Communication device and communication system

Abstract

To provide a communication device and a communication system that can appropriately maintain the connection with a portable handset (or terminal).SOLUTION: A communication device 100 comprises: a first communication unit 110 that can perform wireless communication by using a cellular communication method; a second communication unit 120 that can perform wireless communication with the other communication device 200 by using a first communication method different from the cellular communication method; and a control unit 160 that controls the first and second communication unit 110, 120 to execute a first communication mode. In the first communication mode, the second communication unit 120 transmits a wireless connection request to the other communication device 200. The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication device 200 is a portable handset for the other communication device 200 being an access point, and a communication mode for relaying communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method and providing a wireless service to a terminal device 300 capable of wireless communication with the other communication device 200 using the first communication method through the other communication device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cellular communication systems that comply with the fifth generation (5G) cellular communication standard have been attracting attention. Various use cases are expected for 5G cellular communication systems, such as high speed and large capacity (eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband)) and multiple simultaneous connections (mMTC (massive Machine Type Communication)). Therefore, such cellular communication systems are expected to contribute not only to wireless communication by mobile phones, but also to innovation in related technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and autonomous driving.

[0003] On the other hand, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) systems that comply with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering) 802.11ax (or Wi-Fi6, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Wi-Fi6") are also attracting attention. In wireless LAN systems that comply with Wi-Fi6, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) has been newly introduced. Therefore, such wireless LAN systems can improve throughput compared to previous wireless LAN systems.

[0004] Furthermore, there are access points that can wirelessly connect to a slave unit (or terminal) using a wireless LAN and can wirelessly communicate with a base station, etc. using cellular communication. Such access points can provide wireless services obtained using cellular communication to a slave unit using a wireless LAN. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS38.300 V16.4.0 (2021-01) [Non-Patent Document 2] Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6TM: A new era in wireless connectivity, September 2019, Wi-Fi ALLIANCE Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a communication device and a communication system capable of appropriately maintaining a connection with a child device (or a terminal). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device according to a first aspect includes a first communication unit capable of wireless communication using a cellular communication method, a second communication unit capable of wireless communication with another communication device using a first communication method different from the cellular communication method, and a control unit that controls the first and second communication units to execute a first communication mode. The second communication unit transmits a wireless connection request to the other communication device in the first communication mode. The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication device serves as a slave device to the other communication device that is an access point, and is a communication mode in which communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method are relayed to provide a wireless service via the other communication device to a terminal device capable of wireless communication with the other communication device using the first communication method.

[0008] A communication device according to a second aspect includes a communication unit capable of wireless communication with other communication devices and terminal devices using a first communication method different from a cellular communication method, and a control unit. The communication unit receives a wireless connection request from the other communication device in the first communication mode. The control unit maintains a connection with the terminal device even when the communication unit receives the wireless connection request. The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the other communication device is a slave device with respect to the communication device that is an access point, and is a communication mode in which the other communication device relays communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method, and provides wireless services to the terminal device.

[0009] A communication system according to a third aspect includes a first communication device capable of wireless communication using a cellular communication method and a first communication method different from the cellular communication method, a second communication device capable of wireless communication using the first communication method with the first communication device, and a terminal device capable of wireless communication using the first communication method with the second communication device. The first communication device transmits a wireless connection request to the second communication device in a first communication mode. Even if the second communication device receives the wireless connection request, it maintains a connection with the terminal device. The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the first communication device is a slave device with respect to the second communication device, which is an access point, and the first communication device relays communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method to provide a wireless service to the terminal device via the second communication device. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device and a communication system capable of appropriately maintaining a connection with a child device (or a terminal). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1(A) and 1(B) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a first communication device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a second communication device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the slave unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a comparative example according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined image displayed on a display according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(A) to 9(D) are diagrams showing examples of icons according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0013] [First embodiment] First, a description will be given of a first embodiment. Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1(A), a communication system 10 includes a first communication device 100, a second communication device 200, and terminal devices (or child devices, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "child devices") 300-1 and 300-2.

[0015] The communication system 10 can wait for cellular communication by the second communication device 200 and route the communication to the slave devices 300-1 and 300-2. If the slave devices 300-1 and 300-2 can wirelessly connect to the second communication device 200 by wireless LAN, they can access the cellular communication via the second communication device 200. In the example of FIG. 1(A), the second communication device 200 functions as a router that routes (or relays; hereinafter, "routing" and "relay" may be used interchangeably) between the cellular communication and the wireless LAN. Also, in the example of FIG. 1(A), the second communication device 200 functions as an access point for the slave devices 300-1 and 300-2.

