Information processing device and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a communication system. A system capable of rapidly transmitting information is provided. An information processing device having a first communication module utilizing a cellular communication network and a second communication module utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network performs predetermined processing related to communication performed by the first communication module when first data is received via the second communication module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mobile communications. Background Art

[0002] Systems that collect information using an in-vehicle computer have become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-167557 Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system capable of rapidly transmitting information.

[0007] One scheme of an implementation method of the present disclosure is an information processing device, comprising: a first communication module, utilizing a cellular communication network; a second communication module, utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network; and a control unit, which performs predetermined processing related to the communication performed by the first communication module when first data is received via the second communication module.

[0008] One scheme of an implementation of the present disclosure is an information processing device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal having a first communication module and a second communication module, wherein the information processing device has a control unit that, when a predetermined trigger occurs, sends first data that enables the use of the first communication module to the mobile terminal that communicates using the second communication module.

[0009] One scheme of an implementation of the present disclosure is a communication system, comprising: a first device, having a first communication module utilizing a cellular communication network, and a second communication module utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network; and a second device, wherein the second device, when a predetermined trigger occurs, sends first data that enables utilization of the first communication module to the first device utilizing the second communication module for communication, and the first device, when receiving the first data, attaches to the cellular communication network.

[0010] In addition, another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the method executed by the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program non-temporarily.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a system capable of rapidly transmitting information can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining components included in the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functional blocks of the control unit.

[0015] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functional blocks included in the server device.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the components of the system.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the process performed in step S10.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a process of attaching a DCM to a cellular communication network.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process executed in step S30.

[0021] (Explanation of symbols)

[0022] 10: vehicle; 20: server device; 100: DCM; 200: vehicle-mounted device; 300: ECU; 101, 201, 21: control unit; 102, 202, 22: storage unit; 103, 203, 23: communication unit; 104, 204: input and output unit; 110: first communication module; 120: second communication module; 130: GPS antenna; 140: GPS module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In recent years, cars with Internet access have become popular. Providing Internet access through an on-board device can provide emergency support services and safety-related services. Such a device is also called a data communication module (DCM). DCM can communicate using communication standards such as cellular communication and wireless LAN.

[0024] The communication standards used by DCM have the problem of not providing communication opportunities equally. For example, a vehicle that has signed a communication contract for cellular communication can always communicate while driving, while a vehicle that has not signed the contract cannot communicate unless it is within the service area of ​​a public wireless LAN.

[0025] The information processing device according to the present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0026] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0027] A first communication module utilizes a cellular communication network;

[0028] a second communication module, utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network; and

[0029] The control unit performs a predetermined process related to the communication performed by the first communication module when receiving the first data via the second communication module.

[0030] The information processing device according to the present disclosure is typically a communication device mounted on a vehicle.

[0031] The information processing device has a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module is a communication module that uses a cellular communication network (mobile communication network), and the second communication module is a communication module that uses a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network. The second communication module communicates using a public wireless LAN network, a road-to-vehicle communication network, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication network, etc., for example, through communication standards such as IEEE802.11, DSRC, and millimeter wave communication.

[0032] By using the cellular communication network, stable communication can be performed even when moving. However, in order to use the cellular communication network, it is necessary to conclude a communication contract and pay a usage fee, so the user of the vehicle may use the device without concluding a communication contract.

[0033] On the other hand, although networks such as public wireless LANs are available for free, communication is not possible in places where there are no access points. Furthermore, when such networks use wireless communication standards that cannot be handed over, communication may be interrupted as the vehicle moves.

[0034] When receiving the first data via the second communication module, the control unit performs a predetermined process related to the communication performed by the first communication module. The predetermined process may be, for example, a process of temporarily opening a cellular line for important communication.

[0035] The first data is typically data notifying that an event has occurred in which the module used for communication should be switched from the second communication module to the first communication module. Examples of such data include data notifying that an earthquake has occurred, a disaster has occurred, or an important recall of a vehicle has occurred.

[0036] Furthermore, when the user has not concluded a contract for utilizing the first communication module, the first communication module may be temporarily connected to the cellular communication network using temporary contract information.

[0037] According to the above configuration, when an emergency such as a disaster occurs, the vehicle can temporarily use the cellular communication network, and a stable communication environment can be provided.

