Communication device and data provision method

Abstract

To provide a communication device, an application program providing device, an information processing system, and a data providing method that improve usability of data by a plurality of nodes.SOLUTION: In an information processing system 100, a communication device 1 has a storage unit 3 and a control unit 4. The storage unit 3 allows a plurality of connected nodes to take in data. The control unit 4 causes the storage unit 3 to store data. The control unit 4 converts data obtained from the plurality of connected nodes 10 into data that can be used by each node 10. The control unit 4 stores the converted data in the storage unit 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0003] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device ,oh and a data providing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method has been known for making vehicle data accessible in a way that does not depend on vehicle type, manufacturer, or manufacturing year via a vehicle network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

[0007] According to one embodiment, the usability of data by multiple nodes can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the data provision method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a database owned by an external device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the data generation process for the output TOPIC. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the installation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the data storage process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the shortage notification process according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The communication device, application program providing device, information processing system, and data provision method according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0010] First, an overview of the data provision method according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. The data provision method according to the embodiment is performed by a communication device 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the data provision method according to the embodiment. The communication device 1 is, for example, mounted on a vehicle. The communication device 1 is not limited to a device mounted on a vehicle. The communication device 1 distributes data to node 10, for example, using a Publish / Subscribe method. The communication device 1 distributes data to node 10, for example, using MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). The communication device 1 functions as a Broker.

[0011] Node 10 according to this embodiment includes various devices that are mounted in the vehicle and connected to the communication device 1 by wire or wireless connection. Node 10 also includes various devices that are brought into the vehicle by passengers or brought into close proximity and connected to the communication device 1 by wire or wireless connection. Furthermore, Node 10 includes various devices that are incorporated during vehicle manufacturing. Node 10 also includes devices that are newly added and installed by users after vehicle manufacturing and after sale. The size of each node 10 varies depending on the structure of the vehicle, but for example, various devices (node ​​10) incorporated during vehicle manufacturing include engine control devices, steering devices, braking devices, and air conditioning devices. Furthermore, devices (node ​​10) that are newly added and installed by users include navigation devices, drive recorders, and audio-visual devices. Furthermore, devices (node ​​10) that are brought into the vehicle (or brought into close proximity) by passengers include smartphones, mobile phones, smartwatches, game consoles (with communication functions), desktop PCs, notebook PCs, and tablet PCs. The examples of devices are categorized into those incorporated during vehicle manufacturing, those added later, and those brought into the vehicle. However, the devices exemplified are not limited to these categories and may belong to other categories. For example, navigation systems may be incorporated during vehicle manufacturing.

[0012] Furthermore, various devices of other vehicles and infrastructure devices such as traffic lights can also become Node 10 as long as they can communicate with the communication device 1.

[0013] Therefore, the data formats and the like in each Node 10 may be different. In a state where the formats and the like are different, effective utilization of data cannot be achieved.

[0014] Node 10 includes various sensors necessary to realize the basic functions of the Node 10. For example, Node 10 is a vehicle speed sensor, a vital sensor, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the passenger compartment, a CO2 sensor that detects the CO2 concentration in the passenger compartment, and the like. The vital sensor is a sensor that acquires biological information, and for example, an electroencephalogram sensor that detects an electroencephalogram, a pulse sensor that detects a pulse, and the like.

[0015] Node 10 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU controls the operation of Node 10 (device) in which the ECU is installed. The ECU is, for example, a power train ECU, a driving support system ECU, a multimedia system ECU, an air conditioner ECU.

[0016] In the data providing method according to the embodiment, data is acquired from a plurality of Nodes 10 (S1). Then, the data acquired from the plurality of Nodes 10 is converted into data that can also be used by Nodes 10 other than the acquisition source (Nodes that require the data) (S2).

[0017] The converted data is stored in the storage unit 3 (S3). In the storage unit 3, the converted data is stored in association with the TOPIC (data item) of the Node 10 from which the data was acquired. The converted data is stored in the storage unit 3 in a state where it can be used by the Node 10 that requires (can use) the data.

