SIM and information processing device

Abstract

This technology provides a solution that dramatically simplifies the operation of communication-related processes for IoT devices. [Solution] A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) used in an IoT device, comprising: a storage unit having an applet area which is a storage area used as an applet, the applet area storing a first program which causes the IoT device to perform communication processing according to a predetermined communication protocol; and a processing execution unit which is a program implemented in the IoT device and performs communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program belonging to the application layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a SIM and an information processing device, and provides a SIM and an information processing device capable of realizing a dramatic simplification of operations related to the communication of IoT devices.

Background Art

[0002] In IoT (Internet Of Thing) devices, for the purpose of power saving, low-power communication protocols such as LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), a protocol for IoT formulated by OMA (Open Mobile Alliance), and MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) formulated by OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) are often adopted.

[0003] Also, in the communication between IoT devices and cloud services, when an IoT device can transmit multiple types of data, a technique has been proposed to transmit the data to an application of a cloud service suitable for the type of data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there are few communication modules that implement communication functions using low-power communication protocols for IoT devices. Therefore, conventionally, when introducing IoT devices, it was necessary to implement LwM2M communication functions in the communication module or application layer, which incurred costs.

[0006] Furthermore, interoperability testing (IoT) is required for using IoT devices and communication modules on a mobile carrier's network. In other words, interoperability testing must be completed each time a new model or a communication module with no prior usage history is introduced.

[0007] For example, even with widely used IoT devices, if modifications are made to implement LwM2M functionality in the communication module or application layer, interoperability testing must be completed again before some mobile carriers' IoT platforms can be used. Thus, the operation of communication for conventional IoT devices has been cumbersome.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology that enables a dramatic simplification of operations related to communication of IoT devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A SIM according to one aspect of the present invention is a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) used in an IoT device, comprising: a storage unit having an applet area which is a storage area used as an applet, the applet area storing a first program which causes the IoT device to perform communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol; and a processing execution unit which is a program implemented in the IoT device and performs communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program belonging to the application layer.

[0010] A data processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a data processing method for a SIM used in an IoT device, wherein the SIM has an applet area which is a memory area used as an applet, and a first program that causes the IoT device to perform communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol is stored in the applet area, and the SIM includes the step of performing communication processing by the first program based on a command from a second program which is a program implemented in the IoT device and belongs to the application layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables a dramatic simplification of operations related to communication of IoT devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the first IoT device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a second IoT device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of USIM. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a communication protocol stack when communication is controlled by an applet according to the LwM2M communication protocol. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the connection configuration between the USIM applet of an IoT device and the IoT platform. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the exchange of data between an applet and an application. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates another example of data exchange between an applet and an application. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the data transmission process flow. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the data reception process. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart for explaining another example of the data reception process. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes an IoT device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Configuration of Communication System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the communication system 10 shown in the figure, a plurality of IoT (Internet Of Thing) devices are connected to the IoT platform 90 of a mobile communication carrier.

[0015] In this example, IoT devices 30 and 60 are shown as IoT devices, but in reality, many more IoT devices are connected to the IoT platform 90. The IoT platform 90 includes, for example, an access point, a core network, a server for analyzing data collected from the IoT device 30, a server for distributing software to the IoT device, and the like.

[0016] IoT devices 30 and 60 may comply with any of the communication methods such as 3G (3rd Generation) communication method, LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication method, 5G (5th Generation) communication method, and communication methods after 6G (6th Generation) communication method.

[0017] In communication system 10, a low-power communication protocol is used for communication between IoT devices. For example, in communication system 10, LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), an IoT protocol developed by OMA (Open Mobile Alliance), is adopted for IoT devices for the purpose of saving power. Here, the implementation method of the LwM2M communication function differs between IoT device 30 and IoT device 60. As will be described in detail later, in IoT device 30, for example, the LwM2M communication function is implemented in the application, while in IoT device 60, for example, the LwM2M communication function is stored in the USIM.

[0018] (Functional configuration of the first IoT device) Figure 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of an IoT device 30. In this example, the IoT device 30 is configured to include an application 31, a communication module 32, and a USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) 33.

