the communication has been normally completed. When communication is charged, the display can provide the user with a sense of security.

[0191]

According to the present invention, in an information terminal capable of communicating data by connecting to a network via an access point, a low-cost access point and an access point are automatically provided in accordance with the position of the information terminal. Since the communication means can be selected for the point, it is possible to perform data communication by a low-cost communication method according to the position and use status of the information terminal when performing data communication with the network. Without bothering, depending on the situation where the information terminal is placed, perform data communication at low cost,
It is possible to obtain the target information, improve the usability of the information terminal, and eliminate the complicated operation of the user,
It is possible to provide an in-vehicle information terminal that is desirable from the viewpoint of traffic safety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the effects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment showing a configuration of an information terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the information terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when communication is performed in the information terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an access point selection method setting interruption process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of an access point and a communication method selection, and a network connection interruption process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of an access point and communication method selection process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of an access point and communication method selection process according to the access point selection method 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of an access point and communication method selection process according to the access point selection method 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an access point and communication method selection process according to an access point selection method 3;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of an access point and communication method selection process according to an access point selection method 4;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of an access point and communication method selection process by an access point selection method 5;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of an access point network connection process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of an access point information update interrupt processing.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of an output screen during communication in the information terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information terminal of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

20: Location information acquisition means, 21: Access point selection means, 22: Network connection means, 23: Access point information storage means, 24: Output means, 25: Input means, 26: Network, 27: Access point.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshio Fujiwara 7-1-1, Omikacho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Within Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Kozo Nakamura 7-1, Omikamachi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture No. 1 Inside the Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (43)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal that can be connected to a network via an access point, wherein the information terminal includes: access point information storage means storing access point information of a plurality of the access points; Using position information obtaining means for obtaining position information, position information of the position information obtaining means, and access point information of the access point information storage means,
An information terminal, comprising: access point information selecting means for selecting one access point from the plurality of access points; and network connecting means for connecting to the network via the selected access point. 2. An information terminal according to claim 1, wherein said information terminal is mounted on a vehicle. 3. The network according to claim 1, wherein the access point selecting means uses the access point information stored in the access point information storage means and the location information of the terminal obtained by the location information obtaining means. Providing connection cost estimation means for estimating a connection cost between the terminal and the access point necessary for connecting to the terminal, and selecting an access point using the connection cost estimated by the connection cost estimation means. Information terminal characterized by. 4. An information terminal according to claim 3, wherein said access point selecting means selects said access point such that the connection cost estimated by said connection cost estimating means is minimized. 5. The access point information storage means according to claim 3, wherein said access point information storage means stores a position of said access point or access point position information indicating position information, and said connection cost estimating means stores said access point information storage means. An information terminal, wherein the connection cost is estimated using the access point position information stored in the terminal and the terminal position information obtained by the position information obtaining means. 6. The access point selecting means according to claim 5, wherein said access point selecting means uses the access point position information stored in said access point information storing means and the terminal position information obtained by said position information obtaining means. A communication distance estimating means for estimating a communication distance between a terminal and the access point is provided, and the connection cost estimating means estimates a cost using the communication distance obtained by the communication distance estimating means. Information terminal. 7. An information terminal according to claim 5, wherein said access point location information stored in said access point information storage means is a telephone number of an access point. 8. The access point information storage means according to claim 3, wherein said access point information storage means includes communication charge information for communication between said terminal and said access point, access point use charge information for using an access point, At least one of communication speed information between access points and access point connection speed information indicating the speed of data communication at the access point is stored as the access point information, and the connection cost estimation is performed using the access point information. An information terminal, wherein the connection cost is estimated by means. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein time information is input to said connection cost estimating means, and at least one of said communication fee information, said access point usage fee information, said communication speed information, and said access point connection speed information is provided. An information terminal for estimating the connection cost using two pieces of information and the time information. 10. A communication system according to claim 8, wherein said communication charge information stored in said access point information storage means includes an integrated communication time between said information terminal and said access point, which sequentially changes with communication time. Information terminal to do. 11. The information according to claim 8, wherein the access point usage fee information stored in the access point information storage means includes an integrated access point usage time that changes sequentially with the use of the access point. Terminal. 12. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein said information terminal is provided with access point information updating means for updating information in said access point information storage means. 13. The access point information updating means according to claim 12, wherein said access point information updating means stores said access point information stored in said access point information storage means using information obtained from said network via said network connection means. An information terminal characterized by being updated. 14. The access point updating means according to claim 13, wherein said access point information updating means is provided with access point update information recognizing means for recognizing update information of said access point information storing means from information obtained from said network. An information terminal, wherein the access point information updating means updates the access point information stored in the access point information storage means based on the update information recognized by the information recognizing means. 15. The information terminal according to claim 12, wherein:
An access point information update content reading means capable of reading the update information from a storage medium storing update content of the access point information stored in the access point information storage means is provided. An information terminal, wherein the access point information updating means updates the access point information stored in the access point information storage means using the read information. 16. An information terminal according to claim 12, wherein said access point information updating means periodically updates said access point information stored in said access point information storage means. 17. An information terminal according to claim 1, wherein said network connection means includes a connection status detection means for detecting a connection status between said information terminal and said network. 18. A reconnection means according to claim 17, wherein said connection status detection means reconnects to said network when detecting an abnormality in connection to said network or communication with said network. An information terminal characterized in that: 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said network connection means includes a selected access point storage means for storing an access point selected by said access point selection means, wherein said connection status detection means connects to said network, Alternatively, when an abnormality in communication with the network is detected, the network connection means reconnects to the network via an access point stored in the selected access point storage means. Terminal. 20. The network connection means according to claim 18, wherein said network connection means includes a selected access point storage means for storing an access point selected by said access point selection means, wherein said connection status detecting means is connected to said network. Alternatively, when an abnormality in communication with the network is detected, the access point stored in the selected access point storage unit is input to the access point selection unit, and the access point selection unit stores the access point in the selected access point storage unit. An information terminal, wherein a new access point other than the stored access point is selected, and the network connection means reconnects to the network via the new access point selected by the access point selection means. . 21. The information terminal according to claim 18, wherein:
An output control means for controlling a screen for presenting information to a user and generating an audio signal; an output means for outputting information to a user based on a signal from the output control means; Input means for outputting a signal, and input control means for recognizing input information based on a signal from the input means are provided, and the connection status detecting means detects an abnormality in connection to the network or in communication with the network. Upon detection, the connection status between the information terminal and the network detected by the connection status detection unit is output from the output unit via the output control unit, and recognized by the input control unit via the input unit. An access point is selected by the access point selecting means based on the input information from the user Via an access point selected in Oite the access point selection unit, information terminal and performs reconnect to the network. 22. An output control means for controlling a screen for presenting information to a user to the information terminal and generating an audio signal, and transmitting information to a user based on a signal from the output control means. An information terminal, comprising: an output unit that outputs a connection status between the information terminal and the network detected by the connection status detection unit, from the output unit via the output control unit. 23. An integrated cost calculating means according to claim 22, wherein said network connecting means is provided with an integrated cost calculating means for calculating an integrated cost between said information terminal and said network which changes with a communication time between said information terminal and said network. The integrated cost calculating means calculates the integrated cost according to the connection status between the information terminal and the network detected by the connection status detecting means, and the calculated integrated cost is calculated via the output control means. An information terminal for outputting from an output means. 24. An information terminal according to claim 23, wherein said accumulated cost is a connection time to said network. 25. The information terminal according to claim 23, wherein the integrated cost changes according to a lapse of time after the information terminal and the network are switched from a disconnected state to a connected state. The value of the integrated cost when the network changes from a disconnected state to a connected state,
That is, an information terminal characterized in that the initial value of the integrated cost is 0. 26. The information terminal according to claim 23, wherein the integrated cost changes according to a lapse of time after the connection between the information terminal and the network is changed from a disconnected state to a connected state. The value of the integrated cost when the network changes from a disconnected state to a connected state,
That is, an information terminal wherein the initial value of the accumulated cost is other than 0. 27. The network according to claim 22, wherein said connection status detecting means includes a network connection detecting means for discriminating whether said information terminal and said network are connected or not. When the connection detecting means determines that the information terminal and the network are connected, an output indicating the connection state is performed from the output means via the output control means. Information terminal to be. 28. An access point icon representing an access point from said output means via said output control means while at least said information terminal and said network are in a connected state, and said connection is established. The information terminal, characterized in that the access point icon output from the output means blinks when the state is in the state. 29. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein when the connection status detecting means detects an abnormality in connection to the network, the output means outputs an indication of the connection abnormality via the output control means. An information terminal characterized by the above-mentioned. 30. An information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said connection status detecting means detects a change from a connected state to a non-connected state between said information terminal and said network, from said output means via said output control means. An information terminal for performing output indicating that a connection has been disconnected. 31. A communication according to claim 22, wherein said connection status detecting means detects a communication data amount of communication data input from said network to said information terminal or communication data output from said information terminal to said network. Data amount recognizing means, of these data, already input to the information terminal,
