Communication system, fixed terminal and mobile terminal

Abstract

This communication system comprises: a fixed terminal provided with a first communication unit that performs wireless communication by a first communication method, and a first control unit that controls the first communication unit; and a mobile terminal provided with a second communication unit that performs wireless communication by the first communication method, a second control unit that controls the second communication unit, and a storage unit. The first control unit transmits identification information specific to the mobile terminal to which the first communication unit is connected to the mobile terminal, disconnects the connection with the mobile terminal after the transmission, specifies the mobile terminal using the identification information, and reconnects with the mobile terminal. The second control unit stores identification information acquired through communication with the fixed terminal by the second communication unit, and after communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected, the second communication unit is reconnected with the fixed terminal in response to reception of identification information matching the stored identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, a fixed terminal and a mobile terminal. Background Art

[0002] A parking lot fee payment system is known that performs cashless payment of fees when leaving a parking lot. In a conventional parking lot fee payment system, for example, fee payment is generally performed using a device such as an NFC card that stores information required for payment such as identification information in a built-in memory and performs near field radio communication (NFC).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2022-79566A Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In a parking fee payment system according to the known art, an occupant such as a vehicle driver needs to open a vehicle window or get out of the vehicle to contact an NFC card or the like with a payment terminal when paying the fee. In a parking fee payment system according to the known art, for example, in an outdoor parking lot, this may result in a loss of convenience in bad weather such as rainy days or extreme cold.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system, a fixed terminal, and a mobile terminal that enable cashless payments while the occupants of a vehicle remain in the vehicle.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a fixed terminal, the fixed terminal includes a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication in a first communication method, and a first control unit configured to control communication performed by the first communication unit; and a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal includes a second communication unit configured to perform wireless communication in the first communication method, a second control unit configured to control communication performed by the second communication unit, and a storage unit, wherein the first control unit: generates identification information specific to the mobile terminal connected through communication performed by the first communication unit, and sends the generated identification information to the mobile terminal; after sending the identification information, disconnects the connection with the mobile terminal; and in the communication performed by the first communication unit, specifies the mobile terminal by using the identification information and reconnects to the mobile terminal, and the second control unit: stores the identification information obtained through communication with the fixed terminal performed by the second communication unit in the storage unit; and after the communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected by the fixed terminal, in response to receiving identification information matching the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnects with the fixed terminal through the second communication unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of payment processing of a parking lot fee payment system using near field radio communication according to the prior art.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of the burden on the user in the parking fee payment process according to the conventional technology.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the difficulty of selecting and connecting a specific device from among unspecified multiple devices in communication using BLE according to the related art.

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating communication processing according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the principle of distance measurement through UWB.

[0017] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a mobile terminal applicable to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a parking lot payment terminal applicable to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a parking lot payment terminal according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a typical connection process using a combination of UWB and BLE.

[0022] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a positional relationship between a mobile terminal and a parking lot payment terminal in each stage of a typical connection process using a combination of UWB and BLE.

[0023] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a parking fee payment area.

[0024] Fig.14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a parking lot payment terminal performs UWB ranging for a plurality of mobile terminals.

[0025] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the packet structure of the link layer in BLE.

[0026] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram illustrating frequency bands allocated to UWB communication.

[0027] Fig.17A is a schematic diagram for illustrating the connection of UWB devices in a case where there is a passage of general pedestrians near a parking lot payment terminal.

[0028] Fig. 17B is a schematic diagram for illustrating the connection of UWB devices in a case where there is a passage of general pedestrians near a parking lot payment terminal.

[0029] Fig.18A is a schematic diagram for illustrating that communication between a vehicle and a parking lot payment terminal is delayed due to the presence of multiple mobile terminals outside the vehicle.

[0030] Fig.18B is a schematic diagram for illustrating that communication between a vehicle and a parking lot payment terminal is delayed due to the presence of multiple mobile terminals outside the vehicle.

[0031] Fig.19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of BLE reconnection processing in a case where there is one connection target according to the embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of BLE reconnection processing in a case where there are a plurality of connection targets according to the embodiment.

[0033] Fig.21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second UUID value according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 22 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog screen for connection permission confirmation applicable to the embodiment.

[0035] Fig.23 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND applicable to the embodiment.

[0036] Fig.24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether a mobile terminal is located in a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig.25 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND applicable to the embodiment.

[0038] Fig.26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of a mobile terminal based on a vehicle-mounted state according to an embodiment.

[0039] Fig.27A is a schematic diagram for illustrating limiting the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging through the process according to the embodiment.

[0040] Fig.27B is a schematic diagram for illustrating limiting the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging through the process according to the embodiment.

[0041] Fig.28 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the architecture of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following order.

[0044] 1. Overview of the embodiments according to the present disclosure

[0045] 2. Prior Art

[0046] 3. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure

[0047] 3-1. Configuration applicable to the embodiment

[0048] 3-2. Detailed description of the embodiment

[0049] 3-2-1. Processing until UWB ranging

[0050] 3-2-1-1. Example when there is one target

[0051] 3-2-1-2. Example of a situation where there are multiple targets

[0052] 3-2-2. Problems when combining UWB and BLE

[0053] 3-2-2-1. Specifying the connection destination for BLE reconnection

[0054] 3-2-2-2. Limitation of the number of UWB devices that undergo UWB ranging

[0055] 3-2-3. BLE reconnection process

[0056] 3-2-3-1. Example when there is one target

[0057] 3-2-3-2. Example of a situation where there are multiple targets

[0058] 3-2-4. Terminal determination in vehicle

[0059] 3-3. Architecture applicable to the embodiment

[0060] 4. Other embodiments

[0061] (1. Overview of Embodiments According to the Present Disclosure)

[0062] First, an overview of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a communication system according to the present disclosure is applied to a parking lot fee payment system that performs communication for parking lot fee payment.

[0063] exist Figure 1In the present invention, a parking fee payment system 1 includes a mobile terminal 10, a parking payment terminal 20 as a fixed terminal, and a payment server 30. The parking payment terminal 20 is communicably connected to the payment server 30 via a network 2 such as the Internet. The mobile terminal 10 is, for example, a terminal device carried by an occupant of a vehicle using a parking lot. Applicable examples of the mobile terminal 10 include an information processing device that is portable and capable of wireless communication of a predetermined method, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0064] The parking lot payment terminal 20 sends instructions to the gate 21 according to the payment operation of the user (e.g., the occupant of the vehicle using the parking lot), and controls the opening / closing of the barrier 21a. The user can directly operate the operating tool set in the parking lot payment terminal 20 to perform the payment operation, or can place an NFC card with a near field radio communication (NFC) function on an NFC reader set in the payment terminal 20 in the parking lot to perform the payment operation.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the payment operation for the parking lot payment terminal 20 is performed using the mobile terminal 10. That is, the parking lot fee payment system 1 according to the embodiment implements the payment operation using the mobile terminal 10 through wireless communication between the mobile terminal 10 located in the vehicle using the parking lot and the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0066] More specifically, the parking lot payment terminal 20 communicates with the mobile terminal 10 by the first communication method using wireless communication, generates unique identification information, sends the unique identification information to the mobile terminal 10, and temporarily disconnects the communication. After disconnecting the communication with the mobile terminal 10, when it is detected that the mobile terminal 10 has entered the predetermined parking lot fee payment area defined in the parking lot payment terminal 20, the parking lot payment terminal 20 reconnects the communication with the mobile terminal 10 by the first communication method, exchanges information required for payment with the mobile terminal 10, and performs a payment operation.

[0067] When the payment operation using the mobile terminal 10 is successful, the parking lot payment terminal 20 opens the barrier 21 a and allows the vehicle including the mobile terminal 10 to leave the parking lot or enter the parking lot.

[0068] In this way, in an embodiment according to the present disclosure, for example, a user can pay the parking fee while staying in the car without holding the NFC card on the NFC reader of the parking payment terminal 20 or operating the operating tool on the parking payment terminal 20 outside the car.

[0069] The above-mentioned first communication method can be implemented by applying Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is one of the extended specifications of Bluetooth (registered trademark) as a near-field radio communication technology, capable of communicating with extremely low power. In addition, the detection of the mobile terminal 10 entering the parking fee payment area can use distance measurement by communication using an ultra-wideband wireless system (hereinafter referred to as UWB). The distance measurement method using UWB will be described later.

[0070] (2. Prior Art)

[0071] Next, for ease of understanding, an example of a parking lot fee payment operation according to the related art will be described.

[0072] Some parking lot fee payment terminals in the prior art not only pay by cash, but also pay by near field radio communication using a mobile terminal or NFC card owned by the user. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the user refers to an occupant of a vehicle, such as a driver or a passenger in the vehicle.

[0073] The NFC card has a card-shaped housing to accommodate a processor, a memory, a transmission / reception circuit, and an antenna circuit for communication using near field radio communication (NFC). The user taps or holds the NFC card on the NFC reader to enable communication between the NFC card and the NFC reader.

[0074] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of payment processing of a parking lot fee payment system using near field radio communication according to the prior art. Figure 2 The parking fee payment system shown in the diagram includes an NFC terminal 10a and a parking payment terminal 20a. The NFC terminal 10a and the parking payment terminal 20a correspond to Figure 1 The parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 are shown in the diagram.

[0075] The NFC terminal 10a, which is a terminal capable of communicating via NFC, corresponds to the above-mentioned NFC card or a mobile terminal having an NFC card emulation function. The parking lot payment terminal 20a includes a payment control unit 2200 and an NFC reader 2210. The NFC reader 2210 performs near-field radio communication with the NFC terminal 10a present within a certain distance. According to the communication with the NFC terminal 10a through the NFC reader 2210 or the user's direct operation (such as the insertion of cash), the payment control unit 2200, for example, communicates with a payment server (not shown) and performs parking lot fee payment processing.

[0076] exist Figure 2In the example, when the vehicle 40 arrives in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20a, in step S1000, the parking lot payment terminal 20a detects the arrival of the vehicle 40. At this time, the barrier 21a is closed to prohibit the vehicle 40 from passing through the gate 21. In response to detecting the arrival of the vehicle 40, the parking lot payment terminal 20a starts the payment process (step S1001). On the other hand, for example, the user in the vehicle 40 opens the window of the vehicle 40 on the NFC reader 2210 side, brings the NFC terminal 10a close to the NFC reader 2210, and taps the NFC terminal 10a onto the NFC reader 2210 (step S1002).

[0077] When the payment process starts in step S1001, the NFC reader 2210 performs discovery on the tapped NFC terminal 10a (step S1003), and the NFC terminal 10a returns a response to the NFC reader 2210 according to the discovery (step S1004). This establishes a communication connection between the NFC reader 2210 and the NFC terminal 10a, thereby enabling execution of the parking fee payment communication sequence in step S1005.

