Communication apparatus and communication control method

Abstract

The invention provides a communication apparatus and a communication control method. When communicating with a communication terminal in a mobile body, the present invention suppresses the interruption of communication with the communication terminal due to a connection to an access point outside the mobile body, or suppresses the frequency from being randomly changed due to a connection instruction to the access point. A communication device is provided with: a communication unit (30) that performs wireless communication; an access point detection unit (11) that detects an access point (200) that can be communicatively connected to the communication unit (30); and a communication control unit (12) that, when performing communication between the communication unit (30) and the communication terminal (50) via the first frequency band, causes the display device (40) to display, on the display device (40), an access point information image in which the communication unit (30) communicates with the communication terminal (50) via the first frequency band. And a display unit that distinguishes between a first access point capable of performing a communication connection based on the first frequency band and a second access point capable of performing a communication connection based on the second frequency band and displays information of the access points detected by the access point detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication control method. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a wireless communication system has been proposed that determines the radio wave status of the area where the vehicle-mounted device and the communication terminal outside the vehicle are located, and notifies the vehicle-mounted device and the communication terminal of the channel and frequency that enable direct communication between the vehicle-mounted device and the communication terminal (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-17101 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] When a communication device used in a mobile object such as a vehicle has the ability to simultaneously communicate with multiple communication partners using different frequency bands, the communication device can, for example, communicate with a communication terminal using a first frequency band and with an access point external to the mobile object using a second frequency band. However, when the communication device is communicating with the communication terminal using the first frequency band and attempts to communicate with the access point using the same frequency band, there are disadvantages such as frequency band overlap, resulting in communication between the communication device and the communication terminal being disconnected, or the frequency being arbitrarily changed in response to a connection instruction from the access point.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and its object is to provide a communication device and a communication control method that, when communicating between a mobile body and a communication terminal, can prevent communication with the communication terminal from being disconnected due to connection with an access point, or suppressing the frequency from being arbitrarily changed due to a connection instruction from the access point.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] As a first embodiment for achieving the above-mentioned object, there is provided a communication device used in a mobile object, the communication device comprising: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication partner using a first frequency band or a second frequency band; an access point detection unit that detects an access point that can establish a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control unit that controls communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and between the communication unit and the access point. When the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate using the first frequency band, an access point information image is displayed on a display device used in the mobile object. The access point information image displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point that can establish a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that can establish a communication connection using the second frequency band.

[0011] In the above-mentioned communication device, it can also be configured so that when the communication unit communicates with the communication terminal via the first frequency band and a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body is recognized, the communication control unit causes the access point information image to be displayed on the display device.

[0012] In the above-mentioned communication device, it can also be configured so that when the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate via the first frequency band and a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point performed by the passenger is recognized, the communication control unit disconnects the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal based on the first frequency band, and the access point detection unit performs communication based on the first frequency band and the second frequency band in a state in which the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is disconnected, and detects the access point with which the communication unit can establish a communication connection.

[0013] In the above-mentioned communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to, upon recognizing a connection operation with the second access point performed by a passenger of the mobile object in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, start communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band, and restart communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band.

[0014] In the above-mentioned communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to output a communication impossible notification, notifying that communication with the communication terminal is impossible, from a notification device used in the mobile body, upon recognizing a connection operation with the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device.

[0015] In the above-mentioned communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to output a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection to the second access point from a notification device used in the mobile body when recognizing a connection operation to the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device.

[0016] In the above-mentioned communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to display, on the display device, an image showing only the information of the second access point without showing the information of the first access point as the access point information image.

[0017] In the above-mentioned communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to display, on the display device, an image that preferentially displays information about the second access point over information about the first access point as the access point information image.

[0018] In the communication device described above, the communication control unit may be configured to change the display mode of the access point information image in response to a setting operation of the display mode of the access point information image performed by a passenger of the moving object.

