CONTROL DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To allow a user to receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through an apparatus mounted on a vehicle without inputting information for obtaining subscriber information into the apparatus.SOLUTION: A control device 20 includes: a communication unit 23 that communicates with an apparatus, which is mounted on a vehicle, stores subscriber information for receiving communication services provided through a mobile communication network, and includes a subscriber authentication module that allows the communication services to be received through the apparatus when the stored subscriber information is activated; and a control unit 21 that obtains subscriber information corresponding to a user who has reserved the vehicle by specifying the period of use of the vehicle, transmits the obtained subscriber information to the apparatus through the communication unit 23 to store the subscriber information in the subscriber authentication module, and activates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module through the communication unit 23 in accordance with the start of the period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a system, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for using a communication service in a vehicle-mounted mobile station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 235626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order for a user to receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through a device installed in a vehicle, the user must input information to the device to obtain subscriber information.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through a device installed in a vehicle without having to input information to obtain subscriber information into the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device according to the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with a device mounted on a vehicle, the device including a subscriber authentication module that stores subscriber information for receiving a communication service provided via a mobile communication network and enables the user to receive the communication service via the device when the stored subscriber information is activated; a control unit that acquires subscriber information corresponding to a user who has reserved the vehicle by specifying a period during which the vehicle will be used and who uses the device to receive the communication service when using the vehicle, transmits the acquired subscriber information to the device via the communication unit, stores the subscriber information in the subscriber authentication module, and activates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit in time with the start of the period; Equipped with.

[0007] The control method according to the present disclosure includes: Acquiring subscriber information corresponding to a user who has reserved a vehicle by specifying a period of vehicle use by a control device, the user using a device mounted on the vehicle to receive a communication service provided via a mobile communication network when using the vehicle, the device including a subscriber authentication module that stores subscriber information for receiving the communication service and enables the user to receive the communication service via the device when the stored subscriber information is activated; acquiring subscriber information corresponding to the user; transmitting, by the control device, subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device; storing subscriber information corresponding to the user in the subscriber authentication module by the control device; activating, by the control device, subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module in accordance with the start of the period; Includes. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a user can receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through a device installed in a vehicle without having to input information to obtain subscriber information into the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which a user receives a communication service when using a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes at least one control device 20, a device 30 mounted on a vehicle VH, and a terminal device 40 of a user U1. The control device 20 is capable of communicating with the device 30 and the terminal device 40 via a network 50. The control device 20 may be capable of communicating with the vehicle VH via the network 50.

[0014] The control device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center. The control device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The control device 20 is operated by a management company that manages the vehicle VH, and is capable of communicating with a server SV2 of a communication company that provides communication services via a mobile communication network via a network 50. Alternatively, the control device 20 may be operated by a communication company, and is capable of communicating with a server SV1 of the management company via the network 50.

[0015] The device 30 is, for example, a car navigation device. The device 30 includes a subscriber authentication module that stores subscriber information for receiving a communication service provided via a mobile communication network and enables the user to receive the communication service via the device 30 when the stored subscriber information is activated. The subscriber authentication module stores subscriber information D1 corresponding to a user U1 and enables the user U1 to receive a communication service via the device 30 when the stored subscriber information D1 is activated.

[0016] The terminal device 40 is, for example, a general-purpose terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. The terminal device 40 is used by a user U1. For example, a user U1 who wishes to reserve a vehicle VH accesses an arbitrary reservation system via the terminal device 40 and logs in by inputting login information such as a user ID and a password. "ID" is an abbreviation for identifier. The user U1 inputs information indicating a period P1 during which the vehicle VH will be used and information indicating an application for a communication service using the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH. In this embodiment, the reservation system is built on a reservation PF operated by a rental car company or a shared car company. "PF" is an abbreviation for platform. The reservation system may be built on a reservation PF operated by a management company.

[0017] The vehicle VH may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle VH is driven by a driver, but the driving may be automated at any level. The level of automation is, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle VH may be a MaaS-dedicated vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service. The vehicle VH may be selected from a plurality of vehicles.

[0018] Network 50 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 50 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0019] The present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG.

