Communication device, method for controlling a communication device, program, and storage medium

Abstract

It provides technology for appropriately distributing throughput. [Solution] A communication device capable of relaying data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices, comprising: acquisition means for acquiring information on the maximum throughput of the communication device; connection means for connecting to one or more other communication devices; and determination means for determining the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the information on the maximum throughput.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method for the communication device, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for maximizing packet throughput in a network environment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in a communication device that has a function of relaying data acquired from a network to one or more other communication devices and also uses the data to utilize content or the like, it is difficult to appropriately allocate throughput.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for appropriately allocating throughput while having a function of relaying data acquired from a network to one or more other communication devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A communication device according to an aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object is a communication device capable of relaying data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices, an acquisition unit that acquires information on the maximum throughput of the communication device, a connection unit that connects to the one or more other communication devices, A determination means for determining the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, throughput can be appropriately distributed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device installed in a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of another communication device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device installed in a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the communication device installed in the vehicle according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the communication device installed in the vehicle according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the communication device installed in the vehicle according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the throughput according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the throughput according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the throughput according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the throughput according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the throughput according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the communication device installed in the vehicle according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the procedure of the process performed by the communication device included in the vehicle according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 15] An explanatory diagram of the throughput according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram of the throughput according to Embodiment 5.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. [[ID=十六]] [[ID=十七]]

[0010] [[ID=十八]] [[ID=十九]](Embodiment 1)[[ID=二十]] [[ID=二十一]]<System Configuration>[[ID=二十二]] [[ID=二十三]]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, 10 is a server device (information processing device). 20 is a vehicle, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle. However, it is not limited to a four-wheeled vehicle, and may be a vehicle such as a three-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle. 30 is a communication device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.), and is, for example, a device possessed by a passenger of the vehicle 20. 40 is a network. The server device 10, the vehicle 20, and the communication device are connected via the network 40. The vehicle has a function of receiving data transmitted from the server device 10 using tethering communication and relaying it to the communication device 30. Similarly, the communication device 30 may have a function of receiving data transmitted from the server device 10 using tethering communication and relaying it to the vehicle 20. [[ID=二十四]] [[ID=二十五]]

[0011] [[ID=二十六]] [[ID=二十七]]<Hardware Configuration>[[ID=二十八]] [[ID=二十九]]Next, a hardware configuration example of the vehicle 20 and the communication device 30 according to an embodiment will be described while referring to FIGS. 2 and 3. [[ID=三十]] [[ID=三十一]]

[0012] [[ID=三十二]] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 20 is equipped with a communication device 200 mounted on the vehicle. The communication device 200 comprises a CPU 201, a storage device 202, a communication unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation input unit 205, and a sensor 206. Note that the steering system, drive system, and other components of the vehicle 20 are omitted. The communication device 200 may be, for example, an in-vehicle display device, which can acquire navigation information and provide route guidance to the user to their destination, or display traffic congestion information.

[0013] The control operation of the communication device 200 is realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage device 202. The CPU 201 may be one or more CPUs. The storage device 202 is one or more memories that store various types of information. For example, it stores information received from other devices and computer programs that are read and executed by the CPU 201.

[0014] The communication unit 203 has the function of communicating with other devices via wired or wireless connection through the network 40. The display unit 204 displays various videos, images, messages, etc. to the user. The operation input unit 205 receives various operation instructions from the user. The sensor 206 includes a GPS / GNSS sensor and can acquire location information of the vehicle 20.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 30 includes a CPU 301, a storage device 302, a communication unit 303, a display unit 304, an operation input unit 305, and a sensor 206. The communication device 30 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by the crew.

[0016] The control operation of the communication device 30 is realized by the CPU 301 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage device 302. The CPU 301 may be one or more CPUs. The storage device 302 is one or more memories that store various types of information. For example, it stores information received from other devices and computer programs that are read and executed by the CPU 301.

