Communication control system and communication control method

Abstract

To allow the system to continue operating in the event of a communication error in any of the multiple wireless communication units operating in different modes. [Solution] The communication control system includes a first wireless communication unit operating in a first mode, a second wireless communication unit operating in a second mode different from the first mode, and a control unit. When a communication abnormality is detected in the first wireless communication unit, the control unit causes the second wireless communication unit to operate in the first mode, and when a communication abnormality is detected in the second wireless communication unit, the control unit causes the first wireless communication unit to operate in the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control system and a communication control method.

Background Art

[0002] Even when a communication failure occurs due to a communication abnormality, it is desired to promptly resume communication. For example, the wireless communication system described in Patent Document 1 includes a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device includes a plurality of communication units. The second wireless communication device connects to and communicates with any one of the plurality of communication units. When a communication abnormality occurs in the connection path during communication, the second wireless communication device autonomously switches the connection to another communication unit and continues communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is no known system suitable for continuing the operation of the mode when a communication abnormality occurs in any one of a plurality of wireless communication units operating in different modes.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a communication control system and a communication control method suitable for continuing the operation of the mode when a communication abnormality occurs in any one of a plurality of wireless communication units operating in different modes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A communication control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first wireless communication unit operating in a first mode, a second wireless communication unit operating in a second mode different from the first mode, and a control unit. When a communication abnormality is detected in the first wireless communication unit, the control unit causes the second wireless communication unit to operate in the first mode, and when a communication abnormality is detected in the second wireless communication unit, the control unit causes the first wireless communication unit to operate in the second mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication control system and a communication control method are provided that are suitable for continuing operation of a mode when a communication abnormality occurs in any of a plurality of wireless communication units operating in different modes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a vehicle equipped with a communication control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of screen sharing in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a list for communication control registered in a communication control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the operation of a communication control system when a communication anomaly occurs in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the operation of a communication control system when a communication anomaly occurs in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process performed in a communication control system in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the operation of a communication control system when a communication anomaly occurs in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description relates to a communication control system and a communication control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Common or corresponding elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle A equipped with a communication control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The communication control system 1 includes a pair of display devices 10L and 10R. Display device 10L is mounted, for example, on the headrest of the driver's seat SL. Display device 10R is mounted, for example, on the headrest of the passenger seat SR. For convenience, display devices 10L and 10R are collectively referred to as "display device 10". The communication control system 1 may consist of one display device 10, or it may be configured to include three or more display devices 10.

[0012] The installation location of the display device 10 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example. The display device 10 may be installed, for example, in front of the passenger seat SR, or it may be suspended from the ceiling inside the vehicle. In other words, there is flexibility in the installation location of the display device 10.

[0013] A user sitting in the rear seat can, for example, use the terminal device 20 as a remote controller to operate the display devices 10R and 10L. For example, the user can operate the terminal device 20 to configure the Wi-Fi connection with the Wi-Fi module 150R, which will be described later. The user can also operate the display devices 10R and 10L using the remote controller application installed on the terminal device 20.

[0014] A user sitting in the rear seat can, for example, display the screen of terminal device 30 on display device 10L using MIRACAST®. Alternatively, the user can, for example, display the screen of terminal device 40 on display device 10R using MIRACAST.

[0015] The user can share and display the display screen of the terminal device 30 displayed on the display device 10L via MIRACAST on the display device 10R. Also, the user can share and display the display screen of the terminal device 40 displayed on the display device 10R via MIRACAST on the display device 10L. That is, the user can share and display the display screen of one terminal device on both display devices.

[0016] The terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 are, for example, smartphones. The terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 may be other forms of devices such as tablet terminals, PCs (Personal Computers), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices), and portable game machines.

[0017] So far, an example where the terminal devices 30 and 40 are respectively connected to the display devices 10L and 10R has been described, but the connection mode of the devices is not limited to this. For example, the user may connect the terminal device 30 to the display device 10R in Wi-Fi direct mode and display the display screen of the terminal device 30 on the display device 10R via MIRACAST. Also, for example, the user may connect the terminal device 40 to the display device 10L in Wi-Fi direct mode and display the display screen of the terminal device 40 on the display device 10L via MIRACAST.