[0038] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a device that transmits the first data.

[0039] Specifically, the device includes a control unit that transmits first data for enabling the use of the first communication module to a mobile terminal that communicates using the second communication module when a predetermined trigger occurs.

[0040] As described above, the first data may be data indicating switching of the communication module, or may be data (contract information, etc.) for activating the first communication module.

[0041] The predetermined trigger may be, for example, an instance in which it occurs when it is determined that the mobile terminal (vehicle) needs to perform important communication.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to these unless otherwise specified.

[0043] (First Embodiment)

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle system according to the first embodiment will be described below. The vehicle system according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 10 and a server device 20 .

[0045] The vehicle 10 is a networked car having a communication function with an external network. The vehicle 10 is configured to include a DCM (Data Communication Module) 100, an onboard device 200, and an electronic control unit 300 (also referred to as an ECU). Figure 1 Although a single ECU 300 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 10 may include a plurality of ECUs 300 .

[0046] DCM100 is a device that wirelessly communicates with an external network. DCM100 functions as a gateway for connecting components (hereinafter referred to as vehicle components) of the vehicle 10 to the external network. For example, DCM100 can provide access to the external network for the vehicle-mounted device 200 and ECU300 of the vehicle 10. Thus, the vehicle-mounted device 200 and ECU300 can communicate with external devices connected to the network via DCM100.

[0047] DCM100 is configured to communicate using two communication paths, namely a mobile communication network and a local network. The mobile communication network is a communication network using a cellular network (hereinafter referred to as a cellular communication network), and a communication contract is required for use. When using a cellular communication network, the vehicle 10 can access an external network even when it is moving.

[0048] The local network is, for example, a network provided at a predetermined access point such as a wireless LAN network. The vehicle 10 can access an external network only within a range where wireless communication with the access point is possible.

[0049] DCM100 is configured to store contract information for using the cellular communication network, and communicates via the cellular communication network when there is valid contract information related to the communication contract concluded with the user. If there is no contract information, DCM100 accesses the external network only via the local network.

[0050] The vehicle-mounted device 200 is a device that provides information to the passengers of the vehicle. The vehicle-mounted device 200 is also called a vehicle navigation device, an infotainment device, or a car audio head unit. The vehicle-mounted device 200 can provide navigation and entertainment to the passengers of the vehicle 10. The vehicle-mounted device 200 can also download traffic information, road map data, music, moving images, etc. through the DCM 100.

[0051] The server device 20 is a device that can provide information to the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the server device 20 provides information of high urgency, such as information related to disasters and information related to vehicle safety. Examples of information related to disasters include information related to the occurrence of disasters, information related to evacuation, and information related to lifelines. In addition, examples of information related to vehicle safety include recall information. Upon receiving such information, the DCM 100 mounted on the vehicle 10 provides the information via the vehicle-mounted device 200.

[0052] Furthermore, the server device 20 may be capable of distributing data related to vehicle safety. Examples of such data include software for updating the ECU.

[0053] Figure 21 is a diagram for explaining components of a vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment. The vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment includes a DCM 100 , an onboard device 200 , and a plurality of ECUs 300A, 300B, ... (hereinafter collectively referred to as ECUs 300 ).

[0054] The ECU 300 may include a plurality of ECUs that manage different vehicle components. Examples of the plurality of ECUs include a body ECU, an engine ECU, a hybrid ECU, and a powertrain ECU.

[0055] The DCM 100 includes a first communication module 110 , a second communication module 120 , a GPS antenna 130 , a GPS module 140 , a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , and a communication unit 103 .

[0056] The first communication module 110 is a communication module for communicating with the outside through cellular communication. The first communication module 110 is configured to include an antenna element for inputting and outputting wireless signals. In this embodiment, the antenna element is an example suitable for mobile communication (such as 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.).

[0057] The second communication module 120 is a communication module that communicates with the outside through a communication standard other than cellular communication. As the communication standard that can be adopted by the second communication module 120, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), millimeter wave communication, etc. can be exemplified. The second communication module 120 is similar to the first communication module 110 and is configured to include an antenna element for inputting and outputting wireless signals. In addition, the antenna can also be configured to include multiple physical antennas. For example, in the case of mobile communication using high-frequency radio waves such as microwaves and millimeter waves, in order to achieve stabilization of communication, multiple antennas can also be dispersedly configured.

