Communication control system, communication control method, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a communication control system, a communication control method, and a computer program product. A communication control system controls communication in a communication terminal that relays communication between a mobile body and an information management device. The communication control system is provided with a selection unit that selects a relay mode in which the communication terminal relays communication between the mobile body and the information management device in accordance with a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device. The communication control method has a step of selecting a relay mode in which the communication terminal relays communication between the mobile body and the information management device in accordance with a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication control systems, communication control methods, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for performing data transmission corresponding to the relay function of data in the relay device when transmitting data to another communication device via a relay device. Patent Documents 2 to 5 describe techniques related to access points.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-4990

[0004] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2012 / 046391

[0005] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-323357

[0006] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-511600

[0007] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-503991 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, in the case of communication between relay mobile units and information management terminals, there is a problem that relay may fail depending on the communication status. This application addresses this problem, improving the stability of communication within mobile units. Furthermore, it can further improve traffic safety, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a communication control system is provided. The communication control system controls communication in a communication terminal that relays communication between a mobile body and an information management device. The communication control system includes a selection unit that selects a relay mode for the communication terminal to relay communication between the mobile body and the information management device based on the communication status between the communication terminal and the information management device.

[0010] In the aforementioned communication control system, the relay mode may include a first mode that transfers data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one party to the other. The relay mode may include a second mode that temporarily stores data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device in a storage medium provided by the communication terminal, and, based on the communication status between the communication terminal and the information management device, begins transferring the temporarily stored data in the storage medium and resumes communication between the mobile body and the information management device. The relay mode may include a third mode that stores data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device in the storage medium, and, in response to receiving a data transmission command, begins transferring the data stored in the storage medium. The relay mode may include at least one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0011] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, the selection unit may also select the relay mode based on the state of the storage medium possessed by the communication terminal.

[0012] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, when at least one of the capacity of the storage medium of the communication terminal and the free capacity of the storage medium is below a predetermined value, the selection unit can select a first mode to transfer data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one party to the other.

[0013] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, the selection unit can select the relay mode based on the communication status between the wireless relay device that relays the communication between the communication terminal and the information management device and the communication terminal.

[0014] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, when the communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is above a predetermined value, the selection unit can select a first mode to transfer data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one party to the other.

[0015] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, when the communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is less than a predetermined value, the selection unit can select a second mode. In this second mode, the data used for communication between the mobile body and the information management device is temporarily stored in the storage medium provided by the communication terminal. Based on the communication status between the communication terminal and the information management device, the data temporarily stored in the storage medium is forwarded, and the relay of communication between the mobile body and the information management device is restored.

[0016] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, when the communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is less than a predetermined value, the selection unit can select a second mode. In this second mode, the data used for communication between the mobile body and the information management device is temporarily stored in the storage medium provided by the communication terminal. Based on the communication status between the communication terminal and the information management device, the data temporarily stored in the storage medium is forwarded, and the relay of communication between the mobile body and the information management device is restored.

[0017] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, the selection unit can select the relay mode for the communication terminal to relay the communication between the mobile body and the information management device based on the security level of the communication between the communication terminal and the information management device.

[0018] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, when the security level is below a predetermined value, the selection unit can select a third mode in which the data for communication between the mobile body and the information management device is stored in the storage medium of the communication terminal, and in response to receiving a data transfer instruction, the data stored in the storage medium is transferred.

[0019] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, a communication control unit may also be included. When the communication terminal is able to communicate with the information management device via cellular communication and wireless LAN communication, the communication control unit enables the communication terminal to communicate with the information management device via wireless LAN communication, rather than cellular communication.

[0020] In any of the above-described communication control systems, communication among multiple communication terminals that relay communication between the mobile body and the information management device can be controlled. The multiple communication terminals and the mobile body can establish a wireless LAN connection via a single SSID. Any of the above-described communication control systems may further include a communication control unit that sets a shared SSID for the multiple communication terminals, enabling the mobile body to establish a wireless LAN connection with the multiple communication terminals via a single SSID.

[0021] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, an authentication control unit may also be included, which performs authentication between the mobile body and the communication terminal through 802.11u-based authentication and mutual authentication between the mobile body and the communication terminal.

[0022] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, a disable processing unit may also be provided, which disables the function of the communication terminal to relay communication between the mobile body and the information management device when the duration during which the communication terminal does not relay communication between the mobile body and the information management device is longer than a predetermined value.

[0023] In any of the above-mentioned communication control systems, a communication control unit may also be included. When the communication terminal is able to communicate with the information management device via cellular communication, the communication control unit restricts communication between the communication terminal and the information management device using cellular communication.

[0024] In a second aspect of the present invention, a communication control method is provided. The communication control method controls communication performed by a communication terminal that relays communication between a mobile body and an information management device. The communication control method includes the following steps: selecting a relay mode for the communication terminal to relay communication between the mobile body and the information management device based on the communication status between the communication terminal and the information management device.

