Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

To provide a communication control device that improves the stability of communication used by an automatic travelling apparatus.SOLUTION: A communication control device includes acquisition means for acquiring downlink communication volume and uplink communication volume in a non-public network, and switching means for switching the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network depending on either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for selecting a communication route to be used by an autonomous driving device depending on the communication situation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining a communication delay time for each on-board device of a vehicle and selecting a communication route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-045246 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the communication delay time is determined for each in-vehicle device. At this time, the autonomous driving devices that use a predetermined communication route are determined in order of shortest communication delay time. However, since the communication delay time can change from moment to moment for each autonomous driving device, in a situation where the communication volume of a predetermined communication route used by multiple autonomous driving devices is approaching its upper limit, there is a problem in that the autonomous driving devices that use the predetermined communication route are repeatedly switched within the communication volume upper limit, which can cause communication instability.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that improves the stability of communications used by an autonomous driving device by selecting a communication path for the autonomous driving device based on the degree of communication usage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication control device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring downlink communication volume and uplink communication volume in a non-public network, and a switching means for switching the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume.

[0007] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires downlink communication volume and uplink communication volume in a non-public network, and a switching process in which the at least one processor switches the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume.

[0008] A communication control program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to function as a communication control device, and causes the computer to function as an acquisition means that acquires downlink communication volume and uplink communication volume in a non-public network, and a switching means that switches the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network depending on either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, by selecting a communication path for an autonomous driving device based on the degree of communication usage, one exemplary effect is achieved in which the stability of communication used by the autonomous driving device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example configuration of a fixing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting an upper limit value for communication traffic according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a required communication volume according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a switching destination of a communication path according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that functions as a communication control device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technologies (part or all of the products or methods) employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technologies employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0012] First Exemplary Embodiment A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technique shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0013] (Configuration of communication control device 1) The configuration of the communication control device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication control device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a switching unit 12.

[0014] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires downlink communication traffic and uplink communication traffic in a non-public network. A non-public network is a network that provides wireless communication services in a specified area. Downlink refers to communication between a base station and a terminal connected via wireless communication, in which data is downloaded from the base station to the terminal. Uplink refers to communication between a base station and a terminal connected via wireless communication, in which data is uploaded from the terminal to the base station. The communication traffic refers to the degree of communication usage on a specified communication path.

[0015] (Switching unit 12) The switching unit 12 switches the connection destination of some of the multiple mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network depending on either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic. The public network is a network that provides wireless communication services provided by a telecommunications carrier. The mobile terminal is a terminal that can move under external control. Here, the mobile terminal can communicate via either the non-public network or the public network.

[0016] (Effects of communication control device 1) As described above, the communication control device 1 employs a configuration including an acquisition means for acquiring downlink and uplink communication volumes in a non-public network, and a switching means for switching the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network in accordance with either the downlink or uplink communication volume. Therefore, the communication control device 1 has the effect of improving the stability of communications used by an autonomous driving device by selecting a communication path for the autonomous driving device based on the degree of communication usage.

[0017] (Flow of communication control method S1) The flow of the communication control method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication control method S1 includes an acquisition process (step) S11 and a switching process (step) S12.

[0018] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the downlink traffic and the uplink traffic in the non-public network.

[0019] (Step S12) In step S12, the switching unit 12 switches the connection destination of some of the plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network according to either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic.

[0020] (Effects of communication control method S1) As described above, the communication control method S1 employs a configuration including an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires downlink and uplink communication volumes in a non-public network, and a switching process in which at least one processor switches the connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network according to either the downlink or the uplink communication volume. Therefore, the communication control method S1 has the effect of improving the stability of communications used by an autonomous driving device by selecting a communication path for the autonomous driving device based on the degree of communication usage.

[0021] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is one example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0022] (Overview of communication control device 1A) For example, for mobile terminals that can communicate via both a non-public network and a public network, when a large number of mobile terminals connect to the non-public network, the communication bandwidth of the non-public network is constrained, and packet loss and communication delays may occur in communications via the non-public network. The communication control device 1A, for example, is a device that switches the connection destination of some of the multiple mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network depending on either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume in the non-public network. Here, the communication control device 1A may be implemented, for example, on-premise or in the cloud.

