Communication device and communication control method

Abstract

To prevent communication between communication terminals in a mobile body from being cut off due to connection with an access point outside the mobile body, or to prevent a frequency from being changed arbitrarily due to an instruction to connect with the access point.SOLUTION: A communication device 1 includes a communication unit 30 that performs wireless communication, an access point detection unit 11 that detects access points 200 that can be connected to the communication unit 30 for communication, and a communication control unit 12 that, when communication between the communication unit 30 and a communication terminal 50 is performed using a first frequency band, displays, on a display device 40, an access point information image that displays information about the access points 200 detected by the access point detection unit 11 so as to distinguish between a first access point that can be connected to a communication unit using the first frequency band and a second access point that can be connected to a communication unit using the second frequency band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a wireless communication system has been proposed that determines the radio wave conditions in the area where an in-vehicle device and a communication terminal outside the vehicle are located, and notifies the in-vehicle device and the communication terminal of the channel and frequency that enables direct communication between the in-vehicle device and the communication terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-17101 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a communication device used in a mobile body such as a vehicle has a function of simultaneously communicating with multiple communication targets using different frequency bands, the communication device can, for example, communicate with a communication terminal using a first frequency band and communicate with an access point outside the mobile body using a second frequency band. However, when communication between the communication device and the communication terminal is being performed using the first frequency band and an attempt is made to communicate between the communication device and the access point using the same frequency band, there is a problem that the communication between the communication device and the communication terminal is interrupted or the frequency is changed arbitrarily by an instruction to connect to the access point due to overlapping frequency bands. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above background, and aims to provide a communication device and a communication control method that can prevent communication with a communication terminal from being cut off due to connection with an access point, or prevent the frequency from being changed arbitrarily due to an instruction to connect to an access point, when communication is being performed between a mobile body and a communication terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect for achieving the above object is a communication device including: a communication unit used in a mobile body, which performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band; an access point detection unit which detects access points that are capable of a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control unit which controls communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and communication between the communication unit and the access points, and which, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, displays an access point information image on a display device used in the mobile body, which displays information about the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point that is capable of a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that is capable of a communication connection using the second frequency band.

[0006] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to communicate between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and to display the access point information image on the display device when it recognizes a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of a preceding moving body.

[0007] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may perform communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and when it recognizes an operation by the passenger to connect the communication unit to the access point, it may cut off communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and the access point detection unit may perform communication using the first frequency band and the second frequency band while communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is cut off, and detect the access point that can be connected to the communication unit.

[0008] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to start communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band and resume communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band when it recognizes a connection operation with the second access point by a passenger of the moving body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device.

[0009] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to output a communication inability notification from an alarm device used in the mobile body when it recognizes a connection operation with the first access point by a passenger of the mobile body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device, notifying that communication with the communication terminal will be impossible.

[0010] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to output a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection to the second access point from an alarm device used in the mobile body when it recognizes a connection operation to the first access point by a passenger of the mobile body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device.

[0011] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to display on the display device an image as the access point information image that displays only information about the second access point and does not display information about the first access point.

[0012] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to display, on the display device, an image as the access point information image that displays information about the second access point in priority over information about the first access point.

[0013] In the above communication device, the communication control unit may be configured to change the display mode of the access point information image in response to a setting operation for setting the display mode of the access point information image by a passenger of the moving body.