[0025] In a third aspect of the invention, a program is provided. The program enables a computer to function as any of the aforementioned communication control systems. The program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

[0026] The above summary of the invention does not list all the features of the invention. Furthermore, sub-combinations of these feature groups can also constitute an invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 The usage of the communication system 5 in one embodiment is conceptually shown.

[0028] Figure 2 An example of the system configuration of the communication terminal 100 is shown schematically.

[0029] Figure 3 An example of the system configuration of the information management device 130 is shown schematically.

[0030] Figure 4 An example of the system configuration of the communication management device 140 is shown schematically.

[0031] Figure 5 An example of a sequence related to the communication control method executed in communication system 5 is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 An example of a process related to a communication control method executed in communication terminal 100 is shown.

[0033] Figure 7An example of a computer 2000 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described through embodiments thereof, but these embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessarily necessary for the solution of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 The configuration of a communication system 5 according to one embodiment is shown schematically. The communication system 5 includes multiple communication terminals 100, a wireless relay device 110, an information management device 130, a communication management device 140, multiple mobile bodies 20, and a wireless base station 120.

[0036] The mobile body 20 is a movable device. The mobile body 20 is, for example, a vehicle such as a bus or tram. A vehicle is an example of transportation equipment. The mobile body 20 can be various types of aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles. In this embodiment, the mobile body 20 is a vehicle. In this embodiment, the mobile body 20 is a vehicle being manufactured in a factory. For example, the mobile body 20 is a vehicle being transported on a production line during manufacturing. The mobile body 20 has at least wireless communication capabilities. The mobile body 20, for example, has wireless LAN communication capabilities.

[0037] The information management device 130 is, for example, located outside the factory where the mobile body 20 is manufactured. The information management device 130 maintains information to be provided to the mobile body 20. The information management device 130 also maintains information sent from the mobile body 20.

[0038] Wireless base station 120 is a cellular communication base station corresponding to more than one cellular communication method. The cellular communication method corresponding to wireless base station 120 can be, for example, the communication method used in mobile communication systems such as fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G) and fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). Wireless base station 120 can communicate with information management device 130 through cellular communication network 92.

[0039] The wireless repeater 110 has the function of relaying wireless LAN communication. The wireless repeater 110 can communicate with the information management device 130 through a communication network 90 such as the Internet.

[0040] Communication terminal 100 is a terminal with communication functions. Communication terminal 100 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone. Communication terminal 100 may be a communication terminal pre-installed in a factory. Communication terminal 100 may be a portable terminal carried by a worker in the factory. Communication terminal 100 has wireless communication functions. For example, communication terminal 100 has cellular communication functions and wireless LAN communication functions. Communication terminal 100 has a wireless LAN access point function and relays communication between mobile unit 20 and information management device 130 through wireless base station 120.

[0041] The communication terminal 100 can function as a wireless LAN access point for the mobile body 20 and as a station for the wireless relay device 110. The communication terminal 100 relays communication between the mobile body 20 and the information management device 130 via the wireless relay device 110 and the communication network 90. ​​Therefore, when the mobile body 20 is on the production line, it can establish wireless communication with the communication terminal 100 near its current location, communicate with the information management device 130 via the wireless relay device 110 or the wireless base station 120, and exchange information with the information management device 130.

[0042] The communication management device 140 performs processing for managing communication between the mobile body 20 and the information management device 130. For example, the communication management device 140 registers various information required for communication between the mobile body 20 and the communication terminal 100. The communication management device 140 manages the wireless access point functions provided by the communication terminal 100.

[0043] The communication terminal 100 has a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode as relay modes for communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. The first mode is a mode that forwards data communicated between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 from one party to the other. The second mode is a relay mode that temporarily holds data communicated between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130, initiates the forwarding of temporarily held data based on the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, and resumes communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. The third mode is a mode that holds data communicated between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130, and initiates the forwarding of the held data in response to receiving a data forwarding command.

[0044] Based on the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, the communication terminal 100 relays communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 using one of three modes: a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. For example, while relaying communication using the first mode, the communication terminal 100 switches to communication using the second mode in response to a deterioration in the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130. When the security level of communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is low, the communication terminal 100 uses the third mode for relaying communication. Thus, relaying can be performed using an appropriate mode corresponding to the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130.

[0045] Figure 2 An example of the system configuration of the communication terminal 100 is shown schematically. The communication terminal 100 includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 280, and a communication unit 290. The control unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a disable processing unit 220, an authentication control unit 230, and a selection unit 240.

[0046] The control unit 200 performs overall control of the communication terminal 100. The control unit 200 can be an example of a communication control system, or it can be part of a communication control system. The communication unit 290 is responsible for wireless communication between each of the mobile unit 20, the wireless relay device 110, and the wireless base station 120 and the communication terminal 100. The control unit 200 is implemented by an arithmetic processing device including a processor. The storage unit 280 is implemented by including a non-volatile storage medium. The control unit 200 performs processing using information stored in the storage unit 280. The control unit 200 can be implemented by a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, bus, etc. The communication terminal 100 can be implemented by a single computer.

