Communication terminal, network control device, method and program for changing communication mode

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a favorable communication function to a mobile body which has a driving mode switching function. [Solution] This communication terminal is installed in a mobile body capable of switching between two of more driving modes comprising a first driving mode for operating on the basis of a steering command received via wireless communication from a prescribed management system, and a second driving mode which differs from the first driving mode. The communication terminal is also equipped with a communication configuration change means for changing the communication configuration with the prescribed management system on the basis of whether or not the driving mode is the first driving mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication terminal, a network control device, a method for changing a communication mode, a method for changing a service level, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device that executes appropriate countermeasures when the operating state of a control target remotely controlled via wireless communication changes. Specifically, when the operating state of a control target remotely controlled via wireless communication changes, this remote control device executes countermeasures by switching communication between the control target and the remote control device to multiple lines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-024613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the remote control system described in Patent Document 1, which performs constant remote control, the number of lines is multiplexed when the vehicle to be controlled enters a curve during remote control and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (see paragraphs 0058-0059 and Figure 9).

[0005] On the other hand, remote control requires the allocation of personnel at a control center (the remote control device side of Patent Document 1), which is problematic in terms of costs. For example, if there are multiple vehicles to be controlled as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to allocate personnel according to the number of target vehicles and the number of curves in the travel course. For this reason, it is being considered to switch the driving mode of a moving object to be remotely controlled between one that accepts remote control and another driving mode.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal, a network control device, a method for changing a communication mode, a method for changing a service level, and a recording medium that provide a communication function suitable for a mobile body having the above-mentioned operation mode switching function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication terminal mounted on a mobile body capable of switching between at least two driving modes, a first driving mode that operates based on a steering command received via wireless communication from a predetermined management system, and a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, and the communication terminal is equipped with a communication form change means that changes the communication form with the predetermined management system based on whether the driving mode is the first driving mode or not.

[0008] According to a second aspect, there is provided a network control device that provides communication services to a communication terminal mounted on a mobile body that can switch between at least two driving modes, a first driving mode that operates based on an operation command received via wireless communication from a predetermined management system, and a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, and the network control device is provided with: a receiving means that receives driving mode change information from the communication terminal; and a service level change means that changes the service level of communication between the predetermined management system and the communication terminal based on the driving mode received from the communication terminal.

[0009] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for changing a communication mode, which includes confirming whether the driving mode of a mobile body capable of switching between at least two driving modes, a first driving mode that operates based on a steering command received via wireless communication from a predetermined management system, and a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, is the first driving mode, and changing the communication mode with the predetermined management system based on the confirmation result.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, a network control device that provides a communication service to a communication terminal mounted on a moving object that is capable of switching between at least two operation modes, a first operation mode that operates based on an operation command from a predetermined management system and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode, receives operation mode change information from the communication terminal, A service level changing method is provided for changing the service level of communication between the predetermined management system and the communication terminal based on the operation mode received from the communication terminal.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium that stores a computer program for realizing the functions of the above-described communication terminal or network control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, there are provided a communication terminal, a network control device, a method for changing a communication mode, a method for changing a service level, and a recording medium, which provide a communication function suitable for a mobile body having the above-mentioned operation mode switching function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another application example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a network control device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a network control device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer that can function as a communication terminal of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in this overview are used for convenience to identify each element as an example to facilitate understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated form. Furthermore, connecting lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. A program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device. Furthermore, this computer device is configured to be able to communicate with internal or external devices (including computers) via the communication interface, whether wired or wireless. Furthermore, ports or interfaces are present at the input / output connection points of each block in the drawings, but are not shown.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention can be realized by a communication terminal 10 mounted on a moving body V, as shown in FIG. 1, and equipped with a communication means 12 and a communication mode change means 11. More specifically, the moving body (vehicle) V is capable of switching between at least two driving modes: a first driving mode in which the moving body (vehicle) operates based on a driving command received via wireless communication from a predetermined management system 20, and a second driving mode different from the first driving mode. The driving command includes various commands generated by the management system 20 based on images captured by the moving body (vehicle). For example, the management system 20 determines the driving environment (curves, road surface (icy), complex intersections, poor visibility (pedestrian bridges)) based on the images captured by the moving body (vehicle) and generates a driving command corresponding to the driving environment. The management system 20 also instructs a change in the driving mode according to the driving environment. Furthermore, the management system 20 detects an abnormality in the moving body (vehicle) from the images captured by the moving body (vehicle), and generates a driving command corresponding to the abnormality or instructs a change in the driving mode.

