Communication system control device and communication system control method

Abstract

This communication scheme control device comprises: a service providing unit (101) that executes applications providing services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and a traffic or entertainment information provision; and a communication unit (105) capable of using multiple communication schemes. Communication middleware (103), which is formed of at least one layer and transmits service data including a service identifier by using the communication unit (105), mediates between the service providing unit (101) and the communication unit (105). The communication scheme control device also comprises a protocol management unit (102) that can access the service providing unit (101), the communication middleware (103), and the communication unit (105), and specifies a communication scheme to be used for transmitting the service data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication method control device that specifies a communication method in a communication system including a vehicle-oriented communication device that can use a plurality of communication methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been progress in the development of products related to vehicle driving assistance and autonomous driving using wireless communications. It is expected that such products will be applied to a variety of services in the future, not just driving assistance and autonomous driving services. Currently, the main communication methods available for vehicles are DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) and LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark). In the future, it is expected that the number of communication methods available for vehicles will increase, and that vehicles will be able to switch between multiple communication methods.

[0003] For this reason, the ITS FORUM RC-014 (ITS Application Sublayer Specification Guidelines), a set of communication guidelines from the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) Promotion Council, is studying the standardization of communication protocols that conceal multiple communication methods from applications.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology for connecting to a communication terminal via multiple communication paths and switching the communication path used in a session based on information about the communication application that established the session and system information about the operating system that runs the communication application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-83459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Furthermore, when there are multiple services that use communication methods such as Wi-Fi and LTE, congestion can occur in communications using a specific communication method, raising concerns about increased communication delays and reduced communication speeds. While communication congestion can be avoided if the communication method can be switched appropriately, switching the communication method is not possible when communication middleware is interposed between the service and the communication method. Even with the technology of Patent Document 1, the communication method used for transmitting data for a service cannot be switched when communication middleware is interposed in the protocol that constitutes the communication terminal. Furthermore, it is necessary to conceal the communication method so that the service can switch the communication method without selecting the communication method.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a communication method control device that can specify the communication method when transmitting data from an application that provides a service, even if communication middleware exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication system control device according to the present disclosure includes: a service providing unit that executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a communication unit that can use a plurality of communication systems; communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service including an identifier of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; and a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit, and specifies the communication system to be used for transmitting the data of the service. The protocol management unit specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service by specifying the communication method to be associated with the identifier of the service to the communication middleware. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the communication method control device of the present disclosure, even if communication middleware exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, it is possible to specify the communication method when transmitting data from an application that provides a service.

[0010] The objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control system including a communication system control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of priority control in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication system selection by the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a data transmission process of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a data reception process of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a communication system switching process of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a management information distribution process of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol configuration in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol configuration in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which the communication system control device according to the first embodiment distributes management information. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings shown below, identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the identical or corresponding elements will be omitted.

[0013] <First Embodiment> 1 and 2 are configuration diagrams of a communication system control system including a communication system control device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system control system includes at least one vehicle-mounted device 1, at least one roadside device 2, and a server 3.

[0014] The vehicle-mounted device 1 is a communication device mounted on a vehicle. The roadside device 2 is a communication device installed on a road or at the side of a road. The vehicle-mounted device 1 communicates with the roadside device 2 and a server 3 while the vehicle is traveling, allowing the user to use driving assistance services and the like. The vehicle-mounted device 1 may be a portable user device carried in the vehicle, such as a smartphone or a smartwatch. The server 3 may be, for example, a cloud server or an edge server.

[0015] The communication system control device is mounted on any one of the vehicle-mounted device 1, the roadside device 2, and the server 3. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication system control device is mounted on the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the roadside device 2 and controls the communication system of the communication performed between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the roadside device 2.

[0016] Hereinafter, the vehicle-mounted device 1, the roadside device 2, and the server 3 will be collectively referred to as "terminals." In addition, in the description of the communication system control device, the device on which the communication system control device is mounted will be referred to as the "own terminal," other terminals present around the own terminal will be referred to as "peripheral terminals," and other terminals to which data is sent (destination) will be referred to as the "destination terminal."

[0017] 2 is a configuration diagram of the communication system control device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system control device includes a processor 10, a storage device 12, and an external interface 11.

[0018] The processor 10 realizes the functions of a service providing unit 101, a protocol management unit 102, a communication middleware 103, and a communication method selection unit 104, which will be described later. The processor 10 is also connected to other hardware (i.e., an external interface 11 and a storage device 12) via signal lines, and controls this other hardware.