[0047] The control unit 200 functions as a communication control system that relays communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 via the communication terminal 100. The selection unit 240 selects a relay mode for the communication terminal 100 to relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 based on the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130. While cellular communication may sometimes be limited for the mobile unit 20 during manufacturing, according to this embodiment, data transmission and reception between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 required for the manufacturing of the mobile unit 20 can be performed. This reduces communication costs. Furthermore, the selection unit 240 can select a relay mode based on the communication status, thereby utilizing an appropriate mode corresponding to the relay mode for relay communication.

[0048] The relay mode can include at least one of the following modes: a first mode, in which data communicating between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 is transferred from one party to the other; a second mode, in which data communicating between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 is temporarily stored in a storage medium provided by the communication terminal 100, and the transfer of the temporarily stored data in the storage medium begins according to the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, and the relay of communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 is resumed; and a third mode, in which data communicating between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 is stored in a storage medium, and the transfer of the data stored in the storage medium begins in response to receiving a data transfer instruction. Thus, it is possible to select whether to relay data immediately, to relay data temporarily stored in the communication terminal 100, or to relay data that can be stored long-term, depending on the communication status. Therefore, the relay mode can be flexibly changed according to the communication status, and data collection from the mobile unit 20 can be continuously performed. The storage medium used to store data in the second and third modes can be a non-volatile storage medium.

[0049] The selection unit 240 can further select a relay mode based on the state of the storage medium possessed by the communication terminal 100. For example, when at least one of the capacity of the storage medium possessed by the communication terminal 100 and the free capacity of the storage medium is below a predetermined value, the selection unit 240 can select a first mode. Thus, when the storage capacity of the storage medium possessed by the communication terminal 100 is insufficient, relay communication can be carried out in the first mode, which does not consume storage capacity compared to the second and third modes.

[0050] The selection unit 240 selects a relay mode based on the communication status between the wireless relay device 110 and the communication terminal 100, which governs the communication between the relay communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130. For example, when the communication quality between the wireless relay device 110 and the communication terminal 100 is above a predetermined value, the selection unit 240 can select a first mode. Thus, when the communication quality is relatively high, the first mode can be selected, allowing continuous communication to be sent to the information management device 130. When the communication quality between the wireless relay device 110 and the communication terminal 100 is below the predetermined value, the selection unit 240 can select a second mode. Thus, when the communication quality is low, by selecting the second mode, data can continue to be collected from the mobile unit 20, and when the communication quality recovers, the data stored in the communication terminal 100 can be sent to the information management device 130.

[0051] The selection unit 240 can select the relay mode for communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 based on the security level of the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130. When the security level is below a predetermined value, the selection unit 240 can select a third mode. Therefore, when the security level of communication is below the required level, selecting the third mode can reduce security risks such as data leakage. Thus, when it is not desired to send information to the information management device 130 via the wireless relay device 110 through the communication network 90 including the Internet for security reasons, selecting the third mode can reduce security risks such as data leakage. Furthermore, the selection unit 240 can select the third mode based on instructions from users such as staff. For example, when collecting data from the mobile unit 20 that needs immediate confirmation on the communication terminal 100, the user can instruct the communication terminal 100 to select the third mode.

[0052] When the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication and wireless LAN communication, the communication control unit 210 can prioritize wireless LAN communication over cellular communication when communicating with the information management device 130. This reduces the frequency of cellular communication usage and thus lowers communication costs.

[0053] Multiple communication terminals 100 and mobile devices 20 can be connected wirelessly via a single SSID. For example, communication terminals 100 and mobile devices 20 can be OpenRoaming-enabled devices. The communication control unit 210 can set a shared SSID for multiple communication terminals 100, allowing mobile devices 20 to connect wirelessly to multiple communication terminals 100 via a single SSID. By enabling connection via a shared SSID, wireless LAN connections can be seamlessly performed across multiple communication terminals 100. By configuring OpenRoaming or similar settings for mobile devices 20 and communication terminals 100, they can automatically connect to the corresponding wireless LAN network, thus eliminating the need for complex reconnection procedures even when mobile devices 20 move and connect to another communication terminal 100.

[0054] The authentication control unit 230 can perform authentication between the mobile device 20 and the communication terminal 100 through 802.11u-based authentication and mutual authentication between the mobile device 20 and the communication terminal 100. This reduces security risks.

[0055] When the duration during which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 exceeds a predetermined value, the disable processing unit 220 disables the function of the communication terminal 100 in relaying communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. This prevents the communication terminal 100 from continuously connecting to the network for extended periods when not used for relaying. Therefore, security risks can be reduced.

[0056] After the disabling processing unit 220 disables the communication relay function in the communication terminal 100, the communication terminal 100 can enable the communication relay function based on an instruction from the information management device 130. For example, when an instruction to enable the relay function is received from the information management device 130 via the wireless relay device 110 and / or the wireless base station 120, the communication terminal 100 can re-enable the communication relay function in the communication terminal 100.

