Information processing system

Abstract

To make it possible to ensure the quality of wireless communication.SOLUTION: An information processing system acquires first data relating to the quality of wireless communication from a first device moving, associates the quality of wireless communication with a wireless communication method based on multiple pieces of the first data, and generates a communication quality map, which is data obtained by mapping it to a geographical area. In addition, the information processing system determines a wireless communication method to be used by a second device moving, based on the communication quality map.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communications technology. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology for determining communication quality based on information transmitted from a mobile object that performs wireless communication. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that maps the communication quality obtained by a mobile terminal on a map based on probe data transmitted from the mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-062783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to ensure the quality of wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is Obtaining first data relating to wireless communication quality from a mobile first device; The information processing system has a control unit that performs the following operations: generating a communication quality map, which is data that associates the quality of the wireless communication with a wireless communication method and maps it to a geographical area based on a plurality of the first data; and determining a wireless communication method to be used by a moving second device based on the communication quality map.

[0006] Other aspects include a method executed by the above-described device, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transitoryly storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure the quality of wireless communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle communication system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of devices included in the system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of probe data. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a communication quality map. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for transmitting probe data to a server device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process in which the server device provides information to a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In recent years, the number of automobiles equipped with wireless communication functions has increased as automobile connectivity has progressed. Such vehicles can communicate with a specific server device via a cellular communication network, for example. Furthermore, with the spread of autonomous driving and other technologies, vehicles that require constant connection to a server device are emerging.

[0010] In this regard, a technique has been proposed for determining whether the quality of wireless communication is maintained at a good level while a vehicle is running. For example, a technique for determining whether the quality of wireless communication is maintained at a good level from multiple probe cars is proposed. By collecting information related to wireless communication and mapping it on a map, it is possible to generate a map (communication quality map) that shows the predicted communication quality for each location. Furthermore, by using this communication quality map, it is possible to predict the quality of wireless communication for vehicles traveling on a specified route.

[0011] However, vehicles are not limited to adopting only one wireless communication method. For example, vehicles may be able to use multiple different communication standards, such as wireless LAN, cellular communication (4G, 5G), and vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Furthermore, even if the communication standard is the same, the available frequency bands may be different. In this specification, a combination of a communication standard, a communication carrier, a frequency band, etc. is referred to as a "wireless communication system."

[0012] Different wireless communication methods result in different wireless communication qualities. However, while conventional methods can predict the quality of wireless communication for a given wireless communication method, they cannot determine which of multiple wireless communication methods is most suitable for a mobile communication device. The information processing system in the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0013] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The device has a control unit that executes the following operations: acquiring first data regarding the quality of wireless communication from a mobile first device; generating a communication quality map, which is data that associates the quality of wireless communication with a wireless communication method and maps it to a geographical area based on a plurality of the first data; and determining a wireless communication method to be used by a mobile second device based on the communication quality map.

[0014] The control unit receives first data from a plurality of first devices, the first data being data for reporting quality of wireless communication. The first devices may be devices mounted on a vehicle. The first data may include measurement values corresponding to one or more quality indicators related to wireless communication.

[0015] The control unit generates a communication quality map based on the collected first data. The communication quality map is data relating to the quality of wireless communication mapped to a geographical area in association with a wireless communication method. The data relating to the quality of wireless communication may be a measurement value corresponding to a predetermined quality index relating to wireless communication, or may be a score (evaluation value) representing the overall communication quality. The measurement value or evaluation value may be obtained by statistics. By referring to the communication quality map, the communication quality obtained in a predetermined geographical area can be estimated for each wireless communication method.

[0016] The control unit determines the wireless communication method to be used by the moving second device based on the communication quality map. For example, if the movement route of the second device is known, the control unit may comprehensively determine the quality of wireless communication along the movement route and determine the most suitable wireless communication method based on the determination result. Note that the control unit may determine a single wireless communication method or multiple wireless communication methods as the wireless communication method to be used by the second device. Note that if the most suitable wireless communication method changes during movement, multiple wireless communication methods may be selected as the wireless communication method to be used by the second device. With this configuration, for example, it becomes possible to teach a suitable wireless communication method to a moving second device.