[0023] (Configuration of communication control device 1A) The configuration of the communication control device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 1A. The communication control device 1A includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, and an input / output unit 40.

[0024] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the communication control device 1 A. The control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a switching unit 12 that the communication control device 1 includes.

[0025] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network.

[0026] A non-public network is a network that provides wireless communication services in a predetermined area. Specific examples of predetermined areas where a non-public network provides wireless communication services include factories, offices, schools, etc. Here, the non-public network may be, for example, a local 5G (local fifth-generation mobile communication system) network.

[0027] Downlink refers to communication between a base station and a terminal connected via wireless communication, in which data is downloaded from the base station to the terminal. Uplink refers to communication between a base station and a terminal connected via wireless communication, in which data is uploaded from the terminal to the base station.

[0028] The communication volume refers to the degree of communication use in a predetermined communication path. Here, the communication volume according to this exemplary embodiment may be, for example, a value planned to be used in communication or an actual measured value in communication currently in use. A specific example of the communication volume is a communication throughput value.

[0029] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire, for example, the communication quality of each of a plurality of mobile terminals. The communication quality is an index relating to the quality of communication in the mobile terminal via each communication path of a non-public network and a public network. The communication quality may be, for example, the strength of radio waves used in wireless communication. A specific example of the communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP).

[0030] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire, for example, location information of each of a plurality of mobile terminals. The location information of a mobile terminal is information relating to the location where the mobile terminal is located. The location information of a mobile terminal may include, for example, coordinate information indicating the location of each mobile terminal in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate space set within an area where the mobile terminal can be used.

[0031] (Switching unit 12) The switching unit 12 switches the connection destination of some of the plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to the public network according to either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic.

[0032] The public network is a network that provides wireless communication services provided by a telecommunications carrier. Here, the public network may be, for example, a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network.

[0033] A mobile terminal is a terminal that can move under external control. Here, the mobile terminal can communicate via both a private network and a public network. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal moves, it does not necessarily need to be operated by a user. The mobile terminal may be, for example, an automatic / automated guided vehicle (AGV) or may be a component of an AGV.

[0034] The switching unit 12 may perform the switching when, for example, either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by setting an allocation ratio (DU ratio: Downlink-Uplink ratio) between the uplink and the downlink in a non-public network. For example, the switching unit 12 may perform the switching when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume required by a mobile terminal exceeds an upper limit determined by setting a DU ratio in a non-public network. An example of setting an upper limit value for the communication volume in a non-public network will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. An example of setting a communication volume required by a mobile terminal will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. Note that the "setting of the allocation ratio between the uplink and the downlink" refers to setting a ratio of allocating radio resources to the uplink and the downlink, and may be, for example, TDD UL / DL setting.

[0035] Furthermore, the switching unit 12 may select a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to a public network, for example, based on the communication quality of each mobile terminal. For example, the switching unit 12 may select a mobile terminal whose radio wave strength used in wireless communication is below a predetermined strength as a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to a public network.

[0036] Furthermore, the switching unit 12 may select a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network, for example, based on the location information of each mobile terminal. For example, the switching unit 12 may select a mobile terminal located outside a predetermined area where a non-public network provides wireless communication services, as a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network.

[0037] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various data referenced by the control unit 10 and various data generated by the control unit 10. As an example, the storage unit 20 stores: -Communication volume information TR ·Communication Quality Information CQ ·Location information PL is stored.

[0038] The traffic information TR indicates the degree of communication use on a given communication path. A specific example of the traffic is the communication throughput value.

[0039] The communication quality information CQ is information about the quality of communication via each communication path of a non-public network and a public network at the location of the mobile terminal. The communication quality information CQ may be, for example, the strength of radio waves used in wireless communication. A specific example of the communication quality information CQ is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP).

[0040] The location information PL is information relating to the location of the mobile terminal. The location information PL may include, for example, coordinate information indicating the location of each mobile terminal in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate space set within an area where the mobile terminal can be used.