[0020] In order for the user U1 to receive a communication service provided via a mobile communication network through a mobile station such as the terminal device 40, it is necessary that the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 is written in the subscriber authentication module, and that the subscriber information D1 is activated. The subscriber information is also called a profile. The subscriber authentication module is specifically an eSIM to which the subscriber information can be written via a communication network. "eSIM" is an abbreviation for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. In this embodiment, the device 30 including the eSIM to which the subscriber information is not written is mounted in the vehicle VH, and, for example, the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 is written in the eSIM and activated, so that the user U1 can receive a communication service through the device 30 in the vehicle VH. That is, the subscriber information D1 is information for the user U1 to receive a communication service provided via a mobile communication network. The subscriber information D1 includes, for example, an APN configuration profile. "APN" is an abbreviation for Access Point Name. The APN configuration profile is connection information for connecting to an access point provided by the communication carrier with which the user U1 has a contract. When the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 is stored in an eSIM included in an arbitrary device and activated, the user U1 can receive a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier with which the user U1 has a contract, via the device. For example, in order for the user U1 to receive a communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier with which the user U1 has a contract, via a device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH, the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 needs to be stored and activated in a subscriber authentication module included in the device 30.

[0021] Currently, the use of eSIM in vehicles is not widespread, and communication costs incurred in vehicles are borne by the OEM, not the end user. "OEM" is an abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer. However, as autonomous driving and other technologies become more widespread in the future, it is expected that the way users spend time in their vehicles will change and the amount of communication will increase.

[0022] As an example of an increase in communication traffic, an assumed way of spending time in a vehicle for a certain user will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 assumes that a user, the user's wife, and their two children are traveling from Tokyo to Nagano Prefecture using a vehicle. In the "vehicle reservation" situation, the user reserves a rental car or a shared car from his / her own terminal device in order to use a rental car or a shared car as the vehicle. Alternatively, the user may use a taxi or a MaaS vehicle operated on demand as the vehicle. In that case, the user calls the vehicle directly from his / her own terminal device. The user thinks, "Since it's a special trip, I want to spend time in the vehicle to the fullest." It takes about three hours to get from Tokyo to Nagano Prefecture, so it is considered that the user will spend the time watching movies, etc. Therefore, when reserving a vehicle, the user applies for a communication service provided in the vehicle. In the "boarding" situation, the user receives the reserved vehicle. The vehicle may be driven by the user himself / herself, or may be an autonomous driving vehicle. Alternatively, if the user directly calls the vehicle in the "vehicle reservation" situation, the user boards the called vehicle. The vehicle may be driven by a driver or may be an autonomous vehicle. In the "authentication" scenario, the user is authenticated and a communication service is provided. The destination may be automatically set based on the information entered at the time of reservation. Alternatively, viewing content may be suggested to the user. In the "travel to destination by vehicle" scenario, the user's family receives the communication service and enjoys large-capacity content such as movies using a display device such as a car navigation device, which is a device installed in the vehicle. If the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, the user does not need to drive, so the user himself can enjoy large-capacity content together with his family.

[0023] In this way, if the communication volume in the vehicle increases, the OEM will not be able to cover the communication fees. However, if the OEM were to charge the user a communication fee equivalent to the communication volume in the vehicle, the user would have to pay both the communication fee for the terminal device owned by the user and the communication fee generated in the vehicle, which is thought to be less satisfactory. Therefore, for example, eSIM is expected to be used in situations where the communication volume available in the user's terminal device can be diverted to the vehicle. That is, if the user writes subscriber information for receiving communication services in the user's terminal device into the eSIM included in the device mounted in the vehicle and activates it, the user will not be charged a communication fee equivalent to the communication volume in the vehicle by the OEM even if the user uses the device to use the communication service in the vehicle. In this case, the user needs to write and activate his / her subscriber information into the eSIM in the vehicle and link the user's terminal device to the eSIM. This work is time-consuming and has poor usability. In particular, when a user does not own a vehicle but uses a rental car, a shared car, or an unspecified vehicle such as a taxi, the user must link the terminal device and the eSIM every time they change vehicles, which significantly reduces usability.

[0024] In this embodiment, a user U1 reserves a vehicle VH by designating a period P1 during which the vehicle VH will be used. When the user U1 uses the vehicle VH, the user U1 uses a device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH to receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network. When the user U1 reserves the vehicle VH by designating the period P1, the control device 20 acquires subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1. The device 30 includes a subscriber authentication module. The control device 20 transmits the acquired subscriber information D1 to the device 30 and stores it in the subscriber authentication module. The control device 20 activates the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module in accordance with the start of the period P1.

