Information terminal and information transmission method

Abstract

This invention provides an information terminal and information transmission method that transmit user information even when the user is outside of a mobile communication network area where they cannot access the network. [Solution] The information terminal 500 includes a connection determination unit 73 that determines whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it determines that a communication connection with a ground station is not possible, it determines whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible; a transmission control unit 75 that, if the connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with a ground station is possible, transmits first predetermined information to a first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application; and a guidance processing unit 501 that, if the connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with a ground station is not possible and a communication connection with a satellite station is possible, guides the user to use a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal that communicates via a terrestrial station or a satellite station and an information transmission method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various services for confirming the safety of users have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes transmitting user information to a server in order to detect at an early stage whether a user is in distress during mountain climbing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when a user is in an area where access to the mobile communication network is not possible, the user's information cannot be transmitted to the server.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of transmitting user information even when a user is in an area where access to the mobile communication network is not possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information terminal according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a connection determination unit that determines whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determines whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible; a transmission control unit that, if the connection determination unit determines that a communication connection with the ground station is possible, transmits first predetermined information to a first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application; and a guidance processing unit that, if it determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible and a communication connection with the satellite station is possible, guides the user to use a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station.

[0007] The information terminal further comprises an operation reception unit that receives user operations, and a startup processing unit that starts the second application when the operation reception unit receives a user operation to start the second application. The second application started by the startup processing unit may set the destination of the second predetermined information to a predetermined second destination when it has not received a user operation to specify the destination of the second predetermined information.

[0008] An information terminal according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an operation reception unit that receives user operations; a connection determination unit that determines whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determines whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible; a transmission control unit that, if the connection determination unit determines that a communication connection with the ground station is possible, transmits first predetermined information to a first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application; and a startup processing unit that, if the connection determination unit determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible and a communication connection with the satellite station is possible, starts a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station, while the operation reception unit has not received any user operations to start the second application.

[0009] The second application launched by the startup processing unit may transmit the second predetermined information even when it is not accepting user input for transmitting the second predetermined information.

[0010] The second application launched by the startup processing unit may set the destination of the second predetermined information to a predetermined second destination while it is not accepting user input to specify the destination of the second predetermined information. The second application may transmit the second predetermined information via the satellite station.

[0011] The second application may transmit the second predetermined information and information specifying the first destination as the destination for the second predetermined information to a second destination different from the first destination via the satellite station. The second application may also be a text message sending application.

[0012] The transmission control unit may transmit terminal location information indicating the position of the device as the first predetermined information. The information terminal further includes an acquisition unit that periodically acquires location information indicating the position of the device, and the transmission control unit may periodically transmit the terminal location information as the first predetermined information.

[0013] The information terminal further includes an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the position of the device, and the connection determination unit may determine whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit. The second application may transmit the second predetermined information by connecting to the satellite station without going through a ground station.

[0014] The connection determination unit may determine whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible when the first application is running. The connection determination unit may also determine whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible when the first application is running.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides an information transmission method comprising: a computer determining whether a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determining whether a communication connection with a satellite station is possible; if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is possible, transmitting first predetermined information to a first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application; and if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible and a communication connection with the satellite station is possible, informing the user to use a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an information transmission method that includes the steps of: receiving user input performed by a computer; determining whether a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determining whether a communication connection with a satellite station is possible; if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is possible, transmitting first predetermined information to a first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application; and if it is determined that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible and a communication connection with the satellite station is possible, starting a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station, while not accepting user input to start the second application. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, user information can be transmitted even when the user is outside the service area and cannot access the mobile communication network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] The configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] This shows the configuration of the information terminal. [Figure 3] Shows an example of a message displayed by the display control unit. [Figure 4] Shows an example of the transmission of predetermined off - area information by the transmission control unit. [Figure 5] Shows the configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 6] Shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined in - area information by the information processing system. [Figure 7] Shows an example of user - related information generated by an external device. [Figure 8] Shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined off - area information by the information processing system. [Figure 9] Shows the configuration of the information terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Shows an example in which the guidance processing unit guides the user to use the second application. [Figure 11] Shows an example of setting a destination by the second application. [Figure 12] Shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined in - area information or predetermined off - area information by the second application.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <The First Embodiment>[ [Overview of the Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the information processing system S according to the first embodiment. In the information processing system S, when the information terminal 100 cannot communicate with the terrestrial station B1 included in the mobile communication network, the information terminal 100 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the satellite station B2, and this information processing device 200 relays the communication between the information terminal 100 and the external device 300. The information processing system S includes an information terminal 100, an information processing device 200, an external device 300, and an information terminal 400. The information terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone. In the example of FIG. 1, the user of the information terminal 100 visits an off - area where communication connection to the terrestrial station B1 is not possible. The off - area is, for example, a mountainous area.