[0018] The converted data is distributed from the storage unit 3 to the node 10 (S4). The storage unit 3 is configured such that a plurality of nodes 10 can take in data. The data distributed to the node 10 is used for processing in the node 10.

[0019] Through the above-described processing, in the data providing method according to the embodiment, by other nodes 10 making use of the data acquired by a sensor or the like of a certain node 10, the operations and functions of that node 10 are enhanced. As a result, the convenience for the user is improved. For example, the vehicle air conditioner device acquires the body temperature data of the user measured by a smart watch (an example of the node 10) in a data format that can be utilized. Then, highly advanced control that realizes a more comfortable vehicle interior space, such as performing vehicle air conditioner control considering the user's state based on the vehicle interior temperature data measured by the sensor of the vehicle air conditioner device and the acquired body temperature data of the user, becomes possible.

[0020] Next, the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a communication device 1 and an external device 20.

[0021] External device 20 is, for example, a server device. External device 20 is an application program provider device. External device 20 comprises a database 21 and a provision control unit 22. Database 21 stores information on the various sensors possessed by node 10 for each node type data. Database 21 stores the TOPICs of the various sensors. Database 21 stores required TOPICs, output TOPICs, and output nodes for each application program (hereinafter referred to as "application"). Required TOPICs are TOPICs for data necessary for the application to generate data (data of output TOPICs). Output TOPICs are TOPICs for data generated by the application. Output nodes are nodes 10 that execute processing using the data of output TOPICs. Multiple TOPICs may be set for a single node 10.

[0022] For example, the external device 20 has a database 21 as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the database 21 that the external device 20 has. For example, the required TOPICs in application "AA" are "room temperature", "heart rate", and "pulse rate". The output TOPIC in application "AA" is "optimal temperature". Also, the output node in application "AA" is "air conditioner ECU". In other words, application "AA" is an application that generates "optimal temperature" data for the "air conditioner ECU" based on the data of "room temperature", "heart rate", and "pulse rate". The required TOPIC and output TOPIC have a fixed data format. The application converts the data of the node 10 that outputs data in the relevant format (data of the required TOPIC) into data in a format that can be used by the node 10 that uses the data (data of the output TOPIC). Also, there may be multiple nodes 10. For example, the output nodes in application "AA" may include nodes 10 other than the "air conditioner ECU".

[0023] Furthermore, for the same combination of required topics, multiple applications associated with different output topics and different output nodes may be stored in the database 21.

[0024] The supply control unit 22 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, a hard disk drive, input / output ports, and various circuits. The supply control unit 22 may include multiple computers.

[0025] The computer's CPU functions as a provisioning control unit 22 by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in a storage device such as ROM. Part or all of the provisioning control unit 22 may be composed of hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0026] The provision control unit 22 selects an application based on node information relating to multiple nodes 10 and provides it to the communication device 1. When the provision control unit 22 receives type data of a node 10 authenticated by the communication device 1 from the communication device 1, it selects an application based on the type data of the node 10 and provides the application to the communication device 1. Applications corresponding to combinations of node 10 type data are pre-configured. For example, the provision control unit 22 has a list of applications (composed of table data) corresponding to combinations of node 10 type data. The provision control unit 22 selects an application from the received node 10 type data and the list of applications, etc.

[0027] The provision control unit 22 provides the communication device 1 with necessary topics related to the application and output topics. The provision control unit 22 provides the topics of node 10. The provision control unit 22 provides the communication device 1 with topics of various sensors that node 10 has for each type of data of node 10.

[0028] Returning to Figure 2, the communication device 1 comprises a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, and a control unit 4. The communication unit 2 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 2 communicates with each node 10 via wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 2 also communicates with the external device 20 via wireless communication.

