Control method, server device, program, and data distribution system

Abstract

A control method comprising a computer: acquiring schedule information indicating movement plans of a plurality of mobile bodies capable of performing short-range wireless communication with each other; upon detecting that state information indicating own current state of a first mobile body among the plurality of mobile bodies cannot be received, searching for, on the basis of the schedule information, a second mobile body planning to move to a first area where the first mobile body is staying; and transmitting delivery data for the first mobile body to the second mobile body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for distributing data to multiple mobile objects. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known that in a sharing service in which multiple mobile objects are shared, wireless communication is performed between the multiple mobile objects and a server device. For example, it is known that information indicating the current status of each mobile object is transmitted to the server device, and the server device manages the status of each mobile object. However, there are cases in which wireless communication between the mobile object and the server device becomes impossible, such as when the mobile object moves to a location with poor radio wave conditions.

[0003] For this reason, Patent Document 1 proposes that when a vehicle is out of communication range with a server, the vehicle transmits vehicle information indicating its own current status to other nearby vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and receives vehicle information of the other vehicles from the other vehicles.Then, when the vehicle moves into communication range with the server, the vehicle transmits its own vehicle information and the vehicle information of the other vehicles received outside the communication range to the server.

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that distribution data cannot be distributed to other vehicles that are outside the communication range of the server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-37676 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to present a control method, server device, program, and data distribution system that can distribute distribution data to a mobile body when wireless communication is not possible.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring schedule information indicating the planned movements of multiple mobile bodies capable of short-range wireless communication with each other, and when the computer detects that it is unable to receive status information indicating its current status from a first mobile body among the multiple mobile bodies, the computer searches for a second mobile body that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first mobile body is staying based on the schedule information, and transmits distribution data for the first mobile body to the second mobile body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of a data distribution system. [Figure 2] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the data distribution system when data of the public keys of the first mobile body and the second mobile body is registered in the server device. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the data distribution system when a user uses a first mobile object that is in a state where it can communicate with the server device. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of a data distribution system when transmitting distribution data to a second mobile object outside a communication range to a first mobile object on behalf of the second mobile object; [Figure 5] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the data distribution system when a first mobile body transfers distribution data intended for a second mobile body to the second mobile body. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in the data distribution system when a first mobile object transfers information indicating completion of reception of distribution data to a server device. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the movement schedules of three moving bodies. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of processing of the data distribution system when transmitting distribution data to a second mobile object outside the communication range to a first mobile object on behalf of the second mobile object. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing another example of processing of the data distribution system when a first mobile body transfers distribution data intended for a second mobile body to the second mobile body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) As described above, it has been known for some time that wireless communication is performed between a plurality of mobile objects and a server device in a sharing service in which a plurality of mobile objects are shared. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, it is known that vehicle information indicating the status of each vehicle is transmitted to a server device, and the server device manages the status of each vehicle. On the other hand, it is also known that distribution data including information regarding the use of each mobile object by a user and information specific to each mobile object, such as firmware, is transmitted from the server device to each mobile object.

[0010] However, there are cases where wireless communication between the mobile body and the server device is not possible, such as when the mobile body moves to a location with poor radio wave conditions. For this reason, as mentioned above, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for transmitting vehicle information of other vehicles that are outside the communication range of the server to the server. However, this method has a problem in that it is not possible to distribute distribution data containing information specific to the other vehicles to the other vehicles outside the communication range.

[0011] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into technologies for distributing distribution data to mobile bodies that are unable to perform wireless communication, and have arrived at the following aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring schedule information indicating the planned movements of multiple mobile bodies capable of short-range wireless communication with each other, and when the computer detects that it is unable to receive status information indicating its current status from a first mobile body among the multiple mobile bodies, the computer searches for a second mobile body that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first mobile body is staying based on the schedule information, and transmits distribution data for the first mobile body to the second mobile body.

[0013] According to this configuration, a second mobile object scheduled to move into a first area where the first mobile object is staying is searched for as a destination of distribution data for the first mobile object whose status information cannot be received, based on the schedule information. The distribution data is then transmitted to the second mobile object. Therefore, when the second mobile object moves into the first area, the distribution data for the first mobile object can be distributed to the first mobile object via short-range wireless communication.

[0014] In the above control method, the schedule information may include information indicating an area and date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to depart, and information indicating an area and date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to arrive.

[0015] According to this configuration, by referring to the schedule information, it is possible to grasp the area where the first moving object arrived at the most recent past date and time as the first area where the first moving object is staying. Also, by referring to the schedule information, it is possible to appropriately search for a moving object that is scheduled to arrive in the first area on a date and time after the date and time when the first moving object arrived in the first area and before the date and time when the first moving object is most recently scheduled to depart, as a second moving object that is scheduled to move to the first area.

[0016] In the above control method, the distribution data is data that updates the first mobile body to its latest state, and when transmitting the distribution data, the distribution data may be transmitted to the second mobile body when it is detected that the status information most recently received from the first mobile body does not indicate the latest state of the first mobile body.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the first mobile body is not up to date, distribution data that brings the first mobile body up to date can be sent to the first mobile body via the second mobile body.

[0018] In the above control method, the transmission of the distribution data may further include transmitting, to the second mobile entity, information requesting that the distribution data be transferred to the first mobile entity.

[0019] According to this configuration, the second mobile unit can transfer distribution data intended for the first mobile unit to the first mobile unit without human intervention.

[0020] In the above control method, when transmitting the distribution data, if it is detected based on the schedule information that the first mobile body will be staying in the first area for a predetermined period of time or more, information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data may be received from the first mobile body and transmitted to the second mobile body requesting that the second mobile body transfer the information to the computer.

[0021] According to this configuration, the second mobile unit can transfer distribution data intended for the first mobile unit to the first mobile unit without human intervention. Furthermore, even if communication with the first mobile unit is difficult for a predetermined period of time or longer, the second mobile unit can receive information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data from the first mobile unit and transfer the information to the computer. Therefore, the computer can know that the distribution data has been distributed to the first mobile unit even if communication with the first mobile unit is difficult.

[0022] In the above control method, when searching for the second mobile body, the time required to complete the transfer of the distribution data to the first mobile body may be calculated based on the communication speed with the first mobile body via short-range wireless communication and the amount of data of the distribution data, and one or more mobile bodies whose stay time in the first area is longer than the required time may be searched for as the second mobile body based on the schedule information.

