Terminal device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To connect easily. [Solution] The terminal device comprises a first communication unit that communicates with the server device using a first communication method, a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device having a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method using a third communication method, and a control unit that controls each unit. When an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, the control unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information and the second identification information of the first communication unit to the server device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Before starting communication, a technique for authenticating a communication device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can perform authentication processing even on a terminal that does not have authentication information for a communication network.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​[Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The terminal device of this disclosure comprises a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method, a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device having a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method using a third communication method, and a control unit that controls each unit. When an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, the control unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0007] The communication method of this disclosure includes the steps of: a first communication unit of the local terminal device communicating with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit of the local terminal device communicating with another terminal device using a third communication method; and, if an abnormality is detected in the local terminal device, obtaining second identification information of a second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmitting first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0008] The program of this disclosure is a program to be executed by a terminal device, and causes the terminal device to execute the following steps: a first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and, if an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, obtains second identification information of a second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, connection can be easily established. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a matching table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a core network device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection process of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fourth connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the authentication process flow of the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the account authentication determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanations.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Communication System) A configuration example of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, communication system 1 includes a first terminal device 10A, a second terminal device 10B, a server device 12, a core network device 14, a first base station device 16, and a second base station device 18. Communication system 1 is a Proof of Concept (PoC) system. The first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B are connected to each other via network N3. The first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B send and receive various types of information via network N3. For example, the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B share each other's identification information via network N3. Communication system 1 is a system that uses two terminal devices, the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B, to perform connection processing with the server device 12.

[0014] The first terminal device 10A, the server device 12, and the first base station device 16 are communicated with each other via network N1. Network N1 is, for example, the Internet. The first terminal device 10A connects to the Internet via, for example, a Wi-Fi® line.

[0015] The second terminal device 10B, the server device 12, the core network device 14, and the second base station device 18 are communicated with each other via network N2. Network N2 is, for example, LTE.

[0016] The first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B are PoC terminals that perform PoC communication. The first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B can be implemented, for example, as business radios or smartphones. The server device 12 is a PoC server.

[0017] Core network equipment 14 is the core network equipment of a telecommunications carrier. It is the core network. The core network includes EPC (Evolved Packet Core), 5GC (5G Core), etc.

[0018] The first base station device 16 is a non-3GPP® base station. The first base station device 16 is, for example, a Wi-Fi router.

[0019] The second base station equipment 18 is a base station of a telecommunications carrier. The second base station equipment 18 includes RRH (Remote Radio Head), BBU (Base Band Unit), RU (Radio Unit), DU (Distributed Unit), CU (Centralized Unit), etc.

[0020] The communication system 1 stores unique information of the other network when the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via network N1 or network N2. This reduces the authentication time when the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 using the other terminal device.

[0021] (Terminal device 1) An example of the configuration of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] The first terminal device 10A includes an input unit 20, a display unit 22, a microphone 24, a speaker 26, a first communication unit 28, a third communication unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 34A.

[0023] The input unit 20 receives various input operations for the first terminal device 10A. The input unit 20 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 34A corresponding to the received input operation. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, and a PTT (Push-to-Talk) button. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 20, the input unit 20 is placed on the display unit 22.

[0024] The display unit 22 displays various types of images. The display unit 22 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0025] Microphone 24 is a microphone that detects sounds in the vicinity of the first terminal device 10A. Microphone 24 detects the voice of the user using the first terminal device 10A. Microphone 24 converts the detected sound into an audio signal.

[0026] Speaker 26 is a speaker that outputs various types of audio. Speaker 26 outputs the voice of the user of the terminal device to which communication is taking place.

[0027] The first communication unit 28 is a communication interface that performs communication with the server device 12 using a first communication method. The first communication method is, for example, a communication method that performs communication with the server device 12 via the Internet network using Wi-Fi.

[0028] The third communication unit 30 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The third communication unit 30 performs communication between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B located in close proximity to the first terminal device 10A. The third communication unit 30 can be implemented using a communication module such as Bluetooth®.

[0029] The memory unit 32 stores various types of information. The memory unit 32 stores information related to the first terminal device 10A that performs PoC communication. The memory unit 32 stores information such as the calculation contents of the control unit 34 and programs. The memory unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), main memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and external memory such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0030] The control unit 34A controls each part of the first terminal device 10A. The control unit 34A includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 34A executes a program that controls the operation of the first terminal device 10A according to the present invention. The control unit 34A may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 34A may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software. The control unit 34A is sometimes called the first control unit.

[0031] The control unit 34A includes an identification information acquisition unit 40A, an authentication unit 42A, a connection request unit 44A, a communication control unit 46A, a battery level determination unit 48A, an abnormality detection unit 50A, and a radio wave strength determination unit 52A.

[0032] The identification information acquisition unit 40A acquires identification information for identifying the first terminal device 10A. For example, the identification information acquisition unit 40A acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 28. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is, for example, the Wi-Fi MAC (Media Access Control) address. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is also called the first identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40A acquires, for example, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number set in its own device. The IMEI number is a type of terminal identification number for the first terminal device 10A. The Wi-Fi MAC address and IMEI number are stored in the storage unit 32. The Wi-Fi MAC address and IMEI number are a type of unique information for the first terminal device 10A.

[0033] The authentication unit 42A controls the first communication unit 28 to perform PoC account authentication processing with the server device 12.

[0034] The connection request unit 44A processes a connection request to the server device 12. The connection request unit 44A processes the connection request by, for example, sending a connection request signal to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28. The connection request signal includes identification information of the first communication unit 28. Specifically, the connection request signal includes the MAC address of the Wi-Fi.

[0035] The communication control unit 46A controls the first communication unit 28. The communication control unit 46A controls the first communication unit 28 to communicate with the server device 12 over the internet network.

[0036] The battery level determination unit 48A determines the remaining battery level of the battery installed in the first terminal device 10A. The battery level determination unit 48A determines whether the remaining battery level is above a predetermined level.

[0037] The abnormality detection unit 50A detects an abnormality in the first terminal device 10A. The abnormality detection unit 50A determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the first terminal device 10A. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 50A determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the following: voltage, (heat) temperature, battery, input unit 20, display unit 22, microphone 24, speaker 26, and the communication status with the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A. For example, the abnormality detection unit 50A determines whether or not each of these parts has failed.