[0041] (Communication unit 30) The communication unit 30 communicates with devices external to the communication control device 1A. As an example, the communication unit 30 communicates with each external device connected to the communication control device 1A via a network. The communication unit 30 transmits data supplied from the control unit 10 to the outside, and supplies data received from each external device to the control unit 10. Note that the specific configuration of the network does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a non-public network, a public network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0042] (Input / output section 40) The input / output unit 40 is configured to include at least one of an input / output device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, a touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the input / output unit 40 may be configured to have an input / output device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, a touch panel, etc. connected to it. In this configuration, the input / output unit 40 accepts various types of information input to the communication control device 1A from the connected input device. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 10, the input / output unit 40 outputs various types of information to the connected output device. An example of the input / output unit 40 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0043] (Configuration of communication system 0) An example of the configuration of a communication system 0 including a communication control device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 0.

[0044] In the communication system 0 shown in the example of Figure 4, the mobile terminal MD is connected to each of the L5G (local 5G) router LR and the C5G (carrier 5G) router CR, and is capable of communication via either the local 5G or the carrier 5G.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, an external device OD may be connected to the mobile terminal MD. Specific examples of the external device OD include a camera and a microphone. In the example of Fig. 4, an automated guided vehicle AGV includes a mobile terminal MD, an L5G router LR, a C5G router CR, and an external device OD, and communicates while moving inside and outside a factory, which is an example of a predetermined area.

[0046] In addition, in the communication system 0, the communication control device 1A, the external server S, and the fixed device FD are connected to each other via a Layer 2 switch. The external server S controls the movement of the automated guided vehicle AGV. The fixed device FD is a device that acts as the opposite station of the mobile terminal MD and mediates communication between the mobile terminal MD and the external server S. The fixed device FD is connected to each of the gateway LGW for L5G and the gateway CGW for C5G via a Layer 2 switch (L2 Switch), and is capable of communication via either local 5G or carrier 5G.

[0047] The communication control device 1A may, for example, cause each of the multiple mobile terminals MD to perform encapsulated communication with the fixed device FD via a non-public network or a public network, thereby causing the mobile terminals MD to communicate with the external server S via the fixed device FD. Here, the communication system 0 may, for example, include the communication control device 1A and the fixed device FD as described above.

[0048] For example, in communication between a mobile terminal MD and an external server S, the protocol for authenticating the other party of communication may be PPP (Point to Point Protocol), which is a protocol transmitted and received via a Layer 2 network. In the example of the communication system 0, the communication between the mobile terminal MD and the external server S is performed via a local 5G or a carrier 5G, both of which correspond to a Layer 3 network. In this case, the communication control device 1A may, for example, cause the mobile terminal MD to communicate with the external server S via the fixed device FD by encapsulating data including the PPP frame between the mobile terminal MD and the fixed device FD via a non-public network or a public network. The above-described configuration of the communication control device 1A makes it possible to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal MD from a non-public network to a public network without interrupting the communication between the mobile terminal MD and the external server S. The protocol used in the above-described encapsulation may be, for example, a GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) protocol.

[0049] (Network configuration in communication system 0) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in the communication system 0 of FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 5, eth0, eth1, and eth2 indicate Ethernet (registered trademark) connection units. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, br0 indicates a switch that switches communication paths inside the mobile terminal MD and the fixed device FD. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, gre0 corresponds to a virtual communication path on the local 5G side in encapsulated communication between the mobile terminal MD and the fixed device FD. Also, gre1 corresponds to a virtual communication path on the carrier 5G side in encapsulated communication between the mobile terminal MD and the fixed device FD.

[0050] (Configuration of mobile terminal MD) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile terminal MD that is controlled by the communication control device 1A in the example of Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 6, the controller CO is controlled by the communication control device 1A and selects a communication path to be used by the mobile terminal MD via the switch br0. The Ethernet (registered trademark) connections eth0, eth1, and eth2 are connected to a local 5G router LR, a carrier 5G router CR, and an external device OD, respectively. GRE0 and GRE1 correspond to a virtual communication path for local 5G that uses GRE in the communication path to which eth0 connects, and a virtual communication path for carrier 5G that uses GRE in the communication path to which eth1 connects, respectively.

