Wireless communication device, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a radio communication system having the enhanced availability of communication.SOLUTION: A radio communication device including a first communication module that uses a first communication network being a cellular communication network and a second communication network that uses a second communication network being a communication network other than the cellular communication network determines to perform communication by using either the first communication network or the second communication network on the basis of a sign that a vehicle starts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mobile communication.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for controlling an electronic lock of an automobile by a mobile terminal are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for locking and unlocking an automobile using a mobile phone equipped with an electronic key function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a wireless communication system with improved communication availability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device mounted on a vehicle, including a first communication module that uses a first communication network which is a cellular communication network, a second communication module that uses a second communication network which is a communication network other than the cellular communication network, and a control unit that determines which of the first communication network and the second communication network to use for communication based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device that controls communication of a vehicle capable of using a first communication network which is a cellular communication network and a second communication network which is a communication network other than the cellular communication network, the information processing device including a control unit that determines which of the first communication network and the second communication network to use to communicate with the vehicle based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart.

[0007] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is a step of detecting a sign that a vehicle capable of using a first communication network, which is a cellular communication network, and a second communication network, which is a communication network other than the cellular communication network, departs from an information processing apparatus, and based on the sign that the vehicle departs, determining which of the first communication network and the second communication network is used to communicate with the vehicle. It is an information processing method for causing the above to be executed.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a wireless communication system with improved communication availability can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In recent years, automobiles capable of network connection have become popular. By providing a network connection for in-vehicle devices, services that support drivers in emergencies and security-related services can be provided. Such a device is also called a Data Communication Module (DCM). The DCM can communicate using communication standards such as cellular communication and wireless LAN.

[0012] Depending on the communication standard used by the DCM, there is a problem that communication may be interrupted while the vehicle is running. For example, consider a case where the vehicle is connected to a public wireless LAN access point while the vehicle is stopped. Since wireless LAN is not mobile communication, communication is disconnected when the vehicle starts moving. However, if the switch to the cellular line is not smoothly performed after the vehicle departs, communication may become temporarily impossible. The wireless communication device according to the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0013] A wireless communication device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device mounted on a vehicle, including a first communication module that uses a first communication network which is a cellular communication network, a second communication module that uses a second communication network which is a communication network other than the cellular communication network, and a control unit that determines which of the first communication network and the second communication network to use for communication based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart.

[0014] The wireless communication device according to the present disclosure is typically a device mounted on a vehicle. The wireless communication device has a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module is a communication module that uses a cellular communication network (mobile communication network), and the second communication module is a communication module that uses other wireless communication networks. The second communication module is connected to a public wireless LAN network, a vehicle-to-road communication network, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication network, etc. according to communication standards such as IEEE802.11, DSRC, and millimeter-wave communication.

[0015] By using the cellular communication network, stable communication can be performed even while the vehicle is moving. On the other hand, since using the cellular communication network requires costs, when the vehicle is parked, a network (second communication network) such as a wireless LAN that can be used for free is often used. However, since the second communication network is not a mobile communication network, communication may become impossible when the vehicle starts moving. Although it is possible to detect that communication has become impossible and switch to the cellular communication network, a period during which communication cannot be performed may occur due to a time lag.

[0016] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the control unit determines whether to communicate via the first communication network or the second communication network based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart. The sign that the vehicle is about to depart may be determined based on, for example, the startup status of the driving system or the result of detecting a passenger. For example, when the vehicle ignition is turned on, it can be determined that there is a sign of departure of the vehicle. Also, when it is detected that a passenger has boarded the vehicle, it can be determined that there is a sign of departure of the vehicle. Further, when a mobile terminal carried by the passenger is newly detected, it can be determined that the passenger has approached the vehicle (that is, there is a sign of departure of the vehicle).

[0017] According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to appropriately switch the communication path before the vehicle starts moving, and communication interruption can be prevented.

[0018] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configurations, module configurations, functional configurations, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to them, unless otherwise specified.