[0078] When the payment processing communication in step S1005 is successful, the NFC reader 2210 transmits a payment status (OK) indicating the success to the payment control unit 2200. The payment control unit 2200 issues a door opening instruction to the gate 21 according to the payment status. The gate 21 opens the barrier 21a in response to the instruction. This allows the vehicle 40 to pass through the gate 21.

[0079] The payment process of the parking fee according to the above prior art may bring a burden to the user. That is, in order to hold (or tap) the NFC terminal 10a on the parking payment terminal 20a (NFC reader 2210), the user needs to open the window of the vehicle 40 or get out of the vehicle to operate.

[0080] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of the burden of the user in the parking fee payment process according to the prior art. In the case where the parking payment terminal 20a is installed corresponding to a right-hand drive car, and in the case where the vehicle 40 is a right-hand drive car, the user opens the window of the vehicle 40 and holds the NFC terminal 10a over the NFC reader 2210, as in Figure 3 In addition, as shown in the diagram of part (a) of Figure 3 As illustrated in part (b) of FIG. 4 , when the vehicle 40L is a left-hand drive vehicle, it is difficult for the user on the driver's seat to hold the NFC terminal 10a above the NFC reader 2210. This is particularly significant when the vehicle 40L has a large vehicle width or a small vehicle height.

[0081] Thus, the user experience (UX) in bad weather such as rainy days or extremely cold weather, especially in outdoor parking lots, is not satisfactory. It is desirable to be able to process the payment of parking fees without the user opening the window or getting out of the vehicle.

[0082] As a means for eliminating such a situation that imposes a burden on the user, it is conceivable to perform payment processing using communication such as BLE that has a longer communication distance than NFC.

[0083] However, due to the nature of the communication protocol of BLE, it is difficult to select and connect a specific device from among a plurality of unspecified devices, making it difficult to ensure connection with the mobile terminal in the vehicle 40 just in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20a. For example, in the case where there are a plurality of devices capable of BLE communication around the parking lot payment terminal 20a, such as a following vehicle of the vehicle 40 just in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20a and other pedestrians around the parking lot payment terminal 20a, it is difficult for the parking lot payment terminal 20a to specify a communication target.

[0084] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the difficulty of selecting and connecting a specific device from among a plurality of unspecified devices in communication using BLE according to the prior art. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, it is assumed that each user of the vehicle 402 just in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20a, the vehicle 401 as the following vehicle, and the vehicle 403 in front of the vehicle 402 has mobile terminals 10b2, 10b1, and 10b3 capable of BLE communication, respectively. In this case, it is difficult for the BLE communication unit 2211 included in the parking lot payment terminal 20a to specify and connect to a specific terminal from among the mobile terminals 10b1 to 10b3.

[0085] On the other hand, in order to solve the Figure 4 In the situation shown in the diagram, it is conceivable to reduce the number of mobile terminals connected to the BLE communication unit 2211. As a way to reduce the number of connected mobile terminals, BLE connection is allowed under the condition that a payment application installed in the mobile terminal for performing payment through BLE communication is pre-started. This will make it possible to reduce the number of devices capable of BLE communication around the parking lot payment terminal 20a and increase the probability of pairing between the parking lot payment terminal and the correct mobile terminal. However, even with this method, it is difficult to exclude the situation with multiple target mobile terminals, such as terminals in a following vehicle or a vehicle on an opposite lane.

[0086] In addition, in terms of pre-launching a payment application installed on a mobile terminal, one aspect of UX convenience may be impaired compared to an NFC card emulation function of the mobile terminal or a payment method using an NFC card.

[0087] In addition, there is the possibility that the BLE communication unit 2211 is mistakenly connected to the mobile terminal in the vehicle 401 behind or in the vehicle in the opposite lane, rather than the vehicle 402 just in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20a. In this case, the vehicle 402 cannot correctly enter or leave the parking lot.

[0088] (3. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure)

[0089] Next, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment according to the present disclosure, a communication method with a high-precision ranging (distance measurement) function such as UWB is used to specify the position of the mobile terminal 10 through the parking lot payment terminal 20. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10 specifies the position of the parking lot payment terminal 20 through the communication method. This allows the parking lot payment terminal 20 to limit the communication target to the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 located just in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0090] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the communication processing according to the embodiment. The parking lot payment terminal 20 includes a mobile communication unit 22 capable of communication using BLE as a first communication method and communication using UWB as a second communication method. Here, it is assumed that vehicles 401, 402, and 403 having mobile terminals 101, 102, and 103 in each vehicle, respectively, have arrived around the parking lot payment terminal 20. The mobile communication unit 22 is a peripheral device in BLE, and each of the mobile terminals 101 to 103 is a central device.

[0091] The parking lot payment terminal 20 uses the mobile communication unit 22 to perform advertisement in BLE. After receiving the advertisement, the surrounding mobile terminals 101 to 103 return a response to the received advertisement to the mobile communication unit 22. At this time, the scanning of the advertisement by the mobile terminals 101 to 103 is performed at an arbitrary timing. Then, one of the mobile terminals 101 to 103 that successfully receives the advertisement at an appropriate timing returns a response and connects to the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0092] The parking lot payment terminal 20 generates unique identification information and sends it to the connected mobile terminal. In addition, the parking lot payment terminal 20 exchanges parameters for UWB communication (referred to as UWB setting parameters) with the mobile terminal connected at the same time. When the necessary BLE communication is completed, the BLE connection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal is disconnected at this time. When the exchange of UWB setting parameters is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 causes the mobile communication unit 22 to perform distance measurement (ranging) by UWB communication for the mobile terminal with which the UWB setting parameters have been exchanged.

[0093] By sequentially performing this series of processing between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminals 101 to 103 , distance measurement (ranging) using UWB communication is performed between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminals.

[0094] Based on the distance measurement result, the parking lot payment terminal 20 determines the terminal ( Figure 5 The parking lot payment terminal 20 performs a BLE reconnection with the designated mobile terminal 102 and performs communication for payment processing.

[0095] In this way, the embodiment of the present disclosure performs the payment of parking fees by using a communication method with a high-precision distance measurement function and a communication method for sending and receiving payment information. This makes it possible to realize a parking fee payment system 1 that can provide a convenient contactless UX, which does not require operations such as opening a car window or holding a mobile terminal 10 when paying parking fees.

[0096] (Distance measurement via UWB)

[0097] Here, the principle of distance measurement by UWB will be schematically described. Figure 6 2 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the distance measurement principle by UWB. Here, symmetric unilateral two-way ranging will be used as an example for description, which is the simplest ranging method using UWB. The initiator (corresponding to the mobile communication unit 22) sends a UWB frame to the responder (corresponding to the mobile terminals 101, 102 and 103). After a certain length of time t2 corresponding to the processing time, etc. has passed after receiving the UWB frame, the responder sends a UWB frame including the value of time t2 to the initiator.

[0098] The initiator measures the length of time t1 from the time point when the UWB frame is sent to the responder to the time point when the UWB frame sent from the responder is received. The initiator calculates the distance between the initiator and the responder by the following equation (1) using the lengths of time t1 and t2 and the speed of light c.

[0099] Distance = c × (t1-t2) / 2 (1)

[0100] In distance measurement using UWB, the distance measurement method as described above can be used to perform distance measurement with an accuracy of approximately several centimeters (cm) to 20 cm.

[0101] (3-1. Configuration applicable to the embodiment)

[0102] Next, a configuration applicable to the embodiment will be described.

[0103] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of the mobile terminal 10 applicable to the embodiment.

[0104] exist Figure 7 , the mobile terminal 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1000, a read-only memory (ROM) 1001, a random access memory (RAM) 1002, an input control unit 1003, and a display control unit 1004. The mobile terminal 10 also includes a storage device 1005, a communication I / F 1006, a data I / F 1007, a BLE communication I / F 1008, and a UWB communication I / F 1009. These units included in the mobile terminal 10 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 1020.

[0105] The storage device 1005 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. Without being limited thereto, the storage device 1005 may be implemented by using a hard disk drive. The CPU 1000 operates using the RAM 1002 as a working memory according to a program stored in the storage device 1005 or the ROM 1001 to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 10.

[0106] The input device 1013 is a device for receiving user operations, and outputs, for example, a signal corresponding to a position touched by the user. The input control unit 1003 generates a control signal corresponding to the user operation based on the signal output from the input device 1013, and transmits the generated control signal to the CPU 1000 via the bus 1020. Based on the display control information generated by the CPU 1000, the display control unit 1004 generates a display signal that can be supported by the display device 1014, and transmits the generated display signal to the display device 1014. The display device 1014 displays a screen corresponding to the display signal transmitted from the display control unit 1004.

[0107] Note that the input device 1013 and the display device 1014 may be integrally configured as a touch panel to output a signal corresponding to a user operation on an operation screen displayed on the display device 1014 .

[0108] A communication interface (communication I / F) 1006 is an interface for communicating via a communication network such as the Internet by wireless communication under the control of the CPU 1000. A data I / F 1007 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device by, for example, wired communication under the control of the CPU 1000.

[0109] The BLE communication I / F 1008 is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE protocol under the control of the CPU 1000. The UWB communication I / F 1009 is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the UWB protocol under the control of the CPU 1000. The UWB communication I / F 1009 can perform processing related to distance measurement by UWB communication.

[0110] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the mobile terminal 10 according to the embodiment.

[0111] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 includes a mobile terminal control unit 100 , a display unit 101 , an input unit 102 , a BLE communication unit 103 , a UWB communication unit 104 and a storage unit 105 .

[0112] These units, namely, the mobile terminal control unit 100, the display unit 101, the input unit 102, the BLE communication unit 103, the UWB communication unit 104 and the storage unit 105, are constituted by the operation of the payment program of the embodiment on the CPU 1000. Without being limited thereto, some or all of the mobile terminal control unit 100, the display unit 101, the input unit 102, the BLE communication unit 103, the UWB communication unit 104 and the storage unit 105 may be constituted by hardware circuits that operate in cooperation with each other. The payment program may be referred to as a payment application or a payment application.

[0113] The mobile terminal control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 10. For example, the display unit 101 generates display control information and controls display of a screen on the display device 1014. The input unit 102 receives a user operation to the input device 1013 and generates control information corresponding to the user operation.

[0114] The BLE communication unit 103 controls the BLE communication I / F 1008 to perform communication as a central device of BLE. The UWB communication unit 104 controls the UWB communication I / F 1009 to perform communication as a responder of UWB and to perform distance measurement.

