Communication control device, terminal device, communication system, communication control method, communication method, and control method for communication system

Abstract

The communication control device includes: a control-side communication section that communicates with a first communication section and a second communication section of a terminal device; a connection information acquisition section that acquires first identification information and second identification information; a storage section that stores the first identification information in association with the second identification information as associated identification information when a connection using the first identification information is permitted; a connection information determination section that determines whether the second identification information of a terminal device that has made a connection request using the second communication section is stored in the storage section when there is a new connection request using the second communication section; and a connection control section that permits the connection of the terminal device when the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information. The connection control section deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage section when a new connection is permitted, and stores associated identification information related to the new connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication control devices, terminal devices, communication systems, communication control methods, communication methods, and control methods for communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Before communication begins, techniques for authenticating communication devices are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables authentication processing even for terminals that do not have authentication information for communication.

[0003] Prior technology documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-245934. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) system is known to utilize mobile phone networks for wireless communication. For a PoC terminal to use PoC functionality, PoC account authentication with the PoC server must be completed beforehand. This authentication process occurs after authentication with the communication operator's core network via a mobile phone line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) using the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) of that line. When a PoC terminal attempts to connect to the PoC server for the first time using the mobile phone network, even if it has previously connected to the PoC server via a different line and completed PoC account authentication, it still needs to undergo PoC account authentication again when connecting to the PoC server via the mobile phone network.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a communication control device, terminal device, communication system, communication control method, communication method, and control method for a communication system, which enables easy connection when multiple communication units exist and each communication unit receives a connection initiated by a terminal communicating in different communication modes, even if the connection request is initiated by a communication unit that is different from the connection of an authenticated communication unit.

[0006] The communication control device disclosed herein includes: a control-side communication unit, which communicates with a first communication unit of a terminal device in a first communication mode and with a second communication unit of the terminal device in a second communication mode, the second communication mode being different from the first communication mode; a connection information acquisition unit, which acquires first identification information and second identification information from connection information received by the control-side communication unit in the first communication mode or the second communication mode, the connection information including the first identification information and the second identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the first communication unit of the terminal device, and the second identification information being used to identify the second communication unit of the terminal device; and a storage unit, which stores the first identification information when a connection using the first identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit is allowed. The connection information determination unit determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit when there is a new connection request using the second communication unit; and the connection control unit allows the connection of the terminal device when it determines that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information. If the connection control unit allows the new connection based on the connection request using the second communication unit, the connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit and stores the first identification information and the second identification information of the terminal device in the connected state as associated identification information related to the new connection in the storage unit.

[0007] The terminal device disclosed herein includes: a first communication unit for communicating with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit for communicating with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit for communicating with the server device in a second communication mode; and a control unit for controlling each unit, wherein when the remaining battery level of its own terminal device becomes below a predetermined remaining level, the control unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and sends connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0008] The terminal device disclosed herein includes: a first communication unit for communicating with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit for communicating with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit for communicating with the server device in a second communication mode; and a control unit for controlling each unit, wherein when the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal devices via the third communication unit, and sends connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0009] The terminal device disclosed herein includes: a first communication unit for communicating with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit for communicating with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit for communicating with the server device in a second communication mode; and a control unit for controlling each unit, wherein when the control unit detects an abnormality in its own terminal device, it obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal devices via the third communication unit, and sends connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0010] The communication system disclosed herein includes a communication control device and a terminal device that communicates with the communication control device, wherein the terminal device includes: a first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device in a first communication mode; and a second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device in a second communication mode.

[0011] The communication system disclosed herein includes a communication control device and multiple terminal devices. The first terminal device includes: a first communication unit communicating with the communication control device in a first communication mode; and a fifth communication unit communicating with a second terminal device in a third communication mode, which is different from the first communication mode. The second terminal device includes: a second communication unit communicating with the communication control device in a second communication mode, which is different from both the first and third communication modes; and a sixth communication unit communicating with the first terminal device in the third communication mode. The first terminal device and the second terminal device communicate with each other and share first identification information for identifying the first communication unit and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit at any time. When the first terminal device and the second terminal device initiate a connection request to the communication control device, they send a connection request to the communication control device containing the latest shared first and second identification information. The communication control device includes: a third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the first terminal device in the first communication mode; a fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit of the second terminal device in the second communication mode; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection request signal received by the third communication unit or the fourth communication unit; a storage unit that, for a connection request using the first communication unit, allows the connection based on predetermined conditions, and when the connection using the first communication unit is allowed, stores the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit as associated identification information; and a connection control unit that, when there is a new connection request using the second communication unit, determines whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request is stored in the storage unit, and if the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request is stored in the storage unit, allows the connection of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request.

[0012] The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method for controlling a communication control device that communicates with a terminal device. The communication control method includes the following steps: the control communication unit of the communication control device communicates with a first communication unit of the terminal device in a first communication mode and with a second communication unit of the terminal device in a second communication mode, the second communication mode being different from the first communication mode; acquiring first identification information and second identification information contained in connection information received by the control communication unit of the communication control device in the first or second communication mode, wherein the first identification information is used to identify the first communication unit of the terminal device, and the second identification information is used to identify the second communication unit of the terminal device; storing the acquired first identification information and the second identification information as associated identification information when a connection using the acquired first identification information is allowed; determining whether the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is stored when a new connection request using the second communication unit is received; and allowing the connection of the terminal device when it is determined that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information.

[0013] The communication method disclosed herein includes the following steps: a first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode; and when the remaining battery level of the terminal device becomes below a predetermined remaining level, the terminal device obtains second identification information of a second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and sends first connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0014] The communication method disclosed herein includes the following steps: a first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode; and when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, the third communication unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device, and sends first connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0015] The communication method disclosed herein includes the following steps: a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device in a first communication mode; a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode; and when the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit is lower than a predetermined value, the second identification information of the second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and a first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is sent to the server device.

[0016] The control method for a communication system disclosed herein includes a communication control device and multiple terminal devices. The control method comprises the following steps: communicating between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, sharing first identification information and second identification information at any time; the first identification information is used to identify a first communication unit of the first terminal device, and the second identification information is used to identify a second communication unit of the second terminal device; when the first terminal device and the second terminal device initiate a connection request to the communication control device, sending a connection request signal to the communication control device that includes the latest shared first and second identification information in connection information; the communication control device receiving signals from the first terminal device or the second terminal device... The connection request signal of the first terminal device is received, and first identification information and second identification information are obtained from the connection information contained in the connection request signal; for a connection request using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, connection is allowed based on predetermined conditions, and when connection using the first communication unit of the first terminal device is allowed, the first identification information and second identification information obtained in the acquisition step are associated and stored as associated identification information; and when there is a new connection request using the second communication unit, it is determined whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored, and if the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored, connection of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request is allowed.

[0017] According to this disclosure, when a connection is received from a terminal that has multiple communication units and each communication unit communicates in different communication methods, a connection can be easily established even if the connection request is initiated by a communication unit that is different from the connection to the authenticated communication unit. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a server device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a comparison table related to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the core network device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the first connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the second connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the third connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the first connection processing flow of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the second connection processing flow of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the authentication process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the account authentication determination process involved in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication path determination process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the first communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the second communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 20This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a server device according to the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0046] Figure 29 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process flow of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same symbols will be used to refer to the same parts, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] [First Implementation Method] (Communication System) use Figure 1 An example of the structure of the communication system involved in the first embodiment is described. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, communication system 1 includes terminal device 10, server device 12, core network device 14, first base station device 16, and second base station device 18. Communication system 1 is a PoC system.

[0053] Terminal device 10, server device 12, core network device 14, and first base station device 16 are communicatively connected via network N1. Network N1 is, for example, LTE.

[0054] Terminal device 10, server device 12, and second base station device 18 are communicatively connected via network N2. Network N2 is, for example, the Internet. Terminal device 10 is connected to the Internet, for example, via a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) line.

[0055] Terminal device 10 is a PoC terminal for performing PoC communication. Terminal device 10 is implemented, for example, by a business wireless device or a smartphone. Server device 12 is a PoC server.

[0056] Core network device 14 is the core network device of the telecommunications operator. The core network includes EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and 5GC (5G Core).

[0057] The first base station device 16 is a base station of a telecommunications operator. The first base station device 16 includes RRH (Remote Radio Head), BBU (Base Band Unit), RU (Radio Unit), DU (Distributed Unit), CU (Centralized Unit), etc.

[0058] The second base station device 18 is a non-3GPP (registered trademark) base station. The second base station device 18 is, for example, a Wi-Fi router.

[0059] When the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via network N1, the communication system 1 stores the inherent information of network N2. This shortens the authentication time when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via network N2.

[0060] (Terminal device) use Figure 2 An example of the structure of the terminal device involved in the first embodiment is described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] The terminal device 10 includes an input unit 20, a display unit 22, a microphone 24, a speaker 26, a first communication unit 28, a second communication unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 34.

[0062] The input unit 20 accepts various input operations to the terminal device 10. The input unit 20 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 34. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a PTT (Push-to-Talk) button, etc. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 20, the input unit 20 is arranged on the display unit 22.

[0063] Display unit 22 displays various images. Display unit 22 may be, for example, a display including liquid crystal display, organic EL (electro-Luminescence), etc.

