Communication control system, communication control device, and communication control method

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to give a notification to address factors causing a bottleneck underlying a communication issue in a service provision system for providing a service to a mobile object from a provider server. This communication control system (1) or communication control device comprises an identification unit (1a) for identifying a bottleneck underlying a communication issue in a service provision system for providing a service to a mobile object from a provider server. The communication control system (1) or communication control device comprises a determination unit (1b) which determines a control method on the basis of the bottleneck identified by the identification unit (1a), and a reporting unit (1c) which reports the control method determined by the determination unit (1b) to a report recipient, which is a main control element for performing control according to said control method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control system, a communication control device, and a communication control method.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, Patent Document 1 discloses an edge host computer device. The edge host computer device predicts a response delay time of a specific service based on a calculation delay time required for information processing from receiving a request for the specific service until responding, and a communication delay time required for communication between a terminal device that requests the specific service and the own device. The edge host computer device determines an edge host computer device that provides the specific service based on the response delay time answered from another edge host computer device and the predicted response delay time. The edge host computer device performs settings for the determined edge host computer device to provide the specific service.

[0003] As another related technology, Patent Document 2 discloses a monitoring system that includes a monitoring device and a forwarding device for appropriately determining the congestion status of a specific network in packet communication. The forwarding device forwards packets communicated between the user terminal and the server at the connection point between the first network on the user terminal side and the second network on the server side, and further forwards the packets to the monitoring device. The monitoring device analyzes the packets communicated between the user terminal and the server, and based on the results of the analysis, determines the packet loss in the first network of the packets forwarded between the user terminal and the server. Based on the packet loss in the first network, the monitoring device determines whether the first network is a bottleneck. The monitoring device also determines the packet loss in the second network of the packets forwarded between the user terminal and the server based on the results of the analysis. Based on the packet loss in the second network, the monitoring device determines whether the second network is a bottleneck. The monitoring device is configured to disclose this determination result upon instruction from a user terminal or a terminal for the network administrator.

[0004] As another related technology, Patent Document 3 discloses an information system comprising multiple application servers and database servers, which performs appropriate load control according to the transaction processing time of each application server. The information system comprises a processing time monitoring unit, a bottleneck identification unit, and a load control unit. The processing time monitoring unit monitors the processing time for each application server, specifically the time it takes for an application program to process transactions received by that application server. Based on the monitoring results of the processing time for each application server, the bottleneck identification unit identifies whether there is a bottleneck in an application server whose processing time is outside a predetermined acceptable range. The load control unit reduces the degree of concurrency in which application programs are executed on application servers identified as having a bottleneck. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-137067 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 141785 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2005 / 041038 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] As described above, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the edge host computer device determines which edge host computer device to connect to the terminal device and changes the connection destination based on the service response delay time, which consists of the calculation delay time and the communication delay time. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 merely switches edge host computer devices based on the service response delay time without identifying the cause of the delay, and therefore does not lead to the fundamental elimination of the cause of the delay.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 allows a user or network administrator to check from a terminal whether the first network or the second network is the bottleneck. However, while the technology described in Patent Document 2 can determine which network is the bottleneck, it requires the user or network administrator to check the determination result and perform a network selection operation; it does not allow for automatic handling by the system.

[0008] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 3 identifies which application server has a bottleneck based on the monitoring results of the processing time for each application server, and reduces the degree of concurrency in which application programs are executed on the identified server. However, delay factors may include other factors besides application server processing, such as network delays. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 3 cannot fundamentally address other factors such as network delays, as there are situations where a single application server cannot handle the delay depending on the cause.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to provide a communication control system, a communication control device, and a communication control method that can notify a service provider system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile device to address bottlenecks in communication problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the Disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a communication control system. The communication control system includes identification means for identifying a bottleneck in a communication problem in a service provision system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile entity, and determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the identification means. The communication control system also includes notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is a control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means.

[0011] This disclosure provides, in a second aspect, a communication control device. The communication control device includes identification means for identifying a bottleneck in a communication problem in a service provision system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile entity, and determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the identification means. The communication control device also includes notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is a control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means.

[0012] This disclosure provides, in a third aspect, a communication control method. The communication control method performs a specification process to identify a bottleneck in a communication problem in a service provision system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile entity, and performs a determination process to determine a control method according to the bottleneck identified in the specification process. The communication control method performs a notification process to notify a notification recipient, which will be the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined in the determination process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a communication control system, a communication control device, and a communication control method that can notify a service provider system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile entity to address bottlenecks in communication problems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication control system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a communication control device, which is one example of the configuration of a communication control system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control method in the communication control system shown in Figure 1 or the communication control device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows another example configuration of the communication control system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows one example configuration of the mobile body in the configuration example shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the communication control system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a correspondence table used in the processing example shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows yet another configuration example of the communication control system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9]It is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the communication control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of a communication control method in a communication control system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified for clarity of explanation. In each of the following drawings, the same elements and similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0016] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control system 1 according to the present embodiment can include a specifying unit (specifying means) 1a, a determining unit (determining means) 1b, and a notification unit (notification means) 1c.

[0017] The communication control system 1 can be provided in a service providing system that provides a service from a provider server to a moving body, and is a system for solving communication problems in such a service providing system.

[0018] Examples of the above moving body can include land vehicles such as pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles (taxis, buses, trucks, etc., regardless of their use), work vehicles other than automobiles, and railways. Further, the above moving body can be an object that moves on water or underwater such as a ship or an underwater drone, or an object (aircraft) that moves in the air such as an aircraft or a flying drone. Further, the above moving body can be a mobile robot such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle).

[0019] Furthermore, the above-mentioned mobile object does not need to be equipped with the function of moving autonomously, the function of moving by operation by an operator, or the function of both. If the mobile object is equipped with the function of moving autonomously, it will perform automatic driving (autonomous driving) based on information from sensors mounted on the mobile object. In addition, the mobile object may be configured to be switchable between automatic driving and manual driving by an occupant (for example, a driver inside the vehicle in the case of an autonomous vehicle). In this case, the mobile object may be switched from manual driving to automatic driving, or from automatic driving to manual driving, in response to instructions sent from the provider server, for example, as a driving switching service provided by the provider server.

[0020] Examples of the services mentioned above include collision and other danger alert services, traffic congestion information distribution services, emergency vehicle approach notification services, dynamic map distribution services, the above-mentioned driving switching services, music distribution services, and video distribution services. Many other types of services are also available. These services can primarily be provided through application programs (hereinafter referred to as "applications"), but are not limited to this. The direction of information transmission may be from the provider server to the mobile device, or from the mobile device to the provider server. In other words, even when the provider server is the service provider, the source of information does not necessarily have to be the provider server; the source of information may be the mobile device. For example, video may be transmitted from a mobile device to the provider server in order to provide video or its analysis results to a third party using a relay service provided by the provider server.

[0021] The service provider server may, but is not limited to, an edge server such as a MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) server, which is located close to the mobile device to improve processing speed, including communication latency. In other words, the mobile device may, for example, select the service provider server to connect to in order to shorten communication latency, through control from the mobile device or other devices, but the server providing services to the mobile device may also be selected by methods other than this selection method.