[0023] In this configuration, one or more mobile objects that are scheduled to stay in the first area for a time longer than the time required to complete the transfer of distribution data to the first mobile object via short-range wireless communication are searched for as second mobile objects, so that the second mobile object can transmit distribution data intended for the first mobile object to the first mobile object via short-range wireless communication while staying in the first area.

[0024] In the above control method, when searching for the second moving body, if two or more moving bodies whose stay time in the first area is longer than the required time are detected based on the schedule information, the moving body among the two or more moving bodies that moves first from the first area to a second area different from the first area may be searched for as the second moving body based on the schedule information.

[0025] In this configuration, of two or more mobile bodies that are scheduled to stay in the first area for a time longer than the time required to complete the transfer of distribution data to the first mobile body by short-range wireless communication, the mobile body that leaves the first area first is searched for as the second mobile body.

[0026] Therefore, for example, after transmitting the distribution data to the first mobile unit, when the second mobile unit receives information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data from the first mobile unit, the second mobile unit can quickly transmit the information indicating completion of reception to the computer, allowing the computer to quickly determine that the first mobile unit has received the distribution data.

[0027] In the above control method, when searching for the second mobile body, the time required to complete the transfer of the distribution data to the first mobile body is calculated based on the communication speed with the first mobile body via short-range wireless communication and the data volume of the distribution data, and two or more mobile bodies whose stay time in the first area is shorter than the required time are searched for as the second mobile body based on the schedule information, and when transmitting the distribution data, the distribution data is divided into multiple data pieces less than the total number of second mobile bodies, and the multiple data pieces are transmitted to mobile bodies included in the second mobile body less than the total number without overlapping.

[0028] According to this configuration, two or more mobile objects that are scheduled to be in the first area for a time shorter than the time required to complete the transfer of distribution data to the first mobile object by short-range wireless communication are searched for as second mobile objects. Also, the distribution data is divided into a plurality of data pieces the number of which is equal to or less than the total number of mobile objects included in the second mobile object, and the plurality of data pieces are transmitted to the second mobile object, the number of which is equal to or less than the total number of mobile objects included in the second mobile object, without overlapping.

[0029] Therefore, the mobile units that are less than the total number can transmit each of the plurality of data to the first mobile unit by short-range wireless communication, and the first mobile unit can acquire the distribution data by combining the plurality of data received from the mobile units that are less than the total number.

[0030] A server device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating the movement plans of multiple mobile bodies that are capable of short-range wireless communication with each other, a processing unit that, when it detects that status information indicating the current status of a first mobile body among the multiple mobile bodies cannot be received from the first mobile body, searches for a second mobile body that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first mobile body is staying based on the schedule information, and a transmission unit that transmits distribution data for the first mobile body to the second mobile body.

[0031] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above control method can be obtained.

[0032] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating the movement plans of multiple moving bodies that are capable of short-range wireless communication with each other, a processing unit that, when it detects that status information indicating the current status of a first moving body among the multiple moving bodies cannot be received from the first moving body, searches for a second moving body that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first moving body is staying based on the schedule information, and a transmission unit that transmits distribution data for the first moving body to the second moving body.

[0033] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described control method can be obtained. It goes without saying that the present disclosure allows such a computer program to be distributed on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a data distribution system that transmits data from a server device to a plurality of mobile bodies, each of which has a status notification unit that transmits status information indicating its own current status to the server device and a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates short-range wirelessly with other mobile bodies, and the server device has an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating the movement plans of the plurality of mobile bodies, a processing unit that, when it detects that the status information cannot be received from a first mobile body among the plurality of mobile bodies, searches for a second mobile body that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first mobile body is staying based on the schedule information, and a transmission unit that transmits distribution data for the first mobile body to the second mobile body.

[0035] According to this configuration, when the server device cannot receive status information from the first mobile object, the server device searches for a second mobile object that is scheduled to move into the first area where the first mobile object is staying, based on the schedule information, as a destination of distribution data for the first mobile object. The distribution data is then transmitted to the second mobile object. Therefore, when the second mobile object moves into the first area, the distribution data for the first mobile object can be distributed to the first mobile object by the short-range wireless communication unit.

[0036] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] (Embodiment) 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a data distribution system 100. The data distribution system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of mobile objects 2 capable of short-range wireless communication with one another using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, a server device 1 for a provider of a sharing service that shares the plurality of mobile objects 2 to provide the service, a user terminal 3 used by a user of the sharing service, and an administrator terminal 4 used by an administrator of the sharing service.

[0039] The mobile object 2, the user terminal 3, and the administrator terminal 4 are communicably connected to the server device 1 via a network 9. The network 9 is configured as a WAN (Wide Area Network) including, for example, the Internet and a mobile phone communication network.

[0040] The mobile object 2 may be, for example, a vehicle that can be driven by a user, such as an automobile, motorcycle, moped, or electric bicycle. The user terminal 3 and the administrator terminal 4 may be information processing devices that can communicate with external devices via a network 9, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The server device 1 may be a cloud server consisting of one or more computers equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and a communication circuit that communicates with external devices via the network 9.

[0041] The data distribution system 100 distributes distribution data for each mobile body 2, which is generated based on information and data acquired by the server device 1 from the user terminal 3 and the administrator terminal 4 via the network 9, from the server device 1 to each mobile body 2 via the network 9. In addition, the data distribution system 100 distributes distribution data for a mobile body 2 that is in a state where wireless communication with the server device 1 is not possible to the mobile body 2 that is in a state where wireless communication is not possible via another proxy mobile body 2.

[0042] The detailed configurations of the mobile object 2 and the server device 1 will be described below.

[0043] The mobile object 2 includes a memory 20, a wireless communication circuit 21, a short-range wireless communication circuit 22, and a processor 23. The mobile object 2 further includes a battery for driving the mobile object 2, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor for detecting the current location, an operation device for allowing the user to perform various operations to use the mobile object 2, and a display for displaying various information.

[0044] The memory 20 is configured with a non-volatile rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The memory 20 stores programs such as firmware executed by the processor 23, as well as data on the private key and public key of the mobile object 2. The memory 20 also stores schedule information indicating the planned movement of the mobile object 2.

[0045] Specifically, the schedule information includes information indicating the date and time when the schedule information was generated (hereinafter, generation date and time information), identification information of the mobile object 2, and information about the user who uses the mobile object 2 (hereinafter, user information). The schedule information includes information indicating the area and date and time from which the mobile object 2 is scheduled to depart, and information indicating the area and date and time from which the mobile object 2 is scheduled to arrive. An area is a service provision base for a sharing service. In the area, a predetermined number of mobile objects 2 that can be shared by the sharing service are provided and returned. The user information includes the user's identification information, information indicating the user's name and contact information, an authentication code for unlocking the mobile object 2 used by the user, etc.