[0064] Microphone 24 is a microphone that detects sound around terminal device 10. Microphone 24 detects the voice of the user using terminal device 10. Microphone 24 converts the detected sound into an audio signal.

[0065] Speaker 26 is a loudspeaker that outputs various sounds. Speaker 26 outputs the voice of the user at the terminal device 10, the communication destination.

[0066] The first communication unit 28 is a communication interface that performs communication with the server device 12 using a first communication method. The first communication method is, for example, using Wi-Fi to communicate with the server device 12 via the Internet.

[0067] The second communication unit 30 is a communication interface for communicating with the server device 12 using a second communication method. The second communication method is, for example, a communication method that communicates with the server device 12 via a mobile phone line such as LTE.

[0068] Storage unit 32 stores various types of information. Storage unit 32 stores information related to the terminal device 10 that performs PoC communication. Storage unit 32 stores the calculation content of control unit 34, as well as program information, etc. Storage unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of main storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and external storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0069] The control unit 34 controls various parts of the terminal device 10. The control unit 34 may include, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 34 executes a program that controls the operation of the terminal device 10 according to this disclosure. The control unit 34 may also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The control unit 34 may also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0070] The control unit 34 includes an identification information acquisition unit 40, a connection request unit 42, an authentication unit 44, and a communication control unit 46.

[0071] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires identification information for identifying the terminal device 10. For example, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 28. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of Wi-Fi. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is also called first identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40 also acquires, for example, the identification information of the second communication unit 30. The identification information of the second communication unit 30 is, for example, the MAC address of LTE. The identification information of the second communication unit 30 is also called second identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40 also acquires, for example, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number set on its own device. The IMEI number is a type of terminal identification number for the terminal device 10. The Wi-Fi MAC address, the LTE MAC address, and the IMEI number are stored in the storage unit 32. The Wi-Fi MAC address, the LTE MAC address, and the IMEI number are types of inherent information of the terminal device 10.

[0072] The connection request unit 42 performs connection request processing on the server device 12. For example, the connection request unit 42 performs connection request processing by sending a connection request signal to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28. The connection request unit 42 also sends the connection request signal to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30. The connection request signal includes identification information of the first communication unit 28 and identification information of the second communication unit. Specifically, the connection request signal includes the MAC address of LTE and the MAC address of Wi-Fi.

[0073] The authentication unit 44 controls the second communication unit 30 to perform authentication processing with the core network device 14 before communicating with the server device 12. Furthermore, the authentication unit 44 controls either the first communication unit 28 or the second communication unit 30 to perform PoC account authentication processing with the server device 12.

[0074] The communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30. The communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 to communicate with the server device 12 via the Internet. The communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to communicate with the server device 12 via LTE.

[0075] (Server device) use Figure 3 An example of the structure of the server device according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a server device according to the first embodiment.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the server device 12 includes a communication unit 60, a storage unit 62, a management unit 64, and a control unit 66. The server device 12 is a type of communication control device.

[0077] Communication unit 60 is a communication interface that performs communication between terminal device 10 and external devices. Communication unit 60 communicates with terminal device 10 using a first communication method and a second communication method. Specifically, communication unit 60 performs communication between server device 12 and terminal device 10, for example, via the Internet using the first communication method. Communication unit 60 performs communication between server device 12 and terminal device 10, for example, via a mobile phone network such as LTE using the second communication method. Communication unit 60 may have: communication unit 60A, where terminal device 10 performs communication between server device 12 and terminal device 10 via a line such as the Internet using the first communication method; and communication unit 60B, where terminal device 10 performs communication between server device 12 and terminal device 10 via a line including a mobile phone network such as LTE using the second communication method. Furthermore, communication unit 60 is also referred to as control-side communication unit 60 (control-side communication unit 60A, control-side communication unit 60B) to distinguish it from the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 of terminal device 10. Communication unit 60 communicates with the other party via IP communication. When communicating with the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, the communication unit 60 can identify and obtain the identification information used by the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 as the communication counterpart. The communication unit 60 functions as a third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 in a first communication mode, and as a fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 in a second communication mode.

[0078] Storage unit 62 stores various types of information. Storage unit 62 stores the calculations performed by control unit 66, various acquired information, and databases that link the acquired information, as well as program information. Storage unit 62 may include at least one of main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and external storage devices such as HDD.

[0079] The management unit 64 manages the inherent information of the terminal device 10. The management unit 64 controls the storage of various information to the storage unit 62 and manages information by referencing various information from the storage unit 62. The management unit 64 can be configured to include at least one of main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and external storage devices such as HDD, to control the storage and referencing of various information and thus manage the information. The management unit 64 includes a PoC account management unit 70, a MAC address management unit 72, an IMEI management unit 74, and a database management unit 76.

[0080] The PoC account management unit 70 stores PoC account information used to perform authentication processing of the PoC account of the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62. The PoC account management unit 70 stores multiple PoC account information for each of the multiple terminal devices 10 in the storage unit 62.

[0081] The MAC address management unit 72 pre-stores the MAC addresses, i.e., identification information, set in the predetermined allowed terminal devices 10 as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 may also include the MAC addresses, i.e., identification information, set in the terminal devices 10 that have already been allowed to connect in the connection permission information pre-stored in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 may store multiple MAC addresses as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 for each terminal device 10. The MAC address management unit 72 stores the identification information set in the terminal device 10 that is included in the connection permission information, and whose connection authentication is completed and connection is allowed, as connected information, in the storage unit 62.

[0082] The IMEI management unit 74 stores the IMEI number information of the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62. The IMEI management unit 74 stores unique IMEI number information for each of the multiple terminal devices 10 in the storage unit 62.

[0083] The database management unit 76 stores a lookup table associated with the inherent information of the terminal device 10 in the database of the storage unit 62. The database management unit 76 also associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 as associated identification information and stores it in the database of the storage unit 62. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a comparison table related to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 4As shown, the lookup table TB includes items such as "terminal identification information", "first communication line identification information", and "second communication line identification information". Here, for example, "first communication line identification information" can correspond to the identification information (first identification information) of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, and "second communication line identification information" can correspond to the identification information (second identification information) of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10.

[0084] "Terminal identification information" is, for example, the IMEI number. Figure 4 In the example shown, "Terminal Identification Information" is schematically represented as "A01," but it actually represents a specific phone number. "First Communication Line Identification Information" is, for example, the MAC address of a Wi-Fi connection. Figure 4 In the example shown, "First Communication Line Identification Information" is schematically represented as "B01," but it actually represents the specific Wi-Fi MAC address. "Second Communication Line Identification Information" is, for example, the MAC address of an LTE network. Figure 4 In the example shown, "Second Communication Line Identification Information" is schematically represented as "C01" etc., but it actually represents the specific LTE MAC address.

[0085] The control unit 66 controls various parts of the server device 12. The control unit 66 may include, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 66 may also include a storage device such as RAM or ROM, or may utilize a storage unit 62. The control unit 66 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 12 according to this disclosure. The control unit 66 may also be implemented using an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 66 may also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0086] The control unit 66 includes a connection information acquisition unit 80, a connection information determination unit 82, a management control unit 84, and a connection control unit 86.

[0087] The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, from the connection information received by the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) during communication between the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) and the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 using a first communication mode, identification information (first identification information) used by the first communication unit 28 in the first communication mode and identification information (second identification information) used by the second communication unit 30 in the second communication mode, both contained in the received connection information. Similarly, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, from the connection information received by the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) during communication between the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) and the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 using a second communication mode, identification information (first identification information) used by the first communication unit 28 in the first communication mode and identification information (second identification information) used by the second communication unit 30 in the second communication mode, both contained in the received connection information. Specifically, when the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires connection information via the first communication unit 28 from the terminal device 10, it acquires the LTE MAC address and Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10, which serve as identification information, contained in the connection information. When the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires connection information via the second communication unit 30 from the terminal device 10, it acquires the LTE MAC address and Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10, which serve as identification information, contained in the connection information.

[0088] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the LTE MAC address, acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 as identification information, matches the LTE MAC address stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information. If they match, information indicating that a terminal device that may initiate a connection request can be allowed to connect is set as first determination information. This first determination information can be a first determination flag. For example, the first determination flag is set to 1 when they match and set to 0 when they do not match. This first determination information can be stored in the storage unit 62. The connection information determination unit 82 also determines whether the Wi-Fi MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 matches the Wi-Fi MAC address stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information. If they match, information indicating that a terminal device that may initiate a connection request can be allowed to connect is set as first determination information. This first determination information can be a first determination flag. For example, the first determination flag is set to 1 when they match and set to 0 when they do not match. This first determination information can be stored in the storage unit 62. That is, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62. If the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, it sets first determination information indicating that the connection of the terminal device initiating the connection request may be allowed. Furthermore, the connection information determination unit 82, by referring to the database in the storage unit 62 via the database management unit 76, determines whether the LTE MAC address obtained by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the Wi-Fi MAC address as association reference information. If they are already associated, the information indicating association is set as second determination information. This second determination information can be a second determination flag. For example, the second determination flag is set to 1 when associated, and set to 0 when not associated. In other words, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the associated identification information. If it is included in the associated identification information, it sets second determination information indicating association.