[0014] A second aspect for achieving the above object is a communication control method used in a mobile body and executed by a communication device having a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band, the communication control method including: an access point detection step of detecting an access point that is capable of a communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control step of controlling communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, displaying, on a display device used in the mobile body, an access point information image that displays information about the access points detected by the access point detection step, distinguishing between a first access point that is capable of a communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that is capable of a communication connection using the second frequency band. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above communication device and communication control method, when a mobile body is communicating with a communication terminal, it is possible to prevent communication with the communication terminal from being cut off due to connection to an access point, or to prevent the frequency from being changed without permission due to an instruction to connect to an access point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a communication device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a connection mode between the communication device, the smartphone, and the external access point. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a first flowchart of the process of connecting to an external access point. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a second flowchart of the process of connecting to an external access point. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a first display example of an access point information image. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a second display example of the access point information image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [1. Configuration of a vehicle equipped with a communication device] The configuration of a vehicle 100 equipped with a communication device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The communication device 1 is configured as part of the functions of an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle 100, and is connected to a display device 40, an in-vehicle microphone 41, and an in-vehicle speaker 42. The vehicle 100 corresponds to the moving body of the present disclosure. The display device 40 is a touch panel in which a touch sensor is arranged on the surface of a flat display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display device 40 and the in-vehicle speaker 42 correspond to the notification device of the present disclosure.

[0018] The communication device 1 performs wireless communication in the 5 GHz band with a smartphone 50 used by a passenger P of the vehicle 100, and performs wireless communication in the 5 GHz band or the 2.4 GHz band with an external access point 200 installed in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 and connected to the communication network 210. The communication device 1 performs wireless communication according to, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The 5 GHz band corresponds to the first frequency band of the present disclosure, and the 2.4 GHz band corresponds to the second frequency band of the present disclosure. Note that the first frequency band of the present disclosure may be a frequency band other than the 5 GHz band, and the second frequency band of the present disclosure may be a frequency band other than the 2.4 GHz band. Hereinafter, the external access point will also be referred to as an external AP.

[0019] The smartphone 50 corresponds to the communication terminal of the present disclosure. In addition to smartphones, the communication terminal of the present disclosure also includes mobile phones, tablet terminals, etc. The communication device 1 detects connectable external APs 200, displays information about the external APs 200 on the display device 40, and determines the external AP 200 to connect to in response to a touch operation on the display device 40 by the passenger P.

[0020] [2. Configuration of communication device] The configuration of the communication device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The communication device 1 is a control unit including a processor 10, a memory 20, and a communication unit 30. The communication unit 30 performs wireless communication with the smartphone 50 in the 5 GHz band, and performs wireless communication with the external AP 200 in the 5 GHz band or the 2.4 GHz band.

[0021] The memory 20 stores a control program 21 for the communication device 1, a smartphone linking app program 22, an assistant app program 23, etc. The smartphone linking app enables apps (such as a car navigation app) running on a smartphone to be used on the display device 40. The assistant app enables the use of a virtual assistant that supports voice operations of the vehicle 100 by the passenger P. The processor 10 functions as an access point detection unit 11 and a communication control unit 12 by reading and executing the program 21.

[0022] The process executed by the access point detection unit 11 corresponds to the access point detection step in the communication control method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the communication control unit 12 corresponds to the communication control step in the communication control method of the present disclosure.

[0023] The access point detection unit 11 detects an external AP 200 that exists in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 and can be connected to the communication unit 30. The communication control unit 12 controls wireless communication between the communication unit 30 and a communication target (in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the smartphone 50 and the external AP 200).

[0024] 3, the processor 20 executes the smartphone link app program 22 to enable the use of the smartphone link app, and also executes the assistant app program 23 to enable the use of the assistant app. The smartphone link app connects the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 in AP mode (access point mode) using the 5 GHz band. The assistant app connects the communication unit 30 and the external AP 200 in STA mode (station mode) using the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. In FIG. 3, the communication unit 3 0 is The figure shows an example of a situation where the device is connected to an external AP 200 via the 2.4 GHz band.

[0025] As shown in balloon B1, the communication unit 30 operates in both AP mode and STA Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, when the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected in the AP mode over the 5 GHz band, if the passenger P performs an operation to connect to the external AP 200 in the STA mode over the 5 GHz band, the communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 is cut off, which causes the inconvenience of being unable to use the smartphone link app that was being used up until then.