[0029] Wired communication is performed using technologies such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and USB (Universal Serial Bus). Wireless communication is performed using technologies such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), and UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0030] The memory unit 3 is implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory.

[0031] The storage unit 3 includes a bulletin board 3A and a container unit 3B. The bulletin board 3A consists of a storage area allocated to the storage unit 3. The bulletin board 3A stores TOPICs. The bulletin board 3A stores data acquired from the node 10, associating it with the TOPIC related to the data. The data stored in the bulletin board 3A is data acquired from the node 10 and converted by the control unit 4, described later, based on an application. The converted data is standardized data that can be used by each node 10. In other words, the application is software that converts data acquired from the node 10 into such standardized data. Note that the data stored in the bulletin board 3A may include data other than data generated by the application, for example, data that is already in the same format as the standardized format without performing any conversion processing. Data created by the application is stored in the storage unit 3 associating the data generated by the application with the corresponding output TOPIC. The bulletin board 3A is configured so that multiple nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 can take in data.

[0032] The container section 3B consists of a storage area allocated to the storage section 3, and multiple containers 3C are formed in advance according to the design. Each container 3C stores one application. Applications are acquired from the external device 20 and set (stored) in the containers 3C. When an application is no longer needed, it is deleted from the container 3C, and that container 3C becomes an empty container. In other words, up to the number of containers can be set in multiple containers 3C, and if there are no necessary applications, all containers 3C become empty containers. If there is available space in the containers 3C, unnecessary applications can be deleted when an empty container is needed to set up a new application.

[0033] The control unit 4 comprises an acquisition unit 4A, an authentication unit 4B, a conversion unit 4C, a determination unit 4D, a generation unit 4E, a notification unit 4F, and an instruction unit 4G. The control unit 4 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, a hard disk drive, input / output ports, and various circuits. The control unit 4 may include multiple computers.

[0034] The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 4A, authentication unit 4B, conversion unit 4C, determination unit 4D, generation unit 4E, notification unit 4F, and instruction unit 4G of the control unit 4 by reading and executing programs stored in a storage device such as ROM. Part or all of the control unit 4 may be made up of hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 4 functions as a container engine that stores and erases applications for the container 3C of the container unit 3B, and executes applications.

[0035] The acquisition unit 4A acquires various information and data from each node 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 4A acquires authentication information for authenticating each node 10, and distribution request information from each node 10. The acquisition unit 4A acquires type data related to each authenticated node 10 from multiple nodes 10. The type data related to a node 10 is information that identifies the node 10.

[0036] The acquisition unit 4A acquires information about various applications (applications that can be stored in container 3C (container-compatible applications)) provided by the external device 20. The application information includes the application, the necessary TOPIC related to the application, and the output TOPIC. The application information also includes application update information. In other words, the application information includes application update information. The acquisition unit 4A acquires TOPICs of various sensors possessed by node 10 from the external device 20.

[0037] The acquisition unit 4A acquires data collected by multiple nodes 10, that is, various data detected by various sensors installed on node 10.

[0038] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 4A acquires update information for node 10 from the external device 20, such as the version information of the built-in software and information on additional sensors. The acquisition unit 4A acquires instruction signals from the user's terminal device to set an application in container 3C. The acquisition unit 4A acquires instruction signals from the user's terminal device to update the application set in container 3C.

[0039] The authentication unit 4B authenticates the nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1. For example, when the power of the communication device 1 is turned ON, the authentication unit 4B authenticates the nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 based on the authentication information of each node 10 for authenticating each node 10. The authentication information of each node 10 is provided by each node 10. When a new node 10 is connected, the authentication unit 4B authenticates the newly connected node 10.

[0040] The authentication unit 4B sets the data stored in the bulletin board 3A to be distributed to each node 10. Specifically, the authentication unit 4B sets the data stored in the bulletin board 3A to be distributed to the node 10 based on the distribution request information provided by the node 10 when authenticating the node 10. The distribution request information may be information requesting the distribution of data related to all TOPICs stored in the bulletin board 3A, or it may be information requesting the distribution of data related to some of the TOPICs stored in the bulletin board 3A. The distribution request information may also include information specifying the TOPICs to be distributed.

