Terminal, program, and method for controlling terminal

Abstract

To facilitate transition to environments where information useful in emergencies can be shared (including collection) between a users' terminal used by victims and a manager's terminal used by a local government.SOLUTION: The user-side control apparatus 10 includes a wireless-LAN communication unit 11 that performs wireless-LAN communication, a cellular communication unit 12 that performs wireless communication with the public network 30, a storage unit 15, and a terminal 16. The storage unit 15 stores setting information for connecting to the predetermined access point 40 used in an emergency. When the cellular communication unit 12 is out of range of the public network 30 and the radio LAN communication unit 11 establishes connection with the predetermined access points 40, the terminal 16 shifts to an emergency mode in which peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with other user control devices 10 connected to the predetermined access points 40 and the administrator terminal 20 used by the local government is performed via the predetermined access points 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a program, and a method for controlling a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] In emergencies such as large-scale disasters, many of the devices used by disaster victims are unable to connect to the Internet via wireless public networks such as cellular communications with base stations. In such cases, even if they evacuate to evacuation shelters, there is no way to transmit or collect digital information within the shelter.

[0003] On the other hand, a technology is known in which multiple terminal devices connect to each other using peer-to-peer (hereinafter referred to as P2P) communication via a wireless LAN access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) to build a P2P network and share information (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-201862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, many local governments hope to establish a system that allows them to form P2P networks using existing APs installed in public facilities and shopping centers that could serve as evacuation shelters in emergencies when public wireless networks are out of range, and to share information between local governments and disaster victims, and among disaster victims themselves.

[0006] However, when it comes to actually putting this system into operation, there are a certain number of disaster victims who are unable to do the following by themselves: (1) setting up the AP, (2) launching the application for P2P connection after connecting to the AP (from installing the dedicated application to launching it), and (3) setting the P2P connection destination (information sharing destination). This means that support from local government officials is necessary, but the problem is that it is not realistic for local government officials to respond in an emergency.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a terminal device, a program, and a method for controlling a terminal device that facilitates transition to an environment in which useful information can be shared between disaster victims and local governments in emergencies such as disasters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A terminal device according to a first aspect includes a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication, a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with a public communication network, a memory unit that stores setting information for connecting to a specified access point, and a control unit that, when the second communication unit is outside the range of the public communication network and the first communication unit establishes a connection with the specified access point, transitions to an emergency mode in which peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with other terminal devices connected to the specified access point is performed via the specified access point.

[0009] The program according to the second aspect causes a terminal device having a first communication unit for wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit for communication with a wireless LAN public communication network to execute the following processes: acquiring setting information for connecting to a specified access point to be used in an emergency; and, when the second communication unit is outside the range of the public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the specified access point, transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other terminal devices connected to the specified access point is performed via the specified access point.

[0010] A control method for a terminal device according to a third aspect is a control method for a terminal device having a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit that performs communication with a wireless LAN public communication network, and includes the steps of: acquiring setting information for connecting to a specified access point to be used in an emergency; and, when the second communication unit is out of range of the public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the specified access point, transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other terminal devices connected to the specified access point is performed via the specified access point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a terminal device, a program, and a method for controlling a terminal device that facilitates transition to an environment in which useful information can be shared (including collected) between disaster victims and local governments in the event of an emergency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an AP list according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a P2P network in a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an administrator terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a communication system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0014] (System configuration example) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a user terminal device 10a, a user terminal device 10b, a user terminal device 10c, an administrator terminal device 20, a cellular base station 30, and an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) 40.

[0016] In the following, when there is no particular need to distinguish between user terminal device 10a, user terminal device 10b, and user terminal device 10c, they will simply be referred to as "user terminal device 10." Although Fig. 1 shows three user terminal devices, 10a, 10b, and 10c, there may be one or more user terminal devices 10. Also, Fig. 1 shows only one administrator terminal device 20, one cellular base station 30, and one AP 40, but there may be more than one.

[0017] The user terminal device 10 and the administrator terminal device 20 are computers capable of communicating with external devices, such as smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers (PCs), and wearable terminals.

