Control devices, communication devices, communication systems, operating methods, programs, and storage media

Abstract

To achieve a good in-vehicle communication environment. [Solution] A control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: communication means for performing a first communication using a first communication method or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method; detection means for detecting the communication status of the first communication; acquisition means for acquiring device information of a communication device located inside or around the vehicle; and determination means for determining whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information when the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication status while the first communication is being performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a communication device, a communication system, an operation method, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses determining a communication priority according to communication used by a vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, mobile communication is enabled by a vehicle and a communication carrier concluding a contract, but there are both good and bad communication quality locations for each communication carrier. Therefore, there is a problem that the communication quality may change during vehicle travel and the vehicle communication environment may become unstable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for realizing a good vehicle communication environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device according to an aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object is a control device mounted on a vehicle, communication means for performing first communication using a first communication method or second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method; detection means for detecting a communication situation of the first communication; Acquisition means for acquiring device information of communication devices located inside or around the vehicle, If the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being performed, the determination means determines whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information, It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a good vehicle communication environment can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram of a vehicle and control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the procedure for processing performed by the communication device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, we describe an example in which, in a communication system including a vehicle and a communication device (such as a smartphone) that communicates with the vehicle, when the communication status of the cellular communication deteriorates while the vehicle is performing cellular communication, the system decides whether or not to switch from cellular communication to tethering communication via the communication device based on the device information of the communication device.

[0011] <Control devices and their application examples> Figure 1 is a block diagram of a control device CNT according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of a vehicle V as an example of its application. In Figure 1, the schematic of vehicle V is shown in a plan view and a side view. Vehicle V in this embodiment is, for example, a sedan-type four-wheeled passenger car, and may be, for example, a parallel hybrid vehicle. Note that vehicle V is not limited to a four-wheeled passenger car, and may be a saddle-type vehicle (motorcycle, motorized tricycle), or a large vehicle such as a truck or bus.

[0012] The control device CNT includes a controller 1, which is an electronic circuit that performs control of the vehicle V, including driving assistance for the vehicle V. The controller 1 comprises multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units). ECUs are provided, for example, for each function of the control device CNT. Each ECU includes a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as semiconductor memory, and an interface with external devices. The storage device stores programs executed by the processor and data used by the processor for processing. Interfaces include input / output interfaces and communication interfaces. Each ECU may have multiple processors, multiple storage devices, and multiple interfaces. Programs stored in the storage device may be stored in the storage device by being installed on the control device CNT using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0013] Controller 1 controls the driving (acceleration) of vehicle V by controlling power unit (power plant) 2. Power unit 2 is a drive unit that outputs driving force to rotate the drive wheels of vehicle V, and may include an internal combustion engine, a motor, and an automatic transmission. The motor can be used as a drive source to accelerate vehicle V, and can also be used as a generator during deceleration, etc. (regenerative braking).

[0014] In this embodiment, the controller 1 controls the output of the internal combustion engine and motor, and switches the gear of the automatic transmission, in response to the driver's driving operations detected by the operation detection sensor 2a provided on the accelerator pedal AP and the operation detection sensor 2b provided on the brake pedal BP, as well as the vehicle speed of the vehicle V detected by the rotation speed sensor 2c. The automatic transmission is equipped with a rotation speed sensor 2c that detects the rotation speed of the output shaft of the automatic transmission as a sensor that detects the driving state of the vehicle V. The vehicle speed of the vehicle V can be calculated from the detection result of the rotation speed sensor 2c.

[0015] The controller 1 controls the braking (deceleration) of the vehicle V by controlling the hydraulic device 3. The driver's braking operation on the brake pedal BP is converted into hydraulic pressure in the brake master cylinder BM and transmitted to the hydraulic device 3. The hydraulic device 3 is an actuator capable of controlling the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to the brake devices 3a (for example, disc brake devices) provided on the four wheels respectively based on the hydraulic pressure transmitted from the brake master cylinder BM.

[0016] The controller 1 can control the braking of the vehicle V by performing drive control of solenoid valves and the like provided in the hydraulic device 3. Further, the controller 1 can also constitute an electric servo brake system by controlling the distribution of the braking force by the brake device 3a and the braking force by the regenerative braking of the motor provided in the power unit 2. The controller 1 may turn on the brake lamp 3b during braking.

[0017] The controller 1 controls the steering of the vehicle V by controlling the electric power steering device 4. The electric power steering device 4 includes a mechanism for steering the front wheels according to the driver's driving operation (steering operation) on the steering wheel ST. The electric power steering device 4 includes a drive unit 4a that exerts a driving force (sometimes referred to as steering assist torque) for assisting the steering operation or automatically steering the front wheels of the vehicle V. The drive unit 4a includes a motor as a drive source. Further, the electric power steering device 4 includes a steering angle sensor 4b for detecting the steering angle, a torque sensor 4c for detecting the steering torque borne by the driver (referred to as steering load torque and distinguished from the steering assist torque), and the like.

[0018] The controller 1 controls the electric parking brake device 3c provided on the rear wheels of the vehicle V. The electric parking brake device 3c includes a mechanism for locking the rear wheels. The controller 1 can control the locking and unlocking of the rear wheels by the electric parking brake device 3c.

