Communication systems, terminals, communication methods, and programs

Abstract

It seamlessly switches between the device's dual SIMs, reducing the time during which communication is unavailable. [Solution] A terminal comprising: communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network; a holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information; and a switching means for switching the activation state of the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively; and a management server that manages the terminal ID of the terminal and user-specific information of the user of the terminal in association, wherein the management server identifies the terminal from the user-specific information acquired by the access control device, and the switching means switches the state of communication using the SIM by switching the activation state of the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means in accordance with the information input from the management server at the identified terminal.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) deployed by communication carriers nationwide has been widely used, and network local 5G (L5G), which is an independent network environment, is being used by companies and local governments according to their needs. Here, L5G is a 5G network that can be constructed, operated, and used only in specific areas such as inside its own building or on its premises, in principle.

[0003] For these 5G networks, namely the carrier network (carrier network), and the terminals using the L5G network, corresponding SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules) are used respectively. Here, the SIM corresponding to the carrier network will be described as the carrier network SIM, and the SIM corresponding to L5G will be described as the L5G SIM.

[0004] In addition, there are terminals with dual-SIM support that can use the L5G SIM and the carrier network SIM simultaneously. As shown in the figure here, there are many use cases where the terminal selects the connection destination according to the area. That is, in a specific area with an L5G environment, the terminal sets the L5G SIM to the ON state and the carrier network SIM to the OFF state, and outside the specific area, the terminal sets the carrier network SIM to the ON state and the L5G SIM to the OFF state.

[0005] In this case, there is no problem even if the carrier network SIM is in the ON state within the specific area, but there are also use cases where only L5G can be used, such as enabling intra-connection within the specific area.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a device having multiple eSIM profiles that switches the profile used for connection when it determines whether to switch the connection to a private network. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2024 / 203172 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Since L5G is only available in specific areas, when taking a device outside of these areas, it is necessary to either physically or logically disable L5G communication. Physically disabling L5G communication means turning off the device or removing the L5G SIM from the UE, while logically disabling L5G communication means turning on airplane mode or turning off the L5G SIM. When bringing and using the device within the specific area, the opposite operations are generally required.

[0009] Additionally, the device will take time to search for L5G signals. During this signal search, communication will be impossible.

[0010] Therefore, in devices with dual SIMs, there was a desire to reduce the time during which communication was unavailable by seamlessly switching SIMs when entering or leaving specific areas where L5G network connectivity is available. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The communication system according to this disclosure comprises: a terminal having communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network; a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the carrier network; an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the L5G network; a switching means that switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively; and a management server that manages the terminal ID of the terminal and user-specific information of the user using the terminal in association. The management server identifies the terminal from the user-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network, and the switching means switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the identified terminal by switching the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means between an activated state and an inactivated state, in accordance with the information input from the management server.

[0012] Furthermore, the terminal relating to this disclosure includes communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the L5G network, and a switching means that switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively. The switching means transmits the user-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information, and in a terminal identified by this transmission, the switching means switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means, in accordance with the information input from the management server, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible.

[0013] Furthermore, the communication method relating to this disclosure is a communication method using a terminal comprising: communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network; a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the carrier network; an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the L5G network; and a switching means that switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively. The switching means transmits the user-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information, and, in accordance with information input from the management server, switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible.

[0014] Furthermore, the program relating to this disclosure is a program for operating a terminal comprising: communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network; a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the carrier network; an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the L5G network; and a switching means that switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively, wherein the switching means transmits the user-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information, and, in accordance with the information input from the management server, switches between an activated state and an inactivated state for the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As a result, in a terminal having a dual SIM, by seamlessly switching the SIM when entering and exiting a specific area where connection to the L5G network is possible, a communication system can be provided that reduces the time during which communication becomes impossible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing another configuration of the communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the change in the state of the SIM when entering and exiting the specific area according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the detailed configuration of the communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a detailed operation example of the communication system when the user according to the present disclosure moves from outside the specific area to inside the specific area. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a detailed operation example of the communication system when the user according to the present disclosure moves from inside the specific area to outside the specific area. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an operation example when the user according to the present disclosure enters and exits the company premises. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system having the cooperation means according to the present disclosure. [[ID=​​​​​​​​Hereinafter, a configuration example of the communication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The communication system 1 includes a terminal 10 and a management server 20. The terminal 10 includes a communication means 11 capable of communicating with a carrier network (a communication network for carriers) and an L5G network (a local 5G communication network), a holding means 12 for holding a plurality of SIMs, and a switching means 13 for switching between a state in which corresponding identification information is activated and a state in which it is deactivated in order to switch the communication destination network.