[0038] The radio wave strength determination unit 52A determines the radio wave strength of the communication between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B by the third communication unit 30. The radio wave strength determination unit 52A determines whether the radio wave strength of the communication between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B is above a predetermined level.

[0039] (Second terminal device) An example of the configuration of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the second terminal device 10B differs from the first terminal device 10A shown in Figure 2 in that it has a second communication unit 36 ​​instead of the first communication unit 28. The control unit 34B is sometimes called the second control unit. The second terminal device 10B is equipped with a SIM card slot and can accept SIM cards or eSIMs (Embedded SIMs), and it is desirable that it can acquire SIM information. This SIM information is used when the core network device 14 performs authentication processing to connect the second terminal device 10B to the core network.

[0041] The second communication unit 36 ​​is a communication interface that communicates with the server device 12 using a second communication method. The second communication method is a communication method that communicates with the server device 12 via a mobile phone network such as LTE.

[0042] The identification information acquisition unit 40B acquires identification information for identifying the second terminal device 10B. The identification information acquisition unit 40B acquires, for example, the identification information of the second communication unit 36. The identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​is, for example, the LTE MAC address. The identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​is also called the second identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40B acquires, for example, the IMEI number set in its own device. The IMEI number is a type of terminal identification number for the second terminal device 10B. The LTE MAC address and IMEI number are stored in the storage unit 32. The LTE MAC address and IMEI number are a type of unique information for the second terminal device 10B.

[0043] The authentication unit 42B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to perform authentication processing with the core network device 14 before communicating with the server device 12. The authentication unit 42B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to perform PoC account authentication processing with the server device 12.

[0044] The connection request unit 44B performs connection request processing to the server device 12. The connection request unit 44B performs connection request processing by, for example, sending a connection request signal to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36. The connection request signal includes identification information of the second communication unit 36. Specifically, the connection request signal includes the MAC address of the LTE.

[0045] The communication control unit 46B controls the second communication unit 36. The communication control unit 46B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to communicate with the server device 12 via LTE.

[0046] (Server device) An example of the configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 12 comprises a communication unit 60, a storage unit 62, a management unit 64, and a control unit 66. The server device 12 is a type of communication control device.

[0048] The communication unit 60 is a communication interface that performs communication between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and an external device. The communication unit 60 communicates with the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B using a first communication method and a second communication method. The communication unit 60 comprises a communication unit 60A and a communication unit 60B.

[0049] The communication unit 60A enables the first terminal device 10A to perform communication between the server device 12 and the first terminal device 10A via a line such as the Internet network using the first communication method. The communication unit 60A is sometimes referred to as the fourth communication unit.

[0050] The communication unit 60B enables the second terminal device 10B to perform communication between the server device 12 and the second terminal device 10B via a line including a mobile phone network such as LTE, using a second communication method. The communication unit 60B is sometimes also called the fifth communication unit.

[0051] To distinguish the communication unit 60 from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A and the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, the communication unit 60 is also called the control-side communication unit 60 (control-side communication unit 60A, control-side communication unit 60B).

[0052] The communication unit 60 communicates with the communication partner via IP communication. When the communication unit 60 is communicating with the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A, it may also identify and acquire the identification information used by the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A, which is the communication partner.

[0053] The memory unit 62 stores various types of information. The memory unit 62 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 66, the various types of information acquired, as well as a database that stores the acquired information in association with other information, and program information. The memory unit 62 includes, for example, RAM, a main memory device such as ROM, and an external memory device such as an HDD.

[0054] The management unit 64 manages the unique information of the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. The management unit 64 manages information by controlling the storage and retrieval of various types of information in the storage unit 62. The management unit 64 may be configured to manage information by controlling the storage and retrieval of various types of information, for example, by including at least one of RAM, a main memory device such as ROM, or an external storage device such as an HDD. The management unit 64 comprises a PoC account management unit 70, a MAC address management unit 72, an IMEI management unit 74, and a database management unit 76.

[0055] The PoC account management unit 70 stores PoC account information in the storage unit 62 for executing authentication processing of PoC accounts for the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. The PoC account management unit 70 stores multiple sets of PoC account information in the storage unit 62 for each of the multiple first terminal devices 10A and the second terminal devices 10B.

[0056] The MAC address management unit 72 pre-stores identification information, which is the MAC address set on the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B that is scheduled to be allowed to connect, as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 may also store identification information, which is the MAC address set on the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B that has been allowed to connect, as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 may store multiple MAC addresses for each of the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 stores identification information set on the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B that is included in the connection permission information and has been set up as connected information in the storage unit 62 after connection authentication has been completed and the connection has been allowed.

[0057] The IMEI management unit 74 stores the IMEI number information of the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B in the storage unit 62. The IMEI management unit 74 stores unique IMEI number information for each of the multiple first terminal devices 10A and second terminal devices 10B in the storage unit 62. Here, the first terminal device 10A may use another unique number information to uniquely identify the terminal instead of unique IMEI number information and store it in the storage unit 62.

[0058] The database management unit 76 stores a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates the unique information of the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. The database management unit 76 associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B and stores it in the database of the storage unit 62 as related identification information. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a matching table according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the matching table TB includes items such as "terminal identification information," "first communication line identification information," and "second communication line identification information." Here, for example, "first communication line identification information" may correspond to the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A (first identification information), and "second communication line identification information" may correspond to the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (second identification information).

[0059] "Terminal identification information" is, for example, the IMEI number. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Terminal identification information" is conceptually shown as "A01," but in reality, a specific number is shown. "First communication line identification information" is, for example, the MAC address of the Wi-Fi network. In the example shown in Figure 5, "First communication line identification information" is conceptually shown as "B01," but in reality, a specific MAC address of the Wi-Fi network is shown. "Second communication line identification information" is, for example, the MAC address of the LTE network. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Second communication line identification information" is conceptually shown as "C01," but in reality, a specific MAC address of the LTE network is shown.

[0060] The control unit 66 controls each part of the server device 12. The control unit 66 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 66 may further have a storage device such as RAM or ROM, or it may utilize a storage unit 62. The control unit 66 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 66 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 66 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0061] The control unit 66 comprises a connection information acquisition unit 80, a connection information determination unit 82, a management control unit 84, and a connection control unit 86. The control unit 66 is sometimes called the server control unit.

[0062] The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, in communication between the communication unit 60A and the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A using the first communication method, the identification information (first identification information) that the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A uses for communication using the first communication method, from the connection information received by the communication unit 60A.