[0019] Controller 1 controls an information output device 5 that provides information to the vehicle. The information output device 5 includes, for example, a display device 5a that provides information to the driver via images, and / or an audio output device 5b that provides information to the driver via sound. The display device 5a includes, for example, a display device provided on the instrument panel or a display device provided on the steering wheel ST. The display device 5a may also include a head-up display. The information output device 5 may also provide information to occupants via vibration or light. Multiple display devices 5a may be provided, and each may be positioned in a location corresponding to each seat (for example, in front of each seat). This makes it possible to provide information to occupants of the vehicle V other than the driver.

[0020] Controller 1 receives instruction input from the occupant (e.g., the driver) via input device 6. Input device 6 is positioned in a location accessible to the driver and includes, for example, a group of switches 6a for the driver to give instructions to the vehicle V, and / or a turn signal lever 6b for activating the turn signals.

[0021] Controller 1 recognizes and determines the current position and course (attitude) of vehicle V. In this embodiment, vehicle V is equipped with a gyro sensor 7a, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 7b, and a communication device 7c. The gyro sensor 7a detects the rotational motion (yaw rate) of vehicle V. The GNSS sensor 7b detects the current position of vehicle V. The communication device 7c also communicates wirelessly with a server that provides map information and traffic information to acquire this information. In this embodiment, controller 1 determines the course of vehicle V based on the detection results of the gyro sensor 7a and the GNSS sensor 7b, and sequentially acquires map information related to the course from the server via the communication device 7c and stores it in the database 7d (storage device). Vehicle V may also be equipped with other sensors to detect the state of vehicle V, such as an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of vehicle V.

[0022] Controller 1 performs driving assistance for vehicle V based on the detection results of various detection units installed in vehicle V. Vehicle V is equipped with external sensors, which are ambient detection units 8a to 8b, that detect the outside of vehicle V (surrounding conditions), and internal sensors, which are internal detection units 9a to 9b, that detect the conditions inside the vehicle (the state of the occupants (especially the driver)). Controller 1 can grasp the surrounding conditions of vehicle V based on the detection results of ambient detection units 8a to 8b and perform driving assistance according to those surrounding conditions. In addition, Controller 1 can determine, based on the detection results of internal detection units 9a to 9b, whether the driver is performing the predetermined actions required of the driver when performing driving assistance.

[0023] The surrounding detection unit 8a is an imaging device that captures images of the area in front of the vehicle V (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the front camera 8a), and is mounted, for example, on the interior side of the front windshield at the front of the roof of the vehicle V. The controller 1 can extract the contours of objects and the lane markings (white lines, etc.) on the road by analyzing the images captured by the front camera 8a.

[0024] The surrounding detection unit 8b is a millimeter-wave radar (hereinafter sometimes referred to as radar 8b) that uses radio waves to detect targets around the vehicle V and detects (measures) the distance to the targets and the direction (azimuth) of the targets relative to the vehicle V. In the example shown in Figure 1, there are five radar 8b units: one in the center of the front of the vehicle V, one at each of the left and right corners of the front, and one at each of the left and right corners of the rear.

[0025] The surrounding detection unit installed in vehicle V is not limited to the above configuration; the number of cameras and radars may be changed, and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for detecting targets around vehicle V may also be installed.

[0026] The in-vehicle detection unit 9a is an imaging device that captures images of the interior of the vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the in-vehicle camera 9a), and is mounted, for example, on the interior side of the front of the roof of the vehicle interior V. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle camera 9a is a driver monitor camera that captures images of the driver (for example, the driver's eyes and face). The controller 1 can recognize the driver and determine the driver's gaze and the direction of their face by analyzing the image (driver's face image) captured by the in-vehicle camera 9a. Alternatively, the in-vehicle camera 9a may be a plurality of in-vehicle cameras, each positioned to correspond to a different seat. By analyzing the images captured by each in-vehicle camera, the controller 1 can recognize passengers in the front passenger seat and rear passengers, and determine their gaze and the direction of their faces.

[0027] The in-vehicle detection unit 9b is a grip sensor (hereinafter sometimes referred to as grip sensor 9b) that detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel ST, and is provided, for example, on at least a part of the steering wheel ST. Alternatively, a torque sensor 4c that detects the driver's steering torque may be used as the in-vehicle detection unit.

[0028] <Functional Configuration> Referring to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of the control device according to this embodiment will be described. The functions of each processing unit in the control device according to this embodiment are realized by one or more ECUs or CPUs reading and executing programs stored in a storage device.

[0029] The control device CNT is mounted on the vehicle V. The control device CNT comprises a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a detection unit 203, a device information acquisition unit 204, a determination unit 205, a location information acquisition unit 206, a storage unit 207, a strength information acquisition unit 208, an update unit 209, a notification unit 210, and a switching control unit 211. However, in this embodiment, not all processing units are necessarily required.

[0030] The control unit 201 controls the operation of the entire control device CNT.