[0115] The storage unit 105 controls reading and writing of data from the storage device 1005 and the RAM 1002. Without being limited thereto, the storage unit 105 may control, for example, reading and writing of data from a register included in the CPU 1000. Hereinafter, in order to avoid complexity, reading and writing of data from the storage device 1005 and the RAM 1002 by the storage unit 105 will be described as reading and writing of data by the storage unit 105, etc.

[0116] In the mobile terminal 10, when executing a payment application according to the embodiment, the CPU 1000, for example in the main storage area on the RAM 1002, constitutes each of the above-mentioned mobile terminal control unit 100, display unit 101, input unit 102, BLE communication unit 103, UWB communication unit 104 and storage unit 105 as a module.

[0117] The payment application may be acquired from the outside via a network such as the Internet through communication via the communication I / F 1006, and may be installed on the mobile terminal 10. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the payment application may be provided from the outside via the data I / F 1007. In addition, the payment application may be provided by being stored in a removable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

[0118] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a parking lot payment terminal 20 applicable to the embodiment.

[0119] exist Fig. 9 , the parking lot payment terminal 20 includes a CPU 2000, a ROM 2001, a RAM 2002, an input control unit 2003, and a display control unit 2004. The parking lot payment terminal 20 also includes a storage device 2005, a communication I / F 2006, a door communication I / F 2007, a BLE communication I / F 2008, and a UWB communication I / F 2009. These units included in the parking lot payment terminal 20 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 2020.

[0120] The storage device 2005 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive. The CPU 2000 operates using the RAM 2002 as a working memory in accordance with a program stored in the storage device 2005 or the ROM 2001 to control the overall operation of the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0121] The input device 2013 is a device for receiving user operations, including operating tools such as buttons or touch panels, and outputs signals corresponding to user operations. The input control unit 2003 generates a control signal corresponding to the user operation based on the signal output from the input device 2013, and transmits the generated control signal to the CPU 2000 via the bus 2020. Based on the display control information generated by the CPU 2000, the display control unit 2004 generates a display signal that can be supported by the display device 2014, and transmits the generated display signal to the display device 2014. The display device 1014 displays a screen and a symbol corresponding to the display signal transmitted from the display control unit 2004.

[0122] Note that the input device 2013 and the display device 2014 may be integrally configured as a touch panel to output a signal corresponding to a user operation on an operation screen displayed on the display device 2014 .

[0123] The communication I / F 2006 is an interface for communicating via a communication network such as the Internet by wireless communication under the control of the CPU 2000. The door communication I / F 2007 is an interface for communicating with the gate 21 under the control of the CPU 2000.

[0124] The BLE communication I / F 2008 is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE protocol under the control of the CPU 2000. The UWB communication I / F 2009 is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the UWB protocol under the control of the CPU 2000. The UWB communication I / F 2009 can perform processing related to distance measurement by UWB communication.

[0125] Note that the BLE communication I / F 2008 and the UWB communication I / F 2009 constitute Figure 5 The mobile communication unit 22 is shown in the diagram.

[0126] Fig.10 : is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the parking lot payment terminal 20 according to the embodiment.

[0127] exist Fig.10 In the figure, the parking lot payment terminal 20 includes a payment terminal control unit 200, a display unit 201, an input unit 202, a BLE communication unit 203, a UWB communication / distance measurement unit 204, a door communication unit 205, a payment communication unit 206, a payment processing unit 207 and a storage unit 208.

[0128] These units, namely, the payment terminal control unit 200, the display unit 201, the input unit 202, the BLE communication unit 203, the UWB communication / distance measurement unit 204, the door communication unit 205, the payment communication unit 206, the payment processing unit 207, and the storage unit 208 are constituted by the operation of the payment control program of the embodiment on the CPU 2000. Without being limited thereto, some or all of the payment terminal control unit 200, the display unit 201, the input unit 202, the BLE communication unit 203, the UWB communication / distance measurement unit 204, the door communication unit 205, the payment communication unit 206, the payment processing unit 207, and the storage unit 208 may be constituted by hardware circuits that operate in cooperation with each other.

[0129] The payment terminal control unit 200 controls the overall operation of the parking lot payment terminal 20. For example, the display unit 201 generates display control information and controls display on the display device 2014. The input unit 202 receives a user operation on the input device 2013 and generates control information corresponding to the user operation.

[0130] The BLE communication unit 203 controls the BLE communication I / F 2008 to perform communication as a peripheral device of BLE. The UWB communication / distance measurement unit 204 controls the UWB communication I / F 2009 to perform communication as an initiator of UWB and to perform distance measurement.

[0131] The door communication unit 205 controls the opening / closing of the barrier bar 21a through the gate 21 via the door communication I / F 2007. The payment communication unit 206 controls the communication I / F 2006 to communicate with the payment server 30, for example. The payment processing unit 207 performs payment processing with the mobile terminal 10 based on information obtained from the mobile terminal 10, for example, through the BLE communication unit 203. The payment processing unit 207 can send the processing result of the payment processing to the payment server 30, for example, through the payment communication unit 206.

[0132] The storage unit 208 controls reading and writing of data from the storage device 2005 and the RAM 2002. Without being limited thereto, the storage unit 208 may control, for example, reading and writing of data from a register included in the CPU 2000. Hereinafter, in order to avoid complexity, reading and writing of data from the storage device 2005 and the RAM 2002 by the storage unit 208 will be appropriately described as reading and writing of data by the storage unit 208, etc.

[0133] In the parking lot payment terminal 20, the CPU 2000 executes a payment control program according to the embodiment to constitute each of the above-mentioned payment terminal control unit 200, display unit 201, input unit 202, BLE communication unit 203, UWB communication / distance measurement unit 204, door communication unit 205, payment communication unit 206, payment processing unit 207 and storage unit 208 as a module, for example, on the main storage area in RAM 2002.

[0134] The payment control program should be able to be acquired from the outside via a network such as the Internet through communication via the communication I / F 2006, and can be installed on the parking lot payment terminal 20. Without being limited to this, the payment control program can be provided from the outside via a data I / F (not shown). In addition, the payment control program can be provided by being stored in a removable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

[0135] (3-2. Detailed description of the embodiment)

[0136] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0137] (3-2-1. Processing up to UWB ranging)

[0138] First, the processing up to UWB ranging will be described.

[0139] Compared to, for example, a BLE device that performs communication using BLE, a UWB device that performs communication using UWB consumes more power. Therefore, when a UWB device is used in a battery-driven device such as the mobile terminal 10, in order to suppress the power consumption of the UWB device, communication through the BLE device is generally used as an out-of-band communication path for starting the UWB device and sharing UWB communication setting parameters.

[0140] A typical implementation example is a case where communication uses the following combination: the mobile terminal 10 that can simultaneously perform BLE communication for multiple purposes is used as a central device, while the parking lot payment terminal 20 side is used as a peripheral device.

[0141] In terms of the specification, the parking lot payment terminal 20 as a peripheral device may be allowed to communicate with multiple central devices (mobile terminals 10) in parallel at the same time. However, since the peripheral device cannot control the communication timing, the situation where the peripheral device is connected to multiple central devices in parallel for communication will cause a conflict in the wireless communication timing with the multiple central devices, thereby causing communication errors. Therefore, the peripheral device usually communicates with only one central device.

[0142] (3-2-1-1. Example when there is one target)

[0143] Next, a case where the UWB ranging target is one mobile terminal 10 when payment processing is performed by combining BLE and UWB will be described.

[0144] Here, a typical connection process using a combination of UWB and BLE will be described as an example. Fig.11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a typical connection process using a combination of UWB and BLE. Fig.12 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a positional relationship between the mobile terminal 10 (vehicle 40 ) and the parking lot payment terminal 20 in each stage of a typical connection process using a combination of UWB and BLE.

[0145] In step S100, the parking lot payment terminal 20 searches for the mobile terminal 10 by sending a BLE advertising packet ADV_IND (hereinafter referred to as packet ADV_IND). In response to the packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 10 returns a connection request packet CONNECT_IND (hereinafter referred to as packet CONNECT_IND) to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S101).

[0146] Note that the mobile terminal 10 is held by a passenger of a certain vehicle 40. At the time of step S101, as in Fig.12 As illustrated in part (a) of , a vehicle 40 including a mobile terminal 10 is driving toward a parking lot payment terminal 20 .

[0147] The parking lot payment terminal 20 establishes a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 that has responded to the packet ADV_IND. In step S102, the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 exchange UWB setting parameters using the BLE communication path. The UWB setting parameters exchanged here are parameters required for distance measurement via UWB, and include at least a session ID and address information (media access control address (MAC address) etc.) of the other party's device.

[0148] At the moment of step S102, as in Fig.12 As illustrated in part (b) of , the vehicle 40 including the mobile terminal 10 is driving toward the parking lot payment terminal 20 and is closer to the parking lot payment terminal 20 than at the time of the above-mentioned step S101.

[0149] When the exchange of the UWB setting parameters is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 activate the UWB devices (eg, UWB communication I / Fs 1009 and 2009 ) in steps S103 a and S103 b , respectively.

[0150] In step S104, the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal 10 and starts distance measurement by UWB. Hereinafter, distance measurement by UWB may be referred to as UWB ranging.

[0151] At the moment of step S104, as in Fig.12 As shown in the diagram in part (c), the vehicle 40 including the mobile terminal 10 is still driving towards the parking lot payment terminal 20 and is closer to the parking lot payment terminal 20 than at the moment of the above step S102. In addition, the parking lot payment terminal 20 has begun to measure the distance of the vehicle 40 (mobile terminal 10) through UWB ranging.

[0152] When the parking lot payment terminal 20 detects through UWB ranging that the mobile terminal 10 has entered the designated range (parking lot fee payment area) where the parking lot payment terminal 20 is to perform payment communication (step S105), the parking lot payment terminal 20 uses the BLE communication path to perform payment communication (step S106).

[0153] Fig.13 is a diagram used to illustrate parking fee payment areas. Fig.13 As shown in the diagram, a range within a predetermined radius R centered on the mobile communication unit 22 is set as the parking fee payment area 50. The parking payment terminal 20 determines whether the mobile terminal 10 has entered the parking fee payment area 50 based on the distance to the mobile terminal 10 obtained by UWB ranging (distance measurement) performed by the mobile communication unit 22.

[0154] Fig.12 Part (d) in illustratively illustrates a state where the vehicle 40 (mobile terminal 10) has entered the parking fee payment area 50 and arrived just in front of the parking payment terminal 20. The vehicle 40 temporarily stops, for example, at a position just in front of the parking payment terminal 20, waiting for normal termination of payment communication.