[0041] The authentication unit 4B stores the TOPIC on the bulletin board 3A. The authentication unit 4B stores the TOPIC provided by the external device 20 (required TOPIC, output TOPIC, and node 10 TOPIC) on the bulletin board 3A.

[0042] The conversion unit 4C converts the data acquired from the nodes 10 into data that can be used by each node 10. The conversion unit 4C stores the converted data in the bulletin board 3A of the storage unit 3. The conversion unit 4C stores the converted data associated with the corresponding TOPIC. When new data is acquired from the nodes 10, the conversion unit 4C converts the new data into data that can be used by each node 10 and stores the converted new data in the bulletin board 3A associated with the corresponding TOPIC. In other words, the conversion unit 4C updates the data associated with the TOPIC on the bulletin board 3A.

[0043] The determination unit 4D determines whether or not the node 10, which acquires the TOPIC data necessary for generating the output TOPIC data by the application, is connected to the communication device 1.

[0044] The determination unit 4D determines whether there is a shortage of nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 that can process the data of the output TOPIC.

[0045] The determination unit 4D determines whether or not an instruction signal to install the application has been received. The determination unit 4D also determines whether or not an instruction signal to update the application has been received.

[0046] The generation unit 4E generates data related to the output TOPIC using an application based on the data obtained from node 10. Specifically, the generation unit 4E reads an application from the container unit 3B that corresponds to the node type data of node 10 obtained from node 10. The generation unit 4E generates data related to the output TOPIC using an application based on the TOPIC data stored on the bulletin board 3A of the storage unit 3. In other words, the generation unit 4E selects an application according to the data to be generated and generates data related to the output TOPIC by executing the application.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the bulletin board 3A stores data related to the TOPICs "vehicle speed," "room temperature," "heart rate," and "pulse rate." In addition, the application "AA," which generates data for the output TOPIC "optimal room temperature," is stored in container 3C of container unit 3B. Application "AA" is an application that generates data for the output TOPIC "optimal room temperature" from the data for TOPICs "room temperature," "heart rate," and "pulse rate." Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the data generation related to the output TOPIC. The generation unit 4E uses application "AA" to calculate data for the output TOPIC "optimal room temperature" from the data for TOPICs "room temperature," "heart rate," and "pulse rate," and generates data for the output TOPIC "optimal room temperature."

[0048] The generation unit 4E stores the data related to the generated output TOPIC on the bulletin board 3A of the storage unit 3, associating it with the output TOPIC.

[0049] The generation unit 4E may use the data of an output TOPIC stored on the bulletin board 3A to generate data for another output TOPIC. For example, in Figure 4, the data for the output TOPIC "Optimal Room Temperature" may be used to generate data for another output TOPIC.

[0050] The notification unit 4F transmits node information regarding multiple nodes 10 to the external device 20. Specifically, the notification unit 4F transmits the type data of the authenticated node 10 to the external device 20.

[0051] The notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of application-related information acquired from the external device 20.

[0052] The notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of any missing information when the application is executed. When the application generates the output TOPIC data required by the connected node 10, the notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of the missing information if the necessary TOPIC data required for generation is insufficient. The missing information includes information about the node 10 that should be additionally connected to obtain the missing data, i.e., to satisfy the missing data, or information about sensors that should be additionally connected at node 10.

[0053] For example, if a node 10 that acquires the TOPIC data necessary to generate the output TOPIC data, or a sensor in node 10, is not connected to the communication device 1, the notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of the missing node 10, etc.

[0054] The notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of any missing nodes 10 when processing related to the output TOPIC. If processing related to the output TOPIC cannot be performed by a node 10 connected to the communication device 1, the notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of the missing node 10. In other words, if a node 10 that processes data using the output TOPIC is not connected to the communication device 1, the notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of the missing node 10.