[0031] The communication unit 202 can perform a first communication using a first communication method, or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, via the communication device 7c. Here, the first communication using the first communication method is, for example, cellular communication using a cellular communication method used by the vehicle V, and the second communication using the second communication method is, but is not limited to, tethering communication using a tethering communication method. By performing tethering communication, the vehicle V can connect to the internet by connecting to another communication device (for example, a smartphone) and using the data communication function of the other communication device (smartphone). The tethering communication here can be, for example, Wi-Fi tethering communication, Bluetooth® tethering communication, or USB tethering communication.

[0032] The detection unit 203 detects the communication status of the first communication using the first communication method (for example, cellular communication using the cellular communication method used by vehicle V).

[0033] The device information acquisition unit 204 acquires device information of communication devices (smartphones, tablet terminals, etc.) located inside or around the vehicle V. The device information may include at least one of the following: information indicating the communication status of the communication device, information indicating the type of access point with which the communication device is communicating using a first communication method (e.g., cellular communication method), information about the owner of the communication device, and information about the communication cost of the communication device. The type of access point may be a communication carrier such as DoCoMo, KDDI, SoftBank, or Rakuten Mobile. The communication cost information may include, for example, information indicating whether additional charges will be incurred when tethering is performed, information indicating the amount of those charges if applicable, or information indicating the remaining data allowance that can be used without additional charges.

[0034] If the detection unit 203 detects that the first communication (e.g., cellular communication of vehicle V) is in a first communication condition (e.g., the communication condition is worse than a predetermined standard, or the communication strength is below a predetermined strength) while the first communication is being performed, the decision unit 205 decides whether or not to switch from the first communication (e.g., cellular communication of vehicle V) to the second communication (tethering communication) via the communication device, based on the device information of the communication device.

[0035] The location information acquisition unit 206 acquires the location information of the vehicle V, for example, using the GNSS sensor 7b.

[0036] The memory unit 207 stores the communication strength for each access point as communication strength information, associating it with the area. For example, for each area, it is stored as known information that the communication strength of the communication service provided by the first telecommunications carrier is X, the communication strength of the communication service provided by the second telecommunications carrier is Y, and the communication strength of the communication service provided by the third telecommunications carrier is Z, and for example, X>Y>Z.

[0037] The signal strength acquisition unit 208 acquires communication signal strength information from a server device (not shown) that manages communication signal strength information. Here, the communication signal strength information is collected and managed collectively by the server device from each telecommunications carrier, and the unit acquires it from that server device.

[0038] The update unit 209 can update the communication strength information stored in the storage unit 207 based on the acquisition results of the strength information acquisition unit 208. The update may be performed periodically or in response to an update instruction from the user. The update unit 209 can also update the communication strength information stored in the storage unit 207 based on the detection results of the detection unit 203. By performing the update using the actual communication strength of the first communication (for example, cellular communication used by vehicle V) in the area where vehicle V is located, based on the results detected by the control device CNT, it becomes possible to collect more accurate information that is closer to reality.

[0039] The notification unit 210 will issue a notification before the switch is executed if the decision unit 205 has decided to switch from the first communication to the second communication. The notification unit 210 may also issue a notification if the owner of the communication device and the owner of the vehicle V are different. The notification unit 210 may also issue a notification if it is recognized that additional costs will be incurred when performing the second communication based on the communication cost information.

[0040] Notification 210 may be sent to a communication device, or it may be sent using the display device 5a provided in the vehicle V. This makes it possible to send notifications to users of the communication device who are riding in the vehicle V.

[0041] The switching control unit 211 executes the switch when the decision unit 205 determines that it is necessary to switch from the first communication to the second communication. If a notification 210 is issued at that time, the switching control unit 211 may also execute the switch when it receives an instruction from the crew member (user) who received the notification to agree to the switch, or when it receives an instruction input.

[0042] <Processing> Next, the procedure for processing performed by the control device according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. In S301, the detection unit 203 detects the communication status (quality of radio waves, for example, radio wave strength) of the first communication (cellular communication) using the first communication method (for example, cellular communication method) used by the vehicle V.

[0043] In S302, the control unit 201 determines whether the detection unit 203 has detected that the first communication is in a first communication state (such as a situation where the communication state is worse than a predetermined standard, or a situation where the communication strength is below a predetermined strength) while the first communication is being executed. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process returns to S301.

[0044] In S303, the device information acquisition unit 204 acquires device information of communication devices (such as smartphones and tablet terminals) located inside or around the vehicle V.

[0045] In S304, the decision unit 205 decides whether to switch from the first communication to a second communication (tethering communication) using a second communication method different from the first communication method via the communication device, based on the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 204. For example, the device information may include information indicating the communication status of the communication device. The decision unit 205 may decide to switch from the first communication to the second communication if the communication device is in a second communication status (a situation where the communication status is better than a predetermined standard, the communication strength is greater than a predetermined strength, or the communication status is better than the first communication status). The device information may also include information indicating the type of access point (e.g., communication carrier) with which the communication device is communicating using the first communication method. The decision unit 205 may decide to switch from the first communication to the second communication if this type is different from the type of access point with which the control device CNT is communicating using the first communication method.

[0046] In S305, the control unit 201 determines whether the decision unit 205 has decided to switch from the first communication to the second communication. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S306. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process ends.

[0047] In S306, the switching control unit 211 performs a switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device. This completes the process shown in Figure 3.