[0063] The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, in communication between the communication unit 60B and the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B using the second communication method, the identification information (second identification information) used by the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B for communication using the second communication method, which is included in the received connection information, from the connection information received by the communication unit 60B.

[0064] The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, from the connection information received by the communication unit 60B during communication using the second communication method between the communication unit 60B and the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, the first identification information used by the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A for communication using the first communication method, and the second identification information used by the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B for communication using the second communication method, which are included in the received connection information.

[0065] When the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires connection information from the first terminal device 10A by the first communication unit 28, it acquires the identification information included in the connection information, which is the Wi-Fi MAC address of the first terminal device 10A and the LTE MAC address of the second terminal device 10B.

[0066] When the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires connection information from the second terminal device 10B via the second communication unit 36, it acquires the identification information included in the connection information, namely the Wi-Fi MAC address of the first terminal device 10A and the LTE MAC address of the second terminal device 10B.

[0067] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the LTE MAC address, which is the identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, matches the LTE MAC address stored in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information by the MAC address management unit 72. If they match, it sets information indicating that the connection of the terminal device that made the connection request may be permitted as first determination information. This may be a first determination flag. For example, the connection information determination unit 82 may set this first determination flag to 1 if they match, and to 0 if they do not match. This first determination information may be stored in the storage unit 62.

[0068] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the MAC address of the Wi-Fi acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 matches the MAC address of the Wi-Fi stored in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information by the MAC address management unit 72. If they match, it sets information indicating that the connection of the terminal device that made the connection request may be permitted as first determination information. This may be a first determination flag. For example, the connection information determination unit 82 may set this first determination flag to 1 if they match, and to 0 if they do not match. This first determination information may be stored in the storage unit 62.

[0069] In other words, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62. If the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, it sets first determination information that may allow the connection of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request.

[0070] Furthermore, the connection information determination unit 82, by referring to the database in the storage unit 62 via the database management unit 76, determines whether the LTE MAC address obtained by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the Wi-Fi MAC address as related reference information. If they are associated, the connection information determination unit 82 sets information indicating that they are associated as second determination information. This may be a second determination flag. For example, the connection information determination unit 82 may set this second determination flag to 1 if they are associated, and to 0 if they are not.

[0071] In other words, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the related identification information, and if it is included in the related identification information, it sets second determination information indicating that they were associated.

[0072] The management control unit 84 controls the management unit 64. The management control unit 84 controls the management unit 64 to manage the PoC account of the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B, the LTE MAC address, the Wi-Fi MAC address, and the IMEI number.

[0073] The connection control unit 86 controls the connection status between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12. If the connection control unit 86 permits the connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it connects the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12. If the connection control unit 86 does not permit the connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it does not connect the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12.

[0074] If the connection control unit 86 permits a connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it transmits a connection permit signal to the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B via the communication unit 60 indicating that the connection is permitted. If the connection control unit 86 does not permit a connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it transmits a connection rejection signal to the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B via the communication unit 60 indicating that the connection is not permitted.

[0075] Furthermore, when the connection control unit 86 authorizes the connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it stores the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 in the storage unit 62.

[0076] When the connection control unit 86 authorizes a connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12, if the connection is between the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A and the communication unit 60A of the server device 12, it stores the first identification information as connection authorization information in the storage unit 62.

[0077] When the connection control unit 86 authorizes a connection between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, if the connection is between the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B and the communication unit 60B of the server device 12, it stores the second identification information as connection authorization information in the storage unit 62.

[0078] Here, when the connection control unit 86 authorizes a connection between the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12, it may store the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 in the storage unit 62 as connection authorization information.

[0079] If the connection control unit 86 determines that the identification information included in the connection information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, in this case the acquired first identification information which is the MAC address of the Wi-Fi, matches the MAC address of the Wi-Fi included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72, the connection control unit 86 permits a connection with the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A.

[0080] If the connection control unit 86 determines that the identification information included in the connection information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, in this case the acquired second identification information, which is the LTE MAC address, matches the LTE MAC address included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72, the connection control unit 86 permits the connection of the second terminal device 10B.

[0081] Furthermore, the connection control unit 86, based on the determination of the connection information determination unit 82, sets first determination information indicating that the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, and further, based on the determination of the connection information determination unit 82, sets second determination information indicating that the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the related identification information, and then permits the connection of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request.

[0082] (Core network equipment) An example of the configuration of the core network device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the core network device according to the first embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, the core network device 14 comprises a communication unit 100, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 104.

[0084] The communication unit 100 is a communication interface that performs communication between the second terminal device 10B and external devices. The communication unit 100 performs communication between the core network device 14 and the second terminal device 10B. The communication unit 100 performs communication between the core network device 14 and the server device 12.

[0085] The memory unit 102 stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 102 stores the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B. The memory unit 102 also stores the calculation contents of the control unit 104 and information such as programs. The memory unit 102 includes, for example, RAM and at least one of the following: a main memory device such as ROM, or an external memory device such as an HDD.

[0086] The control unit 104 controls each part of the core network device 14. The control unit 104 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 104 executes a program that controls the operation of the core network device 14 according to the present invention. The control unit 104 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 104 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0087] The control unit 104 includes an authentication unit 110. The authentication unit 110 performs authentication processing to connect the second terminal device 10B to the core network. The authentication unit 110 performs authentication processing to allow the second terminal device 10B to connect to the server device 12 using LTE with the second communication unit 36. If the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B that has undergone authentication processing matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102, the authentication unit 110 allows the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 to connect via LTE.

[0088] [Processing details between terminal device and server device] (First connection process of the first terminal device) The flow of the first connection process of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection process of the first terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0089] The process shown in Figure 7 is executed when the first terminal device 10A connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28.

[0090] The identification information acquisition unit 40A acquires the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B via the third communication unit 30 (step S10). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the MAC address of the LTE. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0091] The connection request unit 44A controls the first communication unit 28 and transmits connection information, including the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, to the server device 12 (step S12). Specifically, the connection request unit 44 controls the first communication unit 28 and transmits the MAC address of LTE and the MAC address of Wi-Fi to the server device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0092] The connection request unit 44A determines whether or not the connection is permitted (step S14). Specifically, the connection request unit 44A determines that the connection is permitted if it receives a signal from the server device 12 indicating that the connection is permitted. If it is determined that the connection is permitted (step S14; Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that the connection is not permitted (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0093] If the result in step S14 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A controls the first communication unit 28 to start PoC communication by the first communication unit 28 (step S16). Then, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0094] If the result in step S14 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46A does not start the PoC communication by the first communication unit 28 (step S18). Then, the process shown in Figure 7 is terminated.