[0016] The communication form change means 11 changes the communication form with the management system 20 based on whether the operation mode is the first operation mode or not. The communication means 12 communicates with the management system 20 in the changed communication form.

[0017] 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the communication terminal 10. First, the communication terminal 10 checks the driving mode of the moving body (vehicle) V (step S001). The driving mode of the moving body (vehicle) V may be determined by the communication terminal 10 from messages exchanged between the moving body (vehicle) V and the control center 200, or may be determined from the behavior of the moving body (vehicle) V.

[0018] If the confirmation result indicates that the driving mode of the moving body (vehicle) V is the first driving mode, the communication terminal 10 changes the communication mode with the management system 20 to the first communication mode (step S003). On the other hand, if the driving mode of the moving body (vehicle) V is not the first driving mode, the communication terminal 10 changes the communication mode with the predetermined management system to the second communication mode (step S004). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the driving mode of the moving body (vehicle) V is switched from the first driving mode to the second driving mode while traveling, the communication terminal changes the communication mode with the management system 20 from the first communication mode to the second communication mode.

[0019] As described above, it is possible to allow the communication terminal 10 mounted on the mobile body having the driving mode switching function to select a communication mode according to the driving mode. For example, by adopting as the first communication mode a communication mode suitable for the first driving mode, i.e., a driving mode that operates based on a steering command received by wireless communication from the management system 20, communication in the first driving mode is optimized. On the other hand, in the second driving mode, it is possible to save wireless resources by changing to a communication mode different from the first communication mode.

[0020] 1 and 3, the moving body is a vehicle V, but the moving body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the moving body may be a railcar, a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), an automated guided vehicle, or the like.

[0021] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 4, the configuration includes a vehicle V equipped with a driving control device 150 capable of switching driving modes, and a control center 200 that controls the vehicle V. The vehicle V also includes a camera C, a sensor S, and a communication terminal 100. In the following embodiment, the control center 200 corresponds to the management system 20 described above.

[0022] In this embodiment, the vehicle V equipped with the driving control device 150 will be described as having the following driving modes. (1) Remote monitoring mode The control center 200 monitors the vehicle using a camera C and a sensor S mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle V is driven automatically or manually by a driver. (2) Remote control mode The control center 200 monitors the vehicle V using a camera C and a sensor S mounted on the vehicle, and issues instructions to the driving control device 150 of the vehicle V. (3) Remote control mode The control center 200 remotely controls the vehicle V while monitoring the vehicle using a camera C and a sensor S mounted on the vehicle. (4) Uncontrolled mode The vehicle V is driven automatically or manually by a driver. It is not monitored by the control center 200. There is no need for a network connection. The remote control mode described above is an example of a first driving mode that operates based on a driving command received via wireless communication from a predetermined management system, and in the first driving mode, an image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle is transmitted to the predetermined management system, and the driving command is created based on the image. The remote monitoring mode described above is an example of a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, and the second driving mode is a driving mode in which the vehicle operates autonomously without receiving the driving command from the predetermined management system, or manually driven by a crew member.

[0023] The communication terminal 100 has a communication function that enables the vehicle V having the above-mentioned driving modes to communicate with the control center 200 according to the above-mentioned driving modes.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of communication terminal 100 of this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 5, a configuration including first communication means 111, communication form changing means 101, second communication means 121, data transmitting means 102, and data receiving means 103 is shown.