[0016] The first communication device 100 has a configuration that is detachable from the second communication device 200. In the example of Fig. 1(A), the first communication device 100 is shown attached to the second communication device 200. On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 1(B), the first communication device 100 is shown detached from the second communication device 200.

[0017] 1B, when the first communication device 100 is detached from the second communication device 200, the communication system 10 can wirelessly connect the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 200. That is, the slave devices 300-1 and 300-2 can access the cellular communication via the second communication device 200 and the first communication device 100, and can receive wireless services provided by the cellular communication.

[0018] For example, in Fig. 1(B), consider a case where the second communication device 200 is installed indoors where the reception state of the cellular communication is poor. In this case, as shown in Fig. 1(B), the user can remove the first communication device 100 and place the first communication device 100 near a window. This makes it easier for the communication system 10 to improve the reception state of the cellular communication.

[0019] 1B, the first communication device 100 routes the cellular communication and the wireless LAN. That is, the first communication device 100 routes the cellular communication and the wireless LAN to the second communication device 200. The first communication device 100 is capable of wireless communication with the second communication device 200 using the wireless LAN.

[0020] As described in Fig. 1(A) and Fig. 1(B), the first communication device 100 has a configuration that allows it to be attached to and detached from the second communication device 200. The first communication device 100 has a charging function. On the other hand, the second communication device 200 has a power supply function. When the first communication device 100 is attached to the second communication device 200, it becomes possible for the first communication device 100 to receive power supply from the second communication device 200.

[0021] 1B, the second communication device 200 routes wireless LAN communication with the first communication device 100 and wireless LAN communication with the child devices 300-1 and 300-2. The second communication device 200 is capable of wireless communication with the first communication device 100 and the child devices 300-1 and 300-2 using wireless LAN.

[0022] 1A and 1B, the child devices 300-1 and 300-2 are, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC. The child devices 300-1 and 300-2 can communicate with the second communication device 200 using a wireless LAN. The child devices 300-1 and 300-2 can receive wireless services provided by cellular communication via the second communication device 200.

[0023] 1A and 1B, the child devices 300-1 and 300-2 are shown as two devices, but the number of devices may be one or three or more. Hereinafter, the child devices 300-1 and 300-2 may be referred to as child devices 300.

[0024] In the following, the first communication device 100 may be referred to as an ODU (Outdoor Unit) 100. In the following, the second communication device 200 may be referred to as an IDU (Indoor Unit) 200.

[0025] Furthermore, in the following, a wireless communication method conforming to 5G will be described as an example of cellular communication, but a wireless communication method conforming to generations after 5G may also be used.

[0026] Further, in the following, Wi-Fi6 will be described as an example of wireless LAN, but other Wi-Fi than Wi-Fi6 may be used, and a short-distance wireless communication method other than wireless LAN may be used. Examples of short-distance wireless communication methods include Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Zigbee, and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). In this way, a wireless LAN method or a short-distance wireless communication method is used as the first communication method that is a communication method different from cellular communication.

[0027] (ODU configuration example) Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the ODU 100. FIG.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2A, the ODU 100 includes a cellular communication unit 110, a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication unit 120, a display 130, a memory 140, a charging unit 150, and a control unit 160.

[0029] The cellular communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with a wireless base station or the like using a wireless communication method compliant with 5G. That is, the cellular communication unit 110 converts (down-converts) a wireless signal received from the wireless base station or the like into a baseband signal in a baseband band, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 160. Furthermore, when the cellular communication unit 110 receives a baseband signal from the control unit 160, it converts (up-converts) the received baseband signal into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal to the wireless base station or the like.

[0030] The WLAN communication unit 120 performs wireless communication with the IDU200 using a wireless communication method compliant with Wi-Fi6. That is, the WLAN communication unit 120 converts (down-converts) a wireless signal received from the IDU200 into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 160. Furthermore, when the WLAN communication unit 120 receives a baseband signal from the control unit 160, it converts (up-converts) the received baseband signal into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal to the IDU200. In this way, the WLAN 120 can transmit and receive various messages by transmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from the IDU200.