[0026] Therefore, in order to prevent communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 from being interrupted due to overlapping frequency bands used to connect the smartphone 50 and the external AP 200, the communication device 1 performs the following connection process with the external AP 200.

[0027] [3. Connection process with external AP] 4 and 5, the procedure of the connection process with the external AP 200 executed by the access point detection unit 11 and the communication control unit 12 will be described. In step S1 of Fig. 4, when the communication control unit 12 recognizes an operation by the passenger P to connect with the external AP 200 (such as an operation on the communication setting menu displayed on the display device 40), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0028] In step S2, the communication control unit 12 determines whether or not the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected (connected in AP mode in the 5 GHz band). If the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are connected, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S3, and if the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 are not connected, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S20.

[0029] In step S3, the communication control unit 12 notifies the passenger P by displaying on the display device 40 or outputting audio from the in-vehicle speaker 42 that the app (smartphone link app) will be suspended until connection with the external AP 200 is completed. The communication control unit 12 also disconnects the connection between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 and executes a disconnection process for the app. In the following step S4, the communication control unit 12 sets a disconnection flag indicating whether or not the connection with the smartphone 50 has been disconnected to "1" (disconnected), and proceeds to step S5. In addition, in step S20, the communication control unit 12 sets the disconnection flag to "0" (not disconnected), and proceeds to step S5.

[0030] In step S5, the access point detection unit 11 searches for an external AP 200 that can be connected to the communication unit 30 based on the reception status of radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band by the communication unit 30. In the next step S6, if the access point detection unit 11 detects an external AP 200 that can be connected to the communication unit 30, the process proceeds to step S7, and if the access point detection unit 11 does not detect an external AP 200 that can be connected to the communication unit 30, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0031] In step S30, the communication control unit 12 displays on the display device 40 a notification image indicating that there is no connectable external AP 200, and proceeds to step S13 in Fig. 5. In addition, in step S7, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the disconnection flag is "1", and proceeds to step S8 if the disconnection flag is "1", and proceeds to step S40 if the disconnection flag is "0".

[0032] In step S8, the communication control unit 12 displays on the display device 40 an access point information image 70 that displays a list of information on the external APs 200 (AP-1, AP-2, and AP-3 are exemplified) detected by the access point detection unit 11, as shown in Fig. 6, and proceeds to step S9 in Fig. 5. The access point information image 70 displays information on AP-1 to AP-3 using selection buttons 71 to 73, and the communication control unit 12 selects the external access point 200 in response to a touch operation of any of the selection buttons by the passenger P. One of Accepts the selection of.

[0033] In the access point information image 70, the button of AP-3 that supports communication connection in the 5.0 GHz band 73 are displayed in a shaded manner, thereby increasing the visibility of button 71 of AP-1 and button 72 of AP-2 that are compatible with communication connections in the 2.4 GHz band compared to button 73 of AP-3. In this way, by distinguishing and prioritizing the display of information about external APs 200 (here, AP-1 and AP-2) that are compatible with communication connections in the 2.4 GHz band, which does not overlap with the 5 GHz band used for connection with smartphone 50, over the external AP 200 (here, AP-3) that is compatible with communication connections in the 5 GHz band, passenger P is encouraged to select an external AP 200 in the 2.4 GHz band, and it is possible to prevent connection with smartphone 50 from being interrupted due to overlapping frequency bands being used.

[0034] On the other hand, in step S40, the communication control unit 12 displays an access point information image 80 on the display device 40, which displays buttons 81 and 82 indicating information about an external AP 200 compatible with the 2.4 GHz band and button 83 indicating information about an external AP 200 compatible with the 5 GHz band, as shown in FIG. 7, without distinguishing between them, and then proceeds to step S13 in FIG. 5.

[0035] 5, when the communication control unit 12 recognizes a selection operation of either the external AP 200 on the access point information image 70 (see FIG. 6) or the access point information image 80 (see FIG. 7) by the passenger P, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the disconnection flag is "1", and if the disconnection flag is "1", the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S11, and if the disconnection flag is "0", the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S14.