[0019] Specifically, the processor 10 is an integrated circuit (IC) that executes instructions written in a program to perform processes such as data transfer, calculation, processing, control, and management. Generally, the processor 10 has an arithmetic circuit, and registers and cache memory in which instructions and information are stored. Examples of the processor 10 include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0020] The storage device 12 is a storage medium that stores the profile information 106. Examples of the storage device 12 include a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 12 may also be a portable storage medium such as a secure digital (SD) (registered trademark) memory card, a compact flash (CF), a NAND flash, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD.

[0021] The external interface 11 is a means by which the service providing unit 101 and the protocol management unit 102 transmit and receive data to and from peripheral terminals (the in-vehicle device 1, the roadside device 2, or the server 3). The external interface 11 can use multiple communication methods and includes a communication unit 105 that communicates with peripheral terminals. The communication unit 105 includes a receiver that receives data from the peripheral terminal and a transmitter that transmits data to the peripheral terminal. Possible examples of communication methods that the external interface 11 can use include cellular methods such as LTE (registered trademark) and the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), and communication methods such as DSRC and Cellular-V2X (Vehicle-to-x) that are dedicated to vehicle communication.

[0022] 2 shows only one processor 10, the communication method control device may include multiple processors 10. In this case, the multiple processors 10 may execute programs that realize the functions of the service providing unit 101, the protocol management unit 102, the communication middleware 103, and the communication method selection unit 104 in cooperation with each other.

[0023] Here, the service providing unit 101, protocol management unit 102, communication middleware 103, and communication method selection unit 104 realized by the processor 10 will be described.

[0024] The service providing unit 101 executes an application that provides at least one service among driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision.

[0025] The service providing unit 101 registers, updates, and deletes service information, which is information on services or applications that can be provided, in the protocol management unit 102.

[0026] The service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to perform initialization processing in order to use the communication middleware 103, and receives communication information, which is information necessary to use the communication middleware 103, from the communication middleware 103 after the initialization processing has been completed. Furthermore, the service providing unit 101 registers the communication information received from the communication middleware 103 in the protocol management unit 102. For example, if the communication middleware 103 uses the ITS application sublayer (ITS-ASL), which will be described later, the communication information includes destination / source port numbers, destination / source local port numbers, destination link address, communication type indicating unicast or broadcast, whether retransmission is required, and a communication transaction identifier.

[0027] When a data transmission request occurs in an application, the service providing unit 101 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the occurrence of the data transmission request and requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the data to be transmitted. At that time, the service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the data using the communication information of the destination notified by the protocol management unit 102. Furthermore, when the service providing unit 101 receives data from the communication middleware 103, it executes reception processing according to the received data. Hereinafter, data to be transmitted may also be referred to as "transmitted data" and received data as "received data."

[0028] The protocol management unit 102 can access the service providing unit 101, the communication middleware 103, the communication method selection unit 104, the communication unit 105, and the profile information 106, and manages the services and communication methods that the system can provide. Specifically, the protocol management unit 102 acquires information about communication methods available to its own terminal from the communication unit 105 or the profile information 106. The protocol management unit 102 also requests the communication method selection unit 104 to select a communication method for a service to transmit data for that service (service data) (i.e., to select a communication method that satisfies the communication quality required for that service), and receives the selection result. The protocol management unit 102 specifies, to the communication middleware 103, a communication method to be associated with the identifier of the service (service identifier) ​​(i.e., the communication method of the communication port used by the service). If the communication middleware 103 manages communication methods and communication ports in association with each other, the protocol management unit 102 simply notifies the service providing unit 101 of the communication port associated with the communication method to be used for data transmission.

[0029] The communication middleware 103 is interposed between the service providing unit 101 and the communication unit 105, and transmits data including a service identifier (for example, a port number, etc.) The communication middleware 103 is composed of at least one layer.

[0030] When the communication middleware 103 receives a request for initialization processing from the service providing unit 101, it performs initial settings for using the service information and returns communication information to be used for communication to the service providing unit 101. The communication information includes a destination port number, a source port number, a destination address, etc., but the content of the communication information is not limited to these.

[0031] When communication middleware 103 receives transmission data from service providing unit 101, it requests communication unit 105 to transmit the transmission data using the communication method specified by protocol management unit 102. Furthermore, when communication middleware 103 receives received data from communication unit 105, it performs reception processing within communication middleware 103 and determines whether to notify service providing unit 101 or protocol management unit 102, or to discard the received data, etc.