[0031] Display 130 displays a predetermined image under the control of control unit 160. The predetermined image is a first icon indicating the radio wave strength of the communication between IDU 200 and child device 300. Another predetermined image is a second icon indicating the radio wave strength of the communication between ODU 100 and IDU 200. Examples of the first and second icons will be described in the operation example. Display 130 can display various information or images other than the predetermined image under the control of control unit 160.

[0032] The memory 140 stores programs and data. The programs are read from the memory 140 and executed by the control unit 160, thereby realizing various functions by the control unit 160. The memory 140 is used as a working area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 160. The memory 140 may be any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium.

[0033] Charging unit 150 stores electricity supplied from IDU 200. When ODU 100 is detached from IDU 200, electricity stored in charging unit 150 is supplied to each of units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 160 of ODU 100 under the control of control unit 160, thereby enabling each of units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 160 to operate.

[0034] The control unit 160 controls each unit 110 of the ODU 100. In addition, the control unit 160 can execute a "child device tethering mode" by controlling the cellular communication unit 110 and the WLAN communication unit 120. For example, the control unit 160 can execute the "child device tethering mode" by performing the following control.

[0035] That is, the control unit 160 controls the WLAN communication unit 120 so that the ODU100 becomes a slave unit with respect to the IDU200 which is an access point. Specifically, for example, the control unit 160 controls the WLAN communication unit 120 so as not to transmit a beacon message to the IDU200 and so as to be able to receive a beacon message transmitted from the IDU200.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 160 outputs a baseband signal output from the cellular communication unit 110 to the WLAN communication unit 120, and outputs a baseband signal output from the WLAN communication unit 120 to the cellular communication unit 110. This allows the ODU 100 to relay between the cellular communication and the wireless LAN, and fulfill the role of a tethering function.

[0037] When the control unit 160 executes the "child device tethering mode", the WLAN communication unit 120 transmits a Wi-Fi connection request message to the IDU200 under the control of the control unit 160. The Wi-Fi connection request message may be a wireless connection request or a 5G routing request from the ODU100 to the IDU200. The IDU200 that receives the Wi-Fi connection request message can maintain its function as, for example, an access point.

[0038] (Example of IDU configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of IDU 200. FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2B, the IDU 200 includes a WLAN communication unit 210, a memory 220, a power supply unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0040] The WLAN communication unit 210 is capable of wireless communication with the ODU100 by using a wireless communication method compliant with Wi-Fi6, and is capable of wireless communication with the slave device 300 by using the wireless communication method. That is, the WLAN communication unit 210 converts (down-converts) a wireless signal received from the ODU100 or the slave device 300 into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 240. The WLAN communication unit 210 also converts (up-converts) a baseband signal received from the control unit 240 into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal to the ODU100 or the slave device 300. By transmitting and receiving such wireless signals, the IDU200 is capable of wireless communication with the ODU100 or the slave device 300 by using Wi-Fi6.

[0041] The memory 220 stores programs and data. The programs are read from the memory 220 and executed by the control unit 240, thereby realizing various functions in the control unit 240. The memory 220 is used as a working area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 240. The memory 220 may be any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium.

[0042] When the ODU100 is attached to the IDU200, the power supply unit 230 can supply power from a power source to the ODU100. The power supply unit 230 is electrically connected to the charging unit 150 of the ODU100 to supply power to the charging unit 150. The power supply unit 230 may supply power to the charging unit 150 when it detects the electrical connection with the charging unit 150. The IDU200 functions as a power supply stand for the ODU100.

[0043] The control unit 240 controls the units 210, 220, and 230 of the IDU 200. Furthermore, even if the control unit 240 receives a wireless connection request via the WLAN communication unit 210 from the ODU 100 in the "child unit tethering mode", the control unit 240 maintains the connection with the child unit 300.

[0044] That is, the control unit 240 controls the WLAN communication unit 210 to maintain the function as an access point. Specifically, for example, the control unit 240 controls the WLAN communication unit 210 to transmit a beacon message. Since a beacon message is not transmitted from the ODU100 in the "child device tethering mode", the WLAN communication unit 210 continues to transmit the beacon message, thereby maintaining the function as, for example, an access point. Furthermore, the control unit 240 can confirm that, for example, the IDU200 maintains the function as an access point for the ODU100 in the "child device tethering mode" by receiving a wireless connection request from the ODU100 in the "child device tethering mode" via the WLAN communication unit 210.