[0019] Application 31 is, for example, software belonging to the application layer of IoT device 30, and consists of device information 41 and LwM2M communication function 42. Device information 41 describes, for example, information related to the model and installation location of IoT device 30. LwM2M communication function 42 consists of, for example, a program that causes IoT device 30 to communicate with IoT platform 90 according to the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0020] The communication module 32 transmits data supplied from the application 31 via a bearer that supports wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G. The communication module 32 also receives data transmitted from the IoT platform 90 via a bearer that supports wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G, and supplies it to the application 31. The communication module 32 may be configured, for example, as a modem.

[0021] USIM33 is installed in the IoT device 30 as a subscriber identification module and is configured, for example, as a removable card. USIM33 has a storage area with a predetermined storage capacity, and in this example, authentication information 51 is stored in the storage area.

[0022] In the case of IoT device 30, the device vendor implements LwM2M communication functionality in application 31. This enables IoT device 30 to communicate with IoT platform 90 according to the LwM2M communication protocol. In other words, it becomes possible to communicate with IoT platform 90 using a low-power communication protocol.

[0023] Here, we have described an example where the device vendor implements the LwM2M communication function in application 31. However, the LwM2M communication function could also be implemented in the middleware of the communication module 32, for example. In this case, it is still possible to use a low-power communication protocol to enable the IoT device 30 to communicate with the IoT platform 90.

[0024] In other words, in the case of Figure 2, the device vendor modifies the IoT device 30 or communication module 32 to implement the LwM2M communication function.

[0025] (Functional configuration of the second IoT device) Figure 3 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of an IoT device 60. In this example, the IoT device 60 is configured to include an application 61, a communication module 62, and a USIM 63.

[0026] Application 61 is, for example, software belonging to the application layer of IoT device 60, and consists of device information 71. Device information 71 describes, for example, information related to the model and installation location of IoT device 30.

[0027] Note that, unlike in Figure 2, the example in Figure 3 does not include LwM2M communication functionality in application 61.

[0028] The communication module 62 transmits data supplied from the USIM 63 using a bearer that supports wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G. The exchange of data between the USIM 63 and the communication module 62 may be performed, for example, via middleware implemented in the IoT device 60.

[0029] Furthermore, the communication module 62 receives data transmitted from the IoT platform 90 by bearers supporting wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G, and supplies it to the USIM 63. The communication module 62 may be configured, for example, as a modem.

[0030] USIM63 is installed in the IoT device 60 as a subscriber identification module and is configured, for example, as a removable card.

[0031] USIM63 has a memory area with a predetermined storage capacity, and in this example, authentication information 81 and LwM2M communication function 82 are stored in the memory area. The LwM2M communication function 82 is composed of, for example, a program that causes the IoT device 60 to communicate with the IoT platform 90 according to the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0032] In the case of IoT device 60, the LwM2M communication function 82 is stored in the USIM 63. This enables IoT device 60 to communicate with IoT platform 90 according to the LwM2M communication protocol. In other words, it becomes possible to enable IoT device 60 to communicate with IoT platform 90 using a low-power communication protocol.

[0033] In the case of Figure 3, no modifications by the device vendor are necessary to implement the LwM2M communication function in the IoT device 60 or the communication module 62.

[0034] (Interoperability testing) Interoperability testing (IoT) may be required to use IoT devices and communication modules on a mobile carrier's network. For example, IoT platforms that utilize the networks of certain mobile carriers may be required to complete interoperability testing each time a new model or a communication module with no prior usage history is introduced.

[0035] For example, even with a commonly used IoT device 30, as shown in Figure 2, if modifications are made to implement LwM2M communication functionality in the application layer, it may not be usable on the communication networks of some mobile carriers unless interoperability testing is completed again.

[0036] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 3, if an IoT device is equipped with both a USIM 63 and a communication module 62, interoperability testing is unnecessary even for new models. For example, if the communication module 62 is used in a variety of IoT devices, using the USIM 63 makes it possible to use most IoT devices on IoT platforms related to the communication networks of mobile carriers, as described above, without conducting interoperability testing.