[0032] When the communication middleware 103 is requested by the protocol management unit 102 to transmit its own terminal management information (such as information on communication methods that can be used by the own terminal), it sends data transmission requests to all communication methods that it can support. Furthermore, when multiple services simultaneously request data transmission, the communication middleware 103 may perform priority control as shown in FIG.

[0033] The communication middleware 103 is not limited to a specific one, but it is assumed that, for example, the "ITS Application Sublayer Specification Guidelines" specified in ITS FORUM RC-014 or the "DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communications) Application Sublayer" specified in ARIB STD-T88 will be used. The ITS application sublayer aims to improve user convenience and build a platform that is not bound by the specifications of lower communication layers. The ITS application sublayer conceals the lower communication layers. Since different functions are provided depending on the corresponding lower communication layer, the ITS application sublayer is not expected to use multiple lower communication layers simultaneously. In this embodiment, a protocol management unit 102 is provided in the communication system control device in order to use multiple lower communication layers simultaneously and to switch between lower communication layers.

[0034] The communication method selection unit 104 selects a communication method to be used for transmitting data based on the communication quality of the communication unit 105, the priority of the application (i.e., the priority of the service), etc., and notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the selection result. Specifically, the communication method selection unit 104 acquires the communication quality, service priority, etc. of the communication unit 105 via the protocol management unit 102. The communication method selection unit 104 also acquires management information of its own terminal and management information of the other terminal of communication, and selects a communication method to be used from among communication methods that can be used by both its own terminal and the other terminal of communication.

[0035] As a selection algorithm for the communication method selection unit 104 to select a communication method, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, a method of selecting a communication method with the lowest reference communication channel utilization rate, a method of selecting a communication method that satisfies the communication quality required by the service, a method of selecting a communication method that satisfies the communication range required by the service, etc. However, the selection algorithm is not limited to these.

[0036] When multiple use cases simultaneously provide services, using only a specific communication method can increase bandwidth utilization, resulting in congestion and resulting in long communication delays and slower communication speeds. Therefore, rather than relying solely on a specific communication method, it is necessary to distribute communication among each use case across multiple communication methods. Typically, systems are built using a communication method that satisfies the communication quality required by each use case. However, if the number of use cases or users increases in the future, the originally designed system may fail. Furthermore, if a new communication method emerges in the future, the use cases of the existing system may be unable to use the new communication method. To ensure stable system operation and enable the use of new communication methods even when the number of use cases and users increases in the future, a function for switching communication methods is required, taking into account the communication quality of the communication method and the priority of the application.

[0037] The communication unit 105 of the external interface 11 can use at least one communication method, and transmits transmission data to a peripheral terminal or a destination terminal, and receives data from a peripheral terminal. The received data received by the communication unit 105 is notified to the communication middleware 103. The communication unit 105 can support any of the communication methods: unicast (individual communication) for transmitting to a specific address, multicast for transmitting to a specific group, and broadcast for transmitting to all addresses, and transmits transmission data to a specified address using a method specified by the communication middleware 103 or the service providing unit 101.

[0038] The profile information 106 stored in the storage device 12 is system information including the types, communication characteristics, and priorities of communication methods available to the communication unit 105. In addition, the storage device 12 may also store service information managed by the protocol management unit 102, information on communication ports used by the services, and the like.

[0039] 5 to 3, the operation of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment, that is, the communication system control method according to the first embodiment, will be described. The operation of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment is realized by the processor 10 executing a communication system control program.

[0040] An example of initial setting of the communication system control device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] In step S101, the service providing unit 101 registers service information in the protocol management unit 102. Also in step S101, update processing and deletion processing are performed on already registered service information.

[0042] In step S102, the service providing unit 101 requests initialization processing for using the communication middleware 103.

[0043] In step S103, the communication middleware 103 performs initial settings for using the service information and returns communication information to be used for communication to the service providing unit 101. If the initial settings fail, the communication middleware 103 notifies the service providing unit 101 of the error result.

[0044] In step S104, the service providing unit 101 registers the communication information received from the communication middleware 103 in the protocol management unit 102. The protocol management unit 102 may register the communication information as profile information 106, or may manage the communication information internally.