[0095] (Second connection process for the second terminal device) The flow of the second connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0096] The process shown in Figure 8 is executed when the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36.

[0097] The authentication unit 42B performs authentication processing with the core network device 14 (step S20). Here, we assume that authentication is successful through the authentication processing of the authentication unit 42B. Then, we proceed to step S22.

[0098] The identification information acquisition unit 40B acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A via the third communication unit 30 (step S22). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40B acquires the MAC address of the Wi-Fi. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0099] The connection request unit 44B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to send connection information, including the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 36, to the server device 12 (step S24). Specifically, the connection request unit 44B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to send the MAC address of LTE and the MAC address of Wi-Fi to the server device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0100] The connection request unit 44B determines whether or not the connection is permitted (step S26). Specifically, the connection request unit 44B determines that the connection is permitted if it receives a signal from the server device 12 indicating that the connection is permitted. If it is determined that the connection is permitted (step S26; Yes), the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined that the connection is not permitted (step S26; No), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0101] If the result in step S26 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to start PoC communication by the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S28). Then, the process shown in Figure 8 is terminated.

[0102] If the result in step S26 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46B does not start the PoC communication by the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S30). Then, the process shown in Figure 8 is terminated.

[0103] (Third connection process for terminal device) The flow of the third connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0104] The process shown in Figure 9 is executed when the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36.

[0105] The processes from step S40 to step S48 are the same as the processes from step S22 to step S30 shown in Figure 8, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0106] The process shown in Figure 9 differs from the process shown in Figure 8 in that it does not require authentication processing for the core network. In other words, the process in Figure 9 represents the process when the telecommunications carrier does not perform authentication processing for the core network.

[0107] (Fourth connection process for the terminal device) The flow of the fourth connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fourth connection process of the second terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0108] The process shown in Figure 10 is when the first terminal device 10A is already connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, and then the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36.

[0109] The processes from steps S50 to S58 are the same as the processes from steps S20 to S28 shown in Figure 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0110] If the result in step S56 is No, the connection request unit 44B determines whether or not the server device 12 has authorized the connection as a new connection (step S60). If the connection is authorized as a new connection (step S60; Yes), the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined that the server device 12 has not authorized the connection as a new connection (step S60; No), the process proceeds to step S64.

[0111] If the result in step S60 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to start PoC communication by the second communication unit 36 ​​as a new connection (step S62). Then the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0112] If the result in step S60 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46B does not start the PoC communication by the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S64). Then, the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0113] (First connection process for the server device) The flow of the first connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0114] The process shown in Figure 11 is a process that determines whether or not to allow a connection when the server device 12 is first connected to the first terminal device 10A via the first communication unit 28.

[0115] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information via the communication unit 60, which includes the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A and the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (step S70). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address included in the connection information transmitted by the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A. Then, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0116] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether or not to allow the connection as a new connection (step S72). Specifically, the connection information determination unit 82 determines to allow the connection if, for example, the acquired MAC address of the first communication unit 28 matches the MAC address included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 under the management of the MAC address management unit 72. If it is determined that the connection should be allowed as a new connection (step S72; Yes), the process proceeds to step S74. If it is determined that the connection should not be allowed as a new connection (step S72; No), the process proceeds to step S78.

[0117] If the result in step S72 is determined to be Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the first communication unit 28 as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​as associated identification information in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S74). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the MAC address of the Wi-Fi as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated MAC address of the Wi-Fi and the MAC address of the LTE in the storage unit 62. Proceed to step S76.

[0118] The connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to send a connection permission signal to the first terminal device 10A as a new connection (step S76). In this case, the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 are connected. Then the process shown in Figure 11 is completed.

[0119] If the result in step S72 is determined to be No, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to send a connection rejection signal to the first terminal device 10A (step S78). In this case, the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process shown in Figure 11 ends.

[0120] (Second connection process for the server device) The flow of the second connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0121] The process shown in Figure 12 determines whether or not to allow the connection when the server device 12 is first connected to the second terminal device 10B via the second communication unit 36.

[0122] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information via the communication unit 60, which includes the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A and the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B through communication by the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (step S80). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address included in the connection information transmitted by the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B. Then, the process proceeds to step S82.

[0123] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A in the storage unit 62 (step S82). Specifically, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the MAC address of the LTE acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the MAC address of the Wi-Fi as associated reference information, by having the database management unit 76 refer to the database in the storage unit 62. If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A (step S82; Yes), the process proceeds to step S84. If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B is not associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A (step S82; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0124] If the answer in step S82 is Yes, the connection control unit 86 determines whether or not the connection from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A is permitted (step S84). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 determines that the connection from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A is permitted if the MAC address management unit 72 refers to the storage unit 62 and the Wi-Fi MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is stored in the storage unit 62 as connection information, as this is the same communication for which a connection has already been permitted. If it is determined that the connection from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A is permitted (step S84; Yes), the process proceeds to step S86. If it is determined that the connection from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A is not permitted (step S84; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0125] If the result in step S84 is determined to be Yes, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to send a connection permission signal to the second terminal device 10B as connection permission granted (step S86). It is also preferable to control the connection control unit 86 to include the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, which has been acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, as connection permission information in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62. Here, if the connection control unit 86 has included identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, or identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A that is associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, it is preferable to delete it from the connection permission information. The connection control unit 86 may then control the system to store in the storage unit 62 the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, as new connection permission information. If the identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, or the identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, is not included in the connection permission information, the connection control unit 86 may then control the system to store in the storage unit 62 the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request, as connection permission information. Then, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0126] If the result is No in step S82 or step S84, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether or not to allow the connection as a new connection (step S88). If it is determined that the connection should be allowed as a new connection (step S88; Yes), the process proceeds to step S90. If it is determined that the connection should not be allowed as a new connection (step S88; No), the process proceeds to step S94.