[0046] The wireless communication circuit 21 performs wireless communication with the server device 1 via the network 9. The short-distance wireless communication circuit 22 performs short-distance wireless communication with other mobile objects 2.

[0047] The processor 23 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 23 includes a transmitting unit 231 (a state notification unit, a short-range wireless communication unit), a processing unit 232, and an acquiring unit 233. These blocks may be configured with dedicated hardware circuits.

[0048] The transmitting unit 231 transmits various information and data to the server device 1 using the wireless communication circuit 21. Specifically, the transmitting unit 231 transmits public key data stored in the memory 20 to the server device 1. The transmitting unit 231 also transmits status information indicating the current status of the mobile object 2 to the server device 1 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds).

[0049] The status information includes information indicating the current date and time (hereinafter, current date and time information), identification information of the moving object 2, information indicating the type of moving object 2, and information indicating the current location of the moving object 2. The information indicating the type of moving object 2 includes information indicating whether the moving object 2 is an automobile, motorcycle, moped, or electric bicycle, and information indicating the model number of the moving object 2. The status information further includes information indicating the date and time when the schedule information was stored in the memory 20 (hereinafter, schedule update date and time information) and information indicating the version of the firmware stored in the memory 20 (hereinafter, version information).

[0050] The transmitting unit 231 transmits various information and data to other mobile bodies 2 that are present within a predetermined distance using the short-range wireless communication circuit 22. Specifically, the transmitting unit 231 transmits distribution data for other mobile bodies 2 acquired by the acquiring unit 233 to the other mobile bodies 2 using the short-range wireless communication circuit 22.

[0051] The processing unit 232 performs predetermined processing using the various information and data acquired by the acquisition unit 233 and the various information and data stored in the memory 20. For example, when the acquisition unit 233 acquires distribution data intended for itself, the processing unit 232 decrypts the distribution data using private key data stored in the memory 20. The processing unit 232 stores in the memory 20 the schedule information and / or firmware included in the decrypted distribution data.

[0052] The acquisition unit 233 acquires various information and data that the wireless communication circuit 21 receives from the server device 1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires distribution data to itself or other mobile bodies 2 that the wireless communication circuit 21 receives from the server device 1.

[0053] The acquisition unit 233 acquires various information and data that the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 receives from another mobile object 2. Specifically, the acquisition unit 233 acquires distribution data that the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 receives from another mobile object 2.

[0054] The server device 1 includes a memory 10, a communication circuit 11, and a processor 13.

[0055] The memory 10 is configured, for example, by a nonvolatile rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The memory 10 stores programs executed by the processor 13. The memory 10 also includes a schedule information storage unit 111, a state information storage unit 112, a public key storage unit 113, and a firmware storage unit 114.

[0056] The schedule information storage unit 111 stores schedule information indicating the travel schedule of a plurality of moving objects 2.

[0057] The state information storage unit 112 stores information relating to a plurality of moving bodies 2 (hereinafter referred to as moving body information) and state information indicating the states of the plurality of moving bodies 2. The moving body information includes identification information of the moving body 2, destination information for communication of the moving body 2, the model number (type number) of the moving body 2, information indicating the moving speed of the moving body 2, and the like.

[0058] The public key storage unit 113 stores public key data of multiple moving objects 2.

[0059] The firmware storage unit 114 stores firmware that can be used by multiple mobile objects 2 and information about the firmware (hereinafter, firmware information). The firmware information includes information indicating the version of the firmware (hereinafter, version information), information indicating the type of mobile object 2 that can use the firmware, etc.

[0060] The communication circuit 11 communicates with the user terminal 3, the administrator terminal 4, and the plurality of mobile objects 2 via the network 9.

[0061] The processor 13 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 13 operates as an acquisition unit 133, a processing unit 132, and a transmission unit 131 by executing a program stored in the memory 10.

[0062] The acquisition unit 133 acquires various information and data received by the communication circuit 11 from the plurality of mobile objects 2, the user terminal 3, and the administrator terminal 4.

[0063] Specifically, the acquisition unit 133 acquires public key data of each mobile body 2 received by the communication circuit 11 from each mobile body 2. The acquisition unit 133 acquires state information indicating the current state of each mobile body 2 received by the communication circuit 11 from each mobile body 2.

[0064] The acquisition unit 133 acquires service usage information received by the communication circuit 11 from the user terminal 3. The service usage information is information indicating the usage details of the user's mobile object 2. The service usage information includes information indicating the date and time when the user inputs the service usage information, user information, identification information of the mobile object 2 used by the user, information indicating the area and date and time when the use of the mobile object 2 will begin (hereinafter, rental information), and information indicating the area and date and time when the mobile object 2 will be returned (hereinafter, return information).

[0065] The acquisition unit 133 acquires the mobile object information that the communication circuit 11 receives from the administrator terminal 4. The acquisition unit 133 acquires the firmware and firmware information that the communication circuit 11 receives from the administrator terminal 4.

[0066] The processing unit 132 performs predetermined processing using the various information and data acquired by the acquisition unit 133 and the various information and data stored in the memory 10 .

[0067] Specifically, the processing unit 132 generates schedule information for each moving object 2 based on the service usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 133, and stores the generated schedule information for each moving object 2 in the schedule information storage unit 111.

[0068] In detail, the processing unit 132 generates generation date and time information included in the schedule information based on information included in the service usage information that indicates the date and time when the user inputs the service usage information. The processing unit 132 generates identification information and user information of the mobile unit 2 included in the schedule information based on identification information and user information of the mobile unit 2 included in the service usage information. The processing unit 132 generates information included in the schedule information that indicates the area and date and time from which the mobile unit 2 is scheduled to depart based on rental information included in the service usage information. The processing unit 132 generates information included in the schedule information that indicates the area and date and time from which the mobile unit 2 is scheduled to return based on return information included in the service usage information.

[0069] The processing unit 132 stores the moving body information related to each moving body 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the state information storage unit 112. As a result, each moving body 2 is registered as a moving body 2 to be shared in the sharing service. Each time the acquisition unit 133 acquires state information of each moving body 2, the processing unit 132 stores the state information in the state information storage unit 112. As a result, the processing unit 132 updates the state information indicating the current state of each moving body 2 with the state information of each moving body 2 most recently stored in the state information storage unit 112.