[0019] As a second embodiment for achieving the above-mentioned object, there is provided a communication control method performed by a communication device used in a mobile object and comprising a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with a communication partner using a first frequency band or a second frequency band. The communication control method comprises: an access point detection step for detecting an access point capable of establishing a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control step for controlling communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and between the communication unit and the access point. When the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate using the first frequency band, an access point information image is displayed on a display device used in the mobile object. The access point information image displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection step, distinguishing between a first access point capable of establishing a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point capable of establishing a communication connection using the second frequency band.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the communication device and communication control method, when a mobile object communicates with a communication terminal, it is possible to suppress disconnection of communication with the communication terminal due to connection to an access point or arbitrary frequency change due to a connection instruction from the access point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of the structure of a vehicle equipped with a communication device.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a communication device.

[0024] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates how to connect a smartphone to an external access point.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a first flowchart of the connection process with an external access point.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a second flowchart of the connection process with the external access point.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of a first display example of an access point information image.

[0028] Figure 7 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a second display example of the access point information image.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1…communication device; 10…processor; 11…access point detection unit; 12…communication control unit; 20…memory; 21…program for controlling the communication device; 22…program for smartphone collaboration application; 23…program for assistant application; 30…communication unit; 40…display device; 41…in-vehicle microphone; 42…in-vehicle speaker; 50…smartphone (communication terminal); 70, 80…AP overview image; 71-73, 81-83…AP information buttons; 75…connection disconnection notification image; 100…vehicle (mobile object); 200…external AP; 210…communication network; P…passenger DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [1. Structure of a vehicle equipped with a communication device]

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The structure of a vehicle 100 equipped with a communication device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Communication device 1 functions as part of an onboard device installed in vehicle 100 and is connected to a display device 40, an onboard microphone 41, and an onboard speaker 42. Vehicle 100 corresponds to the mobile object of the present disclosure. Display device 40 is a touch panel with a touch sensor arranged on the surface of a flat-panel display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. Display device 40 and onboard speaker 42 correspond to the notification device of the present disclosure.

[0033] The communication device 1 performs wireless communication based on the 5 GHz frequency band with the smartphone 50 used by the passenger P of the vehicle 100, and performs wireless communication based on the 5 GHz frequency band or the 2.4 GHz frequency band with the external access point 200 installed in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 and connected to the communication network 210. The communication device 1 performs wireless communication based on the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. The 5 GHz frequency band corresponds to the first frequency band of the present invention, and the 2.4 GHz frequency band corresponds to the second frequency band of the present invention. In addition, the first frequency band of the present disclosure may also be a frequency band other than the 5 GHz frequency band, and the second frequency band of the present disclosure may also be a frequency band other than the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Hereinafter, the external access point will also be referred to as an external AP.

[0034] Smartphone 50 corresponds to the communication terminal of the present disclosure. The communication terminal of the present disclosure includes not only smartphones but also mobile phones, tablets, and the like. Communication device 1 detects connectable external APs 200 and displays information about these external APs on display device 40. In response to a touch operation on display device 40 by a passenger P, communication device 1 determines the external AP 200 to connect to.

[0035] [2. Structure of Communication Device]

[0036] Reference Figure 2 The structure of communication device 1 will be described. Communication device 1 is a control unit including a processor 10, a memory 20, and a communication unit 30. Communication unit 30 performs wireless communication with a smartphone 50 using the 5 GHz band, and performs wireless communication with an external AP 200 using the 5 GHz band or the 2.4 GHz band.

[0037] The memory 20 stores a control program 21 for the communication device 1, a program 22 for a smartphone cooperative application, and a program 23 for an assistant application. The smartphone cooperative application enables applications (such as car navigation applications) executed by a smartphone to be used on the display device 40. The assistant application enables the use of a virtual assistant that supports the passenger P in voice-based operations of the vehicle 100. The processor 10 functions as the access point detection unit 11 and the communication control unit 12 by reading and executing the program 21.

[0038] The process executed by the access point detection unit 11 corresponds to the access point detection step in the communication control method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the communication control unit 12 corresponds to the communication control step in the communication control method of the present disclosure.