[0019] (First Embodiment) The outline of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle system according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 10 and a mobile terminal 20.

[0020] The vehicle 10 is a connected car having a communication function with an external network. The vehicle 10 includes a DCM (Data Communication Module) 100, an in-vehicle device 200, and an electronic control unit 300 (also referred to as an Electronic Control Unit, ECU). In FIG. 1, a single ECU 300 is illustrated, but the vehicle 10 may include a plurality of ECUs 300.

[0021] The DCM 100 is a device that performs wireless communication with an external network. The DCM 100 functions as a gateway for connecting components of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as vehicle components) to an external network. For example, the DCM 100 provides access to the external network for the in-vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300 of the vehicle 10. Thereby, the in-vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300 can communicate with external devices connected to the network via the DCM 100.

[0022] The DCM 100 is configured to be able to communicate using two communication paths: a mobile communication network and a local network. The mobile communication network is a communication network using a cellular network (hereinafter referred to as a cellular communication network). When using the cellular communication network, the vehicle 10 can access the external network even while it is moving.

[0023] The local network is a network where connection services are provided at a predetermined access point, such as a home network, a public wireless LAN network, a vehicle-to-road communication network, etc. The vehicle 10 can access the external network only within the range where wireless communication with the access point is possible. For example, when using a home network constructed at home as the local network, the vehicle 10 can communicate only within a predetermined range centered on the home. The local network is typically a network that cannot perform handover.

[0024] The mobile terminal 20 is a computer possessed by the vehicle occupant. The mobile terminal 20 is a small computing device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, etc. In the vehicle system according to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 can perform short-range wireless communication with the DCM 100 and transmit and receive an electronic key, thereby locking and unlocking the electronic lock of the vehicle 10.

[0025] Next, the features of the DCM 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0026] In this example, it is assumed that a home network using a wireless LAN is constructed at the owner's home of the vehicle 10. Here, when the vehicle 10 is in the owner's home parking lot, the DCM 100 can perform network connection via the home network (FIG. 2(A)). Thereby, it becomes possible to download data used during driving (typically, music, video, e-mail, traffic information, road map data, etc.) and update the software executed by the in-vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300.

[0027] When the vehicle 10 departs in this state, the wireless signal of the home network gradually weakens, so communication gradually becomes impossible (Fig. 2(B)). When the communication times out, the DCM 100 switches the communication path to the cellular line, but there will be a period during which communication is impossible until the switch is made. For example, if the in-vehicle device 200 is streaming video or music during this period, the playback may stop.

[0028] Therefore, the DCM 100 according to this embodiment detects that the driver has approached the vehicle 10 (that is, detects a sign that the vehicle 10 is about to depart), and pre-switches the communication path from the local network to the cellular communication network (Fig. 2(C)). As a result, after the vehicle 10 departs, communication can be continued without interruption. A specific method will be described later.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the components of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment. The vehicle 10 according to this embodiment includes a DCM 100, an in-vehicle device 200, and a plurality of ECUs 300A, 300B... (hereinafter collectively referred to as ECU 300). The ECU 300 may include a plurality of ECUs that govern different vehicle components. Examples of the plurality of ECUs include a body ECU, an engine ECU, a hybrid ECU, a power train ECU, and the like.

[0030] The DCM 100 includes a first communication module 110, a second communication module 120, a GPS antenna 130, a GPS module 140, a short-range communication module 150, a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0031] The first communication module 110 is a communication module that performs wireless communication by cellular communication. The first communication module 110 includes an antenna element that inputs and outputs wireless signals. In this embodiment, the antenna element is compatible with mobile communication (for example, 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.).

[0032] The second communication module 120 is a communication module that performs wireless communication according to a communication standard other than cellular communication. Examples of communication standards that can be adopted by the second communication module 120 include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), millimeter-wave communication, and the like. Similar to the first communication module, the second communication module 120 is configured to include an antenna element that inputs and outputs wireless signals. Note that the antenna may be configured to include a plurality of physical antennas. For example, when performing communication using radio waves in a high-frequency band such as microwaves or millimeter waves, a plurality of antennas may be distributed and arranged to achieve communication stabilization.