[0017] The control unit may further acquire, from the first device, second data relating to a wireless communication method adopted by the first device, and perform the association based on the second data. The second data is data for identifying the wireless communication method adopted by the first device. The second data may include, for example, the wireless communication standard adopted by the first device (W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE, 5G, etc.) and parameters used during communication (frequency band, etc.). Furthermore, when there are multiple telecommunications carriers providing communication services, each may be considered to be a different wireless communication method. In this case, the second data may include an identifier of the telecommunications carrier.

[0018] The control unit may further acquire a movement route of the second device, and may determine a wireless communication method to be used by the second device while it is moving based on the movement route and the communication quality map. The quality of wireless communication is not necessarily uniform while moving. Therefore, a suitable wireless communication method may be determined for each location (for example, for each unit area or road segment). This allows, for example, the second device to move while switching wireless communication methods so as to obtain wireless communication quality equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit may notify the second device of the determined wireless communication method. With this configuration, it is possible to cause the second device to adopt a suitable wireless communication method.

[0020] The control unit may also estimate the imbalance in load on the wireless communication network that occurs when notifying the results of the judgment to multiple second devices, and correct the content of the notification based on the results of the estimation. For example, if multiple second devices exist in the same area, simultaneously notifying them of the determination results may result in simultaneous switching to a specific wireless communication method, which may result in a load on the communication network corresponding to that wireless communication method. Therefore, it is preferable to estimate the occurrence of such a load imbalance and correct the content of the notification based on the estimation result. For example, a different wireless communication method may be notified based on the suitability. For example, the wireless communication method included in the notification may be changed so that the number of vehicles using the same wireless communication method in the same area at the same time does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0021] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations.

[0022] (First embodiment) [System Overview] An overview of a vehicle communication system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle communication system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of vehicles 1 and a server device 2. The vehicles 1 are connected vehicles that can access a wireless communication network. The vehicles 1 can communicate with the server device 2 and other external devices (for example, external devices for providing a predetermined service) via the wireless communication network (for example, a cellular communication network).

[0023] Vehicle 1 functions as both a vehicle (probe car) that measures the quality of wireless communication and provides the server device 2 with the results as information, and a vehicle that receives information from server device 2 and performs wireless communication based on the acquired information. In FIG. 1, the former is distinguished as vehicle 1A, and the latter as vehicle 1B. In the following description, vehicle 1 (probe car) that provides information to server device 2 will be referred to as vehicle 1A, and vehicle 1 that receives information from server device 2 will be referred to as vehicle 1B.

[0024] The vehicle 1 is a network of components (e.g., DCM, other ECUs, etc.) that the vehicle has. Data Communication Module (DC) for connecting to the network M) and an in-vehicle device. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device can provide various services by communicating with an external device via the DCM. The in-vehicle device can also execute various application programs (hereinafter referred to as in-vehicle applications). The in-vehicle applications may be provided by the vehicle manufacturer or may be downloaded by the user.

[0025] The server device 2 is a device configured to be able to communicate with multiple vehicles 1 via a network. The server device 2 receives reports (probe data) on communication quality from each of multiple vehicles 1A (probe cars) under its management, and generates a communication quality map, which is data on the quality of wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "quality data") mapped on a map, based on the received probe data. The quality data may be the measurement values indicated by the probe data themselves, or may be values obtained by statistically computing multiple measurement values. The quality data may also be an evaluation value or the like assigned by the server device 2 based on the measurement values. The mapping is performed in association with the wireless communication method. That is, by referring to the communication quality map, it is possible to determine the "communication quality obtained when communication is performed using a given wireless communication method."

[0026] Furthermore, when the server device 2 receives a request from the vehicle 1B, it provides the communication quality map to the vehicle 1B. This allows the vehicle 1B to determine, based on the communication quality map, which wireless communication method should be adopted to obtain the best communication quality, and thus enables the vehicle 1B to adaptively select a wireless communication method.

[0027] [Device configuration] Next, the configuration of each device that makes up the system will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram that schematically shows an example of the configuration of each device included in the vehicle communication system according to this embodiment. The vehicle communication system according to this embodiment includes one or more vehicles 1 and a server device 2.