[0055] The notification unit 4F notifies update information for node 10. The notification unit 4F notifies update information for node 10 when it obtains update information for node 10 from the external device 20. For example, if updating the software of node 10 connected to communication device 1 makes it possible for node 10 to perform processing using the data of output TOPIC, the notification unit 4F notifies update information. For example, the notification unit 4F notifies the user's terminal device of the update information. The notification unit 4F may also notify update information for node 10 regardless of whether or not processing using the data of output TOPIC is performed.

[0056] Notification unit 4F notifies the user of application update information. Notification unit 4F notifies the user of application update information on their terminal device.

[0057] The notification unit 4F distributes the data stored in the bulletin board 3A to node 10. Based on the distribution request information from node 10, the notification unit 4F reads the TOPIC data corresponding to the distribution request information from bulletin board 3A. Then, the notification unit 4F distributes the read data to node 10 from which the distribution request information was obtained. The data distributed to node 10 includes data related to the output TOPIC generated using the application. Based on the distribution request information from node 10, the notification unit 4F outputs the data stored in bulletin board 3A to node 10.

[0058] When the instruction unit 4G receives an instruction from the user's terminal device to install an application, specifically when it receives an instruction signal to install an application, it installs the application selected by the external device 20. The installed application is stored in the container 3C of the container unit 3B.

[0059] The instruction unit 4G updates the application when instructed to do so by the user's terminal device, specifically when an instruction signal to update the application is received.

[0060] Next, the installation process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the installation process according to the embodiment. The installation process is executed when the communication device 1 is started up. The installation process may also be executed at a predetermined timing after the communication device 1 is started up. The predetermined timing includes, for example, the timing when a user gives an instruction or when a new node 10 is added. Furthermore, the installation process may not be executed when the communication device 1 is started up if the connected node 10 has not changed since the last startup.

[0061] The control unit 4 performs authentication on the connected node 10 (S10). The control unit 4 obtains authentication information from node 10 and performs authentication on node 10.

[0062] The control unit 4 acquires type data for each authenticated node 10 (S11). The control unit 4 transmits the type data for each node 10 to the external device 20 (S12).

[0063] The control unit 4 acquires the application selected by the external device 20 (S13). Specifically, the control unit 4 acquires the application selected by the external device 20, the required TOPIC related to the application, the output TOPIC, and the TOPIC of node 10.

[0064] The control unit 4 stores the required TOPIC, output TOPIC, and the TOPIC of node 10 in the bulletin board 3A (S14).

[0065] The control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of the acquired information regarding the application (S15).

[0066] The control unit 4 determines whether or not an instruction signal to install the application has been received from the user's terminal device (S16). If the control unit 4 receives an instruction signal to install the application (S16: Yes), it installs the application (S17). That is, the control unit 4 stores the application in the container 3C of the container unit 3B.

[0067] If the control unit 4 does not receive an instruction signal to install the application (S16: No), that is, if it receives an instruction signal to reject the installation of the application, it will terminate the process without installing the application.

[0068] The necessary topics and output topics related to the application may be stored in bulletin board 3A after the application has been installed.

[0069] Next, the data storage process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the data storage process according to the embodiment. This data storage process is performed at predetermined intervals after the communication device 1 is started up. It is assumed that node 10 is authenticated.

[0070] The control unit 4 acquires data from node 10 (S20). The control unit 4 acquires data from multiple nodes 10.

[0071] The control unit 4 converts the acquired node 10 into data that can be used by each node 10 (S21). The control unit 4 normalizes the acquired node 10. The control unit 4 stores the converted data in the bulletin board 3A, associating it with the corresponding TOPIC (S22).

[0072] The control unit 4 calculates data related to the output TOPIC using the application stored in the container unit 3B (S23).