[0058] The GPS antenna 130 is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also referred to as a GNSS satellite).

[0059] The GPS module 140 is a module that calculates location information based on a signal received through the GPS antenna 130 .

[0060] The control unit 101 is a calculation unit that realizes various functions of the DCM 100 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 101 may be realized by, for example, a CPU or the like.

[0061] The control unit 101 performs a function of mediating communication between an external network and a component (vehicle component) of the vehicle 10. For example, when a certain vehicle component needs to communicate with an external network, the control unit 101 performs a function of relaying data sent from the vehicle component to the external network. In addition, the control unit 101 performs a function of receiving data sent from the external network and forwarding the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 101 can execute functions inherent to the device. For example, the control unit 101 is configured to execute a monitoring function and a call function of a security system, and can perform safety notifications and emergency notifications based on triggers occurring in the vehicle.

[0063] The storage unit 102 is a memory device including a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. By loading the programs stored therein into the main storage device and executing them, various functions that meet the predetermined purpose as described later can be realized.

[0064] The communication unit 103 is an interface unit for connecting the DCM 100 to the vehicle network. In the present embodiment, a plurality of vehicle components including the vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300 are connected to each other via the bus 400 of the vehicle network. As a standard of the vehicle network, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) can be exemplified. In addition, in the case where the vehicle network is a network using multiple standards, the communication unit 103 may also have multiple interface devices that conform to the standards of the communication destination. As a communication standard other than CAN, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) can be exemplified.

[0065] In addition, the DCM 100 may be configured to be able to operate independently of other components of the vehicle 10. For example, an auxiliary battery may be built into the DCM 100 so that it can operate independently without relying on an external power supply. According to the above structure, even if other components of the vehicle 10 malfunction (e.g., poor power supply, etc.) due to a traffic accident, etc., emergency notifications can be made.

[0066] Next, the functions executed by the control unit 101 will be described. Figure 3A 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the functional blocks of the control unit 101. The functional blocks of the control unit 101 can be realized by the control unit 101 executing a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM.

[0067] The data relay unit 1011 relays data sent and received between vehicle components. For example, it receives a message sent by a first device connected to the vehicle network and forwards the message to a second device connected to the vehicle network as needed. The first and second devices may be the ECU 300 or other vehicle components.

[0068] In addition, when receiving a message addressed to an external network from a vehicle component, the data relay unit 1011 relays the message to the external network. In addition, the data relay unit 1011 receives data sent from the external network and transfers the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

[0069] When an abnormal situation occurs in the vehicle 10, the emergency notification unit 1012 makes an emergency notification to the operator outside the vehicle. As an example of an abnormal situation, a traffic accident or a vehicle breakdown can be cited. When a predetermined trigger such as the pressing of a call button provided in the vehicle or the deployment of an airbag occurs, the emergency notification unit 1012 can start to contact the operator and conduct a conversation between the occupant of the vehicle 10 and the operator. In addition, the emergency notification unit 1012 can also send the location information of the vehicle 10 to the operator during the emergency notification. In this case, the emergency notification unit 1012 can also obtain the location information from the GPS module 140.

[0070] The security management unit 1013 performs security monitoring processing. For example, based on the data received from the ECU 300 that manages the electronic lock of the vehicle 10, the security management unit 1013 detects that the vehicle 10 is not unlocked according to the normal procedure, and sends a security notification to a predetermined device. In addition, the location information of the vehicle 10 may also be included in the security notification. In this case, the security management unit 1013 may also obtain the location information from the GPS module 140. The security management unit 1013 may also obtain the location information when it is determined that there is a problem with the safety of the vehicle 10, and periodically send the obtained location information to a pre-specified external device.

[0071] The remote control unit 1014 controls the operation of the components of the vehicle 10 according to the request sent from the outside of the vehicle 10. The components that become the object of remote control are typically air conditioning equipment headed by the vehicle air conditioner, but it can also be air conditioning equipment other than it. For example, seat heaters, steering wheel heaters, defrosters, etc. can also be the objects of remote control. The remote control unit 1014 receives a command for operating the air conditioning of the vehicle 10 from an external network, and operates any device among the multiple air conditioning devices according to the command.