[0089] Management and Control Department 84 controls Management Department 64. Management and Control Department 84 controls Management Department 64 to manage the PoC account, LTE MAC address, Wi-Fi MAC address and IMEI number of terminal device 10.

[0090] The connection control unit 86 controls the connection status between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When allowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 connects the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When disallowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 does not connect the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When allowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 sends a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60. When disallowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 sends a connection rejection signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60. Furthermore, when allowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 stores the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 in the storage unit 62. When the connection control unit 86 allows a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, if the connection is between the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 and the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) of the server device 12, it stores the first identification information as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. When the connection control unit 86 allows a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, if the connection is between the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 and the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) of the server device 12, it stores the second identification information as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. Alternatively, when allowing a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 may also store the first and second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 as connection permission information in the storage unit 62.

[0091] When the connection control unit 86 determines that the identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, which is included in the connection information of the second communication unit 30 (i.e., the MAC address of the Wi-Fi as the acquired first identification information), matches the MAC address of the Wi-Fi included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72, the connection control unit 86 allows the connection with the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10. When the connection control unit 86 determines that the identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, which is included in the connection information of the first communication unit 28 (i.e., the MAC address of the LTE as the acquired second identification information), matches the MAC address of the LTE included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72, the connection control unit 86 allows the connection of the terminal device 10. Furthermore, when the connection information determination unit 82 determines that the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, and the connection information determination unit 82 also determines that the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the associated identification information, the connection control unit 86 allows the connection of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request.

[0092] (Core network equipment) use Figure 5 An example of the structure of the core network device involved in the first embodiment is described. Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the core network device according to the first embodiment.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the core network device 14 includes a communication unit 100, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 104.

[0094] The communication unit 100 is a communication interface that performs communication between the terminal device 10 and external devices. The communication unit 100 also performs communication between the core network device 14 and the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the communication unit 100 performs communication between the core network device 14 and the server device 12.

[0095] Storage unit 102 stores various types of information. For example, storage unit 102 stores SIM information of terminal device 10. Storage unit 102 also stores calculation content and program information of control unit 104. Storage unit 102 may include at least one of main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and external storage devices such as HDD.

[0096] The control unit 104 controls various parts of the core network device 14. The control unit 104 may include, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 104 executes a program that controls the operation of the core network device 14 according to this disclosure. The control unit 104 may also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The control unit 104 may also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0097] The control unit 104 includes an authentication unit 110. The authentication unit 110 performs authentication processing for connecting the terminal device 10 to the core network. The authentication unit 110 performs authentication processing to allow the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 via LTE using the second communication unit 30. When the SIM information of the authenticated terminal device 10 matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102, the authentication unit 110 allows the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 via LTE.

[0098] [Processing between terminal devices and server devices] (First connection processing of the terminal device) use Figure 6 The flow of the first connection process of the terminal device involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the first connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0099] Figure 6 The process shown is the process performed when the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28.

[0100] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S10). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the LTE MAC address. Then, it proceeds to step S12.

[0101] The connection request unit 42 controls the first communication unit 28 to send connection information to the server device 12. This connection information includes the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S12). Specifically, the connection request unit 42 controls the first communication unit 28 to send the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address to the server device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0102] The connection request unit 42 determines whether the connection is allowed (step S14). Specifically, when the connection request unit 42 receives a signal indicating that the connection is allowed from the server device 12, it determines that the connection is allowed. If the connection is allowed (step S14; yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If the connection is not allowed (step S14; no), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0103] If the determination in step S14 is "yes", the communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 to start PoC communication via the first communication unit 28 (step S16). Then, the process ends. Figure 6 The processing.

[0104] If the determination in step S14 is "no", the communication control unit 46 does not initiate PoC communication via the first communication unit 28 (step S18). Then, the process ends. Figure 6 The processing.

[0105] (Second connection processing of the terminal device) use Figure 7 The process of the second connection processing of the terminal device involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the second connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0106] Figure 7 The process shown is the process performed when the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30.

[0107] The authentication unit 44 performs authentication processing with the core network device 14 (step S20). Here, it is assumed that authentication is successful through the authentication processing of the authentication unit 44. Then, proceed to step S22.

[0108] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S22). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the MAC address of the Wi-Fi. Then, it proceeds to step S24.

[0109] The connection request unit 42 controls the second communication unit 30 to send connection information to the server device 12. This connection information includes the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S24). Specifically, the connection request unit 42 controls the second communication unit 30 to send the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address to the server device 12. Then, proceed to step S26.

[0110] The connection request unit 42 determines whether the connection is allowed (step S26). If the connection is allowed (step S26; Yes), proceed to step S28. If the connection is not allowed (step S26; No), proceed to step S30.

[0111] If the determination in step S26 is "yes", the communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to start PoC communication via the second communication unit 30 (step S28). Then, the process ends. Figure 7 The processing.

[0112] If the determination in step S26 is "No", the communication control unit 46 does not start PoC communication via the second communication unit 30 (step S30). Then, the process ends. Figure 7 The processing.

[0113] (Third connection processing of the terminal device) use Figure 8 The flow of the third connection processing of the terminal device involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the third connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0114] Figure 8 The process shown is the process performed when the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30.

[0115] The processes from step S40 to step S48 are respectively related to Figure 7 The processes from step S22 to step S30 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0116] Figure 8 The processing method is similar to the one that does not require authentication processing in the core network. Figure 7 The processing shown is different. That is, Figure 8 This is the handling process when the telecommunications operator does not perform core network authentication.

[0117] (Fourth connection processing of the terminal device) use Figure 9 The process of the fourth connection processing of the terminal device involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth connection processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0118] Figure 9 The process shown is the process when the server device 12 is further connected via the second communication unit 30 while the first communication unit 28 is already connected to the server device 12.

[0119] The processes from step S50 to step S58 are respectively related to Figure 7 The processes from step S20 to step S28 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0120] If the determination in step S56 is "No", the connection request unit 42 determines whether the connection is allowed by the server device 12 as a new connection (step S60). If the connection is allowed as a new connection (step S60; Yes), proceed to step S62. If the connection is not allowed by the server device 12 as a new connection (step S60; No), proceed to step S64.

[0121] If the determination in step S60 is "yes", the communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to start PoC communication via the second communication unit 30 as a new connection (step S62). Then, the process ends. Figure 9 The processing.

[0122] If the determination in step S60 is "No", the communication control unit 46 does not initiate PoC communication via the second communication unit 30 (step S64). Then, the process ends. Figure 9 The processing.

[0123] (First connection processing for the server device) use Figure 10 The flow of the first connection processing of the server device according to the first embodiment is explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the first connection processing flow of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0124] Figure 10 The process shown is the process of determining whether to allow the connection when the server device 12 first connects from the terminal device 10 through the first communication unit 28.

[0125] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information, including identification information of the first communication unit 28 and identification information of the second communication unit 30, via the communication unit 60 and the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 (step S70). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address contained in the connection information sent by the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10. Then, it proceeds to step S72.

[0126] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether to allow a new connection (step S72). Specifically, for example, when the MAC address of the first communication unit 28 matches the MAC address contained in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 under the management of the MAC address management unit 72, the connection information determination unit 82 determines that the connection is allowed. If it is determined that a new connection is allowed (step S72; yes), the process proceeds to step S74. If it is not determined that a new connection is allowed (step S72; no), the process proceeds to step S78.

[0127] If the determination in step S72 is "yes", the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the first communication unit 28 as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated identification information of the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S74). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the Wi-Fi MAC address as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the Wi-Fi MAC address and the LTE MAC address in association in the storage unit 62. Proceed to step S76.

[0128] The connection control unit 86 controls the sending of a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 as a new connection (step S76). In this case, the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12. Then, the connection ends. Figure 10 The processing.

[0129] If the determination in step S72 is "no", the connection control unit 86 performs control and sends a connection rejection signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 (step S78). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process ends. Figure 10 The processing.

[0130] (Second connection processing for the server device) use Figure 11 The process of the second connection processing of the server device according to the first embodiment is explained. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the second connection processing flow of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0131] Figure 11 The process shown is the process of determining whether to allow the connection when the server device 12 first connects from the terminal device 10 through the second communication unit 30.

[0132] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information via the communication unit 60 through the communication of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10. This connection information includes the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S80). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address contained in the connection information sent by the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10. Then, it proceeds to step S82.

[0133] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and stored in the storage unit 62 (step S82). Specifically, the connection information determination unit 82, through the database management unit 76, refers to the database in the storage unit 62 to determine whether the LTE MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the Wi-Fi MAC address as association reference information. If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S82; Yes), proceed to step S84. If it is not determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S82; No), proceed to step S88.

[0134] If the determination in step S82 is "yes", the connection control unit 86 determines whether the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been allowed (step S84). Specifically, when the MAC address management unit 72 determines, based on the storage unit 62, that the MAC address of the Wi-Fi obtained by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is stored in the storage unit 62 as connected information, the connection control unit 86 determines that the same communication that has been allowed, i.e., the connection from the first communication unit 28, has been allowed. If it is determined that the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been allowed (step S84; yes), proceed to step S86. If it is not determined that the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been allowed (step S84; no), proceed to step S88.