[0017] The communication unit 303 has the function of communicating with other devices via wired or wireless connection through the network 40. The display unit 304 displays various videos, images, messages, etc. to the user. The operation input unit 305 receives various operation instructions from the user. The sensor 306 includes a GPS / GNSS sensor and can acquire location information of the communication device 30.

[0018] <Functional Configuration> Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the functional configuration of a communication device 200 provided in a vehicle 20 according to one embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the communication device 200 is a communication device capable of relaying data acquired via the network 40, for example, using cellular communication, to one or more other communication devices 30. The communication device 200 operates as an access point, and one or more other communication devices 30 operate as stations. The communication device 200 includes a control unit 251, an acquisition unit 252, a connection unit 253, a determination unit 254, a measurement unit 255, a modification unit 256, and a location information acquisition unit 257.

[0019] The control unit 251 controls the operation of the entire communication device 200. The acquisition unit 252 acquires information on the maximum throughput of the communication device 200. The maximum throughput information is a predetermined value and is pre-stored in the storage device 202 of the communication device 200. The connection unit 253 connects to one or more other communication devices 30 using the tethering communication function. For example, Wi-Fi tethering, Bluetooth® tethering, or USB tethering can be used as the tethering communication.

[0020] The determination unit 254 determines the transfer throughput (transfer speed, transfer rate) for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices 30 based on the number of connected devices 30 connected to the communication device 200 and information on the maximum throughput. The measurement unit 255 measures the current throughput of the communication device 200 for communicating (receiving) data from the network 40. The modification unit 256 changes the current throughput or transfer throughput based on the difference between the current throughput measured by the measurement unit 255 and the throughput determined by the determination unit 255. The location information acquisition unit 257 acquires the location information of each of the one or more other communication devices 30.

[0021] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 5, the procedure for processing performed by the communication device 200 provided in the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. In S501, the control unit 251 determines whether the communication device 200 has been connected to one or more other communication devices 30 by the connection unit 253. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process waits.

[0022] In S502, the acquisition unit 252 acquires information on the maximum throughput of the communication device 200. The maximum throughput of the communication device 200 corresponds to the performance of the communication device 200, and may be acquired by reading information stored in the storage device 202 of the communication device 200, for example. In S503, the control unit 251 calculates and acquires the number of other communication devices 30 connected by the connection unit 253.

[0023] In S504, the determination unit 254 determines (allocates) the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices 30 based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information. It may also further determine (allocate) the throughput for data communication (reception) at the communication device 200.

[0024] For example, the determination unit 254 may determine the transfer throughput as the value obtained by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected devices of other communication devices 30 and the total number of devices of communication device 200. In other words, the transfer throughput may be determined so that the transfer throughput allocated to other communication devices 30 (smartphones, tablet terminals, etc.) is equal. Furthermore, the determination unit 254 may further determine the throughput for data communication (reception) in communication device 200 as the value obtained by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected devices of other communication devices 30 and the total number of devices of communication device 200. In other words, the throughput may be determined so that the throughput is equal for all communication devices 200 and each communication device 30.

[0025] Here, we will explain a specific example with reference to Figure 8. Assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. In this case, "maximum throughput of 100 Mbps / (number of other communication devices 30 connected: 4 + communication device 200 itself: 1, total of 5 devices) = 20 Mbps / device" is determined as the transfer throughput to each of the other communication devices 30, and the throughput for data communication (reception) at communication device 200. That is, the throughput for data communication (reception) at communication device 200 becomes 20 Mbps, and the transfer throughput to each communication device 30 also becomes 20 Mbps. This allows throughput to be allocated equally (fairly) to each device.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the other communication devices is determined based on the number of other communication devices that function as stations and the maximum throughput information of the communication device that functions as an access point.