[0033] The GPS antenna 130 is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also referred to as a GNSS satellite). The GPS module 140 is a module that calculates position information based on the signal received by the GPS antenna 130.

[0034] The short-range communication module 150 is a module that communicates with the mobile terminal 20 held by the user through direct connection. The short-range communication module 150 performs communication in a short range (a range where communication can be performed inside and outside the vehicle cabin) using a predetermined wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, the short-range communication module 150 performs data communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy standard (hereinafter, BLE). BLE is a low-power communication standard using Bluetooth, which has the feature that it does not require pairing between devices and can start communication immediately by detecting the other party. Note that although BLE is exemplified in this embodiment, other wireless communication standards can also be used. For example, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wideband), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the like can also be used.

[0035] The control unit 101 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the DCM 100 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 101 may be realized by, for example, a CPU or the like.

[0036] The control unit 101 executes a function of mediating communication between an external network and components (vehicle components) of the vehicle 10. For example, when a certain vehicle component requires communication with an external network, the control unit 101 executes a function of relaying data transmitted from the vehicle component to the external network. In addition, it executes a function of receiving data transmitted from the external network and transferring the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 101 can execute functions specific to the device itself. For example, the control unit 101 is configured to be able to execute a monitoring function and a call function of a security system, and can perform security notifications, emergency notifications, etc. based on triggers generated inside the vehicle.

[0038] The storage unit 102 is a memory device including a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. In the auxiliary storage device, an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. are stored, and by loading the programs stored therein into the main storage device and executing them, various functions that meet predetermined purposes, as described later, can be realized.

[0039] The communication unit 103 is an interface unit for connecting the DCM 100 to an in-vehicle network. In the present embodiment, a plurality of vehicle components including the in-vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300 are interconnected via a bus 400 of the in-vehicle network. As a standard of the in-vehicle network, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) can be exemplified. It is possible. In addition, when the in-vehicle network uses a plurality of standards, the communication unit 103 may have a plurality of interface devices adapted to the standards of the communication destination. Examples of communication standards other than CAN include, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0040] In addition, the DCM 100 may be configured to be operable independently of other components of the vehicle 10. For example, an auxiliary battery may be built into the DCM 100 so that it can operate independently without relying on an external power source. According to such a configuration, even when other components of the vehicle 10 malfunction (for example, power supply failure, etc.) due to a traffic accident or the like, an emergency notification or the like can be made.

[0041] Next, the functions executed by the control unit 101 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function modules of the control unit 101. The function modules of the control unit 101 can be realized by the control unit 101 executing a program stored in a storage means such as a ROM.

[0042] The data relay unit 1011 relays data transmitted and received between vehicle components. For example, it receives a message sent by a first device connected to the in-vehicle network and, if necessary, executes a process of transferring the message to a second device connected to the in-vehicle network. The first and second devices may be the ECU 300 or other vehicle components. In addition, when the data relay unit 1011 receives a message destined for an external network from a vehicle component, it relays the message to the external network. It also receives data transmitted from the external network and transfers the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

[0043] When an abnormal situation occurs in the vehicle 10, the emergency reporting unit 1012 makes an emergency report to an operator outside the vehicle. Examples of abnormal situations include traffic accidents and vehicle failures. When a predetermined trigger such as pressing a call button provided inside the vehicle or deployment of an airbag occurs, the emergency reporting unit 1012 starts connecting to the operator and enables a call between the vehicle occupants and the operator. Note that the emergency reporting unit 1012 may transmit the position information of the vehicle to the operator during an emergency report. In this case, the emergency reporting unit 1012 may obtain the position information from the GPS module 140.