[0048] As explained above, in this embodiment, if the communication status of the first communication (cellular communication) used by the vehicle V deteriorates while the first communication is in operation, a decision is made on whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication (tethering communication) via the communication device (smartphone) based on the device information of the communication device (information indicating the communication status of the communication device and the type of access point to which the communication device is communicating via cellular communication).

[0049] This allows the vehicle to reduce the deterioration of its communication status even if the communication conditions between the vehicle and the external access point deteriorate, by switching to communication via a communication device (smartphone) (tethering communication) based on device information. Therefore, a good vehicle communication environment can be achieved.

[0050] [Differentiation] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the process ends after switching from the first communication (cellular communication) to the second communication (tethering communication), but the system is not limited to this example. For example, the detection unit 203 may then further detect the communication status of the second communication, and if it is detected that the second communication is in the first communication status (a situation where the communication status is worse than a predetermined standard, a situation where the communication strength is below a predetermined strength, etc.) while the second communication is in operation, the determination unit 205 may further decide whether or not to switch from the second communication to the first communication. In this case, the communication status of the first communication may be detected again, and if the communication status of the first communication is better than the communication status of the second communication, it may be decided to switch from the second communication to the first communication.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example, in S304, an example was described in which the communication device switches from the first communication to the second communication when the type of access point (e.g., communication carrier) with which it is communicating using the first communication method differs from the type of access point with which the control device CNT is communicating using the first communication method. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the location information acquisition unit 206 may acquire the location information of the vehicle V, and the storage unit 207 may store the communication strength for each access point as communication strength information associated with the area.

[0052] At this time, the decision unit 205 may decide to switch from the first communication to the second communication if the type of access point that the communication device is communicating with using the first communication method is different from the type of access point that the control device CNT is communicating with using the first communication method, and the communication strength of the access point that the communication device is communicating with using the first communication method in the area where the vehicle V is located is above a predetermined strength. For example, if the vehicle V is using the first communication carrier and the communication device (smartphone) is using the second communication carrier, and the communication strength of the second communication carrier is good in the area where the vehicle V is located, the decision unit 205 may decide to perform the switch. Alternatively, the decision unit 205 may decide to perform the switch if the communication strength of the second communication carrier is higher than that of the first communication carrier in the area where the vehicle V is located.

[0053] Furthermore, as in the modified example above, if the storage unit 207 stores the communication strength for each access point as communication strength information associated with an area, the update unit 209 may update that communication strength information based on the detection result (communication status of the first communication) of the detection unit 203. This makes it possible to reflect communication strength information that is more in line with the actual situation, thereby improving the accuracy of the communication strength information stored in the storage unit 207.

[0054] Alternatively, instead of the control device CNT acquiring and updating the latest communication status information, another server device may be configured to collect and update the information and provide the latest communication status information to the control device CNT. For example, the strength information acquisition unit 208 may acquire communication strength information from a server device (not shown) that manages communication strength information, and the update unit 209 may update the communication strength information stored in the storage unit 207 based on the acquisition results of the strength information acquisition unit 208.

[0055] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, an example is described in which notification is given before switching from the first communication to the second communication. The device configuration is the same as the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2, so the description is omitted.

[0056] <Processing> Referring to Figure 4, the procedure for processing performed by the control device CNT according to this embodiment will be described. Processes similar to those in Figure 3 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted. In this embodiment, the device information further includes the owner information of the communication device.

[0057] In S401, the control unit 201 determines whether the owner of the communication device and the owner of the vehicle V are the same person, based on the owner information of the communication device included in the device information. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S306. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process proceeds to S402.

[0058] In S402, the notification unit 210 issues a notification indicating a switch from the first communication to the second communication. This notification includes information for inquiring whether the switch is permitted or not. The notification may be sent to a communication device (smartphone) or to the display device 5a of the vehicle V. When notifying a communication device (smartphone), the notification unit 210 may also send notification information to the communication device for inquiring whether it is permitted to perform a second communication (tethering communication) using the second communication method.

[0059] In S403, the control unit 201 determines whether the user of the communication device has authorized the switch. For example, it can determine that the switch is authorized if it receives information from the communication device indicating that the switch is authorized, and that it is denied if it receives information from the communication device indicating that the switch is denied. Alternatively, if notification is made using the display device 5a of the vehicle V, the input device 6 may be operated to accept input of information indicating authorization or denial. If the display device 5a is a touch panel display, touch input may be accepted to accept the selection of an icon indicating authorization or denial. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S306. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process ends.

[0060] <Operation of communication device> Next, the operation of the communication device that communicates with the vehicle V according to this embodiment will be described.

[0061] <Hardware configuration of communication equipment> First, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 50 includes a CPU 501, a storage device 502, a communication unit 503, a notification unit 504, and an operation input unit 505. The control operation of the communication device 50 is realized by the CPU 501 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage device 502. The CPU 501 may be one or more CPUs. The storage device 502 is one or more memories that store various kinds of information. For example, it stores information received from other devices and computer programs that are read and executed by the CPU 501. The communication unit 503 has the function of communicating with other devices via a network, either wired or wirelessly. The communication unit 503 can also communicate with nearby devices via tethering communication using Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth® connection, USB connection, etc.