[0045] (Example of child device configuration) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the child device 300. As shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the child device 300 includes a WLAN communication unit 310, a memory 320, and a control unit 330.

[0047] The WLAN communication unit 310 is capable of wireless communication with the IDU200 using a wireless communication method compliant with Wi-Fi6. That is, the WLAN communication unit 310 converts (down-converts) a wireless signal received from the IDU200 into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 330. The WLAN communication unit 310 also converts (up-converts) a baseband signal received from the control unit 240 into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal to the IDU200. By transmitting and receiving such wireless signals, the slave unit 300 is capable of wireless communication with the IDU200 using Wi-Fi6. The slave unit 300 is also capable of accessing cellular communication via the IDU200 and the ODU100 using wireless communication with the IDU200, and is capable of receiving wireless services provided by the cellular communication.

[0048] The memory 320 stores programs and data. The programs are read from the memory 320 and executed by the control unit 330, causing the control unit 330 to perform various functions. The memory 220 is used as a working area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 240. The memory 220 may be any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium.

[0049] The control unit 330 controls the units 310 and 320 of the child device 300 .

[0050] In addition, the child device 300 may be a third communication device.

[0051] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described, but first, a comparative example to be compared with the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] (Comparative Example) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the communication system 10 according to the comparative example.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S10, the IDU 200 performs AP (access point) setting.

[0054] In step S11, the IDU 200 broadcasts a beacon.

[0055] In step S12, the child device 300 that has received the beacon transmits a Wi-Fi connection request to the IDU 200. The child device 300 performs a series of connection processes (step S13) from receiving the beacon to transmitting the Wi-Fi connection request. The connection process includes, for example, transmission and reception of a probe message and an authentication message.

[0056] Upon completing the connection process (step S13), the IDU 200 and the child device 300 establish a connection in step S14.

[0057] In step S15, the ODU100 performs AP setting. For example, the ODU100 performs AP setting when it is detached from the IDU 200. Alternatively, the ODU100 may perform AP setting when it is detached from the IDU 200 and the power of the ODU100 is turned on by the user.

[0058] On the other hand, in step S16, the IDU200 performs repeater setting. For example, the IDU200 performs repeater setting when it receives a beacon (step S17) from the ODU100. Alternatively, the IDU200 may perform repeater setting after transmitting a Wi-Fi connection request (or wireless connection request) (step S20) to the ODU100. The repeater setting refers to the setting of a relay function.

[0059] The IDU 200 is changed from an access point role to a relay role (or a child device) due to the repeater setting. Therefore, in step S18, the IDU 200 transmits a Wi-Fi disconnection request to the child device 300. Then, in step S19, the connection between the IDU 200 and the child device 300 is disconnected.

[0060] On the other hand, the IDU200 performs connection processing from beacon reception (step S17) to transmission of a Wi-Fi connection request (step S20) through AP setting by the ODU100. Then, in step S21, the IDU200 establishes a connection with the ODU100. Note that the Wi-Fi connection request in step S20 may be a 5G routing request from the IDU200 to the ODU100.

[0061] The IDU 200 is set to have a relay function by the repeater setting (step S16). In step S22, the IDU 200 receives a Wi-Fi connection request transmitted from the child device 300. In step S23, the IDU 200 responds to the Wi-Fi connection request again and establishes a connection with the child device 300.

[0062] The above is a comparative example. In this comparative example, when the IDU 200 switches from an access point to a repeater (step S16), the connection with the slave unit 300 is disconnected (step S19). Such a disconnection may cause a decrease in throughput in the communication system 10.

[0063] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to appropriately maintain a connection with the child device (or terminal) 300. For this reason, in the first embodiment, the first communication device 100 executes a "child device tethering mode". The "child device tethering mode" is a communication mode in which the first communication device 100 serves as a child device with respect to the second communication device 200, which is an access point. The "child device tethering mode" is also a communication mode in which the first communication device 100 relays cellular communication and wireless LAN communication and provides wireless services to the child device 300 via the second communication device 200.