[0018] A remote controller app for the display device 10 may be installed on the terminal device 30 and the terminal device 40. In this case, even when the terminal device 20 is not present, the user can use the terminal device 30 or the terminal device 40 as a remote controller to operate the display device 10R or the display device 10L.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display devices 10R and 10L are devices capable of Wi-Fi connection. As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 10R includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 100R, a memory 110R, a display 120R, a connector 130R, and Wi-Fi modules 140R and 150R. The display device 10L includes an MPU 100L, a memory 110L, a display 120L, a connector 130L, and Wi-Fi modules 140L and 150L. In FIG. 2, the main components necessary for the description of this embodiment are illustrated. In FIG. 2, for some components, such as the housing which is an essential component of the device, the illustration is appropriately omitted as needed.

[0020] The display device 10R initially operates in AP (Access Point) mode according to the factory shipment settings. The display device 10L initially operates in STA (Station) mode according to the factory shipment settings. However, as device configurations, the display device 10R and the display device 10L are the same. Therefore, the MPU100R and 100L are collectively referred to as "MPU100". The memories 110R and 110L are collectively referred to as "memory 110". The displays 120R and 120L are collectively referred to as "display 120". The connectors 130R and 130L are collectively referred to as "connector 130". The Wi-Fi modules 140R and 140L are collectively referred to as "Wi-Fi module 140". The Wi-Fi modules 150R and 150L are collectively referred to as "Wi-Fi module 150". When collectively referring to the Wi-Fi modules 140 and 150, it is simply referred to as "Wi-Fi module".

[0021] The MPU100 is, for example, a single-processor or a multi-processor, and includes at least one processor. When configured to include multiple processors, the MPU100 may be packaged as a single device, or it may consist of multiple physically separated devices within the display device 10. The MPU100 may also be called, for example, a control unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0022] The MPU100 includes, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for high-speed digital signal processing and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area. The MPU100 controls each part of the display device 10.

[0023] Memory 110 stores various programs and data, including the communication control program 112. Memory 110 can be, for example, non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive). In Figure 2, the program 112 stored in the memory 110R of the display device 10R is labeled "Program 112R". The program 112 stored in the memory 110L of the display device 10L is labeled "Program 112L". The contents of Program 112R and Program 112L are the same.

[0024] For example, the MPU 100 loads various programs, such as program 112, onto the RAM, which is the work area, and executes the loaded programs to control the display device 10. This enables the execution of various processes (such as communication control) according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In other words, the display device 10 equipped with the MPU 100 is an example of a computer that executes program 112.

[0025] The display 120 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display 120 may also be other types of displays, such as an OLED (Electro Luminescence) display or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. The display 120 has a built-in touch panel. Therefore, the user can operate the display device 10 by touch. The display device 10 may also be provided with, for example, mechanical switch keys. That is, the user can operate the display device 10 not only with the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and terminal device 20 (remote controller) provided in the touch panel environment, but also with mechanical switch keys.

[0026] Connector 130 includes input terminals such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) and USB (Universal Serial Bus). A user can, for example, connect a terminal device 30 to connector 130L of the display device 10L and display video content on the display 120L of the display device 10L based on video data input from the terminal device 30. A user can, for example, connect a terminal device 40 to connector 130R of the display device 10R and display video content on the display 120R of the display device 10R based on video data input from the terminal device 40.

[0027] Furthermore, the user can share and display the video content shown on the display 120L of the display device 10L on the display 120R of the display device 10R based on the video data input from the connector 130L. The user can share and display the video content shown on the display 120R of the display device 10R on the display 120R of the display device 10L based on the video data input from the connector 130R.

[0028] The Wi-Fi modules 140 and 150 can operate in, for example, direct mode, AP mode, or STA mode. To avoid problems such as connection failures due to overlapping operating modes, the Wi-Fi modules 140 and 150 operate in different modes. That is, the Wi-Fi module 140 is an example of a first wireless communication unit operating in a first mode. The Wi-Fi module 150 is an example of a second wireless communication unit operating in a second mode different from the first mode.

[0029] Any reference to elements using designations such as “First,” “Second,” etc., as used in this disclosure, does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations are used for convenience to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the First and Second elements do not imply, for example, that only two elements are adopted, or that the First element must precede the Second element.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operator initially sets Wi-Fi module 150R to AP mode and Wi-Fi module 150L to STA mode. This setting procedure will be described below.