[0044] The security management unit 1013 performs security monitoring processing. For example, based on data received from the ECU 300 that manages the electronic lock of the vehicle, the security management unit 1013 detects that the vehicle has been unlocked without following the normal procedure and transmits a security report to a predetermined device. Note that the security report may include the position information of the vehicle. In this case, the security management unit 1013 may obtain the position information from the GPS module 140. When the security management unit 1013 determines that there is a problem with the security of the own vehicle, it may obtain the position information and periodically transmit the obtained position information to a pre-specified external device.

[0045] The locking / unlocking unit 1014 performs short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 20, controls the authentication of the mobile terminal 20, and based on the authentication result, controls the locking and unlocking (hereinafter referred to as locking / unlocking) of the vehicle door. The locking / unlocking unit 1014 is configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 20 outside the vehicle via the short-range communication module 150.

[0046] The unlocking unit 1014 authenticates the mobile terminal 20 based on the electronic key included in the request (hereinafter referred to as the unlocking request) transmitted from the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, it compares the pre-stored authentication information with the electronic key transmitted from the mobile terminal 20, and determines that the authentication is successful when they match. If the two do not match, it determines that the authentication has failed. When the unlocking unit 1014 successfully authenticates the mobile terminal 20, it transmits a command for unlocking (hereinafter referred to as the unlocking command) to the ECU 300 that manages the electronic lock of the vehicle 10. As a result, it becomes possible to unlock the vehicle using the mobile terminal 20. Note that in this example, the control of the electronic lock is illustrated. However, based on the result of authenticating the mobile terminal 20, starting the vehicle 10 may be enabled.

[0047] The update unit 1015 updates the software used by the own device (DCM 100) or the electronic control unit (ECU 300) of the vehicle 10. For example, the update unit 1015 manages the firmware versions stored in a plurality of ECUs 300, and when new firmware is provided by an external device, it downloads this via the network and executes a process of applying it to the target device.

[0048] Here, as functions provided by the DCM 100, an emergency notification function, a security function, a remote unlocking function, and a software update function are listed. However, the functions of the DCM 100 may be other than these. For example, the DCM 100 can also be provided with functions such as a driving diagnosis function, a driver state monitoring function, and an energy management function.

[0049] The route selection unit 1016 selects the communication route used by the DCM 100. Here, the communication routes available to the DCM 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the DCM 100 can communicate with an external network via either a communication route via a cellular communication network or a communication route via a local network.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the process in which the path selection unit 1016 selects a communication path to be used. The path selection unit 1016 determines which communication path to use based on the connection status to the cellular communication network and the local network. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when only one connection is established, communication is performed via the channel on which the connection is established. For example, when only the first communication module 110 has established a connection, the path selection unit 1016 selects the cellular communication network as the communication path to be used. Also, when only the second communication module 120 has established a connection, the path selection unit 1016 selects the local network as the communication path to be used.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when connections are established for both channels, the path selection unit 1016 gives priority to the local network for communication. That is, when both the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 have established connections, the path selection unit 1016 performs communication using the second communication module 120.

[0052] When the DCM 100 is performing communication using the second communication module 120 and it is determined that there is a sign of departure for the vehicle 10, the path selection unit 1016 stops using the second communication module 120 and starts using the first communication module 110 (FIG. 5(C)). For example, the path selection unit 1016 disconnects the local network connection and switches the communication path to the cellular communication network. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the communication from becoming impossible due to an attempt to maintain the connection to the local network even after the movement has started. A method for detecting a sign of departure will be described later.

[0053] Next, the in-vehicle device 200 will be described. The in-vehicle device 200 is a device that provides information to the passengers of the vehicle 10, and is also called a car navigation system, an infotainment system, or a head unit. The in-vehicle device 200 can provide navigation and entertainment to the passengers of the vehicle. Further, the in-vehicle device 200 may have a function of downloading traffic information, road map data, music, moving images, etc. by communicating with an external network of the vehicle 10. Further, the in-vehicle device 200 may be a device that cooperates with a smartphone or the like.