[0020] The information terminal 100 communicates with the external device 300 via the ground station B1. If the information terminal 100 cannot establish a communication connection with the ground station B1, it connects with the satellite station B2 via direct to cell (D2C) communication. The information terminal 100 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the satellite station B2.

[0021] The information processing device 200 communicates with the information terminal 100 via satellite station B2. The information processing device 200 also communicates with the external device 300 via the network. The information processing device 200 is an intermediate server that relays communication between the information terminal 100 and the external device 300.

[0022] External device 300 communicates with information terminal 100, information processing device 200, and information terminal 400 via a network. Information terminal 400 is, for example, a smartphone. Information terminal 400 is owned by a family member or other related party of the user of information terminal 100. Information terminal 400 notifies information terminal 400 of user-related information about the user of information terminal 100. User-related information is, for example, information indicating the user's current location and travel route. User-related information is used, for example, to locate the user in the event of an emergency.

[0023] The following describes the general processing of the information processing system S. The information terminal 100 determines whether or not it is possible to establish a communication connection with the ground station B1 (Figure 1 (1)). If the information terminal 100 determines that it is not possible to establish a communication connection with the ground station B1, it transmits out-of-range predetermined information (corresponding to the second predetermined information) to the information processing device 200 via the satellite station B2 (Figure 1 (2)). The out-of-range predetermined information is, for example, terminal position information indicating the position of the device itself. Along with the out-of-range predetermined information, the information terminal 100 transmits first destination information to the information processing device 200, specifying the first destination as the transfer destination for this out-of-range predetermined information.

[0024] When the information terminal 100 determines that it can establish a communication connection with the ground station B1, it transmits predetermined information within the service area (corresponding to the first predetermined information) to the external device 300 via the ground station B1, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 1 ((2') in Figure 1). The predetermined information within the service area is, for example, terminal location information indicating the position of the device itself.

[0025] The information processing system S is not limited to an example where multiple destinations are registered in a single information processing device 200. For example, in the information processing system S, multiple destinations may be registered in different information processing devices 200. Also, the information processing device 200 may consist of different information processing devices 200 depending on the type of out-of-range predetermined information transmitted from the information terminal 100. For example, one or more destinations for transmitting terminal location information as out-of-range predetermined information are registered in the first information processing device 200. One or more destinations for transmitting images as out-of-range predetermined information are registered in the second information processing device 200. In this way, the information processing device 200 can be configured to optimize information processing or information management within the server by providing different information processing devices 200 for transmitting out-of-range predetermined information to each destination of the external device 300.

[0026] The information processing device 200 stores multiple destinations in its storage unit. The information processing device 200 determines whether the first destination indicated by the first destination information received from the information terminal 100 matches any of the multiple destinations registered in the destination data (Figure 1, (3)). If the information processing device 200 determines that the first destination indicated by the first destination information matches a destination registered in the destination data, it transmits the received out-of-range predetermined information to this first destination. In the example in Figure 1, the first destination is the server address of the external device 300 (Figure 1, (4)).

[0027] The external device 300 generates user-related information based on the received out-of-range predetermined information. The external device 300 transmits the generated user-related information to the information terminal 400 of the user's associates (Figure 1, (5)). In this way, the information processing system S can transmit the out-of-range predetermined information to the information processing device 200 even when the user of the information terminal 100 is located outside the range where communication connection to the ground station B1 is not possible. Therefore, the information processing system S can prevent the user-related information generated based on the in-range predetermined information or the out-of-range predetermined information from not being provided to the information terminal 400 of the user's associates.