[0045] In step S105, the protocol management unit 102 acquires information on communication methods usable by the terminal itself from the communication unit 105. The protocol management unit 102 may acquire information on communication methods usable by the terminal itself from the profile information 106. When the protocol management unit 102 acquires information on communication methods usable by the terminal itself, it performs a process of transmitting management information including the acquired information.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 6, a data transmission processing sequence in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0047] In step S201, the service providing unit 101 waits for a data transmission request to be issued in an application.

[0048] In step S202, the service providing unit 101 determines whether a data transmission request has occurred. If a data transmission request has occurred, the process proceeds to step S203, and if a data transmission request has not occurred, the process returns to step S201 and waits again.

[0049] In step S203, the service providing unit 101 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the occurrence of a data transmission request. At this time, the service providing unit 101 also notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the service identifier and the communication port information notified by the communication middleware 103 in the initial setting.

[0050] In step S204, the service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the transmission data. At this time, the service providing unit 101 also notifies the communication middleware 103 of the service identifier and the communication port information notified by the communication middleware 103 in the initial setting.

[0051] In step S205, the protocol management unit 102 requests the communication method selection unit 104 to select a communication method to be used for transmitting the service data.

[0052] In step S206, the communication method selection unit 104 selects a communication method to be used for transmitting the service data based on the communication quality of the communication unit 105, the priority of the application, etc., and notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the selected communication method.

[0053] In step S207, the protocol management unit 102 specifies to the communication middleware 103 the communication method of the communication port used by the service.

[0054] In step S208, the communication middleware 103 requests the communication unit 105 to transmit the transmission data from the service providing unit 101 using the communication method designated by the protocol management unit .

[0055] In step S209, the communication unit 105 transmits the transmission data to the peripheral terminal or the destination terminal using a specified communication method, such as unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

[0056] The above process is executed repeatedly.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 7, a data reception processing sequence in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] In step S301, the communication unit 105 waits to receive data from a peripheral terminal.

[0059] In step S302, the communication unit 105 determines whether or not data has been received, and if so, the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the process returns to step S301 and waits again.

[0060] In step S303, the communication unit 105 notifies the communication middleware 103 of the received data.

[0061] In step S304, the communication middleware 103 performs reception processing within the communication middleware 103 and determines whether to notify the service. The communication middleware 103 determines, for example, whether the destination port numbers correspond, whether the received data is duplicated, and combines divided pieces of received data before notifying the service.

[0062] In step S305, the communication middleware 103 determines, based on the destination port number or service identifier of the received data, whether or not to notify the received data to the service providing unit 101 or the protocol management unit 102. If it is determined that the data should be notified, the process proceeds to step S306, and if it is determined that the data should not be notified, the process returns to step S301.

[0063] In step S306, the communication middleware 103 notifies the protocol management unit 102 or the service providing unit 101, which is the destination of the received data, of the received data.

[0064] In step S307, the service providing unit 101 or the protocol management unit 102 processes the received data.

[0065] The above process is executed repeatedly.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, a communication system selection process sequence in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] In step S401, the protocol management unit 102 periodically acquires the communication status from the communication unit 105. The acquired communication status includes information such as the communication bandwidth utilization rate, communication delay, and transmission speed. The protocol management unit 102 acquires the communication status for all communication methods that the communication unit 105 can use.

[0068] In step S402, the protocol management unit 102 notifies the communication method selection unit 104 of the acquired communication state.

[0069] In step S403, the protocol management unit 102 determines whether or not a data transmission request has been received from the service providing unit 101. If a transmission request has been received, the process proceeds to step S404, and if a data transmission request has not been received, the process returns to step S401.

[0070] In step S404, the protocol management unit 102 requests the communication method selection unit 104 to select a communication method for transmitting the service data.

[0071] In step S405, the communication method selection unit 104 selects a communication method for transmission based on the communication quality of the communication unit 105, the priority of the application, and the like.

[0072] In step S406, the protocol management unit 102 determines whether or not to change the communication method from the previously used one. If the communication method is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S408; if not, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0073] In step S407, the communication method selection unit 104 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the communication method.

[0074] In step S408, the protocol management unit 102 requests the service providing unit 101 to transmit data in order to perform redundant data transmission. That is, when changing the communication method, the protocol management unit 102 requests transmission of the same data for both the communication method before the change and the communication method after the change. This prevents data from being missed when switching the communication method.