[0062] The notification unit 504 may be a speaker, display, vibrator, etc., and notification is performed using at least one of sound, display, and vibration. Only one of sound, display, or vibration may be used, or two or more of these may be used in combination. The operation input unit 505 may be, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, switch, etc., and can receive various types of information from the user.

[0063] <Functional Configuration of Communication Devices> Next, an example of the functional configuration of the communication device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. The functions of each processing unit in the communication device according to this embodiment are realized by the CPU 501 reading and executing a program stored in the storage device 502. The communication device 50 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 601, a device information transmission unit 602, a receiving unit 603, a reception unit 604, and a permission / rejection information transmission unit 605.

[0064] The control unit 601 controls the operation of the entire communication device 50. The device information transmission unit 602 transmits device information of the communication device 50 to the vehicle V in response to a request from the vehicle V. The receiving unit 603 receives a request from the vehicle V to acquire device information of the communication device 50. The receiving unit 603 also receives a notification from the vehicle V indicating a switch from the first communication using the first communication method (cellular communication method) used by the vehicle to the second communication using the second communication method (tethering communication method) via the communication device 50. The reception unit 604 accepts input from the user indicating permission or denial of the switch in response to the notification received from the vehicle V. For example, the content of the switch notification may be displayed, and an permission / denial selection icon may be displayed to accept a selection from the user. The permission / denial information transmission unit 605 transmits the permission / denial information received by the reception unit 604 to the vehicle V.

[0065] <Processing of communication devices> Referring to the flowchart in Figure 7, the procedure for processing performed by the communication device according to this embodiment will be explained. In S701, the control unit 601 determines whether it has received a request transmitted from vehicle V when vehicle V detects that the first communication using the first communication method used by vehicle V is in a predetermined communication state, based on the receiving unit 603. This request is a request to acquire device information of the communication device 50. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process waits.

[0066] In S702, the device information transmission unit 602 transmits the device information of the communication device 50 to the vehicle V. In S703, the control unit 601 determines whether it has received a notification from the vehicle V via the receiving unit 603 indicating a switch from the first communication using the first communication method used by the vehicle V to the second communication using the second communication method via the communication device 50. If this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if this step is No, the process waits. However, if no notification is received after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may be terminated. In S704, the reception unit 604 accepts input of information indicating whether the switch is permitted or not. In S705, the permission / denial information transmission unit 605 transmits the permission / denial information received by the reception unit 604 to the vehicle V.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, before switching from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device, the user of the communication device is asked whether or not to allow the switch, and the switch is performed if permission is granted based on the response.

[0068] This prevents the communication device from being forced to switch to a second communication method (tethering) if the user does not want to consume the device's data allowance. Therefore, it is possible to implement switching control that reflects the user's intentions.

[0069] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, an example of notification using a display device 5a was described, but the vehicle V may be equipped with multiple display devices 5a, each corresponding to a seat. In that case, the notification unit 210 may use the display device 5a corresponding to the seat where the owner of the communication device is sitting to make a notification. For example, the in-vehicle camera 9a is used to photograph the occupants, and the captured images are analyzed to recognize the occupants sitting in each seat. Then, based on the device information (owner information) of the communication device owned by the occupant, the person information of the recognized occupant is searched from the person information pre-registered in the control device CNT. If the person is found, it is possible to recognize which seat that occupant is sitting in. In that case, a notification can be made using the display device 5a corresponding to the seat where the owner of the communication device is sitting.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has been explained using the example where the device information includes the owner information of the communication device, the invention is not limited to this example. The device information may further include communication cost information of the communication device, in which case the notification unit 210 may issue a notification when it recognizes that additional costs will be incurred when performing a second communication based on the communication cost information.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained the case in which the device information acquisition unit 204 acquires device information for one communication device, the system is not limited to this example. There may be multiple users inside or around the vehicle V who possess multiple communication devices. In such cases, the device information acquisition unit 204 may acquire device information from each of the multiple communication devices. When multiple device information is acquired, the decision unit 205 may decide whether or not to switch from the first communication to a second communication via one of the multiple communication devices based on the device information of the multiple communication devices. Any communication device may be selected as one of the multiple communication devices.

[0072] Alternatively, the system may first select one of several communication devices whose owner matches that of vehicle V, and then determine whether or not to switch to that communication device. If the decision unit 205 determines not to switch to the second communication via the communication device whose owner matches that of vehicle V, it may then be configured to determine whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via a communication device whose owner does not match that of vehicle V. This allows the system to prioritize the decision to switch to the second communication (tethering communication) via the driver's own communication device (who is the owner of vehicle V), and then to decide whether or not to switch to the second communication (tethering communication) via a communication device other than the driver's (for example, a smartphone owned by the driver's friend). Therefore, it becomes possible to prioritize the determination of whether or not the use of a communication device is permitted for switching to the second communication, based on the individual.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the system switches from the first communication (cellular communication) used by the vehicle V to a second communication (tethering communication) via a communication device when the communication status of the first communication (cellular communication) used by the vehicle V deteriorates, but the system is not limited to this example. For example, when route guidance to a destination is being performed while the vehicle V is in motion, it may be estimated whether the communication status of the first communication (cellular communication) used by the vehicle V deteriorates (falls below a predetermined standard) for a predetermined time or distance or longer along the route.