[0037] (Functional configuration of USIM) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of USIM63. In this example, the storage unit 100 of USIM63 is divided into area 101 and area 102. Area 101 stores, for example, information necessary for connecting to the communication network of a mobile communications carrier. In this example, authentication information 81 is stored in area 101.

[0038] Area 102 stores, for example, information corresponding to the LwM2M communication function 82 described above. In this example, it stores basic configuration information 131 and the protocol execution control program 132. Area 102 is also called the applet area. Area 102 is a highly tamper-resistant area and can store, for example, information other than that necessary for connecting to a mobile network operator's network.

[0039] Furthermore, programs stored in and running on the USIM are sometimes referred to as applets. The information stored in area 102 may be automatically updated, for example, by an OTA server for distribution.

[0040] Thus, the USIM63 according to this embodiment has an applet area, which is a memory area used as an applet, and the applet area has a memory unit in which a first program (e.g., a protocol execution control program 132) is stored that causes an IoT device to execute communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol (e.g., LwM2M).

[0041] The basic configuration information may be, for example, the connection URL of the IoT device 60. Alternatively, the basic configuration information may be, for example, LwM2M operation parameters. LwM2M operation parameters may be, for example, Lifetime, Binding, Mode, etc.

[0042] The protocol execution control program 132 is a program that runs on the USIM and may be a program that controls the execution of communication processing according to the LwM2M communication program. The USIM 63 has a CPU, an interface, etc., and the program stored in area 102 is executed by the CPU, and data is exchanged between the application 61 or the communication module 62 via the interface.

[0043] The protocol execution control program 132, for example, acquires data to be transmitted based on a command output from application 61 and notifies the communication module 62 via the interface of an execution command to transmit a packet in accordance with the LwM2M communication protocol. The protocol execution control program 132 also, for example, receives a packet transmitted from IoT platform 90 in accordance with the LwM2M communication protocol and supplies the data obtained to application 61 via the interface based on a command output from application 61. In other words, the program stored in area 102 is executed by the CPU, thereby executing communication processing in accordance with the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0044] Thus, the USIM63 according to this embodiment is a program implemented in an IoT device and has a processing execution unit that executes communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program (for example, application 61) belonging to the application layer.

[0045] Hereafter, the program stored in area 102 will be referred to as applet 102. When applet 102 runs on USIM 63, the IoT device 60 communicates with the IoT platform 90 according to the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of a communication protocol stack when communication is controlled by applet 102 according to the LwM2M communication protocol. As shown in the figure, the communication protocol stack used for sending or receiving data includes LwM2M, CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security), and UDP.

[0047] (Connection method between applet and IoT platform) Figure 6 illustrates the connection configuration between the applet 102 of the USIM 63 of the IoT device 60 and the IoT platform 90.

[0048] In the figure, the IoT device 60 is running the IoT client application 151. The IoT client application 151 performs processing to acquire information detected by sensors on the IoT device 60 and provide it to the IoT server 172 of the IoT platform 90. The IoT client application 151 may be, for example, part of application 61 in Figure 3.

[0049] The IoT client application 151 sends data related to information detected by, for example, sensors on the IoT device 60 (referred to as detection data) to the applet 102 of the USIM 63.

[0050] Applet 102 sends detection data acquired from IoT client application 151 to communication module 62. At this time, applet 102 packets the detection data according to the LwM2M communication protocol, for example, and sends it to communication module 62.

[0051] The communication module 62, for example, transmits packets acquired from the applet 102 using a bearer that supports wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G. The transmitted packets are then received by the IoT server 172 of the IoT platform 90.

[0052] Furthermore, the IoT server 172 sends a request to the IoT device 60 to transmit detection data as needed. For example, the IoT server 172 may send data indicating a request to change the sensor threshold of the IoT device 60 as needed. Such data will be referred to as request data.

[0053] Furthermore, applet 102 acquires packets based on signals received by communication module 62, for example, according to the LwM2M communication protocol, and supplies request data obtained from the acquired packets to application 61.