[0018] The terminal 10 is a mobile terminal owned by a user and moves with the movement of the user.

[0019] The communication means 11 is a communication means that enables the terminal 10 to communicate with a carrier network and an L5G network.

[0020] The holding means 12 holds, in the terminal 10, a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the carrier network and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information that is identification information for communicating with the L5G network.

[0021] The switching means 13 switches, in the terminal 10, between an ON state in which communication is possible and an OFF state in which communication is not performed for each of the communication with the carrier network and the communication with the L5G network, by switching between a state in which the corresponding identification information is activated and a state in which it is deactivated.

[0022] Regarding the active state and the inactive state of the identification information, the state in which the identification information is valid is the active state, and the state in which the identification information is invalid is the inactive state. That is, when the identification information is in the active state, communication using the corresponding SIM is possible, and when the identification information is in the inactive state, communication using the corresponding SIM is impossible.

[0023] The management server 20 is a server that manages by associating the terminal ID of the terminal 10 and the user-specific information of the user who uses the terminal 10. Note that the user-specific information can be a user ID.

[0024] Terminal 10 switches between an activated state and an deactivated state of the SIM card it holds, via the switching means 13, based on user-specific information obtained from an access control device equipped with means for acquiring user-specific information.

[0025] This enables the communication system 1 to seamlessly switch the connected network when the user holding the terminal 10 moves from inside to outside a specific area which is an L5G area, or from outside to inside.

[0026] Embodiment 2. Next, the more detailed configuration and operation of the communication system 1 shown in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the communication system 2. Note that, in the configuration of the communication system 2, parts that achieve the same effect as the communication system 1 shown in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the communication system 2 comprises a terminal 10, a management server 20, and an access control device 30.

[0028] The access control device 30 is located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network. The access control device 30 includes means for acquiring user-specific information based on user-specific information, which is unique information of the user, when a user with a terminal 10 enters or leaves a specific area.

[0029] For example, the entry / exit device 30 can utilize security gates, geofences, intrusion detection AI, RTLS (Real-Time Location System) such as RFID, BLE, Wi-Fi positioning, UWB, GPS, etc., as well as L5G-specific information, which are used as entry / exit systems for a specific area. For example, L5G-specific information is unique information that can identify a specific area from among multiple specific areas that have adopted L5G.

[0030] Furthermore, user-specific information can include biometric data (face, fingerprints, voiceprints, iris, ear, vein), individual identification numbers (employee number, My Number), vehicles (license plate), ships (IMO number), and trains (vehicle number).

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the ON and OFF states of the terminal 10's carrier network SIM and L5G SIM are switched based on user-specific information acquired by the entry / exit device 30 when entering or exiting a specific area.

[0032] In the following, the process of switching between the ON and OFF states of each SIM, specifically the switching mechanism 13, to switch between the activated and deactivated states of the identification information, may be omitted.

[0033] In communication system 2, security gates, geofences, and intrusion detection AI installed in a specific area detect the entry of users and collect L5G-specific information (IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier), APN (Access Point Name)) and user-specific information (face, fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, auricle, vein, employee number, employee ID card, etc.). This information can then be compared with an authentication database (DB) to identify the user-specific information. Communication system 2 then activates the L5G of the terminal ID associated with the identified user-specific information and can process data via L5G within the specific area.

[0034] On the other hand, in communication system 2, when a user with terminal 10 leaves a specific area, the L5G SIM can be deactivated and the carrier network SIM can be activated based on the detection of the exit by an entry / exit device 30 such as a security gate or geofence.

[0035] As will be described later in Embodiments 3 and 4, this communication system 2 enables detailed access permission settings when entering and exiting a predetermined area, and also tracks citizens' movement information in public areas and links network connectivity with public transportation systems.

[0036] Here, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the operation of communication system 2 will be explained in more detail.

[0037] The access control device 30 detects when a user enters a specific area from outside the area (step S1). For example, the access control device 30 can utilize security gates, geofences, intrusion detection AI, etc., installed at the boundary of the specific area. The access control device 30 transmits the acquired L5G-specific information and user-specific information to the management server 20.