[0074] Furthermore, if it is estimated that the communication conditions will deteriorate for a predetermined time or distance along the route, a decision may be made as to whether to switch from the first communication to the second communication (tethering communication) via the communication device. In this case, the estimation may be made by referring to the communication strength information stored in the memory unit 207, which associates the communication strength and area for each access point. Furthermore, if the deterioration of the communication conditions along the route will be less than the predetermined time or distance after the switch is performed, a decision may be made to perform the switch. In other words, a decision may be made to perform the switch if it is estimated that the communication conditions will improve compared to before the switch. Alternatively, if the route continues outside the communication range of the communication carrier used by the vehicle, control may be made to switch to tethering communication using the communication device's communication carrier when the vehicle V reaches that route.

[0075] Furthermore, if multiple communication devices exist inside or around vehicle V, the communication device using the communication carrier with the highest signal strength may be selected as the target for switching.

[0076] <Summary of Embodiments> 1. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: A control device mounted on a vehicle (V), A communication means (202) that performs a first communication using a first communication method or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A detection means (203) for detecting the communication status of the first communication, Acquisition means (204) for acquiring device information of communication devices located inside or around the vehicle, If the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being performed, the determination means (205) determines whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information, It is equipped with.

[0077] In this way, even if the communication conditions between the vehicle and the external access point deteriorate, for example, the deterioration of the vehicle's communication conditions can be mitigated by switching to communication via a communication device (smartphone) (tethering communication) based on device information.

[0078] 2. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The acquisition means acquires the device information when the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being performed.

[0079] In this way, by acquiring device information from the communication device only when, for example, the vehicle's communication status deteriorates, unnecessary communication between the vehicle and the communication device can be reduced.

[0080] 3. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The device information includes information indicating the communication status of the communication device, The determination means decides to switch from the first communication to the second communication when the communication device is in a second communication state.

[0081] In this way, for example, when the communication status of the communication device is good, the system switches from communication using the first communication method with the external access point to communication using the second communication method with the communication device, thereby reducing the deterioration of the vehicle's communication status.

[0082] 4. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The device information includes information indicating the type of access point with which the communication device is communicating using the first communication method. The determination means decides to switch from the first communication to the second communication if the type is different from the type of access point with which the control device is communicating using the first communication method.

[0083] Thus, for example, if the external access point to which the communication device communicates is of a different type than the external access point to which the vehicle communicates, switching may improve the communication situation compared to the current situation, thereby reducing the deterioration of the vehicle's communication situation.

[0084] 5. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: A location information acquisition means (206) for acquiring the location information of the vehicle, The system further includes a storage means (207) that stores the communication strength for each access point as communication strength information in association with an area, The determination means decides to switch from the first communication to the second communication if the type is different from the type of access point with which the control device communicates using the first communication method, and the communication strength of the access point with which the communication device communicates using the first communication method in the area where the vehicle is located is above a predetermined strength.

[0085] In this way, the communication device can switch to an external access point that it is communicating with, after confirming that the communication status is good on the communication strength map, thereby reducing the deterioration of the vehicle's communication status.

[0086] 6. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: The system further includes an update means (209) for updating the communication strength information stored in the storage means based on the detection result of the detection means.

[0087] This allows for the maintenance of communication strength information that reflects the actual situation, thereby improving accuracy.

[0088] 7. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: Strength information acquisition means (208) that acquires the communication strength information from the server device that manages the communication strength information, An update means (209) updates the communication strength information stored in the storage means based on the acquisition result of the strength information acquisition means, To further prepare.

[0089] This allows for the maintenance of communication strength information that reflects the actual situation, thereby improving accuracy. Furthermore, since communication strength information can be maintained and managed by other server devices, the processing load on the control unit can be reduced.

[0090] 8. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: The system further includes a notification means (210) that provides notification indicating a switch from the first communication to the second communication, The device information includes the owner information of the communication device, The notification means provides the notification when the owner of the communication device and the owner of the vehicle are different.

[0091] This prevents situations where, if the owner of the communication device being switched to is different from the owner of the vehicle, communication may occur against the intentions of the owner of the communication device.

[0092] 9. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The notification means makes the notification to the communication device.

[0093] This makes it easy for owners of communication devices to recognize that their devices may be used.

[0094] 10. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with a display means (5a), The notification means provides the notification using the display means.

[0095] This makes it easy for the vehicle's occupants, who are also the owners of the communication devices, to recognize that their communication devices may be used.

[0096] 11. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, Each of the vehicles is equipped with multiple display means (5a) corresponding to each seat, The notification means makes the notification using a display means corresponding to the seat in which the owner of the communication device is seated.

[0097] This allows the owner of the communication device, who is also a vehicle occupant, to be more reliably aware that their communication device may be used.

[0098] 12. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The notification means makes the notification by transmitting notification information to the communication device to inquire whether or not to permit the second communication using the second communication method. The system further includes a switching control means (211) that switches from the first communication to the second communication when it receives permission information from the communication device.

[0099] This allows communication device owners to easily recognize when their devices may be used, and enables control that takes the owner's intentions into account, as the device will only switch to the appropriate system when permission is granted.