[0054] In this way, the IoT device sends and receives data with other devices (e.g., IoT server 172), and the first program (e.g., protocol execution control program 132) supplies first data (e.g., detection data) supplied from the second program (e.g., application 61) to the IoT device's communication module according to a predetermined communication protocol (e.g., LwM2M), causing the communication module to generate a radio signal to be transmitted to the other device, and the IoT device's communication module obtains second data (e.g., request data) transmitted from the other device, which is obtained based on the radio signal received by the IoT device's communication module.

[0055] In other words, the IoT device 60 and the IoT server 172 transmit and receive data according to, for example, the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0056] The distribution OTA server 171 transmits data to update the applet 102 as a wireless signal via a bearer compatible with wireless communication methods such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G, which is received by the communication module 62 of the IoT device 60. The communication module 62 supplies the data obtained from the received wireless signal to the applet 102 of the USIM 63. As a result, the applet 102 is updated.

[0057] The data updated by the distribution OTA server 171 may be, for example, basic configuration information 131 or a protocol execution control program 132.

[0058] In other words, the IoT device 60 is connected to an IoT platform 90 including a distribution OTA server 171, and basic configuration information 131, which is stored in area 102 and includes information indicating the connection destination address of the IoT device 60 or information indicating operating parameters related to a predetermined communication protocol, may be distributed by the distribution OTA server 171. Furthermore, update data for the first program (protocol execution control program 132) stored in the applet area may also be further distributed by the distribution OTA server 171.

[0059] Furthermore, the protocol used when the distribution OTA server 171 and the applet 102 communicate may be HTTPS over BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol).

[0060] (Information exchange between applet and application) Next, we will describe the exchange of data between the IoT client application 151 and the applet 102. For example, if the IoT client application 151 is supplying data to the IoT platform 90 to the applet 102, the applet 102 can be made to read the data by issuing an AT+CSIM command, for example.

[0061] On the other hand, for example, when the IoT platform 90 receives a request from the IoT device 60, the request data related to the received request is supplied from the communication module 62 to the applet 102. Examples of requests from the IoT platform 90 to the IoT device 60 include changing thresholds set for detection by sensors. In this case, the applet 102 needs to notify the IoT client application 151 of the request data.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates the exchange of data between applet 102 and application 61.

[0063] For example, when transmitting detection data detected by the sensor of IoT device 60 to IoT platform 90, the detection data is supplied from application 61 to applet 102. In this case, application 61 supplies the detection data to be sent to IoT platform 90 to applet 102 by, for example, causing applet 102 to read the detection data using an AT+CSIM command.

[0064] For example, if the IoT server 172 requests a change in the sensor threshold of the IoT device 60, the applet 102 supplies the application 61 with the request data related to that request.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 7, application 61 periodically polls applet 102 using AT+CSIM commands. Applet 102 supplies request data from IoT platform 90 to application 61 in response to the polling via AT+CSIM commands.

[0066] This allows, for example, the system to change sensor thresholds in response to requests from the IoT platform 90.

[0067] Figure 8 illustrates another example of data exchange between applet 102 and application 61. While this example describes issuing an AT+CSIM command, data could also be read using a custom command equivalent to the AT+CSIM command.

[0068] For example, when transmitting detection data detected by the sensor of IoT device 60 to IoT platform 90, the detection data is supplied from application 61 to applet 102. In this case, application 61 supplies the detection data to be sent to IoT platform 90 to applet 102 by causing applet 102 to read the detection data using AT+CSIM commands, similar to the case in Figure 7.

[0069] For example, if the IoT server 172 requests a change in the sensor threshold of the IoT device 60, the applet 102 supplies the application 61 with the request data related to that request.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 8, when applet 102 receives request data from IoT platform 90 for IoT device 60, it outputs a proactive command to application 61. Proactive commands are used when an applet actively outputs commands to a device. In this case, for example, applet 102 outputs a proactive command that causes application 61 to output an AT+CIM command.

[0071] When application 61 receives a proactive command, it instructs applet 102 to supply request data using an AT+CSIM command. Applet 102 supplies request data from IoT platform 90 to application 61 in response to the AT+CSIM command.