[0018] The user terminal device 10 is a device that supports both wireless LAN communication and cellular communication. The wireless LAN communication method is, for example, a method that complies with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standards. The cellular communication method is, for example, a method that complies with the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) standards.

[0019] The user terminal device 10 can be connected to the cellular base station 30 via wireless 50. The user terminal device 10 can also be connected to the AP 40 via wireless 60.

[0020] The administrator terminal device 20 can be connected to the AP 40 via a wired or wireless communication path 70 .

[0021] User terminal device 10a, user terminal device 10b, and user terminal device 10c are terminal devices used by user A, user B, and user C, respectively. In this embodiment, user A, user B, and user C are specifically users who are in an area L under the jurisdiction of a specified local government G. When a large-scale disaster occurs in area L, area L becomes a disaster area, and users A, B, and C are victims. Users A, B, and C are evacuees who will evacuate to facilities designated as evacuation shelters by local government G in the event of an emergency such as a large-scale disaster.

[0022] The administrator terminal device 20 is a terminal device used and managed by the local government G. The local government G pre-designates evacuation shelters in the area L under its jurisdiction. There may be multiple evacuation shelters. The local government G manages the connection setting information of existing wireless LAN access points, i.e., APs 40, installed at each evacuation shelter. The local government G manages the connection setting information of the APs 40 at each evacuation shelter as an AP list and provides it to a dedicated app described below.

[0023] Dedicated apps for sharing information between the user terminal device 10 and the administrator terminal device 20 are installed. A user-dedicated app for the user terminal device 10 and an administrator-dedicated app for the administrator terminal device 20 are provided as dedicated apps. A dedicated app is provided for each local government G.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing an AP list according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the AP list is a list in which connection setting information for each AP 40 is recorded.

[0025] The connection setting information includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier). The connection setting information may also include a password paired with the SSID. The connection setting information may also include a MAC (Media Access Control) address of the administrator terminal device 20 connected to each AP 40. The connection setting information may include the IP address of the administrator terminal device 20 connected to each AP 40 as a fixed address, or may include an IP address value calculated from the SSID and MAC address of each AP 40 as the IP address of each AP 40.

[0026] In the following description, it is assumed that users A, B, and C have evacuated to a designated evacuation shelter in an area L under the jurisdiction of local government G, and that AP 40 has been installed at the evacuation shelter. Note that users A, B, and C do not need to actually evacuate as long as they are within a range where they can connect to AP 40. AP 40 does not need to be installed inside the evacuation shelter building, as long as it is installed near the evacuation shelter. Evacuation includes temporary evacuation, and evacuation shelters can be not only public facilities but also facilities or places such as shopping centers where the local government G manages connection setting information for emergencies.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a P2P network 80 in a communication system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0028] The communication system 1 is a system that, when public wireless networks cannot be used in an emergency such as a large-scale disaster, connects a user terminal device 10 to an existing AP 40 at an evacuation shelter without requiring any special operation from the user, and causes the device to join a P2P network 80 via the AP 40 as shown in Figure 3, and executes a transition process to an emergency mode within the P2P network 80, allowing useful information to be shared in an emergency between an administrator terminal device 20 managed by the local government and other user terminal devices 10.

[0029] Information useful in an emergency includes user information for the local government to identify disaster victims and emergency information that the local government wants to transmit to disaster victims. After switching to emergency mode, the user terminal device 10 first connects to the administrator terminal device 20 and transmits the user information stored in the user terminal device 10 to the administrator terminal device 20, while receiving the emergency information that has been accumulated in the administrator terminal device 20 up to that point. Thereafter, the user terminal device 10 connects to the administrator terminal device 20 or another user terminal device 10, and basically acquires updates (differences) to the emergency information.

[0030] User information is information that allows local governments to identify disaster victims, such as the name, address, and gender of each user. Emergency information is information that local governments send to disaster victims. Specific examples of emergency information include information about evacuation shelters, the extent of the disaster area, the extent of the damage, and a list of missing and injured people. Each piece of emergency information is assigned a timestamp from the time it was generated or sent.