[0022] The communication control system 1 can be configured by distributing the identification unit 1a, the determination unit 1b, and the notification unit 1c across multiple devices, and the method of distribution is not limited. For example, the communication control system 1 can be configured to include a device equipped with the identification unit 1a, a device equipped with the determination unit 1b, and a device equipped with the notification unit 1c. Each device may be configured as a computer device including hardware such as one or more processors and one or more memories. At least a portion of the functions of the parts provided in each device can be realized by one or more processors operating according to a program read from one or more memories.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication control system 1 can also be constructed as a single communication control device 2 comprising a specific unit 1a, a decision unit 1b, and a notification unit 1c, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a communication control device 2, which is an example of the configuration of the communication control system 1 in Figure 1. The communication control device 2 may be configured as a computer device including hardware such as one or more processors and one or more memories. At least some of the functions of each part within the communication control device 2 can be realized by one or more processors operating according to a program read from one or more memories. Also, the functions of each part of the communication control device 2 can be distributed and implemented in separate devices, and the method of distribution is not limited. For example, the communication control device 2 may be configured to include a device comprising a specific unit 1a, a device comprising a decision unit 1b, and a device comprising a notification unit 1c.

[0024] Next, we will explain each part 1a to 1c. The specific unit 1a identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem in the service provision system that provides services from the provider server to the mobile entity. The above-mentioned communication problem mainly refers to problems that cause delays or outages in providing services, and therefore, the bottleneck in the communication problem refers to the bottleneck factor among the factors that cause such delays or outages in providing services.

[0025] Factors that may cause delays or service disruptions include, for example, traffic load in the wireless communication section, high load or failures on the provider server and mobile devices, as well as wireless quality in the wireless communication section and the physical distance between the provider server and the mobile device.

[0026] Regardless of the method by which the identification unit 1a identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem or the information used for identification, the bottleneck can be identified in various ways using various information. For example, the identification unit 1a identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem based on information between devices included in the service provision system, including between the mobile device and the provider server.

[0027] Information used to identify bottlenecks is referred to as "identification target information." Examples of identification target information include network congestion, the time required for processing related to the service on each device, the processing priority for the service on each device, and the congestion status of processing on each device. Of course, identification target information may also include the source information from which such information can be confirmed.

[0028] Here, network congestion can be checked, for example, by communication packet information that shows communication packets sent and received between devices. For example, communication packet information can include various information such as the source IP (Internet Protocol) address, destination IP address, port number, and flags that indicate the content of the data, which are written in the header included in the communication packet. In addition, the time and priority required for processing related to the service at each device, and the degree of congestion at each device, can be obtained from the target device. Furthermore, the physical distance between the provider server and the mobile device can be calculated from information indicating the location of the provider server, which is stored in advance, and location information indicating the location of the mobile device, which is obtained from the mobile device.

[0029] Furthermore, while the identification unit 1a can perform bottleneck identification at predetermined intervals, it can also be configured to perform it when a predetermined criterion is met, such as when an error occurs.

[0030] The determination unit 1b determines a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the identification unit 1a. The control method determined here can be a control policy or it can include detailed control content. The device that primarily executes the control method determined by the determination unit 1b (control entity) will be explained as being determined by the notification unit 1c described later, but the determination unit 1b can also determine the control entity along with the control method.

[0031] The control method determined by the determination unit 1b may include changing the priority of communications related to the service in order to reduce the traffic load on communications other than the service in the target wireless communication section, or changing the wireless control method in order to improve the wireless quality in the target wireless communication section. The control method may also include relatively increasing the priority of the application related to the service on the target device (provider server or mobile device) in order to alleviate a high load on the provider server or mobile device. The control method may also include switching the provider server to a server with a lower processing load in order to alleviate a high load on the provider server, or to reduce network latency by shortening the physical distance between the provider server and the mobile device. As illustrated here, the determination unit 1b determines a control method in order to alleviate the identified bottleneck.

[0032] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the process of switching the source server (hereinafter referred to as the server switching process). The server switching process is the process of switching the source server from the server currently providing the service (also referred to as the source server) to the server to which the service will be switched (also referred to as the destination server). The communication control system 1 or the communication control device 2 may include a system equipped with a function for performing server switching processing, and such an example will be given for explanation, but this function is not mandatory and can also be provided in other systems connected to the communication control system 1 or the communication control device 2. Furthermore, this server switching process can be executed in the communication control system 1 or the communication control device 2 independently of the scenario in which it is executed as an example of the control method described above, for example, in conjunction with the movement of a mobile object.

[0033] When a server switching process is executed, the server to which the system will switch over to is determined. In principle, any criteria can be used to determine the server, including the selection of the server to which the system will switch over. For example, the server geographically closest to the mobile device may be selected as the server to which the system will switch over, or a server instructed by any server included in the communication control system 1 or other systems may be selected as the server to which the system will switch over. In any case, the server to which the system will switch over can be determined according to predetermined criteria. It is also possible to select a server on a cloud system as the server to which the system will switch over.

[0034] Furthermore, the server switching process can also be a process that causes the destination server to provide services related to the services that the source server was providing to the mobile entity. In other words, it is possible to change the services before and after the server switching process. For example, this can be seen when similar but different services are provided in different regions (for example, services provided by local governments, where only the provider differs). In this example, if the physical distance from the source server increases due to the mobile entity moving across regions, the service provided by the original region can be switched to an equivalent service provided by another region.

[0035] The notification unit 1c notifies the control entity that will be primarily responsible for executing the control method determined by the decision unit 1b. In practice, it is conceivable that there may be multiple control entities capable of executing the determined control method, so for the sake of distinction, the control entity that will be primarily responsible for executing the control method, that is, the control entity to which the notification unit 1c will notify, will be described as the "notification recipient." Furthermore, here it is explained that the control entity that will execute the control method described above, i.e., the notification recipient, is determined by the notification unit 1c.

[0036] The notification destination determined by the notification unit 1c is the control entity that primarily executes the control method determined by the determination unit 1b, and will basically differ depending on the control method. Candidate notification destinations can include, for example, the core network of the wireless communication used to provide the service (the core network system of the wireless communication network), the mobile entity enjoying the service, the provider server providing the service, or the switching destination server. In addition, candidate notification destinations can include management nodes such as management servers that manage the provider server or the switching destination server, or, if there is a higher-level server for the provider server in the service provision system, the candidate notification destination can also include that higher-level server. The number of server layers and the hierarchical structure for managing multiple servers that may be providers are not relevant. Furthermore, candidate notification destinations can include the device itself in which the notification unit 1c is installed (another part of the device).

[0037] Next, a communication control method in the communication control system 1 or communication control device 2 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above communication control method.

[0038] In this communication control method, first, the identification unit 1a performs an identification process to identify the bottleneck in the communication problem in the service provision system that provides services from the provider server to the mobile entity (step S1). Next, the decision unit 1b performs a decision process to determine a control method according to the bottleneck identified in the identification process (step S2). Then, the notification unit 1c performs a notification process to notify the notification recipient, which will be the control entity, of the control method determined in the decision process (step S3).