[0070] The processing unit 132 stores the public key data of each moving object 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the public key storage unit 113. The processing unit 132 stores the firmware and firmware information acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the firmware storage unit 114 in association with each other.

[0071] The processing unit 132 determines whether each moving body 2 is in the latest state based on the state information indicating the current state of each moving body 2 stored in the state information storage unit 112 and the schedule information of each moving body 2 stored in the schedule information storage unit 111. Each moving body 2 being in the latest state means that each moving body 2 has completed receiving distribution data that brings each moving body 2 to the latest state. If the processing unit 132 determines that each moving body 2 is not in the latest state, it acquires distribution data that brings each moving body 2 to the latest state. The distribution data includes the latest version of firmware to be distributed to each moving body 2 and schedule information indicating the movement schedule of each moving body 2.

[0072] Specifically, the processing unit 132 refers to the state information of each moving object 2 most recently stored in the state information storage unit 112 as state information indicating the current state of each moving object 2. Assume that firmware information including information indicating the type of each moving object 2 included in the state information and version information indicating a newer version than the version information included in the state information is stored in the firmware storage unit 114. In this case, the processing unit 132 determines that each moving object 2 is not in the latest state. Then, the processing unit 132 obtains, from the firmware storage unit 114, the firmware associated with the firmware information as distribution data that will update each moving object 2 to the latest state.

[0073] Furthermore, if there is schedule information including generation date and time information indicating a date and time newer than the schedule update date and time information included in the referenced state information among the schedule information of each moving object 2 stored in the schedule information storage unit 111, the processing unit 132 determines that each moving object 2 is not in the latest state. In this case, the processing unit 132 obtains, from the schedule information storage unit 111, the schedule information including the generation date and time information indicating the new date and time as distribution data that will bring each moving object 2 into the latest state.

[0074] The processing unit 132 encrypts the acquired distribution data to each mobile object 2 using the public key data of each mobile object 2 stored in the public key storage unit 113 .

[0075] When the processing unit 132 detects a mobile body 2 that is in a state where it is difficult to communicate with the server device 1, it searches for a proxy mobile body 2 that can transfer distribution data to the mobile body 2 based on the schedule information of multiple mobile bodies 2 stored in the schedule information storage unit 111.

[0076] The transmitting unit 131 transmits various information and data to a plurality of mobile bodies 2 using the communication circuit 11. Specifically, the transmitting unit 131 transmits distribution data to each mobile body 2 that has been encrypted by the processing unit 132 to each mobile body 2. Furthermore, when a proxy mobile body 2 is searched for by the processing unit 132, the transmitting unit 131 transmits the distribution data encrypted by the processing unit 132 to the proxy mobile body 2.

[0077] Next, the processing of the data distribution system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] (Process of registering the public key data of each mobile entity 2) First, referring to Fig. 2, a description will be given of the processing of the data distribution system 100 when public key data of the first mobile body 2a and the second mobile body 2b is registered in the server device 1. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the data distribution system 100 when public key data of the first mobile body 2a and the second mobile body 2b is registered in the server device 1.

[0079] After the first mobile object 2a is registered as a target for sharing in the sharing service, as shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 231 of the first mobile object 2a transmits the public key data of the first mobile object 2a stored in the memory 20 to the server device 1 (step S211).

[0080] In the server device 1, the processing unit 132 stores the public key data of the first mobile object 2a acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the public key storage unit 113 (step S111). As a result, the public key of the first mobile object 2a is registered in the server device 1.

[0081] Similarly, the public key data of the second mobile unit 2b is registered in the server device 1. As a result, the server device 1 can encrypt and transmit data to be distributed to the first mobile unit 2a and the second mobile unit 2b using the public key data of the first mobile unit 2a and the second mobile unit 2b.

[0082] (Process using the first mobile object 2a) Next, the processing of the data distribution system 100 when a user uses a first mobile object 2a that is in a state where it can communicate with the server device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the data distribution system 100 when a user uses a first mobile object 2a that is in a state where it can communicate with the server device 1.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter 231 of the first moving object 2a periodically transmits state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a to the server device 1 (step S221).

[0084] In the server device 1, every time the acquisition unit 133 acquires state information of the first moving object 2a, the processing unit 132 stores the state information in the state information storage unit 112. As a result, the state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a is updated to the state information of the first moving object 2a most recently stored in the state information storage unit 112 (step S121).

[0085] On the other hand, when the user terminal 3 receives an input operation of service usage information for using the first moving object 2a by the user, the user terminal 3 transmits the service usage information to the server device 1 (step S321).

[0086] In the server device 1, the processing unit 132 generates schedule information for the first moving object 2a using the service usage information for using the first moving object 2a acquired by the acquisition unit 133, and stores the generated schedule information in the schedule information storage unit 111. This updates the schedule information for the first moving object 2a (step S122).

[0087] In addition, when the administrator terminal 4 receives an input operation by the administrator of the latest version of firmware that can be used for a mobile body 2 of the same type as the first mobile body 2a and firmware information related to that firmware, it transmits that firmware and that firmware information to the server device 1 (step S421).

[0088] In the server device 1, the processing unit 132 associates the latest version of firmware acquired by the acquisition unit 133 with firmware information related to the firmware and stores them in the firmware storage unit 114 (step S123).

[0089] After that, when the user starts using the first moving object 2a, the transmitting unit 231 of the first moving object 2a periodically transmits state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a to the server device 1 (step S221).

[0090] In the server device 1, the processing unit 132 stores the state information acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the state information storage unit 112. This updates the state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a (step S121).

[0091] Next, the processing unit 132 determines whether the first moving body 2a is in the latest state based on the state information indicating the current state of the first moving body 2a stored in the state information storage unit 112 and the schedule information of the first moving body 2a stored in the schedule information storage unit 111 (step S124).

[0092] If the processing unit 132 determines that the first mobile unit 2a is not up to date, the processing unit 132 acquires distribution data for the first mobile unit 2a (step S125). The transmission unit 131 transmits information to the first mobile unit 2a requesting that the distribution data be downloaded (step S126).

[0093] When the acquisition unit 233 of the first mobile object 2a acquires information requesting download of distribution data, the transmission unit 231 transmits information requesting transmission of the distribution data to the server device 1 (step S222).