[0036] In step S11, the communication control unit 12 determines whether or not the external AP 200 compatible with communication connection in the 5 GHz band has been selected by the passenger P. If the external AP 200 compatible with communication connection in the 5 GHz band has been selected, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S12, and if the external AP 200 not compatible with communication connection in the 5 GHz band (compatible with communication connection in the 2.4 GHz band) has been selected, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S50.

[0037] 6, in step S12, when the communication control unit 12 selects AP-3, which is the external AP 200 that supports communication connection in the 5 GHz band, the communication control unit 12 displays, on the display device 40, a communication failure notification image 75 that notifies the user that the connection with the smartphone 50 has been cut off and communication with the smartphone 50 has become impossible. The notification image 75 includes a continue button 76 and a cancel button 77.

[0038] In step S13, the communication control unit 12 determines whether or not the continue button 76 has been selected. If the continue button 76 has been selected, the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S14, and if the continue button 76 has not been selected (if the cancel button 77 has been selected), the communication control unit 12 proceeds to step S14.

[0039] Furthermore, in step S50, the communication control unit 12 reconnects the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 (reconnects in AP mode in the 5 GHz band), because the passenger P selected the external AP 200 compatible with communication connection in the 2.4 GHz band and there is no overlap in the frequency band used with the smartphone 50, continues execution of the smartphone linking app, and proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the communication control unit 12 connects the external AP 200 selected by the passenger P and the communication unit 30 in STA mode.

[0040] 4. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, a vehicle 100 is exemplified as a mobile body in which the communication device 1 is used, but the mobile body disclosed herein may also be other types of mobile bodies in which passengers use wireless communication, such as aircraft, ships, etc.

[0041] In the above embodiment, a display image 70 was shown in which information about an external AP 200 that supports a communication connection using a second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50 is displayed in a shading pattern, as shown in Figure 6, as an access point information image that displays information about an external AP 200 that supports a communication connection using a second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication between the communication unit 30 and the smartphone 50, distinguished from information about an external AP 200 that supports a communication connection using the first frequency band.

[0042] As other embodiments of the display image, for example, the access point information images in the display modes of the following modified examples 1 to 5 may be displayed. Modification 1: Only information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the second frequency band is displayed, and information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the first frequency band is not displayed. Variation 2: The display order of the information of external AP200 is changed as shown in Figure 6, with information of external AP200 that supports communication connection using the second frequency band being displayed first from the top, followed by information of external AP200 that supports communication connection using the first frequency band. Modification 3: The brightness or luminance of the information display of the external AP 200 compatible with communication connection using the second frequency band is set higher than that of the information display of the external AP 200 compatible with communication connection using the first frequency band. Modification 4: The display color of the information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the second frequency band is set to a color different from the display color of the information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the first frequency band. Modification 5: The display size of the information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the second frequency band is made larger than the display size of the information about the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the first frequency band. Furthermore, in response to a setting operation by the passenger P for the display mode of the access point information image, the display mode of the access point information image may be changed to one of FIG. 6 or the above-mentioned modified examples 1 to 5.

[0043] 5 , when the occupant P selects the external AP 200 that supports 5 GHz, the communication control unit 12 displays, on the display device 40, a communication failure notification image 75 that notifies the user that communication with the smartphone 50 will be disabled. In another embodiment, instead of the communication failure notification image 75, or together with the communication failure notification image 75, a recommended frequency band notification image that recommends connection to the external AP 200 that supports communication connection using the 2.4 GHz band, the frequency band used by which does not overlap with that of the smartphone 50, may be displayed on the display device 40. Note that the communication failure notification and the recommended frequency notification may be performed by audio output from the in-vehicle speaker 42.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the communication device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, but the communication device of the present disclosure may be a portable communication device that is carried to a moving body and used. In this case, the communication device may be a display-integrated communication device having a display device.