[0100] 13. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The device information includes the communication cost information of the communication device, The notification means makes the notification when it is recognized that additional costs will be incurred when performing the second communication based on the communication cost information.

[0101] This helps to prevent communication charges from being incurred without the owner's knowledge.

[0102] 14. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, When the acquisition means acquires device information for multiple communication devices, the determination means decides whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via one of the multiple communication devices based on the device information for the multiple communication devices.

[0103] This allows for switching to communication using any of multiple communication devices, increasing the options available and potentially reducing the deterioration of the vehicle's communication status.

[0104] 15. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The device information includes the owner information of the communication device, One of the aforementioned plurality of communication devices is a communication device whose owner matches the owner of the vehicle.

[0105] This reduces the possibility of performing a switch against the intentions of the communication device owner, as the owner of the communication device being switched is the same as the owner of the vehicle.

[0106] 16. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, If the decision means determines not to switch to the second communication via a communication device whose owner matches the owner of the vehicle, it decides whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via a communication device whose owner does not match the owner of the vehicle.

[0107] In this way, prioritizing communication devices whose owners match those of the vehicle reduces the possibility of switching against the intentions of the communication device owner.

[0108] 17. The control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: If the decision means determines that it is necessary to switch from the first communication to the second communication, the system further includes a switching control means (211) that performs the switching.

[0109] This can reduce the deterioration of communication conditions in vehicles.

[0110] 18. In the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment, The first communication method is a cellular communication method. The second communication method is tethering.

[0111] This allows, for example, if the cellular communication status in a vehicle deteriorates, it to switch to tethering communication via a communication device, thereby mitigating the deterioration of the communication status.

[0112] 19. The communication device (50) according to the above embodiment is: A communication device that communicates with a vehicle (V), Device information transmission means (602) transmits device information of the communication device to the vehicle in response to a request transmitted from the vehicle when the vehicle detects that the first communication using the first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, When the vehicle decides to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device based on the device information, a receiving means (603) receives a notification from the vehicle indicating that it will switch from the first communication to the second communication, A receiving means (604) that accepts input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted in response to the aforementioned notification, A permit / denial information transmission means (605) transmits the permit / denial information received by the reception means to the vehicle, It is equipped with.

[0113] This allows communication device owners to easily recognize when their devices may be used, and enables control that takes the owner's intentions into account, as the device will only switch to the appropriate system when permission is granted.

[0114] 20. The communication system according to the above embodiment is A communication system including a vehicle and a communication device that communicates with the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is A request means that transmits a request to acquire device information of the communication device when it is detected that the first communication using the first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, A determination means for determining whether or not to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device, based on the device information, If the decision means determines that a switch is to be made, the system includes a notification means that notifies that a switch is to be made from the first communication to the second communication, The aforementioned communication device is In response to the aforementioned request, a device information transmission means transmits the device information to the vehicle, A receiving means for receiving input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted in response to the aforementioned notification, The system includes a means for transmitting approval / rejection information received by the reception means to the vehicle.

[0115] This allows communication device owners to easily recognize when their devices may be used, and enables control that takes the owner's intentions into account, as the device will only switch to the appropriate system when permission is granted.

[0116] 21. The operation method of the control device (CNT) according to the above embodiment is: A method for operating a control device, A communication process consisting of a first communication using a first communication method or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A detection step for detecting the communication status of the first communication, A step of acquiring device information of a communication device located inside or around the vehicle, If the detection step detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being executed, a decision step is made to determine whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information. It has.

[0117] In this way, even if the communication conditions between the vehicle and the external access point deteriorate, for example, the deterioration of the vehicle's communication conditions can be mitigated by switching to communication via a communication device (smartphone) (tethering communication) based on device information.

[0118] 22. The operation method of the communication device (50) according to the above embodiment is: A method for operating a communication device that communicates with a vehicle, When the vehicle detects that a first communication using a first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, the device information transmission step transmits device information of the communication device to the vehicle in response to a request transmitted from the vehicle. If the vehicle decides to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device based on the device information, the vehicle receives a notification indicating that it will switch from the first communication to the second communication; In response to the aforementioned notification, a reception process is performed to accept input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted, A permission / denial information transmission step involves transmitting the permission / denial information received in the aforementioned reception step to the vehicle, A method for operating a communication device, characterized by having the following features.

[0119] This allows communication device owners to easily recognize when their devices may be used, and enables control that takes the owner's intentions into account, as the device will only switch to the appropriate system when permission is granted.

[0120] 23. The program according to the above embodiment is: This is a program for causing a computer to execute the operation method according to the above embodiment.

[0121] This makes it possible to process the operation method using a computer.

[0122] 24. The storage medium according to the above embodiment is This is a storage medium in which a program is stored that causes a computer to execute the operation method according to the above embodiment.

[0123] This makes it possible to implement the processing of the operation method using a storage medium.

[0124] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, a program that implements one or more functions described in each embodiment is supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device can read and execute this program. The present invention can also be realized in this manner.

