Management device and management method

Abstract

To determine an optimal support radio mobile station in correspondence with a change of situation of a support request object.SOLUTION: A management device includes: a communication part communicable with a radio mobile station; a travel time calculation part calculating a required travel time to a destination on the basis of location information and road traffic information; a support request part which acquires from the travel time calculation part a required travel time from the plurality of radio mobile stations to the supported radio mobile station when a support request signal from the supported radio mobile station requesting support is received with the communication part, determines a radio mobile station of a shortest required travel time to be a support radio mobile station, and transmits the support request signal with the communication part; and a monitoring part for monitoring a required travel time from the plurality of radio mobile stations to the supported radio mobile station. The monitoring part causes the travel time calculation part to regularly calculate a required travel time from the plurality of radio mobile stations including the support radio mobile station to the supported radio mobile station, and transmits a support request signal to a first radio mobile station with the communication part when a first radio mobile station shorter in required travel time than the support radio mobile station is discovered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In situations where manpower is needed, such as controlling the flow of people during congestion or controlling traffic when an accident occurs, users may request the necessary number of supporters. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a calling system that determines the wireless device (supporting wireless mobile station) that is to be requested to provide support based on the positional relationship between the wireless device requiring support (supported wireless mobile station) and its surrounding wireless devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6519749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional systems, when a support request is made based on location information, the mobile station closest in linear or travel distance is selected as the support mobile station, but this does not always result in the shortest arrival time to the supported mobile station. For example, when the means of transportation is a car, even if the predicted arrival time is the shortest at that time, the arrival time may be delayed due to changes in traffic conditions or the movement of the supported mobile station.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a management device and a management method that can determine the most appropriate support wireless mobile station in response to changes in the situation of the support request target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The management device of the present invention comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with wireless mobile stations, a travel time calculation unit that calculates the required travel time to a destination based on location information and road traffic information, a support request unit that, when the communication unit receives a support request signal from a supported wireless mobile station requesting support, acquires the required travel times from multiple wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station from the travel time calculation unit, determines the wireless mobile station with the shortest required travel time as the supporting wireless mobile station, and transmits a support request signal from the communication unit, and a monitoring unit that monitors the required travel times from the multiple wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station, wherein the monitoring unit periodically causes the travel time calculation unit to calculate the required travel times from multiple wireless mobile stations including the supporting wireless mobile station to the supported wireless mobile station, and when a first wireless mobile station is found that has a shorter required travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station, transmits a support request signal to the first wireless mobile station from the communication unit.

[0007] The management method of the present invention is a management method executed by a management device having a communication unit capable of communicating with wireless mobile stations, and includes a support request step of, when the communication unit receives a support request signal from a supported wireless mobile station requesting support, obtaining from a travel time calculation unit the travel times from multiple wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station, determining the wireless mobile station with the shortest travel time as the supporting wireless mobile station, and transmitting a support request signal from the communication unit; and a monitoring step of monitoring the travel times from multiple wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station, wherein the monitoring step periodically causes the travel time calculation unit to calculate the travel times from multiple wireless mobile stations including the supporting wireless mobile station to the supported wireless mobile station, and when a first wireless mobile station is found whose travel time is shorter than that of the supporting wireless mobile station, transmitting a support request signal to the first wireless mobile station from the communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the most suitable support wireless mobile station in response to changes in the situation of the request target. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a support request in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the wireless relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless mobile station according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to a support request from a management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to monitoring of the management device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a scene ST1 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a scene ST2 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the travel time required for scenes ST1 and ST2 and the priority of the support requests. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a scene ST3 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the travel time required for scene ST3 and the priority of the support requests. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a scene ST4 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a scene ST5 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the monitoring target movement time, the priority of the support request, and the monitoring target in scene ST5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a scene ST6 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between the monitoring target movement time, the priority of the support request, and the monitoring target in scene ST6. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a scene ST7 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a scene ST8 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment] (wireless communication system) An example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1 includes a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10, a wireless relay device 12, and a management device 100. The plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 are mobile communication terminals such as mobile phone terminals, portable radios, and communication devices mounted on mobile objects, and transmit location information D1 that can identify their current locations to the management device 100. Mobile objects include, for example, vehicles, ships, aircraft, drones, etc. The wireless relay device 12 transmits and receives various information between the plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 and the management device 100. The management device 100 manages the locations of the plurality of wireless mobile stations 10, requests for assistance, etc.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the wireless relay device 12 has a control channel CC, a communication channel T1, and a communication channel T2. The transmission frequency of communication channel T1 is TX1, and the reception frequency is RX1. The transmission frequency of communication channel T2 is TX2, which is different from TX1, and the reception frequency is RX2, which is different from RX1. Multiple wireless mobile stations 10 are connected to control channel CC. In this embodiment, the wireless relay device 12 is described as having two communication channels, communication channel T1 and communication channel T2, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the wireless relay device 12 also has an auxiliary alternate channel T3, which is an auxiliary channel different from the communication channel normally used for communication. In this embodiment, the wireless relay device 12 is described as having only one wireless communication channel, the auxiliary channel T3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of alternate channels that the wireless relay device 12 has may be one or two or more.

[0014] The multiple wireless mobile stations 10 include wireless mobile station 10A, wireless mobile station 10B, wireless mobile station 10C, wireless mobile station 10D, wireless mobile station 10E, and wireless mobile station 10F that are moved by a person carrying them, and wireless mobile station 10G and wireless mobile station 10H that are moved by a vehicle 30. That is, the wireless mobile station 10A, wireless mobile station 10B, wireless mobile station 10C, wireless mobile station 10D, wireless mobile station 10E, and wireless mobile station 10F are means of transportation that are less affected by traffic congestion and traffic accidents, such as walking, bicycles, and kick scooters. The wireless mobile station 10G and wireless mobile station 10H are means of transportation that are affected by traffic congestion and traffic accidents. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the wireless mobile station 10A, wireless mobile station 10B, ..., and wireless mobile station 10H, they will be simply referred to as wireless mobile station 10.