[0027] This enables the appropriate distribution of throughput, including to the user's own terminal (communication device) and connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0028] [Differentiation] Embodiment 1 describes an example in which throughput is distributed equally, but the system is not limited to this example. For example, the throughput for data communication (reception) in the communication device 200 may be prioritized and controlled to be a predetermined multiple (e.g., twice) of the transfer throughput to other communication devices 30.

[0029] As mentioned above, assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. In this case, if the transfer throughput is X Mbps, then the throughput for communicating (receiving) data at communication device 200 is 2X Mbps. 2X + X + X + X + X = 100 Mbps, or 6X = 100 Mbps, so we can find that X = 16.7 Mbps. Therefore, the throughput for communicating (receiving) data at communication device 200 is 33.4 Mbps, and priority allocation may be performed so that the transfer throughput to the other communication devices 30 is 16.7 Mbps.

[0030] (Embodiment 2) This embodiment describes an example of changing the throughput. The system configuration and device configuration are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0031] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 6, the procedures for the processing performed by the communication device 200 provided in the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Since each of the processes S501 to S504 is the same as the processes described in Embodiment 1 with reference to Figure 5, their explanation will be omitted.

[0032] In S601, the measurement unit 255 measures the current throughput of data communication (reception) in the communication device 200. This process measures the throughput of the communication device 200 itself.

[0033] In S602, the control unit 251 determines whether the transfer throughput determined (calculated) in S504 is greater than the measured current throughput (measured value). If this step is Yes, proceed to S603. On the other hand, if this step is No, proceed to S604. In S603, the modification unit 256 reduces the transfer throughput (determined value) to the same value as the current throughput (measured value).

[0034] In S604, the control unit 251 determines whether the transfer throughput determined (calculated) in S504 is less than the measured current throughput (measured value). If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process ends without making any changes. In S605, the modification unit 256 reduces the current throughput to make it the same as the transfer throughput (determined value).

[0035] Here, we will explain a specific example with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows the case where throughput (determined value) = transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps, and the current throughput (measured value) of communication device 200 = 10 Mbps. In this case, since the determined transfer throughput (20 Mbps) is greater than the measured current throughput (measured value) (10 Mbps), the answer is Yes in S602, and the process proceeds to S603. Then, in S603, the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps is reduced to match the current throughput (measured value) = 10 Mbps. That is, the transfer throughput to the other communication devices 30 becomes 10 Mbps each, and is controlled to match the current throughput (10 Mbps) in the processing at communication device 200.

[0036] Figure 12 shows the case where throughput (determined value) = transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps, and the current throughput (measured value) of communication device 200 = 30 Mbps. In this case, since the determined transfer throughput (20 Mbps) is smaller than the measured current throughput (measured value) (30 Mbps), the answer is Yes at S604, and the process proceeds to S605. Then, at S605, the current throughput (measured value) = 30 Mbps is reduced to match the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps. That is, the transfer throughput to the other communication devices 30 remains at 20 Mbps, and the current throughput in the processing at communication device 200 is also controlled to 20 Mbps.

[0037] As described above, in this embodiment, the transfer throughput or throughput is changed based on the determined transfer throughput (=determined throughput at the communication device 200) and the measured value of the current throughput in the processing at the communication device 200. For example, it is controlled so that each throughput is equal.

[0038] This enables the appropriate distribution of throughput, including to the user's own terminal (communication device) and connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0039] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, another example of determining the transfer throughput to other communication devices 30 is described. The system configuration and device configuration are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0040] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 7, the procedure for processing performed by the communication device 200 provided in the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Processes S501 to S504 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 with reference to Figure 5, and process S601 is the same as the process described in Embodiment 2 with reference to Figure 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0041] In S701, the determination unit 254 determines the transfer throughput based on the current throughput, the maximum throughput, and the number of connected devices. For example, it determines the transfer throughput to each of the other communication devices 30 by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the measured value from the maximum throughput by the number of connected devices of the other communication devices 30.