[0031] During the factory setup process, the operator operates the display device 10R to display the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the Wi-Fi module 150R on the display device 10R's screen 120R. The display device 10R's memory 110R already stores the configuration information 114R (the SSID and password of the Wi-Fi module 150R).

[0032] The worker operates the display device 10L to scan for nearby access points. From the list of scanned access points, the worker selects the SSID of the Wi-Fi module 150R (i.e., the SSID displayed on the display 120R of the display device 10R) and enters the corresponding password (i.e., the password displayed on the display 120R of the display device 10R). As a result, the display device 10L saves the configuration information 114L (the SSID and password of the Wi-Fi module 150R) to the memory 110L. From the next time onward, the display device 10L will refer to the configuration information 114L to automatically connect the Wi-Fi module 150R to the display device 10L.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of screen sharing. As described above, a user can connect terminal device 40 to the Wi-Fi module 140R of display device 10R in Wi-Fi Direct mode and display the display screen of terminal device 40 on the display 120R of display device 10R using MIRACAST. Alternatively, a user can connect terminal device 40 to connector 130R of display device 10R and display the display screen of terminal device 40 on the display 120R. An example of screen sharing in which the display screen of terminal device 40 displayed on the display 120R is shared and displayed on the display 120L of display device 10L will be explained using Figure 3.

[0034] As shown in the figures in Figure 3, button BR is displayed on the display 120R of display device 10R. Button BL is displayed on the display 120L of display device 10L. Before display devices 10R and 10L are connected via Wi-Fi, buttons BR and BL are grayed out and in a state where they cannot accept user input (operation disabled state) (see the upper diagram in Figure 3).

[0035] When display devices 10R and 10L are connected via Wi-Fi, buttons BR and BL transition from an inoperable state to an operable state. Specifically, buttons BR and BL are no longer grayed out and the word "Share" is added to them (see the middle diagram in Figure 3). For example, as shown in the middle diagram in Figure 3, when a user touches button BL displayed on the display 120L of display device 10L, the MPU 100L of display device 10L sends a screen sharing request to display device 10R. Upon receiving this request, the MPU 100R of display device 10R changes the text on button BR displayed on the display 120R from "Share" to "Allow". When a user touches this button BR, the MPU 100R sends a response to display device 10L that allows the above request.

[0036] After the MPU 100L of the display device 10L receives a response, the image data displayed on the display 120R of the display device 10R is transferred to the display device 10L via the communication path between the Wi-Fi module 150R and the Wi-Fi module 150L. The image displayed on the display 120R is, for example, the display screen of the terminal device 30 or 40 via MIRACAST, or an image displayed on the display 120 based on video data input from the connector 130.

[0037] The MPU 100L of the display device 10L displays an image (i.e., the image currently displayed on the display 120R) on the display 120L based on the received data. In this way, screen sharing is initiated between the display device 10R and the display device 10L. For example, if button BR or button BL is touched after screen sharing has started, screen sharing is stopped.

[0038] For example, consider a case where a communication error occurs in one of the Wi-Fi modules. In conventional devices, for example, the Wi-Fi module recovery process is repeatedly executed until the communication error is resolved. Conventional devices cannot operate in the mode stopped due to the communication error until the Wi-Fi module recovery process is successful.

[0039] In contrast, in the communication control system 1 according to this embodiment, if a communication error occurs in any Wi-Fi module, a mode that can be stopped in response to this communication error is automatically assigned to another Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi module to which this mode is assigned operates in that mode. According to this embodiment, even if a communication error occurs in any Wi-Fi module, the communication control system 1 as a whole can continue to operate in that mode.

[0040] In other words, if the MPU100 detects a communication anomaly in a Wi-Fi module (an example of a first wireless communication unit) operating in a first mode (e.g., AP mode), it causes another Wi-Fi module (an example of a second wireless communication unit) to operate in the first mode (e.g., AP mode). If the MPU100 detects a communication anomaly in a Wi-Fi module (an example of a second wireless communication unit) operating in a second mode (e.g., STA mode), it causes another Wi-Fi module (an example of a first wireless communication unit) to operate in the second mode (e.g., STA mode). Even if a communication anomaly occurs in any of the multiple Wi-Fi modules operating in different modes, the mode that could be stopped in response to this communication anomaly can be continued.