[0073] The control unit 4 stores the data calculated using the application in the bulletin board 3A, associating it with the corresponding output TOPIC (S24). If the application does not calculate data for an output TOPIC, that data will not be stored in the bulletin board 3A (the corresponding output TOPIC will be in a data-free state, or so-called null).

[0074] The control unit 4 distributes the data stored on the bulletin board 3A to each node 10 (S25). The control unit 4 distributes the data stored on the bulletin board 3A to each node 10 based on the distribution request information.

[0075] Next, the shortage notification process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the shortage notification process according to the embodiment. The shortage notification process is performed when the communication device 1 is started up. The shortage notification process is also performed following the installation process. Note that the shortage notification process may also be performed in the middle of the installation process.

[0076] The control unit 4 determines whether there is any missing information when executing the application (S30). The control unit 4 determines whether there is any missing necessary TOPIC data when generating the output TOPIC data required by node 10 using the application.

[0077] If there is missing information when running the application (S30: Yes), the control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of the missing information (S31). For example, the control unit 4 displays the type of node that can output the missing information, or displays the type of sensor that, when added to a connected node, will enable that node to output the missing information. If there is no missing information when running the application (S30: No), the control unit 4 proceeds with processing.

[0078] The control unit 4 determines whether there are insufficient nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 to process the data of the output TOPIC (S32). If there are insufficient nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 to process the data of the output TOPIC (S32: Yes), the control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of the missing nodes 10 (S33). If there are no insufficient nodes 10 connected to the communication device 1 to process the data of the output TOPIC (S32: No), the control unit 4 terminates processing.

[0079] Step S32 may be performed before step S30. Also, steps S30 and S32 may be performed as separate deficiency notification processes.

[0080] For example, the application "AA" shown in Figure 4 is stored in container unit 3B. Also, as shown in Figure 3, when the application "AA" generates data "bs" for the output TOPIC "optimal temperature", the "optimal temperature" data "bs" is distributed to the air conditioning ECU. The air conditioning ECU controls the air conditioner based on the distributed data "bs". While this is the control method, the content of the air conditioner control differs depending on the purpose of calculating the "optimal temperature," specifically the calculation method. In other words, the air conditioner can perform control appropriate to its purpose. For example, if the application "AA" is an application aimed at controlling the air conditioner to suppress motion sickness, the application calculates the optimal temperature inside the vehicle that will prevent passengers from getting motion sickness, based on data such as "room temperature," "heart rate," and "pulse rate." The air conditioning ECU then controls the air conditioner based on this optimal temperature that prevents motion sickness. This suppresses motion sickness in passengers.

[0081] Other applications for air conditioner control that serve different purposes include, for example, applications for controlling air conditioners to prevent drowsiness. Specifically, in the case of preventing drowsiness, "drowsiness" is estimated based on "heart rate" and "pulse rate," and an "optimal temperature" that considers both drowsiness prevention and comfort is calculated based on the "drowsiness" and "room temperature," and this is stored on bulletin board 3A in association with the output TOPIC. The air conditioner is then controlled at the "optimal temperature" suitable for preventing drowsiness. In other words, by making the application software calculate data according to the control purpose as a value for the output TOPIC and storing the contents in the output TOPIC, it becomes possible to make the node perform control appropriate to the purpose.

[0082] An application to suppress motion sickness may be an application compatible with an audio node that plays music to help passengers relax in the car cabin, or an application compatible with an electric seat node that adjusts the seat angle, or an application that controls the coordinated operation of the air conditioning, audio, and electric seat nodes (a multi-node coordinated control application). Specifically, an application that controls the coordinated operation of the air conditioning, audio, and electric seat nodes will calculate the "optimal temperature," "music genre," and "seat angle" suitable for suppressing motion sickness based on "heart rate," "pulse," and "room temperature," and store these in each output TOPIC. The air conditioning, audio, and electric seat will then be controlled based on the "optimal temperature," "music genre," and "seat angle" stored in the output TOPIC.