[0127] If the result in step S88 is Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B as connected in the storage unit 62, and the database management unit 76 controls the database management unit 76 to delete the related identification information stored in the storage unit 62 and to store the related identification information, which associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S90). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the LTE MAC address as connected in the storage unit 62, and to store the related identification information, which associates the Wi-Fi MAC address with the LTE MAC address, in the database of the storage unit 62. Proceed to step S92.

[0128] The connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to send a connection permission signal to the second terminal device 10B as a new connection (step S92). In this case, the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are connected. Then the process shown in Figure 12 ends.

[0129] If the result in step S88 is determined to be No, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to send a connection rejection signal to the second terminal device 10B (step S94). In this case, the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process shown in Figure 12 ends.

[0130] In the explanation of the second connection process flow of the server device according to the first embodiment described above using Figure 12, a connection permission signal is sent to the first terminal device 10A in step S86 after processing such as steps S82 and S84, but it is also possible to determine connection permission more simply. For example, in the explanation of the first connection process of the server device described above using Figure 11, when a connection request from the first communication unit 28A of the first terminal device 10A is permitted as a new connection, the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A (first identification information) and the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (second identification information) are associated and stored in the database of the storage unit 62 as related identification information. Since the related identification information is stored when a connection request by the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A is permitted as a new connection, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B, it is determined whether or not the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62. If the second identification information of the second terminal device 10B that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, the connection of the first terminal device 10A that made the connection request is permitted, making it easier to determine whether to permit the connection.

[0131] [Communication system processing] (Authentication process for communication systems) The authentication process flow of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the authentication process flow of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0132] The process shown in Figure 13 is the process from when the first terminal device 10A completes authentication until the second terminal device 10B connects to LTE, or does not connect to LTE.

[0133] Control units 34A and 34B each power on the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B, respectively (step S100). Then, the process proceeds to steps S102 and S116.

[0134] The communication control unit 46B initiates a connection to LTE at the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (step S102). Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0135] The authentication unit 42B performs core network authentication on the core network device 14 (step S104). Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0136] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 refers to the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B (step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0137] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 determines whether the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108). If it is determined that the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the SIM information of the second terminal device 10B does not match the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; No), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0138] If the result in step S108 is determined to be Yes, the authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 completes the authentication of the core network (step S110). Then, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0139] The communication control unit 46B connects to LTE at the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B (step S112). Then, the process shown in Figure 13 is completed.

[0140] If the result in step S108 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46B does not connect to LTE with the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S114). Then, the process shown in Figure 13 is terminated.

[0141] The communication control unit 46A initiates a connection to Wi-Fi using the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A (step S116). Then, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0142] The authentication unit 42A performs PoC account authentication on the server device 12 (step S118). Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0143] The authentication unit 42A completes the PoC account authentication (step S120). As a result, the first terminal device 10A can connect to the server device 12 via the internet network. The process shown in Figure 13 then ends.

[0144] The processes from step S102 to step S114 and the processes from step S116 to step S120 are executed in parallel. Steps S102 to S114 are executed by the second terminal device 10B. The processes from step S116 to step S120 are executed by the first terminal device 10A.

[0145] (Account authentication determination process) The flow of the account authentication determination process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the account authentication determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0146] The process shown in Figure 14 is the process by which the server device 12 determines whether or not to authenticate the PoC account of the target first terminal device 10A or second terminal device 10B.

[0147] The management control unit 84 determines whether the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 when the first terminal device 10A has been connected to the server device 12 via its first communication unit 28. If the second terminal device 10B has been connected to the server device 12 via its second communication unit 36, the management control unit 84 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72. Depending on whether the connected terminal device is the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B, the management control unit 84 determines whether the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S130). If the MAC address management unit 72 determines that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A or the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B is registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 (step S130; Yes), the process proceeds to step S132. If the MAC address management unit 72 does not determine that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10A or the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the second terminal device 10B is registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 (step S130; No), the process proceeds to step S138.

[0148] If the answer in step S130 is Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 for matching the identification information (step S132). Specifically, when the first terminal device 10A connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, if the first identification information and the second identification information can be obtained, the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates the two. By creating a matching table that associates the first and second identification information in this way, if authentication has already been completed with one piece of identification information, even if a terminal device with the other piece of identification information connects to the server device 12, the connection is permitted as already authenticated without performing a new authentication process.

[0149] Furthermore, if the second identification information cannot be obtained when the first terminal device 10A connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates only the first identification information.

[0150] Similarly, when the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36, if the first identification information and the second identification information can be obtained, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates them with each other. When the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 36, if the first identification information cannot be obtained, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates only the second identification information. Then, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0151] The management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B with the matching table and store it in the storage unit 62 (step S134). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B with the identification information contained in the matching table and store it in the storage unit 62. Then, the process proceeds to step S136.

[0152] The connection information determination unit 82 determines that either the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B is a terminal device authenticated with a PoC account (step S136). Then, the process shown in Figure 14 is terminated.

[0153] If the result in step S130 is determined to be No, the connection information determination unit 82 determines that the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B is a terminal device for which PoC account authentication is not yet complete (step S138). Then, the process shown in Figure 14 is terminated.

[0154] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. When communicating with the server device 12 using two terminal devices, a first terminal device 10A and a second terminal device 10B, it is desirable to appropriately set the timing for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B in order to communicate properly without interruption. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the battery level of one of the batteries connected to the server device 12, either the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B, falls below a predetermined level, a process is performed to share identification information between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. That is, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the battery level of one of the batteries connected to the server device 12, either the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B, falls below a predetermined level, a process is performed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12 to the other terminal device and maintain the connection with the server device 12. The process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B will be described below. The process of switching from the second terminal device 10B to the first terminal device 10A is the same as the process of switching from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0155] (First switching process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0156] In the second embodiment, if it is determined that the battery level of one of the terminal devices connected to the server device 12, either the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B, falls below a predetermined level, the other terminal device is used to perform a process to maintain the connection with the server device 12. The following describes the process when the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined level. The process when the battery level of the second terminal device 10B falls below a predetermined level is the same as the process for the first terminal device 10A, so the explanation is omitted.

[0157] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 (step S150).

[0158] The battery level determination unit 48A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the battery level of the first terminal device 10A is below a predetermined value (step S152). If it is determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A is below a predetermined value (step S152; Yes), the process proceeds to step S154. If it is not determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A is below a predetermined value (step S152; No), the process proceeds to step S150. In other words, in the second embodiment, if the battery level of the first terminal device 10A exceeds a predetermined value, the switch from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B is not performed.

