Information processing device, terminal device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing device comprises an acquisition unit and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of network request information respectively transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices used by a user, and communication information that indicates the states of a plurality of communication networks that can be used by the plurality of terminal devices. The control unit controls the communication networks used by the respective terminal devices according to the plurality of pieces of network request information and the communication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a terminal device used by a user may be able to use a plurality of communication networks such as 5G (sub6), 5G (mmW), 4G (LTE), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting an access point to connect according to communication quality.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, although an access point can be selected according to the communication quality of each terminal device, there is a problem that the communication network used by each terminal device cannot be selected in consideration of the usage status of each communication network by a plurality of terminal devices. Also, the network amount and network characteristics required by each terminal device and the differences in the movement status of the terminal devices were not taken into account. For example, at a stadium event, terminal devices such as a camera for shooting a broadcast video, a camera for imaging an image (photo), and a smartphone of a general spectator are used, and the network amount, network characteristics, and movement status of the terminal devices required by each are different, but it was not possible to allow each terminal device to use an appropriate communication network.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure proposes an information processing device, a terminal device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can appropriately select the communication network to be used by each terminal device when multiple terminal devices are available to use multiple communication networks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, one form of information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of network request information transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices used by a user, and communication information indicating the status of a plurality of communication networks available to the plurality of terminal devices, and a control unit that controls the communication network used by each terminal device according to the plurality of network request information and the communication information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by an information processing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a communication network. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a communication network. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by an information processing device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a communication network configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a communication network configuration. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by an information processing device. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the priorities of the terminal devices. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by attaching different numbers after the same reference numeral. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is attached.

[0010] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Configuration of the information processing system 2. Configuration of the terminal device 3. Configuration of the information processing apparatus 4. Process 1 of the information processing apparatus 5. Process 2 of the information processing apparatus 6. Process 3 of the information processing apparatus 7. Process 4 of the information processing apparatus 8. When the network amount is insufficient 8-1. When the total network amount is insufficient 8-2. When the network bandwidth of a specific bearer is insufficient 9. Modification 1 10. Modification 2 11. Modification 3 12. Hardware configuration 13. Others

[0011] 〔1. Configuration of the information processing system〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes terminal devices 10 to 40, an information processing device 100, and an external server 200. The terminal devices 10 to 40, the information processing device 100, and the external server 200 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined communication network. In FIG. 1, as an example of a communication network, an example where a network N, which is an Internet line, 5G (Sub6) 2, 5G (mmW) 3, 4G (LTE) 4, and Wi-Fi 5 can be used is shown. Note that the information processing system 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10 to 40, a plurality of information processing devices 100, and a plurality of external servers 200.

[0012] The terminal devices 10 to 40 are information processing devices used by users. The terminal devices 10 to 40 may be any device as long as they can realize the processing in the embodiment. Also, the terminal devices 10 to 40 may be devices such as a communicable imaging device, a communicable imaging device, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a case where the terminal device 10 is an imaging device for shooting a video, the terminal device 20 is an imaging device for shooting a still image, and the terminal devices 30 and 40 are smartphones is shown.

[0013] The information processing device 100 is used to control the communication network used by the terminal devices 10 to 40. The information processing device 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC or a WS (Work Station), and performs processing based on information transmitted from the terminal devices 10 to 40 via the network N. The information processing device 100 controls the communication network used by the terminal devices 10 to 40 based on network (hereinafter also referred to as NW (Network)) request information and communication information from the terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0014] The external server 200 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC or a WS (Work Station), and is used to provide information such as user attributes to the information processing device 100.

[0015] [2. Configuration of the terminal device] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Note that terminal devices 20 to 40 may have a similar configuration, so their description will be omitted. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 has a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0016] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 is connected to a predetermined network N via a wired or wireless communication network such as 5G (Sub6)2 to Wi-Fi5, and transmits and receives information with the information processing device 100, etc., via the predetermined network N.

[0017] (Input section 12) The input unit 12 accepts various operations from the user. For example, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from the user via a display surface using a touch panel function. Alternatively, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from buttons provided on the terminal device 10, or from a keyboard or mouse connected to the terminal device 10.

[0018] (Output section 13) The output unit 13 is a display screen for a tablet terminal or the like, realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information.

[0019] (Control Unit 14) The control unit 14 is, for example, a controller, and is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the internal memory of the terminal device 10 using RAM (Random Access Memory) as the working area. For example, these various programs include the OS (Operating System) that operates the terminal device 10 and the programs of applications installed on the terminal device 10. The control unit 14 is also implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 14 includes a transmitting unit 141, a receiving unit 142, and a communication control unit 143, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below.

[0021] (Transmitter 141) The transmitting unit 141 provides various information to external information processing devices. The transmitting unit 141 transmits various information to other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100 and the external server 200. For example, the transmitting unit 141 transmits network request information. Network request information includes, for example, information such as bandwidth, traffic characteristics, or delay amount requested by terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0022] (Receiving unit 142) The receiving unit 142 receives various information from external information processing devices. The receiving unit 142 receives various information from other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100 and the external server 200. For example, the receiving unit 142 receives instruction information from the information processing device 100.