[0025] The first communication means 111 connects to and communicates with a first wireless communication network. In this embodiment, the first wireless communication network is a fifth generation mobile communication system (hereinafter, "5G").

[0026] The second communication means 121 connects to a second wireless communication network and performs communication. In this embodiment, the second wireless communication network is assumed to be LTE (Long Term Evolution). Therefore, in this embodiment, the first wireless communication network has characteristics such as low latency, large capacity (high speed), and multiple simultaneous connections compared to the second wireless communication network.

[0027] The data transmission means 102 transmits images captured by the camera C and data measured by the sensor S to the control center 200 via either the first communication means 111 or the second communication means 121.

[0028] The data receiving means 103 receives from the control center 200 instructions to switch between operation modes, instructions during the remote control mode, and operation details in the remote operation mode, and sends them to the operation control device 150.

[0029] The communication form change means 101 identifies the driving mode of the vehicle V based on the driving mode change instruction received by the data receiving means 103, and switches between the first communication means 111 and the second communication means 121. Specifically, the communication form change means 101 selects the first communication means 111 and the second communication means 121 as follows. (1) Remote monitoring mode: Select the second communication method 121 (2) Remote control mode: Select the first communication means 111 for transmission and the second communication means 121 for reception. (3) Remote control mode: Select the first communication method 111 (4) Uncontrolled mode: The first communication means 111 and the second communication means 121 are turned off.

[0030] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Fig. 6, a vehicle V having a driving mode switching function will be described as traveling from point A to point B, point C, point D in this order, and returning to point A. Note that the description will be given assuming that the area indicated by the dashed line NW1 in Fig. 6 is a 5G service provision area, and the area indicated by the dashed line NW2 is an LTE service provision area.

[0031] (1) Point A - Point B Between point A and point B, vehicle V performs autonomous driving because there are few pedestrians and the like and road infrastructure is well developed. For this reason, remote monitoring mode is selected for this section. At this time, communication form change means 101 of communication terminal 100 selects second communication means 121 and communicates with control center 200 via LTE. As described above, between point A and point B, there are few pedestrians and the like and road infrastructure is well developed, so images and sensor data can be thinned out and necessary communication can be performed even via LTE.

[0032] (2) Point B-Point C Between points B and C, due to factors such as drastic changes in traffic volume, vehicle V sends images and sensor data to control center 200, and control center 200 controls vehicle V. For this reason, remote control mode is selected for this section. At this time, communication form change means 101 of communication terminal 100 selects first communication means 111 and second communication means 121, transmits data via 5G, and receives instructions from control center 200 addressed to driving control device 150 via LTE. By using 5G to receive data from vehicle V, control center 200 can request and receive large amounts of data from vehicle V.

[0033] (3) Point C-Point D Between points C and D, there are many pedestrians and driving requires careful attention, so a person in charge at the control center 200 directly controls the vehicle V. For this reason, the remote control mode is selected for this section. At this time, the communication form changing means 101 of the communication terminal 100 selects the first communication means 111 so that data can be transmitted and received with the control center 200 via 5G. By using 5G for transmission and reception, the control center 200 can make the most of the low latency and large capacity characteristics of 5G.

[0034] (4) Point D - Point A The section between point D and point A is a section where vehicle V is not subject to control by control center 200 because it is a deadhead section with no passengers and there are few pedestrians, etc. In this section, non-control mode is selected. At this time, communication form change means 101 of communication terminal 100 turns off both first communication means 111 and second communication means 121 and does not perform communication. This makes it possible to save on the consumption of wireless resources in the section. Of course, in preparation for unforeseen circumstances, communication form change means 101 may select second communication means 121 so that the minimum necessary data can be exchanged.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 selects an appropriate wireless network as a communication mode in accordance with the driving mode of the vehicle V. This enables the vehicle V and the control center 200 to perform communication required for the driving mode.

[0036] In the example of Figure 6 above, the 5G service area and the LTE service area are described as almost overlapping, but in areas where the service areas of both services do not overlap, it is sufficient to use an available mobile communication service.