[0025] According to this embodiment, when a user U1 reserves a vehicle VH, the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 is automatically stored in the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH, and the subscriber information D1 is activated in accordance with the start of a period P1 designated by the user U1. Thus, the user U1 can receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through the device 30, without having to input information for acquiring the subscriber information D1 into the device 30. Therefore, usability is improved.

[0026] In this embodiment, the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 is associated with user identification information D3 for identifying the user U1 and is stored in advance in, for example, a server SV2 of a telecommunications carrier. The user identification information D3 includes, for example, a user ID.

[0027] The configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0028] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0029] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the control device 20 while controlling each part of the control device 20.

[0030] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0031] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the control device 20, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 communicates with the device 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0032] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing a control program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The control program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the control program.

[0033] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0034] A computer temporarily stores in a main storage device, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer, and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of defining computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

[0035] A part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0036] The configuration of the device 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] The device 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and an output unit 35.

[0038] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 31 executes processes related to the operation of the device 30 while controlling each part of the device 30.

[0039] The storage unit 32 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 32 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores data used in the operation of the device 30 and data obtained by the operation of the device 30. In this embodiment, the storage unit 32 further includes an IC card as a subscriber authentication module. "IC" is an abbreviation for integrated circuit. The subscriber authentication module stores subscriber information transmitted from the control device 20.

[0040] The communication unit 33 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, an interface compatible with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a LAN interface. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 33 receives data used in the operation of the device 30, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the device 30. In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 communicates with the control device 20.

[0041] The input unit 34 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integral with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 34 accepts an operation to input data used for the operation of the device 30. The input unit 34 may be connected to the device 30 as an external input device instead of being provided in the device 30. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[0042] The output unit 35 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. The output unit 35 outputs data obtained by the operation of the device 30. The output unit 35 may be connected to the device 30 as an external output device instead of being provided in the device 30. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0043] The functions of the device 30 are realized by executing the device program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 31. That is, the functions of the device 30 are realized by software. The device program causes a computer to execute the operations of the device 30, thereby causing the computer to function as the device 30. That is, the computer functions as the device 30 by executing the operations of the device 30 in accordance with the device program.

[0044] A part or all of the functions of the device 30 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 31. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the device 30 may be realized by hardware.

[0045] The operation of the system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This operation corresponds to the control method according to the present embodiment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control device 20 is configured as a server SV1 operated by a management company that manages the vehicle VH.

[0047] Assume that a user U1 who wishes to use a vehicle VH logs into the reservation system through the terminal device 40 by inputting a user ID and a password that identify the user U1, and reserves the vehicle VH. The reservation of the vehicle VH may be performed by any procedure, but in this embodiment, the user U1 inputs a period P1 during which the vehicle VH will be used to the terminal device 40, and applies for a communication service using the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH. The terminal device 40 transmits the period P1 input by the user U1, information indicating the application for the communication service using the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH, and communication carrier identification information that identifies a communication carrier that provides the communication service that the user U1 wishes to receive, as reservation information D2 to the reservation system. The reservation system receives the reservation information D2 and stores it in a storage of the reservation system.

[0048] In step S1 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires reservation information D2. Specifically, the control unit 21 communicates with a reservation system. The reservation information D2 is transmitted from the reservation system to the control device 20. The control unit 21 receives the reservation information D2 transmitted from the reservation system via the communication unit 23. The reservation information D2 includes information indicating a period P1 and an application for a communication service using the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH, as well as communication carrier identification information for identifying a communication carrier that provides the communication service that the user U1 wishes to receive. In this embodiment, the communication carrier identified by the communication carrier identification information is a communication carrier with which the user U1 has a contract. The communication carrier identification information is, for example, a carrier account ID.

[0049] In step S2 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires user identification information D3 for identifying the user U1. The user identification information D3 is, for example, a user ID input when the user U1 logs in to the reservation system. The user identification information D3 may be acquired by any procedure, but in this embodiment, the user ID of the user U1 is transmitted to the control device 20 as the user identification information D3 from the reservation system in which the user U1 made a reservation. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the user identification information D3 by receiving the transmitted user ID via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the user identification information D3 may be included in the reservation information D2. The user identification information D3 may be customer information such as a telephone number used by the user U1 on the terminal device 40.

[0050] In step S3 of Fig. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 communicates with a server SV2 of a telecommunications carrier that provides a communication service via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits reservation information D2 to the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier via the communication unit 23. At this time, the control unit 21 may specify the server SV2 from among the servers of a plurality of telecommunications carriers based on the reservation information D2. Specifically, the control unit 21 specifies the server of the telecommunications carrier identified by the telecommunications carrier identification information included in the reservation information D2 as the server SV2.