[0041] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an example of the operation of the communication control system 1 when a communication error occurs in either Wi-Fi module. Figure 4 shows the list 116 stored in the memory 110 of the display device 10. Note that in Figure 2, the list 116 stored in the memory 110R of the display device 10R is labeled "list 116R". The list 116 stored in the memory 110L of the display device 10L is labeled "list 116L". The contents of list 116R and list 116L are the same.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, List 116 has a two-tiered structure consisting of a higher tier and a lower tier. User usage patterns are registered in the higher tier. User usage patterns indicate the usage status of the four Wi-Fi modules (140R, 140L, 150R, 150L). For example, user usage pattern U1 indicates that all four Wi-Fi modules are in use. For example, if two Wi-Fi modules operating in AP mode and STA mode are connected, and the remaining two Wi-Fi modules are operating in direct mode, then all four Wi-Fi modules are in use, and this corresponds to user usage pattern U1.

[0043] At the lower level, abnormal patterns and processing patterns are registered in association. The abnormal pattern indicates which Wi-Fi module experienced the communication abnormality. For example, abnormal pattern E3A indicates that communication abnormalities occurred in both Wi-Fi module 150R and Wi-Fi module 150L.

[0044] The processing pattern indicates the processing to be performed by the communication control system 1 when the corresponding abnormal pattern occurs. For example, in processing pattern S3A corresponding to abnormal pattern E3A, in order to continue screen sharing and remote control by the terminal device 20, the normally functioning Wi-Fi module 140L is switched to STA mode in place of the Wi-Fi module 150L that experienced a communication abnormality, and the normally functioning Wi-Fi module 140R is switched to AP mode in place of the Wi-Fi module 150R that experienced a communication abnormality.

[0045] The user can, for example, change the content of processing pattern S3A by operating the display device 10. For example, if the user wants to prioritize MIRACAST over screen sharing, they may change the content of processing pattern S3A so that the Wi-Fi modules 140R and 140L operate in direct mode. Such changes are reflected in both list 116R and list 116L.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the communication control system 1 when abnormal pattern E3C occurs in user usage pattern U3. In Figure 5, "AP" indicates a Wi-Fi module operating in AP mode. "STA" indicates a Wi-Fi module operating in STA mode. "Direct" indicates a Wi-Fi module operating in direct mode. A blank block indicates that the Wi-Fi module is unused. "Source" indicates the display from which the screen is shared. "Destination" indicates the display to which the screen is shared. "RC" indicates a terminal device operating as a remote controller. "MC" indicates a terminal device operating with MIRACAST.

[0047] In Figure 5, a black "X" mark is placed next to the Wi-Fi module where a communication error occurred. A white "X" mark is placed next to the communication path where communication was interrupted due to the communication error. A light gray "X" mark is placed next to the display where screen sharing was disconnected due to the communication error.

[0048] In other words, in user usage pattern U3 shown in Figure 5, Wi-Fi modules 140L, 150R, and 150L are in use, while Wi-Fi module 140R is unused. In abnormal pattern E3C shown in Figure 5, a communication error occurs in Wi-Fi module 150R. As a result of this communication error, the Wi-Fi connection between terminal device 20 and Wi-Fi module 150R is disconnected. Therefore, the user is unable to operate the display device 10 using terminal device 20. Also, as a result of this communication error, the Wi-Fi connection between Wi-Fi module 150R and Wi-Fi module 150L is disconnected. Therefore, the display device 10R is unable to share the display screen of display device 10L's display 120L with display 120R.

[0049] In each display device 10, the MPU 100 periodically checks the connection status of each component using commands (such as ping and find). For example, MPU 100R issues a ping command to Wi-Fi module 150R and checks whether the communication path to each component, such as Wi-Fi module 150L and terminal device 20, is connected based on whether or not it receives a response. MPU 100L issues a ping command to Wi-Fi module 150L and checks whether the communication path to each component, such as Wi-Fi module 150R, is connected based on whether or not it receives a response.

[0050] MPU100R and 100L periodically notify each other of their status (modes of Wi-Fi modules 140 and 150, their respective usage status (in use / unused), connection status of each communication channel, etc.), and are constantly aware of the latest user usage patterns and abnormal patterns. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 5, when a communication abnormality occurs in Wi-Fi module 150R, MPU100R can quickly detect that abnormal pattern E3C has occurred.