[0155] When the payment communication in step S106 is terminated normally, the UWB connection and the BLE connection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 are disconnected (step S107). After the processing of step S107, the barrier 21a is opened under the control of the gate 21 of the parking lot payment terminal 20, so that Fig.12 As illustrated in part (e) of the diagram, the vehicle 40 including the mobile terminal 10 is enabled to enter or leave the parking lot.

[0156] (Processing when multiple mobile terminals exist around a parking lot payment terminal)

[0157] Next, a process in a case where a plurality of mobile terminals 10 exist around the parking lot payment terminal 20 will be described.

[0158] In the case of communicating using both UWB and BLE as described above, due to the nature of the BLE communication protocol, it is difficult to select and connect a specific device from among multiple unspecified devices existing within the communicable range of BLE when address information, etc., is unknown. Thus, in the case where multiple mobile terminals 10 exist around the parking lot payment terminal 20, there is a high possibility that a connection with a desired mobile terminal 10 located in a vehicle that arrives right in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20 will fail.

[0159] This problem can be solved by the parking lot payment terminal 20 performing BLE and UWB communications with a plurality of surrounding mobile terminals 10 to search for and connect to a mobile terminal 10 that may be a payment communication target.

[0160] It is ideal to enable UWB ranging with all mobile terminals 10 that are located around the parking lot payment terminal 20 and may become payment communication targets. However, since the parking lot payment terminal 20 is a peripheral device in BLE, it is difficult to simultaneously perform BLE communication with multiple mobile terminals 10 as described above. It is also conceivable to install multiple BLE peripheral devices on the parking lot payment terminal 20, but this lacks economic rationality and is considered impractical.

[0161] In order to perform UWB ranging for multiple mobile terminals 10, the following methods can be envisaged: wherein the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB ranging for multiple mobile terminals 10 according to the reference Fig.11 The described sequence performs UWB ranging for one mobile terminal 10, then disconnects the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10, and then searches for another mobile terminal 10 through BLE advertising again.

[0162] (3-2-1-2. Example of a case where there are multiple targets)

[0163] Next, a case where the UWB ranging target is a plurality of mobile terminals 10 when payment processing is performed by combining BLE and UWB will be described.

[0164] Fig.14 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB ranging for a plurality of mobile terminals 10 .

[0165] exist Fig.14 For example, the processing in steps S200a-1 to S205-1 is similar to that in reference Fig.11 The processing in steps S100 to S104 is described.

[0166] In steps S200a-1 to S200c-1, the parking lot payment terminal 20 searches for mobile terminals 101, 102, 103, ... by sending a BLE packet ADV_IND. In response to the packet ADV_IND, among the mobile terminals 101, 102, 103, ..., for example, the mobile terminal 101 returns a packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S201-1).

[0167] The parking lot payment terminal 20 establishes a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 that has responded to the packet ADV_IND. In step S202-1, the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101 exchange UWB setting parameters using the BLE communication path.

[0168] When the exchange of UWB setting parameters with the mobile terminal 101 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 activates the UWB device in step S203. Similarly, when the exchange of UWB setting parameters with the parking lot payment terminal 20 is completed, the mobile terminal 101 activates the UWB device in step S204-1.

[0169] In step S205-1, the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal 10 and starts UWB ranging. The UWB ranging of the mobile terminal 101 is performed through the UWB device of the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S206-1). When the UWB ranging is started and performed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the operation code LL_TERMINAE_IND to the mobile terminal 101 and disconnects the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 101 (step S207-1).

[0170] Note that the UWB ranging of the mobile terminal 101 by the parking lot payment terminal 20 started in step S205 - 1 is continuously performed.

[0171] After disconnecting the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 101 in step S207-1, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the BLE packet ADV_IND again (steps S200a-2 and S200b-2) and starts searching for another mobile terminal 10 (in this example, mobile terminals 102, 103, ...). For example, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 102 returns the packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 in response to the packet ADV_IND (step S201-1).

[0172] Thereafter, by repeating the processing similar to the above-mentioned steps S202-1 to S207-1, UWB ranging for the mobile terminals 102, 103, ... is performed. Fig.14 In the example of , the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB ranging on the mobile terminal 102 in the processing of steps S201 - 2 to S207 - 2 , and performs UWB ranging on the mobile terminal 103 in the processing of steps S201 - 3 to S207 - 3 .

[0173] In this way, the parking lot payment terminal 20 disconnects the BLE connection with a certain mobile terminal 10 in response to the start of UWB ranging for the mobile terminal 10, thereby making it possible to search for a plurality of mobile terminals one by one and perform UWB ranging accordingly.

[0174] Incidentally, the BLE connections between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminals 101, 102, 103, ... are usually made in a random order. Fig.14In the example, mobile terminal 101, mobile terminal 102 and mobile terminal 103 are connected in this order in the figure, but this is just for the sake of description. In practice, for example, any one of mobile terminals 101 to 103 may be connected first.

[0175] (3-2-2. Problems when combining UWB and BLE)

[0176] In the case of performing payment processing by combining UWB and BLE, there are two problems described below. The first problem is related to the designation of the connection destination of BLE reconnection. The second problem is related to the limitation of the number of UWB devices that are the targets of UWB ranging.

[0177] (3-2-2-1. Specifying the connection destination for BLE reconnection)

[0178] First, the specification of the connection destination of BLE reconnection as the first problem will be described. Fig.14 In the sequence illustrated in the diagram, the parking lot payment terminal 20 is connected to the desired mobile terminal 10 and can perform UWB ranging. On the other hand, after detecting that the mobile terminal 10 enters the parking lot fee payment area 50 through UWB ranging, the parking lot payment terminal 20 needs to perform BLE reconnection with the mobile terminal 10 for payment communication.

[0179] However, BLE advertising is basically performed as broadcasting, so in normal use, reconnection by specifying a specific device is impossible. Therefore, in order to perform BLE reconnection, it is necessary to specify the mobile terminal 10 in the parking fee payment area 50 in some way.

[0180] (Advertising group ADV_DIRECT_IND)

[0181] One of the ways for the parking lot payment terminal 20 to designate the mobile terminal 10 and perform BLE connection is a method of using an advertisement packet ADV_DIRECT_IND (hereinafter referred to as packet ADV_DIRECT_IND) defined in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol.

[0182] When the Bluetooth device address (BD address) of the central device in Bluetooth is known, the peripheral device sends ADV_DIRECT_IND including the address of the central device as the target in the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND to allow only central devices with matching BD addresses to respond, thereby enabling connection to a specific device.

[0183] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the packet structure of the link layer in BLE. Fig.15As shown in the diagram of part (b), the packet of the link layer includes a 2-byte field HDR after a 1-byte field PA and a 4-byte field Access Address (Access Addr). The HDR field is followed by a 6-byte field AdvA and a 6-byte field Target A (TargetA), and a 3-byte cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code is arranged at the end. The AdvA and Target A fields constitute the payload.

[0184] Fig.15 Part (a) in FIG. 1 illustrates the composition of the HDR field. The HDR field includes an 8-bit field length (Length) and 1-bit fields RxAdd, TxAdd, ChSel and RFU, and a 4-bit field PDU Type (PDU Type) is arranged at the end.

[0185] The field PDU type stores information indicating the type of the protocol data unit (PDU). When the value of the PDU type field is "0000b", this indicates that the packet is a packet ADV_IND, and the value "0001b" indicates that the packet is a packet ADV_DIRECT_IND. When the value of the PDU type field is "0010b", this indicates that the packet is a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND.

[0186] In the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND, the value of the PDU type field is set to "0001b". In the payload, the address of the peripheral device is stored in the field AdvA, and the address of the central device is stored in the field Target.

[0187] Here, the address of the peripheral device stored in the field AdvA is the BD address of the parking lot payment terminal 20. In addition, the address of the central device stores the BD address of the mobile terminal 10 designated as the connection partner. The BD address of the mobile terminal 10 can be obtained from, for example, Fig.14 The packet is obtained from the packet CONNECT_IND of the packet ADV_IND in step S200a-1.

[0188] The parking lot payment terminal 20 uses this protocol to start a BLE connection (a first connection, for example, Fig.14 The parking lot payment terminal 20 stores the BD address of the mobile terminal 10 in step S200a-1, step S201-1). In the advertisement when the BLE is reconnected, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends a packet ADV_DIRECT_IND including the BD address. In this way, the parking lot payment terminal 20 can specify and connect to the desired mobile terminal 10 by using the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND.

[0189] At the same time, in recent years, from the perspective of privacy protection, BLE devices such as mobile terminals or smart watches equipped with BLE communication functions often use temporary random numbers (random addresses) as BD addresses. In addition, the case of using a random address is the case of using a dynamically updated address called a private address among the types of random addresses.

[0190] The private address is updated regularly in the BLE device. Therefore, depending on the timing of BLE reconnection, the BD address of the mobile terminal 10 may have been updated from the BD address stored when the parking lot payment terminal 20 made the first connection. In this case, since the mobile terminal 10 cannot respond to the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND storing a BD address different from the updated own BD address, the reconnection fails.

[0191] In addition, there are a number of cases where the operating system (OS) of the currently distributed mobile terminal 10 does not support the scanning function of the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND as a software application programming interface (API) of Bluetooth. In this case, the packet ADV_DIRECT_IND cannot be used originally.

[0192] Furthermore, there may be a situation where a plurality of mobile terminals 10 exist in one vehicle 40, resulting in a situation where a plurality of target mobile terminals 10 exist in the parking fee payment area 50. In this situation, it is necessary to provide a method by which the user in the vehicle 40 selects which mobile terminal 10 will be used for parking fee payment. In this case, it is difficult to cope with the situation using ADV_DIRECT_IND in which only one device is designated for connection.

[0193] (3-2-2-2. Limitation of the number of UWB devices that undergo UWB ranging)

[0194] Next, limiting the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging will be described as the second problem.

[0195] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the frequency bands allocated to UWB communications. Fig.16As shown in the diagram, in UWB communication, as the use frequency, band groups 0 and 1 of frequency bands lower than 5GHz (gigahertz) and band group 2 of frequency bands higher than the frequency are defined. For each of band groups 0 to 2, channel CH0 (band group 0), channels CH1 to 3 (band group 1), and channels CH5, 6, and 8 to 14 (band group 2) are defined, respectively, wherein each channel has a frequency band of 499.2MHz (megahertz), and each frequency band is determined not to overlap with each other. In addition, each channel having a frequency band above 1GHz is defined as a separate channel, specifically, channel CH4 in band group 1 and channels CH7, 11, and 15 in band group 2.