[0075] In step S409, the service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the specified data. Here, the service providing unit 101 is requested to transmit redundant data, but the protocol management unit 102 may directly request the communication middleware 103 to transmit the service data.

[0076] The above process is executed repeatedly.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 9, a management information distribution processing sequence in the communication system control device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0078] In step S501, the protocol management unit 102 registers the services provided by the service providing unit 101, and acquires from the communication unit 105 information on communication methods that can be used by the own terminal.

[0079] In step S502, the protocol management unit 102 generates management information from the information acquired in step S501, and requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the management information.

[0080] In step S503, the communication middleware 103 requests the communication unit 105 to transmit data using all available communication methods.

[0081] In step S504, the communication unit 105 transmits the transmission data to the peripheral terminal or the destination terminal by broadcasting.

[0082] 10 shows an example of a protocol configuration for switching communication methods and transmitting data. Here, an example is shown in which the communication middleware 103 is configured in three layers. Note that this figure does not show the process of selecting a communication method.

[0083] In the protocol configuration shown in FIG. 10, the following steps (1) to (5) are performed. (1) The service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to perform initialization processing, and acquires communication information from the communication middleware 103. (2) The service providing unit 101 registers the service identifier and communication information of the service to be provided in the protocol management unit 102. (3) When a data transmission request occurs, the service providing unit 101 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the occurrence of the data transmission request. (4) The service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the transmission data. (5) The protocol management unit 102 selects a communication method for transmitting the data of the service, and specifies the selected communication method to the communication middleware 103 .

[0084] The communication middleware 103 conceals the communication methods of the upper and middle layers from the service providing unit 101, and the service providing unit 101 cannot directly specify a communication method to the protocol management unit 102. However, because the lower layers of the communication middleware 103 are linked to the communication method, the protocol management unit 102 can specify the communication method to the lower layers to switch the communication method.

[0085] Within the communication middleware 103, transmission of transmission data is requested in the order from the upper layer to the middle layer and from the middle layer to the lower layer. The lower layer of the communication middleware 103 requests the communication unit 105 to transmit the transmission data using the communication method specified by the communication method selection unit 104.

[0086] Fig. 11 shows another example of a protocol configuration for switching communication methods and transmitting data. The protocol configuration in Fig. 11 differs from the protocol configuration in Fig. 10 in that the protocol management unit 102 does not specify the communication method to the communication middleware 103, but rather notifies the service providing unit 101 of communication information (such as port number information) linked to the communication method.

[0087] In the protocol configuration shown in FIG. 11, the following steps (1) to (3) are performed. (1) When a data transmission request occurs, the service providing unit 101 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the occurrence of the data transmission request. (2) The protocol management unit 102 selects a communication method for transmitting data of the service, and notifies the service providing unit 101 of communication information linked to the selected communication method. (3) The service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit the transmission data based on the communication information notified from the service providing unit 101.

[0088] Within the communication middleware 103, transmission of transmission data is requested in the order from the upper layer to the middle layer and from the middle layer to the lower layer. The lower layer of the communication middleware 103 requests the communication unit 105 to transmit the transmission data using the communication method linked to the communication information.

[0089] FIG. 12 shows an example of a process in which a communication system control device distributes management information including a list of services that can be provided by the own terminal and a list of communication systems that can be used by the own terminal to other terminals.

[0090] The protocol management unit 102 receives registration of the services that can be provided from the service providing unit 101, and acquires information on available communication methods from the profile information 106. The protocol management unit 102 requests the communication middleware 103 to transmit management information. At this time, the protocol management unit 102 requests the transmission of management information for all available communication methods.

[0091] Figure 12 shows two patterns in which the protocol management unit 102 requests the transmission of management information from an upper layer of the communication middleware 103, and from a middle layer of the communication middleware 103. Either of these patterns may be used, or the request may be made to a lower layer of the communication middleware 103.

[0092] It is desirable that the management information be distributed periodically, but it may be distributed only when, for example, the management information is newly registered, updated, deleted, etc. The management information is also distributed when the communication method available to the terminal is changed.

[0093] In the first embodiment, an example in which the communication middleware 103 is configured in three layers has been shown, but it may be configured in three or more layers, or in one or two layers.

[0094] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the lower layer of the communication middleware 103 is linked to the communication method, but the middle layer or the upper to lower layers may be linked to the communication method. Alternatively, the inside of the communication middleware 103 may not be linked to the communication method, and the protocol management unit 102 may specify the communication method to be used to the communication unit 105.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which a port number is used as an identifier of a service specified to the communication middleware 103, but other identifiers such as an application identifier, an IP address, or an Ethernet type may also be used.