[0038] The management server 20 collects the user's L5G-specific information and user-specific information (face, fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, auricle, vein, employee number, employee ID card) (step S2).

[0039] When a user passes through a gateway or the like, the management server 20 checks the collected information against the authentication database (DB) to verify whether the user is legitimate and identifies user-specific information (step S3).

[0040] The management server 20 sends information to the terminal 10 to activate the L5G-compatible SIM associated with the terminal ID of the identified user-specific information (step S4).

[0041] Terminal 10 is activated by switching the L5G SIM from the OFF state to the ON state in response to receiving information from the entry / exit device 30 (step S5). On the other hand, terminal 10 is deactivated by switching the carrier network SIM from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0042] In terminal 10, switching between the ON state of the L5G SIM and the OFF state of the carrier network SIM can be performed by switching between an activated state and an inactivated state of the identification information in the switching means 13.

[0043] While the user is within a specific area, terminal 10 processes data via L5G and coordinates with edge servers (Edge) and the cloud (step S6).

[0044] Subsequently, the user moves from inside the designated area to outside the designated area. In this case, the entry / exit device 30 detects the user's movement from inside the designated area to outside the designated area (step S7).

[0045] The entry / exit device 30 processes the same procedure as in steps S2 and S3, and sends information to terminal 10 to disable the L5G-compatible SIM associated with the terminal ID of the identified user-related information. As a result, terminal 10 automatically disables the L5G SIM by changing it from the ON state to the OFF state, and activates the carrier network SIM by changing it from the OFF state to the ON state (step S8).

[0046] Furthermore, user entry and exit records and connection status are recorded in a database and can be used as reference data for future entry and exit.

[0047] While there are no issues with having the carrier network SIM ON in certain areas, use cases where only L5G is available, such as enabling intranet connectivity in specific areas, are also conceivable.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an example of a more detailed configuration of communication system 2.

[0049] Here, the management server 20 is assumed to consist of a management server main unit 21 and a database 22.

[0050] The management server unit 21 is a large-scale computer used for core business operations. For example, when user-specific information is entered from the access control device 30 via the intranet, the management server unit 21 can query the database 22 for information related to the user-specific information.

[0051] Here, database 22 is a database that stores L5G-specific information and user-specific information in association. Database 22 can return to the management server 21 the status of the association between user-specific information and L5G-specific information queried from the management server 21. Specifically, database 22 has information on whether or not the L5G SIM should be enabled to connect to the target L5G network, based on the queried user-specific information and L5G-specific information, and can send the response information to the query to the management server 21.

[0052] Furthermore, database 22 stores user-specific information in association with the terminal ID of the device the user owns. This makes it possible to return terminal ID information based on the user-specific information queried from the management server 21.

[0053] The access control device 30 acquires user-specific information regarding the user's entry and exit into and from a specific area. It is also possible to use an edge server for the access control device 30.

[0054] For example, terminal 10 may have the functionality of the access control device (Edge) 30 built in as APL (a programming language).

[0055] The management server unit 21 and the access control device 30 are connected via an intranet. The L5G network is provided as part of the intranet. Furthermore, the intranet is connected to the internet via a designated gateway, etc. The carrier network is provided as part of the internet.

[0056] Within a specific area, the L5G network is equipped with multiple eNodeBs (eNBs), which are base stations in the 5GC (5th Generation Core network). Terminal 10 can establish a communication connection using the L5G network by communicating with the eNBs.

[0057] Here, we will explain an example of data flow when a user with terminal 10 moves from the carrier network to the L5G network.

[0058] First, the entry / exit device 30 acquires user-specific information of users at the boundary of a specific area, and this user-specific information is transmitted from the carrier network to the management server 21 via the internet and intranet.

[0059] The management server 21 receives information from the database 22 regarding whether or not the L5G SIM should be turned ON for the user's terminal 10 in the target L5G network, as well as the terminal ID of that terminal 10. Here, it is assumed that the management server 21 has received information from the database 22 indicating that the L5G SIM should be turned ON.

[0060] Terminal 10, which is connected to the carrier network, receives this information from the management server 21 via the intranet and the internet to reach the carrier network. Based on the received information, terminal 10 turns on the L5G SIM.

[0061] In other words, in communication system 2, when a user moves from the carrier network to the L5G network, user-specific information acquired by the entry / exit device 30 is transmitted to the management server 21 via the carrier network, and information from the management server 21 to the terminal 10 is also transmitted via the carrier network.