[0015] (Basic operation of wireless communication system) Before describing the operation of the wireless communication system according to this embodiment, the basic operation of the wireless communication system will be described.

[0016] For example, when the wireless mobile station 10A and the wireless mobile station 10B communicate with each other, the wireless relay device 12 receives a communication request from the wireless mobile station 10A to the wireless mobile station 10B over the control channel CC and notifies the wireless mobile station 10A and the wireless mobile station 10B of the number of an available communication channel. This enables the wireless mobile station 10A and the wireless mobile station 10B to communicate over, for example, communication channel T1. In this case, communication channel T1 remains in use until the communication between the wireless mobile station 10A and the wireless mobile station 10B is completed. Even if the wireless relay device 12 receives a communication request from another wireless mobile station 10 over the control channel CC while communication channel T1 is in use, the wireless relay device 12 will not assign communication channel T1 to the other wireless mobile station 10.

[0017] When communication channel T1 is in use and communication channel T2 is free, upon receiving a communication request from wireless mobile station 10C to wireless mobile station 10D over control channel CC, the wireless relay device 12 notifies the wireless mobile station 10C and wireless mobile station 10D of the number of communication channel T2. This enables communication between wireless mobile station 10C and wireless mobile station 10D over communication channel T2. Even if the wireless relay device 12 receives a communication request from another wireless mobile station over control channel CC while communication channel T1 and communication channel T2 are in use, the wireless relay device 12 will not assign communication channel T1 and communication channel T2 to the other wireless mobile station.

[0018] Furthermore, when the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, and the wireless mobile station 10C perform group communication, upon receiving a group communication request from the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, and the wireless mobile station 10C over the control channel CC, the wireless relay device 12 notifies the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, and the wireless mobile station 10C of the number of an available communication channel. This enables the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, and the wireless mobile station 10C to communicate over, for example, communication channel T1. In this case, communication channel T1 remains in use until the communication between the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, and the wireless mobile station 10C is completed. Even if the wireless relay device 12 receives a communication request from another wireless mobile station 10 over the control channel CC while communication channel T1 is in use, the wireless relay device 12 will not assign communication channel T1 to the other wireless mobile station 10. Group communication is a communication method that allows one-to-many communication with a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 assigned to each channel.

[0019] (Example of a request for support via a wireless communication system) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a support request in the wireless communication system shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the wireless communication system 1 has a function in which a management device 100 automatically requests support from a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10. The management device 100 grasps the location of each of the plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 from location information D1 transmitted from the plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 at regular intervals, and updates the location every time location information D1 is received from a wireless mobile station 10. The location information D1 includes, for example, information that can identify the location (coordinates), ID, etc. of the wireless mobile station 10.

[0020] When the management device 100 of the wireless communication system 1 receives a support request signal SG1 from a supported wireless mobile station 10-1 that requests support, it calculates the travel time required for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, selects the wireless mobile station 10 with the shortest travel time as the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, and transmits a support request signal SG2 to the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2. The management device 100 does not transmit the support request signal SG2 to other wireless mobile stations 10 that have not been selected as the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2.

[0021] After transmitting a support request signal SG2 to the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, the management device 100 monitors the travel time required from each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. The management device 100 periodically calculates the travel time required from the multiple wireless mobile stations 10, including the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, and when a first wireless mobile station 10 with a shorter travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is found, the management device 100 transmits a support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10 as the new supporting wireless mobile station 10-2. In this case, the management device 100 may cancel the previous support request to the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, or may maintain the previous support request from the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2.

[0022] For example, if the means of transportation of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is a vehicle 30, even if the travel time (arrival time) predicted at the time of the support request is the shortest, the arrival time may be later than predicted due to changes in traffic conditions before arrival or the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 moving. However, if the management device 100 according to this embodiment finds a new first wireless mobile station 10 with a shorter travel time after transmitting the support request signal SG2, it transmits the support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10, and therefore it is possible to change the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 in response to changes in the situation of the request target.

[0023] When the support request signal SG1 includes unit number information indicating the number of wireless mobile stations 10 required for support, the management device 100 inquires of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 whether they are able to provide support, and selects the wireless mobile stations 10, as the number indicated in the unit number information, from among the wireless mobile stations 10 that have responded that they are able to provide support, in order of the shortest required travel time as supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2. Thereafter, when the management device 100 finds a second wireless mobile station 10 whose required travel time is shorter than the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, which has the longest required travel time among the multiple supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2, it transmits a support request signal SG2 to the second wireless mobile station 10. In this way, the management device 100 can efficiently arrange for the wireless mobile station 10 that can arrive to provide support in the shortest time based on the number of wireless mobile stations 10 required for support by updating the number of wireless mobile stations 10 that are able to provide support in the shortest time.

[0024] The management device 100 performs group setting so that the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 can perform group communication, and when the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is changed, updates the group setting so that the changed supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 can perform group communication. For example, the management device 100 requests group communication over the control channel CC of the wireless relay device 12 so that the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 can communicate over a common communication channel of the wireless relay device 12. Then, when the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is changed, the management device 100 requests the control channel CC of the wireless relay device 12 to change the group setting so that the changed supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 can perform group communication. As a result, even if the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 that requested support is changed, the management device 100 can maintain group communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, thereby making the support request more efficient.

[0025] (radio relay device) An example of the configuration of a wireless relay device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless relay device according to an embodiment.

[0026] 3, the wireless relay device 12 includes a relay communication unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 24. The wireless relay device 12 is a device that relays communications between a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10.