[0037] In the above example, the communication terminal 100 switches between 5G and LTE. However, the types of wireless networks are not limited to these two, and other wireless networks may also be included as options. For example, if a local 5G base station is installed and available in a certain area, the communication terminal 100 may select this local 5G base station to provide communication functions. In addition to simply switching wireless networks, the communication terminal 100 may estimate or predict the communication quality, load status (usage status), radio wave strength, etc. of the wireless network to be switched to, and determine whether to switch based on the results.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle V to be controlled is not limited to a bus traveling on a road. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the present invention can also be applied to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) traveling within a factory premises. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) may transport a load from point A to point B and then return from point B to point A, and may be remotely controlled on the outbound journey and autonomously driven on the return journey. In this case, too, 5G (local 5G) may be used in the section where the driving mode is remotely controlled, and another wireless network such as Wifi (registered trademark) may be used in the section where the driving mode is autonomous.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the control center 200 is described as monitoring using cameras C and sensors S mounted on the vehicle, but the control center 200 may also remotely operate or control the vehicle using information from cameras and sensors on the road in addition to this information.

[0040] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention in which a communication terminal changes the priority of communication instead of switching wireless networks will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal 100a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the configuration includes communication means 141, communication form changing means 101, data transmitting means 102, and data receiving means 103. The difference from the first embodiment is the functions of communication means 141 and communication form changing means 131. As the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0041] The communication means 141 connects to a predetermined wireless communication network and performs communication. The predetermined wireless communication network may be either 5G or LTE. When the communication means 141 receives a priority change request from the communication form change means 131, it changes the communication priority by raising the priority of packets or frames to be transmitted to the control center 200 or by requesting the network side to change the priority.

[0042] The communication form changing means 131 identifies the driving mode of the vehicle V based on the driving mode switching instruction received by the data receiving means 103, and requests the communication means 141 to change the communication priority. Specifically, the communication form changing means 131 changes the priority as follows. (1) Remote monitoring mode: Priority = Low (2) Remote control mode: Priority = High (3) Remote Control Mode: Priority = High

[0043] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Fig. 9, a vehicle V having a driving mode switching function travels from point A to point B, point C, and point D in this order.

[0044] (1) Point A - Point B As in the first embodiment, remote monitoring mode is selected between point A and point B. At this time, the communication form changing means 131 of the communication terminal 100 changes the priority of communication with the control center 200 to low. As in the first embodiment, there are few pedestrians and the like between point A and point B, and road infrastructure is well developed, so images and sensor data can be thinned out and necessary communication can be performed even with a low priority.

[0045] (2) Point B-Point C As in the first embodiment, the remote control mode is selected between point B and point C. At this time, the communication form changing means 131 of the communication terminal 100 changes the priority of communication with the control center 200 to high. In this remote control mode, high-resolution images are transmitted, so priority control with a high priority is required. Note that the communication between the control center 200 and the vehicle V in the remote control mode does not require the same real-time performance as in the remote control mode, so the priority may be lower than that in the remote control mode. Note also that, if bandwidth control is possible in addition to priority control as a priority change, the communication form changing means 131 may also request a bandwidth. For example, since communication from the vehicle V to the control center 200 involves transmitting large amounts of data such as images, the communication form changing means 131 requests the bandwidth necessary for transmitting these data.

[0046] (3) Point C-Point D As in the first embodiment, the remote control mode is selected between points C and D. At this time, the communication form changing means 131 of the communication terminal 100 changes the priority of communication with the control center 200 to high. In this remote control mode, high-resolution images are transmitted and highly immediate control operation information is exchanged, so priority control with a high priority is required. In this section, the communication form changing means 131 may also request a bandwidth. For example, since communication from the vehicle V to the control center 200 involves sending large amounts of data such as images, the communication form changing means 131 requests the bandwidth necessary for this transmission.