[0094] When the acquisition unit 133 of the server device 1 acquires information requesting transmission of distribution data, the processing unit 132 encrypts the distribution data using the public key data of the first mobile object 2a stored in the public key storage unit 113. The transmission unit 131 transmits the encrypted distribution data to the first mobile object 2a to the first mobile object 2a (step S127).

[0095] In the first mobile entity 2a, when the acquisition unit 233 acquires the distribution data, the processing unit 232 decrypts the distribution data using the private key data of the first mobile entity 2a stored in the memory 20 (step S223). The processing unit 232 reflects the decrypted distribution data in the memory 20 (step S224).

[0096] Specifically, in step S224, if the decrypted distribution data contains schedule information for the first moving object 2a, the processing unit 232 updates the schedule information stored in the memory 20 with the schedule information. The transmission unit 231 updates the schedule update date and time information to be included in the status information to be transmitted to the server device 1 to information indicating the date and time when the schedule information was updated in step S224.

[0097] Furthermore, in step S224, if the decrypted distribution data contains firmware, the processing unit 232 updates the firmware stored in the memory 20 with the firmware. The transmission unit 231 updates the version information to be included in the status information to be transmitted to the server device 1 to information indicating the version of the firmware.

[0098] (Process of transmitting distribution data to the second mobile station 2b to the first mobile station 2a on behalf of the second mobile station 2b) Next, the processing of the data distribution system 100 when transmitting distribution data intended for the second mobile unit 2b to the first mobile unit 2a on its behalf will be described, taking as an example a case where the first mobile unit 2a is in a state where it can communicate with the server device 1, but the second mobile unit 2b is in a state where it cannot communicate with the server device 1. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the data distribution system 100 when transmitting distribution data intended for the second mobile unit 2b, which is outside the communication range, to the first mobile unit 2a on its behalf.

[0099] 4, the transmitter 231 of the first moving object 2a periodically transmits state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a to the server device 1 (step S221). In the server device 1, the processing unit 132 stores the state information of the first moving object 2a acquired by the acquisition unit 133 in the state information storage unit 112. This updates the state information indicating the current state of the first moving object 2a (step S121). Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 133 is unable to acquire the state information transmitted by the transmitter 231 of the second moving object 2b. As a result, the state information indicating the current state of the second moving object 2b is no longer updated.

[0100] Meanwhile, the processing unit 132 periodically refers to the status information of the multiple moving objects 2 stored in the status information storage unit 112. If there is status information in which the current date and time information indicates a date and time that is more than a predetermined period before the current date and time, the processing unit 132 detects that the moving object 2 corresponding to the status information is in a state in which it is difficult to communicate with the server device 1 and that status information cannot be received from the moving object 2 (first moving object) (step S131). In this example, it is assumed that in step S131 it is detected that status information cannot be received from the second moving object 2b.

[0101] When the processing unit 132 detects that it cannot receive status information from the second moving body 2b, it determines whether the second moving body 2b is in the latest state based on the status information indicating the current status of the second moving body 2b stored in the status information storage unit 112 and the schedule information of the second moving body 2b stored in the schedule information storage unit 111 (step S132).

[0102] If the processing unit 132 determines that the second mobile body 2b is not up to date, it acquires distribution data for the second mobile body 2b (step S133). Next, the processing unit 132 searches for a proxy mobile body 2 that can transfer the distribution data for the second mobile body 2b to the second mobile body 2b based on the schedule information of the multiple mobile bodies 2 stored in the schedule information storage unit 111 (step S134).

[0103] Specifically, in step S134, the processing unit 132 searches for a moving body 2 that is scheduled to move to the area (first area) where the second moving body 2b is currently staying as a proxy moving body 2 (second moving body) based on the schedule information of multiple moving bodies 2 stored in the schedule information storage unit 111.

[0104] In detail, the processing unit 132 refers to the schedule information of the second moving body 2b stored in the schedule information storage unit 111, and determines the area where the second moving body 2b arrived at the most recent past date and time as the area where the second moving body 2b is currently staying (hereinafter referred to as the communication-prohibited area).

[0105] The processing unit 132 recognizes, as a moving body 2 scheduled to move to the communication unavailable area, a moving body 2 corresponding to schedule information including information indicating a date and time when the second moving body 2b is scheduled to arrive in the communication unavailable area on or after the date and time when the second moving body 2b arrives in the communication unavailable area and before the date and time when the second moving body 2b is scheduled to depart most recently. The moving body 2 corresponding to the schedule information is a moving body 2 identified by the identification information of the moving body 2 included in the schedule information.

[0106] Assume that there is no schedule information indicating that the second moving body 2b will depart after the current date and time. In this case, the processing unit 132 recognizes the moving body 2 corresponding to the schedule information including information indicating the date and time when the second moving body 2b is scheduled to arrive in the communication unavailable area after the date and time when the second moving body 2b arrives in the communication unavailable area as the moving body 2 scheduled to move to the communication unavailable area.

[0107] Furthermore, when there are multiple moving bodies 2 scheduled to move into the non-communicable area, the processing unit 132 searches for a moving body 2 selected at random from the multiple moving bodies 2 as a substitute moving body 2. Alternatively, the processing unit 132 may determine a substitute moving body 2 from the multiple moving bodies 2 using a method described below. In this example, it is assumed that the first moving body 2a is searched for as the substitute moving body 2 in step S134.

[0108] After step S134, in the server device 1, when the acquisition unit 133 acquires the state information of the first mobile body 2a, the processing unit 132 updates the state information indicating the current state of the first mobile body 2a (step S121). Next, the processing unit 132 determines whether or not distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b can be distributed to the first mobile body 2a on its behalf (step S135).

[0109] Specifically, in step S135, the processing unit 132 refers to information indicating the type of the first moving body 2a and information indicating the current position of the first moving body 2a, which are included in the state information of the first moving body 2a acquired by the acquisition unit 133. The processing unit 132 also refers to the movement speed of the first moving body 2a, which is included in the moving body information of the first moving body 2a stored in the state information storage unit 112. The processing unit 132 calculates the time (hereinafter, travel time) required for the moving body 2 of the referenced type to move from the referenced current position to the communication unavailable area identified in step S134 at the referenced movement speed.

[0110] In addition, the processing unit 132 calculates the total time required to encrypt the distribution data acquired in step S133 at a predetermined encryption speed and the time required from sending the encrypted distribution data to the first mobile unit 2a to the first mobile unit 2a completing reception at a predetermined communication speed.