[0051] (Configuration of the fixed device FD) 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fixed device FD connected to the communication control device 1A in the example of FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 7, the controller CO selects a communication path to be used by the fixed device FD via a switch br0. The connection destinations of the Ethernet (registered trademark) connection unit eth0 are a local 5G gateway LGW and a carrier 5G gateway CGW. The connection destinations of the Ethernet (registered trademark) connection unit eth1 are the communication control device 1A and an external server S. GRE0 and GRE1 correspond to a virtual communication path for local 5G using GRE in the communication path to which eth0 is connected, and a virtual communication path for carrier 5G using GRE in the communication path to which eth1 is connected, respectively.

[0052] (Setting upper limits on communication volume in non-public networks) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting upper limits for communication volume in a non-public network. In the example of Fig. 8, table TP1 sets upper limits (unit: Mbps) for communication throughput in each of the downlink and uplink for each of multiple types of DU ratios. Note that all of the set values ​​in the example of table TP1 may be changeable.

[0053] (Setting the communication volume required by the mobile terminal MD) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of setting the communication volume required for each mobile terminal MD. In the example of Fig. 9, table TP2 sets the required communication throughput values ​​(unit: Mbps) for each of the downlink and uplink for each of mobile terminals 1, 2, and 3. Note that all of the set values ​​in the example of table TP2 may be changeable.

[0054] (Determination of switching of connection destination of mobile terminal MD) 10 is a diagram showing an example of a determination criterion for switching the connection destination of a mobile terminal MD. Table LC in the example of FIG. 10 shows the criterion when the communication control device 1A selects a mobile terminal MD whose connection destination is to be switched to carrier 5G based on the reference signal received power (RSRP). In the example of Table LC, The RSRP value in local 5G is less than the judgment value -90dbm, and - RSRP value for carrier 5G is -90dbm or higher For a mobile terminal MD that satisfies the above condition, the connection destination is switched to the carrier 5G. Note that, in the example of Table LC, any of the above-mentioned RSRP determination values ​​may be changeable.

[0055] (Flow of communication control methods S1A1 and S1A2) The flow of communication control methods S1A1 and S1A2 executed by the communication control device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, mobile terminal 1 (MD1) and mobile terminal 2 (MD2) are both configuration examples of mobile terminal MD. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, external device 1 (OD1) and external device 2 (OD2) are both configuration examples of external device OD, and are connected to mobile terminal 1 (MD1) and mobile terminal 2 (MD2), respectively.

[0056] (Communication control method S1A1 flow) 11 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1A1. The communication control method S1A1 is an example of a flow related to the acquisition of initial setting information in the communication system 0 by the communication control device 1A.

[0057] (Step S111) In step S111, local 5G is operated with a DU ratio setting of 4:4. Note that in the example of Fig. 11, the DU ratio of 4:4 is an asynchronous setting with respect to carrier 5G.

[0058] (Step S112) In step S112, the acquisition unit 11 included in the communication control device 1A acquires the setting state of the DU ratio from the local 5G.

[0059] (Step S113) In step S113, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the throughput required for communication by the mobile terminal 1 (MD1), i.e., the degree of use of communication. In the example of Fig. 11, the throughput required for communication by the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) is 40 Mbps on the downlink and 20 Mbps on the uplink.

[0060] (Step S114) In step S114, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the throughput required for communication by the mobile terminal 2 (MD2), i.e., the degree of use of communication. In the example of Fig. 11, the throughput required for communication by the mobile terminal 1 (MD2) is 5 Mbps on the downlink and 60 Mbps on the uplink.

[0061] (Communication control method S1A2 flow) 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method S1A2. The communication control method S1A2 is an example of a flow in which the communication control device 1A acquires information during operation of the communication system 0 and switches the communication path to which the mobile terminal MD is connected.

[0062] (Step S115) In step S115, the external device 1 (OD1) and the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) transmit data to the external server S via the fixed device FD in communication via a wireless communication path on the local 5G side.

[0063] (Step S116) In step S116, the acquisition unit 11 acquires wireless communication quality information of local 5G and carrier 5G at the location of the mobile terminal 1 (MD1). The acquisition process may be performed periodically, for example.

[0064] (Step S117) In step S117, the acquisition unit 11 acquires wireless communication quality information of local 5G and carrier 5G at the location of the mobile terminal 2 (MD2). The acquisition process may be performed periodically, for example.