[0159] If the result in step S152 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the third communication unit 30 to send an identification information request signal to the second terminal device 10B (step S154).

[0160] The control unit 34B of the second terminal device 10B determines whether or not to accept the request for identification information received from the first terminal device 10A (step S156). If it is determined that the request for identification information should be accepted (step S156; Yes), the process proceeds to step S160. If it is determined that the request for identification information should not be accepted (step S156; No), the process proceeds to step S158.

[0161] If the result in step S156 is determined to be No, the control unit 34A of the first terminal device 10A determines that the request for identification information to the second terminal device 10B is unsuccessful (step S158). The control unit 34 of the first terminal device 10A determines that the request for identification information is unsuccessful, for example, if it does not receive identification information from the second terminal device 10B within a predetermined time, or if it receives a signal indicating a refusal to respond. In this case, the switching process that takes over communication from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B in a state where authentication has been performed in advance is not performed. The process shown in Figure 15 is then terminated.

[0162] If the result in step S156 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B controls the third communication unit 30 to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​to the first terminal device 10A (step S160).

[0163] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​to the server device 12 (step S162).

[0164] The management control unit 84 of the server device 12 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​has been registered with the server device 12 as connection permission information (step S164). If it is determined that it has been registered with the server device 12 (step S164; Yes), the process proceeds to step S166. If it is determined that it has not been registered with the server device 12 (step S164; No), the process proceeds to step S168.

[0165] If the result in step S164 is Yes, the management control unit 54 of the server device 12 updates the identification information of the registered second communication unit 36 ​​(step S166). The management control unit 54 of the server device 12 updates the identification information of the second communication unit 36, for example, the matching table.

[0166] If the result in step S164 is determined to be No, the management control unit 54 of the server device 12 registers the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​as connection permission information in the server device 12 (step S168).

[0167] Subsequently, instead of connecting to the server device 12 using the first terminal device 10A, an attempt is made to connect to the server device 12 using the second terminal device 10B. This corresponds, for example, to a situation where the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value, making it difficult to continue communication with the first terminal device 10A, and the system attempts to continue communication by switching to the second terminal device 10B, which has sufficient battery power. The communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B controls the second communication unit 36 ​​to connect the second terminal device 10B with the server device 12 (step S170).

[0168] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the connected second terminal device 10B matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S172). If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​of the connected second terminal device 10B matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S172; Yes), the process proceeds to step S174. If it is determined that the identification information of the connected second terminal device 10B does not match the stored identification information of the second communication unit of the second terminal device 10B (step S172; No), the process proceeds to step S176.

[0169] If the result in step S172 is determined to be Yes, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 permits the connection between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 (step S174). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 transmits a connection permission signal to the second terminal device 10B via the communication unit 60. This enables communication between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12. In other words, it becomes possible to switch the terminal device communicating with the server device 12 from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B. The process shown in Figure 15 then ends.

[0170] If the result in step S172 is determined to be No, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 denies the connection between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 (step S176). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 sends a connection rejection signal to the second terminal device 10B via the communication unit 60. In this case, the connection between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 is not one in which communication is taken over after prior authentication, and a new authentication process is required when connecting. That is, the terminal device communicating with the server device 12 does not switch from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B as an authenticated terminal device. The process shown in Figure 15 then ends.

[0171] In other words, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B if the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value. As a result, the terminal device connected to the server device 12 can be switched from the first terminal device 10A, which may not be able to maintain a connection with the server device 12 due to low battery level, to the second terminal device 10B, so that communication with the server device 12 can be performed without interruption.

[0172] (Second switching process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 16. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0173] In the second switching process of the second embodiment, for example, if the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value and is charged, causing the battery level to exceed the predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is released, and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12.

[0174] The management control unit 84 of the server device 12 stores related identification information in the storage unit 62, which associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S180).

[0175] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 (step S182).

[0176] The battery level determination unit 48A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the battery level of the first terminal device 10A exceeds a predetermined value (step S184). If it is determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A exceeds a predetermined value (step S184; Yes), the process proceeds to step S186. If it is determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A does not exceed a predetermined value (step S184; No), the process proceeds to step S182.

[0177] If the result in step S184 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the first communication unit 28 to send a request signal to the server device 12 to delete the associated identification information (step S186).

[0178] When the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 receives a request signal from the first terminal device 10A to delete related identification information, it deletes the related identification information stored in the storage unit 62, which associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 36 ​​(step S188). By deleting the related identification information, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 prevents the process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B, which is a previously authenticated terminal device. In other words, by deleting the related identification information, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 requires a new authentication process when the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained.

[0179] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 controls the communication unit 60 to send a response signal to the first terminal device 10A to delete the associated identification information (step S190).

[0180] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether or not it has received a response signal from the server device 12 (step S192). If it is determined that a response signal has been received (step S192; Yes), the process proceeds to step S194. If it is determined that a response signal has not been received (step S192; No), the process proceeds to step S196.

[0181] If the result in step S192 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A receives a response signal (step S194). Then, the process shown in Figure 16 is completed.

[0182] If the result in step S192 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A controls the first communication unit 28 to send a retransmission signal to the server device 12 indicating a request to retransmit the response signal (step S196). For example, if the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A does not receive a response signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since sending a request signal to delete the associated identification information, it sends a retransmission signal to the server device 12. Then, it proceeds to step S192. Here, a retransmission signal indicating a request to retransmit the response signal is sent to the server device 12, but after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process in Figure 16 may be terminated without sending a retransmission request due to a timeout.

[0183] In other words, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete related identification information when the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value and then rises above a predetermined value. As a result, when the second terminal device 10B connects to the server device 12, a new authentication process is required, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from switching from the first terminal device 10A, which has sufficient battery power and can maintain its connection with the server device 12, to the second terminal device 10B.

[0184] (Third switching process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 17. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0185] In the third switching process of the second embodiment, for example, if the battery level of the first terminal device 10A is below a predetermined value and the battery level of the second terminal device 10B is also below a predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is canceled and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12.

[0186] The processes in steps S200 and S202 are the same as those in steps S180 and S182 shown in Figure 16, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0187] The battery level determination unit 48A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the battery level of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value (step S204). If it is determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value (step S204; Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. If it is not determined that the battery level of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value (step S204; No), the process proceeds to step S212.