[0083] Furthermore, if the application on the external device 20 is updated and a new node 10 is required, the control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of the new node 10. If the updated application requires a new node 10 and the new node 10 is not connected to the communication device 1, the control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of the new node 10.

[0084] For example, suppose the application "AA" is updated, and the updated application "AA" improves the accuracy of air conditioning control to suppress motion sickness by adding a thermographic camera. In this case, the control unit 4 notifies the user's terminal device of information regarding the addition of the necessary TOPIC for the thermographic camera. As a result of the application update, "thermographic camera" is stored as a TOPIC on the bulletin board 3A. When the thermographic camera is connected to the communication device 1 and authenticated, the "thermographic camera" data is converted into data that can be used by each node 10 and then stored on the bulletin board 3A. Then, the control unit 4 uses the updated application "AA" to calculate the optimal temperature inside the vehicle more accurately (compared to when there is no thermographic camera) to prevent motion sickness in passengers, based on the "room temperature," "heart rate," "pulse rate," and "thermographic camera" data. The air conditioning ECU controls the air conditioning based on the optimal temperature. This further suppresses motion sickness in passengers.

[0085] The communication device 1 comprises a storage unit 3 and a control unit 4. The storage unit 3 allows multiple connected nodes 10 to acquire data. The control unit 4 causes the storage unit 3 to store the data. The control unit 4 converts the data acquired from the multiple connected nodes 10 into data that can be used by each node 10. The control unit 4 stores the converted data in the storage unit 3.

[0086] As a result, data acquired by node 10 is shared among other nodes 10. Therefore, communication device 1 can improve the availability of data among multiple nodes 10. For example, by improving the availability of data at nodes 10 installed in a vehicle, communication device 1 can contribute to safer vehicle operation and a more comfortable in-vehicle environment.

[0087] The storage unit 3 has multiple containers 3C that store applications that generate data usable by each node 10. The control unit 4 selects and executes an application stored in the containers 3C according to the data to be generated.

[0088] This allows communication device 1 to generate new data using an application and provide the generated data to node 10. Therefore, communication device 1 can improve the availability of data at node 10.

[0089] The control unit 4 transmits information identifying the connected node 10 to the external device 20, receives the application transmitted from the external device 20 in response to the information transmission, and stores it in the container 3C.

[0090] This allows the communication device 1 to acquire applications suitable for data utilization from the connected node 10. Therefore, the communication device 1 can generate data for output TOPICs suitable for the connected node 10 using the applications. The communication device 1 can expand the feasibility of processing at each node 10 using the data generated by the applications. In other words, the communication device 1 can develop the processing at the nodes 10. For example, by developing the processing at the nodes 10 installed in a vehicle, the communication device 1 can further realize safer vehicle operation and a more comfortable in-vehicle environment.

[0091] The control unit 4 notifies the connected node 10 of information about additional nodes 10 that should be connected, or information about additional sensors that should be connected at node 10, if there is insufficient data required by the application to generate the output TOPIC data that the connected node 10 needs.

[0092] As a result, by allowing the user to obtain the missing information, the communication device 1 can improve the execution of the application and generate the data for the output TOPIC required by node 10. Therefore, the communication device 1 can expand the execution of processing at each node 10 using the data for the output TOPIC.

[0093] The control unit 4 notifies the node 10 of update information transmitted from the external device 20.

[0094] As a result, the communication device 1 can perform processing at node 10 using the data of the output TOPIC by updating node 10, thereby enabling the processing at node 10 to be further developed.

[0095] The external device 20 is connected to the communication device 1. The external device 20 converts data acquired from multiple connected nodes 10 into data usable by each node 10, and is configured to allow the multiple connected nodes 10 to receive the converted data. The external device 20 has a provision control unit 22. The provision control unit 22 selects an application based on the TOPICs of the multiple nodes 10 and provides it to the communication device 1.