[0062] Next, we will explain an example of data flow when a user with terminal 10 moves from the L5G network to the carrier network.

[0063] First, the entry / exit device 30 acquires user-specific information of users at the boundary of a specific area, and this user-specific information is transmitted from the L5G network to the management server 21 via the intranet.

[0064] The management server unit 21 receives information from the database 22 regarding whether or not the L5G SIM should be turned OFF for the user's terminal 10, as well as the terminal ID of that terminal 10. Here, it is assumed that the management server unit 21 has received information from the database 22 indicating that the L5G SIM should be turned OFF.

[0065] Terminal 10, which is connected to the L5G network, receives this information from the management server 21 via the intranet to the L5G network. Based on the received information, terminal 10 turns off the L5G SIM.

[0066] In other words, in communication system 2, when a user moves from within the L5G network to a carrier network outside the L5G network, user-specific information acquired by the entry / exit device 30 is transmitted to the management server main unit 21 via the L5G network, and information from the management server main unit 21 to the terminal 10 is also transmitted via the L5G network.

[0067] Figure 6 is an operation flowchart of communication system 2, showing an example of when a user moves from a carrier network to an L5G network.

[0068] Initially, the L5G SIM will be OFF, and the carrier network SIM will be ON.

[0069] The user of terminal 10 enters the designated area from outside the designated area (step S11).

[0070] The entry / exit device 30 obtains user-specific information from the user (step S12).

[0071] The entry / exit device 30 transmits the acquired user-specific information to the management server main unit 21 via the carrier network (step S13).

[0072] The management server unit 21 of the management server 20 checks the status of the association between user-specific information and L5G-specific information based on the information stored in the database 22 (step S14).

[0073] The management server 21 sends a SIM switching instruction via the carrier network to the terminal 10 which has L5G-specific information associated with user-specific information (step S15). Here, for example, the SIM switching instruction is an instruction to switch the L5G SIM to the ON state and switch the carrier network SIM to the OFF state.

[0074] Terminal 10 switches the SIM in response to the received SIM switching instruction (step S16). This completes the process.

[0075] As a result of these processes, terminal 10 will have the L5G SIM in the ON state and the carrier network SIM in the OFF state.

[0076] Next, Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of communication system 2, showing an example of when a user moves from within the L5G network to a carrier network outside the L5G network.

[0077] Initially, the L5G SIM will be ON, and the carrier network SIM will be OFF.

[0078] The user of terminal 10 moves from inside the designated area to outside the designated area (step S21).

[0079] The entry / exit device 30 obtains user-specific information from the user (step S22).

[0080] The entry / exit device 30 transmits the acquired user-specific information to the management server main unit 21 via the L5G network (step S23).

[0081] The management server unit 21 checks the status of the association between user-specific information and L5G-specific information based on the information stored in the database 22 (step S24).

[0082] The management server 21 sends a SIM switching instruction via the L5G network to the terminal 10 which has L5G-specific information associated with user-specific information (step S25). Here, for example, the SIM switching instruction is an instruction to switch the L5G SIM to the OFF state and the carrier network SIM to the ON state.

[0083] Terminal 10 switches the SIM in response to the received SIM switching instruction (step S26). This completes the process.

[0084] As a result of these processes, terminal 10 will have the L5G SIM in the OFF state and the carrier network SIM in the ON state.

[0085] In this way, communication system 2 can appropriately associate L5G-specific information with user-specific information to achieve seamless network switching both inside and outside a specific area.

[0086] Embodiment 3. Regarding the communication system 2 shown in Embodiment 2, a means can be introduced to enable detailed access permission settings based on the user's individual authentication information when switching between inside and outside a specific area. As a specific example, the communication system 2 can be applied to entry and exit within a company's own land (or area).

[0087] In this case, the L5G licensed area, which is a specific area, is company-owned land separated from the outside by a security gate. On the other hand, the access control system for the specific area is handled by the security gate system as the management server unit 21 and the security gate as the access control device 30.

[0088] Furthermore, IMSI can be used for L5G-specific information. Here, IMSI is the telecommunications number required for SIM issuance. In addition, employee ID cards can be used for user-specific information.

[0089] Figure 8(a) schematically illustrates the operation of the communication system 2 when an employee with terminal 10 enters company premises. In this diagram, the authentication database, which is database 22, also functions as the management server 21.