[0188] If the result in step S204 is Yes, the battery level determination unit 48B of the second terminal device 10B determines whether the battery level of the second terminal device 10B has fallen below a predetermined value (step S206). If it is determined that the battery level of the second terminal device 10B has fallen below a predetermined value (step S206; Yes), the process proceeds to step S208. If it is not determined that the battery level of the second terminal device 10B has fallen below a predetermined value (step S206; No), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0189] If the result in step S206 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B controls the third communication unit 30 to transmit a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level of the second terminal device 10B to the first terminal device 10A (step S208).

[0190] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A receives a battery level signal (step S210).

[0191] The processes from step S212 to step S222 are the same as the processes from step S186 to step S196 shown in Figure 16, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0192] In other words, if the battery level of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value, and the battery level of the second terminal device 10B also falls below a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete the associated identification information. As a result, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is canceled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from switching to the second terminal device 10B, which may not be able to maintain a connection with the server device 12 due to low battery levels.

[0193] As described above, the second embodiment performs a switching process for the terminal device communicating with the server device based on the battery level of at least one of the two terminal devices capable of communicating with the server device. As a result, the second embodiment can perform communication with the server device without interruption.

[0194] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, if an abnormality is detected in one of the terminal devices connected to the server device 12, among the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B, a process is performed to share identification information between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. That is, in the third embodiment, if an abnormality is detected in one of the terminal devices connected to the server device 12, among the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B, a process is performed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12 to the other terminal device and maintain the connection with the server device 12. Here, an abnormality detected in the terminal device may be, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device falls outside a predetermined range, when the (heat) temperature of the terminal device falls outside a predetermined range, when the battery voltage of the terminal device falls outside a predetermined range, when a failure of the input unit 20 is detected, when a failure of the display unit 22 is detected, when a failure of the microphone 24 is detected, when a failure of the speaker 26 is detected, or when it is determined that communication with the server device 12 by the first communication unit 28 cannot be maintained.

[0195] (First switching process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 18. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0196] The process in step S230 is the same as the process in step S150 shown in Figure 15, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0197] The abnormality detection unit 50A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S232). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S232; Yes), the process proceeds to step S234. If it is determined that no abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S232; No), the process proceeds to step S230. In other words, if no abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10A, the switchover from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B does not occur.

[0198] The processes from step S234 to step S256 are the same as the processes from step S154 to step S176 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0199] In other words, if an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10A, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B. As a result, since it is possible to switch from the first terminal device 10A, which may not be able to maintain the connection with the server device 12, to the second terminal device 10B, communication with the server device 12 can be performed without interruption.

[0200] (Second switching process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0201] In the second switching process of the third embodiment, for example, if the abnormal state is resolved in the first terminal device 10A where an abnormality was detected and it is determined to be normal, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is canceled and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12. Here, the normal state determined by the terminal device may be, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, the (heat) temperature of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, the battery voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, no failure of the input unit 20 is detected, no failure of the display unit 22 is detected, no failure of the microphone 24 is detected, no failure of the speaker 26 is detected, and it is determined that communication with the server device 12 by the first communication unit 28 is maintained.

[0202] The processes in steps S260 and S262 are the same as those in steps S180 and S182 shown in Figure 16, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0203] The abnormality detection unit 50A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether or not it has detected normal operation in the first terminal device 10A (step S264). For example, if the first terminal device 10A overheats and its temperature is determined to be abnormal, and then its temperature decreases, the abnormality detection unit 50A of the first terminal device 10A will detect that the first terminal device 10A is normal. If it is determined that the first terminal device 10A is normal operation (step S264; Yes), the process proceeds to step S266. If it is not determined that the first terminal device 10A is normal operation (step S264; No), the process proceeds to step S262.

[0204] The processes from steps S266 to S278 are the same as the processes from steps S186 to S196 shown in Figure 16, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0205] In other words, if an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10A, and then normal operation is detected in the first terminal device 10A, and an abnormality is detected in the second terminal device 10B, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete the associated identification information. As a result, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is canceled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent a terminal device connected to the server device 12 from switching from the first terminal device 10A, which can maintain its connection with the server device 12, to the second terminal device 10B.

[0206] (Third switching process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 20. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0207] In the third switching process of the third embodiment, for example, if an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10A and an abnormality is also detected in the second terminal device 10B, the switching process is not performed, and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12.

[0208] The processes in steps S280 and S282 are the same as those in steps S200 and S202 shown in Figure 17, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0209] The abnormality detection unit 50A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S284). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S284; Yes), the process proceeds to step S286. If it is not determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10A (step S284; No), the process proceeds to step S292.

[0210] If the result in step S284 is Yes, the abnormality detection unit 50B of the second terminal device 10B determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10B (step S286). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10B (step S286; Yes), the process proceeds to step S288. If it is determined that an abnormality has not been detected in the second terminal device 10B (step S286; No), the process proceeds to step S282.

[0211] If the result in step S286 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B controls the third communication unit 30 to send an abnormality signal to the first terminal device 10A indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10B (step S288).

[0212] The communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A receives an abnormal signal (step S290).

[0213] The processes from step S292 to step S302 are the same as the processes from step S212 to step S222 shown in Figure 17, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0214] In other words, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete the associated identification information if an abnormality is detected in both the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. This cancels the previously authenticated state of the second terminal device 10B if it is already authenticated, and maintains the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12 from switching from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B, which may not be able to maintain the connection with the server device 12.

[0215] As described above, the third embodiment performs a switching process for the terminal device communicating with the server device based on the detection result of an abnormality in at least one of the two terminal devices capable of communicating with the server device. As a result, the third embodiment can perform communication with the server device without interruption.

[0216] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, when the signal strength of the third communication unit 30 connected to the server device 12 falls below a predetermined value, a process is performed to share identification information between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B. That is, in the fourth embodiment, when the signal strength of the third communication unit 30 connected to the server device 12 falls below a predetermined value, a process is performed to switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12 to the other terminal device and maintain the connection with the server device 12.