[0028] [Configuration of information terminal 100] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the information terminal 100. The information terminal 100 comprises a display unit 1, a communication unit 2, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 3, an operation unit 4, a satellite communication unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7. The control unit 7 comprises an acquisition unit 71, an operation reception unit 72, a connection determination unit 73, a display control unit 74, and a transmission control unit 75.

[0029] Display unit 1 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Display unit 1 displays images generated by the display control unit 74. Communication unit 2 is a wireless communication module for communicating with external device 300 via ground station B1. Communication unit 2 communicates with external device 300 using, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G.

[0030] The GNSS sensor 3 measures the position of the information terminal 100 by receiving GNSS signals from multiple GNSS satellites. The position of the information terminal 100 is expressed, for example, by its latitude and longitude. The GNSS sensor 3 inputs position information indicating the measured position of the information terminal 100 to the acquisition unit 71.

[0031] The operation unit 4 detects user operations on the touch panel or operation keys formed on the display surface of the display unit 1. The operation unit 4 inputs operation information indicating the detected user operation to the operation reception unit 72.

[0032] The satellite communication unit 5 is connected to satellite station B2 via D2C. Satellite station B2 is, for example, a Starlink satellite operating as a mobile phone base station. The satellite communication unit 5 communicates with the information processing device 200 via satellite station B2.

[0033] The memory unit 6 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 6 stores the program that the control unit 7 will execute. The control unit 7 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing the program stored in the memory unit 6, the control unit 7 functions as the acquisition unit 71, operation reception unit 72, connection determination unit 73, display control unit 74, and transmission control unit 75.

[0034] The acquisition unit 71 acquires position information indicating the position of the aircraft from the GNSS sensor 3. The acquisition unit 71 acquires position information periodically. For example, the period at which the acquisition unit 71 acquires position information is determined according to the period at which the first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75, which will be described later, transmits predetermined information within the range. The acquisition unit 71 outputs the acquired position information to the first application 751 and the second application 752.

[0035] The operation reception unit 72 receives user operations via the operation unit 4. For example, the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation instructing the information processing device 200 to transmit out-of-range predetermined information. The out-of-range predetermined information includes, for example, information indicating the user's location such as latitude and longitude. The out-of-range predetermined information may also include a message entered by the user or an image. This out-of-range predetermined information further includes information specifying an external device 300 as the destination and a user ID. The operation reception unit 72 outputs operation information indicating the received user operation to the transmission control unit 75.

[0036] The connection determination unit 73 determines whether or not a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible. For example, the connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible if the communication unit 2 receives radio waves emitted by the ground station B1 within a predetermined period. The connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with the ground station B1 is not possible if the communication unit 2 fails to receive radio waves emitted by the ground station B1 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is determined, for example, by the telecommunications carrier managing the ground station B1 or the manufacturer of the information terminal 100. The connection determination unit 73 outputs information indicating the determination result to the display control unit 74 or the transmission control unit 75.

[0037] If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication with the ground station B1 is not possible, the display control unit 74 displays a message on the display unit 1 indicating that it is possible to transmit predetermined out-of-range information via satellite station B2. Figure 3 shows an example of a message displayed by the display control unit 74. In the example in Figure 3, the display control unit 74 displays the message "Cannot connect to the ground station. Do you want to transmit predetermined out-of-range information via D2C communication?" on the display unit 1.

[0038] [Sending various types of information] The transmission control unit 75 communicates with the external device 300 via the communication unit 2. The transmission control unit 75 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the satellite communication unit 5. The transmission control unit 75 includes a predetermined first application 751 and a second application 752. The first application 751 is, for example, a map application for mountain climbing. The second application 752 is a different application from the first application 751. The second application is, for example, a short message service application or a rich communication service application.

[0039] When the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with ground station B1 is possible, the first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits specified in-range information to the first destination using the first communication protocol corresponding to the first application 751. The specified in-range information is, for example, terminal location information indicating the position of the device. The position of the device is expressed, for example, by latitude, longitude, and altitude. The specified in-range information may include a message entered by the user, or it may include an image. The specified in-range information further includes a user ID.