[0051] In step S4 of Fig. 5, the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier selects subscriber information D1 based on the user identification information D3. The subscriber information D1 may be selected by any procedure, but is selected, for example, by the following procedure. The server SV2 stores, as records, information in which the subscriber information of multiple users including the user U1 is associated with the user ID of each user. The server V2 receives the user identification information D3 transmitted from the control device 20. The server V2 reads out the stored record, and selects the subscriber information associated with the user ID indicated by the received user identification information D3 as the subscriber information D1.

[0052] 5, the server SV2 of the communication carrier transmits the selected subscriber information to the control device 20. Specifically, the server SV2 transmits the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 to the control device 20.

[0053] 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the subscriber information D1 transmitted from the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier via the communication unit 23. That is, the control unit 21 receives the subscriber information transmitted from the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier for the user identification information D3 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1.

[0054] In this manner, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 who has reserved the vehicle VH by specifying the period P1 during which the vehicle VH is to be used.

[0055] In step S7 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 via the communication unit 23. Specifically, the control unit 21 communicates with the device 30 via the communication unit 23 and transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device 30. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 before the period P1. The control unit 21 may transmit the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 at the start of the period P1. Alternatively, when the control unit 21 acquires permission information indicating that the transmission of the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 is permitted by the user U1, the control unit 21 may transmit the subscriber information D1 to the device 30. Specifically, the control unit 21 may transmit information to the terminal device 40 of the user U1 via the communication unit 23, prompting the user U1 to consent to the transmission of the subscriber information D1, and transmit the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 when consent is obtained from the user U1. As an example, the control unit 21 transmits a message "Do you permit your subscriber information to be transmitted to another device?" as an inquiry, as information for prompting consent. The terminal device 40 receives the message from the control device 20 and outputs the received message to an output unit such as a display. When the user U1 performs an operation to input a response to the inquiry, the terminal device 40 accepts the operation. As an example, when the user U1 performs an operation to touch "Yes" displayed on a touch screen serving as an input unit of the terminal device 40, the terminal device 40 accepts the operation as an operation to give consent as a response to the inquiry. The terminal device 40 generates response information indicating that the user U has given consent. The terminal device 40 transmits the generated response information to the control device 20. When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the response information transmitted from the terminal device 40, it transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device 30.

[0056] As a modified example of this embodiment, the device 30 may be specified from among devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles. For example, consider a case where the user U1 specifies a vehicle type when reserving the vehicle VH. In this case, at the stage of reservation, the vehicle to be used by the user U1 is not determined. The reservation information D2 from the user U1 includes information indicating the specified vehicle type. When a vehicle to be provided to the user U1 is selected from among a plurality of vehicles based on this information, vehicle identification information identifying the selected vehicle is transmitted from the reservation system to the control device 20. The vehicle identification information is, for example, a VIN. "VIN" is an abbreviation for vehicle identification number. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device mounted on the vehicle identified by the transmitted vehicle identification information. Instead of the vehicle identification information, device identification information identifying the device mounted on the selected vehicle may be transmitted. The device identification information is, for example, an eID. "eID" is an abbreviation for Embedded Identifier. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device identified by the transmitted device identification information.

[0057] 5, the control unit 31 of the device 30 receives the subscriber information D1 transmitted from the control device 20 via the communication unit 33. The control unit 31 of the device 30 stores the received subscriber information D1 in a subscriber authentication module included in the storage unit 32.

[0058] In steps S9 and S10 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 activates the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit 23 in accordance with the start of the period P1. Specifically, in step S9, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether the period P1 has arrived. More specifically, in step S9, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the reservation information D2, compares the start of the period P1 with the current time, and determines whether the period P1 is approaching. For example, the control unit 21 determines that the period P1 is approaching when the remaining time from the current time to the start of the period P1 is less than a threshold. When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that the period P1 is approaching, it transmits an activation instruction to activate the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 via the communication unit 23. In step S10, the control unit 31 of the device 30 receives the activation instruction transmitted from the control device 20 via the communication unit 33. The control unit 31 performs a process of activating the subscriber information D1 stored in a subscriber authentication module included in the storage unit 32. In this manner, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 activates the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit 23 in synchronization with the start of the period P1.