[0054] The in-vehicle device 200 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions that meet predetermined purposes, as described later, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0055] The in-vehicle device 200 is configured to include a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0056] The control unit 201 is a means for controlling the in-vehicle device 200. The control unit 201 is composed of, for example, an information processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). processing unit.

[0057] The control unit 201 provides information to the passengers of the vehicle. Examples of the information provided include traffic information, navigation information, music and videos, radio broadcasts, digital television broadcasts, etc. The control unit 201 outputs information via the input / output unit 204.

[0058] The storage unit 202 is a means for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 202 stores various programs executed by the control unit 201, data used by the programs, and the like.

[0059] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface that connects the in-vehicle device 200 to the bus of the in-vehicle network.

[0060] The input / output unit 204 is a means for receiving input operations performed by the user and presenting information to the user. Specifically, it is composed of a touch panel and its control means, and a liquid crystal display and its control means. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display consist of a single touch panel display. Also, the input / output unit 204 may have a speaker or the like for outputting sound.

[0061] Next, the mobile terminal 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 20 in this embodiment. The mobile terminal 20 is a computer associated with the user. The mobile terminal 20 may be a terminal possessed by a vehicle occupant. The vehicle occupant can communicate with the DCM 100 via the mobile terminal 20 and lock / unlock the vehicle 10.

[0062] The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal information terminal. The mobile terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, and an input / output unit 24.

[0063] The control unit 21 is a means for controlling the mobile terminal 20. The control unit 21 executes, for example, processes for generating a lock / unlock request, obtaining an electronic key for causing the DCM 100 to perform authentication, and transmitting the lock / unlock request and the electronic key to the DCM 100. The control unit 21 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 21 may realize these functions by executing a program stored in a storage means (such as a ROM) by a CPU.

[0064] The electronic key may be stored in the mobile terminal 20 (for example, the storage unit 22), or may be acquired from an external device that issues key information. The electronic key issued by the external device may have an expiration date or may be a one-time key or the like.

[0065] The storage unit 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which a program executed by the control unit 21 and data used by the control program are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device that stores a program executed in the control unit 21 and data used by the control program. The auxiliary storage device may store a program executed by the control unit 21 packaged as an application. Also, an operating system for executing these applications may be stored. The program stored in the auxiliary storage device is loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 21, whereby the processing described below is performed.

[0066] The main storage device may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Also, the auxiliary storage device may include an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and a hard disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device may include a removable medium, that is, a portable recording medium.

[0067] The communication unit 23 is a module that performs short-range wireless communication with the DCM 100. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 23 can communicate with the DCM 100 using BLE. Note that the communication unit 23 may also serve as a communication interface for communicating with a wide-area network. For example, the communication unit 23 may include a communication module for connecting to a cellular communication network or a communication module for connecting to a wireless LAN network.

[0068] The input / output unit 24 is a unit that receives input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. The input / output unit 24 consists of, for example, a single touch panel display. The input / output unit 24 may be composed of a liquid crystal display and its control means, a touch panel and its control means.

[0069] The ECU 300 is an electronic control unit that controls the components of the vehicle 10. There may be a plurality of ECUs 300 included in the vehicle 10. The plurality of ECUs 300 control components of different systems, such as, for example, the engine system, the electrical system, the powertrain system, etc. The ECU 300 has a function of generating a prescribed message and periodically transmitting and receiving it via the in-vehicle network.

[0070] Also, the ECU 300 can provide a predetermined service by communicating with the outside via the DCM 100. Examples of the predetermined service include, for example, a remote service (e.g., a remote air conditioning service), a security monitoring service, a service in cooperation with a smart home, an automatic parking service, etc. Also, the above-mentioned service of remotely locking and unlocking, etc. can be mentioned.

[0071] The ECU 300 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a disk drive, a removable medium, etc., similar to the DCM 100.