[0023] (Communication control unit 143) The communication control unit 143 controls the communication of various types of information. The communication control unit 143 controls connection to the communication network and switching between communication networks. The communication control unit 143 controls the use of the communication network in response to instruction information from other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100.

[0024] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The information processing device 100 may also have an input unit (for example, a keyboard or mouse) that receives various operations from the administrator of the information processing device 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0025] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with terminal devices 10 to 40, etc., via the network N. The communication unit 110 may also selectively connect to and communicate with multiple communication networks.

[0026] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 120 has an NW request information storage unit 121 and a communication information storage unit 122.

[0027] (NW request information storage unit 121) The NW request information storage unit 121 stores the NW request information.

[0028] (Communication information storage unit 122) The communication information storage unit 122 stores information related to the communication network.

[0029] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 130 controls the communication network used by terminal devices 10 to 40 in accordance with multiple NW request information and communication information.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a network quality measurement unit 132, a calculation unit 133, a network selection unit 134, and an instruction unit 135, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0031] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from terminal devices 10 to 40 and other information processing devices such as the external server 200.

[0032] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires various information from the NW request information storage unit 121 and the communication information storage unit 122.

[0033] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 also stores the acquired information in the NW request information storage unit 121 and the communication information storage unit 122.

[0034] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information that have been generated, calculated, or determined by other functional configurations.

[0035] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires NW request information transmitted from terminal devices 10 to 40, respectively, and communication information indicating the status of the communication networks (5G (Sub6) 2 to Wi-Fi 5) available to terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0036] (NW Quality Measurement Unit 132) The NW quality measurement unit 132 measures the communication quality of the communication network (5G (Sub6) 2 to Wi-Fi 5) available to the terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0037] (Calculation section 133) The calculation unit 133 calculates various types of information. The calculation unit 133 calculates various types of information based on the information obtained from the storage unit 120. The calculation unit 133 calculates various types of information from the NW request information storage unit 121 and the communication information storage unit 122.

[0038] Furthermore, the calculation unit 133 stores the various calculated information in the storage unit 120. The calculation unit 133 also stores the various information in the NW request information storage unit 121 and the communication information storage unit 122.

[0039] Furthermore, the calculation unit 133 calculates various information acquired, generated, and determined by other functional configurations. The calculation unit 133 calculates various information based on the various information acquired, generated, and determined by other functional configurations.

[0040] Furthermore, the calculation unit 133 calculates the priority for each terminal device 10 to 40. The calculation unit 133 calculates the priority for each terminal device 10 to 40 according to the user attributes and billing information of the users using the terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0041] (Network selection section 134) The NW selection unit 134 selects the communication method to be used by each terminal device 10 to 40. Based on the information obtained from the NW request information storage unit 121 and the communication information storage unit 122, the NW selection unit 134 selects the communication network to be used by each terminal device 10 to 40.

[0042] (Instruction section 135) The instruction unit 135 creates instruction information that instructs each terminal device 10 to 40 to use the communication network selected by each terminal device 10 to 40, based on the result selected by the NW selection unit 134.

[0043] [4. Processing of Information Processing Device 1] When an event is held in a stadium or similar venue, a user acting as a cameraman uses terminal device 10, which is a recording device for capturing video, to broadcast the event. Terminal device 10 then uploads the captured video to an external storage device using either 5G(Sub6)2 or Wi-Fi5. Similarly, a user acting as an image photographer (still photographer) uses terminal device 20, which is an image capturing device, to capture images. Terminal device 20 then uploads the captured images (photographs) to an external storage device using either 5G(Sub6)2 or Wi-Fi5. Furthermore, general spectators may use terminal devices 30 or 40, which are smartphones, to perform various communications using 5G(Sub6)2 or Wi-Fi5.

[0044] Thus, when multiple terminal devices can utilize multiple communication networks, it is preferable to appropriately control which terminal device uses which communication network. Using the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to select a communication network according to the communication quality of each terminal device. However, when a terminal device uses a communication network, if that network is also being used by other terminal devices, sufficient bandwidth cannot be guaranteed, and the communication network may not be able to be used properly. In particular, if videos taken by terminal device 10 or images captured by terminal device 20 cannot be uploaded properly, it may cause problems with relaying, etc., so it is necessary to appropriately control the communication networks used by terminal devices 10 to 40.

[0045] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the information processing device. First, the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 100 acquires network request information from terminal devices 10 to 40 (step S101). The network request information includes, for example, the bandwidth, traffic characteristics, or delay amount requested by terminal devices 10 to 40. Terminal devices 10 to 40 send a network request file containing the network request information to the information processing device 100. Specifically, the network request information includes requirements such as the expected throughput, whether instantaneous throughput is sufficient, whether a constant throughput is required (stable / unstable), and the minimum number of times communication should occur every few seconds.

[0046] The terminal device 10 uploads video to be used for relaying, and therefore requests stable communication with minimal jitter for time synchronization, depending on the video size to be used for broadcasting. For this reason, the network request information of the terminal device 10 is, for example, that the requested average bandwidth is 100 Mbps and the requested traffic characteristics are stable.