[0031] (Example of terminal device configuration) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal device 10 has a wireless LAN communication unit 11 (first communication unit), a cellular communication unit 12 (second communication unit), a user interface 13, a power management unit 14, a memory unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0033] The wireless LAN communication unit 11 performs wireless LAN communication via the antenna 17. Specifically, the wireless LAN communication unit 11 performs amplification processing, filtering processing, etc. on the wireless signal received by the antenna 17 from the AP 40, converts the wireless signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 16. The wireless LAN communication unit 11 also converts the baseband signal output from the control unit 16 into a wireless signal, performs amplification processing, etc., and transmits the signal from the antenna 17.

[0034] Cellular communication unit 12 performs cellular communication via antenna 18. Specifically, cellular communication unit 12 performs amplification, filtering, and other processes on radio signals received by antenna 18 from cellular base station 30, converts the radio signals into baseband signals, and outputs the baseband signals to control unit 16. Cellular communication unit 12 also converts baseband signals output from control unit 16 into radio signals, performs amplification, and other processes on the baseband signals, and transmits the signals from antenna 18.

[0035] The user interface 13 includes, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, an audio output unit, and an audio input unit. The display unit displays an image based on an image signal output from the control unit 16. The operation unit accepts a user operation and outputs a signal according to the operation content to the control unit 16. The audio output unit outputs audio based on the audio signal output from the control unit 16. The audio input unit collects audio and outputs the audio signal to the control unit 16.

[0036] The power management unit 14 includes a battery and its peripheral circuits. The power management unit 14 supplies driving power to the user terminal device 10. When the user terminal device 10 receives power from an external source, the power management unit 14 may be configured with a circuit that converts the power supplied from the external source.

[0037] The storage unit 15 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 15 stores programs executed by the control unit 16 and information used in processing by the control unit 16. The storage unit 15 stores an AP list and user information. The programs executed by the control unit 16 include user-dedicated apps. The AP list and user information are managed by the user-dedicated apps.

[0038] A user of the user-dedicated app registers user information in advance in the dedicated app. The user-dedicated app has two operating modes: emergency mode and normal mode. Normal mode is the default operating mode, and the device can be switched to emergency mode automatically or manually only when certain conditions are met. The certain conditions are when the public communication network is unavailable for a certain period of time and an AP 40 included in the AP list is available (the SSID broadcast by the AP 40 can be received). Emergency mode is a mode in which the settings required to use the P2P network 80 are automatically performed on the user terminal device 10. Updating the user-dedicated app also updates the AP list, allowing the user terminal device 10 to have the latest AP list. Normal mode is a mode in which the device does not connect to the P2P network 80, but accesses information sent by the local government G using the Internet via the public communication network.

[0039] The control unit 16 performs various processes and controls in the user terminal device 10. The control unit 16 includes at least one processor. The processor may include a baseband processor and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The baseband processor performs modulation, demodulation, encoding, decoding, etc. of baseband signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the storage unit 15 to perform various processes.

[0040] When the user terminal device 10 is out of the service area of ​​the cellular base station 30, the user terminal device 10 executes an emergency transition process. The emergency transition process is a series of processes including an AP connection process, an out-of-service area detection process, a continued out-of-service area determination process, an application startup process, an AP determination process, a mode transition process, an initial information sharing process, and an information update process. The emergency transition process and each process will be described in detail later.

[0041] When the cellular communication unit 12 is out of the range of the cellular base station 30 and the wireless LAN communication unit 11 has established a connection with the AP 40, the control unit 16 transitions to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other user terminal devices 10 and administrator terminal device 20 connected to the AP 40 is performed via the AP 40. The communication status of the wireless LAN communication unit 11 and the cellular communication unit 12 is monitored by the operating system (OS) of the user terminal device 10.

[0042] When the cellular communication unit 12 remains out of the range of the cellular base station 30 for a predetermined period of time and the wireless LAN communication unit 11 establishes a connection with the AP 40, the control unit 16 may transition to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other user terminal devices 10 and administrator terminal device 20 connected to the AP 40 is performed via the AP 40. The predetermined period of time is, for example, several seconds or more.