[0057] Even when the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication, the communication control unit 210 can restrict communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 via cellular communication. The communication control unit 210 can allow cellular communication based on the requirement for a high level of security. When no other communication means are available, the communication control unit 210 can allow cellular communication. The communication control unit 210 can allow cellular communication only at night. In this way, by restricting cellular communication, communication costs can be suppressed.

[0058] Figure 3 An example of the system configuration of the information management device 130 is shown schematically. The information management device 130 includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 380, and a communication unit 390. The control unit 300 includes a communication control unit 310 and a disable processing unit 320.

[0059] The control unit 200 performs overall control of the information management device 130. The control unit 300 can be an example of a communication control system, or it can be part of a communication control system. The communication unit 390 is responsible for wireless communication between each of the wireless relay device 110 and the wireless base station 120 and the information management device 130. The control unit 300 is implemented by an arithmetic processing unit including a processor. The storage unit 380 is implemented by including a non-volatile storage medium. The control unit 300 uses the information stored in the storage unit 380 to perform processing. The control unit 300 can be implemented by a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, bus, etc. The information management device 130 can be implemented by a single computer. The information management device 130 can be implemented by multiple computers. The functions of the information management device 130 can be implemented by a virtual system using virtualization technology.

[0060] The communication control unit 310 performs processing corresponding to that of the communication control unit 210. When the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication and wireless LAN communication, the communication control unit 310 can prioritize wireless LAN communication over cellular communication when communicating with the information management device 130. Even when the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication, the communication control unit 310 can restrict communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 via cellular communication. The communication control unit 310 can set a shared SSID for multiple communication terminals 100, allowing the mobile unit 20 to wirelessly LAN connect with multiple communication terminals 100 via a single SSID. For example, the communication control unit 310 can perform processing to configure the communication terminal 100 according to the OpenRoaming standard, enabling the communication terminal 100 to communicate according to the OpenRoaming standard.

[0061] The disabling processing unit 320 performs processing corresponding to that of the disabling processing unit 220. When the duration during which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 exceeds a predetermined value, the disabling processing unit 320 disables the communication terminal 100's function of relaying communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. For example, the disabling processing unit 320 may instruct the communication terminal 100 to terminate its function as a wireless LAN access point. The disabling processing unit 320 can measure the duration during which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 by measuring the elapsed time from the last time data was received from the mobile unit 20 and transmitted through the communication terminal 100.

[0062] Figure 4 An example of the system configuration of the communication management device 140 is schematically shown. The communication management device 140 includes a control unit 400, a storage unit 480, and a communication unit 490. The control unit 400 includes a communication control unit 410, a disable processing unit 420, an authentication control unit 430, and a selection unit 440.

[0063] The control unit 400 performs overall control of the communication management device 140. The control unit 400 can be an example of a communication control system, or it can be part of a communication control system. The communication unit 490 is responsible for wireless communication between the wireless relay device 110 and the communication management device 140. The control unit 400 is implemented by an arithmetic processing unit including a processor. The storage unit 480 is implemented by including a non-volatile storage medium. The control unit 400 uses the information stored in the storage unit 480 to perform processing. The control unit 400 can be implemented by a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, bus, etc. The communication management device 140 can be implemented by a single computer. The communication management device 140 can be implemented by multiple computers. The functions of the communication management device 140 can be implemented by a virtual system using virtualization technology.

[0064] The communication control unit 410 performs processing corresponding to that of the communication control unit 210. When the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication and wireless LAN communication, the communication control unit 410 can prioritize wireless LAN communication over cellular communication when communicating with the information management device 130. Even when the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the information management device 130 via cellular communication, the communication control unit 410 can restrict communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 via cellular communication. The communication control unit 410 can set a shared SSID for multiple communication terminals 100, allowing the mobile unit 20 to establish a wireless LAN connection with multiple communication terminals 100 via a single SSID. For example, the communication control unit 410 can perform processing to configure the communication terminal 100 according to the OpenRoaming standard, enabling the communication terminal 100 to communicate according to the OpenRoaming standard.

[0065] The disabling processing unit 420 performs processing corresponding to that of the disabling processing unit 220. When the duration for which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 exceeds a predetermined value, the disabling processing unit 420 disables the communication terminal 100's function of relaying communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. For example, the disabling processing unit 420 may instruct the communication terminal 100 to terminate its function as a wireless LAN access point. The disabling processing unit 420 may measure the elapsed time from the last time the communication terminal 100 sent data from the mobile unit 20 to the information management device 130, thereby measuring the duration for which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. The disabling processing unit 420 can measure the duration for which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 by obtaining the transmission history from the communication terminal 100 or the wireless relay device 110.

[0066] The authentication control unit 430 controls the transmission of authentication information required for authentication between the communication terminal 100 and the mobile unit 20. The selection unit 440 performs processing corresponding to that of the selection unit 240. Based on the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, the selection unit 440 selects a relay mode for the communication terminal 100 to relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. The communication management device 140 obtains information from the communication terminal 100 indicating the communication status between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, and the selection unit 440 performs processing for selecting a relay mode based on the obtained information. The communication management device 140 can send information indicating the relay mode selected by the selection unit 440 to the communication terminal 100 and instruct the communication terminal 100 to use that relay mode to relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130.