[0027] The relay communication unit 20 relays communication from the wireless mobile station 10. The relay communication unit 20 relays communication of a first communication method from the wireless mobile station 10. Examples of the first communication method include, but are not limited to, communication methods based on digital business radio such as APCO-P25 (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials international Project 25) and NXDN (registered trademark).

[0028] The relay communication unit 20 receives location information D1 from the wireless mobile station 10 using the first communication method. The relay communication unit 20 receives a relay request signal indicating a relay request from the wireless mobile station 10 using the first communication method. When the relay communication unit 20 receives a support request signal SG1 from the wireless mobile station 10, it transmits the support request signal SG1 to the management device 100. The relay communication unit 20 transmits a support request signal SG2 from the management device 100 to the support wireless mobile station 10-2. Note that the wireless relay device 12 may be wired connected to the management device 100 via a wired communication unit (not shown) and communicate using a wired communication method. In this case, the wireless mobile station 10 and the management device 100 communicate via the relay communication unit 20 and the wired communication unit.

[0029] The storage unit 22 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 22 can store location information D1 of the wireless mobile stations 10 included in the wireless communication system 1 and group setting information D4 (described later). The storage unit 22 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 24 and programs. For example, the storage unit 22 includes at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0030] The control unit 24 controls each unit of the wireless relay device 12. The control unit 24 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 24 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless relay device 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 24 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 24 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] The control unit 24 includes an acquisition unit 24A and a channel setting unit 24B.

[0032] The acquisition unit 24A acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 24A acquires various types of information from the wireless mobile station 10 via the relay communication unit 20. The acquisition unit 24A acquires location information D1 from the wireless mobile station 10 via the relay communication unit 20. The acquisition unit 24A associates the acquired location information D1 with the wireless mobile station 10 and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0033] When the relay communication unit 20 receives a relay request, the channel setting unit 24B sets a channel for relaying communication between the wireless mobile stations 10. For example, when the relay communication unit 20 receives a relay request, the channel setting unit 24B sets an available channel as a relay channel. When the channel setting unit 24B receives a group setting request from the management device 100, it sets the available channel in the group setting information D4 of the storage unit 22 as a relay channel for group communication between the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 and the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2. The group setting information D4 includes information that can identify the channel to be used, the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, and the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, and is updated in response to a change request from the management device 100.

[0034] (Mobile radio station) An example of the configuration of a wireless mobile station according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless mobile station according to the embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless mobile station 10 includes a communication unit 42, an operation unit 44, a speaker unit 46, a display unit 48, a storage unit 50, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 52, and a control unit 54.

[0036] The communication unit 42 communicates using a first communication method. For example, the communication unit 42 communicates with the wireless relay device 12 using the first communication method. Examples of the first communication method include, but are not limited to, communication methods using digital business radio such as APCO-P and NXDN (registered trademark).

[0037] The operation unit 44 accepts various input operations for the wireless mobile station 10. The operation unit 44 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 54. The operation unit 44 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a microphone, etc. The operation unit 44 includes, for example, a PTT (Push to talk) button. When a touch panel is used as the operation unit 44, the operation unit 44 is arranged on the display unit 48.

[0038] The speaker unit 46 outputs various types of audio, for example, the audio of the user of another wireless mobile station 10.

[0039] The display unit 48 displays various images. The display unit 48 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

[0040] The storage unit 50 stores various types of information. The storage unit 50 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 54 and programs. The storage unit 50 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD. The storage unit 50 stores the acquired position information D1 in chronological order.

[0041] The GNSS receiving unit 52 is configured with a GNSS receiver that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites, etc. The GNSS receiving unit 52 outputs the received GNSS signals to a position information acquiring unit 62 of the control unit 54. Note that the GNSS receiving unit 52 may be replaced with other devices, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0042] The control unit 54 controls each unit of the wireless mobile station 10. The control unit 54 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 54 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless mobile station 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 54 may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 54 may also be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] The control unit 54 includes a position information acquisition unit 62 , an output control unit 64 , and a communication control unit 66 .

[0044] The location information acquisition unit 62 detects location information D1 relating to the current location of the wireless mobile station 10. The location information acquisition unit 62 acquires the location information D1 relating to the current location based on, for example, a GNSS signal received by the GNSS receiver unit 52. Note that the location information acquisition unit 62 may acquire the location information D1 from a GPS receiver.

[0045] The output control unit 64 controls the speaker unit 46 and the display unit 48 to perform output. The output control unit 64 controls the speaker unit 46 to output sound. The output control unit 64 controls the display unit 48 to display a display screen.

[0046] The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 and the second communication unit 42 to communicate with an external device. The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 to communicate with the wireless relay device 12 or the wireless mobile station 10. The communication control unit 66 controls the communication unit 42 to transmit the location information D1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 62 to the management device 100, the wireless relay device 12, etc. When the communication control unit 66 receives a support request from the user via the operation unit 44, it controls the communication unit 42 to transmit a support request signal SG1 to the management device 100.

[0047] (Management device) An example of the configuration of a management device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 5, only the configuration of the management device 100 according to the embodiment is described.

[0048] 5, the management device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The management device 100 is a computer that manages a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10, and is configured to be able to communicate with a wireless relay device 12. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the management device 100 communicates with a plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 via the wireless relay device 12, but the management device 100 may also communicate directly with the wireless mobile stations 10.

[0049] The communication unit 110 performs communication using at least one of the first communication method and the wired communication method. The communication unit 110 receives location information D1, a support request signal SG1, etc. from the wireless mobile station 10 via the wireless relay device 12. The communication unit 110 transmits a support request signal SG2 to the wireless mobile station 10 that becomes the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 under the control of the control unit 130.