[0039] The access point detection unit 11 detects an external AP 200 that exists around the vehicle 100 and can be connected to the communication unit 30. The communication control unit 12 performs communication between the communication unit 30 and the communication target (in Figure 1 、 Figure 2In the example, it is the control of wireless communication between the smartphone 50 and the external AP 200).

[0040] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the processor 20 executes the program 22 of the smartphone cooperation application to enable the use of the smartphone cooperation application, and executes the program 23 of the assistant application to enable the use of the assistant application. The smartphone cooperation application connects the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 in AP mode (access point mode) via the 5GHz band. The assistant application connects the communication unit 30 and the external AP 200 in STA mode (station mode) via the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band. Figure 3 , a situation in which the communication unit 30 is connected to the external AP 200 via the 2.4 GHz frequency band is exemplified.

[0041] As shown in dialog box B1, the communication unit 30 can only use either AP mode or STA mode in the same frequency band. Figure 3 As shown, when the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected in AP mode via the 5GHz band, if the passenger P performs an operation to connect to the external AP 200 in STA mode via the 5GHz band, the communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 is cut off, resulting in an undesirable situation in which the smartphone collaboration application previously used cannot be used.

[0042] Therefore, the communication device 1 performs the following connection process with the external AP 200 to prevent the communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 from being disconnected due to overlap of the frequency bands used for connection between the smartphone 50 and the external AP 200 .

[0043] [3. Connection process with external AP]

[0044] according to Figures 4 and 5 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the process of connection processing between the access point detection unit 11 and the external AP 200 executed by the communication control unit 12. Figure 4 In step S1 , when the communication control unit 12 recognizes a connection operation with the external AP 200 performed by the passenger P (such as an operation of a communication setting menu displayed on the display device 40 ), the process proceeds to step S2 .

[0045] In step S2, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected (connected in AP mode based on the 5 GHz band). Then, the communication control unit 12 advances the process to step S3 if the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected, and advances the process to step S20 if the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are not connected.

[0046] In step S3, the communication control unit 12 notifies the passenger P that the application (smartphone cooperative application) is being disconnected until the connection with the external AP 200 is completed, either by displaying it on the display device 40 or outputting audio from the in-vehicle speaker 42. Furthermore, the communication control unit 12 disconnects the communication unit 30 from the smartphone 50, executing the application disconnection process. In the following step S4, the communication control unit 12 sets the disconnection flag indicating whether the connection with the smartphone 50 has been disconnected to "1" (disconnected), and the process proceeds to step S5. Furthermore, in step S20, the communication control unit 12 sets the disconnection flag to "0" (not disconnected), and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0047] In step S5, the access point detection unit 11 searches for an external AP 200 that can connect to the communication unit 30 based on the reception conditions of the radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band by the communication unit 30. In the following step S6, if the access point detection unit 11 detects an external AP 200 that can connect to the communication unit 30, the process proceeds to step S7. If no external AP 200 that can connect to the communication unit 30 is detected, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0048] In step S30, the communication control unit 12 displays a notification image on the display device 40 indicating that there is no external AP 200 to which a connection is possible, and the process proceeds to step S30. Figure 5 In step S13, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the disconnection flag is "1" in step S7. If the disconnection flag is "1", the process proceeds to step S8. If the disconnection flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S40.

[0049] In step S8, Figure 6 As shown, the communication control unit 12 displays an access point information image 70 showing a list of information of the external APs 200 (for example, AP-1, AP-2, and AP-3) detected by the access point detection unit 11 on the display device 40, and the process enters Figure 5 The access point information image 70 displays information of AP-1 to AP-3 through the selection buttons 71 to 73 , and the communication control unit 12 accepts selection of the external access point 200 in response to the passenger P touching any of the selection buttons.