[0042] Here, we will explain a specific example with reference to Figure 9. Assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. Also, assume that the current throughput (measured value) of processing at communication device 200 is 40 Mbps. In this case, the transfer throughput for each of the other communication devices 30 is determined as "(maximum throughput 100 Mbps - current throughput (measured value) 40 Mbps / (number of other communication devices 30 connected 4) = 15 Mbps / device)". The throughput at communication device 200 is determined as the measured value of 40 Mbps. That is, the throughput for communicating (receiving) data at communication device 200 becomes 40 Mbps, and the transfer throughput to each communication device 30 becomes 15 Mbps. This allows throughput to be allocated equally (fairly) to each of the other connected communication devices.

[0043] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, another example of determining the transfer throughput to other communication devices 30 is described. The system configuration and device configuration are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0044] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 13, the procedure for processing performed by the communication device 200 provided in the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Processes S501 to S504 are the same as the processes described in Embodiment 1 with reference to Figure 5, and process S601 is the same as the process described in Embodiment 2 with reference to Figure 6, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0045] In S1301, the location information acquisition unit 257 acquires location information of the other communication devices 30 from each communication device 30.

[0046] In S1302, the determination unit 254 determines the transfer throughput based on the current throughput, the maximum throughput, the number of connected devices, and the location information. For example, the determination unit 254 may use the acquired location information to determine that the transfer throughput will differ depending on whether the other communication device 30 is located inside or outside the vehicle 20.

[0047] Here, we will explain a specific example with reference to Figure 10. Assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. Also, assume that the current throughput (measured value) of data communication (reception) at communication device 200 is 40 Mbps. Furthermore, assume that 2 of the 4 other communication devices 30 are located inside the vehicle 20, and 2 are located outside the vehicle 20.

[0048] In this case, the transfer throughput to other communication devices 30 located inside the vehicle may be modified to be greater than the transfer throughput to other communication devices 30 located outside the vehicle. Note that "located inside the vehicle" refers to a situation where an occupant possessing another communication device 30 is inside the vehicle 20, while "located outside the vehicle" refers to a situation where an occupant possessing another communication device 30 is outside the vehicle, even if it is located in the vicinity of the vehicle 20. For example, this could be the case when the vehicle is parked in a highway service area parking lot and some occupants are outside the vehicle.

[0049] At this time, the maximum throughput of 100Mbps - current throughput (measured value) of 40Mbps = 60Mbps is allocated to the four connected devices of the other communication device 30. For example, consider allocating XMbps to the other communication device 30 outside the vehicle and 2XMbps to the other communication device 30 inside the vehicle. In that case, X + X + 2X + 2X = 60Mbps, so X = 10Mbps. Therefore, the allocation is changed to allocate 10Mbps to the other communication device 30 outside the vehicle and 20Mbps to the other communication device 30 inside the vehicle. The throughput at communication device 200 is determined to be the measured value of 40Mbps. That is, the throughput for communicating (receiving) data at communication device 200 becomes 40Mbps, the transfer throughput to the communication device 30 inside the vehicle becomes 20Mbps, and the transfer throughput to the communication device 30 outside the vehicle becomes 10Mbps. This makes it possible to allocate more throughput to the users inside the vehicle among the other connected communication devices.

[0050] [Differentiation] In Embodiment 4, an example was described in which different throughputs are assigned depending on whether the other communication device 30 is located inside or outside the vehicle, but the system is not limited to this example. The determination unit 254 may determine the transfer throughput based on the location information of the other communication device 30 such that the transfer throughput to the other communication device 30 located in the driver's seat or passenger seat of the vehicle 20 is greater than the transfer throughput to the other communication device 30 located in the rear seat.

[0051] Furthermore, instead of location information, photographic information may be used to identify seats. For example, an in-vehicle camera (not shown) installed in the vehicle 20 can be used to photograph the occupants of each seat, and the person can be identified from the captured image. In addition, the communication device 200 obtains device information (e.g., owner information) from each of the other communication devices 30 and identifies which seat the user who owns the other communication device 30 is sitting in. This makes it possible to determine whether each of the other communication devices 30 is located in the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seat.