[0072] The information providing unit 1015 receives information sent by the server device 20 and provides it to the passengers. The information provided by the server device 20 is typically the information of high urgency as described above, but the information providing unit 1015 may also receive and output other information. When receiving information of high urgency, the information providing unit 1015 outputs a message, an image, a sound, etc. via the vehicle-mounted device 200. At this time, an interruption may also be imposed on the existing processing. For example, when receiving information of high urgency during the process of providing navigation guidance, the navigation may be interrupted and the received information may be output.

[0073] The update unit 1016 updates the software used by the device (DCM100) or the electronic control unit (ECU300) of the vehicle 10. For example, the update unit 1016 manages the versions of the firmware stored in the plurality of ECU300, and when new firmware is provided by an external device, it is downloaded via the network and executed to be applied to the target device.

[0074] In addition, here, as the functions provided by DCM100, emergency notification function, safety function, remote control function, information provision function, and software update function can be cited, but the functions provided by DCM100 can also be functions other than these. For example, DCM100 can also have a function of performing driving diagnosis, a function of monitoring the state of the driver, a function of performing energy management, etc.

[0075] The line management unit 1017 manages the communication line used by the DCM 100 .

[0076] Here, the communication lines that can be used by DCM100 are described. Figure 1 As shown, the DCM 100 can communicate with the external network through either a communication path using a cellular communication network or a communication path using a local network.

[0077] When there is valid contract information for cellular communication, the line management unit 1017 connects the device to the cellular communication network. When there is no valid contract information, the line management unit 1017 connects only to the local network.

[0078] In addition, when both the cellular communication network and the local network are available, the line management unit 1017 preferentially uses the local network for communication.

[0079] As described above, when a communication contract for utilizing a cellular communication network is not concluded, the DCM 100 communicates using only the local network. However, when only the local network is used, there is a possibility that a delay will occur in the transmission of information when a disaster or an urgent message needs to be transmitted. Furthermore, in an emergency, the occupants of the vehicle 10 cannot communicate with the operator, and there is a possibility that secondary damage will occur.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a message notifying the occurrence of an emergency (hereinafter referred to as an emergency message) is sent from the server device 20, the line management unit 1017 temporarily opens the cellular line using contract information that can be used only under limited conditions. This enables the DCM 100 to perform important communications. The specific method will be described later.

[0081] Figure 3B It is a diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 102 .

[0082] The storage unit 102 is configured to store user contract information 102A and limited contract information 102B. These contract information include an identifier unique to the cellular communication subscriber and a telephone number.

[0083] The user contract information 102A is information related to the communication contract concluded by the user. When valid user contract information 102A is stored, the line management unit 1017 uses the user contract information 102A to attach to the cellular communication network.

[0084] The limited contract information 102B is information about a communication contract that is limitedly used when an emergency is notified. The communication contract is concluded between the vehicle manufacturer and the communication company, for example. Even if the valid user contract information 102A is not stored, the DCM 100 can perform cellular communication in a limited manner under the above situation.

[0085] Return to Figure 2 , describing the vehicle-mounted device 200.

[0086] The vehicle-mounted device 200 is a device that provides information to the passengers of the vehicle 10, and is also called a vehicle navigation system, an infotainment system, or a car audio head unit. The vehicle-mounted device 200 can provide navigation and entertainment to the passengers of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 200 may also have a function of downloading traffic information, road map data, music, moving images, etc. by communicating with an external network of the vehicle 10. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 200 may also be a device that cooperates with a smartphone or the like.

[0087] In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 200 also functions as a front end of the DCM 100. For example, when the DCM 100 executes a predetermined process (such as an emergency notification), the vehicle-mounted device 200 inputs and outputs information related to the process (such as display of the operator's call status, etc.). In addition, when the information providing unit 1015 receives information, it outputs the information.

[0088] The vehicle-mounted device 200 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. In the auxiliary storage device, an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. are stored, and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions that meet the predetermined purpose as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions can also be realized by hardware circuits such as ASIC and FPGA.

[0089] The vehicle-mounted device 200 is configured to include a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , a communication unit 203 , and an input / output unit 204 .