[0064] When the first communication device 100 is in the "child device tethering mode", the second communication device 200 maintains the function as an access point. Therefore, the second communication device 200 does not need to switch from an access point to a repeater as in the first embodiment. This allows the second communication device 200 to properly maintain a connection with the child device 300 in the entire communication system 10, without disconnecting the child device 300 due to switching.

[0065] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0066] (Example of operation) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment.

[0067] 5, steps S10 to S14 are the same as steps S10 to S14 in the comparative example (FIG. 4), respectively. That is, the IDU200 periodically broadcasts a beacon message (step S11) based on the access point setting (step S10), and the child device 300 that receives the beacon message transmits a Wi-Fi connection request (step S12), thereby completing the connection between the IDU200 and the child device 300 (step S14).

[0068] On the other hand, in step S25, the ODU100 executes a "child unit tethering mode" (or "child unit tethering"). For example, the ODU100 may execute the "child unit tethering mode" when the ODU100 is detached from the IDU200 and the power is turned on. Alternatively, the ODU100 may execute the "child unit tethering mode" by a user operating a predetermined button displayed on the display 130 of the ODU100. Alternatively, the ODU100 may execute the "child unit tethering mode" when it receives a beacon message from the IDU200. The ODU100 does not transmit a beacon message, considering itself an access point.

[0069] In step S26, the IDU 200 periodically broadcasts a beacon message.

[0070] The ODU100 receives this beacon message, and in step S27, transmits a Wi-Fi connection request (or a wireless connection request) to the IDU200. This Wi-Fi connection request is also a 5G routing request from the ODU100 to the IDU200. This 5G routing request causes the ODU100 to request the IDU200 to function as a 5G router.

[0071] In step S28, the IDU 200 maintains the access point setting. Therefore, the IDU 200 maintains the connection (step S14) with the child device 300. Even if the IDU 200 receives a Wi-Fi connection request (or a wireless connection request) from the ODU 100, the IDU 200 maintains the connection with the child device 300 by maintaining the access point setting.

[0072] In addition, since the IDU 200 maintains the connection with the child device 300, it is not necessary for the IDU 200 to receive a Wi-Fi connection request (step S22 in FIG. 4) from the child device 300. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve convenience in that it is possible to omit the operation of a Wi-Fi connection request by the user who uses the child device 300.

[0073] In step S29, the ODU 100 and the IDU 200 complete a series of connection processes (steps S26 and S27) and establish a connection.

[0074] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the ODU 100 executes the "child unit tethering mode".

[0075] For example, there is the following case. That is, the ODU100 receives a beacon message from an access point. In this case, the ODU100 may not know whether to connect to the access point in "child unit tethering mode" or as a normal "child unit."

[0076] Fig. 6(A) and Fig. 6(B) are diagrams showing connection examples. Of these, Fig. 6(A) shows an example in which the ODU100 connects to the IDU200 (access point) in "child unit tethering mode". On the other hand, Fig. 6(B) shows an example in which the ODU100 connects to the Wi-Fi router 400 as a normal "child unit".

[0077] As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the ODU100 accesses an access point (IDU200) in "child device tethering mode", the ODU100 itself relays the cellular communication. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when the ODU100 accesses an access point (Wi-Fi router) as a normal "child device", the Wi-Fi router 400 relays the cellular communication. In the case of Fig. 6(B), the ODU100 also functions as a child device of the Wi-Fi router 400, like the child device 300.

[0078] In this way, the functions of the ODU100 and IDU200 differ between connecting to an access point in "child unit tethering mode" and connecting to an access point as a normal "child unit." The ODU100 may not know in what circumstances it should function as the "child unit tethering mode."

[0079] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the ODU100 receives a beacon message including device information indicating that it is the IDU200, it executes a "child unit tethering mode". On the other hand, when the ODU100 receives a beacon message including device information indicating that it is other than the IDU200, it executes a normal "child unit" mode. Alternatively, the ODU100 may execute the "child unit" mode when it does not acquire device information indicating that it is the IDU200.

[0080] In this way, the ODU100 can determine to connect to the access point in the "child device tethering mode" depending on whether the device information included in the beacon message is information indicating that the ODU100 is the IDU200.

[0081] The device information indicating that it is the IDU200 may be an identifier of the IDU200. Also, the device information indicating that it is an IDU may be a Service Set Identifier (SSID) issued by the IDU200. Such device information allows the ODU100 to know that the IDU200 is an access point, and therefore allows the ODU100 to determine whether to execute the "child device tethering mode."