[0065] (Step S121) In step S121, when the total throughput of the mobile terminals MD connected to the local 5G reaches an upper limit value corresponding to the DU ratio in either the downlink or the uplink, the switching unit 12 provided in the communication control device 1A determines, for each of the mobile terminals MD, whether the communication quality satisfies a predetermined condition and whether the wireless communication path to which the mobile terminal MD is connected is to be switched.

[0066] (Step S122) In step S122, the switching unit 12 instructs the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) to switch the wireless communication path to which the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) is connected from local 5G to carrier 5G.

[0067] (Step S123) In step S123, the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) switches the wireless communication path of the connection destination from local 5G to carrier 5G based on the instruction from the switching unit 12.

[0068] (Step S124) In step S124, the external device 1 (OD1) and the mobile terminal 1 (MD1) transmit data to the external server S via the fixed device FD in communication via a wireless communication path on the carrier 5G side.

[0069] (Other Examples) The communication volume may be, for example, a variable communication volume in best-effort communication. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the communication volume at predetermined time intervals. Also, for example, an upper limit may be set for the communication volume in the above-mentioned best-effort communication.

[0070] The switching unit 12 may switch the communication path of the mobile terminal based on at least one of, for example, the physical location of the mobile terminal, the movement plan of the mobile terminal, the radio wave conditions at each location within an area where the mobile terminal can be used, self-location estimation for each mobile terminal, location estimation of the mobile terminal using observation means, operation plan information of the mobile terminal, and accumulated observation information. Specific examples of self-location estimation include SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Specific examples of observation means include radio waves, images, etc.

[0071] For example, the location information PL, available communication routes, and the priorities of the available communication routes of a mobile terminal may be stored in a dynamic map. The dynamic map may be specialized for areas where communication conditions change rapidly or for specific communication means. The initial information of the dynamic map may be generated by automatic observation of the movement of the mobile terminal, and may be updated during operation of the mobile terminal.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the priority of communication means and communication paths may be subdivided for each base station and antenna, etc. Such a subdivision makes it possible to distribute the communication load.

[0073] For example, the switching unit 12 may calculate the tolerance for switching to an alternative communication means for each mobile terminal based on the location information and the load status while appropriately combining the above-mentioned information in other embodiments of the switching unit 12. Then, the switching unit 12 may select candidates for mobile terminals to switch from a communication means with a concentrated load to an alternative communication means, starting from those with the highest tolerance, and issue a switching instruction.

[0074] The switching unit 12 may calculate mobile terminals that are candidates for switching the destination communication path based on, for example, only information at a predetermined time point or prediction information.

[0075] For example, when the switching unit 12 switches the communication path of the mobile terminal based on movement plan information that predicts a sudden change in communication conditions, a different criterion may be set for that information than for other information.

[0076] For example, if a mobile terminal implements a wireless communication path that is different from both a non-public network and a public network, such as a wireless LAN, the difference in the evaluation method of communication quality for each wireless system may be implemented by changing the calculation formula according to the wireless system.

[0077] For example, the communication control device 1A may cause the mobile terminal MD to use the same communication path simultaneously with the fixed device FD, so that the same communication path is constantly used for downlink and uplink in communication between the mobile terminal MD and the fixed device FD. Also, for example, the mobile terminal MD that has received an instruction to switch the communication path from the communication control device 1A may communicate separately with the fixed device FD and synchronize the communication path of the connection destination.

[0078] For example, if the situation continues in which the communication volume via local 5G reaches the upper limit in either the downlink or uplink communication direction, and the communication volume in the other communication direction does not reach the upper limit, the communication control device 1A may instruct the local 5G to change the DU ratio.

[0079] (Effects of communication control device 1A) As described above, the communication control device 1A employs a configuration in which the switching means performs switching when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by the setting of the allocation ratio between the uplink and the downlink in the non-public network. Therefore, in addition to the effects achieved by the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A can obtain the effect of being able to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal to the public network according to the setting of the uplink and the downlink.