[0050] The memory unit 120 stores various types of information. The memory unit 120 stores information such as the calculation contents of the control unit 130 and programs. The memory unit 120 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as a HDD. The memory unit 120 chronologically stores acquired location information D1 for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10. The memory unit 120 stores management information D2 that can identify the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 that are subject to management. The management information D2 includes various information such as identification information of the managed wireless mobile stations 10, and is associated with the location information D1. The memory unit 120 stores support request information D3 that indicates a support request signal SG1 received from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. The support request information D3 includes various information such as identification information of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, destination information requiring support, and information on the number of supporters required. The storage unit 120 stores group setting information D4 indicating the wireless mobile stations 10 performing group communication in association with support request information D3. The group setting information D4 includes, for example, information that can identify the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 and the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 performing group communication, and is updated when the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is changed. The storage unit 120 stores road traffic information D10 transmitted by a VICS (registered trademark) center. The road traffic information D10 includes information on restrictions due to congestion, accidents, and construction, as well as, for example, information on highway entrance closures, information on whether service areas and parking areas are full (or empty), and information on scheduled construction.

[0051] The control unit 130 controls each unit of the management device 100. The control unit 130 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 130 executes a program that controls the operation of the management device 100 according to the present invention. The control unit 130 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 130 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0052] The control unit 130 provides a function for the management device 100 to manage the locations of multiple wireless mobile stations 10 and automatically request support from a wireless mobile station 10 that can quickly and efficiently move toward the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. In this embodiment, the control unit 130 includes functional units, namely, a travel time calculation unit 131, a support request unit 132, and a monitoring unit 133. Each functional unit is realized by the control unit 130 executing a program.

[0053] The travel time calculation unit 131 calculates the required travel time to the destination based on the location information D1 and the road traffic information D10. The travel time calculation unit 131 acquires the road traffic information D10 for the area it manages, sets the location of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 as the destination in the map information, and calculates the required travel time to the destination for each location of multiple wireless mobile stations 10 different from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1.

[0054] The travel time calculation unit 131 calculates, for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10, the travel time required for the wireless mobile station 10 to travel from the current location of the wireless mobile station 10 to the destination based on map information, road traffic information D10, location information D1, and the means of transportation and travel speed of the wireless mobile station 10. The travel speed is a speed based on, for example, whether the means of transportation of the wireless mobile station 10 is a vehicle 30, walking, or bicycle. The travel time calculation unit 131 searches for a route from the current location to the destination for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10, and calculates the required travel time based on this route and travel speed. The method for searching the route can be any known route search method and is not limited to this. Furthermore, when the means of transportation is a vehicle 30, the travel time calculation unit 131 calculates the required travel time based on the route, travel speed, and traffic conditions. The travel time calculation unit 131 stores the required travel time for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 in the storage unit 120. The travel time calculation unit 131 may be configured to calculate the required travel time for each of the plurality of wireless mobile stations 10 based on the straight-line distance from the current position to the destination.

[0055] When the support request unit 132 receives a support request signal SG1 from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 requesting support via the communication unit 110, the support request unit 132 causes the travel time calculation unit 131 to calculate the travel times required from the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, determines the wireless mobile station 10 whose travel time satisfies a predetermined condition as the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, and transmits a support request signal SG2 via the communication unit 110. The predetermined condition includes, for example, a condition that the travel time required for the wireless mobile station 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined period or threshold, that the number of wireless mobile stations 10 required for travel is equal to or less than the requested number in order of the shortest travel time, or that the travel time required for the wireless mobile stations 10 is equal to or less than the urgency of the support request. The predetermined condition can be set based on the priority of the support request, and can be set to, for example, a condition that a predetermined number of wireless mobile stations 10 are allocated in order of priority. The support request unit 132 implements the support request step of the management method.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the support request unit 132 receives a support request signal SG1, it sets the wireless mobile station 10 that requested the support request signal SG1 as the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, and sets its current location or a location specified by the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 as the destination. The support request unit 132 causes the travel time calculation unit 131 to calculate the travel time required from each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the location of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 or a specified location, sets the priority to the wireless mobile station 10 with the shortest travel time, and transmits a support request signal SG2 to the required number of wireless mobile stations 10 in descending order of priority. The support request signal SG2 includes various information such as information about the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, the destination, the route, the travel time required, information about the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, and group communication settings.

[0057] The support request unit 132 inquires of the wireless mobile stations 10 about whether they can provide support, and from among the wireless mobile stations 10 that have responded that they can provide support, determines the wireless mobile stations 10, as the number of wireless mobile stations 10 in the number information, in order of the shortest required travel time, as supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2. For example, the support request unit 132 checks whether they can accept support in order from the wireless mobile stations 10 that have the shortest required travel time, and determines the wireless mobile stations 10 that have responded that they can be accepted as supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2, and repeats checking whether they can accept support until the required number of wireless mobile stations is reached. Then, when the required number of wireless mobile stations have responded that they can be accepted, the support request unit 132 determines the wireless mobile stations 10 that have responded that they can be accepted as supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2, and transmits a support request signal SG2 to the supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 via the communication unit 110.

[0058] The monitoring unit 133 monitors the travel time required from the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. The monitoring unit 133 causes the travel time calculation unit 131 to periodically calculate the travel time required from the multiple wireless mobile stations 10, including the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, and when a first wireless mobile station 10 having a shorter travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is found, the monitoring unit 133 transmits a support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10 via the communication unit 110. In this case, the monitoring unit 133 may add the first wireless mobile station 10 to the existing supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, or may replace one of the existing supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 with the first wireless mobile station 10. The monitoring unit 133 implements the monitoring step of the management method.