[0072] The network bus 400 is a communication bus that constitutes the in-vehicle network. In this example, one bus is illustrated, but the vehicle 10 may have two or more communication buses. The plurality of communication buses may be connected to each other by the DCM 100 or a gateway that aggregates the plurality of communication buses.

[0073] Next, the process by which the mobile terminal 20 unlocks and locks the vehicle 10 via the DCM 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process. The illustrated flow starts when an unlocking operation is performed by the mobile terminal 20.

[0074] When the user of the mobile terminal 20 (i.e., the passenger of the vehicle 10) performs an operation to unlock the vehicle 10 via the input / output unit 24, a link by BLE is established between the mobile terminal 20 and the DCM 100. In step S11, the mobile terminal 20 transmits an unlocking request and an electronic key to the DCM 100.

[0075] In step S12, the unlocking unit 1014 of the DCM 100 collates the electronic key transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 with the previously stored authentication information and performs an authentication process. If the authentication is successful, an unlocking command is transmitted to the ECU 300 that manages the electronic lock of the vehicle 10 (step S13), and the received ECU 300 executes unlocking of the door lock ( step S14). If the authentication fails, the processes after step S13 are not executed.

[0076] Note that the DCM 100 may transmit a notification indicating that the operation has been completed to the mobile terminal 20 after the unlocking is completed. Thereby, a notification indicating that the unlocking has been completed can be output on the touch panel screen of the mobile terminal 20.

[0077] Next, the process by which the route selection unit 1016 selects a communication route will be described. As described above, the DCM 100 is configured to be able to communicate via a cellular communication network or a local network. The route selection unit 1016 stores data related to the cellular communication contract and data related to the local network, and controls to automatically connect to each network while the vehicle system is operating.

[0078] On the one hand, the vehicle 10 may require data communication even while parked. Therefore, the route selection unit 1016 establishes a connection via the local network when certain conditions are met even if the driving system of the vehicle 10 is stopped. Specifically, the route selection unit 1016 executes (1) a phase in which it detects that the vehicle 10 has been parked and attempts to connect to the local network, and (2) a phase in which it detects a sign of the vehicle 10 starting and switches the communication route to the cellular communication network. The former is referred to as the first phase, and the latter is referred to as the second phase.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the processing in the first phase. The illustrated processing is executed by the route selection unit 1016 while the driving system of the vehicle is starting up.

[0080] First, in step S21, it is determined whether the driving system of the vehicle has stopped. In this step, for example, information regarding the state of the driving system is acquired from the ECU 300 that controls the driving of the vehicle. If the driving system of the vehicle has not stopped, the processing returns to the initial state. If the driving system of the vehicle has stopped, the processing transitions to step S22.

[0081] In step S22, it is determined whether it is possible to connect to a predetermined local network. In this step, an attempt is made to connect to a pre-registered local network (for example, a home network constructed at home) via the second communication module 120. Here, if the connection fails, the processing ends. If the connection is possible, the processing transitions to step S23, and a connection to the target local network is made via the wireless LAN. Note that in this step, the connection to the local network may be made only when there is no sign of the vehicle starting. When the connection to the local network is completed, the DCM 100 starts communication according to a predetermined procedure.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the processing in the second phase. The illustrated processing is executed by the route selection unit 1016 while the vehicle driving system is stopped. First, in step S31, the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 is awaited using the short-range communication module 150. For example, when the mobile terminal 20 is in the vicinity of the vehicle 10, the DCM 100 receives the advertising packet transmitted by the mobile terminal 20. The advertising packet is a packet for a device using BLE to notify the surrounding devices of its own device information.

[0083] In step S32, it is determined whether a previously registered mobile terminal 20 has been newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 or inside the vehicle cabin. The DCM 100 stores in advance the device information included in the advertising packet, and when the device information included in the received packet matches this, it can be determined that the previously registered mobile terminal 20 has been detected. The previously registered mobile terminal can be, for example, a mobile terminal possessed by the driver of the vehicle. Newly detecting the previously registered mobile terminal 20 means that the passenger possessing the mobile terminal 20 is approaching (or boarding) the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, in such a case, it is determined that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process transitions to step S33. Otherwise, the process returns to the initial state.