[0047] In contrast, terminal device 20 requires high-speed communication to upload a large amount of image data (photos), but it may upload the data at the time of capture, or it may upload the data after saving a certain amount of data to a storage medium such as an SD card. Therefore, the network request information of terminal device 20 is, for example, that the requested average bandwidth is 10 Gbps and the requested traffic characteristics are unstable. Note that even when shooting and uploading video for recording purposes rather than relaying, a high instantaneous throughput is desirable, but since the data can be temporarily stored in a storage unit, the traffic characteristics can be unstable.

[0048] Furthermore, terminal devices 30 and 40 transmit network request information as appropriate, depending on the user's usage status.

[0049] Next, the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 100 acquires communication information for 5G(Sub6)2 to Wi-Fi5 (step S102). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a communication network. From left to right in Figure 5, the name of the communication network (hereinafter also referred to as "bearer"), the available average bandwidth, the traffic characteristics of the communication, and the amount of latency in the communication are shown. As shown in Figure 5, for example, 5G(mmW)3 is capable of communication with an average bandwidth of 10Gbps, traffic characteristics of unstable (unstable communication), and a latency of 2ms. Similarly, 5G(Sub6)2 is capable of communication with an average bandwidth of 100Mbps, traffic characteristics of stable (stable communication), and a latency of 10ms. Similarly, 4G(LTE)4 is capable of communication with an average bandwidth of 10Mbps, traffic characteristics of stable (stable communication), and a latency of 100ms.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferable that the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 100 also acquires information regarding the communication quality of 5G (Sub6)2 to Wi-Fi5 as communication information. The information processing device 100 maintains a session with terminal devices 10 to 40 at all times and prompts terminal devices 10 to 40 to report the communication quality periodically or when instructed by the information processing device 100.

[0051] As a specific example of parameters related to Wi-Fi 5 communication quality, the information processing device 100 acquires information such as PHY protocol type (a / b / g / n / ac / ax), MAC protocol type (d / e / h / i / j / k / p / v / w / y / z), signal strength (RSSI), operating frequency, SSID, BSSID, allocated bandwidth, RTT of the wireless section to the AP, S / N ratio, frequency spectrum, number of terminals in the same BSS (Basic Service Set), authentication method, number of MIMO layers, number of signal collisions, number of RTS / CTS per unit time, number of probe requests, number of beacons received, received / transmitted packet counter values, number of successful transmissions, number of successful receptions, number of retransmissions, number of frame corruptions, number of interface errors, cca_busy_time, contentionAverageTime, RadioOnTime, and the number of frames in the Wi-Fi transmit buffer queue. Note that the information processing device 100 may acquire any parameters related to Wi-Fi 5, not limited to the examples above.

[0052] Furthermore, as specific examples of parameters related to the communication quality of cellular networks such as 5G(Sub6)2, 5G(mmW)3, and 4G(LTE)4, the information processing device 100 acquires information such as the number of component carriers, average rate (MCS: Modulation and Coding Scheme), capability (LTE / HSPA+ / GSM(registered trademark) (Global System of Mobile communications)), signal strength, number of MIMO layers, number of communication allocation times, actual number of resource blocks, received / transmitted packet counter values, number of successful transmissions, number of successful receptions, number of frame retransmissions (MAC), number of RLCs, number of interface errors, throughput (PHY / IP), cell information (cell ID, transmission power of DL reference signal, adjacent cell information, number of cell occupants, backbone bandwidth information), AsuLvel, Cqi, dbm, Level, RSRP, RSSI, RSSNR, TimingAdvance, user's communication plan, and remaining communication capacity for the month in the communication plan. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may acquire any parameters related to the cellular network, not limited to the examples above.

[0053] The network quality measurement unit 132 of the information processing device 100 measures the communication quality using parameters that the information processing device 100 can observe and parameters obtained from terminal devices 10-40, and predicts the network status several seconds later. The prediction method may be a simple linear regression model or a more complex neural network.

[0054] Subsequently, the NW selection unit 134 of the information processing device 100 selects the communication network (5G(Sub6)2 to Wi-Fi5) to be used by the terminal devices 10 to 40 (step S103). Specifically, since terminal device 10 requests stable 100Mbps communication, the NW selection unit 134 selects 5G(mmW)3, which satisfies this condition, for terminal device 10 to use. Also, since terminal device 20 requests unstable 10Gbps communication, the NW selection unit 134 selects 5G(Sub6)2, which satisfies this condition, for terminal device 20 to use.

[0055] Then, the instruction unit 135 of the information processing device 100 transmits instruction information to instruct each terminal device 10 to 40 to use the communication network (step S104). Specifically, the instruction unit 135 transmits instruction information to terminal device 10 to use 5G(mmW)3 selected by the NW selection unit 134. Then, the communication control unit 143 of terminal device 10 attempts to connect to use 5G(mmW)3 according to the instruction information. Similarly, the instruction unit 135 transmits instruction information to terminal device 20 to use 5G(Sub6)2 selected by the NW selection unit 134. Then, the communication control unit of terminal device 20 attempts to connect to use 5G(Sub6)2 according to the instruction information.