[0059] From the above, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 who has reserved the vehicle VH by specifying the period P1 during which the vehicle VH will be used. The control unit 21 transmits the subscriber information D1 to the device 30 via the communication unit 23 and stores it in the subscriber authentication module. The control unit 21 activates the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module in time with the start of the period P1.

[0060] According to this embodiment, when user U1 reserves vehicle VH, subscriber information D1 is acquired by control device 20. The acquired subscriber information D1 is stored in a subscriber authentication module included in device 30 by period P1, and is activated in time with the start of period P1. Thus, user U1 can receive communication services provided via a mobile communication network through device 30 without operating device 30 after getting into vehicle VH. This improves usability. Furthermore, by activating subscriber information D1 immediately before user U1 gets into vehicle VH, communication services can be used efficiently.

[0061] As a modified example of this embodiment, in steps S9 and S10 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may detect a passenger who boarded the vehicle VH after the start of the period P1, authenticate whether the detected passenger is the user U1, and activate the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit 23 if the authentication is successful. The authentication may be performed by any procedure, but in this embodiment, it is performed by the following procedure. The control unit 21 communicates with the vehicle VH. A passenger is detected by a sensor or the like mounted on the vehicle VH. The control unit 21 authenticates the user U1 using an authentication method such as face authentication or fingerprint authentication based on the information of the user U1 registered in advance. If the authentication is successful, the control unit 21 activates the subscriber information D1.

[0062] According to this modification, when the user U1 gets into the vehicle VH, the user U1 can receive communication services provided via the mobile communication network through the device 30 with only a simple operation for authentication. Therefore, the operation that the user U1 himself performs on the device 30 in order to receive communication services provided via the mobile communication network through the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH is reduced. Therefore, usability is improved. In addition, since the subscriber information D1 is activated after authenticating the user U1, it becomes easier to avoid a situation in which communication services are provided to a user other than the user U1 using the subscriber information corresponding to the user U1.

[0063] As a modification of this embodiment, the control device 20 can be configured as a server SV2 operated by a telecommunications carrier. The operation of the system 10 in this modification will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this modification, processes from step S1' to step S4' corresponding to the processes from step S1 to step S4 in Fig. 5 and process from step S6' corresponding to the process from step S6 in Fig. 5 are performed, but the process corresponding to step S5 in Fig. 5 is not performed.

[0064] In step S1' in FIG. 6, the server SV1 of the management company that manages the vehicle VH acquires the reservation information D2, similarly to step S1 in FIG.

[0065] In step S2' of FIG. 6, the server SV1 of the management company acquires user identification information D3 for identifying the user U1, similarly to step S2 of FIG.

[0066] 6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 communicates with the server SV1 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives, via the communication unit 23, the user identification information D3 transmitted from the server SV1.

[0067] In step S4' in Fig. 6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 selects the subscriber information D1 based on the user identification information D3, similar to step S4 in Fig. 5. The subscriber information D1 may be selected in any procedure, but is selected, for example, in the following procedure. The memory unit 22 of the control device 20 stores information in the form of records that associates the subscriber information of multiple users, including the user U1, with the user ID of each user. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 reads out the records stored in the memory unit 22, and selects the subscriber information associated with the user ID indicated by the user identification information D3 as the subscriber information D1.

[0068] In step S6' in FIG. 6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the subscriber information D1 selected in step S4' in FIG. 6 as the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1.

[0069] In this manner, in this modified example as well, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the subscriber information D1 corresponding to the user U1 who has reserved the vehicle VH by specifying the period P1 during which the vehicle VH is to be used.

[0070] The processing of steps S7' and S9' in Fig. 6 is the same as the processing of steps S7 and S9 in Fig. 5, which is performed by the control device 20 configured as the server SV1 of the management company, except that the processing is performed by the control device 20 configured as the server SV2 of the telecommunications company, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The processing of steps S8 and S10 in Fig. 6 is the same as the processing of steps S8 and S10 in Fig. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may further deactivate the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module after the end of the period P1 via the communication unit 23. Specifically, the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module may be deactivated by performing the processes from step S11 to step S14 in Fig. 7.

[0072] In step S11 of Fig. 7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the reservation information D2, compares the end of the period P1 with the current time, and determines whether the period P1 has ended. For example, the control unit 21 determines that the period P1 has ended if the current time is after the end of the period P1. If it is determined that the period P1 has ended, the process of step S13 is performed.

[0073] In step S13 of FIG. 7, the control unit 21 transmits, via the communication unit 23, to the device 30, a deactivation instruction to deactivate the subscriber information D1.