[0090] In this case, the initial state of the employee's device 10 is that the L5G SIM is OFF and the carrier network SIM is ON.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8(a), when the security gate determines entry using an employee ID card, it verifies the association between the employee ID and the L5G IMSI in the authentication database.

[0092] In this authentication database, specific access permission settings are registered, and access rights can be adjusted by referring to these settings when entering a specific area. In other words, the security gate can refer to the access permission information based on the individual authentication information stored in the authentication database in real time and take action based on the referenced access rights.

[0093] For example, security gates can restrict whether or not employees are allowed to enter. Alternatively, communication system 2 can use this access permission information to restrict the actions that employees can take once they enter company premises.

[0094] Here, the entrance gate only determines whether the employee in question is allowed to enter. The authentication database returns a message to the security gate indicating that entry is permitted, and also sends an instruction to the employee's device 10 via the carrier network to turn on the L5G SIM and turn off the carrier network SIM.

[0095] This allows employees to pass through the security gate, and on the employee's device 10, the L5G SIM is switched to the ON state, while the carrier network SIM is switched to the OFF state, enabling communication on the L5G network.

[0096] Next, Figure 8(b) schematically shows the operation of the communication system 2 when an employee with terminal 10 leaves the company premises. Here again, the authentication database, which is database 22, also functions as the management server main unit 21.

[0097] In this case, the initial state of the employee's device 10 is that the L5G SIM is ON and the carrier network SIM is OFF.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8(b), when the security gate determines an employee has left the premises using their employee ID card, it verifies the association between the employee ID and the L5G IMSI in the authentication database.

[0099] Here, similar to accessing company property, the authentication database can adjust access permissions by referring to specific access permission settings when exiting a particular area.

[0100] The authentication database then sends a message to the security gate indicating that the employee is allowed to leave, and also sends an instruction to the employee's device 10 via the L5G network to turn the L5G SIM OFF and the carrier network SIM ON.

[0101] As a result, employees can pass through the security gate, and on the employee's device 10, the L5G SIM is switched to the OFF state, while the carrier network SIM is switched to the ON state, enabling communication on the carrier network.

[0102] In this way, communication system 2 can set detailed access permissions for users at the security gate based on individual user authentication information. Therefore, communication system 2 can strengthen security for entry and exit to the company's premises.

[0103] In the above description, communication system 2 was explained as a system that uses security gates to manage entry and exit to the company's premises, but it is not limited to this.

[0104] As another example, communication system 2 can utilize facial recognition information using the user's face for user-specific information. In this case, communication system 2 can use intrusion detection AI as the access control device 30.

[0105] Embodiment 4. The communication system 2 shown in Embodiment 2 can track citizens' movement information in public areas such as train stations and bus terminals, and its network connection can be linked with public transportation systems.

[0106] Here, we will describe communication system 3, which includes, in addition to the configuration of communication system 2, a linking means 40 that tracks the movement information of citizens in public areas and links network connectivity with the public transportation system. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, communication system 3 comprises a terminal 10, a management server 20, an entry / exit device 30, and a linking means 40.

[0107] The collaboration means 40 involves L5G network infrastructure installed at stations and bus terminals, which collects citizens' travel information and processes the data in cooperation with the public transportation system via edge servers and cloud systems.

[0108] The collaborative means 40 tracks citizens' movement information in public areas via the L5G network and manages traffic information in conjunction with the public transportation system.

[0109] In this configuration, the terminal 10 of the communication system 3, the management server 20, and the access control device 30 configure a portion of the public area as a specific area operating on the L5G network. When a user with terminal 10 enters or exits this specific area, the terminal 10 can switch between the ON and OFF states of its L5G SIM and carrier network SIM.

[0110] This allows communication system 3 to be integrated with a public transport system that efficiently tracks citizens' movement information in public areas, and also simplifies its management.

[0111] In other words, the communication system 3 controls the switching operation of the L5G SIM and carrier network SIM of the terminal 10 held by citizens in response to citizens entering and leaving a specific area, and by coordinating with a public transportation system that uses citizens' movement information, traffic management can be made more efficient and the convenience of public transportation can be improved.

[0112] Furthermore, the communication system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the communication system 2 according to Embodiments 2-3, and the communication system 3 according to Embodiment 4 can be operated through the cooperation of hardware and software.