[0090] The control unit 201 is a component that controls the vehicle-mounted device 200. The control unit 201 is composed of an information processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0091] The control unit 201 provides information to the passengers of the vehicle 10 . Examples of the information provided include traffic information, navigation information, music or video, radio broadcasts, digital television broadcasts, etc. The control unit 201 outputs the information via the input / output unit 204 .

[0092] The storage unit 202 is a unit for storing information, and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 202 stores various programs executed by the control unit 201, data used by the programs, and the like.

[0093] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface that connects the in-vehicle device 200 to the bus 400 of the in-vehicle network.

[0094] The input / output unit 204 is a component that accepts input operations performed by the user and provides information to the user. Specifically, it is composed of a touch panel and its control components, a liquid crystal display and its control components. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display are composed of a touch panel display. In addition, the input / output unit 204 may also have a speaker for outputting sound, etc.

[0095] ECU300 is an electronic control unit that controls components of the vehicle 10. There may be multiple ECU300 included in the vehicle 10. Multiple ECU300 control components of different systems such as an engine system, an electrical system, and a powertrain system. ECU300 has a function of generating a predetermined message and periodically sending and receiving the message via the vehicle network.

[0096] In addition, ECU 300 can provide predetermined services by communicating with an external network via DCM 100. Examples of the predetermined services include remote services (e.g., remote air conditioning services), security monitoring services, services that collaborate with smart homes, and automatic parking services (services that automatically drive between parking areas and building entrances).

[0097] Similar to the DCM 100 , the ECU 300 can be configured as a computer including a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a disk drive, or a removable medium.

[0098] The network bus 400 is a communication bus constituting the vehicle network. In this example, one bus is illustrated, but the vehicle 10 may have two or more communication buses. A plurality of communication buses may be connected to each other via the DCM 100 or a gateway that integrates the plurality of communication buses.

[0099] Next, the server device 20 will be described. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the server device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0100] The server device 20 can be configured as a computer including a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or an auxiliary storage device such as a removable medium.

[0101] The server device 20 is configured to include a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0102] The control unit 21 is a computing device that manages the control of the server device 20. The control unit 21 can be realized by a computing processing device such as a CPU.

[0103] The control unit 21 is configured to include, as functional blocks, a data providing unit 211 and a message transmitting unit 212. Each functional block may be realized by executing a stored program with the CPU.

[0104] The data providing unit 211 provides information to the vehicle 10 (DCM100). The provided information may include, for example, information related to disasters and other information of high urgency. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the server device 20 provides information of high urgency, but the server device 20 may also be a device for providing other information (such as traffic information, navigation-related information, etc.) to the DCM100 and the vehicle-mounted device 200.

[0105] The message transmission unit 212 transmits a message notifying the occurrence of an emergency (emergency message) and a message notifying the release of the emergency (release message) to the DCM 100 .

[0106] The emergency message may be transmitted when an emergency such as an earthquake or flood occurs or is expected to occur, or may be transmitted before the timing for distributing important information such as vehicle recall information.

[0107] The emergency message can also be used as an instruction for DCM 100 to connect to the cellular communication network using limited contract information 102B. By sending the emergency message, DCM 100 can temporarily perform cellular communication regardless of whether there is a communication contract.

[0108] The release message is transmitted at a timing when the vehicle 10 does not need to perform important communication. For example, when the emergency message is a message transmitted in conjunction with the issuance of a weather warning or the like, the release message may be transmitted in accordance with the cancellation of the warning.

[0109] The storage unit 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory that develops the program executed by the control unit 21 and the data used by the control program. The auxiliary storage device is a device that stores the program executed by the control unit 21 and the data used by the control program.

[0110] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 20 to the network. The communication unit 23 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0111] Next, an overview of the process in which the server device 20 connects the DCM 100 to the cellular communication network will be described. Figure 5 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process. The flowchart shown in the figure starts when the server device 20 determines that it is necessary to cause the vehicle 10 to perform important communication.

[0112] When it is determined that the vehicle 10 needs to perform important communication, the server device 20 transmits an emergency message to a plurality of vehicles 10 under management. The emergency message is transmitted to the DCM 100 via a local network, for example.

[0113] The vehicle 10 (DCM 100) responds to the emergency message and prepares for cellular communication (step S10). In this step, the DCM 100 determines whether there is valid user contract information 102A. If there is no valid user contract information 102A, the DCM 100 prepares for cellular communication using the limited contract information 102B. Thus, even if the user has not signed a separate communication contract, the cellular communication line can be opened.