[0056] Furthermore, the method by which the information processing device 100 guarantees the bandwidth of each communication network used by terminal devices 10 to 40 may be the use of conventional bandwidth guarantee techniques. For example, IntServ type bandwidth guarantee may be implemented, flow-by-flow policing may be performed on each router or switch, or shaping may be applied to the client's outgoing queue. Alternatively, bandwidth may be prioritized using QoS fields or VLAN tags. In addition, the TE function of MPLS may be used, or a path that can achieve network bandwidth with SRv6 may be used.

[0057] Furthermore, the NW selection unit 134 applies traffic control to various network devices. Since these control settings change sequentially according to the bearer status and client status, it is preferable to dynamically change the settings of various network devices.

[0058] As explained above, the information processing device 100 allows the NW selection unit 134 to control the communication network used by terminal devices 10 to 40 according to the NW request information and communication information, thereby enabling the appropriate distribution of communication networks according to the requests of terminal devices 10 to 40. In particular, for terminal devices that request stable communication, a stable communication network with the minimum bandwidth required by the terminal device can be assigned. On the other hand, even for terminal devices that request a large bandwidth, an unstable communication network that meets the required bandwidth can be assigned to terminal device 10, which can accept unstable communication. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where connections are concentrated on one communication network and the requests of each terminal device 10 to 40 cannot be met.

[0059] [5. Processing of Information Processing Devices 2] Figure 6 shows an example of a communication network. As shown in Figure 6, for example, in a place where many people gather, such as a stadium, the 5G (Sub6)2, 5G (mmW)3, 4G (LTE)4, and Wi-Fi5 communication networks are available in the area shown in the diagram.

[0060] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing device. As shown in Figure 7, the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 100 acquires NW request information from terminal devices 10 to 40 (step S101). Here, the NW request information includes, for example, not only the bandwidth, traffic characteristics, or delay amount requested by terminal devices 10 to 40, but also information related to the bandwidth associated with the time-changing location information requested by each terminal device 10 to 40, or information regarding the time-changing requested bandwidth. Specifically, terminal device 10 requests stable communication with an average bandwidth of 10 Mbps for the first 30 minutes at point A, and then moves to point B and requests stable communication with an average bandwidth of 100 Mbps. The location information may be specified by addresses obtained by dividing a target area, such as the stadium shown in Figure 6, into a mesh, or by latitude, longitude, and altitude determined by GPS. The time may be specified as an absolute time by date and time, or as a relative time such as a certain number of minutes after a predetermined time (for example, the start of the program).

[0061] Next, the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 100 acquires communication information for 5G (Sub6) 2 to Wi-Fi 5 (step S102). The communication information may be the same as in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted.

[0062] Subsequently, the network selection unit 134 of the information processing device 100 selects the communication network (5G(Sub6)2 to Wi-Fi5) to be used by the terminal devices 10 to 40 (step S103). Specifically, since terminal device 10 requests stable 10Mbps communication for the first 30 minutes at point A, the network selection unit 134 selects 4G(LTE)4, which satisfies this condition, for use by terminal device 10.

[0063] Then, the instruction unit 135 of the information processing device 100 transmits instruction information to instruct each terminal device 10 to 40 to use the communication network (step S104). Specifically, the instruction unit 135 transmits instruction information to terminal device 10 to use the 4G (LTE) 4 selected by the NW selection unit 134. Then, the communication control unit 143 of terminal device 10 uses the 4G (LTE) 4 according to the instruction information.

[0064] Next, the NW selection unit 134 of the information processing device 100 determines whether the bearer (4G(LTE)4) selected when the terminal device 10 moved from point A to point B satisfies the NW requirement (step S201). Here, the terminal device 10 requests stable communication with an average bandwidth of 100Mbps at point B, and the average bandwidth of 4G(LTE)4 is 10Mbps. Therefore, the NW selection unit 134 determines that the bearer (4G(LTE)4) selected when the terminal device 10 moved to point B does not satisfy the NW requirement (step S201: No), and once again, the NW selection unit 134 selects a communication network for the terminal device 10 to use (step S202). The NW selection unit 134 selects 5G(Sub6)2, which allows stable communication with an average bandwidth of 100Mbps at point B, as the communication network for the terminal device 10 to use.

[0065] In this case, if the NW selection unit 134 is using 5G(Sub6)2 and an average bandwidth of 100Mbps cannot be secured, it selects to move the other terminal devices using 5G(Sub6)2 to another bearer (step S203). In this way, it is preferable for the NW selection unit 134 to optimize traffic by moving other traffic to a different bearer when priority traffic flows in.

[0066] Then, the instruction unit 135 of the information processing device 100 transmits instruction information that specifies the communication network to be used by each terminal device 10 to 40, based on the selection result of the NW selection unit 134 (step S204). After that, the process returns to step S201 and continues.

[0067] On the other hand, in step S201, if the NW selection unit 134 determines that the bearer (4G (LTE) 4) selected when the terminal device 10 moved to location B satisfies the NW requirement (step S201: Yes), the NW selection unit 134 selects a communication network so that the terminal device 10 can continue to use the selected bearer (4G (LTE) 4) (step S205).