[0135] If the determination in step S84 is "yes", the connection control unit 86 performs control to send a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 as if the connection has been permitted (step S86). Furthermore, the identification information of the second communication unit 30 acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 can be included in the connection permission information pre-stored in the storage unit 62 and stored as connection permission information. Here, when the connection permission information contains identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request, or identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request, control can be performed to delete that information from the connection permission information, and store the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request as new connection permission information in the storage unit 62. When the connection permission information does not contain identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request, or identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request, control can be performed to store the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that initiated the connection request as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. Then, the process ends. Figure 11 The processing.

[0136] If the determination in step S82 is "No", or if the determination in step S84 is "No", the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether to allow it as a new connection (step S88). If it is determined to allow it as a new connection (step S88; Yes), proceed to step S90. If it is not determined to allow it as a new connection (step S88; No), proceed to step S94.

[0137] If the determination in step S88 is "yes", the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the second communication unit 30 in the storage unit 62 as connected, and controls the database management unit 76 to delete the associated identification information stored in the storage unit 62, and store the associated identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S90). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the LTE MAC address in the storage unit 62 as connected, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated identification information of the Wi-Fi MAC address and the LTE MAC address in the database of the storage unit 62. Proceed to step S92.

[0138] The connection control unit 86 controls the sending of a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 as a new connection (step S92). In this case, the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12. Then, the connection ends. Figure 11 The processing.

[0139] If the determination in step S88 is "no", the connection control unit 86 performs control to send a connection rejection signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 (step S94). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process ends. Figure 11 The processing.

[0140] In use Figure 11 In the flow description of the second connection processing of the server device according to the first embodiment described above, a connection permission signal is sent to the terminal device 10 in step S86 after processing via steps S82 and S84, but it is also possible to determine whether to allow the connection more simply. For example, when using Figure 10 In the description of the first connection processing of the aforementioned server device, when a connection request via the first communication unit 28 is allowed as a new connection, associated identification information linking the identification information (first identification information) of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information (second identification information) of the second communication unit 30 is stored in the database of the storage unit 62. Since the associated identification information is stored when a connection request via the first communication unit 28 is allowed as a new connection, when a new connection request using the second communication unit 30 is received, it is determined whether the second identification information of the terminal device 10 initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62. If the second identification information of the terminal device 10 initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, the connection of the terminal device 10 initiating the connection request is allowed, thereby making it easier to determine whether to allow the connection.

[0141] [Processing in communication systems] (Authentication processing of communication systems) use Figure 12 The authentication process of the communication system involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the authentication process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0142] Figure 12 The process shown is the process until the terminal device 10 is powered on and completes LTE and Wi-Fi authentication.

[0143] The control unit 34 activates the power supply to the terminal device 10 (step S100). Then, it proceeds to steps S102 and S116.

[0144] The communication control unit 46 initiates the LTE connection via the second communication unit 30 (step S102). Then, it proceeds to step S104.

[0145] The authentication department 44 performs core network authentication on the core network device 14 (step S104). Then, proceed to step S106.

[0146] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 refers to the SIM information of the terminal device 10 (step S106). Then, proceed to step S108.

[0147] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 determines whether the SIM information of the terminal device 10 is consistent with the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108). If it is determined that the SIM information of the terminal device 10 is consistent with the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; Yes), proceed to step S110. If it is not determined that the SIM information of the terminal device 10 is consistent with the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; No), proceed to step S114.

[0148] If the determination in step S108 is "yes", the authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 completes the authentication of the core network (step S110). Then, proceed to step S112.

[0149] The communication control unit 46 connects to LTE via the second communication unit 30 (step S112). Then, the process ends. Figure 12 The processing.

[0150] If the determination in step S108 is "No", the communication control unit 46 does not connect to LTE through the second communication unit 30 (step S114). Then, the process ends. Figure 12 The processing.

[0151] The communication control unit 46 initiates a Wi-Fi connection via the first communication unit 28 (step S116). Then, it proceeds to step S118.

[0152] The authentication unit 44 performs PoC account authentication on the server device 12 (step S118). Then, proceed to step S120.

[0153] The authentication unit 44 completes the PoC account authentication (step S120). As a result, the terminal device 10 can connect to the server device 12 via the Internet. Then, the process ends. Figure 12 The processing.

[0154] The processes of steps S102 to S114 are executed in parallel with the processes of steps S116 to S120.

[0155] (Account authentication determination and processing) use Figure 13 The process of account authentication determination and processing involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the account authentication determination process involved in the first embodiment.

[0156] Figure 13 The process shown is the process by which the server device 12 determines whether to consider the PoC account authentication of the target terminal device 10 as authenticated.

[0157] When the management control unit 84 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, it determines whether the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 has been registered in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information by the MAC address management unit 72. When the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10, it determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 has been registered in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information by the MAC address management unit 72. That is, based on the connection path of the terminal device 10, it determines whether the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the identification information of the second communication unit 30 corresponding to the connection path of the terminal device 10 has been registered in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S130). Specifically, the management control unit 84 determines, based on the connection path of the terminal device 10, whether the Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 when connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, and the LTE MAC address when connected to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30, have been registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information. If it is determined that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 corresponding to the communication path used by the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 has been registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information (step S130; Yes), the process proceeds to step S132. If it is not determined that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 corresponding to the communication path has been registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information (step S130; No), the process proceeds to step S138.

[0158] If the determination in step S130 is "yes", the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create a lookup table for comparing identification information in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S132). Specifically, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, if the first identification information and the second identification information can be obtained, the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create the associated lookup table in the database of the storage unit 62. By pre-creating a lookup table that associates the first identification information and the second identification information, when one party's identification information becomes authenticated, even if the connection is made to the server device 12 via a communication unit that has the other party's identification information, it can be considered authenticated and the connection can be allowed without performing new authentication processing. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, if the second identification information cannot be obtained, the database management unit 76 creates a lookup table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates only the first identification information. Similarly, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30, if the first identification information and the second identification information can be obtained, the database management unit 76 creates corresponding lookup tables in the database of the storage unit 62. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30, if the first identification information cannot be obtained, the database management unit 76 creates a lookup table in the database of the storage unit 62 that only associates with the second identification information. Then, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0159] The management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the terminal device 10 with the lookup table and store it in the storage unit 62 (step S134). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the terminal device 10 with the identification information contained in the lookup table and store it in the storage unit 62. Then, proceed to step S136.

[0160] The connection information determination unit 82 determines that the terminal device 10 is a terminal device that has completed PoC account authentication (step S136). Then, the process ends. Figure 13 The processing.

[0161] If the determination in step S130 is "No", the connection information determination unit 82 determines that the terminal device 10 is a terminal device 10 that has not completed PoC account authentication (step S138). Then, the process ends. Figure 13 The processing.

[0162] (Communication path determination and processing) use Figure 14 The process of communication path determination in the communication system involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication path determination process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0163] Figure 14 The process shown is the process performed by terminal device 10 after the PoC account authentication via Wi-Fi is completed and the RAT (RadioAccess Technology) is changed to LTE.

[0164] The authentication unit 44 of the terminal device 10 completes PoC account authentication (step S140). For example, the authentication unit 44 of the terminal device 10 performs... Figure 12 The process shown completes the authentication process for the PoC account. Then, proceed to step S142.

[0165] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the terminal device 10 is a terminal device that has completed PoC account authentication (step S142). The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12, for example, executes... Figure 13 The process shown determines that terminal device 10 has completed PoC account authentication. Then, it proceeds to step S144.

[0166] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to notify the server device 12 of various inherent information of the terminal device 10 via LTE (step S144). Specifically, the communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the server device 12 to notify the server device 12 of the Wi-Fi MAC address, LTE MAC address, and IMEI number of the terminal device 10 via LTE. Then, the process proceeds to step S146.

[0167] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the inherent information of the LTE of the notified terminal device 10 (step S146). Then, it proceeds to step S148.

[0168] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines whether the MAC address of the LTE of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the LTE registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148). If it is determined that the MAC address of the LTE of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the LTE registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148; Yes), proceed to step S150. If it is not determined that the MAC address of the LTE of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the LTE registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148; No), proceed to step S156.

[0169] If the determination in step S148 is "yes", the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 determines whether the MAC address of the Wi-Fi of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the Wi-Fi registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150). If it is determined that the MAC address of the Wi-Fi of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the Wi-Fi registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150; yes), proceed to step S152. If it is not determined that the MAC address of the Wi-Fi of the notified terminal device 10 is consistent with the MAC address of the Wi-Fi registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150; no), proceed to step S156.

[0170] If the determination in step S150 is "yes", the connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the received information is registered information from the terminal device 10 (step S152). Then, proceed to step S154.

[0171] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 causes the storage unit 62 to store that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is LTE (step S154). Then, the process ends. Figure 14 The processing.

[0172] If the determination is "No" in step S148 or "No" in step S150, the connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the received information is not registered information from the terminal device 10 (step S156). Then, the process ends. Figure 14 The processing.

[0173] (First communication path switching processing of the communication system) use Figure 15 The process of the first communication path switching process of the communication system involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the first communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0174] Figure 15 The process shown is performed when the communication path between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 switches from LTE to Wi-Fi.