[0050] In access point information image 70, button 73 of AP-3 corresponding to a communication connection using the 5.0 GHz band is displayed with shading, while buttons 71 of AP-1 and 72 of AP-2 corresponding to a communication connection using the 2.4 GHz band are made more visible than button 73 of AP-3. This prioritizes and displays information about external APs 200 (here, AP-1 and AP-2) corresponding to a communication connection using the 2.4 GHz band (which does not overlap with the 5 GHz band used for connection to smartphone 50) over external AP 200 (here, AP-3) corresponding to a communication connection using the 5 GHz band. This encourages passenger P to select an external AP 200 using the 2.4 GHz band, thereby preventing disconnection of the connection with smartphone 50 due to overlapping frequency bands.

[0051] On the other hand, in step S40, if Figure 7 As shown, the communication control unit 12 displays the access point information image 80 on the display device 40, which does not distinguish between the buttons 81 and 82 indicating the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the 2.4 GHz band and the button 83 indicating the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the 5 GHz band, and enters the process. Figure 5 Step S13.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In step S9, the communication control unit 12 recognizes that the passenger P is in the access point information image 70 (refer to Figure 6 ) or access point information image 80 (refer to Figure 7 ) is selected, the process proceeds to step S10. Furthermore, in step S10, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the disconnection flag is "1." If the disconnection flag is "1," the process proceeds to step S11. If the disconnection flag is "0," the process proceeds to step S14.

[0053] In step S11, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the passenger P has selected an external AP 200 that supports a communication connection using the 5 GHz band. If an external AP 200 that supports a communication connection using the 5 GHz band has been selected, the communication control unit 12 advances the process to step S12. If an external AP 200 that does not support a communication connection using the 5 GHz band (but rather supports a communication connection using the 2.4 GHz band) has been selected, the process advances to step S50.

[0054] In step S12, as Figure 6As shown, when AP-3, which is an external AP 200 corresponding to a communication connection based on the 5 GHz band, is selected, the communication control unit 12 causes the display device 40 to display a communication failure notification image 75 notifying that the connection with the smartphone 50 has been severed and communication with the smartphone 50 is impossible. The notification image 75 includes a continue button 76 and a cancel button 77.

[0055] In step S13, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the continue button 76 is selected. If the continue button 76 is selected, the communication control unit 12 advances the process to step S14. If the continue button 76 is not selected (if the cancel button 77 is selected), the process advances to step S14.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S50, since passenger P selected external AP 200 corresponding to a communication connection using the 2.4 GHz band, and since the frequency band used by smartphone 50 does not overlap, communication control unit 12 reconnects communication unit 30 and smartphone 50 (reconnecting in AP mode using the 5 GHz band), continues execution of the smartphone cooperation application, and proceeds to step S14. In step S14, communication control unit 12 connects external AP 200 selected by passenger P to communication unit 30 in STA mode.

[0057] [4. Other Implementation Methods]

[0058] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is exemplified as the mobile object using the communication device 1 . However, the mobile object of the present disclosure may be another type of mobile object such as an aircraft or a ship in which passengers utilize wireless communication.

[0059] In the above embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, a display image 70 is shown in which information of the external AP 200 using the first frequency band is displayed with shading applied, as an access point information image, wherein in this access point information image, information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used in the communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 is distinguished from information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band and displayed.

[0060] As another embodiment of the display image, for example, an access point information image having the display forms of the following Modifications 1 to 5 may be displayed.

[0061] Modification 1: Only the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band is displayed, and the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band is not displayed.

[0062] Modification 2: The display order of information about the external AP 200 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band is displayed first from the upper side, and then the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band is displayed.

[0063] Modification 3: The brightness or luminance of the information display of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band is made higher than the information display of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band.

[0064] Modification 4: The display color of the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band is set to a color different from the display color of the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band.

[0065] Modification 5: The display size ratio of the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the second frequency band is made larger than the display size of the information of the external AP 200 corresponding to the communication connection based on the first frequency band.

[0066] In addition, the display mode of the access point information image may be changed to the display mode of the access point information image in response to the setting operation of the display mode of the access point information image by the passenger P. Figure 6 Or any one of the above-mentioned modifications 1 to 5.