[0067] Figure 5 An example of a sequence related to the communication control method executed in communication system 5 is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 5 Describe the overall processing performed in communication system 5.

[0068] In S500, the communication management device 140, under the control of the authentication control unit 430, outputs authentication information to the communication terminal 100 and the mobile body 20. The authentication information is used for mutual authentication between the mobile body 20 and the communication terminal 100. The communication management device 140 can transmit authentication information for the mobile body 20 to be authenticated by the communication terminal 100 via the wireless relay device 110. When the mobile body 20 is connected to the wireless relay device 110, the communication management device 140 can transmit authentication information for the communication terminal 100 to be authenticated by the mobile body 20. The communication management device 140 can output authentication information for the communication terminal 100 to be authenticated by the mobile body 20 via other communication means. In S501, the communication terminal 100 stores the authentication information output from the communication management device 140 in the storage unit 280. In S502, the mobile body 20 stores the authentication information output from the communication management device 140 in the storage medium provided by the mobile body 20.

[0069] In S503, the communication management device 140, under the control of the authentication control unit 430, sends communication terminal information and mobile body information to the information management device 130. The communication terminal information is used to identify the communication terminal 100. Examples of communication terminal information include the IMSI, MSISDN, ICCID, and IMEI of the communication terminal 100. The mobile body information is used to identify the mobile body. In this embodiment, when the mobile body is a vehicle, the mobile body information may be the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the mobile body 20. In S504, the information management device 130 stores the communication terminal information and mobile body information received from the communication management device 140 in the storage unit 380.

[0070] In S506, the information management device 130 sends an instruction to enable the wireless LAN access point function of the communication terminal 100. In S508, the information management device 130 sends authentication information to the communication terminal 100. For example, this authentication information may be information for IEEE 802.11u-based authentication. This authentication information may be information for communication according to the WBA Open Roaming standard. This authentication information may be information for communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) CERTIFIED Passpoint standard. This authentication information may include certificate information for authentication.

[0071] In S510, the communication terminal 100 begins relaying communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. In S512, the mobile unit 20 performs authentication processing to connect to the nearby communication terminal 100. The authentication processing in S512 is performed in cooperation with the authentication control unit 230 of the communication terminal 100. The authentication processing in S512 may include IEEE 802.11u-based authentication processing and mutual authentication processing between the communication terminal 100 and the mobile unit 20.

[0072] When a connection is established between the mobile unit 20 and the communication terminal 100, in S520, the mobile unit 20 sends data destined for the information management device 130. The data sent from the mobile unit 20 to the information management device 130 may contain information indicating the state of the mobile unit 20 during manufacturing. For example, the data sent from the mobile unit 20 to the information management device 130 may contain information generated by the ECU of the mobile unit 20. The communication terminal 100 relays the data sent from the mobile unit 20 destined for the information management device 130 and sends it to the information management device 130 (S522). Depending on the communication state between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, a relay mode is used using a mode selected from the first mode, second mode, and third mode described above.

[0073] In S524, the information management device 130 sends data destined for the mobile body 20. The communication terminal 100 relays the data destined for the mobile body 20 sent from the information management device 130 and sends it to the mobile body 20 (S526). The data destined for the mobile body 20 from the information management device 130 may include information written into the ECU of the mobile body 20 during manufacturing.

[0074] As the mobile unit 20 moves along the production line, it communicates with the information management device 130 while switching its connection destination to the communication terminal 100 with optimal communication status. As described above, in one embodiment, by employing a communication method where the communication terminal 100 and the mobile unit 20 communicate according to the WBA OpenRoaming standard, the mobile unit 20 can connect to different communication terminals 100 and communicate with the information management device 130 using a shared SSID, thereby enabling seamless communication with the information management device 130.

[0075] Figure 6 An example flowchart relating to the communication control method executed in the communication terminal 100 is shown. Figure 6 The following example illustrates the process of relaying communication via wireless relay device 110. In S610, communication terminal 100 is connected to wireless relay device 110. In S612, the control unit 200 of communication terminal 100 measures the communication quality between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 via wireless relay device 110. The communication quality measured in S612 may include the quality of the wireless signal between communication terminal 100 and wireless relay device 110. The quality of the wireless signal may, for example, be RSSI (Received Signal Strength Index).

[0076] In S614, the control unit 200 of the communication terminal 100 determines whether the storage capacity that can be stored in the storage medium provided by the storage unit 280 exceeds a predetermined value. "Storage capacity that can be stored in the storage medium" can be either the storage capacity of the storage medium provided by the storage unit 280 or the free capacity of the storage medium provided by the storage unit 280. When the storage capacity that can be stored in the storage medium provided by the storage unit 280 exceeds the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S616; when it is determined that the storage capacity does not exceed the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S620.