[0175] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to start communication with the server device 12 via LTE (step S160). Then, the process proceeds to step S162.

[0176] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 causes the storage unit 62 to store that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is LTE (step S162). Then, it proceeds to step S164.

[0177] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 to change the communication path with the server device 12 from LTE to Wi-Fi (step S164). Then, proceed to step S166.

[0178] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 to perform keep-alive (keep active) communication with the server device 12 (step S166). Then, proceed to step S168.

[0179] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the Wi-Fi MAC address of the notified terminal device 10 (step S168). Then, it proceeds to step S170.

[0180] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines the PoC account of the terminal device 10 based on the information registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S170). Then, it proceeds to step S172.

[0181] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 allows communication via Wi-Fi (step S172). Then, proceed to step S174.

[0182] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 updates the communication path with the terminal device 10 to Wi-Fi (step S174). Then, the process ends. Figure 15 The processing.

[0183] (Second communication path switching processing of the communication system) use Figure 16 The process of the second communication path switching process of the communication system involved in the first embodiment is explained. Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the second communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0184] Figure 16 The process shown is performed when the communication path between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 switches from Wi-Fi to LTE.

[0185] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication with the server device 12 via Wi-Fi (step S180). Then, proceed to step S182.

[0186] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 causes the storage unit 62 to store that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is Wi-Fi (step S182). Then, it proceeds to step S184.

[0187] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 to change the communication path with the server device 12 from Wi-Fi to LTE (step S184). Then, proceed to step S186.

[0188] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to perform keep-alive communication with the server device 12 (step S186). Then, proceed to step S188.

[0189] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the MAC address of the LTE of the notified terminal device 10 (step S188). Then, it proceeds to step S190.

[0190] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines the PoC account of the terminal device 10 based on the information registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S190). Then, it proceeds to step S192.

[0191] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 allows communication via LTE (step S192). Then, proceed to step S194.

[0192] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 updates the communication path with the terminal device 10 to LTE (step S194). Then, the process ends. Figure 16 The processing.

[0193] As described above, in the first embodiment, the connection request signal sent by the terminal device when communicating with the server device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes identification information of the first communication unit and the second communication unit. Therefore, in the first embodiment, after the terminal device connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit, it connects to the server device via the second communication unit, making it easy to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate, thus shortening the time until communication begins.

[0194] [Modifications of the First Embodiment] A variation of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, it was described that the connection request signal sent by the terminal device 10 to the server device 12 included the MAC address of LTE and the MAC address of Wi-Fi, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The connection request signal may also include the IMEI number of the terminal device 10.

[0195] In a variation of the first embodiment, for example, when the connection information acquisition unit 80 receives a connection request signal, it acquires a terminal identification number including the terminal identification number of the terminal device 10. In this case, when the acquired MAC address matches the MAC address stored in the MAC address management unit 72, and the acquired IMEI number matches the IMEI number stored in the IMEI management unit 74, the connection control unit 86 may allow the terminal device 10 to connect.

[0196] In a variation of the first embodiment, by taking into account the IMEI number of the terminal device, the accuracy of determining whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate can be improved.

[0197] [Second Implementation] (Communication System) use Figure 17 An example of the structure of the communication system involved in the second embodiment is described. Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0198] like Figure 17 As shown, communication system 1A includes terminal device 10A, terminal device 10B, server device 12, core network device 14, first base station device 16, and second base station device 18. Communication system 1A differs from other systems in that it includes two terminal devices, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B. Figure 1 The communication system 1 shown is different. Terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B are communicatively connected via network N3. Communication system 1A uses these two terminal devices, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B, to perform connection processing with server device 12.

[0199] (Terminal device) use Figure 18 This section describes a structural example of a terminal device according to the second embodiment. Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0200] like Figure 18 As shown, the terminal device 10A includes a fifth communication unit 36 ​​in place of the second communication unit 30. Figure 2 The terminal device 10 shown is different.

[0201] The fifth communication unit 36 ​​is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The fifth communication unit 36 ​​can be implemented, for example, by a communication module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0202] The communication control unit 46A controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to perform short-range wireless communication with other terminal devices. The communication control unit 46A controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to send the identification information of the first communication unit 28 to other terminal devices. Thus, the identification information of the first communication unit 28 can be shared with other terminal devices at any time.

[0203] use Figure 19 An example of the structure of another terminal device involved in the second embodiment is described. Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0204] like Figure 19 As shown, terminal device 10B includes a sixth communication unit 38 in place of the first communication unit 28. Figure 2 The terminal device 10 shown is different. Like the fifth communication unit 36, the sixth communication unit 38 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The sixth communication unit 38 can be implemented, for example, by a communication module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0205] The communication control unit 46B controls the sixth communication unit 38 to perform short-range wireless communication with other terminal devices. The communication control unit 46B controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to other terminal devices. Thus, the identification information of the second communication unit 30 can be shared with other terminal devices at any time.

[0206] That is, in Figure 17 In this configuration, terminal device 10A controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to send the identification information of the first communication unit 28 to terminal device 10B. Terminal device 10B controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to terminal device 10A. By sharing information in real time, terminal devices 10A and 10B can send a connection request signal to server device 12 containing the latest identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the latest identification information of the second communication unit 30. The latest identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 can be included as connection information in the connection request signal and sent to server device 12.

[0207] For example, firstly, terminal device 10A sends a connection request signal containing the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the communication unit 60A of server device 12 via the first communication unit 28. As a result, the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 are stored in server device 12. Next, terminal device 10B sends a connection request signal containing the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the communication unit 60B of server device 12 via the second communication unit 30. Since the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 are already stored in server device 12, it is easy to determine whether terminal device 10B is allowed to communicate, thereby shortening the time until communication begins.

[0208] Terminal device 10A can control the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to send its IMEI number to terminal device 10B. Terminal device 10B can control the sixth communication unit 38 to send its IMEI number to terminal device 10A. That is, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B can share each other's IMEI numbers at any time.

[0209] In addition, Figure 17 In the example shown, terminal device 10A includes a first communication unit 28 and a fifth communication unit 36, and terminal device 10B includes a second communication unit 30 and a sixth communication unit 38, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. This disclosure may also allow terminal devices 10A and 10B to each include a first communication unit 28 and a fifth communication unit 36, or each to include a second communication unit 30 and a sixth communication unit 38. In this case, terminal devices 10A and 10B can share each other's identification information of their first communication unit 28 or their second communication unit 30 at any time through communication between the fifth communication unit 36 ​​and the sixth communication unit 38. Therefore, terminal devices 10A and 10B can include each other's latest identification information of their first communication unit 28 or their latest identification information of their second communication unit 30 in the connection request signal sent to server device 12.

[0210] exist Figure 17 In addition to performing processing related to the first communication unit 28 between the terminal device 10A and the server device 12, and performing processing related to the second communication unit 30 between the terminal device 10B and the server device 12, the communication system 1A also... Figure 1 The communication system shown is the same as 1, so the description is omitted.

[0211] As described above, in the second embodiment, the connection request signal sent by the two terminal devices when communicating with the server device through the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes identification information of the first communication unit of the device itself and the second communication unit of the other device. Therefore, in the second embodiment, after one terminal device connects to the server device 12, the other terminal device connects to the server device, making it easy to determine whether the terminal devices are allowed to communicate, thus shortening the time until communication begins.

[0212] [Third Implementation Method] (Communication System) use Figure 20 An example of the structure of the communication system involved in the third embodiment is described. Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0213] like Figure 20 As shown, communication system 1B includes a first terminal device 10C, a second terminal device 10D, a server device 12, a core network device 14, a first base station device 16, and a second base station device 18. The structure of communication system 1B is similar to... Figure 17 The communication system 1 shown has the same structure. The first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D are similar in that they share each other's identification information via, for example, network N3. Figure 17 The communication system shown is different from 1A.

[0214] (Terminal device) use Figure 21 This section describes a structural example of a terminal device according to the third embodiment. Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0215] The first terminal device 10C is similar to the control unit 34C in that it includes a battery remaining quantity determination unit 48C, an anomaly detection unit 50C, and a radio wave intensity determination unit 52C. Figure 18 The terminal device 10A shown is different.

[0216] The battery remaining power determination unit 48C determines the remaining power of the battery installed in the terminal device 10C. The battery remaining power determination unit 48C determines whether the remaining power of the battery is above a predetermined value.

[0217] The anomaly detection unit 50C detects anomalies in the first terminal device 10C. The anomaly detection unit 50C determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the first terminal device 10C. Specifically, the anomaly detection unit 50C determines whether at least one of the following has occurred: voltage, (heating) temperature, battery, input unit 20, display unit 22, microphone 24, speaker 26, and communication status with the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28. For example, the anomaly detection unit 50C determines whether each component has malfunctioned.

[0218] The radio wave strength determination unit 52C determines the radio wave strength of the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D via the fifth communication unit 36. The radio wave strength determination unit 52C determines whether the radio wave strength of the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is above a predetermined value.