[0052] (Embodiment 5) Embodiments 2 to 4 described an example in which the throughput for data communication (reception) in the communication device 200 is measured and the throughput is changed or determined using the measured value. In contrast, this embodiment describes an example in which the current overall transfer throughput of the communication device 200, which functions as an access point (AP), is measured and the throughput is changed using the measured value. The system configuration and device configuration are the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0053] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 14, the procedures for processing performed by the communication device 200 provided in the vehicle 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Since each of the processes S501 to S504 is the same as the processes explained in Embodiment 1 with reference to Figure 5, their explanation will be omitted.

[0054] In S1401, the measurement unit 255 measures the current overall transfer throughput of the communication device 200, which functions as an access point (AP). This does not include the throughput of processing performed by the communication device 200 itself, but represents the transfer throughput for all other communication devices 30.

[0055] In S1402, the control unit 251 calculates the current transfer throughput (measured value) per unit of the other communication devices 30. For example, the total transfer throughput measured in S1401 is divided by the number of connected other communication devices 30 to calculate the current transfer throughput (measured value) per unit.

[0056] In S1403, the control unit 251 determines whether the transfer throughput (determined value) is greater than the current transfer throughput (measured value). If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S1404. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0057] In S1404, the modification unit 256 reduces the transfer throughput (determined value) to the same value as the current transfer throughput (measured value). In S1405, the control unit 251 determines whether the transfer throughput (determined value) is less than the current transfer throughput (measured value). If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S1406. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process ends without making any changes. In S1406, the modification unit 256 reduces the current transfer throughput (measured value) to the same value as the transfer throughput (determined value).

[0058] Here, we will explain a specific example with reference to Figures 15 and 16. In Figure 15, assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. Also, assume that the current transfer throughput (measured value) of the processing at communication device 200 is 90 Mbps.

[0059] In this case, in S1402, the current transfer throughput (measured value) of the communication device 200, which is 90 Mbps, is divided by the number of connected devices, resulting in 22.5 Mbps, which is calculated as the current transfer throughput (measured value) per device. Next, since the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps < current transfer throughput (measured value) per device = 22.5 Mbps, the answer in S1405 is Yes. Then, in S1406, the current transfer throughput (measured value) = 22.5 Mbps is reduced to match the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20 Mbps.

[0060] In Figure 16, assume that the maximum throughput of communication device 200 is 100 Mbps, and that there are 4 other communication devices 30 connected to communication device 200. Also, assume that the current transfer throughput (measured value) of the processing at communication device 200 is 60 Mbps.

[0061] In this case, in S1402, the current transfer throughput (measured value) of 60Mbps processed by the communication device 200 is divided by the number of connected devices (4) to calculate 15Mbps as the current transfer throughput (measured value) per device. Next, since the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20Mbps > current transfer throughput (measured value) per device = 15Mbps, the answer in S1403 is Yes. Then, in S1404, the transfer throughput (determined value) = 20Mbps is reduced to match the current transfer throughput (measured value) = 15Mbps.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the current overall transmission throughput of a communication device functioning as an access point (AP) is measured, and the throughput is changed using this measurement. This allows throughput to be allocated equally (fairly) to each other connected communication device.

[0063] [Differentiation] In each of the embodiments described above, in S601, the measurement unit 255 measures the current throughput of data communication (reception) in the communication device 200, and in S1401, the current overall transfer throughput of the communication device 200, which functions as an access point (AP), is measured.

[0064] In contrast, the measurement unit 255 may measure the current throughput or the current overall transfer throughput of data communication (reception) in the communication device 200 when predetermined conditions are met. For example, when predetermined conditions are met, it may be that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the previous measurement. Alternatively, when predetermined conditions are met, it may be that the number of connected devices of one or more other communication devices 30 has increased or decreased. Alternatively, when predetermined conditions are met, it may be that a software or firmware update process has been performed on the communication device 20. Alternatively, two or all three of these conditions may be met.