[0196] Among these channels, channels CH9 and 10 are allocated as channels that can be used outdoors in Japan. In fact, UWB devices generally do not support channel CH10, so that basically only channel CH9 is available.

[0197] Thus, in Japan, there are few UWB communication channels available outdoors, making it necessary to avoid interference by scheduling in the time domain. As a result, simultaneous communication by multiple devices may cause radio interference and communication failure, so in principle it is necessary to reduce the amount of UWB communication as much as possible.

[0198] On the other hand, as an implementation limitation, there is a link budget (connectable number) in UWB devices, and therefore, the number of UWB devices that can be connected to the parking lot payment terminal 20 at the same time is limited (for example, 8).

[0199] In addition, as referenced Fig.14 As described above, the process performed by the parking lot payment terminal 20 until searching for the BLE mobile terminal 10 and starting the UWB ranging is regarded as a sequential operation to be performed in sequence for each mobile terminal 10. Therefore, after the parking lot payment terminal 20 connects with one mobile terminal 10 and starts the UWB ranging, it takes a certain amount of time to connect with the next mobile terminal 10 and start the UWB ranging.

[0200] Here, it can be assumed that the surrounding of the parking lot payment terminal 20 forms a passage for general pedestrians. In this case, there is a situation where multiple mobile terminals 10 are unexpectedly present around the parking lot payment terminal 20, such as the situation where multiple pedestrians passing through the passage hold mobile terminals 10.

[0201] When the parking lot payment terminal 20 happens to have a UWB connection with a mobile terminal 10 held by a pedestrian passing through these passages, due to the limitation on the number of connectable UWB devices, the UWB connection with the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 that can be the target of payment communication will fail, which may cause problems when the vehicle 40 enters or leaves the parking lot.

[0202] Fig.17A and 17B FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the connection of UWB devices in a case where there is a general pedestrian passage near the parking lot payment terminal 20. Fig.17A and Fig. 17B In the example, it is assumed that the left side of the boundary line 90 is a passage, and a plurality of pedestrians 60 holding mobile terminals 10 are passing through the passage. In addition, it is assumed that the number of UWB devices that can be connected to the parking lot payment terminal 20 at the same time is 8.

[0203] exist Fig.17A In FIG. 4 , a vehicle 40 including a mobile terminal 10 is driving toward a parking lot payment terminal 20. Fig.17A In the example, before the vehicle 40 enters the parking fee payment area 50 of the parking lot payment terminal 20, the parking lot payment terminal 20 has already established UWB connections with the upper limit of the number of mobile terminals 10 (8 terminals shown by the shaded lines in the figure) that can be connected simultaneously and are held by multiple pedestrians 60 who are passing through the passage.

[0204] Results, such as Fig. 17B As shown in the diagram, even if the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 has arrived right in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20, the mobile terminal 10 cannot establish a UWB connection with the parking lot payment terminal 20. Therefore, the parking lot payment terminal 20 cannot detect that the vehicle 40 has entered the parking lot fee payment area 50, and thus cannot perform the subsequent parking lot fee payment process to be performed through BLE communication (see Fig.11 ).

[0205] (Connection delay related to the order of BLE connections)

[0206] In addition, there is another conceivable case in which, similarly due to the presence of a plurality of mobile terminals 10, even if the vehicle 40 has arrived right in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20, a delay occurs in the start of UWB ranging with the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 to perform payment communication. In this case, it takes a long time before the payment communication between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 is completed and the barrier 21a of the parking lot is opened.

[0207] Fig.18A and Fig.18B 2 is a schematic diagram for illustrating that communication between the vehicle 40 and the parking lot payment terminal 20 is delayed due to the presence of a plurality of mobile terminals 10 outside the vehicle 40 .

[0208] like Fig.18AAs shown in the diagram, it can be assumed here that the mobile terminal 10 of the vehicle 40 and the multiple mobile terminals 10 held by the multiple pedestrians 60 who are passing through the passage are outside the BLE communication range 51 of the parking lot payment terminal 20. Fig.18A In the state illustrated in the diagram, since all the mobile terminals 10 are outside the BLE communication range 51 , they are not connected to the parking lot payment terminal 20 .

[0209] Fig.18B The diagram illustrates a state in which the vehicle 40 has arrived directly in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20 , the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 has moved into the BLE communication range 51 , and each mobile terminal 10 held by each pedestrian 60 has also moved into the BLE communication range 51 .

[0210] Here, as described above, the connection via BLE is randomly performed sequentially for each mobile terminal 10. Thus, before establishing a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40, the mobile terminal 10 of each pedestrian 60 may have a BLE connection with the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0211] exist Fig.18B In the example of , the mobile terminals 10 of numbers 1 to 3 have completed the BLE connection through advertisement, that is, are in the UWB connection completion state, and the mobile terminal of number 4 is in the BLE connection period through advertisement. In contrast, the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 is not connected. That is, in this example, the connection process of the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 will start after the BLE connection of the mobile terminal 10 of number 4 is completed, so that it takes a long time before the payment process is performed and the lever 21a is opened.

[0212] (3-2-3. BLE reconnection process)

[0213] Next, the BLE reconnection process according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. That is, the process corresponding to the designation of the connection destination of the BLE reconnection as the first problem described above in the parking lot fee payment system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0214] That is, in the following, the parking lot payment terminal 20 is connected to the mobile terminal 10 through the BLE advertisement, and the UWB setting parameters are exchanged to perform UWB ranging. The parking lot payment terminal 20 reconnects with the mobile terminal 10 specified by the UWB ranging using BLE communication. This series of processing will be described in detail.

[0215] (3-2-3-1. Example when there is one target)

[0216] The BLE reconnection process in a case where there is one connection target according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of BLE reconnection processing in a case where there is one connection target according to the embodiment.

[0217] exist Fig.19 In step S300, the mobile terminal 10 starts scanning the first group ADV_IND. In step S301, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the first group ADV_IND and searches for the mobile terminal 10. At this time, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a first universal unique identifier (UUID) value, stores the generated first UUID value in the first group ADV_IND, and sends the first group ADV_IND storing the value. There is no particular limitation on the method by which the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates the first UUID value, but it is conceivable to pre-assign a UUID value to each payment application. The first UUID value can be stored in, for example, the field ADV_DATA of the group ADV_IND. In the figure, the first UUID value is represented as UUID#1.

[0218] In response to the packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 10 returns a packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S302 ). The parking lot payment terminal 20 performs a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 that has responded to the packet ADV_IND.

[0219] When the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a first identification information MID value, which is identification information for specifying the mobile terminal 10 (step S303). For example, the parking lot payment terminal 20 can use a 4-byte random value to generate the identification information MID value. The parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the generated first identification information MID value to the mobile terminal 10 (step S304). In the figure, the first identification information MID value is represented as MID#1.

[0220] When receiving the first identification information MID sent from the parking lot payment terminal 20, the mobile terminal 10 stores the received first identification information MID value as identification information for identifying itself (step S305). The mobile terminal 10 may store the first identification information MID value in the RAM 1002 or the storage device 1005. The storage is not limited thereto, and the mobile terminal 10 may store the received first identification information MID value in a register included in the CPU 1000.

[0221] The parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 exchange UWB setting parameters using the BLE communication path (step S306). When the exchange of UWB setting parameters in step S306 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 start the UWB device in steps S307a and S307b, respectively.

[0222] When each UWB device is activated, the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal 10 and starts UWB ranging (step S308). The mobile terminal 10 is subjected to UWB ranging through the UWB device of the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S309). When the UWB ranging is started and performed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the operation code LL_TERMINAE_IND to the mobile terminal 10 and disconnects the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 10 (step S310).

[0223] After disconnecting the BLE connection in step S310, the mobile terminal 10 starts scanning the second packet ADV_IND, in which the UUID value includes the first identification information MID value assigned to the mobile terminal itself (step S311). The second packet ADV_IND contains the second UUID value described below as the UUID value.

[0224] The parking lot payment terminal 20 transmits the first packet ADV_IND including the first UUID value again in order to search for another mobile terminal 10 (step S312 ).

[0225] Here, it is assumed that the parking lot payment terminal 20 detects the mobile terminal 10 in the parking lot fee payment area 50 through the UWB ranging started in step S308 (step S313). When the mobile terminal 10 is detected in the parking lot fee payment area 50, the parking lot payment terminal 20 stops sending the first packet ADV_IND and sends the second packet ADV_IND (step S314). The parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a second UUID value having a value different from the above-mentioned first UUID value, stores the second UUID value in the second packet ADV_IND, and sends the second packet ADV_IND storing the value. In the figure, the second UUID value is represented as UUID#2.

[0226] The mobile terminal 10 receives the second packet ADV_IND sent from the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S315). For example, when recognizing that the first identification information MID value stored in step S305 is included in the second UUID value stored in the received second packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 10 immediately sends the packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S316). This establishes a BLE reconnection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10.

[0227] After the BLE reconnection is established, payment communication is performed between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 using the reconnected BLE communication (step S317). When the payment communication in step S317 is terminated normally, the UWB connection and BLE connection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 10 are disconnected (step S318).

[0228] Thus, in the parking lot fee payment system 1 according to the embodiment, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the first identification information to the mobile terminal 10 for specifying the mobile terminal 10 of the connection destination in the BLE connection for exchanging the UWB setting parameters for UWB ranging, and disconnects the BLE connection when the UWB ranging starts. When the mobile terminal 10 is specified by the UWB ranging, the parking lot payment terminal 20 reconnects the BLE with the mobile terminal 10 using the first identification information, and performs payment processing with the mobile terminal 10. This makes it possible to perform cashless payment while the occupants of the vehicle 40 remain in the vehicle.

[0229] (3-2-3-2. Example of a case where there are multiple targets)

[0230] Next, a BLE reconnection process in a case where there are a plurality of connection targets according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of BLE reconnection processing in a case where there are a plurality of connection targets according to the embodiment.

[0231] exist Fig. 20 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the parking lot payment terminal 20 is connected to two mobile terminals 101 and 102 (in the figure, the terminals are also represented as mobile terminal #1 and mobile terminal #2). The processing associated with each of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 is similar to that of the reference Fig.19 The process described in , but there are some differences. In addition, Fig. 20 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the parking lot payment terminal 20 is first connected to the mobile terminal 101 among the mobile terminals 101 and 102 .

[0232] exist Fig. 20 In step S400a and 400b, the mobile terminals 101 and 102 start scanning the first group ADV_IND respectively. In step S401, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the first group ADV_IND and searches for the mobile terminals 101 and 102. At this time, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a first UUID value, stores the generated first UUID value in the first group ADV_IND, and sends the first group ADV_IND storing the value.