[0219] use Figure 22 This section describes a structural example of another terminal device involved in the third embodiment. Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0220] like Figure 22 As shown, the second terminal device 10D is similar to the first communication unit 28 in that it includes a second communication unit 30, and in that it includes a sixth communication unit 38, in place of the fifth communication unit 36. Figure 21 The first terminal device 10C shown is different. The control unit 34D is sometimes also referred to as the second control unit. The second terminal device 10D preferably includes a SIM card slot and a SIM card or eSIM (Embedded SIM) capable of acquiring SIM information. This SIM information is used when the core network device 14 performs authentication processing to connect the second terminal device 10D to the core network.

[0221] (Server device) use Figure 23 An example of the structure of the server device according to the third embodiment is described. Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a server device according to the third embodiment.

[0222] The server device 12A is similar to the communication unit 60A in that the communication unit 60A includes communication unit 601 and communication unit 602. Figure 3 The server device 12 shown is different.

[0223] The communication unit 601 is used by the first terminal device 10C to perform communication between the server device 12 and the first terminal device 10C via a first communication method through a line such as the Internet.

[0224] The communication unit 602 is used by the second terminal device 10D to perform communication between the server device 12 and the second terminal device 10D via a line including a mobile phone network such as LTE using a second communication method.

[0225] The communication unit 60 is also called the control side communication unit 60 (control side communication unit 601, control side communication unit 602) to distinguish it from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10C and the second communication unit 30 of the second terminal device 10D.

[0226] When the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D communicate with the server device 12A, in order to ensure uninterrupted and proper communication, it is preferable to appropriately set the timing for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of the terminal device connected to the server device 12A in the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is below a predetermined value, the process of sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is executed. That is, in the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of the terminal device connected to the server device 12A in the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is below a predetermined value, a switching process is executed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to another terminal device to maintain the connection with the server device 12A. Hereinafter, the process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D will be described. The process of switching a terminal device connected to server device 12A from the second terminal device 10D to the first terminal device 10C is the same as the process of switching from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D, so the description is omitted.

[0227] (First handover process) use Figure 24 The first switching process of the communication system involved in the third embodiment is explained. Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0228] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of one of the terminal devices 10C and 10D connected to the server device 12A is below a predetermined value, a switching process is performed to maintain the connection with the server device 12A using the other terminal device. The process when the remaining battery level of the first terminal device 10C is below the predetermined value will be described below. The process when the remaining battery level of the second terminal device 10D is below the predetermined value is the same as the process for the first terminal device 10C, and therefore will not be described.

[0229] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A (step S200).

[0230] The battery remaining power determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is below a predetermined value (step S202). If it is determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is below the predetermined value (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. If it is not determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is below the predetermined value (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S200. That is, in the third embodiment, when the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C exceeds the predetermined value, the handover from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D is not performed.

[0231] If the determination is "yes" in step S202, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to send a request signal for identification information to the second terminal device 10D (step S204).

[0232] The control unit 34D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether to accept the request for identification information received from the first terminal device 10C (step S206). If the request for identification information is accepted (step S206; Yes), the process proceeds to step S210. If the request for identification information is not accepted (step S206; No), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0233] If the determination in step S206 is "no", the control unit 34C of the first terminal device 10C determines that the request for identification information to the second terminal device 10D is invalid (step S208). For example, if the control unit 34C of the first terminal device 10C does not receive identification information from the second terminal device 10D within a predetermined time, or receives a signal indicating a rejection response, it determines that the request for identification information is invalid. In this case, the handover process for continuing communication from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D under the pre-authentication state is not performed. Then, the process ends. Figure 24 The processing.

[0234] If the determination is "yes" in step S206, the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the first terminal device 10C (step S210).

[0235] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to send the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the server device 12 (step S212).

[0236] The management and control unit 84 of server device 12A determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 has been registered in server device 12A as connection permission information (step S214). If it is determined that it has been registered in server device 12A (step S214; Yes), proceed to step S216. If it is not determined that it has been registered in server device 12A (step S214; No), proceed to step S218.

[0237] If the determination in step S214 is "yes", the management control unit 54 of the server device 12A updates the identification information of the registered second communication unit 30 (step S216). For example, the management control unit 54 of the server device 12 updates the identification information of the second communication unit 30 included in the lookup table.

[0238] If the determination in step S216 is "no", the management control unit 54 of the server device 12A registers the identification information of the second communication unit 30 as connection permission information in the server device 12A (step S218).

[0239] Next, instead of using the first terminal device 10C to connect to the server device 12A, an attempt is made to use the second terminal device 10D to connect to the server device 12A. Here, for example, this corresponds to the following situation: when the remaining battery level of the first terminal device 10C is below a predetermined value, making it difficult to continue communication via the first terminal device 10C, an attempt is made to switch to the second terminal device 10D, which has remaining battery level, to continue communication. The communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the second communication unit 30 to connect the second terminal device 10D to the server device 12A (step S220).

[0240] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the connected second terminal device 10D matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S222). If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the connected second terminal device 10D matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S222; Yes), proceed to step S224. If it is not determined that the identification information of the connected second terminal device 10D matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the second terminal device 10D (step S222; No), proceed to step S226.

[0241] If the determination in step S222 is "yes", the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A allows the connection between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A (step S224). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A sends a connection permission signal to the second terminal device 10D via the communication unit 60. This enables communication between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A. That is, the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. Then, the process ends. Figure 24 The processing.

[0242] If the determination in step S222 is "No", the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A does not allow the connection between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12 (step S226). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A sends a connection rejection signal to the second terminal device 10D via the communication unit 60. In this case, the connection between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A is not a connection established under pre-authentication, and a new authentication process is required for connection. That is, the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A will not switch from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D as an authenticated terminal device. Then, the process ends. Figure 24 The processing.

[0243] That is, when the remaining battery level of the first terminal device 10C is lower than a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C, which has a low remaining battery level and may not be able to maintain the connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D, so communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device 12A.

[0244] (Second switching process) use Figure 25 The second switching process of the communication system involved in the third embodiment is explained. Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0245] In the second switching process of the third embodiment, for example, when the battery remaining amount of the first terminal device 10C drops below a predetermined value and is charged while the battery remaining amount exceeds the predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated and the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is executed.

[0246] The management and control unit 84 of the server device 12A causes the storage unit 62 to store associated identification information, which is information that associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S230).

[0247] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A (step S232).

[0248] The battery remaining power determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C exceeds a predetermined value (step S234). If it is determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C exceeds the predetermined value (step S234; Yes), proceed to step S186. If it is not determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C exceeds the predetermined value (step S234; No), proceed to step S232.

[0249] If the determination in step S234 is "yes", the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to send a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A (step S236).

[0250] When the management control unit 84 of server device 12A receives a deletion request signal for associated identification information from the first terminal device 10C, it deletes the associated identification information, which is information that associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 stored in the storage unit 62 (step S238). By deleting the associated identification information through the management control unit 84 of server device 12A, the process of switching the terminal device connected to server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D as a pre-authenticated terminal device is no longer executed. That is, by deleting the associated identification information through the management control unit 84 of server device 12A, the second terminal device 10D requires new authentication processing when connecting to server device 12A, thus maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and server device 12A.

[0251] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A controls the communication unit 60 to send a deletion response signal of the associated identification information to the first terminal device 10C (step S240).

[0252] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether a response signal has been received from the server device 12A (step S242). If it is determined that the response signal has been received (step S242; Yes), the process proceeds to step S244. If it is not determined that the response signal has been received (step S242; No), the process proceeds to step S246.

[0253] If the determination in step S242 is "yes", the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C receives the response signal (step S244). Then, the process ends. Figure 25 The processing.

[0254] If the determination in step S242 is "no", the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to send a retransmission signal indicating a request to retransmit the response signal to the server device 12 (step S246). For example, if no response signal is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed after sending a deletion request signal for associated identification information, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a retransmission signal to the server device 12A. Then, the process proceeds to step S242. Here, the configuration is to send a retransmission signal indicating a request to retransmit the response signal to the server device 12A, but it is also possible to consider the timeout as having occurred after the predetermined time and not to make a retransmission request, thus ending the process. Figure 25 The processing.

[0255] That is, when the remaining battery level of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value, and then exceeds the predetermined value again, the communication control unit 46C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, the second terminal device 10D requires new authentication processing when connecting to the server device 12A to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a terminal device connected to the server device 12A from being switched from the first terminal device 10C, which has sufficient battery level to maintain the connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D.

[0256] (Third switching process) use Figure 26 The third switching process of the communication system involved in the third embodiment is explained. Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0257] In the third switching process of the third embodiment, for example, when the remaining battery level of the first terminal device 10C is below a predetermined value and the remaining battery level of the second terminal device 10D is also below a predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated and the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is executed.

[0258] The processing in steps S250 and S252 is respectively related to Figure 25 The processes in steps S230 and S232 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0259] The battery remaining power determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is lower than a predetermined value (step S254). If it is determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is lower than the predetermined value (step S254; Yes), proceed to step S256. If it is not determined that the remaining battery power of the first terminal device 10C is lower than the predetermined value (step S254; No), proceed to step S262.

[0260] If the determination in step S254 is "yes", the battery remaining amount determination unit 48D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the remaining battery amount of the second terminal device 10D is lower than a predetermined value (step S256). If it is determined that the remaining battery amount of the second terminal device 10D is lower than the predetermined value (step S256; yes), proceed to step S258. If it is not determined that the remaining battery amount of the second terminal device 10D is lower than the predetermined value (step S256; no), proceed to step S252.