[0114] After the cellular communication line is opened, each functional module of DCM100 can communicate via the cellular communication network (step S20). Thus, for example, the emergency notification unit 1012 can always provide a call function with the operator. In addition, the information providing unit 1015 can wait for important information. In addition, the update unit 1016 can receive important data for updating the firmware.

[0115] The other party with which the DCM 100 communicates via the cellular communication network may be the server device 20 or another device on an external network (for example, a device that receives emergency notifications).

[0116] When the server device 20 determines that it is not necessary for the vehicle 10 to perform important communications, the server device 20 transmits a release message to the DCM 100. When receiving the release message, the DCM 100 terminates the use of the limited contract information 102B (step S30). Thus, the DCM 100 is detached from the cellular communication network.

[0117] Figure 6 2 is a flowchart showing the process in step S10 in more detail. The process shown in the figure is executed by the line management unit 1017 included in the DCM 100 .

[0118] First, in step S101, an emergency message is received from the server device 20. The emergency message is received via any one of the cellular communication network and the local network.

[0119] In step S102, it is determined whether the line receiving the emergency message is a cellular line. If it is determined positively, it means that cellular communication is possible, so the process ends. If it is determined negatively, the process moves to step S103.

[0120] In step S103, it is determined whether there is a communication contract related to cellular communication. For example, if the user contract information 102A is stored in the storage unit 102, this step is determined to be positive. Here, if there is a communication contract related to cellular communication, the processing is transferred to step S104, and it is determined to attach to the cellular communication network using the user contract information 102A. In addition, if the attachment to the cellular communication network has already been performed, this step can also be skipped.

[0121] If there is no communication contract related to cellular communication, the process proceeds to step S105, and it is determined to attach to the cellular communication network using the limited contract information 102B.

[0122] Next, a description will be given of a process for attaching to a cellular communication network.

[0123] Figure 7 The figure is a diagram for explaining a process in which the first communication module 110 of the DCM 100 attaches the device to a cellular communication network.

[0124] First, in step S201, contract information is obtained, and an attach request including the contract information is generated. The generated attach request is sent to an MME (Mobility Management Entity) which is a control node included in a cellular communication network.

[0125] In step S202, the MME sends the contract information included in the attach request to the HSS (Home Subscriber Server) which is a node for managing subscriber information, and requests authentication. If the authentication is successful, the terminal location registration is performed.

[0126] In step S203, MME determines the service gateway (SGW) based on the APN (Access Point Name) information and requests the SGW to set up a bearer. In addition, based on the response from the SGW, the MME sends a wireless bearer setting request to the DCM 100. When the DCM 100 responds to it, communication via the cellular communication network begins.

[0127] On the other hand, when the server device 20 transmits a release message to the DCM 100 , the DCM 100 stops the attachment to the cellular communication network using the limited contract information.

[0128] The release message is sent, for example, when the following conditions are met.

[0129] (1) When it is determined that the situation is not a pre-determined emergency situation

[0130] For example, a predetermined time has passed since an earthquake occurred or a weather warning has been lifted.

[0131] (2) When it is determined that important communication has been completed

[0132] For example, when recall information is sent or ECU firmware is sent.

[0133] Figure 8 Detailed description of the process performed in step S30 by the DCM 100 that has received the release message.

[0134] First, in step S301, a release message transmitted by the server device 20 is received. The release message is received via the cellular line.

[0135] In step S302, the device determines whether the device is attached to the cellular communication network using the limited contract information. If the determination is negative, the process ends. If the determination is positive, the process moves to step S303 to detach from the cellular communication network.

[0136] Thus, the cellular communication using the limited contract information ends.

[0137] As described above, the DCM 100 involved in this embodiment stores contract information (limited contract information) that is limited to use under predetermined conditions, and when an emergency message is received, the limited contract information is used to attach to the cellular communication network. According to the above method, during the period when a high-urgency communication is to be performed, the vehicle 10 can be connected to the cellular communication network to send and receive data.

[0138] For example, when the DCM 100 uses only the local network, communication is interrupted when the vehicle 10 starts moving. However, by connecting the DCM 100 to the cellular communication network, data transmission and reception can be continued.