[0039] Based on the notification in step S3, the control entity that received the notification executes the control method determined in the decision process and resolves any communication problems that may be bottlenecks. The notification may include information indicating what control to execute, or the recipient may pre-determine what control to execute when the notification is received.

[0040] The processes in steps S1 to S3 can be executed at predetermined intervals, but are not limited to this. For example, they can be executed based on predetermined criteria, such as not being performed for a certain period immediately after a server switchover process is executed, or only being performed immediately after a server switchover process is executed. Furthermore, the processes in steps S1 to S3 can be executed as a set until the bottleneck is eliminated, thereby allowing major communication problems to be resolved sequentially.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the bottleneck in the communication problem is identified, a control method corresponding to the identified bottleneck is determined, and the control entity is notified. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to notify a service provision system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile entity to address the factors that constitute a bottleneck in the communication problem.

[0042] Next, referring to Figures 4 to 7, we will explain other configuration examples of the communication control system 1 in Figure 1, providing more specific operational examples. First, we will refer to Figures 4 and 5 to give an overview of such configuration examples. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the communication control system 1 in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of a mobile unit in the configuration example in Figure 4, illustrating mainly the information processing equipment mounted on the mobile unit.

[0043] The communication control system 100 illustrated in Figure 4 includes a service provision system that provides services from a provider server to a mobile device 50, and comprises a communication control device 20, which is an example of a communication control device 2, a core network 40, base stations 42a and 42b, and servers A (30a) and B (30b) located at two locations. Base stations 42a and 42b are wireless base stations or wireless relay stations connected to the core network 40 to perform wireless communication. In Figure 4, the white arrows indicate the direction of travel of the mobile device 50.

[0044] Server A (30a) and Server B (30b) are servers capable of providing services to the mobile unit 50 (i.e., servers that can be service providers), and are connected to base stations 42a and 42b, respectively, which are connected to the communication control device 20 via the core network 40. Base stations such as base stations 42a and 42b, which are connected to servers such as Server A (30a) and Server B (30b) that can be service providers, can be scattered in a manner similar to an intersection.

[0045] Of course, the communication control device 20 may be connected to servers located at three or more locations. The communication control system 100 may also include a server 31, which is an example of a higher-level server for servers A (30a) and B (30b), and this server 31 may also be configured to provide services to the mobile device 50. Here, the above-mentioned higher-level server is, for example, a server that manages the information used by servers A (30a) and B (30b) in providing services, and is configured to provide services to the mobile device 50. Furthermore, the communication control device 20 may be connected to servers A (30a), B (30b), and 31, etc., without going through the core network 40.

[0046] Furthermore, the following explanation will describe an example where Server A (30a) is the source server and Server B (30b) is the destination server when a server switching process is performed. In other words, in this example, Server A (30a) is the server currently providing services to the mobile device 50, while Server B (30b) is the server that will provide services after the switchover to the destination server.

[0047] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, in the communication control system 100, cameras (for example, roadside cameras installed on the roadside) and location information transmission devices may also be placed at locations where base station 42a connected to server A (30a) is installed, and at locations where base station 42b connected to server B (30b) is installed. In this way, the communication control system 100 may also include equipment installed as part of the traffic infrastructure, such as information acquisition equipment installed along the route in which the mobile body 50 travels. However, the servers, location information transmission devices, and cameras do not need to be located at the same location, and the geographical distances at which the servers are installed and the geographical distances at which the cameras, etc., are installed can be different. The servers, location information transmission devices, and cameras may be connected to the communication control device 20 via the same network, or they may be connected to the communication control device 20 via different networks.

[0048] Furthermore, the mobile unit 50 providing the service can consist of multiple units. In this case, the communication control device 20 can perform tasks such as identifying bottlenecks, determining control methods, and notifying the control entity for each set of mobile unit 50 and provider server.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication control system 100 may include a management server 32 that comprehensively manages multiple servers that could be source servers via the core network 40. For example, if the source server is an MEC server, the management server 32 can be an MEC orchestrator or the like. Also, Figure 4 shows an example in which the management server 32 is equipped with a communication control device 20, but of course, it is acceptable as long as the management server 32 includes the functions of the communication control device 20 as part of its functions.

[0050] The core network 40 can be, for example, the core network system of a wireless communication network using communication line standards such as the 5th generation mobile communication system, LTE (Long Term Evolution), local 5G, 4G, or 3G. In the case of the 5th generation mobile communication system, the core network 40 can be called 5GC (5th Generation Core network). In the case of 5GC, the connection between a base station example, gNB (g Node B), and a server is made via UPF (User Plane Function). The UPF is a node that plays a role in processing user plane data in a 5G system and can be a dedicated hardware device.

[0051] Furthermore, an external network 60, such as the Internet network, can be connected to the core network 40. The communication control device 20 can also obtain information that can help identify bottlenecks (for example, weather information or earthquake occurrence information) from an information provision server connected to the external network 60 via the core network 40. As in this example, the communication control system 100 can obtain information for identifying bottlenecks via the core network 40, and can also notify the control entity via the core network 40.

[0052] However, the acquisition of information for identifying bottlenecks and notification to the control entity can also be configured to bypass the core network 40. In other words, the communication control system 100 can include other network systems that construct networks that do not go through the core network 40, such as a WiFi® standard network system. The communication control device 20 can also send and receive information with these other network systems.

[0053] In Figures 4 and beyond, an example is shown where the mobile entity 50 to which the service is provided is a vehicle, and the explanation is based on the premise that the mobile entity 50 is a vehicle. However, the service is not limited to this, and the service may be provided to other types of mobile entities. For example, a mobile communication terminal device such as a smartphone brought in by a passenger on the mobile entity 50 can also be considered the mobile entity to which the service is provided. In that case, by connecting the mobile communication terminal device to the mobile entity 50 by wire or wireless connection, it is possible to acquire vehicle information such as the vehicle speed of the mobile entity 50 and information indicating the surrounding conditions, as described later.

[0054] Prior to describing the communication control device 20, we will now describe an example of the configuration of an information processing device mounted on a mobile device 50 in an example where the mobile device 50 is the target of the service, referring to Figure 5.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the mobile unit 50 may be equipped with a surrounding monitoring sensor 51, a vehicle sensor 52, a vehicle control ECU (Electric Control Unit) 53, an autonomous driving ECU 54, a communication device 55, and a service provision device 56. In the mobile unit 50, these components are configured to communicate with each other via an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network), etc.

[0056] The surrounding monitoring sensor 51 is a sensor that monitors the surrounding conditions of the moving object 50. In the following description, the surrounding monitoring sensor 51 will be described using a camera as an example, but it is not limited to this. Examples of surrounding monitoring sensors 51 include cameras, depth sensors, radar, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The surrounding monitoring sensor 51 may include, for example, multiple cameras that capture images of the front, rear, right side, and left side of the vehicle. The surrounding monitoring sensor 51 may also include a camera that captures images of the inside of the moving object 50, and may also include a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature.