[0040] The first communication protocol is, for example, a communication protocol for communication between the first application 751 and the external device 300, which is the first application server. The first communication protocol is, for example, determined by the administrator of the external device 300. The first destination is, for example, a server address to which to send to the first server. The first server is the server corresponding to the first application 751. For example, the first server is the external device 300 owned by the administrator who manages the first application 751. The first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75 periodically transmits predetermined information within the service area using the first communication protocol. The transmission period of the predetermined information within the service area by the transmission control unit 75 is specified, for example, by the user or the administrator of the external device 300.

[0041] If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with the ground station B1 is not possible, the second application 752 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits, via satellite station B2, predetermined out-of-range information and first destination information specifying the first destination as the forwarding destination for this predetermined out-of-range information to the second destination using a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol corresponds to the second application 752. For example, the second communication protocol may be a short message service or a rich communication service.

[0042] The designated information for areas outside the service area is, for example, information corresponding to the designated information for areas within the service area transmitted by the first application 751. This designated information for areas outside the service area may, but is not limited to, information with the same content as the designated information for areas within the service area. For example, this designated information for areas within the service area may be information with the same content as the designated information for areas within the service area, but with a reduced amount of data compared to the designated information for areas within the service area. As an example, if the designated information for areas within the service area indicates the latitude and longitude of the information terminal 100, the designated information for areas outside the service area may indicate the latitude and longitude of the information terminal 100 with fewer digits than the designated information for areas within the service area.

[0043] The second destination is different from the first destination. The second destination is a server address for sending to a designated second server. The second server is managed by a different company than the company that manages the first application 751. For example, the second server is the information processing device 200.

[0044] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show examples of transmission of out-of-range predetermined information by the transmission control unit 75. Figure 4(a) shows the state immediately before the transmission control unit 75 transmits terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 100 as out-of-range predetermined information. Figure 4(a) shows the lower display area of ​​the display unit 1. In Figure 4(a), the second application 752, which is a short message service application, is launched, and a string indicating the location of the information terminal 100 has been automatically entered into the message input field of this second application 752.

[0045] In the state shown in Figure 4(a), when the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation by pressing the transmit button T1, the transmission control unit 75 transmits terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 100 as out-of-range predetermined information to the second destination, the information processing device 200, via D2C. Figure 4(b) shows the state after the transmission control unit 75 has transmitted the terminal location information to the information processing device 200. In the example in Figure 4(b), the display control unit 74 displays an image T2 indicating that the transmission of terminal location information has been completed.

[0046] [Configuration of the information processing device 200] Figure 5 shows the configuration of the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The control unit 23 comprises an acquisition unit 231, a determination unit 232, and a transmission control unit 233.

[0047] The communication unit 21 is an interface for communicating with an external device 300 via a network. The communication unit 21 communicates with the information terminal 100 via D2C communication through satellite station B2.

[0048] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium including ROM and RAM. The storage unit 22 stores the program executed by the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 stores multiple destinations for predetermined information outside the coverage area. The storage unit 22 may also store an in-coverage map showing locations where communication can be established with any of the multiple ground stations B1 that constitute the mobile network. The in-coverage map is referenced by the determination unit 232 to determine whether the location of the information terminal 100 is a location where communication can be established with a ground station B1.

[0049] The control unit 23 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 23 functions as an acquisition unit 231, a determination unit 232, and a transmission control unit 233 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0050] The acquisition unit 231 communicates with the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 231 acquires out-of-range predetermined information and first destination information for specifying the first destination of this out-of-range predetermined information from the user's information terminal 100 via satellite station B2. At this time, the acquisition unit 231 acquires the out-of-range predetermined information and the first destination information via D2C. This out-of-range predetermined information is data specified in a predetermined first application 751. The out-of-range predetermined information is, for example, terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 100. The first destination information specifies the application server of the first application 751 as the destination of the out-of-range predetermined information. In the example in Figure 5, the application server of the first application 751 is an external device 300.

[0051] [Determination of destination and terminal location] The determination unit 232 determines whether the first destination specified in the first destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 is registered in advance. The determination unit 232 determines whether any of the multiple destinations stored in the storage unit 22 matches the destination specified in the first destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 231. The determination unit 232 outputs information indicating the determination result of whether or not the destination is registered to the transmission control unit 233.