[0028] First, a description will be given of the components of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is configured to include a DCM 10 and an in-vehicle device 20.

[0029] The DCM 10 is a device that performs wireless communication with a predetermined network to connect components (e.g., the in-vehicle device 20) of the vehicle 1 with an external device (e.g., the server device 2). In this embodiment, the DCM 10 is configured to be connectable to a predetermined cellular communication network. The DCM 10 may be selectively connectable to multiple cellular communication networks provided by multiple carriers. Furthermore, the DCM 10 may be able to select different communication standards (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.) and frequency bands, even if the DCM 10 is connected to the same carrier.

[0030] The DCM10 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0031] The DCM 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, and a location information acquisition unit 15.

[0032] The control unit 11 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the DCM 10. The control unit 11 can be realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 11 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0033] The control unit 11 is configured to have three software modules: a communication control unit 111, a measurement unit 112, and an evaluation unit 113. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 11 (such as a CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0034] The communication control unit 111 controls wireless connection to a cellular communication network, attaches to the cellular communication network using a predetermined communication method, and establishes a communication path to an external device. When a communication directed to an external device is generated from a component included in the vehicle 1, the communication control unit 111 relays the communication to the cellular communication network. Also, when a communication directed to a specific component is received from the cellular communication network, the communication control unit 111 relays the communication to the specific component.

[0035] The measurement unit 112 measures the value of each index (quality index) related to communication quality for the communication (cellular communication) performed by the communication control unit 111, and transmits the measurement results to the server device 2. Examples of quality indexes measured by the measurement unit 112 include the following: ·RSRP(Reference Signal Received Power) Reference signal received power. The strength (reception level) of the radio wave received from the base station is expressed numerically in [dBm]. ·RSRQ(Reference Signal Received Quality) Reference signal reception quality: An index that quantifies the quality of the received reference signal in [dB]. ·SINR(Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) Signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio: An index that quantifies the power ratio of the desired signal to the power of non-desired signals (interference waves and thermal noise) in the received signal in dB. The quality indicators may include other indicators related to wireless communication.

[0036] The measuring unit 112 periodically measures these values and transmits them to the server device 2 as probe data. An example of probe data is shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the probe data is made up of four sections: basic information, communication status, communication method, and measurement value.

[0037] The basic information section includes the date and time of data acquisition and the location information of the vehicle 1. The location information of the vehicle 1 can be acquired from the location information acquisition unit 15, which will be described later. The communication status section includes various status information for cellular communication, such as network information (IP address, gateway address, APN information, etc.), International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), connected base station ID, and service status.

[0038] The communication method section includes various information related to the wireless communication method. Examples of the information related to the wireless communication method include the identification number of the cellular carrier (PLMN), the communication standard (3G, LTE, 5G, etc.), and the band (frequency band). The communication standard and the band may be set based on an instruction from the base station or may be specified by the communication control unit 111.

[0039] The measurement section includes measurement values for each of a number of quality indicators related to communication quality. In this embodiment, as described above, the measurement targets include RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), SINR (Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio), etc. The information included in the measurement value section of the probe data is the "first data" in this disclosure, and the information included in the communication method section is the "second data" in this disclosure.

[0040] The evaluation unit 113 requests the server device 2 to provide a communication quality map at a predetermined timing, and determines the wireless communication standard that the device itself should adopt while moving, based on the communication quality map provided by the server device 2.

[0041] First, the evaluation unit 113 acquires the travel route of the own device (that is, the travel route of the vehicle 1). The travel route of the vehicle 1 can be acquired from the in-vehicle device 20, which is, for example, a navigation device. Second, the evaluation unit 113 evaluates the wireless communication quality on the travel route for each wireless communication method based on the acquired communication quality map. The wireless communication quality may be evaluated according to a predetermined standard. For example, if the communication quality map includes an evaluation value (e.g., a score representing the quality of wireless communication) for each unit area, the evaluation value for each unit area on the route may be acquired, and the wireless communication quality may be evaluated based on the transition of the evaluation value. Based on the evaluation result of the wireless communication quality, the evaluation unit 113 selects the wireless communication scheme that provides the best communication quality from among a plurality of available wireless communication schemes. For example, the evaluation unit 113 may select the wireless communication scheme whose evaluation value does not fall below a predetermined threshold on the path.