[0057] The vehicle sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting various states of the mobile body 50, i.e., vehicle information of the mobile body 50. The vehicle sensor 52 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting vehicle speed, a steering sensor for detecting steering angle, an accelerator pedal position sensor for detecting accelerator pedal opening, and a brake pedal force sensor for detecting brake pedal depression. The vehicle sensor 52 or the surrounding monitoring sensor 51 may include a position information sensor that acquires position information of the mobile body 50, which can be exemplified by a satellite positioning sensor such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0058] The vehicle control ECU 53 is an electronic control unit that performs functions such as controlling the movement of the mobile unit 50. Generally, an electronic control unit comprises a processor, memory, I / O (Input / Output), and a bus connecting these. Based on sensor information output by the vehicle sensor 52, the vehicle control ECU 53 performs various controls, such as controlling the fuel injection amount, controlling the engine ignition timing, and controlling the amount of power steering assist.

[0059] The autonomous driving ECU 54 is an electronic control unit that controls the autonomous driving of the mobile unit 50. The autonomous driving ECU 54 acquires sensor information from the surrounding monitoring sensor 51 and the vehicle sensor 52, and controls the autonomous driving of the mobile unit 50 based on the acquired sensor information.

[0060] The communication device 55 is configured as a device for wireless communication between the mobile unit 50 and base stations 42a and 42b. The communication device 55 includes, as a hardware configuration, a wireless communication antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver. The communication device 55 also includes a processor, memory, I / O, and a bus connecting these components. The functions of each part within the communication device 55 are realized, for example, by executing a control program stored in memory using the processor.

[0061] The service provision device 56 is a device that receives services from server A(30a) and provides services to the inside of the mobile unit 50 or to the operator of the mobile unit 50, and can be composed of an ECU or CPU, etc. The process of providing this service can also be carried out by making the service provision program executable in a general-purpose information processing device. In addition, the service provision device 56 can also be incorporated into other devices mounted on the mobile unit 50, such as a navigation system, as a service provision program, for example.

[0062] Depending on the type of service, the service provider 56 can notify the vehicle control ECU 53 or the autonomous driving ECU 54 to trigger an alert in the vehicle's systems, or it can provide the service from a display unit or audio output unit provided in a separately installed navigation system or the like.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, the communication control device 20 includes a specific unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a notification unit 25, corresponding to the specific unit 1a, the determination unit 1b, and the notification unit 1c, respectively, and may also include a storage unit 21 and a selection unit 24. Although not shown, the control entity to which the notification unit 25 is sent will have a control unit that receives the notification and executes control of the control method. Although not shown, the communication control device 20 may also include an information acquisition unit that acquires specific target information. Furthermore, the functions of each part of the communication control device 20 can be distributed and implemented in separate devices, and the method of distribution is not limited. For example, the communication control device 20 can be configured to include a device with a storage unit 21, a device with a specific unit 22, a device with a determination unit 23, a device with a selection unit 24, and a device with a notification unit 25.

[0064] The memory unit 21 temporarily stores the specific target information acquired by the information acquisition unit and used by the identification unit 22. The memory unit 21 can also store the correspondence relationships used by the identification unit 22 to identify bottlenecks according to the specific target information, and the correspondence relationships between the identified bottlenecks and the control methods determined by the decision unit 23. The memory unit 21 can also store the correspondence relationships between the determined control methods and the control entities capable of executing the control by that control method, and these correspondence relationships can be used by the selection unit 24 as described later.

[0065] The identification unit 22 identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem in the service provision system that provides services from server A(30a) to mobile device 50 based on the identified target information. Factors that cause communication problems include, as mentioned above, traffic load in the wireless communication section, high load or failure of server A(30a) and mobile device 50, as well as wireless quality in the wireless communication section and the physical distance between server A(30a) and mobile device 50.

[0066] The identification unit 22 can identify, based on the identified target information, whether the communication problem is caused by a bottleneck in the wireless communication section, server A(30a), or mobile unit 50. The identification unit 22 can also identify the bottleneck in more detail. For example, regarding the wireless communication section, the identification unit 22 can identify whether the bottleneck is traffic load or wireless quality. Furthermore, regarding server A(30a), the identification unit 22 can identify whether the bottleneck is the load on server A(30a) or the physical distance to the mobile unit 50. The latter, physical distance, can also be considered as an example where both server A(30a) and mobile unit 50 are bottlenecks. When mobile unit 50 is the bottleneck, it means that the load on mobile unit 50 is the bottleneck.

[0067] Examples of information used to identify bottlenecks include network congestion, the time required for processing the service on each device, the processing priority for the service on each device, and the congestion status of processing on each device. Alternatively, the information used to identify bottlenecks may also include information that can be confirmed through analysis or other means.

[0068] Specifically, the identified target information may include communication packet information (which may also include communication packet information between the core network 40 and base station 42a) of communications between server A(30a) and mobile device 50. Measured communication packet information can be said to represent the communication traffic at the time of measurement. However, it is also possible to obtain traffic information that indicates communication traffic using information other than communication packet information and use that as the identified target information. Traffic information includes, for example, the amount of data exchanged between server A(30a) and mobile device 50, the amount of delay, the transmission error rate, and the retransmission rate. Communication packet information and other traffic information can be obtained from the core network 40, server A(30a), or mobile device 50, but the acquisition route and method of communication packets are not specified.

[0069] The identified target information may also include surrounding information that indicates the environment surrounding the mobile body 50. Since the movement of the mobile body 50 is accompanied by relative changes in the surrounding environment, the surrounding environment may also include information regarding the movement of the mobile body 50 itself. Here, the surrounding information can be information that indicates objects and environments that physically exist around the mobile body 50, for example, buildings that may cause radio interference such as high-rise buildings, weather and temperature, and earthquake occurrence information. Radio conditions can change depending on the weather and temperature, and if an earthquake has occurred, the wireless communication section may be congested or experiencing interference, so it is useful to use this information as identified target information.

[0070] This surrounding information can be obtained from the mobile unit 50 or server A(30a) as information such as location information obtained from surrounding monitoring sensors 51, including location information sensors, and vehicle sensors 52. Furthermore, this surrounding information can also be obtained from other mobile units in the vicinity of the mobile unit 50, or from camera images (video data) captured by cameras installed at various locations, obtained from the location information transmission device or server A(30a). Additionally, this surrounding information can be obtained from an information provision server connected to the external network 60.

[0071] However, the acquisition route and method of surrounding information are not restricted. Surrounding information can be acquired by the RSU (Road Side Unit) from information exchanged via vehicle-to-vehicle communication such as C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle to Everything) communication. The communication control device 20 can also acquire surrounding information by receiving information from the RSU.

[0072] Of course, peripheral information can be information obtained from one or more of the example information sources. Furthermore, peripheral information can be information obtained from multiple devices for a single type of source. For example, peripheral information can be obtained from multiple information acquisition devices installed at different locations, or from multiple information providing servers that provide different information.

[0073] As described above, the method by which the identification unit 22 identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem is not limited, nor is the method of identifying which factor is the bottleneck when there are multiple factors causing the communication problem. For example, the bottleneck can be identified by converting each factor into a common indicator such as a delay level and comparing the delay levels of each factor. Alternatively, each factor can be ranked in advance, and the factor with the highest rank among the factors that occurred can be identified as the bottleneck.