[0096] This allows the external device 20 to provide the communication device 1 with applications corresponding to the node 10 connected to the communication device 1. Therefore, the external device 20 can improve the availability of data at node 10.

[0097] The information processing system 100 comprises a plurality of nodes 10, a communication device 1, and an external device 20. The communication device 1 has a control unit 4. The control unit 4 generates data usable by each node 10 using an application and stores the generated data in a storage unit 3. The external device 20 selects the application based on the TOPICs of the plurality of nodes 10 and provides it to the communication device 1.

[0098] This allows the information processing system 100 to improve the availability of data by multiple nodes 10.

[0099] The modified communication device 1 may temporarily store information about the data provided by each node 10 (TOPICs of sensors etc. possessed by each node 10, data of sensors etc.) based on the authentication information of each node 10. The modified communication device 1 may also temporarily store the output TOPICs of the distribution request information of each node 10. The modified communication device 1 then transmits the data information of the node output data (TOPIC of node 10, or identification data of node 10, etc.) and the output TOPIC of the distribution request information (necessary data information required by node 10) to the external device 20. The external device 20 searches for an application, for example, based on the TOPIC of node 10 and the output TOPIC. The modified communication device 1 receives the searched application from the external device 20. The modified communication device 1 may also store TOPICs for various sensors possessed by the authenticated node 10 on the bulletin board 3A based on the authentication information of node 10. The authentication unit 4B may store the TOPIC of the distribution request information as an output TOPIC in the bulletin board 3A based on the authentication information of node 10.

[0100] This allows the modified communication device 1 to acquire applications suitable for data utilization by the connected node 10. Therefore, the communication device 1 can generate data for output TOPICs suitable for the connected node 10 using the applications. The communication device 1 can expand the feasibility of processing at each node 10 using the data generated by the applications. In other words, the communication device 1 can develop the processing at the nodes 10.

[0101] The modified communication device 1 may notify the user's terminal device of recommended product information for products of node 10 that can perform processing using the data of the output TOPIC. For example, the communication device 1 may notify the user's terminal device of a homepage path where the recommended products can be purchased.

[0102] This makes it easier for users to purchase node 10 capable of performing processing using the data from the output TOPIC.

[0103] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Communication device 2 Communications Department 3 Storage section 3A Bulletin Board 3B Container Section 3C Container 4. Control Unit 10 nodes 20 External device 21 Databases 22. Control Unit 100 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. A communication device that can connect to multiple nodes, comprising a storage unit capable of receiving data from multiple connected nodes, and a control unit that causes the storage unit to store data, The control unit, The acquired data obtained from the multiple nodes is converted into data that can be used by each node, and the converted data is stored in the storage unit. Based on the acquired data, a request for an application program capable of generating the target data requested by the target node is sent to an external application program provider. A communication device that generates the target data from the acquired data using an application program provided by the application program providing device.

2. The control unit, The communication device according to claim 1, which provides the generated target data to the target node.

3. The aforementioned storage unit is Store the application program, The control unit, The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if there is no application program capable of generating the target data in the storage unit, a request for provision of the application program is transmitted to the application program providing device.

4. The control unit, A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein if the acquired data for generating the target data is insufficient, it notifies the user terminal device of information about additional nodes to be connected or sensor information to be additionally connected to the nodes.

5. The control unit, The communication device according to claim 4, which, in response to a request for provision of the application program, notifies the user terminal device of information about the node to be additionally connected or information about the sensor to be additionally connected, transmitted from the application program providing device.

6. A data provision method performed by a communication device that can connect to the plurality of nodes, wherein a plurality of connected nodes store data in a storage unit capable of acquiring data, The acquired data obtained from the multiple nodes is converted into data that can be used by each node, and the converted data is stored in the storage unit. Based on the acquired data, a request for an application program capable of generating the target data requested by the target node is sent to an external application program provider. A data provision method comprising generating the target data from the acquired data using an application program provided by the application program providing device.

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