[0082] On the other hand, the device information indicating that the access point is other than IDU200 may be an identifier of another access point (or router), for example, the Wi-Fi router 400, or may be an SSID issued by the Wi-Fi router 400. From such device information, the ODU100 can know that the access point is other than IDU200, and can therefore determine whether to execute the normal "child unit" mode.

[0083] In addition, when the "child device tethering mode" is the first communication mode, the "child device" mode becomes the second communication mode.

[0084] (Example of operation) FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, the IDU 200 performs connection processing (steps S10, S13) with the child device 300 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and establishes a connection (step S14).

[0086] In step S31, the IDU200 periodically broadcasts a beacon message including device information identifying the IDU200.

[0087] In this case, the IDU200 may transmit the beacon message when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be when the IDU200 is connected to at least one child device 300. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be when the IDU200 is connected to a predetermined number or more of child devices 300. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be when the IDU200 is set to a specific mode by the user.

[0088] In step S32, the ODU100 transmits a Wi-Fi connection request (or a wireless connection request) to the IDU200 based on the device information indicating that it is the IDU200. The Wi-Fi connection request is also a 5G routing connection request by the ODU100, as in the first embodiment.

[0089] When the ODU100 acquires device information indicating that it is the IDU200, it may transmit a Wi-Fi connection request based on the device information (as "child device tethering mode"). When the ODU100 acquires device information indicating that it is other than the IDU200 from a router other than the IDU200, it may transmit a Wi-Fi connection request based on the device information (as normal "child device" mode). However, the example shown in Fig. 8 represents an example in which the ODU100 transmits a Wi-Fi connection request in "child device tethering mode".

[0090] In step S33, a connection is established between the ODU 100 and the IDU 200.

[0091] In step S34, the IDU200 receives radio wave intensity notifications from the child devices 300. For example, the IDU200 receives radio wave intensity notifications for the number of connected child devices 300. The child devices 300 may measure the radio wave intensity for the IDU200 based on a wireless signal (or a message, etc.) received from the IDU200. For example, the measurement is performed by the control unit 330 of the child device 300.

[0092] In step S35, when the ODU100 establishes a wireless connection with the IDU200, the ODU100 performs a mode change. The mode change is a change from a normal "child unit" mode to a "child unit tethering mode". The "child unit" mode is set as a default for the ODU100. Then, in response to receiving a beacon message including device information indicating that the ODU100 is the IDU200, the ODU100 performs a mode change to the "child unit tethering mode". Therefore, the beacon message serves as a trigger for the mode change. The mode change is performed, for example, by the control unit 160 of the ODU100. For example, the mode change is performed by the control unit 160 setting the "child unit tethering mode" (step S25 in FIG. 5) described in the first embodiment.

[0093] When the ODU 100 finishes the mode change processing, it transmits a mode change completion notification to the IDU 200 in step S36.

[0094] In step S37, in response to receiving the mode change completion notification, the IDU 200 changes the parameters. For example, the IDU 200 changes the default gateway from the IDU 200 to the ODU 100 to change the parameters.

[0095] In step S38, when the IDU200 finishes changing the parameters, it transmits a change completion notification to the ODU100.

[0096] In step S39, the IDU 200 checks the radio wave strength of the child device 300 received in step S34.

[0097] In step S40, the IDU 200 transmits a signal strength notification to the ODU 100. The signal strength notification is, for example, a summary of the signal strengths received by the IDU 200 from the child devices 300 in step S34.

[0098] The IDU200 may transmit information corresponding to the wireless connection to the IDU200 to the ODU100 by including the information in the radio wave intensity notification or by a separate message. The information corresponding to the wireless connection may be, for example, the number of child devices 300 connected to the IDU200 or the maximum number of child devices 300 that can be connected to the IDU200. The IDU200 can acquire the number of child devices 300 connected to the IDU200 when performing a connection process with the child devices 300. The IDU200 can then transmit the acquired number of child devices 300 to the ODU100. The IDU200 can also read out the maximum number of child devices 300 that can be connected to the IDU200 from the memory 220. The IDU200 can then transmit the read maximum number to the ODU100.

[0099] In step S41, the ODU 100 displays an icon based on the received radio wave intensity notification. At this time, the ODU 100 may display the icon based on information corresponding to a wireless connection and the radio wave intensity notification.