[0084] Note that "newly detecting the mobile terminal 20" means detecting the mobile terminal 20 for the first time within a predetermined period. If the mobile terminal 20 is continuously detected, it may be determined that the vehicle 10 is already in motion, and the illustrated processing may not be performed.

[0085] In step S33, it is currently determined whether the own device is connected to the local network and whether the cellular communication network is available. If the connection to the cellular communication network is disconnected, an attachment to the cellular communication network may be attempted in this step. As a result, if it is determined that the cellular communication network is available, the process transitions to step S34. If the cellular communication network is not available, the process returns to the initial state.

[0086] In step S34, the communication path is switched from the local network to the cellular communication network. Specifically, the second communication module 120 is instructed to disconnect from the local network, and the communication path is switched to the cellular communication network (that is, the path using the first communication module 110). Thereby, communication using the cellular communication network is started. Note that if the vehicle does not depart even after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S34 is executed, the communication path may be switched back to the local network again.

[0087] As described above, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, when the mobile terminal 20 is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle, it is determined that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart, and the communication path is switched to the cellular communication network. Thereby, it becomes possible to continue communication after the vehicle has departed.

[0088] Note that in this embodiment, a form in which the mobile terminal 20 is used to lock and unlock the vehicle 10 has been exemplified, but a key fob may be used instead of the mobile terminal 20. A key fob is a portable device for locking and unlocking a vehicle. A key fob is also called a smart key or the like. In this case, the DCM 100 may detect the presence of the key fob via a communication unit included in the vehicle 10 instead of the short-range communication module 150. Also, at least one of the mobile terminal 20 and the key fob may be the detection target.

[0089] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, based on the result of detecting the mobile terminal 20, the switching of the communication path was executed. On the other hand, there are cases where it is difficult to determine whether a passenger intends to board the vehicle only based on the presence or absence of the mobile terminal 20. To address this, in the second embodiment, other elements are used in combination to make a determination regarding the sign of the vehicle's departure.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the DCM 100 in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, after executing step S33, it is determined whether a sign of departure appears on the vehicle side (step S33A). For example, if any of the following conditions are met, it can be regarded that there is a sign of departure. (1) When the vehicle's driving system is started (or powered on) (2) When the vehicle's engine is started (3) When the vehicle's door is unlocked (4) When the driver's seating is detected Such information can be obtained from the ECU 300 that governs the vehicle 10's driving components or body components. If an affirmative determination is made in step S33A, the process transitions to step S34, and cellular communication is started by the same process as in the first embodiment. If a negative determination is made in step S33A, the process returns to the initial state.

[0091] Thus, according to the second embodiment, it becomes possible to more accurately detect the sign of the vehicle's departure. Note that the determination condition in step S33A may be added with the fact that the vehicle 10 has actually started moving. For example, based on the speed information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor or the position information acquired by the GPS module, it is determined that the vehicle 10 has actually started moving, and the communication path may be switched at the timing when the vehicle starts moving.

[0092] (Modification example) The above embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0093] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, based on the result of detecting the mobile terminal 20, a determination regarding the sign of the vehicle 10 starting is made. However, this determination may also be made based on other elements. For example, the execution of steps S31 and S32 may be omitted, and it may be determined that the vehicle 10 starts only based on the determination result of step S33A.

[0094] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, when a sign of the vehicle starting is detected, the connection to the local network is disconnected. However, if there is no period of communication failure, it is not necessarily required to disconnect the local network. For example, both the communication path via the first communication module 110 and the communication path via the second communication module 120 may be set up, and communication may be performed using both in combination.