[0074] 7, the control unit 31 of the device 30 receives the deactivation instruction transmitted from the control device 20 via the communication unit 33. The control unit 31 performs processing to deactivate the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module included in the storage unit 32. In this manner, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 deactivates the subscriber information D1 stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit 23 after the end of the period P1.

[0075] This makes it easier to avoid a situation in which communication services are provided in vehicle VH using subscriber information corresponding to user U1 after the end of period P1.

[0076] 7, the control device 20 is configured as the server SV1 operated by the management company, but the control device 20 may be configured as the server SV2 operated by the telecommunications carrier. In that case, the processes of steps S11 and S13 are the same except that they are performed by the control device 20 configured as the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier, not by the control device 20 configured as the server SV1 of the management company. Also, the process of step S14 is the same.

[0077] As a modified example of this embodiment, when the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires vehicle return information indicating that the vehicle VH has been returned, the control unit 21 may deactivate the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module included in the device 30 mounted on the vehicle VH via the communication unit 23. Specifically, processes of steps S11' and S13' corresponding to the processes of steps S11 and S13 in Fig. 7, and the same process as step S14 in Fig. 7 are performed. In this modified example, the process of step S12 is further performed.

[0078] 8, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires vehicle return information indicating that the vehicle VH has been returned by the user U1, instead of determining whether the period P1 has ended. The vehicle return information may be acquired by any procedure, but in this example, the vehicle return information is acquired, for example, by the rental car company or car sharing company that provided the vehicle VH to the user U1 notifying the management company of the return of the vehicle. The vehicle return information may be transmitted to the control device 20 from the reservation system.

[0079] In step S12 of FIG. 8, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits the vehicle return information via the communication unit 23 to the server SV2 of the communication carrier.

[0080] In step S13′ of FIG. 8, the server SV2 of the telecommunications carrier transmits a deactivation instruction to the device 30.

[0081] The process of step S14 in FIG. 8 is the same as the process of step S14 in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] According to this modification, when the user U1 returns the vehicle VH, even before the end of the period P1, the subscriber information D1 of the user U1 stored in the subscriber authentication module of the device 30 is deactivated. This makes it easier to prevent a situation in which a communication service is provided to a user other than the user U1 using the subscriber information corresponding to the user U1.

[0083] In the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may transmit a deactivation instruction to the device 30 instead of the server SV2 of the communication carrier as a process corresponding to step S13'. In this case, the process of step S12 is not performed. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 8, the case where the control device 20 is configured as the server SV1 operated by the management company has been described, but the control device 20 may be configured as the server SV2 operated by the communication carrier. In that case, as a process corresponding to step S11', the control device 20 configured as the server SV2 operated by the communication carrier performs a process of acquiring vehicle return information. The process of step S12 is not performed. Furthermore, as a process corresponding to step S13', the control device 20 configured as the server SV2 operated by the communication carrier performs a process of transmitting a deactivation instruction to the device 30. The process of step S14 is the same.

[0084] An application example of the system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] FIG. 9 shows a user U1, a communication carrier, a management carrier, a device 30, a terminal device 40, and a vehicle VH in the system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 further shows a rental car company or a car sharing company that provides a vehicle to the user U1, and a content provider that provides content to the device 30. In FIG. 9, the movement of the provided service, its price, or information required to receive the service is indicated by arrows. In FIG. 9, for example, the user U1 communicates via the terminal device 40, and is paid a price for monthly communication volume and number sharing by the user U1. "Number sharing" is a service that enables calls and data communication via multiple devices with one telephone number. The vehicle VH is provided to the user U1 by the rental car company or the car sharing company, and a rental fee, which is a price for using the vehicle VH, is paid by the user U1. Furthermore, the customer information and destination information of the user U1 are provided to the rental car company or the car sharing company. The rental car company or the car sharing company uses a reservation system built on a reservation PF operated by the management company, and the rental car company or the car sharing company provides the management company with customer information and eID of the user U1 who has reserved the vehicle VH. In the vehicle VH, the user U1 uses large-capacity content, and a content fee is paid to the management company as compensation. The management company provides the communication company with the customer information or eID, and the communication company pays a portion of the communication fee. This reduces the communication fee burden on the device 30, and the management company earns a profit. The communication company transmits subscriber information to the device 30 based on the customer information and eID acquired from the management company. The communication company receives compensation for the monthly communication fee and number share from the user U1. The content provider provides the management company with an opportunity to provide content. The management company acquires the content fee from the user U1 who uses the vehicle VH. The management company pays a portion of the content fee to the content provider. The content provider provides destination information or content to the device 30 based on the customer information or eID provided by the management company.