[0067] In the above embodiment, Figure 5 In step S12, when the passenger P selects an external AP 200 supporting 5 GHz, the communication control unit 12 displays a communication impossible notification image 75 on the display device 40, notifying that communication with the smartphone 50 is impossible. In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the communication impossible notification image 75, a recommended frequency band notification image may be displayed on the display device 40, recommending connection to an external AP 200 supporting communication connection using the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the frequency band used not overlapping with that of the smartphone 50. Furthermore, the communication impossible notification and the recommended frequency notification may be outputted as sound from the vehicle-mounted speaker 42.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the communication device 1 is shown as being mounted on the vehicle 100. However, the communication device of the present disclosure may be a portable communication device that is carried in a mobile object and used. In this case, the communication device may be a display-integrated communication device including a display device.

[0069] in addition, Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the communication device 1 according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the present invention. The structure of the communication device 1 can also be configured by other divisions. In addition, the processing of each component can be executed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figures 4 and 5 The processing of each component shown may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0070] [5. Structures Supported by the Above-mentioned Embodiments]

[0071] The above-mentioned embodiment is a specific example of the following structure.

[0072] (Structure 1) A communication device used in a mobile object, the communication device comprising: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication partner using a first frequency band or a second frequency band; an access point detection unit that detects an access point that can establish a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control unit that controls communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and between the communication unit and the access point. When the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate using the first frequency band, the communication device causes an access point information image to be displayed on a display device used in the mobile object. The access point information image displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point that can establish a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that can establish a communication connection using the second frequency band.

[0073] According to the communication device of Configuration 1, an access point information image is displayed on the display device. In this access point information image, information about the access points capable of communicating with the communication unit is displayed, distinguishing between a first access point capable of communicating using a first frequency band and a second access point capable of communicating using a second frequency band. This allows a passenger of the mobile vehicle to recognize the existence of the second access point capable of communicating using a second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal, thereby prompting passengers of the mobile vehicle to communicate with the second access point using the second frequency band. This prevents communication with the communication terminal from being disconnected due to connection with the access point when communicating with the communication terminal.

[0074] (Structure 2) The communication device described in Structure 1, wherein the communication control unit displays the access point information image on the display device when the communication unit communicates with the communication terminal via the first frequency band and recognizes the connection operation between the communication unit and the access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body.

[0075] According to the communication device of structure 2, when a passenger of the mobile body performs a connection operation with an access point, an access point information image is displayed on the display device, thereby effectively providing the passenger of the mobile body with information of a second access point that can be connected based on the following second frequency band, wherein the second frequency band does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication with the communication terminal.

[0076] (Structure 3) A communication device according to Structure 1 or Structure 2, wherein, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed via the first frequency band and a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body is identified, the communication control unit disconnects the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal based on the first frequency band, and the access point detection unit performs communication based on the first frequency band and the second frequency band in a state in which communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is disconnected, and detects the access point with which the communication unit can establish a communication connection.

[0077] According to the communication device of Configuration 3, it is possible to disconnect the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal, and to identify an access point connectable to the communication unit by performing searches using the first and second frequency bands using the access point detection unit.

[0078] (Structure 4) The communication device described in Structure 3, wherein, upon recognizing a connection operation with the second access point performed by the passenger in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit starts communication between the communication unit and the second access point based on the second frequency band, and restarts communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal based on the first frequency band.

[0079] According to the communication device of configuration 4, in response to a passenger's connection operation with the second access point, both communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band and communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band can be performed.

[0080] (Structure 5) The communication device according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein, upon recognizing a connection operation with the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a communication impossible notification from a notification device used in the mobile body, notifying that communication with the communication terminal is impossible.

[0081] According to the communication device of configuration 5, by notifying the passenger who has performed the connection operation with the first access point that communication with the communication terminal is impossible, connection with the second access point can be promoted, thereby preventing the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal from being disconnected.

[0082] (Structure 6) The communication device according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein, upon recognizing a connection operation with the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection with the second access point from a notification device used in the mobile body.