[0052] If the acquisition unit 231 has acquired terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 100 as predetermined out-of-range information, the determination unit 232 may further determine whether the location indicated by the predetermined out-of-range information is within the range where communication connection with a ground station is possible. The determination unit 232 reads an in-range map from the storage unit 22 that shows locations where communication connection with any of the multiple ground stations B1 is possible. The determination unit 232 refers to the read in-range map and determines whether the location indicated by the predetermined out-of-range information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 is within the range. The determination unit 232 outputs information indicating the determination result of whether the location indicated by the predetermined out-of-range information is within the range to the transmission control unit 233.

[0053] [Communication with external device 300] The transmission control unit 233 communicates with the external device 300 via the communication unit 21. The transmission control unit 233 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 to the first destination specified in the first destination information. For example, if the determination unit 232 determines that the first destination specified in the out-of-range predetermined information is pre-registered, the transmission control unit 233 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information to this destination. The transmission control unit 233 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information to the destination via the ground station. On the other hand, if the determination unit 232 determines that the destination is not pre-registered, the transmission control unit 233 does not transmit the out-of-range predetermined information. In this way, the transmission control unit 233 transmits out-of-range predetermined information only to pre-registered destinations, thereby reducing the load on the information processing device 200 when transferring out-of-range predetermined information received from the information terminal 100.

[0054] When the information terminal 100 is able to communicate with the ground station B1, the information terminal 100 can communicate with the external device 300 via the ground station B1. In this case, the information processing device 200 does not need to function as an intermediate server relaying communication between the information terminal 100 and the external device 300. Therefore, when the determination unit 232 determines that the location indicated by the out-of-range predetermined information is within the range where communication with the ground station B1 is possible, the transmission control unit 233 does not need to transmit the out-of-range predetermined information to the first destination specified in the out-of-range predetermined information.

[0055] On the other hand, the transmission control unit 233 may transmit the out-of-range predetermined information to the destination if the determination unit 232 determines that the location indicated by the out-of-range predetermined information is an out-of-range location where communication with the ground station B1 is not possible, and that the destination specified in the first destination information is registered in advance. In this way, the transmission control unit 233 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information to the external device 300 on the condition that the location indicated by the out-of-range predetermined information is an out-of-range location where communication with the ground station B1 is not possible, thereby reducing the processing load when functioning as an intermediate server.

[0056] [Processing procedure for transmitting specified information within the area] Figure 6 shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined information within the service area by the information processing system S. This processing procedure is initiated when the connection determination unit 73 of the information terminal 100 determines that communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible.

[0057] First, the first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits predetermined information within the service area to the external device 300 via the ground station B1. Based on the received predetermined information within the service area, the external device 300 generates user-related information about the user of the information terminal 100 (S101). If the external device 300 receives request information from an information terminal 400 related to the user requesting user-related information, it transmits the user-related information to the information terminal 400. The information terminal 400 displays the received user-related information (S102) and terminates processing.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of user-related information generated by the external device 300. Figure 7 shows an example where the predetermined information within the area is terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 100. Based on the received terminal location information, the external device 300 generates an image as user-related information that shows the route taken by the user of the information terminal 100 in a mountainous area on a map. This user-related information is displayed by the information terminal 400. The circles in Figure 7 indicate waypoints that the user passed through. In Figure 7, it is shown that the user reached the location at latitude "XX.XXXXX" and longitude "YY.YYYYYY" at 11:20 on December 13th.

[0059] [Processing procedure for transmitting specified information outside of service area] Figure 8 shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined information outside the service area by the information processing system S. This processing procedure is initiated when the connection determination unit 73 of the information terminal 100 determines that communication connection with the ground station B1 is not possible.

[0060] First, the second application 752 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits, via D2C, the out-of-range predetermined information and the first destination information specifying the first destination as the forwarding destination for this out-of-range predetermined information to the information processing device 200. The determination unit 232 of the information processing device 200 determines whether the first destination specified in the first destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 is registered in advance (S201).

[0061] If the determination unit 232 of the information processing device 200 determines that the destination specified in the first destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 is already registered (YES in S201), it transmits the out-of-range predetermined information to the external device 300, which is the first destination specified in the first destination information. The processing from step S101 onwards is the same as in Figure 6, so the explanation is omitted.