[0077] In S616, the control unit 200 determines whether the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is secure. The determination in S616 may include determining whether the security level of the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is above a predetermined value. The determination in S616 may also include determining whether the security level of the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is above the security level required for sending data from the mobile unit 20 to the information management device 130. The security level of the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 can be set according to the communication path. For example, the security level when relaying communication via the wireless relay device 110 can be set to a value lower than the security level when relaying communication via the wireless base station 120. The security level required for sending data from the mobile unit 20 to the information management device 130 can be a value predetermined for each type of data to be sent. The security level required for sending this data can be input to the communication terminal 100 by a user such as a staff member, or it can be notified to the communication terminal 100 from the mobile unit 20. When it is determined in S616 that the communication between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is secure, the process is transferred to S618; when it is determined that the communication is not secure, the process is transferred to S624.

[0078] In S618, the control unit 200 determines whether the communication quality between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is above a predetermined value. The communication quality can be the value measured in S612. In S618, if it is determined that the communication quality between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130 is above the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S620; if it is determined that the communication quality is below the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S622. When the communication terminal 100 selects the first mode as the relay mode in S620 after performing relay using the second mode, the communication control unit 210 can start relaying based on the first mode after sending the data stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 280 to the information management device 130.

[0079] In S620, the selection unit 240 selects a first mode as the relay mode for communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. In S622, the selection unit 240 selects a second mode as the relay mode for communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130. In S624, the selection unit 240 selects a third mode as the relay mode for communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130.

[0080] In S630, the disable processing unit 220 calculates the non-relay period, which is the period during which the communication terminal 100 does not relay communication between the mobile body 20 and the information management device 130. In S632, the disable processing unit 220 determines whether the length of the non-relay period is longer than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the length of the non-relay period is longer than the predetermined value, in S634, the disable processing unit 220 disables the relay function of communication in the communication terminal 100. If it is determined that the length of the non-relay period is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S612.

[0081] Although it has been referenced Figure 6 The method of the selection unit 240 performing the process for selecting a relay mode has been described, but at least a portion of the method of the communication management device 140 performing the process for selecting a relay mode may also be used. Although referenced Figure 6 The description describes a method in which the disable processing unit 220 determines whether to disable the relay function of communication in the communication terminal 100. However, a method in which the disable processing unit 420 takes the lead in determining whether to disable the relay function can also be used. Although referenced Figure 6 This describes a method for selecting the second mode as the relay mode when communication quality is low. However, it is also possible to select the third mode as the relay mode when communication quality is low.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the mobile body 20 is set to be a vehicle under manufacturing, but it is not limited thereto. The configuration of the communication system 5 can be applied to the communication of any mobile body in any state.

[0083] According to the aforementioned communication system 5, the communication terminal 100 can relay communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 via a communication path through the wireless relay device 110. Therefore, compared to the case where the mobile unit 20 communicates with the information management device 130 via the wireless base station 120, communication costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since the mode for relaying communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 is selected based on the communication state between the communication terminal 100 and the information management device 130, communication between the mobile unit 20 and the information management device 130 can be relayed using an appropriate mode corresponding to the communication state.

[0084] Figure 7Examples of computer 2000 that may embody all or part of the various embodiments of the present invention are shown. A program installed on computer 2000 enables computer 2000 to function as a communication system 5 or its components, or various devices such as communication terminal 100, information management device 130, and communication management device 140, or its components, performing operations associated with the system or its components, the device, or its components, and / or performing processes or steps associated with the embodiments. Such a program may be executed by CPU 2012 to enable computer 2000 to perform the processing flow described herein and specific operations associated with several or all of the functional blocks in the block diagram.

[0085] The computer 2000 based on this embodiment includes a CPU 2012 and RAM 2014, which are interconnected via a main controller 2010. The computer 2000 also includes a ROM 2026, flash memory 2024, a communication interface 2022, and an input / output chip 2040. The ROM 2026, flash memory 2024, communication interface 2022, and input / output chip 2040 are connected to the main controller 2010 via an input / output controller 2020.

[0086] CPU2012 operates according to the programs stored in ROM2026 and RAM2014, thereby controlling each unit.

[0087] The communication interface 2022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The flash memory 2024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2012 within the computer 2000. The ROM 2026 stores startup programs executed by the computer 2000 when activated, and / or programs dependent on the hardware of the computer 2000. The input / output chip 2040 can also connect various input / output units such as keyboards, mice, and monitors to the input / output controller 2020 via input / output ports such as serial ports, parallel ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, monitor ports, USB ports, and HDMI (registered trademark) ports.

[0088] The program is provided via a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or USB flash drive, or via a network. RAM 2014, ROM 2026, or flash memory 2024 are examples of computer-readable storage media. The program is installed into flash memory 2024, RAM 2014, or ROM 2026 and executed by CPU 2012. The information processing described within these programs is read by computer 2000, enabling cooperation between the program and the aforementioned types of hardware resources. The apparatus or method can be configured to perform information manipulation or processing in accordance with the use of computer 2000.