[0086] 9, the system 10 according to the present embodiment provides an environment in which the user U1 can easily receive content using communication in the vehicle VH. The management company reduces the communication fee for the device 30 and thus makes a profit.

[0087] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the sequence diagram in chronological order as described, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. System 20 Control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 equipment 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Input section 35 Output section 40 Terminal Equipment 50 Network U1 User VH Vehicle SV1 Server SV2 Server

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with a device mounted on a vehicle, the device including a subscriber authentication module that stores subscriber information for receiving a communication service provided via a mobile communication network and enables the user to receive the communication service via the device when the stored subscriber information is activated; a control unit that acquires subscriber information corresponding to a user who has reserved the vehicle by specifying a period during which the vehicle will be used and who uses the device to receive the communication service when using the vehicle, transmits the acquired subscriber information to the device via the communication unit, stores the subscriber information in the subscriber authentication module, and activates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit in time with the start of the period; A control device comprising:

2. The communication unit further communicates with a server of a communication carrier that provides the communication service, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits user identification information identifying the user to the server via the communication unit, and receives subscriber information transmitted from the server for the user identification information, thereby acquiring subscriber information corresponding to the user.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit identifies the server based on reservation information acquired when the user reserves the vehicle.

4. The reservation information includes communication carrier identification information for identifying the communication carrier, The control device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit specifies, as the server, a server of a telecommunications carrier identified by the telecommunications carrier identification information.

5. The communication unit further communicates with a server of a management company that manages the vehicle, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit receives user identification information identifying the user from the server via the communication unit, and acquires subscriber information selected based on the received user identification information as subscriber information corresponding to the user.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device via the communication unit before the period.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device via the communication unit at the start of the period.

8. 8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit acquires permission information indicating that the transmission of subscriber information corresponding to the user is permitted by the user, the control unit transmits the subscriber information to the device via the communication unit.

9. 9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects a passenger who has boarded the vehicle after the start of the period, authenticates whether the detected passenger is the user, and, if the authentication is successful, activates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit deactivates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit after the end of the period.

11. 10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit deactivates the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module via the communication unit when the control unit acquires vehicle return information indicating that the vehicle has been returned.

12. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A system comprising the device.

13. Acquiring subscriber information corresponding to a user who has reserved a vehicle by specifying a period of vehicle use by a control device, the user using a device mounted on the vehicle to receive a communication service provided via a mobile communication network when using the vehicle, the device including a subscriber authentication module that stores subscriber information for receiving the communication service and enables the user to receive the communication service via the device when the stored subscriber information is activated; acquiring subscriber information corresponding to the user; transmitting, by the control device, subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device; storing subscriber information corresponding to the user in the subscriber authentication module by the control device; activating, by the control device, subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module in accordance with the start of the period; A control method comprising:

14. The control device further includes communicating with a server of a communication carrier that provides the communication service; The control method according to claim 13, wherein acquiring subscriber information corresponding to the user includes transmitting user identification information identifying the user to the server by the control device, and receiving subscriber information transmitted from the server for the user identification information.

15. The method further includes communicating with a server of a management company that manages the vehicle by the control device; The control method according to claim 13, wherein acquiring subscriber information corresponding to the user includes receiving, by the control device, user identification information identifying the user from the server, and acquiring subscriber information selected based on the received user identification information as the subscriber information corresponding to the user.

16. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein transmitting subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device includes transmitting, by the control device, subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device prior to the period.

17. 16. The control method according to claim 13, wherein transmitting subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device includes transmitting, by the control device, subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device at a start of the period.

18. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein transmitting subscriber information corresponding to the user to the device includes transmitting the subscriber information to the device when the control device acquires permission information indicating that the transmission of the subscriber information corresponding to the user is permitted by the user.

19. 19. The control method according to claim 13, wherein activating the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module includes detecting, by the control device, a passenger who has boarded the vehicle after the start of the period, authenticating whether the detected passenger is the user, and activating the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module if the authentication is successful.

20. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising deactivating the subscriber information stored in the subscriber authentication module by the control device after the end of the period or when vehicle return information indicating that the vehicle has been returned is acquired.

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