[0100] 8 is a diagram showing an example of icons displayed on display 130 of IDU 200. A pictogram area 131 is provided at the top of display 130. Pictogram area 131 includes a display area 132 for ODU 100, a display area 133 for IDU 200, and a radio wave intensity display area 134.

[0101] In the display area 132 of the ODU 100, a predetermined image indicating the radio wave intensity of the communication between the ODU 100 and the IDU 200 is displayed.

[0102] 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams showing examples of a first icon displayed as a predetermined image in the display area 132 of the ODU 100. In FIG.

[0103] Fig. 9(A) is a diagram showing an example of a first icon when the ODU 100 is connected to the IDU 200 in the "child unit tethering mode." As shown in Fig. 9(A), the word "relay" is included in the icon.

[0104] On the other hand, Fig. 9(B) is a diagram showing an example of the first icon when the ODU100 is connected to the IDU200 in the normal "child unit" mode. As shown in Fig. 9(B), the icon does not include the characters "relay". In this way, the icon display differs between an ODU100 executing a "child unit tethering mode" and an ODU100 executing a "child unit mode". It is sufficient that the display differs depending on each mode, and whether or not the characters "relay" are included is one example.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, a predetermined image indicating the radio wave intensity of the communication between the IDU 200 and the child device 300 is displayed in the display area 133 of the IDU 200.

[0106] 9(C) and 9(D) are diagrams showing examples of second icons displayed in the display area of ​​IDU 200 as the predetermined image.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 9(C), the second icon is displayed in the normal "child unit" mode (without the character "relay"), similarly to FIG. 9(B).

[0108] As shown in Fig. 9(D), the magnitude of radio wave strength is expressed by the way the circles are displayed. For example, when the radio wave strength is strongest, all the circles are displayed in "black" as shown in Fig. 9(A) to Fig. 9(C). As the radio wave strength weakens, the display changes from "black" to "gray" starting from the outside of the icon.

[0109] In addition, when multiple child devices 300 are connected to the IDU200, for example, the following display is performed. That is, a representative value of the radio wave strength of the multiple child devices 300 may be displayed as a second icon displayed in the display area 133 of the IDU200. The representative value may be the average value, the weakest value, or the maximum value of the radio wave strength of the multiple child devices 300 (currently connected). In addition, the display area 133 may display all of the radio wave strengths of the multiple child devices 300 side by side. Alternatively, the display area 133 may display all of the radio wave strengths of the multiple child devices 300 at a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, a representative icon may be displayed in the display area 133. In this case, when an operation on the displayed icon (operation using a touch panel, operation using a physical key, voice instruction using a microphone, etc.) is accepted, the radio wave strength of each of the multiple child devices 300 may be displayed. In addition, in this case, the "representative icon" may be an icon showing the average value of each radio wave strength (or a statistically calculated representative value). The display mode of the second icon may be changed depending on the number of terminals connected to the IDU200. For example, when the number of child devices 300 connected to the IDU200 is one, the icon shown in Fig. 9(C) or Fig. 9(D) may be displayed, and when the number of child devices 300 connected to the IDU200 is two or more, an icon with the letter "+2" added to the icon shown in Fig. 9(C) (icon showing the average signal strength) may be displayed. When a specific operation is accepted while the icon with the letter "+2" added is displayed, the signal strength of each of the multiple child devices 300 (currently connected) may be displayed. In this case, the icon displayed when the number of devices connected to the IDU200 is one may be set not to accept a specific operation.

[0110] 8, the first icon and the second icon may be displayed so as to be located adjacent to each other or in the vicinity of each other. Also, at least the number of child devices 300 connected to the IDU 200 may be displayed together with the second icon. Furthermore, the maximum number of child devices 300 that can be connected to the IDU 200 may be displayed together with the second icon.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 8, a third icon is displayed as a predetermined image in the signal strength display area 134. The third icon represents the signal strength for cellular communication (5G) in the ODU100. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the third icon represents the magnitude of the signal strength by a plurality of bars of different heights. When the signal strength is at its strongest, all the bars are displayed, and as the signal strength weakens, the bars are displayed starting from the tallest bar.

[0112] The above-mentioned predetermined image is displayed, for example, by control unit 160 of ODU 100 controlling display 130 based on the radio wave intensity notification received from child device 300 via IDU 200 (step S40 in FIG. 7).