[0042] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information, and is configured with storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, etc. For example, the storage unit 12 temporarily stores the probe data described above. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores a communication quality map received from the server device 2 (communication quality map 12A).

[0043] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface with an in-vehicle network provided in the vehicle 1. The communication unit 13 is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) network or an in-vehicle internet. The DCM 10 communicates with the in-vehicle device 20 (and other ECUs, etc.) via the in-vehicle network.

[0044] The wireless communication unit 14 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the vehicle 1 to an external network. The wireless communication unit 14 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 2 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a cellular communication network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0045] The position information acquisition unit 15 acquires position information of the vehicle 1. The position information acquisition unit 15 includes a GPS antenna and a positioning module for determining the position information. The GPS antenna is an antenna that receives positioning signals transmitted from positioning satellites (also referred to as GNSS satellites). The positioning module is a module that calculates position information based on the signals received by the GPS antenna.

[0046] Next, the server device 2 will be described. The server device 2, like the DCM 10, includes a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.), an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable It can be configured as a computer having a network interface (such as a hard disk drive).

[0047] The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0048] The control unit 21 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the server device 2. The control unit 21 can be realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 21 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0049] The control unit 21 is configured to have two software modules: a data update unit 211 and an information providing unit 212. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 21 (such as a CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0050] The data update unit 211 receives probe data from multiple vehicles 1 (DCMs 10) and generates or updates a communication quality map based on the received probe data. In this embodiment, the communication quality map is data obtained by mapping data (quality data) related to the quality of wireless communication on a map. The quality data may be a measurement value indicated by the probe data, or a statistical value of multiple measurement values. Alternatively, the quality data may be an evaluation value calculated based on multiple measurement values. The communication quality map is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0051] When a request for a communication quality map is received from the vehicle 1B, the information providing unit 212 acquires the communication quality map stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the vehicle 1B. The details of the processes performed by the data update unit 211 and the information provision unit 212 will be described later.

[0052] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information, and is configured with storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21, data used by the programs, etc. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores a communication quality map (communication quality map 22A) generated by the data update unit 211.

[0053] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 2 to a network. The communication unit 23 is configured to be able to communicate with the network via, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, a cellular communication network, or the like.

[0054] 2 is an example, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be performed using a dedicated circuit. Also, programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory and an auxiliary memory other than those illustrated.

[0055] [Overview of communication quality map generation and provision process] Next, an outline of the process in which the server device 2 generates a communication quality map based on the probe data received from the vehicle 1A and provides information to the vehicle 1B based on the map will be described.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the communication quality map 22A generated by the server device 2. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the server device 2 generates a communication quality map based on the probe data received from the vehicle 1A. The communication quality map is data obtained by mapping data (quality data) related to the quality of wireless communication on a map. The communication quality map divides a geographical area included in the map into unit areas, and assigns quality data (in this embodiment, the quality data of wireless communication) to each unit area. The evaluation value represents the quality of the product.

[0057] The evaluation value may be, for example, a score (for example, a value that increases as the quality of wireless communication improves) assigned based on measurement values collected from multiple probe cars. In the example of FIG. 4, the evaluation value calculated by the server device 2 is exemplified as the quality data, but other data may also be assigned to the communication quality map as the quality data. For example, a value (for example, an average value) obtained by integrating measurement values included in the probe data received from multiple vehicles 1A may be used as the quality data.

[0058] The server device 2 also stores quality data for each wireless communication method employed by the probe car. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, each of communication methods A, B, and C has an evaluation value corresponding to a unit area. In the server device 2, for example, a wireless communication method is defined for each combination of a telecommunications carrier, a communication standard, and a frequency band. When probe data is received from a vehicle 1A, the server device 2 determines the wireless communication method employed by the vehicle 1A, identifies the unit area in which the probe car is located, and updates the quality data corresponding to the unit area.