[0043] After transitioning to emergency mode, the control unit 16 prioritizes connection with the administrator terminal device 20 as the first connection destination, and shares the user information stored in the storage unit 15 with the administrator terminal device 20. Specifically, the control unit 16 transmits the user information to the administrator terminal device 20. The control unit 16 stores in the storage unit 15 a flag F indicating that transmission of the user information to the administrator terminal device 20 has been completed (the administrator terminal device 20 has completed receiving the user information).

[0044] In the emergency mode, the control unit 16 shares emergency information with the administrator terminal device 20. Specifically, the control unit 16 refers to the AP list in the storage unit 15 to acquire the IP address of the administrator terminal device 20 connected to the AP 40, connects to the administrator terminal device 20 via the AP 40 by P2P communication, and receives emergency information from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0045] In the emergency mode, if the control unit 16 cannot access the administrator terminal device 20, the control unit 16 may communicate with other user terminal devices 10 other than the administrator terminal device 20 to share emergency information.

[0046] In the emergency mode, even if the cellular base station 30 is within the range, the control unit 16 may maintain the emergency mode as long as the connection to the AP 40 continues.

[0047] In addition, if the user terminal device 10 moves out of the communication range of the AP 40 in the emergency mode, the control unit 16 disconnects from the P2P network 80 and switches the operation mode of the user-dedicated app from the emergency mode to the normal mode. If the user terminal device 10 moves back into the communication range of the AP 40, the emergency transition process is started again. If the conditions are met, the mode transitions to the emergency mode.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal device 20 according to an embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the administrator terminal device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, and a user interface 24, which are electrically connected to one another via a communication bus 25.

[0050] The communication unit 21 includes a communication interface for communicating with the AP 40. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface.

[0051] The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the processor 26 (not shown) and information used in processing by the processor 26. The storage unit 22 also stores emergency information in a state accessible to the user terminal device 10 accessing via the P2P network 80. The storage unit 22 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The programs executed by the control unit 16 include an administrator-only application.

[0052] The control unit 23 performs various controls and processes in the administrator terminal device 20. The control unit 23 includes at least one processor 26 (not shown). The processor 26 executes programs stored in the storage unit 22 to perform various processes.

[0053] The control unit 23 generates emergency information based on operation input from the user interface 24, assigns a timestamp to it, and stores it in the storage unit 22. Furthermore, when a user terminal device 10 accesses the control unit 23 for the first time via the P2P network 80, the control unit 23 receives user information from the user terminal device 10 and stores it in the storage unit 22. Furthermore, the control unit 23 transmits all or part of the emergency information accumulated up to that point to the user terminal device 10. The emergency information may be generated automatically from another system. For the second or subsequent access from the user terminal device 10, the control unit 23 transmits differential information of the emergency information in response to a request from the user terminal device 10, i.e., in response to a request for obtaining the difference.

[0054] The user interface 24 has the same functions as the user interface 13 of the user terminal device 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] (Example of terminal device operation) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment. Specifically, the operation flow of the communication system 1 is shown, including an emergency transition process executed by a user terminal device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that several user terminal devices 10 (shown as user terminal devices (other) in FIG. 5) and an administrator terminal device 20 have already joined the P2P network 80, and that a user terminal device 10a is about to newly join the P2P network 80. In addition, the user terminal device 10a and the user terminal devices 10 (other) have already installed the dedicated app described above.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, when user terminal device 10a enters the range of AP 40, the operating system (OS) of user terminal device 10a performs processing to connect to AP 40 (AP connection step). At this time, a notification regarding connection to AP 40 may be displayed to user A of user terminal device 10a, or confirmation may be requested. This establishes a wireless LAN connection between user terminal device 10a and AP 40. Note that if authentication information such as a password is required to connect to AP 40 and the authentication information is not stored in the operating system of user terminal device 10a, user A may manually enter the authentication information.

[0057] In step S102, the control unit 16 of the user terminal device 10a detects that the cellular communication unit 12 is out of range of the cellular base station 30 (out-of-range detection step).