[0062] If the determination unit 232 of the information processing device 200 determines that the destination specified in the first destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 231 is not registered in advance (NO in S201), it does not transmit the out-of-range information to the destination specified in the first destination information. In this case, the determination unit 232 repeats the determination in S201 until the acquisition unit 231 acquires first destination information that specifies a registered destination.

[0063] [Effects of the information terminal 100 in the first embodiment] If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with the ground station B1 is not possible, the second application 752 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information and the first destination information to the second destination information processing device 200 via the satellite station. The transmission control unit 233 of the information processing device 200 transmits the out-of-range predetermined information to the destination indicated by the first destination information. In this way, the transmission control unit 75 can transmit user information to this destination even when the user is outside the coverage area and cannot access the mobile communication network. Therefore, the information processing system S can prevent user-related information generated based on the in-coverage predetermined information or out-of-coverage predetermined information from being provided to the information terminal 400 of the user's associates.

[0064] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, an example of launching the second application on the condition that the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with the ground station B1 is not possible will be described. Figure 9 shows the configuration of the information terminal 500 in the second embodiment. The control unit 7 of the information terminal 500 differs from the information terminal 100 in Figure 2 in that it includes a guidance processing unit 501, a startup processing unit 502, and a second application 503.

[0065] The storage unit 6 may store an in-range map showing locations where communication can be established with any of the multiple ground stations B1 that constitute the mobile network. The in-range map is referenced by the connection determination unit 73 to determine whether the location of the information terminal 100 is a location where communication can be established with a ground station B1.

[0066] The connection determination unit 73 determines whether or not a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible, similar to the connection determination unit in Figure 2. For example, the connection determination unit 73 determines whether or not a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible when the first application 751 is running.

[0067] The connection determination unit 73 may determine whether or not a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 71. For example, the connection determination unit 73 may refer to the area map in the storage unit 6, which shows locations where a communication connection to any of the multiple ground stations B1 constituting the mobile network is possible, and determine whether or not a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible at the location indicated by the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 71.

[0068] If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with ground station B1 is not possible, it further determines whether communication connection with satellite station B2 is possible. For example, the connection determination unit 73 determines whether communication connection with satellite station B2 is possible when the first application 751 is running. The connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with satellite station B2 is possible if the communication unit 2 receives radio waves emitted by satellite station B2 within a predetermined period. The connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with satellite station B2 is not possible if the communication unit 2 fails to receive radio waves emitted by satellite station B2 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is determined, for example, by the telecommunications carrier managing satellite station B2 or the manufacturer of the information terminal 500.

[0069] The guidance processing unit 501 guides the user to use a second application 503 that can transmit off-range information corresponding to on-range information via communication using a second communication protocol through satellite station B2. The second communication protocol is, for example, Short Message Service or Rich Communication Service. The off-range information corresponding to the on-range information may be information with the same content as the on-range information, or it may be information with almost the same content as the on-range information but with reduced data volume. For example, the guidance processing unit 501 guides the user to use the second application 503 when the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with satellite station B2 is not possible but communication connection with ground station B1 is possible.

[0070] Figure 10 shows an example of the guidance processing unit 501 guiding the user to use the second application 503. When the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with ground station B1 is not possible, but communication connection with satellite station B2 is possible, the image shown in Figure 10 is displayed. In Figure 10, a start button T3 for launching the second application 503 is displayed. When the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation on the start button T3, the second application 503 is launched by the start processing unit 502, which will be described later. If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with both ground station B1 and satellite station B2 is not possible, the guidance processing unit 501 displays an error message on the display unit 1 indicating that communication connection with both ground station B1 and satellite station B2 is not possible.

[0071] [Startup process for the second application 503] The startup processing unit 502 starts a second application 503 that can transmit predetermined information outside the service area corresponding to predetermined information within the service area via communication using a second communication protocol through satellite station B2. The startup processing unit 502 starts the second application 503 when the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation to start the second application 503. For example, the startup processing unit 502 starts the second application 503 when the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation for the startup button T3 shown in Figure 10.

[0072] The startup processing unit 502 may start the second application 503 when the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication with ground station B1 is not possible, but communication with satellite station B2 is possible, even if the operation reception unit 72 has not received any user input to start the second application 503. In this way, the startup processing unit 502 automatically starts the second application 503, so the user can omit the operation to start the second application 503.