[0233] In response to the packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 101 returns a packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S402 ). The parking lot payment terminal 20 performs a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 101 that has responded to the packet ADV_IND.

[0234] When the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 101 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a first identification information MID value, which is identification information for specifying the mobile terminal 101 (step S403). For example, the parking lot payment terminal 20 can use a 4-byte random value to generate the identification information MID value. The parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the generated first identification information MID value to the mobile terminal 101 (step S404). In the figure, the first identification information MID value is represented as MID#1.

[0235] When receiving the first identification information MID sent from the parking lot payment terminal 20, the mobile terminal 101 stores the received first identification information MID value as identification information for identifying itself (step S405). The mobile terminal 101 may store the first identification information MID value in the RAM 1002 or the storage device 1005. The storage is not limited thereto, and the mobile terminal 101 may store the received first identification information MID value in a register included in the CPU 1000.

[0236] The parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101 exchange UWB setting parameters using the BLE communication path (step S406). When the exchange of UWB setting parameters in step S406 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101 start the UWB device in steps S407a and S407b, respectively.

[0237] When each UWB device is activated, the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal 101 and starts UWB ranging (step S408). The mobile terminal 101 is subjected to UWB ranging through the UWB device of the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S409). When the UWB ranging is started and performed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the operation code LL_TERMINAE_IND to the mobile terminal 101 and disconnects the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 101 (step S410).

[0238] After disconnecting the BLE connection in step S410, the mobile terminal 101 starts scanning the second packet ADV_IND, in which the UUID value includes the first identification information MID value assigned to the mobile terminal itself (step S411). The second packet ADV_IND contains the second UUID value described below as the UUID value.

[0239] The parking lot payment terminal 20 transmits the first packet ADV_IND including the first UUID value again in order to search for another mobile terminal 102 (steps S412a and S412b).

[0240] In response to the packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 102 returns a packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S413 ). The parking lot payment terminal 20 performs a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 102 that has responded to the packet ADV_IND.

[0241] When the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 102 is completed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a second identification information MID value, which is identification information for specifying the mobile terminal 102. For example, the parking lot payment terminal 20 can use a 4-byte random value to generate the second identification information MID value. The parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the generated second identification information MID value to the mobile terminal 102 (step S415). In the figure, the second identification information MID value is represented as MID#2.

[0242] When receiving the second identification information MID sent from the parking lot payment terminal 20 , similar to step S405 , the mobile terminal 102 stores the received second identification information MID value as identification information for identifying itself.

[0243] The parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 102 exchange UWB setting parameters using the BLE communication path (step S417). When the exchange of the UWB setting parameters in step S417 is completed, the mobile terminal 102 activates the UWB device in step S418.

[0244] When each UWB device is activated, the parking lot payment terminal 20 performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal 102 and starts UWB ranging (step S419). The mobile terminal 102 is subjected to UWB ranging through the UWB device of the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S420). When the UWB ranging is started and performed, the parking lot payment terminal 20 sends an operation code LL_TERMINAE_IND to the mobile terminal 102 and disconnects the BLE connection with the mobile terminal 102 (step S421).

[0245] After disconnecting the BLE connection in step S421, the mobile terminal 102 starts scanning the second packet ADV_IND, in which the UUID value includes the first identification information MID value assigned to the mobile terminal itself (step S422). The second packet ADV_IND contains the second UUID value described below as the UUID value.

[0246] The parking lot payment terminal 20 sends the first packet ADV_IND including the first UUID value again to search for another mobile terminal 102 (steps S423a and S423b). Since the mobile terminal 102 is scanning the second packet ADV_IND, the mobile terminal 102 does not detect the first packet ADV_IND.

[0247] Here, it is assumed that the parking lot payment terminal 20 detects the mobile terminals 101 and 102 in the parking lot fee payment area 50 through the UWB ranging started in step S408 (step S424). When the mobile terminal 10 is detected in the parking lot fee payment area 50, the parking lot payment terminal 20 stops sending the first packet ADV_IND and sends the second packet ADV_IND (steps S425a and S425b).

[0248] At this time, the parking lot payment terminal 20 generates a second UUID value including the first identification information MID value generated in step S403 and the second identification information MID value generated in step S414. The parking lot payment terminal 20 stores the second UUID value including the first identification information MID value and the second identification information MID value in the second packet ADV_IND and sends it.

[0249] Fig.21 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second UUID value according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, a UUID value having a data length of 128 bits is divided into four blocks, each having a data length of 32 bits. The parking lot payment terminal 20 stores the identification information MID value in each block according to the number of mobile terminals 10 detected in the parking lot fee payment area 50. Fig.21 Parts (a) to (d) in the figure illustrate the following examples respectively: wherein the second UUID value stores: 1 identification information MID value (MID#1); 2 identification information MID values ​​(MID#1 and MID#2); 3 identification information MID values ​​(MID#1 to MID#3); and 4 identification information MID values ​​(MID#1 to MID#4). The block of the second UUID value that does not store the identification information MID value can, for example, store a random number. At this time, control is performed so that the LOST_MID value = 0xFFFFFFFF is not included in the value of each block.

[0250] The second UUID value includes: the first identification information MID value stored in mobile terminal 101; and the second identification information MID value stored in mobile terminal 102. Therefore, the second packet ADV_IND containing the second UUID value is received and identified by mobile terminals 101 and 102 respectively (step S426a, step S426b).

[0251] Here, it is necessary to select one of the multiple mobile terminals 10 (in this example, the mobile terminals 101 and 102) that have received the second packet ADV_IND as the mobile terminal 10 that has a BLE connection with the parking lot payment terminal 20. In the embodiment, the multiple mobile terminals 10 that have received the second packet ADV_IND display an inquiry dialogue screen for confirming the connection permission with the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0252] Fig. 22 70 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialogue screen for connection permission confirmation applicable to the embodiment. The dialogue screen 70 is displayed on the display device 1014 of the mobile terminal 10. In the example shown in the diagram, the dialogue screen 70 includes a message display area 71 and buttons 72 and 73. The message display area 71 displays, for example, a message prompting the user to confirm the connection permission with the parking lot payment terminal 20. The button 72 is a button for notifying the permission of the connection, and the button 73 is a button for notifying the non-permission of the connection.

[0253] Description Back to Fig. 20 For example, assuming that the button 72 is operated on the mobile terminal 101, the connection permission is confirmed (step S427). In response to the operation of the button 72, the mobile terminal 101 sends a packet CONNECT_IND to the parking lot payment terminal 20 (step S428). This establishes a BLE reconnection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101.

[0254] Note that, in the case where the packet CONNECT_IND is transmitted from each of the plurality of mobile terminals 10 in response to the operation of the button 72 , the parking lot payment terminal 20 may enable only the earliest received packet CONNECT_IND.

[0255] The parking lot payment terminal 20 connected to the mobile terminal 101 sends a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND to notify the mobile terminal 102 as a non-connection target that another mobile terminal has been connected (step S429). The packet ADV_NONCONN_IND stores a UUID#2' value as a UUID value, which is a value including a LOST_MID value (0xFFFFFFFF) and a second identification information MID value for identifying the mobile terminal 102.

[0256] Fig.23 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND applicable to the embodiment. Fig.23As shown in the diagram, a block storing a 32-bit LOST_MID value "0xFFFFFFFF" is arranged at the head, followed by a 32-bit second identification information MID value (MID#2). The remaining 64-bit block included in the UUID value stores, for example, a random number.

[0257] When receiving the packet ADV_NONCONN_IND including the LOST_MID value "0xFFFFFFFF" and the second identification information MID value for identifying the mobile terminal 102, the mobile terminal stops scanning the second packet ADV_IND (step S430).

[0258] After the BLE is reconnected, payment communication is performed between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101 using the reconnected BLE communication (step S431). When the payment communication in step S431 is terminated normally, the UWB connection and BLE connection between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 101 / 102 are disconnected (steps S432a and S432b).

[0259] In this way, with the parking lot fee payment system 1 according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of mobile terminals 10 exist around the parking lot payment terminal 20 , cashless payment can be performed while the occupant of the vehicle 40 remains in the vehicle.

[0260] (3-2-4. Terminal determination in vehicle)

[0261] Next, terminal determination in the vehicle 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. That is, in the parking fee payment system 1 according to the embodiment, processing corresponding to the limitation of the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging as the second problem described above will be described below.

[0262] In an embodiment, the limitation of the number of UWB devices subjected to UWB ranging is achieved by using a mechanism in which only the mobile terminal 10 in the vehicle 40 responds to the first and / or second packets ADV_IND, while the mobile terminal 10 of the pedestrian does not respond to the first and / or second packets ADV_IND. In other words, in an embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 is equipped with a mechanism capable of determining whether the terminal itself is located inside the vehicle 40, and the mobile terminal 10 outside the vehicle 40 is not allowed to respond to the first and / or second packets ADV_IND sent from the parking lot payment terminal 20.

[0263] In the following description, as a target, the first packet ADV_IND of the above-mentioned first packet ADV_IND and second packet ADV_IND will be defined.

[0264] Fig.24is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40 according to the embodiment.

[0265] In step S500, identification information vehicle ID for identifying vehicle 40 is registered in mobile terminal 10. For example, mobile terminal 10 stores identification information vehicle ID input by user operation in a storage medium such as RAM 1002, storage device 1005 or register included in CPU 1000 using storage unit 105.

[0266] Registration of the identification information vehicle ID in the mobile terminal 10 may be performed when purchasing the vehicle 40, or may be performed each time boarding the vehicle 40. When the vehicle 40 is a rental vehicle or the like, the identification information vehicle ID may be registered when use of the vehicle 40 is started.

[0267] Note that, for example, a Bluetooth beacon device is installed in the vehicle 40 , and the beacon device includes a message indicating that the device is located in the vehicle 40 in the packet ADV_NONCONN_IND, and periodically transmits a packet including the message.

[0268] Fig.25 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of an example of a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND applicable to the present embodiment. The field ADV_DATA stores data AD type (AD Type) and identification information vehicle ID. Data AD type is information indicating the type of subsequent data. In this example, the value indicating data AD type is "0xFE", and the subsequent data is identification information vehicle (Vehicle). In addition, the identification information vehicle has a data length of, for example, 8 bytes.

[0269] In step S501 , the mobile terminal 10 starts scanning for a signal transmitted from a beacon device.

[0270] The mobile terminal 10 periodically scans a signal transmitted from a beacon device, and determines whether a packet ADV_NONCONN_IND including identification information vehicle ID has been received (step S502).