[0074] The decision unit 23 determines, if the wireless communication section is a bottleneck, to execute a predetermined wireless control as a control method. The predetermined wireless control can be any control that can eliminate the bottleneck, and its content is not limited.

[0075] For example, if traffic load is a bottleneck, the decision unit 23 can decide to control the communication control device 20 to instruct the core network 40 to change the priority in the core network 40. If the core network 40 is 5GC, the decision unit 23 can decide to instruct, for example, the NEF (Network Exposure Function) to change the priority. The priority change here can be a change that raises the priority of the target communication over other communications in the core network system, and in the case of 5GC, it means raising the 5G Quality of Service Identifier (5QI). Even if the NEF is designated as the recipient (notification recipient) and the NEF is instructed to change the priority, for example, the 5GC may ultimately instruct the base station 42a to change the priority, and the base station 42a may then change the priority.

[0076] If wireless quality is the bottleneck, the control that prioritizes the above-mentioned actions will not resolve the issue. Therefore, the decision unit 23 decides to perform wireless control such as changing the wireless frequency or changing the cell (changing the base station).

[0077] Specifically, we will give an example of wireless control when wireless quality is the bottleneck, but multiple examples can be combined. The decision unit 23 can make a decision to instruct the communication control device 20 to the core network 40 (e.g., a 5GC NEF) or base station 42a, etc., to perform the following wireless control. As for the wireless control here, for example, a control that switches to another frequency, such as switching to Sub6 when millimeter waves are being used. Another example of control is to instruct a change in the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) to lower the multi-level modulation level in order to prevent retransmission in the wireless communication section. Another example of control is to concentrate the signal from base station 42a to the mobile device 50 side by beamforming, and various other controls can be adopted. Yet another example of control is to change the base station 42a communicating with the mobile device 50 to, for example, base station 42b.

[0078] The decision unit 23 determines that if server A(30a) is the bottleneck, it will execute a predetermined server control as the control method. A bottleneck in server A(30a) can refer to a situation where the processing load of server A(30a) is the bottleneck, or where the long physical distance to the mobile device 50 and the resulting large network transmission delay are the bottleneck.

[0079] The above are examples of predetermined server control, but multiple examples can be combined. For example, as server control, a control can be adopted to increase the processing priority of the target application within Server A (30a). As another example of server control, a control can be adopted to increase the processing priority of the target recipient (mobile device 50). In these two examples, for example, if Server A (30a) is operating in a virtualized environment, the processing priority can be increased by increasing the computing resources allocated, such as CPU and memory. As another example of server control, a control can be adopted on Server A (30a) to terminate low-priority applications, or to offload low-priority applications to other servers.

[0080] Another example of server control is server switching control, which switches the source server from server A(30a) to a destination server such as server B(30b). This server switching control is a control that executes the process described as server switching processing, and can be applied whether the processing load of server A(30a) is the bottleneck, or whether the long physical distance to the mobile unit 50 is the bottleneck.

[0081] As a concrete example of server switching control, for instance, a control method can be employed that instructs the target server to execute the target application. Alternatively, as server switching control, a control method can be employed in which the communication control device 20 or server A (30a) or the target server instructs the target application to be moved to the target server, and then instructs the target server to execute the target application.

[0082] The instruction to execute the target application on the destination server may include instructions to change the routing (change the communication path) or change the communication address to the core network 40 in order to establish a communication path between the mobile device 50 and the new server (destination server). The destination of this instruction can be the core network 40. In the case of 5GC, it is preferable to control the routing within 5GC via NEF. This routing control makes it possible to configure the system so that communication packets flow to different servers even with the same IP address (so that the routing changes and communication packets flow to the desired server). As a result, the mobile device 50 can now receive services from server A (30a) via the route shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, instead of the solid line in Figure 4.

[0083] Furthermore, when selecting the target server for switching, for example, considering the processing load of the server controlled by the communication control device 20 and the physical distance to the mobile unit 50, a server with a low processing load and a short physical distance can be selected as a server that is likely to meet the acceptable delay. However, the method of selecting the target server for switching is not limited to this; for example, the server to be used as the target server can be predetermined during server switching control for the source server.

[0084] The decision unit 23 determines, if the mobile body 50 is a bottleneck, to execute a predetermined mobile body control (terminal control) as a control method.

[0085] The above are examples of predetermined mobile device control, but multiple examples can be combined. For example, as mobile device control, a control that increases the processing priority of the target application within the mobile device 50 can be adopted. For example, if the mobile device 50 is operating in a virtualized environment, the processing priority can be increased by increasing the computing resources allocated, such as CPU and memory. Another example of mobile device control is a control that terminates low-priority applications within the mobile device 50.

[0086] Another example of mobile device control is server switching control, which switches the source server from server A (30a) to a destination server such as server B (30b). This server switching control is a control that executes the process described as server switching processing.

[0087] The notification unit 25 notifies the control entity that will be primarily responsible for executing the control method determined by the decision unit 23. The recipient of the notification (control entity) is as exemplified in the example of the control method. Here, only the example of a control entity when the server processing load is the bottleneck will be explained in supplementary information.

[0088] In this case, the controlling entity can be server A(30a), and server A(30a), which is running an application and has been notified of the control method, can determine and execute the control method in a way that is optimal as an autonomous distributed device. Alternatively, for example, if control is required that is outside the authority of server A(30a), that is, if server A(30a) alone cannot resolve the issue, the controlling entity can be a higher-level server 31 or management server 32. In this case, server 31 or management server 32, which has been notified of the control method, can determine from a holistic perspective that the control method will be optimal for the entire system, including the multiple servers it manages, and execute the control method.

[0089] In any of these examples, the control entity notified of the control method should make decisions to distribute the processing load across servers A(30a), B(30b), and 31. The management server 32 can be equipped with the function to collect information such as the processing load of all target servers in order to control servers such as server A(30a) that may be service providers, and can therefore make decisions that are optimal overall. For example, if the problem is with the processing load of server A(30a), the management server 32 should adjust the load balancing between server A(30a) and server B(30b), and if the problem is with the processing load of server 31, it should adjust the load balancing between server 31 and servers of the same layer.

[0090] Let's look at a more specific example of a control entity for 5GC. By using the RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) mechanism of O-RAN (Open-Radio Access Network), the notification destination that will act as the control entity can be determined to be the gNB, which is an example of base station 42a. In this case, the MEC server, which is an example of server A (30a), can cooperate with the near RT (Real Time) RIC and Non-RT RIC defined in O-RAN to directly instruct the gNB and control it as defined in the control method. Alternatively, if the gNB is a base station that supports the near RT RIC mechanism, the MEC server can also be determined as the notification destination. In that case, the MEC server that receives the notification can cooperate with the near RT RIC to perform radio control as defined in the control method.

[0091] Furthermore, since there may be multiple control entities (candidates for notification) capable of executing the determined control method, the notification unit 25 will notify the control entity (notification recipient) that will actually execute the control method. Candidates for notification may include, for example, the core network 40, the mobile unit 50, server A (30a), or a management node such as a switching target server, a management server that manages server A (30a) or the switching target server, or a higher-level server. Candidates for notification may also include the device itself (another part of the device) in which the notification unit 25 is installed.