[0089] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2000 and an external device, the CPU 2012 can execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2014, and instruct the communication interface 2022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2012, the communication interface 2022 reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer processing area provided in the recording medium such as the RAM 2014 and the flash memory 2024, sends the read transmission data to the network, and writes the received data received from the network to the receive buffer processing area provided on the recording medium, etc.

[0090] In addition, CPU 2012 can read all or a required portion of a file or database stored in a recording medium such as flash memory 2024 into RAM 2014, and perform various processing on the data in RAM 2014. CPU 2012 then writes the processed data back to the recording medium.

[0091] Various types of information, such as programs, data, tables, and databases, can be saved to the recording medium and applied to information processing. The CPU 2012 can perform various operations, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branches, unconditional branches, information retrieval / replacement, etc., as described in this specification, on data read from the RAM 2014, and write the results back to the RAM 2014. Furthermore, the CPU 2012 can retrieve information from files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if multiple items, each having an attribute value associated with a second attribute, are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2012 can retrieve the item whose first attribute value matches the condition from these multiple items, read the second attribute value stored in that item, and thereby obtain the second attribute value associated with the first attribute that satisfies a preset condition.

[0092] The programs or software modules described above can be stored on or near the computer 2000 on a computer-readable storage medium. Recording media such as hard disks or RAM provided in server systems connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as computer-readable storage media. Programs stored on computer-readable storage media can be provided to the computer 2000 via a network.

[0093] If a program installed in computer 2000, enabling computer 2000 to function as communication terminal 100, is executed by the computer, it can operate in CPU 2012 or similar mechanisms, thereby allowing each unit of computer 2000 to function as communication terminal 100. The information processing described in these programs is read into computer 2000, thus enabling computer 2000 to function as a specific unit cooperating with the software and the various hardware resources described above, i.e., each unit of communication terminal 100. Furthermore, by utilizing these specific units to perform calculations or processing of information corresponding to the intended use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, a communication terminal 100 specific to that intended use is constructed.

[0094] If a program installed in computer 2000, enabling computer 2000 to function as information management device 130, is executed by the computer, it can operate in CPU 2012 or the like, thereby allowing computer 2000 to function as each unit of information management device 130. The information processing described in these programs is read into computer 2000, whereby computer 2000 functions as a specific unit cooperating with software and the aforementioned hardware resources, i.e., each unit of information management device 130. Furthermore, by utilizing these specific units to perform calculations or processing of information corresponding to the intended use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, a unique information management device 130 corresponding to that intended use is constructed.

[0095] If a program installed in computer 2000, enabling computer 2000 to function as communication management device 140, is executed by the computer, it can operate in CPU 2012 or the like, thereby allowing computer 2000 to function as each unit of communication management device 140. The information processing described in these programs is read into computer 2000, whereby computer 2000 functions as a specific unit cooperating with software and the various hardware resources described above, i.e., each unit of communication management device 140. Furthermore, by utilizing these specific units to perform calculations or processing of information corresponding to the intended use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, a communication management device 140 specific to that intended use is constructed.

[0096] Various embodiments have been described with reference to block diagrams, etc. In the block diagrams, each functional block may represent (1) a step of an operation process or (2) a unit of a device having the function of performing the operation. Specific steps and units may be implemented by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or processors supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuits may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may also include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuits may include logic AND, logic OR, logic XOR, logic NAND, logic NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and other reconfigurable hardware circuits including memory elements.

[0097] A computer-readable storage medium can include any tangible device capable of storing instructions executable by a suitable device, such that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein constitutes at least a portion of an article containing instructions executable to implement units for performing operations specified in a process flow or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include floppy disks (registered trademark), floppy magnetic disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disk (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) discs, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0098] Computer-readable instructions may include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine delegate instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, or any type of source code or object code described by any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0099] Computer-readable instructions are provided locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet to a processor or programmable circuit of a programmable data processing device such as a computer, and can be executed in order to implement means for performing the operations specified in the described processing flow or block diagram.

[0100] The computer in this context can be a PC (personal computer), tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server, or general-purpose computer, or it can be a computer system composed of multiple connected computers. Such a computer system composed of multiple connected computers is called a distributed computer system, which falls under the broader definition of a computer. In a distributed computer system, multiple computers each execute a part of a program, exchanging data between the computers as needed, thereby enabling multiple computers to jointly execute the program.

[0101] Examples of processors include computer processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, and microcontrollers. A computer can have one or more processors. In a multiprocessor system with multiple processors, each processor executes a portion of the program, exchanging data between processors as needed, thus allowing multiple processors to jointly execute the program. For example, in multitasking, each processor can switch tasks according to time slices, thereby precisely executing each part of the task. In this case, which part of the program each processor executes is dynamically changing. Alternatively, which part of the program each processor executes can also be statically defined by the multiprocessor-specific programming.

[0102] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention, as is evident from the claims.

[0103] Regarding the execution order of actions, processes, steps, and procedures in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated as "before" or "firstly," any order is permissible as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Even if terms such as "firstly" or "next" are used for convenience in describing the flow of actions in the claims, specification, and drawings, this does not imply that the actions must be performed in that specific order.