[0045] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of communication device 1 divided by main processing content to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the configuration of communication device 1 may be divided in other ways. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be performed by one hardware unit or multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing of each component shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be performed by one program or multiple programs.

[0046] 5. Configurations supported by the above embodiments The above embodiment is a specific example of the following configuration.

[0047] (Configuration 1) A communication device comprising: a communication unit used in a mobile body, which performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band; an access point detection unit which detects access points that can be connected to the communication unit; and a communication control unit which controls communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and which, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, displays an access point information image on a display device used in the mobile body, which displays information about the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point that can be connected to the first frequency band and a second access point that can be connected to the second frequency band. According to the communication device of configuration 1, an access point information image that displays information about access points that can communicate with the communication unit, while distinguishing between a first access point that can communicate using a first frequency band and a second access point that can communicate using a second frequency band, is displayed on the display device. This makes a passenger of the mobile object aware of the existence of a second access point that can communicate using a second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication with the communication terminal, and encourages the passenger to communicate with the second access point using the second frequency band, thereby preventing communication with the communication terminal from being interrupted due to connection to an access point during communication with the communication terminal.

[0048] (Configuration 2) The communication control unit communicates between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and when it recognizes a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of a preceding moving body, the communication device described in Configuration 1 displays the access point information image on the display device. According to the communication device of configuration 2, by displaying an access point information image on the display device at the time when a passenger in the mobile body performs an operation to connect to an access point, it is possible to effectively provide the passenger in the mobile body with information about a second access point that can be connected to using a second frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band used for communication with the communication terminal.

[0049] (Configuration 3) A communication device as described in configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein the communication control unit communicates between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and when it recognizes an operation by a passenger of the moving body to connect the communication unit to the access point, it cuts off communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and the access point detection unit communicates using the first frequency band and the second frequency band while communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is cut off, and detects the access point that can be connected to the communication unit. According to the communication device of the third aspect, the communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is interrupted, and the access point detection unit detects the first frequency. band and the second frequency band By searching in this way, it is possible to recognize access points that can be connected to the communication unit.

[0050] (Configuration 4) A communication device as described in Configuration 3, wherein the communication control unit starts communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band and resumes communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band when it recognizes a connection operation by the passenger with the second access point in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device. According to the communication device of configuration 4, in response to the passenger's operation to connect to the second access point, it is possible to perform both communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band and communication between the communication unit and the second access point using the second frequency band.

[0051] (Configuration 5) A communication device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the communication control unit outputs a communication inability notification from an alarm device used in the mobile body when it recognizes a connection operation with the first access point by a passenger of the mobile body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device, notifying that communication with the communication terminal will be impossible. According to the communication device of configuration 5, a passenger who has performed a connection operation with a first access point is notified that communication with the communication terminal will be disabled, thereby encouraging the passenger to connect with a second access point and preventing communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal from being interrupted.

[0052] (Configuration 6) A communication device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the communication control unit outputs a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection to the second access point from an alarm device used in the mobile body when it recognizes a connection operation to the first access point by a passenger of the mobile body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device. According to the communication device of configuration 6, a passenger who has performed a connection operation with the first access point is notified that communication with the communication terminal should be performed in the second frequency band, thereby encouraging the passenger to change the frequency band used for communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal from the first frequency band to the second frequency band and continue communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal.

[0053] (Configuration 7) A communication device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the communication control unit displays, on the display device, an image as the access point information image that displays only information about the second access point and does not display information about the first access point. According to the communication device of configuration 7, access point information image Furthermore, by displaying only information about the second access point and not displaying information about the first access point, passengers are encouraged to connect to the second access point, and communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is prevented from being interrupted due to overlapping frequency bands.