[0096] In addition, in the first embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the communication method selection unit 104 selects the communication method, but for example, the function of the communication method selection unit 104 may be provided in the protocol management unit 102, the communication middleware 103, or the communication unit 105.

[0097] As described above, according to the communication method control device described in embodiment 1, even when communication middleware 103 exists between service providing unit 101 and communication unit 105, when sending data from an application of service providing unit 101, the communication method to be used for transmission can be specified.

[0098] Furthermore, even if the communication middleware 103 does not have a function for switching the communication method, it is possible to switch the communication method to be used, which has the advantage of allowing the existing communication middleware 103 to be used as is. Furthermore, since the communication method can be switched depending on the communication status of each communication method, it is possible to expect the provision of services that always use a communication method with good communication quality.

[0099] <Embodiment 2> 13 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, a plurality of communication system control devices are installed in one terminal.

[0100] The communication method control device of the second embodiment is obtained by adding a device cooperation unit 107 to the communication method control device of the first embodiment. The device cooperation unit 107 is connected to the protocol management unit 102 and the service providing unit 101. Furthermore, the communication methods that can be used by the communication middleware 103 and the communication unit 105 differ depending on the communication method control device.

[0101] Even when there are multiple communication method control devices, the device cooperation unit 107 realizes switching of the communication method by each communication method control device. The device cooperation unit 107 acquires management information including information on services and communication methods from the protocol management unit 102, and transmits this information to the device cooperation units 107 of other communication method control devices to share it.

[0102] In addition, the device collaboration unit 107 integrates the management information of its own communication method control device with the management information received from other communication method control devices, and transmits the integrated management information via the communication middleware 103 and the communication unit 105 using a communication method that can be used by its own communication method control device.

[0103] When the protocol management unit 102 receives management information from a peripheral terminal, it transmits the management information of the peripheral terminal to the device cooperation unit 107 and shares the information. In addition, the protocol management unit 102 shares communication quality information acquired from the communication unit 105 with the protocol management units 102 of other communication method control devices via the device cooperation unit 107.

[0104] When transmitting data, the service providing unit 101 requests the protocol management unit 102 to transmit the data. The protocol management unit 102 requests the communication method selection unit 104 to select a communication method. If the selected communication method cannot be used by its own communication method control device, the protocol management unit 102 requests the communication method to be used to transmit the data via the device cooperation unit 107. The device cooperation unit 107 transmits the transmission data from the service providing unit 101 of another communication method control device via the protocol management unit 102 or the service providing unit 101.

[0105] Furthermore, when the service providing unit 101 or the protocol management unit 102 receives data from another terminal, if the destination is another communication method control device, the service providing unit 101 or the protocol management unit 102 notifies the received data to the protocol management unit 102 or the service providing unit 101 of the destination communication method control device via the device collaboration unit 107.

[0106] In the second embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the device collaboration unit 107 communicates with the device collaboration unit 107 of another communication method control device, but the communication between the device collaboration unit 107 and the device collaboration unit 107 of another communication method control device may be performed via the communication unit 105, or may further be performed via the communication middleware 103.

[0107] As described above, according to the communication method control device described in the second embodiment, even when a single terminal is equipped with a plurality of communication method control devices, the device cooperation unit 107 can cooperate with the plurality of communication method control devices to realize switching of the communication method. Furthermore, by each communication method control device cooperating with other communication method control devices, it is possible to provide a service using a communication method that is not supported by the communication method control device that provides the service.

[0108] Furthermore, if a communication method that is not supported by a specific communication method control device is to be used, the communication unit 105 of another communication method control device can be used, thereby enabling dynamic switching of the communication method.

[0109] <Third Embodiment> 14 is a configuration diagram of a communication system control device according to embodiment 3. In embodiment 3 as well, a plurality of communication system control devices are installed in one terminal.

[0110] The communication method control device of the third embodiment is obtained by adding a protocol coordination unit 108 to the communication method control device of the first embodiment. The protocol coordination unit 108 is connected to the protocol management unit 102 and the service providing unit 101. The communication methods available to the communication middleware 103 and the communication unit 105 differ for each communication method control device. Furthermore, the service providing unit 101 is mounted on a device different from the communication method control device.