[0104] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0105] 5. Communication System

[0106] 20 moving bodies

[0107] 90 communication network

[0108] 92 Cellular Communication Network

[0109] 100 communication terminals

[0110] 110 wireless repeater

[0111] 120 wireless base station

[0112] 130 Information Management Device

[0113] 140 Communication Management Device

[0114] 200 Control Department

[0115] 210 Communications Control Department

[0116] 220 Disabling Processing Department

[0117] 230 Certification Control Department

[0118] 240 Selection Department

[0119] 280 Storage Division

[0120] 290 Department of Communications

[0121] 300 Control Department

[0122] 310 Communications Control Department

[0123] 320 Disabling Processing Department

[0124] 380 Storage Division

[0125] 390 Communications Department

[0126] 400 Control Department

[0127] 410 Communications Control Department

[0128] 420 Disabling Processing Department

[0129] 430 Certification Control Department

[0130] 440 Selection Department

[0131] 480 Storage Unit

[0132] 490 Communications Department

[0133] 2000 Computer

[0134] 2010 Main Controller

[0135] 2012 CPU

[0136] 2014 RAM

[0137] 2020 Input / Output Controller

[0138] 2022 communication interface

[0139] 2024 Flash Memory

[0140] 2026ROM

[0141] 2040 input / output chip.

Claims

1. A communication control system that controls communication in a communication terminal that relays communication between a mobile body and an information management device, wherein a selection section that selects a relay mode in which the communication terminal relays communication between the mobile body and the information management device, based on a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device.

2. The communication control system according to claim 1, wherein the relay mode includes at least one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, the first mode transfers data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one to the other, the second mode temporarily holds data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device in a storage medium possessed by the communication terminal, starts transferring the data temporarily held in the storage medium, and resumes relay of communication between the mobile body and the information management device, based on a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device, the third mode holds data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device in the storage medium, and starts transferring the data held in the storage medium in response to receiving a data transfer instruction.

3. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection section selects the relay mode also based on a state of a storage medium possessed by the communication terminal.

4. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when at least one of a capacity of a storage medium possessed by the communication terminal and a free capacity of the storage medium is below a predetermined value, the selection section selects the first mode that transfers data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one to the other.

5. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection section selects the relay mode based on a communication state between a wireless relay device that relays communication between the communication terminal and the information management device and the communication terminal.

6. The communication control system according to claim 5, wherein when a communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is above a predetermined value, the selection section selects the first mode that transfers data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device from one to the other.

7. The communication control system according to claim 5, wherein when the communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is less than a predetermined value, the selection section selects the second mode in which data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device is temporarily held in a storage medium possessed by the communication terminal, and starts transferring the data temporarily held in the storage medium and resumes relay of communication between the mobile body and the information management device, based on a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device.

8. The communication control system according to claim 6, wherein When the communication quality between the wireless relay device and the communication terminal is less than the predetermined value, the selection section selects a second mode in which data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device is temporarily held in a storage medium provided in the communication terminal, starts transferring the data temporarily held in the storage medium in accordance with a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device, and resumes relaying the communication between the mobile body and the information management device.

9. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The selection section selects a relay mode in which the communication terminal relays the communication between the mobile body and the information management device in accordance with a security level of the communication between the communication terminal and the information management device.

10. The communication control system according to claim 9, wherein When the security level is below a predetermined value, the selection section selects a third mode in which data communicated between the mobile body and the information management device is held in a storage medium provided in the communication terminal, and starts transferring the data held in the storage medium in response to receiving a data transfer instruction.

11. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Further provided is a communication control section that causes the communication terminal to communicate with the information management device through wireless LAN communication in preference to cellular communication when the communication terminal can communicate with the information management device through both cellular communication and wireless LAN communication.

12. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The communication control system controls communication in a plurality of communication terminals that relay the communication between the mobile body and the information management device, The plurality of communication terminals and the mobile body can be wirelessly connected through a single SSID, The communication control system further includes a communication control section that sets a common SSID for the plurality of communication terminals so that the mobile body can wirelessly connect to the plurality of communication terminals through a single SSID.

13. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Further provided is an authentication control section that performs authentication between the mobile body and the communication terminal through 802.1 lu-based authentication and mutual authentication between the mobile body and the communication terminal.

14. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Further provided is a disable processing section that disables a function of the communication terminal to relay the communication between the mobile body and the information management device when a length of a period during which the communication terminal does not relay the communication between the mobile body and the information management device is longer than a predetermined value.

15. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Further provided is a communication control section that restricts the communication between the communication terminal and the information management device through cellular communication when the communication terminal can communicate with the information management device through cellular communication.

16. A communication control method of controlling communication by a communication terminal that relays communication between a mobile body and an information management device, wherein there is a step of selecting a relay mode in which the communication terminal relays communication between the mobile body and the information management device, in accordance with a communication state between the communication terminal and the information management device.

17. A computer program product that contains a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication control method of claim 16 are implemented.

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