[0073] [Information transmission via the first app 751 and the second app 503] The first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75 operates in the same manner as the first application 751 in Figure 2. When the connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with the ground station B1 is possible, the first application 751 of the transmission control unit 75 transmits first predetermined information to the first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application.

[0074] The second application 503 is, for example, a text message sending application. Specifically, the second application 503 is a short message service application or a rich communication service application. The second application 503 transmits predetermined out-of-range information via satellite station B2. The second application 503 transmits predetermined out-of-range information via D2C, which connects to satellite station B2 without going through ground station B1. The second application 503 operates similarly to the second application 752 in Figure 2.

[0075] The second application 503, activated by the startup processing unit 502, transmits the predetermined out-of-range information and information specifying the first destination as the destination for the predetermined out-of-range information to the second destination via satellite station B2. The second destination is different from the first destination. For example, the second application 503, activated by the startup processing unit 502, sets the destination for the predetermined out-of-range information to a predetermined second destination when the operation reception unit 72 has not received any user operation to specify the destination for the predetermined out-of-range information. The second destination is, for example, the information processing device 200.

[0076] Figure 11 shows an example of setting a destination using the second application 503. When the startup processing unit 502 starts the second application 503, the image in Figure 11 is displayed. In the example in Figure 11, the second destination is set as the destination for the out-of-range predetermined information when the operation reception unit 72 has not yet received a user operation to specify the destination for the out-of-range predetermined information. In the example in Figure 11, the out-of-range predetermined information is terminal location information indicating the location of the information terminal 500.

[0077] Figure 11 shows a send button T4 for sending terminal location information. When the operation reception unit 72 receives a user operation on this send button T4, the second application 503 sends the terminal location information to the second destination. In this way, the second application 503 automatically sets the destination for the out-of-range information, so the user can omit the operation to set the destination for the out-of-range information.

[0078] The second application 503, launched by the startup processing unit 502, may transmit the "out of range" predetermined information even when the operation reception unit 72 has not received a user operation to transmit the "out of range" predetermined information. The second application 503 transmits the "out of range" predetermined information to the second destination. In this way, the second application 503 automatically transmits the "out of range" predetermined information, so the user can omit the operation to transmit the "out of range" predetermined information.

[0079] The second application 503 launched by the startup processing unit 502 may automatically send out-of-range information while running in the background. In this case, the user does not need to interrupt their work to send out-of-range information if they are working with another application.

[0080] [Processing procedure for transmitting designated information within or outside the service area by the second application 503] Figure 12 shows the processing procedure for transmitting predetermined information within or outside the service area by the second application 503. This processing procedure starts when the first application 751 is running.

[0081] The connection determination unit 73 determines whether or not a communication connection with ground station B1 is possible (S301). If the connection determination unit 73 determines that a communication connection with ground station B1 is not possible (NO in S301), it determines whether or not a communication connection with satellite station B2 is possible (S302).

[0082] The startup processing unit 502 starts the second application 503 (S303) if the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication with satellite station B2 is possible (YES in S302). The second application 503 started by the startup processing unit 502 sets the destination of the out-of-range predetermined information to a predetermined second destination (S304). The second application 503 determines whether the operation reception unit 72 has received a user operation to transmit the out-of-range predetermined information (S305).

[0083] If the operation reception unit 72 determines that the second application 503 has received a user operation to send predetermined out-of-range information (YES in S305), it sends the predetermined out-of-range information to the set second destination (S306) and terminates processing. If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication connection with ground station B1 is possible (YES in S301), the first application 751 sends predetermined in-range information to the first destination (S307).

[0084] If the connection determination unit 73 determines in the determination in S302 that communication connection with satellite station B2 is not possible (NO in S302), the guidance processing unit 501 notifies the user of an error indicating that communication connection to both ground station B1 and satellite station B2 is not possible (S308). If the operation reception unit 72 determines in the determination in S305 that it has not received a user operation to transmit out-of-range predetermined information (NO in S305), the second application 503 repeats the determination in S305.

[0085] [Effects of the information terminal 500 in the second embodiment] If the connection determination unit 73 determines that communication with the ground station B1 is not possible, the guidance processing unit 501 guides the user to use the second application 503, which can transmit out-of-range information corresponding to in-range information via communication using the second communication protocol through the satellite station B2. In this way, the guidance processing unit 501 can prevent the user of the information terminal 100 from leaving it unattended when neither the in-range nor out-of-range information has been transmitted to the external device 300.