[0072] Alternatively, when applet 102 receives request data from IoT platform 90 to IoT device 60, it may output a proactive command to application 61 instructing it to change sensor thresholds or perform other actions. In this case, when application 61 receives a proactive command, it will change sensor thresholds or perform other actions in response to the instructions of that proactive command.

[0073] Alternatively, when applet 102 receives request data for IoT device 60 from IoT platform 90, it may send a message to application 61 via SMS (Short Message Service). In this case, when application 61 receives the message, it will issue an AT+CSIM command in response to that message. Applet 102 will then supply request data from IoT platform 90 to application 61 as a response to the AT+CSIM command.

[0074] This approach allows for, for example, changing sensor thresholds in response to requests from the IoT platform 90. Unlike the method in Figure 7, the method in Figure 8 does not require polling, so a more power-efficient system operation can be expected.

[0075] (An example of data transmission processing) Next, we will describe an example of data transmission processing using applet 102. This process is performed, for example, when detection data detected by the sensor of IoT device 60 is sent to the IoT platform 90. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the data transmission process flow.

[0076] In step S101, applet 102 determines whether it has received an AT+CSIM command from application 61 and waits until it is determined that it has received an AT+CSIM command. If it is determined in step S101 that it has received an AT+CSIM command, the process in step S102 is executed.

[0077] In step S102, applet 102 reads the detection data according to the AT+CSIM command that was determined to have been received in the processing of step S101. This supplies the detection data from application 61 to applet 102.

[0078] In step S103, applet 102 outputs the detection data read in step S102 to communication module 62 according to the LwM2M communication protocol. As a result, communication module 62 transmits a wireless signal corresponding to the detection data.

[0079] In this way, the data transmission process is executed.

[0080] (An example of data reception processing) Next, we will describe an example of data reception processing using applet 102. This processing is executed, for example, when the IoT server 172 requests a change in the sensor threshold of IoT device 60. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the data reception processing flow.

[0081] In step S121, applet 102 determines whether or not it has received a poll from application 61 and waits until it determines that it has received a poll. Here, it is assumed that polls are periodically output to applet 102 by the AT+CSIM command.

[0082] If it is determined in step S121 that a polling has been received, the process in step S122 is executed.

[0083] In step S122, applet 102 supplies request data to application 61 as a response to polling. This allows application 61 to perform actions such as changing sensor thresholds in response to requests from IoT platform 90.

[0084] If the IoT device 60 has not yet received the request data from the IoT server 172, the applet 102 may, in step S122, supply empty data to the application 61, or return an error as a response to the polling.

[0085] In this way, the data reception process is executed.

[0086] (Another example of data reception processing) Next, we will describe another example of data reception processing by applet 102. This process is executed, for example, when the IoT server 172 requests a change in the sensor threshold of IoT device 60. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the data reception processing flow.

[0087] In step S141, applet 102 determines whether it has received the request data from IoT server 172 and waits until it is determined that the request data has been received. If it is determined in step S141 that the request data has been received, the process in step S142 is executed.

[0088] In step S142, applet 102 issues a proactive command to cause application 61 to output an AT+CIM command.

[0089] In step S143, applet 102 determines whether it has received the AT+CSIM command output by application 61 in response to the proactive command output in step S142. Applet 102 then waits until it is determined that it has received the AT+CSIM command output by application 61. If it is determined in step S143 that it has received the AT+CSIM command, the process in step S144 is executed.

[0090] In step S144, applet 102 supplies request data from IoT platform 90 to application 61 as a response to the AT+CSIM command that was determined to have been received in step S143.

[0091] In step S142, the applet 102 may output a proactive command to the application 61 instructing it to change the sensor threshold or perform other actions. In this case, the application 61 will change the sensor threshold or perform other actions in response to the proactive command.

[0092] In step S142, applet 102 may send a message to application 61 via SMS. Then, in step S143, it may be determined whether or not an AT+CSIM command output by application 61 in response to the message output in step S142 has been received.

[0093] The data reception process may be executed in this manner.