[0068] Then, the instruction unit 135 of the information processing device 100 transmits instruction information that specifies the communication network to be used by each terminal device 10 to 40 based on the selection result of the NW selection unit 134 (step S206), and the series of processes ends.

[0069] As explained above, if the NW request information includes information about bandwidth linked to location information that changes over time as requested by each terminal device 10 to 40, the NW selection unit 134 selects an available communication network according to the location information. Furthermore, if the NW request information includes information about requested bandwidth that changes over time, the NW selection unit 134 selects an available communication network according to the time. As a result, even if the NW request information changes depending on the location and time, the communication network used by each terminal device can be appropriately selected.

[0070] In the example described above, the bandwidth requested by terminal device 10 increased from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, causing the requested bandwidth to exceed the bandwidth of the bearer (4G(LTE)4) that was being used, resulting in the use of another bearer (5G(Sub6)2). Thus, the network selection unit 134 may allow the terminal device to use another bearer when the bearer is unable to provide the bandwidth requested by the terminal device.

[0071] For example, the NW selection unit 134 may allow each bearer to use another bearer when it moves out of an area where it is available. Specifically, in the stadium shown in Figure 6, suppose terminal device 10 requests stable communication with an average bandwidth of 10 Mbps and is using 5G (Sub6) 2. If terminal device 10 moves out of an area where 5G (Sub6) 2 is available, the NW selection unit 134 can allow terminal device 10 to use 4G (LTE) 4, enabling stable communication with an average bandwidth of 10 Mbps.

[0072] [6. Processing of Information Processing Device 3] Figure 8 shows an example of a communication network configuration. As shown in Figure 8, the Private Core Network NW, Network N1, is connected to Private 5G, Private LTE, and Wi-Fi as communication networks. In this way, when controlling a private network, each communication network can be controlled by the information processing device 101. Note that the information processing device 101 may have the same configuration as the information processing device 100, so its explanation is omitted.

[0073] The information processing device 101 transmits instruction information to the terminal device, instructing it to use a bearer (Private 5G, Private LTE, or Wi-Fi) based on an algorithm for selecting a communication network. This instruction information includes details such as the bearer to be used, the time, and the accepted communication characteristics (throughput and latency). The terminal device connects to the appropriate bearer according to this instruction information. However, the information processing device 101 may also transmit instruction information to a controller that controls Private 5G, Private LTE, and Wi-Fi. The terminal device may also use multiple bearers depending on the instruction information.

[0074] [7. Processing of Information Processing Device 4] Figure 9 shows an example of a communication network configuration. As shown in Figure 9, network N2, which is an internet connection, is connected to network N3, which is a public core network, and network N4, which is a private core network. Public 5G and Public LTE are connected to network N3 as communication networks. Private 5G, Private LTE, and Wi-Fi are connected to network N4 as communication networks. In this way, when controlling a line where public and private networks coexist, the information processing device 102 connected to network N2 controls the communication network used by each terminal device.

[0075] The information processing device 102 transmits instruction information to the terminal device to use a bearer (Private 5G, Private LTE, Wi-Fi, Public 5G, or Public LTE) based on an algorithm for selecting a communication network. However, if the information processing device 102 is to have the terminal device use a public network (network N2), it may transmit instruction information to the information processing device 103 which controls Public 5G and Public LTE. Also, if the information processing device 102 is to have the terminal device use a private network, it may transmit instruction information to the information processing device 104 which controls Private 5G, Private LTE, and Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the information processing device 104 may transmit instruction information to the terminal device, the information processing device 103, etc. The terminal device may use multiple bearers depending on the instruction information.

[0076] [8. When network capacity is insufficient] When the NW selection unit 134 selects a communication network (for example, 5G (Sub6) 2 to Wi-Fi 5), it may not be able to respond to the requests of each terminal device.

[0077] (8-1. When the total network capacity is insufficient) If the sum of the network usage requests from each terminal device exceeds the sum of the network usage for each communication network, the NW selection unit 134 restricts the use of the communication network by terminal devices with lower priority as calculated by the calculation unit 133, or stops the use of the communication network by terminal devices with lower priority as calculated by the calculation unit 133.

[0078] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the information processing device. As shown in Figure 10, steps S101 to S104 are executed in the same way as in Figure 4. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the priority of terminal devices. As shown in Figure 11, the NW selection unit 134 selects a communication network for terminal devices corresponding to client IDs 1 to 3, and each terminal device uses the selected communication network. Specifically, the terminal device corresponding to client ID 1 uses a 5G (mmW) communication network with a bandwidth of 1000 Mbps, unstable, and a latency of 2 ms. Similarly, the terminal device corresponding to client ID 2 uses a 5G (Sub6) communication network with a bandwidth of 100 Mbps, stable, and a latency of 10 ms. Furthermore, the terminal device corresponding to client ID 3 uses a 4G (LTE) communication network with a bandwidth of 10 Mbps, stable, and a latency of 100 ms.

[0079] If the acquisition unit 131 acquires new NW request information, the NW selection unit 134 determines whether the sum of the communication networks satisfies the network amount requested by the NW request information (step S301).