[0059] In this embodiment, when a second wireless mobile station 10 having a shorter travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 having the longest travel time among the multiple supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 is found, the monitoring unit 133 transmits a support request signal to the second wireless mobile station 10 via the communication unit 110. That is, the monitoring unit 133 has a function of extracting the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 having the longest travel time among the multiple supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2, and extracting a second wireless mobile station 10 having a shorter travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 from the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 that have not transmitted the support request signal SG2. In this way, after transmitting the support request signal SG2, the management device 100 can monitor whether the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is heading towards the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 within the required travel time. For example, if the support wireless mobile station 10-2 is caught in a sudden accident or traffic jam and the travel time required for the support wireless mobile station 10-2 becomes longer than that of the other wireless mobile stations 10, the management device 100 transmits a support request signal to the second wireless mobile station 10, thereby enabling flexible switching of the support wireless mobile station 10-2.

[0060] In this embodiment, the control unit 130 has a normal mode and a monitoring mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the support request unit 132 makes a support request based on a support request signal SG1 received from the wireless mobile station 10. The monitoring mode is a mode in which the monitoring unit 133 periodically monitors the travel time from multiple wireless mobile stations 10, including the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, to the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 after transmitting a support request signal SG2.

[0061] In this embodiment, the management device 100 will be described as including the travel time calculation unit 131 of the control unit 130, but the travel time calculation unit 131 may be realized by a device external to the management device 100. For example, the management device 100 may be configured to cause the travel time calculation unit 131 to be executed by a server device, a dedicated device, or the like, and to acquire the calculated travel time.

[0062] (Processing procedure of management device) An example of a processing procedure of a management device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to a support request of the management device. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to monitoring of the management device. The processing procedures shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are realized by the control unit 130 executing a program.

[0063] 6, the control unit 130 of the management device 100 sets the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, the destination, and the required number of units based on the received support request signal SG1 (step S101). For example, when the control unit 130 receives the support request signal SG1 via the communication unit 110, it sets the wireless mobile station 10 that transmitted the support request signal SG1 as the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, sets the current location or a specified location of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 as the destination, sets the number information included in the support request signal SG1 as the required number of units, and sets the counter of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 to an initial value of zero. When the control unit 130 completes the process of step S101, it proceeds to step S102.

[0064] The control unit 130 calculates the travel time required to reach the destination for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 (step S102). For example, the control unit 130 searches for a route from the position indicated by the location information received from each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 using map information, and calculates the travel time required based on this route, the means of transportation, the travel speed, and road traffic information D10. The control unit 130 stores the calculated travel time required in the storage unit 120 in association with each wireless mobile station 10, and then proceeds to step S103.

[0065] The control unit 130 inquires whether support can be accepted from the wireless mobile stations 10 in order of the required travel time (step S103). For example, the control unit 130 creates a message inquiring whether support can be accepted based on the support request information D3, and controls the communication unit 110 to transmit this message in order of the wireless mobile stations 10 in order of the required travel time. When the process of step S103 ends, the control unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S104.

[0066] The control unit 130 determines whether or not an acceptable response has been received from the wireless mobile station 10 via the communication unit 110 (step S104). If the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has not been received (No in step S104), for example, if an unacceptable response has been received from the wireless mobile station 10, or if the control unit 130 has not been able to receive a response for some reason, the control unit 130 returns to the process at step S102, which has already been described, and continues the process. If the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has been received (Yes in step S104), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S105.

[0067] The control unit 130 determines the acceptable wireless mobile station 10 as the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 (step S105). For example, the control unit 130 registers the wireless mobile station 10 that returned an acceptance response in the group setting information D4, and increments the counter of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2. When the process of step S105 ends, the control unit 130 advances the process to step S106.

[0068] The control unit 130 determines whether the number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 has reached the required number (step S106). For example, when the counter of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 matches the required number, the control unit 130 determines that the number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 has reached the required number. When the control unit 130 determines that the number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 has not reached the required number (No in step S106), the control unit 130 returns the process to step S102, which has already been described, and continues the process. When the control unit 130 determines that the number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 has reached the required number (Yes in step S106), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S107.

[0069] The control unit 130 transmits a support request signal SG2 to all supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 (step S107). For example, the control unit 130 generates a support request signal SG2 that can identify information about the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, the destination, the route, the travel time, information about the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, group communication settings, etc. The control unit 130 transmits the support request signal SG2 to each of all supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 via the communication unit 110. Then, when the transmission of the support request signal SG2 is completed, the control unit 130 transitions from the normal mode to the monitoring mode (step S108) and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6.

[0070] In the monitoring mode, as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 130 sets up group communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 (step S111). For example, the control unit 130 transmits a request for group communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 to the control channel CC of the wireless relay device 12, and notifies the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 of an available communication channel in the wireless relay device 12. This enables the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 to perform group communication on a predetermined communication channel. When the control unit 130 completes the process of step S111, it advances the process to step S112.

[0071] The control unit 130 calculates the latest travel time required from all wireless mobile stations 10 to the destination (step S112). For example, the control unit 130 searches map information for a route from the position indicated by the latest position information received from each of the wireless mobile stations 10 to the destination, and calculates the travel time required based on this route, the means of transportation, and the travel speed. The control unit 130 stores the calculated travel time required in the storage unit 120 in association with each wireless mobile station 10, and then proceeds to step S113.

[0072] The control unit 130 searches for a first wireless mobile station 10 having a required travel time shorter than that of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 (step S113). For example, the control unit 130 compares the required travel time of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 with that of the other wireless mobile stations 10, and extracts, from among the other wireless mobile stations 10, a wireless mobile station 10 having a required travel time shorter than that of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 as the first wireless mobile station 10. When the control unit 130 stores the search result, as to whether or not the first wireless mobile station 10 has been found, in the storage unit 120, the control unit 130 proceeds to the process at step S114.

[0073] The control unit 130 determines whether or not the first wireless mobile station 10 has been found (step S114). For example, if the first wireless mobile station 10 has been extracted in step S113, the control unit 130 determines that the first wireless mobile station 10 has been found. If the control unit 130 determines that the first wireless mobile station 10 has not been found (No in step S114), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S118, which will be described later. If the control unit 130 determines that the first wireless mobile station 10 has been found (Yes in step S114), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S115.