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 changes the priority of communication depending on the driving mode of the vehicle V. This enables the vehicle V and the control center 200 to perform communication required for the driving mode.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the communication terminal 100a changes the communication priority as a change in the communication mode. However, the communication terminal 100a can also change parameters other than the priority. For example, if the network side is virtually divided into networks with different priorities, changing the available virtual network can achieve the same effect as changing the priority. Instead of the priority, the communication mode may be changed to one that increases line redundancy, such as line redundancy or communication terminal redundancy, in remote control mode. These can also be expected to reduce delays, increase capacity, and improve reliability. Instead of changing the priority, a method of increasing capacity by aggregating two frequency bands, the Sub6 frequency band in 5G and the millimeter wave band, can also be used.

[0049] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention in which the communication mode change function is provided in a device external to the vehicle will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a configuration is shown in which a network control device 300 is disposed in a network system between a vehicle V and a control center 200. The difference from the first embodiment is that the communication mode change function is omitted on the communication terminal 100b side and is disposed on the network control device 300 side. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a network control device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 11, the network control device 300 includes receiving means 301 and service level changing means 302. The network control device 300 may be located anywhere in the network between the control center 200 and the communication terminal 100b, or may be located at the edge of the network near the communication terminal 100b.

[0051] The receiving means 301 receives change information such as an instruction to switch the operation mode from the control center 200 or a request to switch the operation mode from the communication terminal 100 b , and sends it to the service level changing means 302 .

[0052] The service level change means 302 identifies the driving mode of the vehicle V based on the information received from the receiving means 301, and requests a change in the priority of communication between the communication terminal 100 and the control center 200. Specifically, the service level change means 302 changes the priority as follows. (1) Remote monitoring mode: Priority = Low (2) Remote control mode: Priority = High (3) Remote Control Mode: Priority = High

[0053] The above-mentioned network control device can also be realized by a device that instructs a PCF (Policy Control function) in a 5G network or a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rule Function) in an LTE network to perform priority control according to the above-mentioned operating mode.

[0054] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network control device of the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 12, first, the network control device 300 checks the operation mode of the moving object V upon receiving an instruction to switch the operation mode from the control center 200 or a request to switch the operation mode from the communication terminal 100b (step S301).

[0055] If the result of the confirmation is that the driving mode of the moving body V is the remote operation mode or the remote control mode (Yes in step S302), the network control device 300 sets the priority of communication between the control center 200 and the communication terminal 100b to "high" (step S303).

[0056] On the other hand, if the driving mode of the moving body V is neither the remote operation mode nor the remote control mode (No in step S302), the network control device 300 sets the priority of communication between the control center 200 and the communication terminal 100b to "low" (step S304).

[0057] According to the network control device 300 of the third embodiment that operates as described above, it is possible to set an optimal priority according to the driving mode of the vehicle V, as in the second embodiment. Note that, as in the second embodiment, various modifications are possible in this embodiment as well. For example, if the network side is virtually divided into networks with different priorities, changing the virtual network assigned to the communication between the communication terminal 100b and the control center 200 can also achieve an effect equivalent to changing the priority.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present invention. For example, the network configurations, element configurations, and data representation formats shown in the drawings are examples intended to aid in understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0059] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been given in which the moving body is a vehicle, but the moving body may also be a railway vehicle, a UAV, an automated guided vehicle, etc. For example, by applying the present invention to a railway vehicle, it is possible to switch between an automatic driving mode and a remote control mode, and to appropriately switch between the communication mode during automatic driving and the communication mode during remote control.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control center 200 controls one vehicle V. However, the present invention is also applicable to cases in which the control center 200 controls multiple vehicles V. In this case, priorities may be set for the multiple vehicles V according to the surrounding conditions and the processing capacity of the control center 200. The control center 200 then generates a driving command or changes the driving mode according to the priority of each vehicle V. For example, the control center 200 changes a prioritized vehicle V among the multiple vehicles V to remote driving mode, and changes the other vehicles V to remote monitoring mode. In this case, the control center 200 may limit the number of vehicles V to be set to remote driving mode according to the processing capacity of the control center 200.