[0111] The protocol coordination unit 108 provides the service providing unit 101 with APIs (Application Program Interfaces) for initialization processing, data transmission requests, data reception notifications, etc. The protocol coordination unit 108 mediates communication between the service providing unit 101 and communication middleware 103, and communication between the service providing unit 101 and protocol management unit 102.

[0112] The basic operation of the service providing unit 101 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the service providing unit 101 registers, updates, and deletes the services that can be provided to the protocol management units 102 of the plurality of communication method control devices via the protocol coordination units 108 of the plurality of communication method control devices. In addition, the service providing unit 101 requests the communication middleware 103 of the plurality of communication method control devices to perform initialization processing via the protocol coordination units 108 of the plurality of communication method control devices, and acquires communication information from the communication middleware 103 of the plurality of communication method control devices.

[0113] When transmitting data from the service providing unit 101, the service providing unit 101 requests the protocol coordination units 108 of the plurality of communication method control devices to transmit the transmission data. The protocol coordination units 108 of each communication method control device transmit the transmission data to the communication middleware 103.

[0114] The protocol coordination unit 108 notifies the protocol management unit 102 of the occurrence of a data transmission request. Furthermore, the protocol coordination unit 108 transmits the communication information of the protocol management unit 102 to the protocol coordination units 108 of other communication method control devices to share the information.

[0115] If the protocol management unit 102 determines that the transmission data should not be transmitted using the communication method of its own communication method control device, it notifies the communication middleware 103 to stop data transmission and notifies the service providing unit 101 of transmission cancellation via the protocol collaboration unit 108.

[0116] Furthermore, if the communication method selection unit 104 selects a communication method that cannot be used by its own communication method control device, the protocol management unit 102 requests transmission from a communication method control device that can use the selected communication method via the protocol coordination unit 108. The protocol coordination unit 108 requests data transmission from the communication middleware 103 instead of the service providing unit 101.

[0117] In the third embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the protocol collaboration unit 108 communicates with the service providing unit 101, but the communication between the protocol collaboration unit 108 and the service providing unit 101 may be performed via the communication unit 105, or may be performed further via the communication middleware 103.

[0118] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the service providing unit 101 requests the protocol coordination units 108 of all communication method control devices to transmit data when transmitting data, but the service providing unit 101 may also request transmission from a specific communication method control device. In this case, the protocol management unit 102 may determine whether transmission is possible using the communication method of the communication method control device. If transmission is not possible, the service providing unit 101 is notified via the protocol coordination unit 108 that the communication method cannot be used, and the service providing unit 101 requests transmission from another communication method control device.

[0119] As described above, according to the communication method control device of the third embodiment, even when a single terminal is equipped with a plurality of communication method control devices, the protocol coordination unit 108 coordinates the service providing units 101 and protocol management units 102 of the plurality of communication method control devices, thereby making it possible to dynamically switch the communication method for transmitting data while concealing the communication method from the service.

[0120] <Fourth Embodiment> 15 is a configuration diagram of a communication method control device according to embodiment 4. The communication method control device of embodiment 4 is configured by adding an intermediary unit 109 to the communication method control device of embodiment 1. The intermediary unit 109 mediates processing between the protocol management unit 102 and the communication middleware 103, processing between the service providing unit 101 and the communication middleware 103, and processing between the protocol management unit 102 and the communication unit 105.

[0121] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the communication method control device is configured by being divided into two different devices. That is, the communication method control device is made up of an upper part including a service providing unit 101, a protocol management unit 102, and a communication method selection unit 104, and a lower part including an intermediation unit 109, a communication middleware 103, and a communication unit 105, and the upper part and the lower part are connected via the intermediation unit 109.

[0122] The intermediary unit 109 functions as a wrapper that mediates the processing between the protocol management unit 102 and communication middleware 103 in the first embodiment, the processing between the service providing unit 101 and communication middleware 103, and the processing between the protocol management unit 102 and communication unit 105. The processing of the service providing unit 101, protocol management unit 102, communication middleware 103, communication method selection unit 104, and communication unit 105 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the intermediary unit 109 intervenes in the processing between them.

[0123] In the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which the mediation unit 109 is provided in a lower section of the communication system control device, but the mediation unit 109 may be provided in a higher section of the communication system control device, or may be provided in both the higher section and the lower section.

[0124] In addition, in embodiment 4, the intermediary unit 109 is provided between the protocol management unit 102 and the communication middleware 103, and between the protocol management unit 102 and the communication unit 105, but it may also be provided between other elements.