[0094] (Example of IoT device configuration) IoT devices such as IoT device 30 and IoT device 60 can be realized, for example, by having one or more computers run a program. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer in this embodiment.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the computer 500 can be configured with a bus 510, a processor 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary memory 503, a communication interface 504, and an input / output interface 505.

[0096] The processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary memory 503, communication interface 504, and input / output interface 505 are connected to each other via bus 510. A drive 506 and a sensor 507 are connected to the input / output interface 505.

[0097] Processor 501 can include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0098] For the main memory 502, for example, semiconductor RAM (random access memory) can be used.

[0099] For example, the auxiliary memory 503 may be flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof. The auxiliary memory 503 stores a program that causes the processor 501 to execute a predetermined process. The processor 501 loads the program stored in the auxiliary memory 503 onto the main memory 502 and executes each instruction contained in the loaded program.

[0100] The above program may be recorded on one or more recording media that are readable by the computer 500, rather than temporarily. The computer 500 may or may not have such recording media. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the computer 500 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0101] The communication interface 504 is an interface that connects to a network. The communication interface 504 may be an interface that supports wireless communication methods such as WLAN, 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G.

[0102] The input / output interface 505 may be, for example, an interface conforming to a predetermined standard. Furthermore, the input / output interface 505 may include a USB interface, a short-range communication interface such as infrared or Bluetooth®, or a combination thereof.

[0103] A drive 506 into which the USIM 63 is inserted is connected to the input / output interface 505. The USIM 63 may also be directly connected to the input / output interface 505. In this case, the drive 506 may not be provided. In addition, a sensor 507 of an IoT device, for example, may be connected to the input / output interface 505.

[0104] Furthermore, input and output devices may be connected to the input / output interface 505 as needed. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, or a combination thereof. Examples of output devices include a display, printer, speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0105] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, by simply inserting the USIM 63 into the IoT device 60, the IoT device 60 and the IoT platform 90 can communicate, for example, according to the LwM2M communication protocol.

[0106] In other words, according to this embodiment, there is no need to modify the IoT device's application or communication module to implement communication functions using a predetermined communication protocol (e.g., LwM2M). Furthermore, if there is a track record of using the IoT device's communication module, it becomes possible to connect the IoT device to the mobile carrier's network and use it without conducting interoperability tests. For example, even when using an IoT platform related to the mobile carrier's network, which requires the completion of interoperability tests each time a new model or an untested communication module is introduced, the burden on the user related to interoperability testing can be reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, since basic configuration information, including the connection address of the IoT device 60 and LwM2M operating parameters, is distributed from the distribution OTA server 171, initial setup of the IoT device 60 can also be automated. In other words, users can acquire the desired data and analyze it on the IoT platform simply by inserting the USIM 63 into the IoT device 60.

[0108] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to dramatically simplify the operation of communication related to IoT devices.

[0109] (Other embodiments) In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which communication between the IoT device 60 and the IoT platform 90 is performed according to the LwM2M communication protocol by inserting the USIM 63 into the IoT device 60. However, other low-power communication protocols such as MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) or HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) may be used instead of LwM2M.

[0110] Alternatively, an eSIM (Embedded SIM) may be used instead of USIM63. Note that USIM and eSIM will be collectively referred to as SIM.

[0111] According to each aspect of the present invention described above, by achieving the effects described above, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster technological innovation."

[0112] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0113] 〔summary〕 A SIM according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) used in an IoT device, comprising: a storage unit having an applet area which is a storage area used as an applet, the applet area storing a first program which causes the IoT device to perform communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol; and a processing execution unit which is a program implemented in the IoT device and performs communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program belonging to the application layer.

[0114] In aspect 2 of the present invention, the SIM is such that, in aspect 1 above, the communication protocol is LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport), or HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol).

[0115] In the SIM according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 described above, the IoT device transmits and receives data with other devices, the first program supplies first data supplied from the second program to the communication module of the IoT device in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, causing the communication module to generate a radio signal to be transmitted to the other device, and the communication module of the IoT device obtains data based on the radio signal received, which is second data transmitted from the other device.

[0116] In the SIM according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, in embodiment 3 described above, the second program periodically outputs polling using AT+CSIM commands, and the first program supplies the second data to the second program as a response to the polling.