[0261] If the determination in step S256 is "yes", the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send a battery remaining signal indicating the remaining battery level of the second terminal device 10D to the first terminal device 10C (step S258).

[0262] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C receives the remaining battery level signal (step S260).

[0263] The processes from step S262 to step S272 are respectively related to Figure 25 The processes shown from step S236 to step S246 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0264] That is, when the remaining battery level of both the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is lower than a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A. Consequently, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it prevents a terminal device connected to the server device 12A from switching to the second terminal device 10D, which has a low remaining battery and may not be able to maintain its connection with the server device 12A.

[0265] As described above, in the third embodiment, a handover process for the terminal device communicating with the server device is performed based on the remaining battery level of at least one of the two terminal devices capable of communicating with the server device. Therefore, in the third embodiment, communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device.

[0266] [Fourth Implementation Method] In the fourth embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in one of the terminal devices 10C and 10D connected to the server device 12A, a process for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is executed. That is, in the fourth embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in one of the terminal devices 10C and 10D connected to the server device 12A, a switching process is executed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to another terminal device to maintain the connection with the server device 12A. Here, the anomaly detected in the terminal device may include, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device deviates from a predetermined range, when the (heating) temperature of the terminal device deviates from a predetermined range, when the battery voltage of the terminal device deviates from a predetermined range, when an input unit 20 malfunction is detected, when a display unit 22 malfunction is detected, when a microphone 24 malfunction is detected, when a speaker 26 malfunction is detected, and when it is determined that communication with the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 cannot be maintained.

[0267] (First handover process) use Figure 27 The first switching process of the communication system involved in the fourth embodiment is explained. Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0268] Processing in step S280 and Figure 24 The process of step S200 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0269] The anomaly detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S282). If it is determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S282; Yes), the process proceeds to step S284. If it is not determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S282; No), the process proceeds to step S280. That is, if the first terminal device 10C has not detected an anomaly, the handover from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D is not performed.

[0270] The processes from step S284 to step S306 are respectively related to Figure 24 The processes from step S204 to step S226 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0271] That is, when the first terminal device 10C detects an anomaly, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C, which may not be able to maintain the connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D, so communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device 12A.

[0272] (Second switching process) use Figure 28 The second switching process of the communication system involved in the fourth embodiment is explained. Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0273] In the second switching process of the fourth embodiment, for example, when the abnormal state of the first terminal device 10C, which was detected as abnormal, is eliminated and determined to be normal, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is executed. Here, the normal state determined in the terminal device may include, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when the (heating) temperature of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when the battery voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when no fault is detected in the input unit 20, when no fault is detected in the display unit 22, when no fault is detected in the microphone 24, when no fault is detected in the speaker 26, and when it is determined that communication with the server device 12A is being maintained via the first communication unit 28.

[0274] The processing in steps S310 and S312 is respectively related to Figure 25 The processes in steps S230 and S232 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0275] The anomaly detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether a normal state is detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S314). For example, if the first terminal device 10C heats up and its temperature is determined to be abnormal, or if the temperature of the first terminal device 10C drops, the anomaly detection unit 50C detects that the first terminal device 10C is normal. If it is determined that the first terminal device 10C is normal (step S314; yes), proceed to step S316. If it is not determined that the first terminal device 10C is normal (step S314; no), proceed to step S312.

[0276] The processes from step S316 to step S326 are respectively related to Figure 25 The processes shown from step S236 to step S246 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0277] That is, when the first terminal device 10C detects an anomaly, when the first terminal device 10C detects a normal state, and when the second terminal device 10D detects an anomaly, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A. Therefore, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent a terminal device connected to the server device 12A from switching from the first terminal device 10C, which is capable of maintaining a connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D.

[0278] (Third switching process) use Figure 29 The third switching process of the communication system involved in the fourth embodiment is explained. Figure 29 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0279] In the third handover process of the fourth embodiment, for example, when an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10C and an abnormality is detected in the second terminal device 10D, the handover process is not performed, and the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is performed.

[0280] The processing in steps S330 and S332 is respectively related to Figure 26 The processes in steps S250 and S252 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0281] The anomaly detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S334). If it is determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S334; Yes), proceed to step S336. If it is not determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected an anomaly (step S334; No), proceed to step S342.

[0282] If the determination in step S284 is "yes", the anomaly detection unit 50D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the second terminal device 10D has detected an anomaly (step S286). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10D has detected an anomaly (step S286; yes), proceed to step S288. If it is not determined that the second terminal device 10D has detected an anomaly (step S286; no), proceed to step S282.

[0283] If the determination in step S336 is "yes", the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send an abnormal signal to the first terminal device 10C indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10D (step S338).

[0284] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C receives the abnormal signal (step S340).

[0285] The processes from step S342 to step S352 are respectively related to Figure 26 The processes shown from step S262 to step S272 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0286] That is, when both the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D detect an anomaly, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A. Consequently, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent a terminal device connected to the server device 12A from switching from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D, which may not be able to maintain the connection with the server device 12A.

[0287] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, a handover process for the terminal device communicating with the server device is performed based on the anomaly detection result of at least one of the two terminal devices capable of communicating with the server device. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device.

[0288] [Fifth Implementation] In the fifth embodiment, when the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​or the sixth communication unit 38 of one of the terminal devices 10C and 10D connected to the server device 12 is below a predetermined value, a process for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is executed. That is, in the fifth embodiment, when the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​or the sixth communication unit 38 of one of the terminal devices 10C and 10D connected to the server device 12 is below a predetermined value, a switching process is executed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to another terminal device to maintain the connection with the server device 12A.

[0289] (First handover process) use Figure 30 The first switching process of the communication system involved in the fifth embodiment is explained. Figure 30This is a flowchart illustrating the first handover process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0290] Processing in step S310 and Figure 24 The process of step S200 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0291] The radio wave strength determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the communication radio wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is lower than a predetermined value (step S362). That is, the radio wave strength determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is stable. Specifically, when the communication radio wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is lower than the predetermined value, the radio wave strength determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines that the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is unstable. If it is determined that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value (step S362; yes), proceed to step S364. If it is not determined that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value (step S362; no), proceed to step S360. That is, if the communication radio wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is not lower than the predetermined value, the handover from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D is not performed.

[0292] The processes from step S364 to step S386 are respectively related to Figure 24 The processes from step S204 to step S226 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0293] That is, when the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C is lower than a predetermined value, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, for example, when the second terminal device 10D is taken out, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C to the taken-out second terminal device 10D, so communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device 12A.

[0294] (Second switching process) use Figure 31 The second switching process of the communication system involved in the fifth embodiment is explained. Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the second handover process flow of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0295] In the second switching process of the fifth embodiment, for example, when the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are connected, if the communication wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is above a predetermined value, the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is executed.

[0296] The processing in steps S340 and S342 is respectively related to Figure 25 The processes in steps S230 and S232 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0297] The communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are connected (step S394). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are connected (step S394; Yes), proceed to step S396. If it is not determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are connected (step S394; No), proceed to step S398.

[0298] If the determination in step S394 is "yes", the management control unit 84 of the server device 12A continues to store the associated identification information in the storage unit 62 (step S396). Then, proceed to step S382.

[0299] If the determination in step S394 is "No", the radio wave strength determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the communication radio wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is above a predetermined value (step S398). If it is determined that the radio wave strength is above the predetermined value (step S398; Yes), proceed to step S400. If it is not determined that the radio wave strength is above the predetermined value (step S398; No), proceed to step S392. That is, when the communication radio wave strength of the first terminal device 10C through the fifth communication unit 36 ​​does not reach the predetermined value, the storage of the associated identification information by the server device 12A is maintained.

[0300] The processes from step S400 to step S410 are respectively related to Figure 25 The processes shown from step S236 to step S246 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0301] That is, when the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value, and when the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C becomes above the predetermined value while the second terminal device 10D is connected to the server device 12A, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12A. Therefore, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, for example, if the second terminal device 10D is taken out and immediately returned, since the communication between the server device 12A and the first terminal device 10C is maintained, communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device 12A.

[0302] (Third switching process) use Figure 32 The third switching process of the communication system involved in the fifth embodiment is explained. Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating the third handover process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0303] In the third switching process of the fifth embodiment, for example, when the second terminal device 10D cannot communicate with the server device 12A and the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is lower than a predetermined value, the switching process is not performed, and the process of maintaining the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12 is performed.

[0304] The processing in steps S420 and S472 is respectively related to Figure 26 The processes in steps S250 and S252 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0305] The communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate (step S424). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate (step S424; Yes), proceed to step S426. If it is not determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate (step S424; No), proceed to step S428.

[0306] The processing of step S426 and Figure 31 The process of step S396 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0307] If the determination in step S424 is "No", the radio wave strength determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the communication radio wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C is lower than a predetermined value (step S428). If it is determined that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value (step S428; Yes), proceed to step S430. If it is not determined that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value (step S428; No), proceed to step S422.