[0271] When it is determined that the packet ADV_NONCONN_IND has been received (step S502, "Yes"), the mobile terminal 10 performs the processing of step S503 and sets the value of the vehicle-mounted state to a value (defined as "true") indicating that the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40. Conversely, when it is determined that the packet ADV_NONCONN_IND has not been received (step S502, "No"), the mobile terminal 10 performs the processing of step S504 and sets the value of the vehicle-mounted state to a value (defined as "false") indicating that the mobile terminal 10 is not located in the vehicle 40.

[0272] For example, the value of the in-vehicle status is stored in a storage medium such as a register included in the RAM 1002 , the storage device 1005 , or the CPU 1000 , for example, through the storage unit 105 .

[0273] After the processing of step S503 or step S504, the processing proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the mobile terminal 10 stops scanning the signal transmitted from the beacon device. In the next step S506, the mobile terminal 10 determines whether a prescribed period of time (for example, a predetermined time of less than 1 minute) has passed. When it is determined that the prescribed period of time has not passed (step S506, "No"), the mobile terminal 10 returns to the processing of step S506.

[0274] In contrast, when it is determined that the prescribed period of time has elapsed (step S506, "Yes"), the mobile terminal 10 returns to the process of step S501 and restarts the signal scanning.

[0275] Through such processing, the mobile terminal 10 maintains the value of the vehicle-mounted state “true” when the mobile terminal is located in the vehicle 40 , and maintains the value of the vehicle-mounted state “false” when the mobile terminal is not located in the vehicle 40 .

[0276] Fig.26 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the mobile terminal 10 based on the vehicle-mounted state according to the embodiment. Note that Fig.26 It is in reference Fig.19 The described process incorporates an example of control based on vehicle conditions.

[0277] exist Fig.26 In step S600, the mobile terminal 10 determines whether the value of the vehicle-mounted state stored in the terminal itself is the value "true". When it is determined that the value of the vehicle-mounted state is not the value "true" (in this case, "false") (step S600, "no"), the mobile terminal 10 returns to the processing of step S600. On the contrary, when it is determined that the value of the vehicle-mounted state is the value "true" (step S600, "yes"), the mobile terminal 10 performs the processing of step S300 and starts scanning the first group ADV_IND.

[0278] In this way, when the value of the vehicle-mounted state is the value "TRUE", the mobile terminal 10 according to the embodiment performs a connection process with the parking lot payment terminal 20 using BLE and UWB. On the other hand, in the case where the value is not the value "TRUE" (that is, the value is the value "FALSE"), the mobile terminal 10 does not perform a connection process with the parking lot payment terminal 20 through BLE and UWB. Thus, in the embodiment, the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging can be limited.

[0279] Fig.27A and Fig.27Bis a schematic diagram for illustrating limiting the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging through the process according to the embodiment.

[0280] exist Fig.27A In the example, the value of the vehicle-mounted state of each mobile terminal 10 held by each pedestrian 60 on the left side of the boundary line 90 is the value "false". Fig.26 , each mobile terminal 10 is not connected to the parking lot payment terminal 20 through BLE and UWB. In other words, for the parking lot payment terminal 20, this is equivalent to the absence of the mobile terminal 10 of each pedestrian 60.

[0281] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 101 located in the vehicle 401 has a value of "true" as the value of the vehicle-mounted state, so according to Fig.26 According to the flowchart in, the connection to the parking lot payment terminal 20 can be made via BLE and UWB.

[0282] In this way, the parking lot fee payment system 1 according to the embodiment determines whether the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40, and excludes the mobile terminal 10 that is not in the vehicle 40 from the BLE and UWB connection targets with the parking lot payment terminal 20. This makes it possible to limit the number of UWB devices to be subjected to UWB ranging.

[0283] In addition, if Fig.27B As shown in the diagram, even when the vehicle 401 arrives directly in front of the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the next vehicle 402 including the mobile terminal 102 enters the parking lot fee payment area 50, BLE and UWB connection processing can be performed between the parking lot payment terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 102.

[0284] Note that the method of determining whether the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40 is not limited to the method using the signal transmitted from the above-mentioned beacon device. For example, when the moving speed of the mobile terminal 10 exceeds 30 km / h, for example, or when a unique acceleration in the vehicle 40 is detected based on information of an acceleration sensor installed on the mobile terminal 10, for example, it can be determined that the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40. In addition, it can be determined whether the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vehicle 40 based on the moving speed information of the own position using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) function installed on the mobile terminal 10.

[0285] Furthermore, in the case where the mobile terminal 10 is used as a digital key of the vehicle 40 , the value of the vehicle-mounted state may be determined and acquired by using the unlocking operation / locking operation of the door of the vehicle 40 as a trigger.

[0286] (3-3. Architecture applicable to the embodiment)

[0287] Next, the architecture of the mobile terminal 10 applicable to the embodiment will be described.

[0288] Fig.28 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the architecture of the mobile terminal 10 according to the embodiment. Note that Fig.28 Only the parts highly relevant to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0289] UWB / BLE middleware 81 for realizing functions based on UWB and BLE runs on the OS 80 , and a payment application 82 for performing payment processing according to the embodiment is executed on the UWB / BLE middleware 81 .

[0290] The OS 80 controls the operation of a BLE chip 84 that implements the BLE function as hardware via a BLE application programming interface (BLE API) 83, and acquires information from the BLE chip 84. In addition, the OS 80 controls the operation of a UWB chip 86 that implements the UWB function as hardware via a UWB API 85, and acquires information from the UWB chip 86.

[0291] exist Figure 8 In the configuration of the mobile terminal control unit 100, the functions of the display unit 101, the input unit 102, the storage unit 105, and a part of the functions of the mobile terminal control unit 100 may be included in the OS 80. The BLE communication unit 103 may be included in a part of the BLE API 83 and the UWB / BLE middleware 81. Similarly, the UWB communication unit 104 may be included in a part of the UWB API 85 and the UWB / BLE middleware 81. In addition, the mobile terminal control unit 100 may include the function of the payment application 82.

[0292] In this composition, Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The processing on the mobile terminal 10 side in the sequence illustrated in the figure may be controlled by the UWB / BLE middleware 81. For example, the UWB / BLE middleware 81 may call the BLE API 83 via the OS 80 in response to an instruction from the payment application 82 to start scanning the first packet ADV_IND, further call the UWB API 85 as needed, and perform subsequent communication processing with the parking lot payment terminal 20. The payment application 82 may be set as a resident program, or may be started by the user as needed.

[0293] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by using UWB and BLE, it is possible to realize a parking lot fee payment system 1 capable of providing a convenient contactless UX which does not require opening a car window or keeping the device operated when paying a parking lot fee.

[0294] (4. Other embodiments)

[0295] The scope of the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to application to the parking lot fee payment system 1. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure is applicable not only to the parking lot payment terminal 20 but also to applications in which multiple devices in a fee payment area are detected and selected in other payment systems for payment.

[0296] In addition, the value for identifying the vehicle-mounted state of the mobile terminal 10 inside or outside the vehicle 40 is not limited to the vehicle 40, and is also applicable to identification of other facilities, inside and outside of an area, and the like.

[0297] The effects described in this specification are merely examples, and therefore, there may be other effects without being limited to the exemplified effects.

[0298] Note that the present technology may also have the following configurations.

[0299] (1) A communication system comprising:

[0300] A fixed terminal comprising

[0301] a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication in a first communication method, and

[0302] a first control unit configured to control communication performed through the first communication unit; and

[0303] A mobile terminal comprising

[0304] a second communication unit configured to perform wireless communication using a first communication method,

[0305] a second control unit configured to control communication performed through the second communication unit, and

[0306] Storage unit, where

[0307] First control unit:

[0308] generating identification information specific to the mobile terminal connected through communication performed by the first communication unit, and sending the generated identification information to the mobile terminal;

[0309] After sending the identification information, disconnecting from the mobile terminal; and

[0310] specifying the mobile terminal by using identification information in the communication performed by the first communication unit and reconnecting to the mobile terminal, and

[0311] Second control unit:

[0312] storing identification information acquired through communication with the fixed terminal by the second communication unit in the storage unit; and

[0313] After the communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected by the fixed terminal, in response to receiving identification information matching the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting with the fixed terminal through the second communication unit.

[0314] (2) A communication system according to (1) above, wherein

[0315] The fixed terminal also includes

[0316] a third communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the first control unit,

[0317] The mobile terminal also includes

[0318] a fourth communication unit configured to communicate in the second communication method under the control of the second control unit, and

[0319] The fixed terminal

[0320] The third communication unit communicates with the fourth communication unit to perform distance measurement on the distance between the fixed terminal and the mobile terminal, and reconnects to the mobile terminal detected within a predetermined distance range from the fixed terminal as a result of the distance measurement.

[0321] (3) A communication system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein

[0322] The fixed terminal also includes

[0323] a payment communication unit configured to communicate with a payment device, the payment device being configured to perform payment processing, and

[0324] First control unit

[0325] Using the communication with the reconnected mobile terminal through the first communication unit, information for performing payment processing through the payment device is transmitted to and received from the mobile terminal.

[0326] (4) A fixed terminal comprising:

[0327] a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication in a first communication method; and

[0328] a control unit configured to control communication performed by the first communication unit, wherein

[0329] The control unit:

[0330] generating identification information specific to a mobile terminal connected through communication performed by the first communication unit, and sending the generated identification information to the mobile terminal;

[0331] After sending the identification information, disconnecting from the mobile terminal; and

[0332] The mobile terminal is specified by using the identification information in the communication performed by the first communication unit, and a reconnection is made to the mobile terminal.

[0333] (5) The fixed terminal according to (4) above, further comprising:

[0334] a second communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the control unit, wherein

[0335] The control unit

[0336] Reconnection is made to the mobile terminal detected within a predetermined distance range as a result of the distance measurement performed by the second communication unit.

[0337] (6) The fixed terminal according to (5) above, wherein

[0338] The first communication method is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and the second communication method is an ultra-wideband wireless system.

[0339] (7) A fixed terminal according to (5) or (6) above, wherein

[0340] The control unit

[0341] In response to the identification information being transmitted through the first communication unit, distance measurement of the mobile terminal through the second communication unit is started, and communication with the mobile terminal through the first communication unit is disconnected.

[0342] (8) A fixed terminal according to any one of (5) to (7) above, wherein

[0343] The control unit

[0344] By using the communication of the first communication unit, information for payment is sent to and received from the reconnected mobile terminal, and when the payment is completed, the communication through the first communication unit and the communication for distance measurement through the second communication unit are disconnected.