[0092] The process of selecting a notification destination from a list of candidate destinations can be performed by the selection unit 24. In the configuration example described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the notification unit 1c was described as determining the notification destination. However, in the configuration example described here, the communication control device 20 is equipped with a selection unit 24, and the selection unit 24 selects the notification destination, that is, the selection unit 24 determines the notification destination. The selection unit 24 can be incorporated as part of the notification unit 25. Alternatively, if a configuration is adopted in which the determination unit 23 determines not only the control method but also the notification destination, the selection unit 24 can also be incorporated as part of the determination unit 23.

[0093] The selection unit 24 selects a notification destination from among the control entities capable of executing the control method determined by the decision unit 23, according to the correspondence between the control method and the control entities capable of executing the control method. This correspondence can be stored in advance in the storage unit 21, as described above. Basically, the selection unit 24 should select one control entity from among the control entities capable of eliminating the bottleneck factor as the notification destination, according to the above correspondence.

[0094] Furthermore, the selection unit 24 can also select a notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the scope of impact of the control method, and at least one of the service quality required for the service being provided. For example, the selection unit 24 can determine whether or not the bottleneck can be resolved based on the above correspondence, the time required for control, the scope of impact of the control, and at least one of the service quality, and decide to notify one control entity that can resolve the bottleneck. The time required for control is the time required until the bottleneck can be resolved.

[0095] The scope of the above-mentioned impacts could include, for example, the degree of load on the target server if server switching control is the chosen control method. Maintaining the required service quality is important for the services provided, so it is beneficial to optimize the entire system by considering service quality, rather than just focusing on the load on the equipment, such as processing while being concerned with resources. For this reason, it is beneficial to refer to the service quality of the target service. For example, if a critical or high-priority application is providing a service, it can be run on a server with sufficient processing load capacity while considering service quality, from the perspective of overall optimization. In that case, the notification destination can be selected to a server with such capacity, such as the management server 32, which can issue a switching instruction.

[0096] Next, the communication in Figure 4 control The processing flow in system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the communication control system 100 shown in Figure 4, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table used in the processing example in Figure 6, and is an example of information indicating correspondences stored in the memory unit 21. Note that the flow described below is merely one example, and various examples described above can be applied.

[0097] First, the identification unit 22 identifies the bottleneck in the communication problem based on the identified target information acquired and temporarily stored in the storage unit 21 (step S11). In step S11, it identifies whether the bottleneck lies in the wireless communication section (a), the processing load of the provider server (b: excluding (c)), the distance between the provider server and the mobile device (c), or the processing load of the mobile device (d). Regarding a above, it also identifies whether the bottleneck lies in the traffic load of the wireless communication section (a-1) or in the communication quality of the wireless communication section (a-2).

[0098] The determination unit 23, upon receiving the identification result from the identification unit 22, determines whether or not there is a bottleneck for each of the above a to d (steps S12, S14, S16, S18).

[0099] If the answer in step S12 is YES, the correspondence table in Figure 7 is referred to, and a predetermined wireless control is decided to be executed (step S13), and the notification destination that will be the controlling entity is notified (step S20). In step S13, the determination unit 23 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 based on the result of identifying which of a-1 or a-2 above is the bottleneck, and decides to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the traffic load is the bottleneck, it decides to execute a control to increase (enhance) the priority of the target wireless communication, and if the wireless communication quality is the bottleneck, it decides to execute a control to change the wireless control, such as a frequency change control. In either case, in step S20, the notification unit 25 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 and decides the core network 40 to be the controlling entity that will be the notification destination.

[0100] If the answer in step S14 is YES, the system refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 to determine the execution of a predetermined server control (step S15) and notifies the notification recipient that will be the controlling entity (step S20). In step S15, the determination unit 23 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 based on the identified result that the processing load of the providing server (in this example, server A (30a)) is a bottleneck, and determines server control that will increase the priority of the target application. In this case, in step S20, the notification unit 25 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 to determine server A (30a) as the notification recipient that will be the controlling entity.

[0101] If the answer in step S16 is YES, the system refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 to determine the execution of a predetermined server switching control (step S17) and notifies the notification recipient that will be the controlling entity (step S20). In step S17, the decision unit 23 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 based on the identified result that the physical distance between the provider server (in this example, server A (30a)) and the mobile device 50 is a bottleneck. The decision unit 23 then determines a server switching control that switches the provider server to a server that is physically closer to the mobile device 50 (for example, server B (30b)). In this case, in step S20, the notification unit 25 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 to determine the management server 32 that manages the service-providing servers such as server A (30a) as the notification recipient that will be the controlling entity.

[0102] If the answer in step S18 is YES, the correspondence table in Figure 7 is referred to, and a predetermined mobile body control is decided to be executed (step S19), and the notification destination that will be the controlling entity is notified (step S20). In step S19, the determination unit 23 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 based on the identified result, such as the processing load of the mobile body 50 being a bottleneck, and decides on a mobile body control that will increase the priority of the target application on the mobile body 50. In this case, in step S20, the notification unit 25 refers to the correspondence table in Figure 7 and decides that the mobile body 50 will be the notification destination that will be the controlling entity.

[0103] Regardless of whether step S12, S14, S16, or S18 is performed before step S20 is executed, if a notification destination is determined in step S20, the communication control device 20 notifies that destination of the control method. The control method is then executed at the notification destination, and the bottleneck is eliminated. The order of the processes in steps S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, and S18, S19 does not matter.

[0104] Furthermore, the processes in steps S11 to S20 can be executed based on predetermined criteria, such as by executing them at predetermined intervals, as illustrated in the process shown in Figure 3. Additionally, the processes in steps S11 to S20 can be executed as a set until the bottleneck is eliminated, allowing for the sequential resolution of major communication problems.

[0105] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the correspondence table in Figure 7 shows an example where there is a one-to-one correspondence between the control method and the control entity. However, it is also possible to describe multiple candidates that could be the control entity for a single control method. In that case, the selection unit 24 can also select a notification recipient based on at least one of the following: the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service being provided.

[0106] Furthermore, the communication control device 20 in the communication control system 100 shown in Figure 4 can be incorporated into server 31, as in the communication control system 200 shown in Figure 8, or into server A (30a), as in the communication control system 300 shown in Figure 9. Figures 8 and 9 are block diagrams showing yet another configuration example of the communication control system 1 shown in Figure 1. Note that the communication control device 20 can also be incorporated into server B (30b). Of course, the communication control device 20 can be incorporated into multiple servers.

[0107] The communication control system 200 illustrated in Figure 8, the communication control system 300 illustrated in Figure 9, and the communication control system 100 illustrated in Figure 4 will have different notification destinations depending on the identified bottleneck. Therefore, it is advisable to set the notification destinations according to the system configuration in which the communication control system is built. Furthermore, the control method determined by the communication control systems 100, 200, and 300 may also change depending on the identified bottleneck. Therefore, similar to the notification destinations, it is advisable to set the control method determined by the system configuration in which the communication control system is built according to the system configuration.