[0111] If the calculated travel time is longer than the calculated total time, the processing unit 132 determines that the distribution data intended for the second moving object 2b can be distributed to the first moving object 2a on its behalf.

[0112] If the processing unit 132 determines in step S135 that the distribution data intended for the second mobile object 2b cannot be distributed to the first mobile object 2a on behalf of the second mobile object 2b, the processing unit 132 performs step S134, thereby making it possible to search again for the mobile object 2 to act as a proxy.

[0113] If it is determined in step S135 that the distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b can be distributed to the first mobile body 2a on behalf of the second mobile body 2b, the transmitting unit 131 transmits information to the first mobile body 2a requesting that the distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b be transferred to the second mobile body 2b (hereinafter, proxy download request information) (step S136).

[0114] When the acquisition unit 233 of the first mobile object 2a acquires the proxy download request information, the transmission unit 231 of the first mobile object 2a transmits information requesting transmission of distribution data to the second mobile object 2b to the server device 1 (step S231).

[0115] When the acquisition unit 133 of the server device 1 acquires information requesting transmission of distribution data to the second mobile body 2b, the processing unit 132 encrypts the distribution data to the second mobile body 2b acquired in step S133 using the public key data of the second mobile body 2b stored in the public key storage unit 113 (step S137). The transmission unit 131 transmits the distribution data to the second mobile body 2b encrypted in step S137 to the first mobile body 2a (step S138). As a result, the acquisition unit 233 of the first mobile body 2a acquires the distribution data to the second mobile body 2b. Thereafter, processing similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is performed.

[0116] (Process of transferring distribution data to the second mobile unit 2b to the second mobile unit 2b) Next, the processing of the data distribution system 100 when the first mobile body 2a moves to the area where the second mobile body 2b is currently staying and transfers distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b to the second mobile body 2b will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the data distribution system when the first mobile body 2a transfers distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b to the second mobile body 2b.

[0117] Assume that the first moving body 2a, which has acquired distribution data for the second moving body 2b, arrives in the area where the second moving body 2b is currently staying. At this time, as shown in Fig. 5, the transmitting unit 231 of the first moving body 2a uses the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 to detect whether short-range communication with the second moving body 2b is possible (step S241). When the transmitting unit 231 of the first moving body 2a detects that short-range communication with the second moving body 2b is possible, it transfers the distribution data for the second moving body 2b to the second moving body 2b (step S242).

[0118] In the second mobile body 2b, when the acquisition unit 233 acquires the distribution data for the second mobile body 2b, the processing unit 232 decrypts the distribution data using the private key data of the second mobile body 2b stored in the memory 20 (step S243). Then, similar to step S224 (FIG. 3), the processing unit 232 reflects the decrypted distribution data in the memory 20 of the second mobile body 2b (step S244).

[0119] Next, the processing unit 232 checks whether or not there is an upcoming movement schedule for the second moving body 2b based on the schedule information of the second moving body 2b stored in the memory of the second moving body 2b (step S245).

[0120] Specifically, in step S245, if there is schedule information indicating that the planned date and time of departure from the area where the second moving body 2b is currently staying is after the current date and time, the processing unit 232 determines that the period from the current date and time to the planned date and time of departure is the remaining stay period in the area where the second moving body 2b is currently staying. If the remaining stay period is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference stay period (predetermined time), the processing unit 232 determines that the second moving body 2b does not have any upcoming travel plans. Furthermore, if there is no schedule information indicating a plan to depart from the area where the second moving body 2b is currently staying, the processing unit 232 determines that the second moving body 2b does not have any upcoming travel plans.

[0121] If it is determined that the second moving object 2b is not scheduled to move in the immediate future, the processing unit 232 generates information indicating the completion of reception of the distribution data (hereinafter, "reception completion information"). The reception completion information includes a message indicating the completion of reception of the distribution data and status information indicating the status of the second moving object 2b after the distribution data has been reflected. The processing unit 232 encrypts the generated reception completion information with the private key data of the second moving object 2b stored in memory 20, thereby generating reception completion information with a digital signature (step S246).

[0122] If the processing unit 232 determines in step S245 that the second moving object 2b is scheduled to move soon, it does not perform step S246. However, the second moving object 2b is scheduled to move to another area before the reference stay period has elapsed. Therefore, when the second moving object 2b becomes capable of wireless communication with the server device 1, the transmitting unit 231 of the second moving object 2b can transmit, to the server device 1, status information indicating the status of the second moving object 2b after the distribution data has been reflected.

[0123] When the reception completion information with the digital signature is generated, the transmitting unit 231 transmits the reception completion information and information requesting that the reception completion information be transferred to the server device 1 on behalf of the first mobile object 2a (hereinafter, proxy notification request information) using the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 (step S247). As a result, the acquiring unit 233 of the first mobile object 2a acquires the reception completion information and the proxy notification request information from the second mobile object 2b.

[0124] (Process of transferring information indicating completion of reception of distribution data to server device 1) Next, using Fig. 6, we will explain the processing of the data distribution system 100 when the first moving object 2a departs from the area where the second moving object 2b is currently staying for another area, and the first moving object 2a transfers information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data to the server device 1. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the data distribution system when the first moving object 2a transfers information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data to the server device 1.

[0125] Assume that the first moving object 2a, which has acquired the digitally signed reception completion information and proxy notification request information, departs from the area where the second moving object 2b is currently staying to another area. At this time, as shown in Fig. 6, the transmitting unit 231 of the first moving object 2a uses the wireless communication circuit 21 to detect whether wireless communication with the server device 1 is possible (step S251).

[0126] When the transmitting unit 231 detects that wireless communication with the server device 1 is possible, the transmitting unit 231 transmits the reception completion information with the digital signature acquired by the acquiring unit 233 to the server device 1 (step S252).

[0127] In the server device 1, when the acquisition unit 133 receives the reception completion information with the digital signature generated by the second mobile unit 2b, the processing unit 132 checks whether the digital signature attached to the reception completion information is a digital signature by the second mobile unit 2b (step S151). Specifically, in step S151, if the processing unit 132 can decrypt the reception completion information received from the first mobile unit 2a using the public key data of the second mobile unit 2b stored in the public key storage unit 113, it determines that the digital signature attached to the reception completion information is a digital signature by the second mobile unit 2b.