[0125] According to the communication system control device described in the fourth embodiment, even if the hardware that realizes the communication system control device is separated, the functions of the communication system control device can be realized.

[0126] It is possible to freely combine the embodiments, and to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0127] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and it is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 in-vehicle device, 2 roadside device, 3 server, 10 processor, 11 external interface, 12 storage device, 101 service providing unit, 102 protocol management unit, 103 communication middleware, 104 communication method selection unit, 105 communication unit, 106 profile information, 107 device collaboration unit, 108 protocol collaboration unit, 109 mediation unit.

Claims

1. a service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service including an identifier of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with the protocol management unit specifies, to the communication middleware, a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service by specifying the communication method to be associated with the identifier of the service; Communication method control device.

2. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with the protocol management unit notifies the service providing unit of information on a communication port associated with the specified communication method; the service providing unit requests the communication middleware to transmit the data based on the information on the communication port. Communication method control device.

3. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with the protocol management unit requests the communication middleware to deliver management information including information on services that can be provided by the service providing unit and communication methods that can be used by the communication unit; Communication method control device.

4. a communication method selection unit that selects a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service based on information on communication quality including a communication bandwidth utilization rate and a delay time in a communication method available to the communication unit and a priority of the service; The communication system control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with when the service changes the communication method used for transmitting the data, the protocol management unit requests transmission of the same data using both the communication method before the change and the communication method after the change. Communication method control device.

6. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with and a device cooperation unit that, when a plurality of the communication method control devices exist in one terminal, notifies other communication method control devices of at least one of data transmitted by the protocol management unit, management information including information on services that can be provided by the service providing unit and communication methods that can be used by the communication unit, and information on communication quality of the communication methods that can be used by the communication unit. Communication method control device.

7. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with the service provider is located on a separate device; further comprising a protocol linking unit that transmits and receives data between the service providing unit and the communication middleware and between the service providing unit and the protocol management unit; Communication method control device.

8. A service providing unit that executes an application that provides services including at least one of driving assistance, autonomous driving, and traffic and entertainment information provision; a communication unit capable of using a plurality of communication methods; a communication middleware that exists between the service providing unit and the communication unit, transmits data of the service using the communication unit, and is composed of at least one layer; a protocol management unit that is accessible to the service providing unit, the communication middleware, and the communication unit and that specifies a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service; Equipped with further comprising an intermediary unit having a function as a wrapper that mediates processing between the protocol management unit and the communication middleware, processing between the service providing unit and the communication middleware, and processing between the protocol management unit and the communication unit; Communication method control device.

9. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designates a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service including an identifier of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; the protocol management unit specifies, to the communication middleware, a communication method to be used for transmitting the data of the service by specifying the communication method to be associated with the identifier of the service; Communication method control method.

10. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; the protocol management unit notifies the service providing unit of information on a communication port associated with the specified communication method; the service providing unit requests the communication middleware to transmit the data based on the information on the communication port. Communication method control method.

11. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; the protocol management unit requests the communication middleware to deliver management information including information on services that can be provided by the service providing unit and communication methods that can be used by the communication unit; Communication method control method.

12. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; when the service changes the communication method used for transmitting the data, the protocol management unit requests transmission of the same data using both the communication method before the change and the communication method after the change. Communication method control method.

13. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; When a plurality of the communication method control devices are present in one terminal, a device cooperation unit of the communication method control device notifies the other communication method control devices of at least one of data transmitted by the protocol management unit, management information including information on services that can be provided by the service providing unit and communication methods that can be used by the communication unit, and information on communication quality of the communication methods that can be used by the communication unit. Communication method control method.

14. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; the service provider is located on a separate device; a protocol coordination unit of the communication system control device transmitting and receiving data between the service providing unit and the communication middleware and between the service providing unit and the protocol management unit; Communication method control method.

15. a service providing unit of the communication system control device executes an application that provides a service including at least one of driving assistance, automatic driving, and traffic / entertainment information provision; a protocol management unit of the communication system control device designating a communication system to be used for transmitting data of the service from among communication systems available to a communication unit; The communication middleware of the communication system control device transmits data of the service using the communication unit in the designated communication system; an intermediary unit of the communication method control device operates as a wrapper that mediates processing between the protocol management unit and the communication middleware, processing between the service providing unit and the communication middleware, and processing between the protocol management unit and the communication unit; Communication method control method.

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