[0113] In other words, in communication systems 1, 2, and 3, hardware such as security gates, geofences, and intrusion detection AI installed within specific areas can detect the user's entry and, in conjunction with software systems that collect authentication information, can identify user-specific information.

[0114] Furthermore, communication systems 1, 2, and 3 can control network connectivity by turning on the L5G SIM of terminal 10, which has a terminal ID associated with identified user-specific information, thereby enabling connection to L5G.

[0115] As a result, the communication system can appropriately associate unique information related to L5G with unique information of the user using terminal 10. In particular, when a user using terminal 10 enters or exits a boundary between the inside and outside of a specific area, terminal 10 receives user-specific information from the entry / exit device, and switches between an activated state and an deactivated state of the identification information related to L5G communication based on the received user-specific information, thereby switching communication to the L5G network between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0116] This enables the communication system to achieve seamless network switching for users with terminal 10, both inside and outside a specific area.

[0117] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0118] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0119] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or in dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device.

[0120] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions contained in a program module, and is executed on a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the processes or methods of this disclosure. The program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. The functionality of the program module may be combined or divided among the program module as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. On a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0121] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes are provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device. When the program code is executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations in the flowchart and / or block diagrams it implements are performed. The program code may run entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, partially as a standalone software package, partially on a machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0122] Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-temporary computer-readable media. Non-temporary computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media, magneto-optical recording media, optical disc media, and semiconductor memory. Magnetic recording media include, for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, and hard disk drives. Magneto-optical recording media include, for example, magneto-optical disks. Optical disc media include, for example, Blu-ray discs, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R (Recordable), and CD-RW (ReWritable). Semiconductor memory includes, for example, solid-state drives, mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (random access memory). Programs may also be supplied to a computer using various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can supply programs to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0123] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) Communication means capable of communicating with carrier networks and L5G networks, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A terminal comprising a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively. The system includes a management server that manages the terminal ID of the terminal and user-specific information of the user using the terminal in association with each other. The aforementioned management server The terminal is identified from the user-specific information acquired by the access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network. The aforementioned switching means is In the identified terminal, the system switches between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible by switching between a state in which the identification information of the SIM held by the holding means is activated and a state in which it is not, in accordance with the information input from the management server. Communication system. (Note 2) The aforementioned management server The database has a user-specific information and a terminal ID that are stored in association with each other. When user-specific information is input from the aforementioned entry / exit device, the terminal is identified based on the terminal ID associated with the user-specific information stored in the database. The communication system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The aforementioned switching means is In the terminal identified by the management server, communication is enabled using the L5G SIM held by the holding means, The communication system described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The aforementioned switching means is If a user with the aforementioned terminal moves from within a specific area where the L5G network is used to outside of that specific area, the management server will switch the terminal, which has been identified, to disable communication using the L5G SIM and enable communication using the carrier network SIM. When a user with the aforementioned terminal moves from outside the specified area to within the specified area where the L5G network is used, the terminal identified by the management server switches to enable communication using the L5G SIM and disable communication using the carrier network SIM. The communication system described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The aforementioned entry / exit device is, When a user possessing the aforementioned terminal moves from within a specific area where the L5G network is used to outside that specific area, the user's unique information is transmitted to the management server via the L5G network. The aforementioned management server The terminal receives information via the L5G network to switch whether or not communication is possible using the L5G SIM and the carrier network SIM. The communication system described in Appendix 4. (Note 6) The aforementioned entry / exit device is, When a user possessing the aforementioned terminal moves from outside the designated area to the designated area where the L5G network is used, the user-specific information is transmitted to the management server via the carrier network. The aforementioned management server The terminal receives information via the carrier network to switch whether or not communication using the L5G SIM and the carrier network SIM is possible. The communication system described in Appendix 4. (Note 7) It further includes a means of tracking the movement information of citizens in public areas and linking network connectivity with public transportation systems. A communication system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6. (Note 8) A means of communication capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, The system includes a switching means for switching between an activated state and an inactivated state for each of the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, The aforementioned switching means is The user-specific information acquired by the access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information. In the identified terminal, the system switches between an activated state and an deactivated state of the SIM identification information held by the holding means, in accordance with the information input from the management server, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not. Terminal. (Note 9) A means of communication capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A terminal operation method comprising a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively, The aforementioned switching means is The user-specific information acquired by the access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information. In the identified terminal, the system switches between an activated state and an deactivated state of the SIM identification information held by the holding means, in accordance with the information input from the management server, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not. Communication method. (Note 10) A means of communication capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A program for operating a terminal that includes a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively, The switching means, The user-specific information acquired by the access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and terminal information. In the identified terminal, the system switches between an activated state and an deactivated state of the SIM identification information held by the holding means, in accordance with the information input from the management server, thereby switching between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not. program.