[0059] By referring to the communication quality map, it is possible to predict the communication quality when wireless communication is performed at a certain point (unit area) for each wireless communication method.

[0060] Furthermore, when the server device 2 receives a request for providing a communication quality map from the vehicle 1B, the server device 2 provides the stored communication quality map 22A. The vehicle 1B stores the received communication quality map in the storage unit 12. By providing such data to the vehicle 1B, it becomes possible for the vehicle 1B to determine which wireless communication method should be adopted while the vehicle 1B is traveling in order to maximize the quality of wireless communication.

[0061] [Processing by the server device 2 to update the communication quality map] Next, a process in which the server device 2 collects probe data from multiple vehicles 1A and updates the communication quality map will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the process. The process shown in Fig. 5 is periodically started by the DCM 10 installed in the vehicle 1A. The illustrated process is executed for each of the multiple vehicles 1A under the management of the server device 2.

[0062] First, in step S11, the DCM 10 (measurement unit 112) generates probe data. The measurement values included in the probe data may be measured by, for example, the wireless communication unit 14. The measurement unit 112 transmits the generated probe data to the server device 2 (data update unit 211).

[0063] In step S12, the server device 2 (data update unit 211) generates or updates a communication quality map based on the received probe data. For example, the data update unit 211 identifies the unit area where the vehicle 1A is located, generates quality data (e.g., an evaluation value) based on the measurement values included in the probe data, and updates the evaluation value (corresponding to the communication method adopted by the vehicle 1A) corresponding to the unit area. If an evaluation value to be updated already exists, the data update unit 211 may calculate the updated evaluation value by taking a weighted average with other vehicles.

[0064] [Process by which the server device 2 provides a communication quality map] Next, a process in which the server device 2 receives a request for providing a communication quality map from the vehicle 1B and provides the communication quality map to the vehicle 1B will be described in detail. FIG. 6(A) is a sequence diagram of the process. The process shown in FIG. 6(A) is performed by the The process is started by the DCM 10. The process may be started when the DCM 10 installed in the vehicle 1B determines that an updated communication quality map is necessary. The process may be started, for example, when the vehicle 1B satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the vehicle 1B starts traveling for the first time).

[0065] It is assumed that the communication quality map 22A is generated in the server device 2 and stored in the storage unit 22 before the illustrated process is started.

[0066] First, in step S21, the DCM 10 installed in the vehicle 1B acquires the travel route of the vehicle. Such information can be acquired from the in-vehicle device 20. Then, the DCM 10 transmits a request to the server device 2 to provide a communication quality map.

[0067] In step S22, the server device 2 (information provider 212) transmits the communication quality map 22A to the vehicle 1B (DCM 10) based on the provision request.

[0068] In step S23, the vehicle 1B (the evaluation unit 113 included in the DCM 10) stores the communication quality map received from the server device 2 in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 113 determines the wireless communication method to be used on the travel route based on the communication quality map.

[0069] In this step, the evaluation unit 113 refers to the received communication quality map and identifies one or more unit areas on the travel route of the vehicle. The evaluation unit 113 also acquires an evaluation value corresponding to each of the unit areas on the route. The evaluation unit 113 performs this process for each of the multiple wireless communication methods, and determines the wireless communication method to be adopted by the device itself based on the results. The evaluation unit 113 determines, for example, the wireless communication method with the largest average evaluation value, or the wireless communication method whose evaluation value is not below a predetermined threshold, as the method to be adopted. The evaluation method is not limited to a specific one. The number of wireless communication methods to be adopted may be one or more. For example, if the preferred wireless communication method differs for each geographical area, multiple wireless communication methods may be adopted and the wireless communication method to be used may be switched while moving.

[0070] In step S24, the evaluation unit 113 starts wireless communication based on the result of step S23. In this step, the evaluation unit 113 may transmit data to the wireless communication unit 14 instructing it on the wireless communication method to be used. If a plurality of wireless communication methods are determined in step S23, the evaluation unit 113 may adaptively change the wireless communication method based on the position information of the vehicle. For example, if it is determined that "wireless communication method A will be adopted in area A and wireless communication method B will be adopted in area B," the evaluation unit 113 may instruct the wireless communication unit 14 to switch the wireless communication method when the vehicle moves from area A to area B.