[0345] (9) A fixed terminal according to any one of (4) to (8) above, wherein

[0346] The control unit:

[0347] connecting, by a first communication unit, to the mobile terminal by using a first identifier;

[0348] After disconnection from the mobile terminal, performing a connection process again by the first communication unit by using the first identifier; and

[0349] Reconnecting to the mobile terminal is performed by using a second identifier including one or more of the identification information.

[0350] (10) The fixed terminal according to (9) above, wherein

[0351] the control unit,

[0352] When communication with another mobile terminal using the second identifier is possible based on communication through reconnection, communication is performed with the terminal to which the connection notification has been sent among the mobile terminal and the other mobile terminals, and a connection disallowance notification is sent to the terminal to which the connection notification has not been sent.

[0353] (11) A fixed terminal according to any one of (4) to (10) above, wherein

[0354] The control unit

[0355] A connection for communication using the first communication unit is made, the connection being targeted at the mobile terminal in the vehicle.

[0356] (12) The fixed terminal according to any one of (4) to (11) above, further comprising:

[0357] A payment communication unit, the payment communication unit is configured to communicate with a payment device, the payment device is configured to perform payment processing, wherein

[0358] The control unit

[0359] Using the communication with the reconnected mobile terminal through the first communication unit, information for performing payment processing by the payment device is transmitted to and received from the mobile terminal.

[0360] (13) A mobile terminal comprising:

[0361] a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication using a first communication method;

[0362] a control unit configured to control communication performed by the first communication unit; and

[0363] Storage unit, where

[0364] The control unit

[0365] storing identification information acquired through communication with the fixed terminal by the first communication unit in the storage unit; and

[0366] After the communication is disconnected, in response to receiving identification information matching the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting with the fixed terminal through the first communication unit.

[0367] (14) The mobile terminal according to (13) above, wherein

[0368] The control unit

[0369] It is determined whether the mobile terminal is located in the vehicle, and when it is determined that the mobile terminal is not located in the vehicle, communication using the first communication unit is not performed.

[0370] (15) The mobile terminal according to (13) or (14) above, further comprising:

[0371] a second communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the control unit, wherein

[0372] The control unit

[0373] After receiving the identification information stored in the storage unit, parameters for communication by the second communication method are exchanged with the fixed terminal through communication by the first communication unit, and communication by the second communication unit is started.

[0374] (16) The mobile terminal according to (15) above, wherein

[0375] The first communication method is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), and the second communication method is an ultra-wideband wireless system.

[0376] (17) A mobile terminal according to any one of (14) to (16) above, wherein

[0377] After the communication using the second communication unit is started, the communication using the first communication unit is disconnected by the fixed terminal.

[0378] (18) A mobile terminal according to any one of (13) to (17) above, wherein

[0379] The control unit:

[0380] connecting to the fixed terminal according to the first identifier through the first communication unit; and

[0381] After the communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected, and in a case where any one of the one or more identification information included in the second identifier transmitted from the fixed terminal matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting to the fixed terminal.

[0382] (19) The mobile terminal according to (18) above, wherein

[0383] the control unit,

[0384] When the second identifier sent from the fixed terminal includes multiple identification information and the multiple identification information includes identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, a setting screen is presented, wherein the setting screen is used to set whether to permit communication with the fixed terminal using the first communication unit according to user operation.

[0385] (20) The mobile terminal according to (19) above, wherein

[0386] The control unit:

[0387] In a case where the setting screen is set to allow communication through the first communication unit, a notification indicating permission of communication is sent to the fixed terminal; and

[0388] When permission for communication is not set, communication with the fixed terminal through the first communication unit is stopped in response to a connection non-permission notification transmitted from the fixed terminal.

[0389] (21) A mobile terminal according to any one of (13) to (20) above, wherein

[0390] The control unit

[0391] Information for the fixed terminal to perform payment processing through the payment device is transmitted to and received from the fixed terminal using the reconnected communication with the fixed terminal by the first communication unit.

[0392] Reference numerals list

[0393] 1 Parking fee payment system

[0394] 10,101,102,103 Mobile Terminal

[0395] 20,20a Parking lot payment terminal

[0396] 21 Gate

[0397] 21a Shield

[0398] 22 Mobile communication unit

[0399] 40,401,402,403,40L Vehicle

[0400] 50 Parking fee payment area

[0401] 51 BLE communication range

[0402] 60 Pedestrians

[0403] 70 Dialogue Screen

[0404] 80 OS

[0405] 81 UWB / BLE middleware

[0406] 82 Payment Applications

[0407] 83 BLE API

[0408] 84 BLE chip

[0409] 85 UWB API

[0410] 86 UWB chip

[0411] 100 Mobile terminal control unit

[0412] 103,203 BLE communication unit

[0413] 104 UWB communication unit

[0414] 105 Storage Unit

[0415] 200 Payment terminal control unit

Claims

1. A communication system, comprising: A fixed terminal comprising a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication in a first communication method, and a first control unit configured to control communication via the first communication unit; and A mobile terminal comprising a second communication unit configured to perform wireless communication using a first communication method, a second control unit configured to control communication performed through the second communication unit, and Storage unit, where First control unit: generating identification information specific to the mobile terminal connected through communication performed by the first communication unit, and sending the generated identification information to the mobile terminal; After sending the identification information, disconnecting from the mobile terminal; as well as specifying the mobile terminal by using identification information in the communication performed by the first communication unit and reconnecting to the mobile terminal, and Second control unit: storing identification information acquired through communication with the fixed terminal by the second communication unit in the storage unit; as well as After the communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected by the fixed terminal, in response to receiving identification information matching the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting with the fixed terminal through the second communication unit.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein The fixed terminal also includes a third communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the first control unit, The mobile terminal also includes a fourth communication unit configured to communicate in the second communication method under the control of the second control unit, and The fixed terminal The third communication unit communicates with the fourth communication unit to perform distance measurement on the distance between the fixed terminal and the mobile terminal, and reconnects to the mobile terminal detected within a predetermined distance range from the fixed terminal as a result of the distance measurement.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein The fixed terminal also includes a payment communication unit configured to communicate with a payment device, the payment device being configured to perform payment processing, and First control unit Using the communication with the reconnected mobile terminal through the first communication unit, information for performing payment processing through the payment device is transmitted to and received from the mobile terminal.

4. A fixed terminal, comprising: a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication using a first communication method; and a control unit configured to control communication performed by the first communication unit, wherein The control unit: generating identification information specific to a mobile terminal connected through communication performed by the first communication unit, and sending the generated identification information to the mobile terminal; After sending the identification information, disconnecting from the mobile terminal; as well as The mobile terminal is specified by using the identification information in the communication performed by the first communication unit, and a reconnection is made to the mobile terminal.

5. The fixed terminal according to claim 4, further comprising: a second communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the control unit, wherein The control unit Reconnection is made to the mobile terminal detected within a predetermined distance range as a result of the distance measurement performed by the second communication unit.

6. The fixed terminal according to claim 5, wherein The first communication method is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and the second communication method is an ultra-wideband wireless system.

7. The fixed terminal according to claim 5, wherein The control unit In response to the identification information being transmitted through the first communication unit, distance measurement of the mobile terminal through the second communication unit is started, and communication with the mobile terminal through the first communication unit is disconnected.

8. The fixed terminal according to claim 5, wherein The control unit By using the communication of the first communication unit, information for payment is sent to and received from the reconnected mobile terminal, and when the payment is completed, the communication through the first communication unit and the communication for distance measurement through the second communication unit are disconnected.

9. The fixed terminal according to claim 4, wherein The control unit: connecting, by a first communication unit, to the mobile terminal by using a first identifier; After disconnection from the mobile terminal, performing a connection process again by the first communication unit by using the first identifier; and Reconnecting to the mobile terminal by using a second identifier including one or more of the identification information.

10. The fixed terminal according to claim 9, wherein the control unit, When communication with another mobile terminal using the second identifier is possible based on communication through reconnection, communication is performed with the terminal to which the connection notification has been sent among the mobile terminal and the other mobile terminals, and a connection disallowance notification is sent to the terminal to which the connection notification has not been sent.

11. The fixed terminal according to claim 4, wherein The control unit A connection for communication using the first communication unit is made, the connection being targeted at the mobile terminal in the vehicle.

12. The fixed terminal according to claim 4, further comprising: A payment communication unit, the payment communication unit is configured to communicate with a payment device, the payment device is configured to perform payment processing, wherein The control unit Using the communication with the reconnected mobile terminal through the first communication unit, information for performing payment processing by the payment device is transmitted to and received from the mobile terminal.

13. A mobile terminal, comprising: a first communication unit configured to perform wireless communication using a first communication method; a control unit configured to control communication performed by the first communication unit; and Storage unit, where The control unit storing identification information acquired through communication with the fixed terminal by the first communication unit in the storage unit; and After the communication is disconnected, in response to receiving identification information matching the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting with the fixed terminal through the first communication unit.

14. The mobile terminal according to claim 13, wherein The control unit It is determined whether the mobile terminal is located in the vehicle, and when it is determined that the mobile terminal is not located in the vehicle, communication using the first communication unit is not performed.

15. The mobile terminal according to claim 13, further comprising: a second communication unit configured to communicate in a second communication method capable of performing distance measurement to a communication partner under the control of the control unit, wherein The control unit After receiving the identification information stored in the storage unit, parameters for communication by the second communication method are exchanged with the fixed terminal through communication by the first communication unit, and communication by the second communication unit is started.

16. The mobile terminal according to claim 15, wherein The first communication method is Bluetooth Low Energy BLE (registered trademark), and the second communication method is an ultra-wideband wireless system.

17. The mobile terminal according to claim 15, wherein After the communication using the second communication unit is started, the communication using the first communication unit is disconnected by the fixed terminal.

18. The mobile terminal according to claim 13, wherein The control unit: connecting to the fixed terminal according to the first identifier through the first communication unit; and After the communication with the fixed terminal is disconnected, and in a case where any one of the one or more identification information included in the second identifier transmitted from the fixed terminal matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, reconnecting to the fixed terminal.

19. The mobile terminal according to claim 18, wherein the control unit, When the second identifier sent from the fixed terminal includes multiple identification information and the multiple identification information includes identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, a setting screen is presented, wherein the setting screen is used to set whether to permit communication with the fixed terminal using the first communication unit according to user operation.

20. The mobile terminal according to claim 19, wherein The control unit: In a case where the setting screen is set to allow communication through the first communication unit, a notification indicating permission of communication is sent to the fixed terminal; and When permission for communication is not set, communication with the fixed terminal through the first communication unit is stopped in response to a connection non-permission notification transmitted from the fixed terminal.

Images