[0125] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] CNT: Control device, V: Vehicle, 50: Communication device

Claims

1. A control device installed in a vehicle, A communication means for performing a first communication using a first communication method or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A detection means for detecting the communication status of the first communication, Acquisition means for acquiring device information of communication devices located inside or around the vehicle, If the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being performed, the determination means determines whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information, A control device characterized by comprising:

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the device information when the detection means detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being performed.

3. The device information includes information indicating the communication status of the communication device, The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means decides to switch from the first communication to the second communication when the communication device is in a second communication state.

4. The device information includes information indicating the type of access point with which the communication device is communicating using the first communication method. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines to switch from the first communication to the second communication when the type is different from the type of access point with which the control device communicates using the first communication method.

5. A location information acquisition means for acquiring the location information of the aforementioned vehicle, The system further includes a storage means for storing the communication strength for each access point as communication strength information, associated with the area, The control device according to claim 4, wherein the determination means determines to switch from the first communication to the second communication when the type is different from the type of access point with which the control device communicates using the first communication method, and the communication strength of the access point with which the communication device communicates using the first communication method in the area where the vehicle is located is above a predetermined strength.

6. The control device according to claim 5, further comprising an update means for updating the communication strength information stored in the storage means based on the detection result of the detection means.

7. A strength information acquisition means that acquires the communication strength information from a server device that manages the communication strength information, An update means for updating the communication strength information stored in the storage means based on the acquisition result of the strength information acquisition means, The control device according to claim 5, further comprising:

8. The system further includes notification means for providing notification indicating a switch from the first communication to the second communication, The device information includes the owner information of the communication device, The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means provides the notification when the owner of the communication device and the owner of the vehicle are different.

9. The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification means provides the notification to the communication device.

10. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with a display means, The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification means performs the notification using the display means.

11. Each of the aforementioned vehicles is equipped with multiple display means corresponding to each seat, The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification means makes the notification using a display means corresponding to the seat in which the owner of the communication device is seated.

12. The notification means makes the notification by transmitting notification information to the communication device to inquire whether or not to permit the second communication using the second communication method. The control device according to claim 8, further comprising switching control means for performing a switch from the first communication to the second communication when information indicating permission is received from the communication device.

13. The device information includes the communication cost information of the communication device, The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification means makes the notification when it is recognized that additional costs will be incurred when performing the second communication based on the communication cost information.

14. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when device information of a plurality of communication devices is acquired by the acquisition means, the determination means determines whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via one of the plurality of communication devices based on the device information of the plurality of communication devices.

15. The device information includes the owner information of the communication device, The control device according to claim 14, characterized in that one of the plurality of communication devices is a communication device whose owner matches the owner of the vehicle.

16. The control device according to claim 15, characterized in that, if it is determined that the decision means will not switch to the second communication via a communication device whose owner matches the owner of the vehicle, the decision means will determine whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via a communication device whose owner does not match the owner of the vehicle.

17. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising switching control means for executing a switch when the determination means determines to switch from the first communication to the second communication.

18. The first communication method is a cellular communication method. The second communication method is a tethering communication method. The control device according to feature 1.

19. A communication device that communicates with a vehicle, When the vehicle detects that a first communication using a first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, the device information transmission means transmits device information of the communication device to the vehicle in response to a request transmitted from the vehicle. When the vehicle decides to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device based on the device information, a receiving means receives a notification from the vehicle indicating that it will switch from the first communication to the second communication. A receiving means for receiving input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted in response to the aforementioned notification, A means for transmitting approval / rejection information received by the reception means to the vehicle, A communication device characterized by comprising:

20. A communication system including a vehicle and a communication device that communicates with the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is A request means that transmits a request to acquire device information of the communication device when it is detected that the first communication using the first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, A determination means for determining whether or not to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device, based on the device information, If the decision means determines that a switch is to be made, the system includes a notification means that notifies that a switch is to be made from the first communication to the second communication, The aforementioned communication device is In response to the aforementioned request, a device information transmission means transmits the device information to the vehicle, A receiving means for receiving input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted in response to the aforementioned notification, A communication system characterized by comprising: a means for transmitting approval / rejection information received by the reception means to the vehicle.

21. A method for operating a control device, A communication process consisting of a first communication using a first communication method or a second communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, A detection step for detecting the communication status of the first communication, A step of acquiring device information of a communication device located inside or around the vehicle, If the detection step detects that the first communication is in a first communication state while the first communication is being executed, a decision step is made to determine whether or not to switch from the first communication to the second communication via the communication device based on the device information. A method for operating a control device, characterized by having the following features.

22. A method for operating a communication device that communicates with a vehicle, When the vehicle detects that a first communication using a first communication method used by the vehicle is in a predetermined communication state, the device information transmission step transmits device information of the communication device to the vehicle in response to a request transmitted from the vehicle. If the vehicle decides to switch from the first communication to a second communication using a second communication method via the communication device based on the device information, the vehicle receives a notification indicating that it will switch from the first communication to the second communication; In response to the aforementioned notification, a reception process is performed to accept input of information indicating whether or not the switch is permitted, A permission / denial information transmission step involves transmitting the permission / denial information received in the aforementioned reception step to the vehicle, A method for operating a communication device, characterized by having the following features.

23. A program for causing a computer to perform the operation method described in claim 21 or 22.

24. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the operation method described in claim 21 or 22.

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