[0083] According to the communication device of structure 6, by notifying a passenger who has performed a connection operation with a first access point that it is recommended to communicate with a communication terminal using a second frequency band, the selection of the frequency band used for communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal can be changed from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, thereby prompting the communication unit and the communication terminal to continue communicating.

[0084] (Configuration 7) The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the communication control unit causes the display device to display an image that displays only the information of the second access point without displaying the information of the first access point as the access point information image.

[0085] According to the communication device of configuration 7, by displaying only the information of the second access point in the access point information image without displaying the information of the first access point, the passenger can be encouraged to connect to the second access point, thereby preventing the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal from being disconnected due to overlapping of the used frequency bands.

[0086] (Configuration 8) The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the communication control unit causes the display device to display an image that preferentially displays information about the second access point over information about the first access point as the access point information image.

[0087] According to the communication device of configuration 8, by displaying the information of the second access point in the access point information image in priority over the information of the first access point, the passenger can be encouraged to connect to the second access point, thereby preventing the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal from being disconnected due to overlapping of the used frequency bands.

[0088] (Structure 9) The communication device according to any one of Structures 1 to 8, wherein the communication control unit changes the display mode of the access point information image in response to a setting operation of the display mode of the access point information image performed by a passenger of the mobile body.

[0089] According to the communication device of configuration 9, the access point information image is changed to a display format that suits the passenger's preference in response to the passenger's setting operation, thereby enabling the passenger to easily select an access point.

[0090] (Structure 10) A communication control method is performed by a communication device used in a mobile object and including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication partner using a first frequency band or a second frequency band, wherein the communication control method includes: an access point detection step of detecting an access point that can establish a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control step of controlling communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and between the communication unit and the access point. When the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate using the first frequency band, an access point information image is displayed on a display device used in the mobile object. The access point information image distinguishes between a first access point that can establish a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that can establish a communication connection using the second frequency band, and displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection step.

[0091] By executing the communication control method of Configuration 10 by the communication device, the same operational effects as those of the communication device of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

Claims

1. A communication device used in a mobile object, wherein: The communication device has: a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with a communication partner based on the first frequency band or the second frequency band; an access point detection unit configured to detect an access point capable of establishing a communication connection with the communication unit; as well as a communication control unit configured to control communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and to display an access point information image on a display device used in the mobile object when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, wherein the access point information image displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point capable of communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point capable of communication connection using the second frequency band.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein When the communication unit communicates with the communication terminal using the first frequency band and a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of the mobile object is recognized, the communication control unit causes the display device to display the access point information image.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the communication unit and the communication terminal communicate via the first frequency band and a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of the mobile object is recognized, the communication control unit disconnects the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal via the first frequency band. The access point detection unit performs communication using the first frequency band and the second frequency band in a state in which communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is disconnected, and detects the access point communicably connectable with the communication unit. The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein: Upon recognizing a connection operation with the second access point performed by the passenger in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit starts communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band, and restarts communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band.

5. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When recognizing a connection operation with the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a communication impossible notification from a notification device used in the mobile body, notifying that communication with the communication terminal is impossible. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When recognizing a connection operation with the first access point performed by a passenger of the mobile body in response to display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection with the second access point from a notification device used in the mobile body.

7. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication control unit causes the display device to display an image showing only the information of the second access point without showing the information of the first access point as the access point information image.

8. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication control unit causes the display device to display an image that preferentially displays information about the second access point over information about the first access point as the access point information image.

9. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication control unit changes the display mode of the access point information image in response to a setting operation of a passenger of the mobile object on the display mode of the access point information image.

10. A communication control method, the method being executed by a communication device used in a mobile body and comprising a communication unit for performing wireless communication with a communication partner using a first frequency band or a second frequency band, wherein: The communication control method comprises: an access point detection step, detecting an access point capable of establishing a communication connection with the communication unit; a communication control step of controlling communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and communication between the communication unit and the access point, causing an access point information image to be displayed on a display device used in the mobile object when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, wherein the access point information image displays information on the access points detected by the access point detection step by distinguishing between a first access point capable of communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point capable of communication connection using the second frequency band.

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