[0061] (About hardware configuration) In each embodiment of the present disclosure, each component of each device represents a functional block. Some or all of the components of each device are realized by any combination of an information processing device 900 and a program, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 that realizes each component of each device. The information processing device 900 includes, as an example, the following configuration. ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)901 ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)903 Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 A storage device 905 for storing a program 904 A drive device 907 for reading and writing data from and to the recording medium 906 A communication interface 908 for connecting to a communication network 909 Input / output interface 910 for inputting and outputting data Bus 911 connecting each component

[0062] Each component of each device in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 901 acquiring and executing a program 904 that realizes the function. That is, the CPU 901 in FIG. 13 executes a vehicle detection program and a determination program, and performs an update process for each calculation parameter stored in the RAM 903, the storage device 905, or the like. The program 904 that realizes the function of each component of each device is stored in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902 in advance, for example, and is read out by the CPU 901 as needed. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance on the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0063] Furthermore, this program 904 can display the processing results, including intermediate states, at each stage as necessary on a display device, or can communicate with the outside via a communication interface. Furthermore, this program 904 can be recorded on a computer-readable (non-transitive) recording medium.

[0064] There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a separate information processing device 900 and a program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components included in each device may be realized by any combination of a single information processing device 900 and a program. That is, the communication terminals and network control devices shown in the first to third embodiments, and processors installed in these devices, can be realized by computer programs that cause the above-mentioned processes to be executed using the hardware.

[0065] In addition, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by other general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus.

[0066] Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits and programs.

[0067] When some or all of the components of each device are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in a form in which each device is connected via a communication network.

[0068] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. In other words, those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the above-described embodiments to construct various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0069] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0070] [Appendix 1] The vehicle is mounted on a vehicle that can switch between at least two operation modes, a first operation mode that operates based on an operation command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication, and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode, a communication terminal including a communication mode change means for changing a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on whether the operation mode is the first operation mode or not; [Appendix 2] In the first operation mode, the communication terminal transmits an image captured by a camera mounted on the moving object to the predetermined management system, The steering command may be created based on the image. [Appendix 3] The second driving mode in the above-mentioned communication terminal may be a driving mode in which the terminal is either autonomously driven without receiving the operation command from the predetermined management system or manually driven by a crew member. [Appendix 4] The above-described communication terminal may be configured such that, when in the first operation mode, the communication mode is changed to one with less delay than the communication mode in the second operation mode. [Appendix 5] The above-described communication terminal may be configured such that, when in the first operation mode, the communication mode is changed to one in which the priority of communication is higher than that of the communication mode in the second operation mode. [Appendix 6] The above-described communication terminal may be configured such that, when in the first operation mode, it changes to a communication mode that provides higher line redundancy than the communication mode in the second operation mode. [Appendix 7] A network control device that provides communication services to a communication terminal mounted on a mobile object that can switch between at least two operation modes, a first operation mode that operates based on an operation command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication, and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode, a receiving means for receiving an instruction to change the operation mode from the communication terminal or the management system; a service level changing means for changing a service level of communication between the predetermined management system and the communication terminal based on an operation mode received from the communication terminal; A network control device comprising: [Appendix 8] confirming whether the driving mode of a moving body that can switch between at least two driving modes, namely, a first driving mode that operates based on a driving command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication and a second driving mode different from the first driving mode, is the first driving mode; A method for changing a communication mode, which changes a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on the confirmed result. [Appendix 9] A network system that provides communication services to a communication terminal mounted on a mobile object that can switch between at least two operation modes, a first operation mode that operates based on an operation command from a predetermined management system, and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode, receiving operation mode change information from the communication terminal; A service level changing method for changing a service level of communication between the predetermined management system and the communication terminal based on an operation mode received from the communication terminal. [Appendix 10] A process of confirming whether the driving mode of a moving body that can switch between at least two driving modes, namely, a first driving mode that operates based on an operation command from a predetermined management system and a second driving mode different from the first driving mode, is the first driving mode; A process of changing a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on the result of the confirmation; A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program that causes a computer to execute the above. The embodiments of Supplementary Notes 7 to 10 can be expanded to the embodiments of Supplementary Notes 2 to 6, similarly to Supplementary Note 1.