[0217] (First switching process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 21. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0218] The process in step S310 is the same as the process in step S150 shown in Figure 15, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0219] The radio wave strength determination unit 52A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value (step S312). That is, the radio wave strength determination unit 52A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the communication between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B is stable. Specifically, the radio wave strength determination unit 52A of the first terminal device 10A determines that the communication between the first terminal device 10A and the second terminal device 10B is unstable if the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value. If it is determined that the radio wave strength has fallen below a predetermined value (step S312; Yes), the process proceeds to step S314. If it is not determined that the radio wave strength has fallen below a predetermined value (step S312; No), the process proceeds to step S310. In other words, if the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 at the first terminal device 10A does not fall below a predetermined value, the switch from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B will not be performed.

[0220] The processes from step S314 to step S336 are the same as the processes from step S154 to step S176 shown in Figure 15, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0221] In other words, if the signal strength of the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value, the terminal device connected to the server device 12 can be switched from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B. As a result, for example, if the second terminal device 10B is taken away, the terminal device connected to the server device 12 can be switched from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B that has been taken away, so that communication with the server device 12 can be performed without interruption.

[0222] (Second switching process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0223] In the second switching process of the fourth embodiment, for example, if the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A becomes greater than a predetermined value while the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are connected, a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12.

[0224] The processes in steps S340 and S342 are the same as those in steps S180 and S182 shown in Figure 16, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0225] The communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B determines whether the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are connected (step S344). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are connected (step S344; Yes), the process proceeds to step S346. If it is determined that the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are not connected (step S344; No), the process proceeds to step S348.

[0226] If the answer in step S344 is determined to be Yes, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 continues to store the relevant identification information in the storage unit 62 (step S346).

[0227] If the result in step S344 is No, the radio wave strength determination unit 52A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S348). If it is determined that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S348; Yes), the process proceeds to step S350. If it is determined that the radio wave strength is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S348; No), the process proceeds to step S342. In other words, if the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the storage of the related identification information by the server device 12 is maintained.

[0228] The processes from step S350 to step S360 are the same as the processes from step S186 to step S196 shown in Figure 16, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0229] In other words, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete related identification information when the signal strength of the communication of the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value, and the signal strength of the communication of the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A rises above a predetermined value while the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 are connected. As a result, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is released, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained. Consequently, for example, if the second terminal device 10B is taken out and then immediately returned, communication between the server device 12 and the first terminal device 10A is maintained, allowing communication with the server device 12 to be performed without interruption.

[0230] (Third switching process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 23. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0231] In the third switching process of the fourth embodiment, for example, if the second terminal device 10B is unable to communicate with the server device 12 and the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 falls below a predetermined value, the switching process is not performed, and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12.

[0232] The processes in steps S370 and S372 are the same as those in steps S200 and S202 shown in Figure 17, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0233] The communication control unit 46B of the second terminal device 10B determines whether or not communication is possible between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 (step S374). If it is determined that communication is possible between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 (step S374; Yes), the process proceeds to step S376. If it is determined that communication is not possible between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 (step S374; No), the process proceeds to step S378.

[0234] The process in step S376 is the same as the process in step S346 shown in Figure 22, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0235] If the result in step S374 is No, the radio wave strength determination unit 52A of the first terminal device 10A determines whether the radio wave strength of the communication by the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A has fallen below a predetermined value (step S378). If it is determined that the radio wave strength has fallen below a predetermined value (step S378; Yes), the process proceeds to step S380. If it is determined that the radio wave strength has not fallen below a predetermined value (step S378; No), the process proceeds to step S372.

[0236] The processes from step S380 to step S390 are the same as the processes from step S350 to step S360 shown in Figure 22, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0237] In other words, the communication control unit 46A of the first terminal device 10A sends a request signal to the server device 12 to delete the associated identification information when communication between the second terminal device 10B and the server device 12 is impossible and the signal strength of the third communication unit 30 of the first terminal device 10A falls below a predetermined value. As a result, if the second terminal device 10B is in a previously authenticated state, the previously authenticated state is canceled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10A and the server device 12 is maintained. Consequently, even if, for example, the second terminal device 10B is taken away, it is possible to prevent the terminal device communicating with the server device 12 from switching from the first terminal device 10A to the second terminal device 10B, which cannot communicate with the server device 12, and thus communication with the server device 12 can be performed without interruption.

[0238] As described above, the fourth embodiment performs a switching process between the server device and the terminal device communicating with it, based on the signal strength of the communication between the server device and two terminal devices that can communicate with it. As a result, the fourth embodiment can perform communication with the server device without interruption.

[0239] Each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, this distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0240] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0241] 1. Communication System 10A First Terminal Device 10B Second Terminal Device 12 Server devices 14 Core Network Devices 16 First base station device 18 Second base station device 20 Input section 22 Display section 24 Mike 26 speakers 28,28A First Communications Section 30 Third Communications Department 32,62,102 Storage section 34, 34A, 34B, 66, 104 Control Unit 36. Second Communications Department 40,40A,40B Identification information acquisition section 42A, 42B, 110 Authentication Department 44, 44A, 44B Connection Request Section 46A, 46B Communication Control Unit 48A, 48B Battery level determination unit 50A, 50B Anomaly detection unit 52A Radio field strength determination section 54,84 Management Control Unit 60, 60A, 60B, 100 Communications Department 64 Management Department 70 PoC Account Management Department 72 MAC Address Management Department 74 IMEI Management Department 76 Database Management Department 80 Connection Information Acquisition Unit 82 Connection Information Determination Unit 86 Connection Control Unit

Claims

1. A first communication unit that communicates with the server device using a first communication method, A third communication unit communicates with another terminal device having a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method, It comprises a control unit that controls each part, The control unit, If an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, the second identification information of the second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device. Terminal device.

2. When the control unit detects normal operation in its own terminal device, it sends a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete the associated identification information, which is a combination of the first identification information and the second identification information stored in the server device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. When the control unit detects an abnormality in its own terminal device or the other terminal device, it transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete the relevant identification information. The terminal device according to claim 1.

4. The first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with the server device using the first communication method, The steps include: the third communication unit of the aforementioned terminal device communicating with another terminal device using the third communication method; The system includes the step of, when an abnormality is detected in the local terminal device, obtaining the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmitting first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device, Communication method.

5. A program to be executed by a terminal device, The first communication unit of the terminal device communicates with the server device using the first communication method, The steps include: the third communication unit of the aforementioned terminal device communicating with another terminal device using the third communication method; When an abnormality is detected in the local terminal device, the third communication unit obtains the second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device and transmits the first connection information, including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information, to the server device. A program that causes the terminal device to execute the aforementioned program.

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