[0095] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, the transmission of the electronic key is performed by short-range wireless communication. However, the mobile terminal 20 and the DCM 100 do not necessarily need to be connected by short-range wireless communication. For example, the mobile terminal 20 and the DCM 100 may be configured to exchange key information via a local network or a wide-area network (such as the Internet). In addition, in the description of the embodiment, the DCM 100 mounted on the vehicle 10 switches the communication path. However, a device connected to an external network may be configured to instruct the DCM 100 to switch the communication path.

[0096] In addition, the processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, how each function is realized by a hardware configuration (server configuration) can be flexibly changed.

[0097] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer and causing one or more processors included in the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Explanation of Signs

[0098] 10 ··· Vehicle 20 ··· Portable Terminal 100 ··· DCM 200 ··· Vehicle-mounted Device 300 ··· ECU 101, 201, 21 ··· Control Unit 102, 202, 22 ··· Storage Unit 103, 203, 23 ··· Communication Unit 204 ··· Input / Output Unit 110 ··· First Communication Module 120 ··· Second Communication Module 130 ··· GPS Antenna 140 ··· GPS Module 150 ··· Short-range Communication Module

Claims

1. A wireless communication device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a first communication module that uses a first communication network which is a cellular communication network; a second communication module that uses a second communication network which is a communication network other than a cellular communication network; a control unit that determines which of the first communication network and the second communication network to use for communication based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart; and having: the control unit: determines whether a user terminal is newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle while the vehicle's driving system is stopped; when the user terminal is newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle, determines whether the second communication network is connected and whether the first communication network is available; when the second communication network is connected and the first communication network is available, determines whether the vehicle's driving system has started; when the vehicle's driving system has started, determines that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart, and switches the network used for communication from the second communication network to the first communication network. A wireless communication device.

2. When the vehicle's driving system is not started, the control unit determines that there is no sign that the vehicle is about to depart, and communicates using the second communication network. The wireless communication device according to Claim 1. The wireless communication device according to claim 1.

3. The second communication network is a wireless communication network in which handover cannot be performed. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The user terminal is a mobile terminal held by a passenger of the vehicle or a key fob of the vehicle. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An information processing device that performs communication control of a vehicle that can use a first communication network which is a cellular communication network and a second communication network which is a communication network other than a cellular communication network, comprising: a control unit that determines which of the first communication network and the second communication network to use to communicate with the vehicle based on a sign that the vehicle is about to depart; the control unit: determines whether a user terminal is newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle while the vehicle's driving system is stopped; when the user terminal is newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle, determines whether the second communication network is connected and whether the first communication network is available; When connected to the second communication network and the first communication network is available, determine whether the driving system of the vehicle has been started. When the driving system of the vehicle has been started, determine that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart, and switch the network used for communication from the second communication network to the first communication network. Information processing apparatus.

6. When the driving system of the vehicle has not been started, the control unit determines that there is no sign that the vehicle is about to depart and performs communication using the second communication network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The second communication network is a wireless communication network in which handover cannot be performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The user terminal is a mobile terminal possessed by a passenger of the vehicle or a key fob of the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. In an information processing apparatus, a first step of detecting a sign that a vehicle capable of using a first communication network which is a cellular communication network and a second communication network which is a communication network other than the cellular communication network is about to depart; a second step of determining which of the first communication network and the second communication network is to be used to communicate with the vehicle based on the sign that the vehicle is about to depart; is executed, In the first step, determine whether a user terminal has been newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle while the driving system of the vehicle is stopped; when a user terminal has been newly detected in the vicinity of the vehicle or inside the vehicle, determine whether it is connected to the second communication network and whether the first communication network is available; when connected to the second communication network and the first communication network is available, determine whether the driving system of the vehicle has been started; when the driving system of the vehicle has been started, determine that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart; In the second step, when it is determined that there is a sign that the vehicle is about to depart, switch the network used for communication from the second communication network to the first communication network. Information processing method.

10. In the first step, when the driving system of the vehicle has not been started, determine that there is no sign that the vehicle is about to depart; In the second step, when it is determined that there is no sign that the vehicle is about to depart, perform communication using the second communication network. The information processing method according to claim 9.

Images