[0080] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1A, the acquisition means further acquires the communication quality of each of the multiple mobile terminals, and the switching means selects a mobile terminal to switch its connection destination to the public network based on the communication quality of each mobile terminal. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A has the effect of being able to select a mobile terminal to switch its connection destination to the public network based on the degree of communication stability.

[0081] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1A, the acquisition means further acquires location information of each of the multiple mobile terminals, and the switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on the location information of each mobile terminal. Therefore, according to the communication control device 1A, in addition to the effects achieved by the communication control device 1, the effect of being able to select a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on the location of the mobile terminal can be obtained.

[0082] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1A, a configuration is adopted in which the non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network and the public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network. Therefore, according to the communication control device 1A, in addition to the effects achieved by the communication control device 1, an effect of being able to use a high-speed and stable communication path can be obtained.

[0083] Furthermore, the communication control device 1A employs a configuration in which communication quality is determined by Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A can also provide the effect of switching the connection destination of a mobile terminal to a public network depending on the status of radio waves used for communication.

[0084] Furthermore, the communication control device 1A employs a configuration in which each of a plurality of mobile terminals performs encapsulated communication with a fixed device via a non-public network or a public network, thereby allowing the mobile terminal to communicate with an external server via the fixed device. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A also provides the effect of being able to switch the connection destination of a mobile terminal from a non-public network to a public network without interrupting communication between the mobile terminal and the external server.

[0085] The communication system 0 employs a configuration including a communication control device 1A and a fixed device. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the communication control device 1, the communication control device 1A can also provide the effect of enabling communication using encapsulation between a mobile terminal and an external server.

[0086] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of the communication control devices 1, 1A (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0087] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0088] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to operate as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0089] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0090] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0091] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0092] Furthermore, the functions of each of the devices may be realized by a single processor provided in a single computer, by multiple processors provided in a single computer working in cooperation, or by multiple processors provided in each of multiple computers working in cooperation. Furthermore, the programs for causing each of the devices to realize the functions may be stored in a single memory provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in each of multiple computers.

[0093] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0094] (Appendix A1) an acquisition means for acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching means for switching a connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic; A communication control device comprising:

[0095] (Appendix A2) The communication control device according to appendix A1, wherein the switching means performs the switching when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by setting an allocation ratio between the uplink and the downlink in the non-public network.

[0096] (Appendix A3) the acquiring means further acquires communication quality of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control device according to appendix A1, wherein the switching means selects a mobile terminal for which the connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on communication quality of each of the mobile terminals.

[0097] (Appendix A4) the acquiring means further acquires location information of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control device according to appendix A1, wherein the switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on location information of each of the mobile terminals.

[0098] (Appendix A5) The non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network, 1. A communication control device according to claim A1.

[0099] (Appendix A6) The communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). 1. A communications control device as described in Appendix A3.

[0100] (Appendix A7) The communication control device described in Appendix A1, which causes each of the plurality of mobile terminals to communicate with an external server via the fixed device by performing encapsulated communication with the fixed device via the non-public network or the public network.

[0101] (Appendix A8) A communication control device according to Appendix A7; and a communication system comprising the fixed device.

[0102] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0103] (Appendix B1) an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching process in which the at least one processor switches connection destinations of some of the plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network according to either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume; A communication control method including:

[0104] (Appendix B2) The communication control method described in Appendix B1, wherein the switching process is performed when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by setting an allocation ratio between the uplink and downlink in the non-public network.

[0105] (Appendix B3) In the acquisition process, the at least one processor further acquires communication quality of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control method according to appendix B1, wherein the switching process selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on communication quality of each of the mobile terminals.

[0106] (Appendix B4) In the obtaining process, the at least one processor further obtains location information of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control method according to Appendix B1, wherein the switching process selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on location information of each of the mobile terminals.

[0107] (Appendix B5) The non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network, 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix B1.

[0108] (Appendix B6) The communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). A communication control method as described in Appendix B3.

[0109] (Appendix B7) A communication control method as described in Appendix B1, in which each of the plurality of mobile terminals is caused to communicate with an external server via the fixed device by performing encapsulated communication with the fixed device via the non-public network or the public network.

[0110] (Appendix B8) A communication control device according to Appendix B7; and a communication method including the fixed device.