[0113] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10: Communication system 100: First communication unit (ODU) 110: Cellular communication unit 120: WLAN communication unit 130: Display 132: Display area 133: Display area 134: Radio field strength display area 140: Memory 150: Charging section 160: Control unit 200: Second communication unit (IDU) 210: WLAN communication unit 220: memory 230: Power supply unit 240: Control unit 300 (300-1, 300-2): Child unit 310: WLAN communication unit 320: memory 330: control unit

Claims

1. 1. A communication device, comprising: A first communication unit capable of wireless communication using a cellular communication method; a second communication unit capable of wireless communication with another communication device by using a first communication method different from the cellular communication method; a control unit that controls the first and second communication units to execute a first communication mode, the second communication unit transmits a wireless connection request to the other communication device in the first communication mode; The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication device is a client to the other communication device which is an access point, and relays communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method, and provides wireless services via the other communication device to a terminal device capable of wireless communication with the other communication device using the first communication method.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the first communication mode in response to the second communication unit receiving first device information related to the other communication device from the other communication device.

3. The communication device of claim 2, wherein the control unit executes a second communication mode in which, in response to the second communication unit receiving second device information regarding the communication device from a communication device other than the other communication device, the control unit controls the second communication unit so that the communication device becomes a client device with respect to the other communication device, which is an access point.

4. The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit executes the second communication mode when the second communication unit does not receive the first device information.

5. Further, a display unit is provided, the display unit displays a predetermined image when the control unit executes the first communication mode; The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays, as the predetermined image, a second icon indicating radio wave strength of communication between the communication device and the other communication device.

6. The communication device according to claim 5 , wherein the display unit further displays, as the predetermined image, a first icon indicating radio wave intensity of communication between the other communication device and the terminal device.

7. A communication device as described in claim 5, wherein the second icon includes an indication indicating that the first communication mode is being used.

8. The communication device according to claim 6 , wherein when a plurality of terminal devices are present, the display unit displays an average value or a representative value of radio wave strength of communication between each of the terminal devices and the other communication device as the first icon.

9. The communication device according to claim 6 , wherein the display unit displays the first icon and the second icon in adjacent positions.

10. The communication device according to claim 6 , wherein the display unit displays, as the predetermined image, at least the number of terminal devices connected to the other communication device.

11. The communication device according to claim 6 , wherein the display unit displays a maximum number of terminal devices that can be connected to the other communication device together with the predetermined image.

12. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication method is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication method or a short-distance wireless communication method.

13. a communication unit capable of wireless communication with other communication devices and terminal devices using a first communication method different from a cellular communication method; A communication device comprising: the communication unit receives a wireless connection request from the other communication device in a first communication mode; The control unit maintains the connection with the terminal device even when the wireless connection request is received by the communication unit; The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the other communication device is a client to the communication device which is an access point, and in which the other communication device relays communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method, and provides wireless services to the terminal device.

14. The communication device according to claim 13 , wherein the communication unit transmits device information of the communication device to the other communication device.

15. The communication unit transmits the device information to the other communication device when a predetermined condition is satisfied; 15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined condition is when the communication device is connected to at least one of the terminal devices, when the communication device is connected to a predetermined number or more of the terminal devices, or when the communication device is designated to a specific mode by a user.

16. The communication device according to claim 13 , wherein the communication unit transmits information corresponding to a wireless connection to the other communication device to the other communication device.

17. The communication device according to claim 16 , wherein the information corresponding to the wireless connection is a number of the terminal devices connected to the communication device, or a maximum number of the terminal devices that can be connected to the communication device.

18. a first communication device capable of wireless communication using a cellular communication method and also capable of wireless communication using a first communication method different from the cellular communication method; a second communication device capable of wireless communication with the first communication device using the first communication method; A communication system including the second communication device and a terminal device capable of wireless communication using the first communication method, the first communication device transmits a wireless connection request to the second communication device in a first communication mode; the second communication device maintains a connection with the terminal device even when the second communication device receives the wireless connection request; A communication system, wherein the first communication mode is a communication mode in which the first communication device is a client to the second communication device which is an access point, and in which the first communication device relays communication using the cellular communication method and communication using the first communication method, and provides wireless services to the terminal device via the second communication device.

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