[0139] (Modification of the first embodiment)

[0140] In the first embodiment, cellular communication is exemplified as one of the communication standards used by DCM 100, but DCM 100 may use other communication standards. For example, DCM 100 may communicate using a first communication channel and a second communication channel having a narrower communication range than the first communication channel.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the server device 20 sends an emergency message to all vehicles 10. However, if the server device 20 knows whether or not there is a communication contract for a plurality of vehicles 10, the emergency message may be sent only to vehicles 10 without a communication contract. In addition, a release message may be sent only to the vehicle 10 to which the emergency message was sent.

[0142] In the first embodiment, the server device 20 transmits the emergency message, and the DCM 100 responds thereto and starts using the limited contract information. However, the limited contract information may be included in the emergency message.

[0143] In the first embodiment, DCM 100 separates from the cellular communication network in response to the release message, but the separation process may be executed based on other triggers. For example, separation may be executed when a predetermined period has passed since the emergency message was received and DCM 100 determines that the reception of the necessary data has been completed. In addition, DCM 100 may receive detailed information about the necessary data from server device 20 in advance.

[0144] (Other Modifications)

[0145] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0146] For example, the processes and components described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0147] In addition, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be performed by one device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change what hardware structure (server structure) is used to implement each function.

[0148] The present disclosure can also be implemented in the following manner: a computer program installed with the functions described in the above embodiment is supplied to a computer, and one or more processors of the computer read out and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: A first communication module utilizes a cellular communication network; a second communication module, utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network; and a control unit configured to obtain first contract information as information related to a communication contract concluded with a user and second contract information as information related to a communication contract valid under limited conditions, which is used by the first communication module; When the control unit receives the first data via the second communication module, it determines whether the first data is received using the cellular communication network. In the case where the first data is not received using the cellular communication network, further determining whether the first contract information can be obtained, When the first contract information can be obtained, the first contract information is used to perform predetermined processing related to communication performed by the first communication module. When the first contract information cannot be obtained, the second contract information is used to perform predetermined processing related to communication performed by the first communication module.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined process is a process of attaching to the cellular communication network.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit performs separation from the cellular communication network when a predetermined trigger occurs.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The trigger occurs when the control unit receives second data via the second communication module.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein: The first data includes information notifying that an emergency has occurred, and the second data includes information notifying that the emergency has been resolved.

6. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The trigger occurs when the control unit completes receiving predetermined data via the first communication module.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined process is a process of attaching to the cellular communication network using the second contract information.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit performs the predetermined process on the condition that the valid first contract information cannot be obtained.

9. An information processing device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal having a first communication module utilizing a cellular communication network and a second communication module utilizing a wireless communication network that cannot be switched, wherein: The information processing device includes a control unit. When a predetermined trigger occurs, the control unit sends the first data that enables the use of the first communication module to the mobile terminal that communicates using the second communication module, so that the mobile terminal, in the absence of the first contract information that is information related to the communication contract concluded with the user, uses the second contract information that is information related to the communication contract that is valid under limited conditions to perform predetermined processing related to the communication with the first communication module.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: The first data includes an instruction for the mobile terminal to attach to the cellular communication network.

11. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: The first data includes an instruction for the mobile terminal to attach to the cellular communication network using the second contract information.

12. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: The first data includes the second contract information, and the control unit causes the mobile terminal to attach to the cellular communication network using the second contract information.

13. A communication system comprising: A first device having a first communication module utilizing a cellular communication network and a second communication module utilizing a wireless communication network other than the cellular communication network; as well as A second device, wherein When a predetermined trigger occurs, the second device transmits first data for enabling the first communication module to be used, to the first device communicating with the second communication module. When receiving the first data, the first device determines whether the first data is received using the cellular communication network. When the first data is not received using the cellular communication network, the first device further determines whether first contract information, which is information related to a communication contract concluded with a user, can be obtained. When the first contract information can be obtained, the first contract information is used to attach to the cellular communication network. When the first contract information cannot be obtained, the second contract information, which is information related to a communication contract that is valid under limited conditions, is used to attach to the cellular communication network.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein: When a second trigger occurs, the second device sends second data to the first device. When receiving the second data, the first device detaches from the cellular communication network.

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