[0058] In step S103, the control unit 16 of the user terminal device 10a determines whether the out-of-service state of the cellular base station 30 has elapsed for a predetermined time (out-of-service continuation determination step). If the determination result is true (YES), that is, if the out-of-service state has elapsed for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the determination result is false (NO), that is, if the out-of-service state is resolved before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process ends.

[0059] In step S104, the user terminal device 10a launches the user-dedicated app (application launch process). Specifically, the control unit 16 of the user terminal device 10a launches the user-dedicated app stored in the memory unit 15. The launch may be in the background without output to the user interface 13. When the user-dedicated app is launched, a notification may be displayed to user A of the user terminal device 10a, or confirmation may be requested. If the user-dedicated app has already been launched in the background or foreground by step S102, step S104 can be omitted.

[0060] In step S105, the user terminal device 10a determines whether the AP 40 is included in the AP list (AP determination step). Specifically, the control unit 16 (user-dedicated application) of the user terminal device 10a checks the AP list in the storage unit 15 for the SSID of the AP 40 received by the wireless LAN communication unit 11 from the AP 40. If the determination result is true (YES), that is, if the AP 40 is included in the AP list, the process proceeds to step S106. If the determination result is false (NO), that is, if the AP 40 is not included in the AP list, the process ends, and the user-dedicated application maintains the normal mode. Note that, if authentication information is required to connect to the AP 40 in step S101 and user A was unable to connect to the AP 40 without manually entering the authentication information, after the determination result in step S105 that the AP 40 is included in the AP list is obtained, the connection setting information of the AP 40 included in the AP list may be acquired, and the wireless LAN communication unit 11 may be caused to establish a wireless LAN connection with the AP 40.

[0061] In step S106, the user terminal device 10a transitions the dedicated app from normal mode to emergency mode (mode transition process). Specifically, based on the establishment of a wireless LAN connection between the user terminal device 10a and the AP 40, the control unit 16 of the user terminal device 10a transitions the operating mode setting of the user-dedicated app from normal mode to emergency mode. At this time, a notification about the transition from normal mode to emergency mode may be displayed to user A of the user terminal device 10a, or confirmation may be requested. As a result, the user terminal device 10a joins the P2P network 80 via the AP 40, and becomes capable of P2P communication with the administrator terminal device 20 and other user terminal devices 10.

[0062] In step S107, the user terminal device 10a accesses the administrator terminal device 20 and shares the initial information (initial information sharing process). Specifically, the control unit 16 of the user terminal device 10a transmits the user information stored in the storage unit 15 to the administrator terminal device 20. The administrator terminal device 20 receives the user information. In addition, the control unit 16 of the administrator terminal device 20 transmits emergency information to the user terminal device 10a. The user terminal device 10a receives the emergency information.

[0063] In step S108, the administrator terminal device 20 transmits the additional emergency information. Specifically, the administrator terminal device 20 generates the additional emergency information, assigns a timestamp to it, and stores it in the storage unit 22 of the administrator terminal device 20 in a state where it can be used on the P2P network 80.

[0064] In step S109, the user terminal device 10a acquires the additional emergency information generated in step S108 as differential information from the P2P network 80 (information update step). The user terminal device 10a may acquire the differential information of the emergency information from the administrator terminal device 20, or may acquire it from another user terminal device 10 that has already acquired the additional emergency information.

[0065] (Summary of the embodiment) As described above, when the user terminal device 10 according to one embodiment is unable to perform wireless communication with the cellular base station 30, which is a public communication network, and is connected via wireless LAN to the AP 40 used in emergencies, it transitions to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other user terminal devices 10 and the administrator terminal device 20 connected to the AP 40 is performed via the AP 40. This allows the communication system 1 to easily transition to an environment in which, in the event of an emergency such as a disaster, useful information can be shared between victims and the local government G, or between victims themselves.

[0066] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the operating system (OS) of the user terminal device 10a monitored the communication status of the wireless LAN communication unit 11 and the cellular communication unit 12, so there was no need to launch a user-specific app before starting the emergency transition process. However, instead of the operating system (OS), a user-specific app may be run in the background, and the user-specific app may monitor the communication status of the wireless LAN communication unit 11 and the cellular communication unit 12.