[0065] <Summary of Embodiments> 1. The communication device (200) according to the above embodiment is: A communication device capable of relaying data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices (30), An acquisition means (252) for acquiring information on the maximum throughput of the communication device, Connection means (253) for connecting to one or more other communication devices, A determination means (254) that determines the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information, It is equipped with.

[0066] This enables the appropriate distribution of throughput, including to the user's own terminal (communication device) and connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0067] 2. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The determination means determines the transfer throughput as the value obtained by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected other communication devices and the number of the communication device itself.

[0068] This makes it possible to distribute the transfer throughput to connected terminals (other communication devices) evenly.

[0069] 3. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The determination means further determines the throughput for receiving data in the communication device by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected other communication devices and the communication device itself.

[0070] This makes it possible to evenly distribute the processing throughput of the terminal (communication device) and the transfer throughput to connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0071] 4. The communication device (200) according to the above embodiment is: The aforementioned communication device includes a measuring means (255) for measuring the current throughput of data reception, A modification means (256) that modifies the current throughput or the transfer throughput based on the difference between the current throughput measured by the measurement means and the throughput determined by the determination means, To further prepare.

[0072] This makes it possible to distribute throughput while taking into account the current processing status of the communication device.

[0073] 5. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The modification means, if the transfer throughput is greater than the current throughput, reduces the transfer throughput to the same value as the current throughput.

[0074] This makes it possible to evenly distribute the processing throughput of the terminal (communication device) and the transfer throughput to connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0075] 6. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, If the transfer throughput is less than the current throughput, the modification means reduces the current throughput to the same value as the transfer throughput.

[0076] This makes it possible to evenly distribute the processing throughput of the terminal (communication device) and the transfer throughput to connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0077] 7. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The measurement means measures the current throughput when predetermined conditions are met.

[0078] This makes it possible to change the throughput at the appropriate time.

[0079] 8. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, If the aforementioned predetermined conditions are met, this includes at least one of the following: a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous measurement; the number of connected devices of one or more other communication devices has increased or decreased; and a software or firmware update process for the communication device has been performed.

[0080] This makes it possible to change the throughput at the appropriate time.

[0081] 9. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The communication device further comprises a measuring means (255) for measuring the current throughput of data reception, The determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the current throughput, the maximum throughput, and the number of connected devices of one or more other communication devices.

[0082] This makes it possible to determine the transfer throughput while considering the throughput used by the terminal (communication device).

[0083] 10. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The determination means determines the transfer throughput as the value obtained by subtracting the current throughput from the maximum throughput and dividing that value by the number of connected devices.

[0084] This makes it possible to ensure the throughput used by the terminal (communication device) while also distributing the transfer throughput evenly.

[0085] 11. The communication device (200) according to the above embodiment is: The system further comprises location information acquisition means (257) for acquiring location information of one or more other communication devices, The determination means further determines the transfer throughput based on the location information.

[0086] This makes it possible to appropriately distribute the transfer throughput according to the location of the connected terminal (other communication device).

[0087] 12. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The aforementioned communication device is a communication device mounted on the vehicle (20), The determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the location information such that the transfer throughput to other communication devices located inside the vehicle is greater than the transfer throughput to other communication devices located outside the vehicle.

[0088] This makes it possible to prioritize the allocation of transfer throughput to connected terminals (other communication devices) within the vehicle. Consequently, the communication situation for in-vehicle users who are expected to have a high need for data communication (resulting in longer connection times) will improve, providing a more comfortable communication environment.

[0089] 13. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The aforementioned communication device is a communication device mounted on the vehicle (20), The determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the location information such that the transfer throughput to other communication devices located in the driver's seat or passenger seat of the vehicle is greater than the transfer throughput to other communication devices located in the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0090] This allows vehicle owners to prioritize and allocate transmission throughput to the same communication device they use.