[0111] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0112] (Appendix C1) A program that causes a computer to function as a communication control device, The computer an acquisition means for acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching means for switching a connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic; A communication control program that functions as a

[0113] (Appendix C2) The communication control program described in Appendix C1, wherein the switching means performs the switching when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by setting an allocation ratio between the uplink and downlink in the non-public network.

[0114] (Appendix C3) the acquiring means further acquires communication quality of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control program according to appendix C1, wherein the switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on communication quality of each of the mobile terminals.

[0115] (Appendix C4) the acquiring means further acquires location information of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control program according to appendix C1, wherein the switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on location information of each of the mobile terminals.

[0116] (Appendix C5) The non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network, 1. A communication control program as described in Appendix C1.

[0117] (Appendix C6) The communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). The communication control program described in Appendix C3.

[0118] (Appendix C7) A communication control program as described in Appendix C1, which causes each of the plurality of mobile terminals to communicate with an external server via the fixed device by performing encapsulated communication with the fixed device via the non-public network or the public network.

[0119] (Appendix C8) A communication control device according to appendix C7; and a communication program comprising the fixed device.

[0120] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0121] (Appendix D1) at least one processor, an acquisition process of acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching process for switching a connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network according to either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume; A communication control device that executes the above.

[0122] The communication control device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0123] (Appendix D2) The communication control device described in Appendix D1, wherein the switching process is performed when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by setting an allocation ratio between the uplink and the downlink in the non-public network.

[0124] (Appendix D3) In the acquisition process, the at least one processor further acquires communication quality of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control device according to appendix D1, wherein the switching process selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on communication quality of each of the mobile terminals.

[0125] (Appendix D4) In the obtaining process, the at least one processor further obtains location information of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; The communication control device according to appendix D1, wherein the switching process selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to the public network based on location information of each of the mobile terminals.

[0126] (Appendix D5) The non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network, 10. The communication control device according to claim D1.

[0127] (Appendix D6) The communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). 10. The communications control device of claim 9, wherein the communication control device comprises:

[0128] (Appendix D7) A communication control device as described in Appendix D1, which causes each of the plurality of mobile terminals to communicate with an external server via the fixed device by performing encapsulated communication with the fixed device via the non-public network or the public network.

[0129] (Appendix D8) A communication control device according to appendix D7; and a communication system comprising the fixed device.

[0130] [Appendix E] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0131] (Appendix E1) A program that causes a computer to function as a communication control device, The computer, an acquisition process of acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching process for switching a connection destination of some of the plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network according to either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume; A non-transitory recording medium that records a communication control program that executes the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1,1A Communication Control Device 10 Control Unit 11 Acquisition Department 12 Switching section 20 Memory section 30 Communications Department 40 Input / output section C1 processor C2 Memory

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching means for switching a connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic; A communication control device comprising:

2. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means performs the switching when either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume exceeds an upper limit determined by a setting of an allocation ratio between the uplink and the downlink in the non-public network.

3. the acquiring means further acquires communication quality of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein said switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to said public network based on communication quality of each of said mobile terminals.

4. the acquiring means further acquires location information of each of the plurality of mobile terminals; 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein said switching means selects a mobile terminal whose connection destination is to be switched to said public network based on location information of each of said mobile terminals.

5. The non-public network is a local 5G (local fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The public network is a carrier 5G (carrier fifth generation mobile communication system) network, The communication control device according to claim 1 .

6. The communication quality is Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), The communication control device according to claim 3 .

7. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mobile terminals performs encapsulated communication with a fixed device via the non-public network or the public network, thereby causing the mobile terminals to communicate with an external server via the fixed device.

8. The communication control device according to claim 7 ; and a communication system comprising the fixed device.

9. an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching process in which the at least one processor switches connection destinations of some of the plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network according to either the downlink communication volume or the uplink communication volume; A communication control method including:

10. A program that causes a computer to function as a communication control device, The computer an acquisition means for acquiring downlink traffic and uplink traffic in a non-public network; a switching means for switching a connection destination of some of a plurality of mobile terminals connected to the non-public network to a public network in accordance with either the downlink traffic or the uplink traffic; A communication control program that functions as a

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