[0080] If the NW selection unit 134 determines that the sum of the communication networks does not meet the requested network capacity (step S301: No), the calculation unit 133 calculates the priority of each terminal device (step S302). The priority of the terminal devices corresponding to client IDs 1 to 3 calculated by the calculation unit 133 is 8, 6, and 0, respectively. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information from the external server 200, such as the billing status for the service and whether the terminal has another network. The calculation unit 133 calculates the priority based on information such as the amount of billing and whether the terminal has subscribed to a network guarantee service. The calculation unit 133 may also notify the terminal to use another network if one is available and disconnect the communication network currently being used by the terminal device.

[0081] Subsequently, the NW selection unit 134 calculates the traffic to be presented to terminal devices with lower priority (step S303) and presents the calculated traffic to the terminal device corresponding to client ID 3, which has the lowest priority. The NW selection unit 134 may also calculate the maximum value currently available to be presented to terminal device 10. Specifically, it may calculate a value obtained by dividing the sum of the network volume available for each bearer by the number of terminal devices. In addition, the NW selection unit 134 may calculate the traffic necessary to secure the network volume required by the terminal device that has newly sent NW request information, thereby reducing the network volume used by lower-priority bearers.

[0082] Then, the NW selection unit 134 determines whether the terminal device has accepted the traffic presented to it (step S304).

[0083] If the NW selection unit 134 determines that the terminal device has accepted the request (step S304: Yes), the instruction unit 135 sends instruction information corresponding to the traffic presented to the terminal device, controls the flow used by each terminal device, and adjusts the network usage of each communication terminal (step S305). After that, the process returns to step S301 and continues.

[0084] On the other hand, if the NW selection unit 134 determines that a terminal device does not accept the traffic (step S304: No), the NW selection unit 134 then suggests to the next lowest priority terminal device that it reduce the traffic. If all terminal devices do not accept the suggested traffic, the NW selection unit 134 decides to stop the use of the communication network by the lowest priority terminal device, and the instruction unit 135 transmits instruction information to stop the use of the communication network by the lowest priority terminal device based on this decision (step S306). If the traffic characteristics of the terminal device whose use is to be stopped are unstable, the network may be temporarily stopped, and this terminal device may be allowed to communicate using the time when the network is idle. The scheduling method at this time may be deadline-based, aging, etc., but any scheduling method may be used. After that, the process returns to step S301 and continues.

[0085] On the other hand, in step S301, if the NW selection unit 134 determines that the sum of the communication networks satisfies the requested network amount (step S301: Yes), the NW selection unit 134 maintains the communication network used by each terminal device and selects the communication network used by the terminal device that has newly sent NW request information (step S307).

[0086] Then, the instruction unit 135 of the information processing device 100 transmits instruction information that specifies the communication network to be used by each terminal device 10 to 40 based on the selection result of the NW selection unit 134 (step S308), and the series of processes ends.

[0087] As explained above, when new network request information is obtained and the total amount of communication networks does not meet the requested network capacity, it is possible to ensure that high-priority terminal devices can use the communication network by restricting or suspending network use by low-priority terminal devices.

[0088] (8-2. If the network bandwidth of a specific bearer is insufficient) If the amount of network traffic requested by a particular bearer in a communication network (e.g., 5G (Sub6) 2 to Wi-Fi 5) exceeds the total network traffic available to that bearer, the NW selection unit 134 considers whether the request for that particular bearer can be provided by other bearers or whether the network can be reallocated. If the request for each terminal device can be satisfied by reallocating the network, the instruction unit 135 transmits instruction information according to the selection of the NW selection unit 134.

[0089] On the other hand, if the network cannot be redistributed to meet the requirements of each terminal device, the NW selection unit 134 restricts the use of the communication network by terminal devices 10 to 40 with lower priority calculated by the calculation unit 133, or stops the use of the communication network by terminal devices 10 to 40 with lower priority calculated by the calculation unit 133.

[0090] [9. Variation 1] The information processing device 100 may control the network during a disaster. During a disaster, cellular resources (e.g., 5G (Sub6) 2 to 4G (LTE) 4, etc.) are given priority for communication of terminal devices held by Self-Defense Forces personnel and emergency medical personnel who have urgent needs. On the other hand, ordinary people in evacuation centers, etc., are allocated the Wi-Fi 5 network. It should be noted that some disaster victims have urgent needs, such as those seeking rescue, so it is preferable to assign priority according to the situation, even if the user has the attribute of an ordinary person. Also, even if the user has the attribute of an ordinary person, they may be a volunteer, so it is preferable to allocate resources in detail according to the situation rather than recognizing them solely by their user attribute.

[0091] Here, user attributes are pre-registered on the external server 200, and the acquisition unit 131 acquires them from the external server 200 as appropriate. User attributes may include information such as whether or not the user is a Self-Defense Forces member or an ambulance crew member, whether or not telephone communication is required, and whether or not network bandwidth is needed for transmitting images or videos to report the situation of a disaster.