[0086] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1 Display 2 Communications Department 3 GNSS sensors 4 Control section 5. Satellite Communications Department 6 Memory section 7 Control Unit 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 71 Acquisition Department 72 Operation reception section 73 Connection determination unit 74 Display Control Unit 75 Transmission Control Unit 100 Information Terminals 200 Information Processing Devices 231 Acquisition Department 232 Judgment section 233 Transmission Control Unit 300 External device 400 Information Terminals 500 Information Terminals 501 Guidance Processing Unit 502 Startup Processing Unit 503,752 Second App 751 First App

Claims

1. A connection determination unit that determines whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determines whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible. When the connection determination unit determines that communication connection with the ground station is possible, the transmission control unit transmits first predetermined information to the first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application. If the connection determination unit determines that communication connection with the ground station is not possible, but communication connection with the satellite station is possible, the guidance processing unit guides the user to use a second application that can transmit the second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol via the satellite station. An information terminal equipped with the following features.

2. An operation reception unit that receives user input, The system further comprises a startup processing unit that starts the second application when the operation reception unit receives a user operation to start the second application, The second application launched by the startup processing unit sets the destination of the second predetermined information to a predetermined second destination when it is not accepting user input to specify the destination of the second predetermined information. The information terminal according to claim 1.

3. An operation reception unit that receives user input, A connection determination unit that determines whether or not a communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it determines that a communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determines whether or not a communication connection with a satellite station is possible. When the connection determination unit determines that communication connection with the ground station is possible, the transmission control unit transmits first predetermined information to the first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application. When the connection determination unit determines that communication connection with the ground station is not possible and communication connection with the satellite station is possible, a startup processing unit starts a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol via the satellite station, while the operation reception unit has not received any user input to start the second application. An information terminal equipped with the following features.

4. The second application launched by the startup processing unit transmits the second predetermined information while it is not accepting user input for transmitting the second predetermined information. The information terminal according to claim 3.

5. The second application launched by the startup processing unit sets the destination of the second predetermined information to a predetermined second destination when it is not accepting user input to specify the destination of the second predetermined information. The information terminal according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The second application transmits the second predetermined information via the satellite station. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The second application transmits the second predetermined information and information specifying the first destination as the destination for the second predetermined information to a second destination different from the first destination, via the satellite station. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned second app is a text message sending app. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The transmission control unit transmits terminal location information indicating the position of the device as the first predetermined information. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. It further includes an acquisition unit that periodically acquires position information indicating the position of the aircraft, The transmission control unit periodically transmits the terminal location information as the first predetermined information. The information terminal according to claim 9.

11. It further includes an acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the position of the aircraft, The connection determination unit determines whether or not a communication connection with the ground station is possible based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit. The information terminal according to claim 9.

12. The second application transmits the second predetermined information by connecting to the satellite station without going through a ground station. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The connection determination unit determines whether or not a communication connection with the ground station is possible when the first application is running. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The connection determination unit determines whether or not a communication connection with the satellite station is possible when the first application is running. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. A computer executes The steps include: determining whether communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it is determined that communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determining whether communication connection with a satellite station is possible; If it is determined that communication connection with the aforementioned ground station is possible, the first predetermined information is transmitted to the first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application. If it is determined that communication connection with the ground station is not possible, but communication connection with the satellite station is possible, the user is guided to use a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station. A method for transmitting information that includes the following features.

16. A computer executes Steps to accept user input, The steps include: determining whether communication connection with a ground station is possible, and if it is determined that communication connection with the ground station is not possible, determining whether communication connection with a satellite station is possible; If it is determined that communication connection with the aforementioned ground station is possible, the first predetermined information is transmitted to the first destination using a first communication protocol corresponding to a predetermined first application. If it is determined that communication connection with the ground station is not possible, but communication connection with the satellite station is possible, the step of starting a second application that can transmit second predetermined information corresponding to the first predetermined information via communication using a second communication protocol through the satellite station, while not accepting user input to start the second application; A method for transmitting information that includes the following features.

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