[0067] In the embodiment described above, the communication system 1 has only one AP 40, but a plurality of APs 40 may be installed in one evacuation shelter. The P2P network 80 is constructed for each AP 40.

[0068] In the embodiment described above, step S104 (application activation step) is executed after step S103 (out-of-service continuation determination step), but may be executed between step S102 (out-of-service detection step) and step S103.

[0069] The P2P network 80 of the above-described embodiment may be a blockchain network, which is an autonomous distributed network in which a ledger including transaction histories is distributed and maintained by a plurality of terminal devices.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, user A of user terminal device 10a has registered user information in advance, but if the user information has not been registered, a screen prompting the user to register user information may be displayed after the user-specific app is launched in the app launch process.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, when the user terminal device 10 moves outside the communication range of the AP 40 and switches to normal mode, then returns to the communication range of the AP 40 and the emergency transition process is executed, if flag F is present in the memory unit, the initial information sharing process may be omitted.

[0072] The above-described operational flows are not limited to being implemented independently, but can be implemented by combining two or more operational flows. For example, some steps (processes) of one operational flow may be added to another operational flow, or some steps of one operational flow may be replaced with some steps of another operational flow. In each flow, it is not necessary to execute all steps, and only some steps may be executed. Furthermore, the order of steps in each flow may be changed as appropriate.

[0073] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the user terminal device 10. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be used to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the functional units (circuits) that execute each process performed by the user terminal device 10 may be integrated, and the user terminal device 10 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chip set, SoC).

[0074] The functions performed by the apparatus according to the above embodiments may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to perform or executes the described functions. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the described functions. When the hardware is a processor, which is considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0075] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on," unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "depending only on" and "depending at least in part on." The terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof do not mean including only the listed items, but may mean including only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Additionally, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean an exclusive or. Furthermore, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0076] The above describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0077] (Addendum) The following additional notes are about the features of the above-described embodiment. (Appendix 1) a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication; a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with a public communication network; a storage unit that stores setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; and a control unit that, when the second communication unit is out of the range of the public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, transitions to an emergency mode in which peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. Terminal device. The AND condition of being out of range of the cellular base station 30 (a public communication network) and establishing a connection to the AP 40 allows the user terminal device 10 (user-dedicated app or program) to determine whether or not an emergency (disaster) is occurring (or is likely to occur). Furthermore, by being able to determine an emergency, the device can automatically switch to emergency mode without requiring the user to perform any special operations. This allows evacuees to easily access information useful in the event of a disaster without performing any special operations. Furthermore, this eliminates the need to explain to evacuees how to switch modes in the user-dedicated app, thereby reducing the burden on local government officials at evacuation centers. Automatically connecting to the P2P network 80 allows for easy information sharing without requiring the user to perform any special operations. Furthermore, the APs 40 and their connection setting information are listed in advance and managed, including updates as needed. By preserving a list containing the connection setting information for the APs 40 in the user-dedicated app on the user terminal device 10, the APs 40 can be distinguished from other access points. Furthermore, connection to the APs 40 and P2P communication settings can be automatically and quickly configured. (Appendix 2) The control unit shares useful information in an emergency through peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with the other terminal. 10. The terminal device according to claim 1. This allows for useful information to be obtained digitally in emergencies. (Appendix 3) the other terminal device includes an administrator terminal device of a local government that has jurisdiction over an area where the predetermined access point is installed, the storage unit further stores user information including the name of the user who uses the terminal device; the control unit transmits the user information to the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode. 3. A terminal device according to claim 1 or 2. After switching to emergency mode, the user terminal device 10 used by the evacuees can be automatically connected to the administrator terminal device 20 used by the local government G. This allows the local government G to digitally obtain information for identifying the evacuees, making it easier and more reliable to identify the evacuees. (Appendix 4) the control unit, after transitioning to the emergency mode, prioritizes connection with the administrator terminal device as the first connection destination, and shares the user information with the administrator terminal device (sub-concept: transmits the user information to the administrator terminal device); 4. A terminal device as described in Appendix 3. This allows the local government G to automatically and digitally collect information identifying evacuees, such as their names, as soon as they enter the connection range of the AP40 after switching to emergency mode. This allows the local government G to easily and quickly grasp who has evacuated to which evacuation shelter and when. (Appendix 5) the control unit receives emergency information from the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode. 4. A terminal device as described in Appendix 3. This allows evacuees to collect reliable information directly from local governments. (Appendix 6) and when the control unit cannot access the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode, the control unit communicates with the other terminal devices other than the administrator terminal device to share the emergency information. 6. The terminal device according to claim 5. As a result, even if the administrator terminal device 20 experiences a communication failure, information can be shared with other user terminal devices 10 participating in the P2P network 80 via the AP 40. In addition, concentration of access to the administrator terminal device 20 can be reduced. (Appendix 7) The emergency mode is a mode in which the other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point participate in a blockchain network that distributes and manages the information through P2P communication. 7. A terminal device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. This allows for more secure information management. (Appendix 8) The emergency information is time-stamped. 6. The terminal device according to claim 5. The timestamp allows only differential information to be retrieved on subsequent accesses, thereby reducing communication traffic and allowing evacuees to obtain the latest information. (Appendix 9) The control unit In the emergency mode, even if the public communication network becomes available, the emergency mode is maintained as long as the connection to the predetermined access point continues. 9. A terminal device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. This prevents frequent switching of operation modes due to temporary recovery of the public communication network, and also prevents confusion among evacuees due to unnecessary switching of operation modes. (Appendix 10) A terminal device including a first communication unit for performing wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit for performing communication with a public communication network, A process of acquiring setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; When the second communication unit is out of the range of a public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, the device executes a process of transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. program. (Appendix 11) A method for controlling a terminal device including a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit that performs communication with a public communication network, acquiring setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; and when the second communication unit is out of the range of a public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. A method for controlling a terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Communication Systems 10: User terminal device 11: Wireless LAN communication unit (first communication unit) 12: Cellular communication unit (second communication unit) 13: User Interface 14:Power management section 15: Storage section 16: Control section 20: Administrator terminal device 30: Cellular base station 80: P2P network