[0071] As described above, in the vehicle communication system according to this embodiment, the server device 2 generates a communication quality map in which data indicating the quality of wireless communication is mapped on a map based on the probe data transmitted from the vehicle 1A, which is a probe car. Furthermore, the vehicle 1B determines the wireless communication method to be used by the vehicle while traveling based on the communication quality map acquired from the server device 2. With this configuration, in an area where an unspecified number of vehicles travel, it becomes possible to have each vehicle select an appropriate wireless communication system.

[0072] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the server device 2 provides a communication quality map to the vehicle 1 (DCM 10). The DCM 10 then determines the wireless communication method to be used based on the received communication quality map.

[0073] On the other hand, the wireless communication method to be used by the vehicle 1 may be determined by the server device 2. That is, the process of step S23 may be performed on the server device side, and only the result may be notified to the DCM 10.

[0074] FIG. 6B is a sequence diagram of the process executed by the vehicle 1B and the server device 2 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, first, in step S31, the DCM 10 generates a list of a travel route of the vehicle and wireless communication methods available on the route. Information on available wireless communication methods may be acquired from the communication control unit 111 or the wireless communication unit 14.

[0075] Next, the DCM 10 transmits to the server device 2 an inquiry including information about the travel route and the available wireless communication methods. In step S32, the server device 2 (information providing unit 212) determines the wireless communication method to be used by the vehicle 1B by the same process as in step S23 based on the received information (i.e., the travel route and the wireless communication methods available on the route). The wireless communication method to be used by the vehicle 1B is selected from the wireless communication methods available to the vehicle 1B.

[0076] The result of the determination (instruction data instructing the vehicle 1B on the wireless communication method to be used) is transmitted to the DCM 10, and the DCM 10 starts wireless communication based on the determination result in step S33. The process is the same as that in step S24, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] In this way, the process of determining the wireless communication method can be executed on the server device side.

[0078] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, in response to a request from the vehicle 1B, the server device 2 instructs the vehicle 1B on the wireless communication method to be used. On the other hand, if there are many vehicles traveling similar routes at the same time, they may all be instructed to use the same wireless communication system. As a result, a large number of vehicles may switch to the same wireless communication system, which may result in a biased load on a specific wireless communication network.

[0079] To address this, in step S32, the server device 2 may determine that "uneven load on the wireless communication network will occur due to instructing the vehicles 1 to use the wireless communication method." For example, it may determine that "if N or more vehicles 1 in the same area (unit region) are instructed to use the same wireless communication method during the same time period (time slot), unbalanced load will occur." Furthermore, N may be any value. In other words, an upper limit (N vehicles) may be set on the number of vehicles using the same wireless communication method in the same area at the same time. If the upper limit is exceeded, the server device 2 may correct the content of the instruction to the vehicle 1 and instruct the remaining vehicles to use a different wireless communication method. For example, by instructing the use of the second most suitable wireless communication method rather than the most suitable wireless communication method, the load on the wireless communication network can be distributed.

[0080] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0081] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0082] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Vehicle 10···DCM 20...In-vehicle equipment 11 Control section 12...Storage section 13. Communications Department 14. Wireless communication unit 15...Location information acquisition unit 2. Server device 21 Control unit 22...Storage section 23. Communications Department

Claims

1. Obtaining first data relating to wireless communication quality from a mobile first device; generating a communication quality map, which is data in which the quality of the wireless communication is associated with a wireless communication scheme and mapped to a geographical area, based on the plurality of first data; determining a wireless communication system to be used by the second device based on the communication quality map; An information processing system having a control unit that executes the above.

2. the control unit further acquires second data related to a wireless communication method adopted by the first device from the first device, and performs the association based on the second data. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit further acquires a movement path of the second device; determining a wireless communication system to be used by the moving second device based on the movement route and the communication quality map; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit notifies the second device of the determined wireless communication method. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the control unit estimates a bias in load on the wireless communication network that occurs when the plurality of second devices are notified of the results of the determination, and corrects the content of the notification based on the result of the estimation. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

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