[0092] If multiple bearers are available, the NW selection unit 134 may select a bearer that meets the requirements of this network. On the other hand, if only one bearer is available, such as in a rural area where only 4G (LTE) is available, the NW selection unit 134 reserves the 4G (LTE) resource. The NW selection unit 134 configures the cellular network and routers to provide bandwidth guarantees.

[0093] The NW selection unit 134 controls users other than emergency personnel (such as disaster victims) who have moved to evacuation centers or other locations and are in a relatively stable situation, by stopping their connection to the cellular network and directing them to use Wi-Fi installed at the disaster site. The NW selection unit 134 can also actively utilize the cellular network in areas where people need rescue. The NW selection unit 134 can estimate the user's status and control the communication network based on user attributes obtained from the external server 200 and the location information of the terminal device. Alternatively, an operator managing the information processing device 100 may select the communication network used by each terminal device based on user attributes obtained from the external server 200 and the location information of the terminal device. The information processing device 100 may obtain location information transmitted by the terminal device, or it may estimate the location information of the terminal device from the location information of the base station connected to the terminal device.

[0094] [10. Variation 2] The information processing device 100 may be used to control the network during a game tournament. When conducting online game tournaments for smartphones, a large number of players may communicate simultaneously. While there are moments in games when the network is used intensively (such as when loading the game screen), real-time (stable) communication is not usually required. On the other hand, during matches within a game, a stable and low-latency network is necessary, even if the traffic is small. Securing traffic during matches is not a problem when playing games individually, but when conducting large-scale online game tournaments, it is necessary to make effective use of a limited network.

[0095] The organizer of the game tournament schedules when each terminal device will play matches based on the tournament program and stores this information as network request information in the storage unit 120. The network selection unit 134 of the information processing device 100 then prioritizes the use of a stable communication network with the requested bandwidth for terminal devices currently playing matches, based on the stored network request information. On the other hand, the network selection unit 134 allows terminal devices not currently playing matches to use an unstable communication network. This ensures that users currently playing matches receive stable traffic while also allowing non-playing users to use the communication network. The network selection unit 134 may also set the priority of traffic for spectators who are not game participants to the lowest level and, if necessary, suspend their use of the communication network.

[0096] [11. Variation 3] The information processing device 100 may control the network at the exhibition. At exhibitions, Wi-Fi may be provided for visitors. The network selection unit 134 then prioritizes Wi-Fi use for exhibitors when they conduct demonstrations or participate in remote meetings, guaranteeing their access to the communication network. At the same time, the network selection unit 134 allows general visitors to use the cellular network (5G (Sub6), 5G (mmW), 4G (LTE), etc.).

[0097] [12. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the terminal devices 10-40, information processing device 100, and external server 200 according to the embodiments described above are implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the terminal devices 10-40, information processing device 100, and external server 200. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0098] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0099] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0100] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0101] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0102] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as terminal devices 10-40 and information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 14 and control unit 130 by executing programs loaded on the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0103] [13. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0104] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0105] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0106] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0107] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit.

[0108] Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows. (1) An acquisition unit that acquires multiple network request information transmitted from multiple terminal devices used by a user, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the multiple terminal devices, A control unit controls the communication network used by each terminal device in accordance with the plurality of network request information and the communication information, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The control unit, The system controls the communication network used by each terminal device according to its priority. The information processing device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit, Restrictions are placed on the use of the communication network by the aforementioned low-priority terminal devices. The information processing device described in (2) above. (4) The control unit, To stop the use of the communication network by the terminal device with the lower priority, The information processing apparatus described in (2) or (3) above. (5) The control unit, The priority is calculated according to the attribute information of the user using each terminal device. An information processing device as described in any one of (2) to (4) above. (6) The control unit, The priority is calculated according to the billing information of the user using each terminal device. An information processing device as described in any one of (2) to (5) above. (7) The aforementioned multiple network request information is, This includes the bandwidth, traffic characteristics, or latency required by each terminal device. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The aforementioned multiple network request information is, This includes location information of each terminal device that changes over time. An information processing device as described in any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) The aforementioned multiple network request information is, This includes bandwidth information requested by each terminal device, which changes over time. An information processing device as described in any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) A transmission unit that transmits network request information, A communication control unit that uses the communication network in accordance with instruction information corresponding to the network request information and communication information indicating the status of available communication networks, A terminal device equipped with the following features. (11) Computers The system acquires multiple network request information transmitted from multiple terminal devices used by the user, and communication information indicating the status of the communication networks available to the multiple terminal devices. In accordance with the aforementioned plurality of network request information and the communication information, the communication network used by each terminal device is controlled. Information processing methods. (12) On the computer, The system obtains multiple network request information transmitted from multiple terminal devices used by the user, and communication information indicating the status of the communication networks available to the multiple terminal devices. In accordance with the aforementioned plurality of network request information and the communication information, the communication network used by each terminal device is controlled. Information processing program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1. Information Processing System 2 5G (Sub6) 3.5G(mmW) 4 4G (LTE) 5 Wi-Fi 10 Terminal devices 20 Terminal devices 30 Terminal devices 40 Terminal devices 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 NW request information storage unit 122 Communication Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 NW Quality Measurement Department 133 Priority calculation unit 134 NW Selection Section 135 Instruction section 200 External Servers N Network