[0051] Upon detecting the occurrence of abnormal pattern E3C, MPU100R calls and executes the corresponding processing pattern S3C from list 116R. For example, MPU100R sets the configuration information 114R stored in memory 110R to the unused state of Wi-Fi module 140R. MPU100R then operates Wi-Fi module 140R in AP mode.

[0052] In other words, the MPU100R sets the same SSID and password on the Wi-Fi module 140R as the Wi-Fi module 150R that experienced a communication failure, and operates the Wi-Fi module 140R in AP mode. As a result, the Wi-Fi module 150L and the terminal device 20, which experienced a communication loss with the Wi-Fi module 150R, automatically connect to the Wi-Fi module 140R. Therefore, the user can continue to operate the display device 10 using the terminal device 20. In addition, the display device 10R can continue to share and display the screen of the display device 10L's display 120L on the display 120R.

[0053] Because the Wi-Fi module 140R is operated in AP mode (in other words, the Wi-Fi module 140R cannot be operated in direct mode), the MPU 100R cannot, for example, display the display screen of the terminal device 40 on the display 120R using MIRACAST. Therefore, the MPU 100R displays a notification on the display 120R, for example, "MIRACAST unavailable".

[0054] In other words, the MPU100 notifies the user of modes that have become unavailable due to a communication error in the Wi-Fi module.

[0055] The following describes a case where a user wants to use MIRACAST on the display device 10R while the processing pattern S3C, illustrated in Figure 5, is being executed. In this case, the user can operate the display device 10R to change the Wi-Fi module 140R from AP mode to direct mode. This allows the user to, for example, display the display screen of the terminal device 40 on the display 120R using MIRACAST on the display device 10R.

[0056] However, because the Wi-Fi module 140R is changed to direct mode, the connection between the Wi-Fi module 150L and the terminal device 20 is disconnected. As a result, the user will no longer be able to operate the display device 10 using the terminal device 20. Also, screen sharing between display device 10R and display device 10L will be stopped. Therefore, the MPU 100R will display a notification on the display 120R, for example, "Remote control operation unavailable" or "Screen sharing unavailable".

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 5, the Wi-Fi module 140R is changed to AP mode, but the Wi-Fi module 140L may also be changed to AP mode, or the Wi-Fi module 150L may also be changed to AP mode. In any case, in order to continue screen sharing and remote control by the terminal device 20, the same SSID and password as the Wi-Fi module 150R are set for the Wi-Fi module that is changed to AP mode.

[0058] Each processing pattern registered in List 116 is configured, for example, to prioritize screen sharing. In other words, each processing pattern prioritizes assigning AP mode and STA mode to two of the normally functioning Wi-Fi modules, respectively, in order to continue screen sharing as much as possible.

[0059] For example, the user can operate the display device 10 to set each processing pattern to prioritize MIRACAST. In other words, the user can change each processing pattern to prioritize assigning direct mode to one Wi-Fi module that is functioning correctly on each display device 10, so that MIRACAST can be used as much as possible.

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the operation of the communication control system 1 when MIRACAST priority is set. Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the communication control system 1 when abnormal pattern E1A occurs in user usage pattern U1. In abnormal pattern E1A shown in Figure 6, a communication error occurs in the Wi-Fi module 140L. As a result of this communication error, the display device 10L is unable to display the display screen of the terminal device 30 on the display 120L using MIRACAST. The display on the sharing source display 120L blacks out, and the display on the sharing destination display 120R also blacks out.

[0061] Upon detecting the occurrence of abnormal pattern E1A, MPU100L calls and executes the corresponding processing pattern S1A from list 116R. For example, MPU100L changes Wi-Fi module 150L from STA mode to direct mode. This disconnects the connection between Wi-Fi module 150R and Wi-Fi module 150L. As a result, the user is unable to share the screen or remotely control the display device 10L using terminal device 20.

[0062] The Wi-Fi module 150L, ​​which has been switched to direct mode, is connected to the terminal device 30. As a result, the user can display the screen of the terminal device 30 on the display 120L of the display device 10L using MIRACAST. In addition, the user can display the screen of the terminal device 40 on the display 120R of the display device 10R using MIRACAST.