[0074] The control unit 130 inquires of the first wireless mobile station 10 whether or not it is possible to accept support (step S115). For example, the control unit 130 creates a message inquiring whether or not it is possible to accept support, and controls the communication unit 110 to transmit this message to the first wireless mobile station 10. When the control unit 130 receives a response to the inquiry from the first wireless mobile station 10, or does not receive a response message even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the message, the control unit 130 proceeds to the process at step S116.

[0075] The control unit 130 determines whether or not an acceptable response has been received (step S116). For example, if the response message received from the first wireless mobile station 10 indicates acceptability, the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has been received. If the response message received from the first wireless mobile station 10 indicates unacceptability, or if the control unit 130 has not received a response message within a predetermined time, the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has not been received. If the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has not been received (No in step S116), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S118, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines that an acceptable response has been received (Yes in step S116), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S117.

[0076] The control unit 130 transmits a support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10 and changes the group communication settings (step S117). For example, the control unit 130 generates the support request signal SG2 that can identify information about the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, the destination, the route, the travel time, information about the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, the group communication settings, etc. The control unit 130 transmits the support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10 via the communication unit 110, and transmits a change request to add the first wireless mobile station 10 to the group communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 to the control channel CC of the wireless relay device 12. After updating the group setting information D4 and completing the process of step S117, the control unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S118.

[0077] The control unit 130 acquires the location information D1 of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 (step S118). For example, the control unit 130 acquires the location information D1 from the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 via the relay communication unit 20, and confirms that the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 has arrived at the destination. When the processing of step S118 ends, the control unit 130 advances the processing to step S119.

[0078] The control unit 130 determines whether the required number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 have arrived at the destination (step S119). If the control unit 130 determines that the required number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 have not arrived at the destination (No in step S119), the control unit 130 returns the process to step S111 already described, and continues the series of processes in the monitoring mode. If the control unit 130 determines that the required number of supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 have arrived at the destination (Yes in step S119), the control unit 130 proceeds to step S120.

[0079] The control unit 130 transitions from the monitoring mode to the normal mode (step S120), and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG.

[0080] When the above-described management device 100 receives a support request signal SG1 from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 via the communication unit 110, it causes the travel time calculation unit 131 to calculate the travel time required to travel from the positions of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the destination requested by the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, determines the wireless mobile station 10 with the shortest travel time as the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, and transmits a support request signal SG2 via the communication unit 110. The management device 100 monitors the travel time required to travel from the current positions of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 to the destination, causes the travel time calculation unit 131 to periodically calculate the travel time required to travel from the current positions of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 including the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 to the destination, and when a first wireless mobile station 10 with a travel time shorter than that of the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 is found, it can transmit the support request signal SG2 to the first wireless mobile station 10 via the communication unit 110.

[0081] As a result, the management device 100 can monitor changes in the travel time to the destination and determine the support wireless mobile station 10-2 that is most suitable for changes in travel conditions. As a result, the management device 100 can have the support wireless mobile station 10-2 rush to the destination in the shortest time, thereby improving the efficiency of support requests. Furthermore, because the management device 100 can automatically request support, operator intervention is not required, and the system can be simplified.

[0082] (Example of operation of a wireless communication system) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a scene ST1 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a scene ST2 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between travel times required for scenes ST1 and ST2 and the priority of support requests.

[0083] In a scene ST1 shown in FIG. 8, in the wireless communication system 1, the management device 100 manages the wireless mobile station 10A, the wireless mobile station 10B, the wireless mobile station 10C, the wireless mobile station 10D, the wireless mobile station 10E, the wireless mobile station 10F, the wireless mobile station 10G, and the wireless mobile station 10H. The wireless mobile station 10G and the wireless mobile station 10H are transported by a vehicle 30. Each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 periodically transmits location information D1 indicating its current location to the management device 100. The management device 100 manages the locations of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 based on the location information D1 received via the wireless relay device 12. The management device 100 calculates the distances between the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 and keeps track of the distances, locations, etc. between each mobile station.

[0084] When the wireless mobile station 10A reaches a situation where it needs support from at least three people, it transmits a support request signal SG1 indicating that the required number of units (required number of people) is three to the management device 100. In this way, the wireless mobile station 10A notifies the management device 100 of the required number of support units.

[0085] In the example shown in scene ST1, the wireless mobile stations 10B and 10C have slow moving speeds but are close to the location of the wireless mobile station 10A, so the required moving time is short. The wireless mobile station 10D is located close to the wireless mobile station 10A and must cross a river, but there is a bridge nearby, so the required moving time is short. The wireless mobile station 10E is located close to the wireless mobile station 10A, but must cross a river, but there is no bridge nearby, so the required moving time is long. The wireless mobile station 10F is located far from the wireless mobile station 10A, so the required moving time is long. The wireless mobile station 10G is located far from the wireless mobile station 10A, but the moving speed of the vehicle 30 is fast and there is no traffic congestion, so the required moving time is short. The wireless mobile station 10H is located far from the wireless mobile station 10A, and the moving speed of the vehicle 30 is fast, but there is traffic congestion, so the required moving time is long.

[0086] In scene ST1, when the management device 100 receives from the wireless mobile station 10A an assistance request signal SG1 having the current location of the wireless mobile station 10A as the destination, the management device 100 calculates the travel time required from the wireless mobile station 10B to the current location of the wireless mobile station 10H for each of the wireless mobile stations 10B to 10H based on the means of travel and the current locations of the wireless mobile stations 10B to 10H. The management device 100 determines the priority of the assistance request from the wireless mobile station 10B to 10H based on the travel time required to travel from the wireless mobile station 10B to the current location of the wireless mobile station 10A.