Alternatively, provided is a communication data amount detecting means for detecting a data amount of data already output from the information terminal, that is, a communication data amount, and the communication data amount detected by the communication data amount detecting means, The amount of communicated data detected by the data amount detection means, or the amount of uncommunicated data indicating the amount of uncommunicated data in the communication data, calculated using the amount of communicated data and the amount of communicated data, Alternatively, the communication end rate is obtained by using the communication data amount and the communicated data amount, and indicates a ratio of the communicated data amount to the communication data amount, or the communication data amount and the uncommunicated data amount. The communication remaining rate, which indicates the ratio of the amount of uncommunicated data in the amount of communication data, or the amount of uncommunicated data, and the communication network The remaining communication time obtained from the connection time of the information terminal and the actual communication speed between the connected information terminal and the network, or the remaining communication time, and the access point information storage means. At least one of the remaining communication costs calculated using the access point information stored in the communication data and indicating the cost required to communicate all uncommunicated data among the communication data is output from the output unit. An information terminal characterized in that: 32. The access point information storage means according to claim 17, wherein said access point information selected by said access point selection means and used by said network connection means to connect to said network, and said connection status. Information obtained by storing access point performance information indicating a performance in connection to the network via the access point, obtained from a connection status between the information terminal and the network detected by the detection means. Terminal. 33. The access point performance information according to claim 32, wherein the access point performance information is obtained from a communication data amount and a connection time during connection between the information terminal and the network detected by the connection status detection means, A communication speed indicating a communication speed, when the network connection unit connects to the network via the access point, a connection count indicating the total number of times of connection, and a normal connection to start communication. The number of successful connections indicating the number of successful connections, or the number of abnormal connections indicating the number of times the connection or communication could not be performed normally due to abnormal communication, or the ratio of the number of successful connections among the number of connections A success rate, or a connection abnormality rate indicating a ratio of the connection abnormality number of the connection times, By connecting to the network via a point, the number of communications indicating the total number of communications, and the number of successful communications indicating the number of successful communications, or the number of times an abnormality occurred during communications. Including any information of the number of communication abnormalities indicating, or the communication success rate indicating the ratio of the number of communication successes in the number of communication times, or the communication abnormality rate indicating the ratio of the number of communication abnormalities in the number of communication times An information terminal characterized by the above-mentioned. 34. An information terminal according to claim 32, wherein said access point selecting means selects said access point using said access point performance information stored in said access point information storage means. 35. An output terminal according to claim 32, further comprising: output control means for controlling a screen for presenting information to the user to the information terminal and generating an audio signal; and outputting information to the user based on a signal from the output control means. An information terminal for outputting the access point performance information from the output unit via the output control unit. 36. An information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: an output control means for controlling a screen for presenting information to a user to said information terminal and generating an audio signal; and outputting information to a user based on a signal from said output control means. And an output unit for outputting the access point information stored in the access point information storage unit from the output unit via the output control unit. 37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein a map is outputted from said output means, and a position of said access point on a map is obtained from said access point position information stored in said access point information storage means. Information terminal for outputting the position of the access point on the map. 38. An information terminal according to claim 36, further comprising: input means for receiving an input operation from a user at said information terminal and outputting a signal therefrom; and input control means for recognizing input information based on a signal from said input means. An information terminal, wherein the access point selecting means selects the access point in accordance with an input to the input means. 39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein a map is output from said output means, and a position of said access point on a map is obtained from said access point position information stored in said access point information storage means. Information terminal for outputting the position of the access point on the map. 40. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein a plurality of types of said access point information are output from said output means, and said access point selecting means outputs said access point information in accordance with the type of said access point information input to said input means. An information terminal for selecting points. 41. The method according to claim 38, wherein when the access point is selected by the access point selecting means, the access point is selected automatically.
Or wait for an input from the input means, and select an access point selection method of whether to perform based on the input,
An information terminal that performs the input based on an input from the input unit. 42. An information terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of said access point information storage means is a read-only storage medium. 43. An information terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the access point information of said access point information storage means is obtained via said network.