[0063] For example, the MPU100R displays notifications such as "Screen sharing unavailable" and "MIRACAST available" on the 120R display. The MPU100L displays notifications such as "Screen sharing unavailable" and "MIRACAST available" on the 120L display.

[0064] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processes executed in the communication control system 1. For example, when the power to the display devices 10R and 10L is turned on, the processes shown in Figure 7 begin to run. For example, when the power to the display devices 10R and 10L is turned off, the processes shown in Figure 7 end. The processes shown in Figure 7 are executed, for example, by the MPU 100R of the display device 10R and the MPU 100L of the display device 10L working together.

[0065] The steps in the flowcharts shown in the embodiments of this disclosure may be reordered, to the extent that they do not contradict each other. For example, the embodiments of this disclosure present the processing of various steps in an exemplary order, but are not limited to this order. Furthermore, the steps in the flowcharts shown in the embodiments of this disclosure may be performed in parallel or concurrently, to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0066] MPU100R and 100L each check the connection status of each part using commands (ping, find, etc.) (step S101). As described above, MPU100R and 100L periodically notify each other of their status (modes of Wi-Fi modules 140 and 150, their respective usage status (in use / unused), connection status of each communication path, etc.), and are constantly aware of the latest user usage patterns and abnormal patterns.

[0067] When a communication anomaly in the Wi-Fi module is detected (step S102: YES), the MPU 100 calls and executes a processing pattern from List 116 that corresponds to the latest anomaly pattern, taking into account the latest user usage pattern and the detected communication anomaly (step S103). For example, one of MPU 100R and MPU 100L becomes the primary, and the other of MPU 100R and MPU 100L becomes the secondary, and the processing in step S103 is executed.

[0068] If MPU100R and MPU100L cannot communicate due to a communication error in the Wi-Fi module, in step S103, for example, MPU100R and MPU100L will individually execute processing patterns. If screen sharing is set to priority, MPU100R and MPU100L will each prioritize assigning AP mode or STA mode to a Wi-Fi module that is functioning normally. If MIRACAST is set to priority, MPU100R and MPU100L will each prioritize assigning direct mode to a Wi-Fi module that is functioning normally.

[0069] MPU100R and 100L each notify the user on the display 120R and 120L of any functions that have become unavailable due to a communication error (step S104). If no functions have become unavailable due to a communication error, MPU100R and 100L do not display this type of notification on the display 120R and 120L, respectively.

[0070] The MPU100 may perform recovery processing for the Wi-Fi module that has experienced a communication failure. For example, the MPU100 may restart the Wi-Fi module that detected the communication failure in the background or periodically check whether it has recovered. If the Wi-Fi module has recovered, the MPU100 may display a notification to that effect on the display 120 (a message such as "The mode that was temporarily unavailable (such as AP mode) is now available again").

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 5, consider the case where the Wi-Fi module 150R recovers through a recovery process after the execution of processing pattern S3C. If the Wi-Fi module 150R is immediately put into AP mode after the recovery process, both the Wi-Fi module 140R and the Wi-Fi module 150R will be operating in AP mode, resulting in a connection failure.

[0072] Therefore, the MPU100 may set the operating mode for the Wi-Fi module after the recovery process, depending on the operating status of other Wi-Fi modules. For example, in Figure 5, Wi-Fi module 140R operates in AP mode. Therefore, the MPU100R sets Wi-Fi module 150R after the recovery process to direct mode instead of AP mode.

[0073] In other words, the MPU100 executes a recovery process to resolve the detected communication anomaly, and once the communication anomaly is resolved by the recovery process, it sets a mode to operate using the Wi-Fi module whose communication anomaly has been resolved, based on the operating status of other Wi-Fi modules (an example of other wireless communication units).

[0074] The MPU100R can also change the Wi-Fi module 140R, which is operating in AP mode, to no mode or direct mode, and then reconfigure the Wi-Fi module 150R back to its original AP mode.