[0091] 14. In the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment, The aforementioned communication device operates as an access point, The aforementioned other communication devices operate as stations.

[0092] This enables data communication using the communication device as an access point.

[0093] 15. The control method for the communication device (200) according to the above embodiment is: A method for controlling a communication device that can relay data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices (30), A step of acquiring information on the maximum throughput of the aforementioned communication device, A connection step of connecting to one or more other communication devices, A determination step of determining the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information, It holds.

[0094] This enables the appropriate distribution of throughput, including to the user's own terminal (communication device) and connected terminals (other communication devices).

[0095] 16. The program according to the above embodiment is: This is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the communication device according to the above embodiment.

[0096] This makes it possible to implement the control method processing using a computer.

[0097] 17. The storage medium according to the above embodiment is This is a storage medium in which a program is stored that causes a computer to execute the control method for the communication device according to the above embodiment.

[0098] This makes it possible to implement the control method processing using a storage medium.

[0099] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, a program that implements one or more functions described in each embodiment is supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device can read and execute this program. The present invention can also be realized in this manner.

[0100] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 20: Vehicle, 200: Communication device, 251: Control unit, 252: Acquisition unit, 253: Connection unit, 254: Determination unit, 255: Measurement unit, 256: Modification unit, 257: Location information acquisition unit

Claims

1. A communication device capable of relaying data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices, An acquisition means for acquiring information on the maximum throughput of the aforementioned communication device, Connection means for connecting to one or more other communication devices, A determination means for determining the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information, A communication device characterized by comprising:

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the transfer throughput as the value obtained by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected other communication devices and the communication device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means further determines the throughput for receiving data in the communication device as the value obtained by dividing the maximum throughput by the total number of connected other communication devices and the communication device.

4. A measurement means for measuring the current throughput of data reception in the aforementioned communication device, A modification means for modifying the current throughput or the transfer throughput based on the difference between the current throughput measured by the measurement means and the throughput determined by the determination means, The communication device according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the modification means changes the transfer throughput to the same value as the current throughput when the transfer throughput is greater than the current throughput.

6. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that, if the transfer throughput is less than the current throughput, the current throughput is reduced to the same value as the transfer throughput.

7. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the measurement means measures the current throughput when predetermined conditions are met.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the aforementioned predetermined conditions are met, at least one of the following is included: a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous measurement; the number of connected devices of one or more other communication devices has increased or decreased; and a software or firmware update process for the communication device has been performed.

9. The communication device further comprises a measurement means for measuring the current throughput of data reception, The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the current throughput, the maximum throughput, and the number of connected one or more other communication devices.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that the determination means determines the transfer throughput as the value obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the current throughput from the maximum throughput by the number of connected devices.

11. The system further comprises location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of one or more other communication devices, The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the location information.

12. The aforementioned communication device is a communication device mounted on a vehicle. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that the determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the location information such that the transfer throughput to other communication devices located inside the vehicle is greater than the transfer throughput to other communication devices located outside the vehicle.

13. The aforementioned communication device is a communication device mounted on a vehicle. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that the determination means determines the transfer throughput based on the location information such that the transfer throughput to another communication device located in the driver's seat or passenger seat of the vehicle is greater than the transfer throughput to another communication device located in the rear seat of the vehicle.

14. The aforementioned communication device operates as an access point, The aforementioned other communication device operates as a station. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for controlling a communication device that can relay data acquired via a network to one or more other communication devices, A step of acquiring information on the maximum throughput of the aforementioned communication device, A connection step of connecting to one or more other communication devices, A determination step of determining the transfer throughput for transferring data to each of the one or more other communication devices based on the number of connected devices and the maximum throughput information, A method for controlling a communication device, characterized by having the following features.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the communication device described in claim 15.

17. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the communication device described in claim 15.

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