[0087] In scene ST2 shown in FIG. 9, the management device 100 inquires of the three devices with the highest priority in the support request whether they can accept the request, since the required number of devices requested by the wireless mobile station 10A is three.

[0088] 10, the travel time required for the wireless mobile station 10A to reach its current location is 5 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10B, 8 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10C, 20 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10D, 35 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10E, 55 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10F, 25 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10G, and 50 minutes for the wireless mobile station 10H. In this case, the management device 100 determines the priority of support requests in order of shortest travel time, with No. 1 being the wireless mobile station 10B, No. 2 being the wireless mobile station 10C, No. 3 being the wireless mobile station 10D, and so on up to priority No. 7.

[0089] 9, the management device 100 inquires of the wireless mobile station 10B, the wireless mobile station 10C, and the wireless mobile station 10D, in descending order of priority, about whether or not they are acceptable. In this embodiment, the management device 100 receives responses indicating acceptance from the wireless mobile station 10B and the wireless mobile station 10C, and receives a response indicating non-acceptance from the wireless mobile station 10D. In this case, the management device 100 transmits a support request signal SG2 capable of identifying the destination (coordinates) of the wireless mobile station 10A to the wireless mobile station 10B and the wireless mobile station 10C that have received the responses indicating acceptance, and does not transmit the support request signal SG2 to the wireless mobile station 10D that has received the response indicating non-acceptance.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a scene ST3 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the travel time required for scene ST3 and the priority of the support request. In scene ST3 shown in FIG. 11, the number of support wireless mobile stations 10-2 does not reach the required number, so as shown in FIG. 12, the management device 100 inquires of the wireless mobile station 10G, which has the next highest priority after the wireless mobile station 10D, whether or not it is acceptable. When the management device 100 receives an acceptance response from the wireless mobile station 10G, the management device 100 transmits a support request signal SG2 to the wireless mobile station 10G, which can identify the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A. Note that the management device 100 may swap the support request priorities No. 3 and No. 4.

[0091] When the number of wireless mobile stations 10 that have accepted support reaches the required number, the management device 100 terminates the support request process, sets the wireless mobile stations 10B, 10C, and 10G to be monitored, as shown in Figure 12, and transitions from normal mode to monitoring mode.

[0092] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a scene ST4 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a scene ST5 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the travel time required for the monitored object in scene ST5, the priority of the support request, and the monitored object.

[0093] In scene ST4 shown in Fig. 13, the wireless mobile station 10B, the wireless mobile station 10C, and the wireless mobile station 10G start moving toward the location (destination) of the wireless mobile station 10A. In monitoring mode, the management device 100 monitors the movement of the wireless mobile station 10B, the wireless mobile station 10C, and the wireless mobile station 10G, which are moving toward the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A. In this embodiment, the management device 100 enables communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 while moving by setting up group communication between the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. In this way, the management device 100 aims to improve the efficiency of support by quickly linking the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2 and the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, which is moving toward support.

[0094] In scene ST5 shown in Fig. 14, the management device 100 determines that the wireless mobile station 10 has arrived when it is located in area E set for the location (destination) of the wireless mobile station 10A, based on the acquired location information D1 and the location of the destination. In the example shown in Fig. 14, area E is an area with a radius of 50 m centered on the location of the wireless mobile station 10A. When the management device 100 determines that the wireless mobile station 10B has arrived at the destination but the wireless mobile stations 10C and 10G have not arrived, it removes the wireless mobile station 10B from the list of targets to be monitored in the monitoring mode, and changes the list to the wireless mobile stations 10C and 10G, as shown in Fig. 15. Note that the management device 100 may be configured not to remove the arriving wireless mobile station 10 from the list of targets to be monitored in the monitoring mode.

[0095] For example, in the wireless communication system 1, if a wireless mobile station 10 being monitored is involved in a sudden accident or traffic jam, the travel time required for the monitored wireless mobile station 10 may be longer than that of a wireless mobile station 10 that has not issued a support request, which may result in a change in the priority of the support request. In such a case, the management device 100 executes the following monitoring process.

[0096] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a scene ST6 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between the monitoring target travel time, the priority of the support request, and the monitoring target in the scene ST6.

[0097] In scene ST6 shown in FIG. 16, the management device 100 detects that the travel time required for the monitored wireless mobile station 10C to reach the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A is 2 minutes, and the travel time required for the monitored wireless mobile station 10G to reach the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A is 40 minutes, as shown in FIG. 17. The management device 100 then detects that the travel time required for the monitored wireless mobile station 10E to reach the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A is 35 minutes. That is, the management device 100 changes the priority of the support request because the travel time required for the monitored wireless mobile station 10G to reach the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A is longer than that of the wireless mobile station 10E that has not issued a support request. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the wireless mobile station 10E, the priority of which will be changed for the support request, and the wireless mobile station 10G including the vehicle 30 are enclosed in a rectangular frame to distinguish them from the other wireless mobile stations 10. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the management device 100 changes the support request priority order No. 4 to the wireless mobile station 10E and No. 5 to the wireless mobile station 10G, and changes the monitoring targets to the wireless mobile station 10C and the wireless mobile station 10E.

[0098] Returning to FIG. 16, the management device 100 transmits a support request cancellation signal SG3 to the wireless mobile station 10G via the wireless relay device 12, and removes the wireless mobile station 10G from the monitoring targets. The support request cancellation signal SG3 is, for example, a signal for notifying cancellation of the support request. The management device 100 then inquires of the wireless mobile station 10E whether it is acceptable. When the management device 100 receives a response from the wireless mobile station 10E that it is acceptable, it transmits a support request signal SG2 that can identify the destination of the wireless mobile station 10A to the wireless mobile station 10E, and as shown in FIG. 17, the management device 100 sets the wireless mobile station 10C and the wireless mobile station 10E as monitoring targets. Then, the management device 100 changes the setting to group communication between the wireless mobile station 10A and the supporting wireless mobile station 10-2, which is the wireless mobile station 10B, the wireless mobile station 10C, and the wireless mobile station 10E. The management device 100 may be configured to transmit a support request cancellation signal SG3 to the wireless mobile station 10G after receiving a response indicating acceptance from the wireless mobile station 10E.