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the communication control system 1 when abnormal pattern E1B occurs in user usage pattern U1. In abnormal pattern E1B shown in Figure 8, a communication abnormality occurs in the Wi-Fi module 150R. As a result of this communication abnormality, the Wi-Fi connection between the terminal device 20 and the Wi-Fi module 150R is disconnected. Therefore, the user is unable to operate the display device 10 using the terminal device 20. In addition, as a result of this communication abnormality, the Wi-Fi connection between the Wi-Fi module 150R and the Wi-Fi module 150L is disconnected. Therefore, the display device 10R is unable to share the display screen of the display device 10L's display 120L with the display 120R.

[0076] Upon detecting the occurrence of abnormal pattern E1B, the MPU 100R calls and executes the corresponding processing pattern S1B from list 116R. For example, the MPU 100R sets the configuration information 114R stored in memory 110R to the Wi-Fi module 140R. The MPU 100R changes the Wi-Fi module 140R, which was operating in direct mode, to AP mode. As a result, the Wi-Fi module 150L and terminal device 20, which experienced a communication interruption with the Wi-Fi module 150R, are automatically connected to the Wi-Fi module 140R. Therefore, the user can continue to operate the display device 10 using the terminal device 20. In addition, the display device 10R can continue to share and display the display screen of the display device 10L's display 120L on display 120R.

[0077] To operate the Wi-Fi module 140R in AP mode, the MPU 100R cannot, for example, display the screen of the terminal device 40 on the display 120R using MIRACAST. However, the Wi-Fi module 150R may be able to operate in direct mode.

[0078] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 8, the MPU 100R checks whether it can operate in direct mode with respect to the Wi-Fi module 150R. If the Wi-Fi module 150R can operate in direct mode, the display device 10R can continue to display the screen using MIRACAST.

[0079] In other words, when the MPU100 detects a communication anomaly in a Wi-Fi module (an example of a first wireless communication unit) operating in a first mode (e.g., AP mode), it causes another Wi-Fi module (an example of a second wireless communication unit) to operate in the first mode (e.g., AP mode). The MPU100 checks whether the Wi-Fi module (an example of a first wireless communication unit) can operate in a second mode (e.g., direct mode). If the MPU100 confirms that it can operate in a second mode (e.g., direct mode), it causes the Wi-Fi module (an example of a first wireless communication unit) to operate in the second mode (e.g., direct mode).

[0080] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present application include combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Communication control system 10:Display device 100: MPU 110: Memory 112: Program 116: List 120: Display 130: Connector 140: Wi-Fi module 150: Wi-Fi module

Claims

1. A first wireless communication unit operating in a first mode, A second wireless communication unit operating in a second mode different from the first mode, Includes a control unit, The control unit, When a communication abnormality is detected in the first wireless communication unit, the second wireless communication unit is operated in the first mode. When a communication abnormality is detected in the second wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit is operated in the second mode. Communication control system.

2. The control unit notifies the mode that has become unavailable due to the occurrence of the communication abnormality. The communication control system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The recovery process to resolve the detected communication anomaly is executed. When the communication abnormality is resolved by the recovery process, the mode to be operated by the wireless communication unit whose communication abnormality has been resolved is set based on the operating status of the other wireless communication units. The communication control system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, If a communication abnormality is detected in the first wireless communication unit operating in the first mode, the second wireless communication unit is made to operate in the first mode. Check whether the first wireless communication unit can operate in the second mode. Once it is confirmed that the unit can operate in the second mode, the first wireless communication unit is operated in the second mode. The communication control system according to claim 1.

5. When a communication anomaly is detected in the first wireless communication unit operating in the first mode, the second wireless communication unit, which is operating in a second mode different from the first mode, is made to operate in the first mode. When a communication abnormality is detected in the second wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit is operated in the second mode. To have the computer perform the process. Communication control method.

6. The mode that became unavailable due to the occurrence of the aforementioned communication anomaly is notified. The communication control method according to claim 5.

7. The recovery process to resolve the detected communication anomaly is executed. When the communication abnormality is resolved by the recovery process, the mode to be operated by the wireless communication unit whose communication abnormality has been resolved is set based on the operating status of the other wireless communication units. The communication control method according to claim 5.

8. If a communication abnormality is detected in the first wireless communication unit operating in the first mode, the second wireless communication unit is made to operate in the first mode. Check whether the first wireless communication unit can operate in the second mode. Once it is confirmed that the unit can operate in the second mode, the first wireless communication unit is operated in the second mode. The communication control method according to claim 5.

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