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires network request information transmitted from a terminal device and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The network request information includes location information of the terminal device that changes over time, and includes information relating to a network request associated with the location information, which includes information indicating the location of at least a first point and information indicating the location of a second point. The control unit, When the terminal device moves from the first location to the second location, if the first communication network selected at the first location does not satisfy the network requirements of the terminal device at the second location, a second communication network different from the first communication network is selected as the communication network to be used by the terminal device. If the second communication network is unable to satisfy the network request of the terminal device at the second location due to the use of other terminal devices, the communication network used by the other terminal devices will be moved to the other communication network. Information processing device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires network request information including user attribute information of a user using a terminal device, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The user attribute information includes information regarding the user's network requests during a disaster. The control unit, in the event of a disaster, selects a communication network from among the multiple communication networks that satisfies the network requirements as the communication network to be used by the terminal device. Information processing device.

3. The information relating to the user's network request during the disaster includes at least one of the following: information indicating whether the user is an emergency responder; information indicating whether the user is a person who needs to make a phone call; and information indicating whether the user is a person who needs network bandwidth for transmitting images or videos to report the situation of the disaster. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the location information of the terminal device, The control unit selects the communication network to be used by the terminal device based on the user's state during a disaster, which is estimated based on the user attribute information and the terminal device's location information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. An acquisition unit that acquires network request information including scheduling information indicating when a user using a terminal device will play a match in an online game tournament, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The control unit, If, based on the scheduling information, it is determined that the user is not currently competing in the online game tournament, the terminal device used by the user will be made to use the first communication network among the multiple communication networks. If it is determined that the user is currently competing in the online game tournament based on the scheduling information, the terminal device used by the user shall be instructed to use a second communication network, which is more stable than the first communication network, among the multiple communication networks. Information processing device.

6. The network request information includes information regarding the bandwidth, traffic characteristics, or latency requested by the terminal device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method of information processing performed by a computer, An acquisition step of acquiring network request information transmitted from a terminal device and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control step that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The network request information includes location information of the terminal device that changes over time, and includes information relating to a network request associated with the location information, which includes information indicating the location of at least a first point and information indicating the location of a second point. In the control step described above, When the terminal device moves from the first location to the second location, if the first communication network selected at the first location does not satisfy the network requirements of the terminal device at the second location, a second communication network different from the first communication network is selected as the communication network to be used by the terminal device. If the second communication network is unable to satisfy the network request of the terminal device at the second location due to the use of other terminal devices, the communication network used by the other terminal devices will be moved to the other communication network. Information processing methods.

8. A computer-based information processing method, An acquisition step of acquiring network request information including user attribute information of a user using a terminal device, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control step that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The user attribute information includes information regarding the user's network requests during a disaster. In the control step, in the event of a disaster, a communication network that satisfies the network requirement is selected from among the plurality of communication networks to be used by the terminal device. Information processing methods.

9. A computer-based information processing method, An acquisition step of acquiring network request information including scheduling information indicating when a user using a terminal device will play a match in an online game tournament, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, The system includes a control step that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, In the control step described above, If, based on the scheduling information, it is determined that the user is not currently competing in the online game tournament, the terminal device used by the user will be made to use the first communication network among the multiple communication networks. If it is determined that the user is currently competing in the online game tournament based on the scheduling information, the terminal device used by the user shall be instructed to use a second communication network, which is more stable than the first communication network, among the multiple communication networks. Information processing methods.

10. Computers, An acquisition unit that acquires network request information transmitted from a terminal device and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device. It functions as a control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information. The network request information includes location information of the terminal device that changes over time, and includes information relating to a network request associated with the location information, which includes information indicating the location of at least a first point and information indicating the location of a second point. The control unit, When the terminal device moves from the first location to the second location, if the first communication network selected at the first location does not satisfy the network requirements of the terminal device at the second location, a second communication network different from the first communication network is selected as the communication network to be used by the terminal device. If the second communication network is unable to satisfy the network request of the terminal device at the second location due to the use of other terminal devices, the communication network used by the other terminal devices will be moved to the other communication network. Information processing program.

11. A computer, An acquisition unit that acquires network request information including user attribute information of a user using a terminal device, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device, A control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The user attribute information includes information regarding the user's network requests during a disaster. The control unit, in the event of a disaster, selects a communication network from among the multiple communication networks that satisfies the network requirements as the communication network to be used by the terminal device. Information processing program.

12. A computer, An acquisition unit acquires network request information including scheduling information indicating when a user using a terminal device will play in an online game tournament, and communication information indicating the status of multiple communication networks available to the terminal device. A control unit that controls the use of the communication network by the terminal device based on the network request information and the communication information, The control unit, If, based on the scheduling information, it is determined that the user is not currently competing in the online game tournament, the terminal device used by the user will be made to use the first communication network among the multiple communication networks. If it is determined that the user is currently competing in the online game tournament based on the scheduling information, the terminal device used by the user shall be instructed to use a second communication network, which is more stable than the first communication network, among the multiple communication networks. Information processing program.

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