[0108] As described above, the communication control system or communication control device according to this embodiment can be used to address communication bottlenecks in a service provision system that provides services to mobile entities by deploying base stations and servers that can act as service providers at each intersection. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to provide notifications to address factors that cause communication bottlenecks in such a service provision system. For example, as described with reference to Figures 4 to 8, in this embodiment, communication problems such as delays can be subdivided and analyzed, bottlenecks can be identified, and appropriate control can be implemented to resolve those bottlenecks.

[0109] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be explained with reference to the configuration example in Figure 4, focusing on the differences in operation compared to the configuration example in Figure 4 of the first embodiment. However, various examples described in the first embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

[0110] In this embodiment, the selection unit 24 determines whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved when server A(30a) is selected as the control entity that can execute according to the correspondence relationship, such as the correspondence table in Figure 7. This determination can also be, for example, whether it can be resolved within a predetermined time. Furthermore, this determination can be made using either a method that predicts the outcome in advance without actually performing control using the determined control method, or a method that determines the outcome as a result of actually performing control using the determined control method.

[0111] Then, if the selection unit 24 determines that the cause cannot be resolved, it selects one notification destination (selects it as the control entity) from among the management node, such as the management server 32 that manages server A(30a), and several other servers. In order to enable such a selection, the above correspondence only needs to describe server A(30a), the management node, and several other servers as control entities that can execute with respect to the cause. If the cause is something that only server A(30a) can resolve, for example, server A(30a) can be selected as the notification destination again and prompted to retry on server A(30a).

[0112] Here, "multiple other servers" refers to servers that are different from Server A(30a) and capable of providing services. In the example in Figure 4, this could refer to, for example, Server B(30b) and Server 31. Thus, in this embodiment, even if Server A(30a) is the device that identified the bottleneck, the control method will be notified to the other devices.

[0113] For example, if the selection unit 24 determines that the cause cannot be resolved by server A (30a), it can select one notification destination from among the management node and several other servers, depending on the time required for control by the control method (i.e., the response time for resolving the bottleneck). In this example, if the cause cannot be resolved by server A (30a), the control entity that executes the control method determined by the decision unit 23 can be changed according to the above response time.

[0114] Alternatively, if the selection unit 24 determines that the cause cannot be resolved by server A(30a), it can also select one notification destination from among the management node and several other servers (for example, server B(30b), server 31) depending on the load of those servers. This is because the time required for response varies depending on the load of the several other servers. In this example, if the cause cannot be resolved by server A(30a), the control entity that executes the control method determined by the decision unit 23 can be changed depending on the load of the several other servers. In this example, since information about the load of several other servers can be monitored by the management server 32 in the configuration example of Figure 4, it is preferable from a system configuration standpoint that the management server 32, which has the information about the load, is selected as the notification destination. However, even in this example, server B(30b) and server 31 can also be selected as notification destinations.

[0115] An example of this communication control method will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control method in the communication control system according to this embodiment.

[0116] In this communication control method, first, the identification unit 22 performs an identification process to identify the bottleneck in the communication problem in the service provision system that provides services from the provider server to the mobile entity (step S31). Next, the determination unit 23 performs a determination process to determine the control method according to the bottleneck identified in the identification process (step S32). The process in step S32 can also be replaced by, for example, the processes in steps S12 to S19 of Figure 6.

[0117] Following step S32, the selection unit 24 determines, for example, from the correspondence table in Figure 7, whether the provider server (in this example, server A (30a)) has been selected as the control entity to execute the control method determined in the decision process (step S33).

[0118] The correspondence table in Figure 7 shows an example where there is a one-to-one correspondence between a control method and a control entity. However, it is also possible to describe multiple candidates that could be the control entity for a single control method. In that case, the selection unit 24 can select a notification destination based on at least one of the following: the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service being provided. In step S33, it is also possible to determine whether the notification destination selected in this way is the provider server. Alternatively, if multiple candidates that could be the control entity are described for a single control method, the selection unit 24 can also determine in step S33 whether the provider server is included among those candidates.

[0119] If the answer in step S33 is NO, the notification unit 25 executes a notification process to notify the notification destination (in this case, server A (30a)) which will be the control entity of the decision process (step S36).

[0120] If the answer in step S33 is YES, the selection unit 24 determines whether it is possible to resolve the bottleneck on the provider server (step S34). If the answer in step S34 is YES, the notification unit 25 executes a notification process to notify the notification destination (in this case, server A (30a)) which will be the control entity, of the control method determined in the decision process (step S36).

[0121] On the other hand, if the answer in step S34 is NO, the selection unit 34 determines the notification destination to be a management node or another server (step S35), and the notification unit 25 executes a notification process to notify the notification destination, which will be the controlling entity, of the control method determined in the decision process (step S36). The decision in step S35 can be made based on predetermined criteria. For example, the selection unit 24 can determine the notification destination from among the management node or other servers based on at least one of the following: the time required for control by the control method, the scope of impact of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service being provided.

[0122] Then, based on the notification in step S36, the control entity that received the notification executes the control method determined in the decision process and resolves any communication problems that may be bottlenecks. The notification may include information indicating what kind of control to execute, or the recipient of the notification may pre-determine what kind of control to execute when the notification is received.

[0123] Furthermore, the processes in steps S31 to S36 can be executed based on predetermined criteria, such as by executing them at predetermined intervals, as illustrated in the process shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the processes in steps S31 to S36 can be executed as a set until the bottleneck is eliminated, allowing for the sequential resolution of major communication problems.

[0124] As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even if the source server cannot resolve the bottleneck factor, that factor can be resolved by another device.

[0125] Furthermore, a similar approach can be applied when the control method is server switching processing and the target server (for example, server B (30b)) is selected as the control entity. Specifically, in the explanation in Figure 10, step S33 determines whether or not it is the target server, and step S34 determines whether or not the target server can resolve the issue. Then, in step S35, the management node or another server (a server that is not the target server) is determined as the notification recipient. Through this process, even if the target server cannot resolve the bottleneck issue, another device can resolve that issue.

[0126] (others) In this disclosure, devices such as communication control devices, servers, and mobile communication terminal devices may be configured as computer devices. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a computer device. The computer device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 510, a storage unit 520, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 530, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 540 as control units. Furthermore, the computer device 500 may include a communication interface (IF: Interface) 550 and a user interface 560.

[0127] Furthermore, the computer device 500 can be used as either the communication control device 2 or 20. The computer device 500 can also be used as a service-providing server (e.g., server A (30a), server B (30b)), server 31, or management server 32. Additionally, the computer device 500 can be used as an information processing device mounted on the mobile device 50, or as a mobile communication terminal device brought into the mobile device 50.

[0128] The communication interface 550 is an interface for connecting the computer device 500 to a communication network via wired communication means or wireless communication means. The user interface 560 may include a display unit such as a display. The user interface 560 may also include input units such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel.

[0129] The memory unit 520 is an auxiliary storage device capable of holding various types of data. The memory unit 520 does not necessarily have to be part of the computer device 500; it may be an external storage device or cloud storage connected to the computer device 500 via a network.