[0099] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a scene ST7 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment, and Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a scene ST8 of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment.

[0100] 18, the wireless mobile station 10C and the wireless mobile station 10E are located outside the area E and are moving toward the location (destination) of the wireless mobile station 10A. The management device 100 calculates the travel time required for the wireless mobile station 10C and the wireless mobile station 10E, compares the travel time required for the other wireless mobile stations 10, and if it determines that a change in the monitoring target is unnecessary, continues monitoring the support wireless mobile station 10-2.

[0101] 19, the wireless mobile stations 10C and 10E are located within the area E and have arrived at the location (destination) of the wireless mobile station 10A. When the management device 100 detects, based on the received location information D1, that all of the wireless mobile stations 10 that have issued support requests have arrived at their destinations, the management device 100 ends the monitoring mode.

[0102] The management device 100 continues to set the wireless relay device 12 so that group communication can be performed among the wireless mobile stations 10 that are grouped together, namely, the wireless mobile stations 10B, 10C, and 10E that are the supporting wireless mobile stations 10-2 that have rushed to support, and the wireless mobile station 10A that is the supported wireless mobile station 10-1. This allows the management device 100 to enable group communication among the wireless mobile stations 10 at the site of the support request, thereby improving work efficiency at the destination.

[0103] [Modification of the embodiment] In the embodiment, the management device 100 has been described as a case where the support request signal SG1 from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 includes the required number of units, but this is not limiting. For example, the management device 100 may have a function of determining the required number of units using the urgency level.

[0104] For example, the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 transmits a support request signal SG1 capable of identifying the urgency of the support request to the management device 100. The management device 100 determines the required number of units according to the urgency indicated by the support request signal SG1 from the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, for example, by using a setting condition, a threshold value, a look-up table, or the like.

[0105] In the embodiment, the management device 100 has been described as calculating the required travel time for each of the multiple wireless mobile stations 10 using the travel time calculation unit 131 of the control unit 130, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management device 100 may be configured to implement the travel time calculation unit in an external device and acquire the required travel time from the travel time calculation unit. For example, the management device 100 may be configured to transmit location information D1 of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 as a destination to another wireless mobile station 10, and acquire the required travel time from the current location to the destination calculated by the wireless mobile station 10. For example, the management device 100 may be configured to provide the location information D1 of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1 and the location information D1 of the other wireless mobile stations 10 to a server device, a calculation device, or the like, and have the required travel time calculated.

[0106] In an embodiment, if the required number of wireless mobile stations 10 for support are not present within a target area centered on the position of the supported wireless mobile station 10-1, the management device 100 can expand the target area to detect the required number of wireless mobile stations 10, change the required number, or change it according to the product specifications.

[0107] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Wireless communication systems 10. Mobile radio station 10-1 Supported Mobile Radio Station 10-2 Support Radio Mobile Station 12 Radio repeater 20 Relay communication unit 30 vehicles 100 Management device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 control section 131 Travel time calculation unit 132 Support Request Department 133 Monitoring Department D1 Location information D2 Management information D3 Support Request Information D4 Group setting information D10 Road traffic information

Claims

1. a communication unit capable of communicating with a wireless mobile station; a travel time calculation unit that calculates a required travel time to a destination based on the location information and road traffic information; a support request unit that, when receiving a support request signal from a supported wireless mobile station requesting support via the communication unit, acquires the travel times from the plurality of wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station from the travel time calculation unit, determines the wireless mobile station with the shortest travel time as the supporting wireless mobile station, and transmits a support request signal via the communication unit; a monitoring unit that monitors the travel time required from the plurality of wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station, the monitoring unit causes the travel time calculation unit to periodically calculate the required travel time from the plurality of wireless mobile stations including the supporting wireless mobile station to the supported wireless mobile station, and when a first wireless mobile station having a shorter required travel time than the supporting wireless mobile station is found, transmits a support request signal to the first wireless mobile station via the communication unit; Management device.

2. the support request signal includes information on the number of the wireless mobile stations required for support; the support request unit inquires of the wireless mobile stations about whether they can provide support, and determines the wireless mobile stations that have responded that they can provide support as the support wireless mobile stations in order of the shortest required travel time, the number of which corresponds to the number information; when a second wireless mobile station having a shorter required travel time than the support wireless mobile station having the longest required travel time among the plurality of support wireless mobile stations is found, the monitoring unit transmits the support request signal to the second wireless mobile station via the communication unit. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. the monitoring unit performs group setting so that group communication can be performed between the supporting wireless mobile station and the supported wireless mobile station, and when the supporting wireless mobile station is changed, updates the group setting so that group communication can be performed between the changed supporting wireless mobile station and the supported wireless mobile station. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A management method executed by a management device having a communication unit capable of communicating with a wireless mobile station, a support request step of, when the communication unit receives a support request signal from a supported wireless mobile station requesting support, acquiring travel times from a plurality of the wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station from a travel time calculation unit, determining the wireless mobile station with the shortest travel time as a supporting wireless mobile station, and transmitting a support request signal from the communication unit; a monitoring step of monitoring the travel time from the plurality of wireless mobile stations to the supported wireless mobile station; Including, The monitoring step is a management method in which the travel time calculation unit periodically calculates the travel time required from multiple wireless mobile stations, including the supporting wireless mobile station, to the supported wireless mobile station, and when a first wireless mobile station is discovered whose travel time is shorter than that of the supporting wireless mobile station, the communication unit sends a support request signal to the first wireless mobile station.

Images