[0128] If the processing unit 132 confirms that the digital signature attached to the reception completion information is a digital signature of the second mobile body 2b, it updates the state information indicating the current state of the second mobile body 2b (step S152). Specifically, in step S152, the processing unit 132 stores the state information included in the reception completion information decrypted in step S151 in the state information storage unit 112. As a result, the state information indicating the current state of the second mobile body 2b is updated to the state information of the second mobile body 2b most recently stored in the state information storage unit 112.

[0129] (Method of determining the proxy mobile entity 2) Next, in step S134 (FIG. 4), when there are multiple moving bodies 2 scheduled to move into the non-communication area, a method for determining a substitute moving body 2 from among the multiple moving bodies 2 will be described using FIG. 7. In the following description, an example will be given in which there are two moving bodies 2, a first moving body 2a and a third moving body 2, scheduled to move into the non-communication area where a second moving body 2b is currently staying.

[0130] 7 is a diagram showing the travel schedules of three moving bodies 2: a first moving body 2a, a second moving body 2b, and a third moving body 2. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents date and time. Graph T1 shows that the first moving body 2a departs from area A1, where communication with the server device 1 is possible, at date and time t1, and is scheduled to arrive in area A2, where communication with the server device 1 is not possible and where the second moving body 2b is staying, at date and time t3. Graph T1 also shows that the first moving body 2a departs from area A2 at date and time t6, and is scheduled to arrive in area A1 at date and time t7.

[0131] Graph T3 shows that a third moving object departs area A1 at date and time t2 and is scheduled to arrive in area A2 at date and time t4. Graph T3 also shows that the third moving object departs area A2 at date and time t5 and is scheduled to arrive in area A2 at date and time t6.

[0132] Graph T2 indicates that the second moving object 2b is scheduled to arrive in area A2 at a date and time prior to date and time t1, and that the second moving object 2b is not scheduled to depart area A2 at a time after date and time t7.

[0133] In this case, the processing unit 132 calculates the time required for the first mobile body 2a to complete the transfer of distribution data to the second mobile body 2b (hereinafter referred to as the first required time) based on the communication speed (hereinafter referred to as the first communication speed) between the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 of the first mobile body 2a and the short-range wireless communication circuit 22 of the second mobile body 2b and the amount of data distributed to the second mobile body 2b.

[0134] Specifically, the processing unit 132 calculates the first required time by dividing the amount of data distributed to the second moving body 2b by the first communication speed. Then, if the stay time of the first moving body 2a in area A2 from date and time t3 to date and time t6 (hereinafter referred to as the first stay time) is longer than the first required time, the processing unit 132 determines the first moving body 2a as the proxy moving body 2.

[0135] Similarly, the processing unit 132 calculates the time required for the third moving body to complete the transfer of distribution data to the second moving body 2b (hereinafter referred to as the third required time). Then, if the stay time of the third moving body in area A2 from date and time t4 to date and time t5 (hereinafter referred to as the third stay time) is longer than the third required time, the processing unit 132 determines the third moving body as the substitute moving body 2.

[0136] However, there may be cases where the first staying time is longer than the first required time and the third staying time is also longer than the third required time. In this case, the processing unit 132 detects two or more moving objects 2 whose staying time in area A2 is longer than the required time to complete the transfer of distribution data to the second moving object 2b, based on the schedule information of the multiple moving objects 2. In this case, the processing unit 132 determines, among the two or more moving objects 2, the moving object 2 that first moves from area A2 to area A1, which is different from area A2, as the substitute moving object 2.

[0137] 7, if the first staying time is longer than the first required time and the third staying time is longer than the third required time, the processing unit 132 determines that the third moving body, which moves first from area A2 to area A1 different from area A2, is the substitute moving body 2.

[0138] In addition, there may be a case where the first staying time is shorter than the first required time and the third staying time is also shorter than the third required time. In this case, based on the schedule information of the multiple moving objects 2, the processing unit 132 detects two or more moving objects 2 whose staying time in area A2 is shorter than the required time to complete the transfer of distribution data to the second moving object 2b.

[0139] In this case, the processing unit 132 may determine that the two or more mobile bodies 2 are all proxy mobile bodies 2. In this case, in step S137 (FIG. 4), the processing unit 132 divides the distribution data to the second mobile body 2b into a plurality of data pieces whose number is equal to or less than the total number of the two or more proxy mobile bodies 2, and encrypts each of the divided plurality of data pieces. Then, the transmitting unit 131 transmits the encrypted plurality of data pieces to the mobile bodies 2 included in the two or more proxy mobile bodies 2 that are equal to or less than the total number, without duplication.

[0140] In this case, in step S152 (Figure 6), if it is determined in step S151 (Figure 6) that all of the electronic signatures attached to the reception completion information received from each of the two or more proxy mobile bodies 2 are electronic signatures from the second mobile body 2b, the status information indicating the current status of the second mobile body 2b can be updated.

[0141] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0142] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, in step S245 (Figure 5), if the processing unit 232 of the second moving body 2b determines that the second moving body 2b does not have any upcoming movement plans, in step S247 (Figure 5), proxy notification request information is sent to the first moving body 2a along with reception completion information.

[0143] However, instead, as shown in Figure 8, if it is determined in step S135 in the server device 1 that distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b can be distributed to the first mobile body 2a on its behalf, the processing unit 132 may check whether there are any upcoming travel plans for the second mobile body 2b (step S141), similar to step S245 (Figure 5).

[0144] In this case, if it is determined in step S141 that the second mobile object 2b has no upcoming travel plans, the transmitting unit 131 transmits proxy notification request information (information requesting that information indicating completion of reception of distribution data be received from the first mobile object and transferred to a computer) together with proxy download request information to the first mobile object 2a (step S136a).On the other hand, if it is determined in step S141 that the second mobile object 2b has upcoming travel plans, the transmitting unit 131 transmits proxy download request information to the first mobile object 2a (step S136).

[0145] 9, in the first mobile body 2a, if the acquisition unit 233 has not acquired proxy notification request information, the transmission unit 231 detects that short-range communication with the second mobile body 2b is possible (step S241) and transfers distribution data for the second mobile body 2b to the second mobile body 2b (step S242). On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 233 of the first mobile body 2a has acquired proxy notification request information, the transmission unit 231 of the first mobile body 2a detects that short-range communication with the second mobile body 2b is possible (step S241) and transmits information requesting transmission of reception completion information to the second mobile body 2b together with the distribution data for the second mobile body 2b (step S242a).