[0308] The processes from step S430 to step S4400 are respectively related to Figure 31 The processes shown from step S400 to step S410 are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0309] That is, when the second terminal device 10D cannot communicate with the server device 12, and the communication wave strength of the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C is lower than a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C sends a deletion request signal for the associated identification information to the server device 12. Therefore, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authentication completed state, the pre-authentication state is deactivated, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, even if the second terminal device 10D is taken out, for example, it is possible to prevent the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A from switching from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D, which cannot communicate with the server device 12A, thus allowing communication to be performed without interrupting communication with the server device 12A.

[0310] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the handover process for the terminal device communicating with the server device is performed based on the communication wave strength between the two terminal devices capable of communicating with the server device. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, communication can be performed without interrupting communication with the server device.

[0311] The constituent elements of the devices illustrated are functional concepts and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figures. That is, the specific form of separation / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be separated or integrated functionally or physically in any unit according to various loads or usage conditions. Furthermore, the configuration based on this separation / integration can be carried out dynamically.

[0312] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned constituent elements include substantially the same, so-called equivalent elements that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the aforementioned constituent elements can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the spirit of the foregoing embodiments.

[0313] Industrial availability The communication control device, terminal device, communication system, communication control method, communication method, and control method of the communication system disclosed herein can be used in a PoC system for performing PoC communication.

[0314] Symbol Explanation 1, 1A, 1B Communication Systems 10, 10A, 10B terminal devices 10C First Terminal Device 10D Second Terminal Device 12, 12A server device 14 Core Network Devices 16 First base station device 18 Second base station device 20 Input Section 22 Display Section 24 microphones 26 speakers 28 First Ministry of Communications 30 Second Ministry of Communications Storage units 32, 62, and 102 34, 34C, 34D, 66, 104 Control Unit 36. Fifth Communications Department 38. Sixth Communications Department 40. Identification Information Acquisition Department 42 Connection Request Section 44, 110 Certification Department 46, 46A, 46C, 46D Communication Control Department 48C, 48D Battery Remaining Capacity Determination Unit 50C, 50D Anomaly Detection Department 52C Radio Wave Intensity Determination Unit Management and Control Department 54, 84 60, 60A, 60B, 601 Control-side Communication Unit 60, 60A, 60B, 100, 601, 602 Communications Department 64 Management Department 70 PoC Account Management Department 72 MAC Address Management Department 74 IMEI Management Department 76 Database Management Department 80 Connection Information Acquisition Department 82 Connection Information Determination Unit 86 Connection Control Unit

Claims

1. A communication control device, comprising: The control-side communication unit communicates with the first communication unit of the terminal device in a first communication method and with the second communication unit of the terminal device in a second communication method, wherein the second communication method is different from the first communication method; The connection information acquisition unit acquires first identification information and second identification information from the connection information received by the control side communication unit in the first communication mode or the second communication mode. The connection information includes first identification information and second identification information. The first identification information is used to identify the first communication unit of the terminal device, and the second identification information is used to identify the second communication unit of the terminal device. The storage unit stores the first identification information and the second identification information together as associated identification information when the connection using the first identification information obtained by the connection information acquisition unit is allowed; The connection information determination unit determines, when a new connection request for the second communication unit is received, whether the second identification information of the terminal device initiating the connection request is stored in the storage unit. as well as The connection control unit, upon determining that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information, allows the terminal device to connect. When the connection control unit allows a new connection based on a connection request using the second communication unit. The connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit, and associates the first identification information and the second identification information of the terminal device in the connected state as associated identification information related to the new connection and stores it in the storage unit.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit stores, in advance, first identification information and second identification information related to a predetermined terminal device that is permitted to connect, as connection permission information. When a connection request using new first identification information or a connection request using new second identification information is received, the connection control unit determines whether to allow the terminal device to connect based on the connection permission information.

3. A communication system, comprising: The communication control device according to claim 1 or 2; as well as A terminal device that communicates with the communication control device. The terminal device includes: A first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using the first communication method; and A second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using the second communication method.

4. A communication control method, which is a communication control device for controlling communication with a terminal device, the communication control method comprising the following steps: The control communication unit of the communication control device communicates with the first communication unit of the terminal device in a first communication mode and communicates with the second communication unit of the terminal device in a second communication mode, wherein the second communication mode is different from the first communication mode; The first identification information and the second identification information contained in the connection information received by the control communication unit of the communication control device in the first communication mode or the second communication mode are obtained. The first identification information is used to identify the first communication unit of the terminal device, and the second identification information is used to identify the second communication unit of the terminal device. When a connection using the acquired first identification information is allowed, the acquired first identification information and the second identification information are associated and stored as associated identification information. When a new connection request is made to use the second communication unit, it is determined whether the second identification information of the terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored. as well as When it is determined that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information, the connection of the terminal device is permitted.

5. A communication system, the communication system comprising a communication control device and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein, The first terminal device includes: A first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device in a first communication mode; and A fifth communication unit that communicates with the second terminal device using a third communication method, wherein the third communication method is different from the first communication method. The second terminal device includes: A second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using a second communication method, wherein the second communication method is different from the first communication method and the third communication method; and A sixth communication unit that communicates with the first terminal device using the third communication method. The first terminal device and the second terminal device communicate with each other and share first identification information for identifying the first communication unit and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit at any time. When the first terminal device and the second terminal device initiate a connection request to the communication control device, they send a connection request signal containing the shared, latest first identification information and second identification information to the communication control device. The communication control device includes: A third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the first terminal device using the first communication method; A fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit of the second terminal device using the second communication method; The connection information acquisition unit acquires the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection request signal received by the third communication unit or the fourth communication unit; The storage unit, upon receiving a connection request using the first communication unit, allows the connection based on predetermined conditions, and when allowing the connection using the first communication unit, stores the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit as associated identification information; and When a new connection request to use the second communication unit is received, the connection control unit determines whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored in the storage unit. If the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored in the storage unit, the connection of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request is allowed.

6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein, When the connection control unit allows a new connection based on a connection request using the second communication unit. The connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit, and associates the first identification information and the second identification information of the terminal device in the connected state as associated identification information related to the new connection and stores it in the storage unit.

7. A control method for a communication system, the communication system comprising a communication control device and multiple terminal devices, the control method comprising the following steps: Communication is performed between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and first identification information and second identification information are shared at any time. The first identification information is used to identify the first communication unit of the first terminal device, and the second identification information is used to identify the second communication unit of the second terminal device. When the first terminal device and the second terminal device initiate a connection request to the communication control device, they send a connection request signal to the communication control device, which includes the latest shared first identification information and second identification information in the connection information. The communication control device receives the connection request signal from the first terminal device or the second terminal device, and obtains the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection information contained in the connection request signal; For a connection request using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, the connection is allowed based on predetermined conditions, and when the connection using the first communication unit of the first terminal device is allowed, the first identification information and the second identification information obtained in the acquisition step are associated and stored as associated identification information. as well as When a new connection request for the second communication unit is received, it is determined whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored. If the second identification information of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request has been stored, the connection of the second terminal device that initiated the connection request is allowed.

8. A terminal device, comprising: The first communications unit communicates with the server device using a first communication method; A third communication unit communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit that communicates with the server device in a second communication mode; as well as Control Department, controls all departments. When the remaining battery level of its own terminal device falls below a predetermined level, the control unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and sends connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

9. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein, When the remaining battery level of its own terminal device exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information stored in the server device. The associated identification information is the information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information.

10. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein, When the remaining battery levels of its own terminal device and the other terminal devices are lower than a predetermined remaining level, the control unit sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information.

11. A communication method, comprising the following steps: The first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with the server device using a first communication method; The third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices using a third communication method. as well as When the remaining battery level of its own terminal device falls below a predetermined level, the third communication unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device, and sends the first connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

12. A terminal device, comprising: The first communications unit communicates with the server device using a first communication method; A third communication unit communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit that communicates with the server device in a second communication mode; as well as Control Department, controls all departments. When the control unit detects an abnormality in its own terminal device, it obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and sends connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein, When the control unit detects that its own terminal device is normal, it sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information stored in the server device. The associated identification information is the information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information.

14. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein, When the control unit detects an anomaly in its own terminal device and the other terminal devices, it sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information.

15. A communication method comprising the following steps: The first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with the server device using a first communication method; The third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices using a third communication method. as well as When an anomaly is detected in its own terminal device, the third communication unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device, and sends the first connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

16. A terminal device, comprising: The first communications unit communicates with the server device using a first communication method; A third communication unit communicates with other terminal devices in a third communication mode, wherein the other terminal devices have a second communication unit that communicates with the server device in a second communication mode; as well as Control Department, controls all departments. When the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and sends connection information containing the first identification information and the second identification information of the first communication unit to the server device.

17. The terminal device according to claim 16, wherein, When the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit reaches a predetermined value or above, the control unit sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information stored in the server device. The associated identification information is information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information.

18. The terminal device according to claim 16, wherein, When the server device and the other terminal devices are unable to communicate, and the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit. The request signal is used to delete the associated identification information.

19. A communication method comprising the following steps: The first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with the server device using a first communication method; The third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with other terminal devices via a third communication method; and When the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit is lower than a predetermined value, the second identification information of the second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and the first connection information containing the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is sent to the server device.

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