[0054] (Configuration 8) A communication device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the communication control unit displays, on the display device, an image as the access point information image, in which information about the second access point is displayed in priority over information about the first access point. According to the communication device of configuration 8, by displaying information about the second access point on the access point information screen in priority to information about the first access point, passengers are encouraged to connect to the second access point, and communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal can be prevented from being interrupted due to overlapping frequency bands.

[0055] (Configuration 9) A communication device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the communication control unit changes the display mode of the access point information image in accordance with a setting operation of the display mode of the access point information image by a passenger of the moving body. According to the communication device of configuration 9, the access point information screen can be changed to a display mode that suits the passenger's preferences in accordance with the passenger's setting operation, thereby making it easier for the passenger to select an access point.

[0056] (Configuration 10) A communication control method used in a mobile body and executed by a communication device having a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band, the communication control method including: an access point detection step of detecting an access point that is capable of communication connection with the communication unit; and a communication control step of controlling communication between the communication unit and a communication terminal, and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, displaying an access point information image on a display device used in the mobile body that displays information about the access points detected by the access point detection step, distinguishing between a first access point that is capable of communication connection using the first frequency band and a second access point that is capable of communication connection using the second frequency band. By executing the communication control method of configuration 10 by a communication device, the same effects as those of the communication device of configuration 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...communication device, 10...processor, 11...access point detection unit, 12...communication control unit, 20...memory, 21...program for controlling communication device, 22...program for smartphone linkage app, 23...program for assistant app, 30...communication unit, 40...display device, 41...in-vehicle microphone, 42...in-vehicle speaker, 50...smartphone (communication terminal), 70, 80...AP list image, 71-73, 81-83...AP information button, 75...connection interruption notification image, 100...vehicle (moving object), 200...external AP, 210...communication network, P...occupant

Claims

1. Used in mobile devices, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band; an access point detection unit that detects an access point that can be connected to the communication unit; a communication control unit that controls communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and that, when communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is performed using the first frequency band, displays, on a display device used in the mobile body, an access point information image that displays information about the access points detected by the access point detection unit, distinguishing between a first access point that can be connected to communicate using the first frequency band and a second access point that can be connected to communicate using the second frequency band; A communication device comprising:

2. The communication control unit performs communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and when it recognizes a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of a preceding moving body, displays the access point information image on the display device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the communication control unit performs communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band, and when it recognizes a connection operation between the communication unit and the access point by a passenger of the moving body, cuts off communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal using the first frequency band; The access point detection unit performs communication in the first frequency band and the second frequency band while communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal is interrupted, and detects the access point that can be connected to the communication unit for communication. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the communication control unit recognizes a connection operation with the second access point by the passenger in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit starts communication between the communication unit and the second access point in the second frequency band and resumes communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal in the first frequency band. The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. When the communication control unit recognizes a connection operation with the first access point by a passenger of the mobile body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a communication disable notification from a notification device used in the mobile body, which notifies that communication with the communication terminal will be disabled. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When the communication control unit recognizes a connection operation with the first access point by a passenger of the moving body in response to the display of the access point information image on the display device, the communication control unit outputs a recommended frequency band notification recommending connection with the second access point from a notification device used in the moving body. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The communication control unit displays, on the display device, an image that displays only information about the second access point and does not display information about the first access point, as the access point information image. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The communication control unit displays, on the display device, an image that displays information about the second access point in priority over information about the first access point as the access point information image. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The communication control unit changes a display mode of the access point information image in response to a setting operation of the display mode of the access point information image by a passenger of the moving body. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. 1. A communication control method executed by a communication device used in a mobile body and having a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a communication target using a first frequency band or a second frequency band, an access point detection step of detecting an access point that can be connected to the communication unit; a communication control step of controlling communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal and communication between the communication unit and the access point, and displaying, on a display device used in the mobile body, an access point information image that displays information about the access points detected in the access point detection step, distinguishing between a first access point that can be connected to communicate using the first frequency band and a second access point that can be connected to communicate using the second frequency band; A communication control method including:

Images