[0146] In the second moving body 2b, if the acquisition unit 233 does not acquire information requesting the transmission of reception completion information, steps S246 and S247 are not performed. In this case, the first moving body 2a does not perform step S252 shown in FIG. 6 after the second moving body 2b departs from the area in which it is currently staying for another area. The server device 1 does not perform steps S151 and S152. On the other hand, in the second moving body 2b, if the acquisition unit 233 acquires information requesting the transmission of reception completion information, steps S246 and S247 are performed after step S244.

[0147] (2) In step S134 (Figures 4 and 8) in the above embodiment and the above variant example (1), if there are multiple moving bodies 2 scheduled to move to an area where communication is not possible, these multiple moving bodies 2 may be determined as proxy moving bodies 2, and subsequent processing may be performed.

[0148] In this case, if the transmitting unit 231 of the second mobile body 2b has already received the distribution data from one of the proxy mobile bodies 2, immediately after step S241 (FIGS. 5 and 9), it returns information indicating that the transfer of the distribution data is unnecessary to the proxy mobile body 2. The proxy mobile body 2 that has acquired the information indicating that the transfer of the distribution data is unnecessary does not perform the processes from step S242 (FIGS. 5 and 9) onwards.

[0149] (3) Steps S146 and S147 (FIG. 5) in the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, steps S141 (FIG. 8) and S136a (FIG. 8) in the above modified example may be omitted. By doing so, the proxy mobile object 2 may not transmit the reception completion information to the server device 1 on behalf of the second mobile object 2b.

[0150] (4) In step S135 (FIGS. 4 and 8) in the above embodiment and the above modified example, if it is determined that distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b can be distributed to the first mobile body 2a on behalf of the second mobile body 2b, processing from step S137 (FIGS. 4 and 8) onward may be performed. This may prevent the first mobile body 2a from automatically transferring distribution data intended for the second mobile body 2b to the second mobile body 2b.

[0151] In this case, for example, after step S137 (FIGS. 4 and 8), the transmitter 131 may transmit a message to the user terminal 3 used by the user of the first mobile object 2a or the administrator terminal 4, requesting that the user terminal 3 or the administrator terminal 4 perform an operation to transfer the distribution data after the first mobile object 2a arrives at its destination. As a result, the processing of the first mobile object 2a shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 may be performed by the operation of the first mobile object 2a by the user or administrator.

[0152] (5) Step S132 (FIGS. 4 and 8) in the above embodiment and modified example may be omitted. As a result, after step S131 (FIGS. 4 and 8), distribution data to the second mobile unit 2b may be acquired in step S133 (FIGS. 4 and 8) regardless of whether the second mobile unit 2b is up to date. [Industrial Applicability]

[0153] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to distribute distribution data to a mobile body when wireless communication is not possible, which is useful for providing a sharing service in which multiple mobile bodies are shared.

Claims

1. The computer acquiring schedule information indicating travel plans of a plurality of mobile objects capable of short-range wireless communication with each other; when it is detected that status information indicating a current status of a first moving object cannot be received from a first moving object among the plurality of moving objects, searching for a second moving object that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first moving object is staying based on the schedule information; transmitting distribution data for the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit; the schedule information includes information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to depart, and information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to arrive; Control method.

2. the distribution data is data that updates the first moving body to the latest state, In transmitting the distribution data, transmitting the distribution data to the second mobile body when it is detected that the status information most recently received from the first mobile body does not indicate the latest status of the first mobile body; The control method according to claim 1 .

3. In transmitting the distribution data, and transmitting to the second mobile station information requesting that the distribution data be transferred to the first mobile station. The control method according to claim 1 .

4. In transmitting the distribution data, and when it is detected based on the schedule information that the first mobile object will be staying in the first area for a predetermined period of time or more, the computer further transmits to the second mobile object information requesting that the second mobile object receive information indicating completion of reception of the distribution data from the first mobile object and transfer the information to the computer. The control method according to claim 3 .

5. In the search for the second moving object, calculating a required time required to complete the transfer of the distribution data to the first mobile device based on a communication speed with the first mobile device via the short-range wireless communication and a data amount of the distribution data; searching, based on the schedule information, for one or more moving objects whose stay time in the first area is longer than the required time, as the second moving object; The control method according to claim 1 .

6. In the search for the second moving object, When two or more moving objects whose stay times in the first area are longer than the required time are detected based on the schedule information, a moving object that moves first from the first area to a second area different from the first area is searched for as the second moving object based on the schedule information. The control method according to claim 5.

7. In the search for the second moving object, calculating a required time required to complete the transfer of the distribution data to the first mobile device based on a communication speed with the first mobile device via the short-range wireless communication and a data amount of the distribution data; based on the schedule information, searching for two or more moving objects whose stay time in the first area is shorter than the required time as the second moving object; In transmitting the distribution data, Dividing the distribution data into a plurality of data pieces the number of which is equal to or less than the total number of the second mobile units, and transmitting the plurality of data pieces to the total number of mobile units included in the second mobile unit so as not to overlap each other. The control method according to claim 1 .

8. an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating travel plans of a plurality of moving objects that are capable of short-range wireless communication with each other; a processing unit that, when detecting that status information indicating a current status of a first moving object cannot be received from a first moving object among the plurality of moving objects, searches for a second moving object that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first moving object is staying, based on the schedule information; a transmitting unit that transmits distribution data to the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit; Equipped with the schedule information includes information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to depart, and information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to arrive; Server device.

9. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating travel plans of a plurality of moving objects that are capable of short-range wireless communication with each other; a processing unit that, when detecting that status information indicating a current status of a first moving object cannot be received from a first moving object among the plurality of moving objects, searches for a second moving object that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first moving object is staying, based on the schedule information; a transmitting unit that transmits distribution data to the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit; It functions as the schedule information includes information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to depart, and information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to arrive; program.

10. A data distribution system for transmitting data from a server device to a plurality of mobile objects, Each of the plurality of moving bodies is a status notification unit that transmits status information indicating its own current status to the server device; a short-range wireless communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication with other mobile bodies; Equipped with The server device an acquisition unit that acquires schedule information indicating travel plans of the plurality of moving objects; a processing unit that, when detecting that the status information cannot be received from a first moving object among the plurality of moving objects, searches for a second moving object that is scheduled to move to a first area where the first moving object is staying, based on the schedule information; a transmitting unit that transmits distribution data to the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit; Equipped with the schedule information includes information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to depart, and information indicating an area and a date and time from which the plurality of moving bodies are scheduled to arrive; Data distribution system.

Images