[0071] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), and further based on its basic technical concept. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of the various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the disclosure of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally embraces various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concept, including the claims. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges set forth herein, any numerical value or subrange within that range should be construed as specifically set forth, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, are also deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10, 100, 100a, 100b Communication terminal 11 Communication format change means 12. Means of communication 20 Management System 102 Data transmission means 103 Data Receiving Means 111 First means of communication 121 Secondary means of communication 131 Communication format change means 141 Means of communication 150 Operation control device 200 Control Center 300 Network control device 301 Receiving means 302 Service Level Change Procedures 900 Information Processing Equipment 901 CPU(Central Processing Unit) 902 ROM (Read Only Memory) 903 RAM (Random Access Memory) 904 Program 905 Storage device 906 Recording Media 907 Drive unit 908 Communication Interface 909 Communication Network 910 Input / Output Interface 911 Bus AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) C Camera S sensor V vehicle

Claims

1. The vehicle is mounted on a vehicle capable of switching between at least two driving modes, a first driving mode that operates based on a driving command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication, and a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, a communication mode change means for changing a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on whether the operation mode is the first operation mode or not; the moving body has a third driving mode; The communication terminal, in the third operation mode, wherein the communication mode change means uses the communication mode in the first operation mode for transmission and the communication mode in the second operation mode for reception.

2. In the first operation mode, an image captured by a camera mounted on the moving object is transmitted to the predetermined management system; The communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the steering command is generated based on the image.

3. 3. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second driving mode is a driving mode in which the terminal is either autonomously driven without receiving the control command from the predetermined management system or manually driven by a crew member.

4. 4. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein, when in the first operation mode, the communication mode is changed to one with less delay than the communication mode in the second operation mode.

5. 4. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein, in the first operation mode, the communication mode is changed to a communication mode having a higher priority than the communication mode in the second operation mode.

6. 4. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein, in the first operation mode, the communication mode is changed to one in which line redundancy is higher than in the second operation mode.

7. The moving body has a fourth operating mode, The communication mode changing means turns off all communication modes in the fourth operation mode. The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A network control device that provides communication services to a communication terminal mounted on a mobile object that can switch between at least two operation modes, a first operation mode that operates based on an operation command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication, and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode, a receiving means for receiving an instruction to change the operation mode from the communication terminal or the management system; a service level changing means for changing a service level of communication between the predetermined management system and the communication terminal based on an operation mode received from the communication terminal; Equipped with the moving body has a third driving mode; In the third operation mode, the communication service provided to the communication terminal uses the communication mode in the first operation mode for transmission and the communication mode in the second operation mode for reception. Network control device.

9. confirming whether the driving mode of a moving body that is switchable between at least two driving modes, namely, a first driving mode that operates based on a driving command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication and a second driving mode that is different from the first driving mode, is the first driving mode; changing a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on the confirmed result; the moving body has a third driving mode; A method for changing a communication mode, wherein in the third operation mode, the communication mode in the first operation mode is used for transmission and the communication mode in the second operation mode is used for reception.

10. a process of confirming whether a driving mode of a moving body capable of switching between at least two driving modes, namely, a first driving mode in which the moving body operates based on a driving command received from a predetermined management system via wireless communication and a second driving mode different from the first driving mode, is the first driving mode; A process of changing a communication mode with the predetermined management system based on the result of the confirmation; on the computer, the moving body has a third driving mode; The program, wherein the process of changing the communication mode uses the communication mode in the first operation mode for transmission and the communication mode in the second operation mode for reception in the third operation mode.

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