Claims

1. a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication; a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with a public communication network; a storage unit that stores setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; a control unit that, when the second communication unit is out of the range of the public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, transitions to an emergency mode in which peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with another terminal device connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. Terminal device.

2. the control unit shares useful information in an emergency through P2P communication with the other terminal device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. the other terminal device includes an administrator terminal device of a local government that has jurisdiction over an area where the predetermined access point is installed, the storage unit further stores user information including the name of the user who uses the terminal device; the control unit transmits the user information to the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit, after transitioning to the emergency mode, prioritizes connection with the administrator terminal device as an initial connection destination, and shares the user information with the administrator terminal device. The terminal device according to claim 3.

5. the control unit receives emergency information from the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode. The terminal device according to claim 3.

6. and when the control unit cannot access the administrator terminal device in the emergency mode, the control unit communicates with the other terminal devices other than the administrator terminal device to share the emergency information. The terminal device according to claim 5.

7. The emergency mode is a mode in which the other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point participate in a blockchain network that manages information in a distributed manner through P2P communication. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

8. The emergency information is time-stamped. The terminal device according to claim 5.

9. The control unit In the emergency mode, even if the public communication network becomes available, the emergency mode is maintained as long as the connection to the predetermined access point continues. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

10. A terminal device including a first communication unit for performing wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit for performing communication with a public communication network, A process of acquiring setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; When the second communication unit is out of the range of a public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, the device executes a process of transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with other terminal devices connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. program.

11. A method for controlling a terminal device including a first communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication and a second communication unit that performs communication with a public communication network, acquiring setting information for connecting to a predetermined access point; and when the second communication unit is out of the range of a public communication network and the first communication unit has established a connection with the predetermined access point, transitioning to an emergency mode in which P2P communication with another terminal device connected to the predetermined access point is performed via the predetermined access point. A method for controlling a terminal device.

Images