[0124] Some or all of the elements described in Appendices 2 to 7 that are dependent on the communication system in Appendice 1 may also be dependent on the communication device in Appendice 8, the communication method in Appendice 9, and the program in Appendice 10, in the same manner as the dependencies in Appendices 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1. Communication System 2. Communication System 3. Communication System 10 devices 11. Means of communication 12 Retention means 13 Switching means 20 Management Server 21 Management Server Unit 22 Databases 30. Entrance / Exit System 40. Means of Cooperation

Claims

1. Communication means capable of communicating with carrier networks and L5G networks, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A terminal comprising a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively. The system includes a management server that manages the terminal ID of the terminal and user-specific information of the user using the terminal in association with each other. The aforementioned management server The terminal is identified from the user-specific information acquired by the access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network. The aforementioned switching means is In the identified terminal, the system switches between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible by switching between a state in which the SIM identification information held by the holding means is activated and a state in which it is not, in accordance with the information input from the management server. Communication system.

2. The aforementioned management server The database has a record of the user-specific information and the terminal ID in association with each other. When user-specific information is input from the aforementioned entry / exit device, the terminal is identified based on the terminal ID associated with the user-specific information stored in the database. The communication system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned switching means is In the terminal identified by the management server, communication is enabled using the L5G SIM held by the holding means, in accordance with the information received from the management server. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned switching means is If a user with the aforementioned terminal moves from within a specific area where the L5G network is used to outside of that specific area, the terminal identified by the management server will, in accordance with the information received from the management server, switch to disable communication using the L5G SIM and enable communication using the carrier network SIM. When a user having the aforementioned terminal moves from outside the specified area to within the specified area where the L5G network is used, the terminal identified by the management server switches to enable communication using the L5G SIM and disable communication using the carrier network SIM, according to the information received from the management server. The communication system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned entry / exit device is, When a user with the aforementioned terminal moves from within a specific area where the L5G network is used to outside that specific area, the user's unique information is transmitted to the management server via the L5G network. The aforementioned management server After identifying the terminal from the user-specific information, information is transmitted to the terminal via the L5G network to switch whether or not communication using the L5G SIM and the carrier network SIM is possible. The communication system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned entry / exit device is, When a user with the aforementioned terminal moves from outside the designated area to the designated area where the L5G network is used, the user-specific information is transmitted to the management server via the carrier network. The aforementioned management server After identifying the terminal from the user-specific information, information is transmitted to the terminal via the carrier network to switch whether or not communication using the L5G SIM and the carrier network SIM is possible. The communication system according to claim 4.

7. It further includes a means of tracking the movement information of citizens in public areas and linking network connectivity with public transportation systems. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, The system includes a switching means for switching between an activated state and an inactivated state for each of the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, The aforementioned switching means is User-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and the terminal ID. In the identified terminal, the system switches between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible, by switching between a state in which the SIM identification information held by the holding means is activated and a state in which it is not possible, according to the information input from the management server. Terminal.

9. A communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A communication method using a terminal comprising a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively, The aforementioned switching means is User-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and the terminal ID. In the identified terminal, the system switches between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible, by switching between a state in which the SIM identification information held by the holding means is activated and a state in which it is not possible, according to the information input from the management server. Communication method.

10. A communication means capable of communicating with a carrier network and an L5G network, A holding means for holding a carrier network SIM that records carrier network identification information for communicating with the aforementioned carrier network, and an L5G SIM that records L5G identification information for communicating with the aforementioned L5G network, A program for operating a terminal that includes a switching means for switching between an activated state and an deactivated state for the carrier network identification information and the L5G identification information, respectively, The switching means, User-specific information acquired by an access control device located at the boundary between the L5G network and the carrier network is transmitted to a management server that manages the association between the user-specific information and the terminal ID. In the identified terminal, the system switches between a state in which communication using the SIM is possible and a state in which it is not possible, by switching between a state in which the SIM identification information held by the holding means is activated and a state in which it is not possible, according to the information input from the management server. program.

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