[0117] In the SIM according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in aspect 3 described above, when the first program acquires the second data, it outputs a proactive command or an SMS message that causes the second program to execute a command related to the second data.

[0118] In the SIM according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in embodiment 3 described above, when the first program acquires the second data, it outputs a proactive command to cause the second program to output an AT+CSIM command, when the second program receives the proactive command, it outputs an AT+CSIM command to cause the first program to output data, and the first program supplies the second data to the second program as a response to the AT+CSIM command.

[0119] In the SIM according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in any of the above aspects 1 to 6, the IoT device is connected to an IoT platform including a distribution OTA server, and the distribution OTA server distributes basic configuration information stored in the applet area, which includes information indicating the destination address of the IoT device or information indicating the operating parameters related to the predetermined communication protocol.

[0120] In the SIM according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in aspect 7 described above, the update data of the first program stored in the applet area is further distributed by the distribution OTA server.

[0121] A data processing method according to aspect 9 of the present invention is a data processing method for a SIM used in an IoT device, wherein the SIM has an applet area which is a memory area used as an applet, and a first program that causes the IoT device to perform communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol is stored in the applet area, and the SIM includes the step of performing communication processing by the first program based on a command from a second program which is a program implemented in the IoT device and belongs to the application layer.

[0122] The information processing device according to aspect 10 of the present invention is an information processing device used as an IoT device, and comprises the SIM described in aspect 1 above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 10 Communication Systems 30 IoT devices 31 Applications 32 Communication Modules 33 USIM 60 IoT devices 61 Applications 62 Communication Module 63 USIM 90 IoT Platforms 100 Storage section 102 Applets 131 Basic Settings Information 132 Protocol Execution Control Program 151 IoT Client Applications 171 OTA server for distribution 172 IoT Servers

Claims

1. A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) used in IoT devices, A storage unit having an applet area which is a memory area used as an applet, and a first program which causes the IoT device to perform communication processing according to a predetermined communication protocol is stored in the applet area, A program implemented in the IoT device, comprising a processing execution unit that executes communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program belonging to the application layer, A SIM card equipped with [feature / feature].

2. The aforementioned communication protocol is LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), MQTT (Message Query Telemetry Transport), or HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). The SIM according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned IoT device transmits and receives data with other devices. The first program described above is: The first data supplied from the second program is supplied to the communication module of the IoT device in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, thereby causing the communication module to generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to the other device. The data obtained based on the wireless signal received by the communication module of the IoT device, and which acquires the second data transmitted from the other device. The SIM according to claim 1.

4. The second program described above periodically outputs polling signals using the AT+CSIM command. The first program supplies the second data to the second program as a response to the polling. The SIM according to claim 3.

5. The first program described above is: Upon acquiring the second data, the program outputs a proactive command or an SMS (Short Message Service) message that causes the second program to execute a command related to the second data. The SIM according to claim 3.

6. The first program described above is: Upon acquiring the second data, a proactive command is output to the second program to cause it to output an AT+CSIM command. The second program described above is: Upon receiving the aforementioned proactive command, the first program outputs an AT+CSIM command to cause it to output data. The first program supplies the second data to the second program as a response to the AT+CSIM command. The SIM according to claim 3.

7. The IoT device is connected to an IoT platform that includes an OTA server for distribution. Basic configuration information stored in the applet area, including information indicating the destination address of the IoT device, or information indicating operating parameters related to the predetermined communication protocol, is distributed by the distribution OTA server. The SIM according to claim 1.

8. The update data for the first program stored in the applet area is further distributed by the distribution OTA server. The SIM according to claim 7.

9. A method for processing data from a SIM used in IoT devices, The SIM has an applet area, which is a memory area used as an applet, and a first program is stored in the applet area that causes the IoT device to perform communication processing in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The SIM is a program implemented in the IoT device, and includes the step of executing communication processing by the first program based on instructions from a second program belonging to the application layer. Data processing method.

10. An information processing device used as an IoT device, comprising the SIM described in claim 1. Information processing device.

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