[0130] ROM 530 is a non-volatile memory device. For example, a semiconductor memory device such as a relatively small-capacity flash memory may be used for ROM 530. The program executed by the CPU 510 can be stored in the storage unit 520 or ROM 530. The storage unit 520 or ROM 530 stores various programs for realizing the functions of each part within the computer device 500.

[0131] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, Compact Disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0132] RAM 540 is a volatile memory device. Various semiconductor memory devices, such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), can be used for RAM 540. RAM 540 can be used as an internal buffer for temporarily storing data. The CPU 510 loads the program stored in the memory unit 520 or ROM 530 into RAM 540 and executes it. By executing the program, the CPU 510 can realize the functions of various parts within the computer device 500. The CPU 510 may also have an internal buffer for temporarily storing data.

[0133] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications and changes to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, are also included in this disclosure.

[0134] For example, some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0135] (Note 1) A means for identifying bottlenecks in communication problems in a service provision system that provides services from a source server to a mobile entity, A determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the specified means, A notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means. A communication control system equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The system further includes a selection means for selecting the notification recipient from among the control entities capable of executing the control method, according to the correspondence between the control method determined by the determination means and the control entities capable of executing the control method. The communication control system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The selection means selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control system described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The selection means selects, in accordance with the correspondence, a control entity capable of eliminating the bottleneck factor from among the executable control entities as the notification recipient. A communication control system as described in Appendix 2 or 3. (Note 5) The selection means determines whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved when the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the correspondence relationship, and if it is determined that the factor cannot be resolved, it selects one notification destination from among the management node that manages the provider server and a plurality of other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service. A communication control system as described in Appendix 2 or 3. (Note 6) The aforementioned identification means identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned determination means is If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. A communication control system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) A means for identifying bottlenecks in communication problems in a service provision system that provides services from a source server to a mobile entity, A determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the specified means, A notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means. A communication control device equipped with the following features. (Note 8) The system further includes a selection means for selecting the notification recipient from among the control entities capable of executing the control method, according to the correspondence between the control method determined by the determination means and the control entities capable of executing the control method. The communication control device described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The selection means selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control device described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The selection means selects, in accordance with the correspondence, a control entity capable of eliminating the bottleneck factor from among the executable control entities as the notification recipient. A communication control device as described in Appendix 8 or 9. (Note 11) The selection means determines whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved when the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the correspondence relationship, and if it is determined that the factor cannot be resolved, it selects one notification destination from among the management node that manages the provider server and a plurality of other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service. A communication control device as described in Appendix 8 or 9. (Note 12) The aforementioned identification means identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned determination means is If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. A communication control device as described in any one of the items 7 to 11 of the appendices. (Note 13) In a service delivery method where a service provider server provides services to a mobile entity, a specific process is performed to identify bottlenecks in communication problems. A decision process is executed to determine the control method according to the bottleneck identified in the specified process. A notification process is performed to notify the notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process. Communication control method. (Note 14) In accordance with the correspondence between the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process and the control entity capable of executing the control method, a selection process is further executed to select the notification recipient from among the control entities capable of executing the control method. The communication control method described in Appendix 13. (Note 15) The selection process selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control method described in Appendix 14. (Note 16) The selection process, in accordance with the correspondence, selects a control entity from among the executable control entities that is capable of eliminating the bottleneck factor as the notification recipient. Communication control method as described in Appendix 14 or 15. (Note 17) The selection process, when the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the correspondence, determines whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved, and if it is determined that the factor cannot be resolved, selects one notification destination from among the management node that manages the provider server and a plurality of other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service. Communication control method as described in Appendix 14 or 15. (Note 18) The aforementioned identification process identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned decision process is, If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. A communication control method described in any one of the appendices 13 to 17. (Note 19) On the computer, In a service delivery method where a service provider server provides services to a mobile entity, a specific process is performed to identify bottlenecks in communication problems. A decision process is executed to determine the control method according to the bottleneck identified in the specified process. A notification process is performed to notify the notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process. program. (Note 20) To the aforementioned computer, Depending on the correspondence between the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process and the control entity capable of executing the control method, a selection process is further executed to select the notification destination from among the control entities capable of executing the control method. The program described in Appendix 19. (Note 21) The selection process selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the scope of influence of control by the control method, and the service quality required for the service. The program described in Appendix 20. (Note 22) The selection process, in accordance with the correspondence, selects a control entity from among the executable control entities that is capable of eliminating the bottleneck factor as the notification recipient. The program described in Appendix 20 or 21. (Note 23) The selection process, when the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the correspondence, determines whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved, and if it is determined that the factor cannot be resolved, selects one notification destination from among the management node that manages the provider server and a plurality of other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service. The program described in Appendix 20 or 21. (Note 24) The aforementioned identification process identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned decision process is, If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. The program described in any one of the items in Appendix 19-23. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1, 100, 200, 300: Communication control system 1a, 22: Specific part 1b, 23: Decision section 1c, 25: Notification section 2, 20: Communication control device 21: Storage section 24: Selection Section 30a: Server A 30b: Server B 31: Server 32: Management Server 40: Core network 42a, 42b: Base station 51: Surroundings monitoring sensor 52: Vehicle Sensors 53: Vehicle control ECU 54: Autonomous driving ECU 55: Communication equipment 56: Service provision device 50: Mobile 60: External network 500: Computer device 510:CPU 520: Storage section 530:ROM 540: RAM 550: Communication Interface 560: User Interface

Claims

1. A means for identifying bottlenecks in communication problems in a service provision system that provides services from a source server to a mobile entity, A determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the specified means, A notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means. A selection means for selecting the notification recipient from among the executable control entities, in accordance with the correspondence between the control method determined by the determination means and the control entity capable of executing the control by the control method, Equipped with, The aforementioned selection means is, If the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the aforementioned correspondence, it is determined whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved. If it is determined that the bottleneck factor cannot be resolved, the management node that manages the provider server and one of several other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service are selected as the notification recipient. Communication control system.

2. The selection means selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the degree of load that the control method places on the service provision system, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned identification means identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned determination means is If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. A communication control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A means for identifying bottlenecks in communication problems in a service provision system that provides services from a source server to a mobile entity, A determination means for determining a control method according to the bottleneck identified by the specified means, A notification means for notifying a notification recipient, which is the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined by the determination means. A selection means for selecting the notification recipient from among the executable control entities, in accordance with the correspondence between the control method determined by the determination means and the control entity capable of executing the control by the control method, Equipped with, The aforementioned selection means is, If the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the aforementioned correspondence, it is determined whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved. If it is determined that the bottleneck factor cannot be resolved, the management node that manages the provider server and one of several other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service are selected as the notification recipient. Communication control device.

5. The selection means selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the degree of load that the control method places on the service provision system, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned identification means identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned determination means is If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. The communication control device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. In a service delivery method where a service provider server provides services to a mobile entity, a specific process is performed to identify bottlenecks in communication problems. A decision process is executed to determine the control method according to the bottleneck identified in the specified process. A notification process is executed to notify the notification recipient, which will be the control entity that executes the control by the control method, of the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process. In accordance with the correspondence between the control method determined in the aforementioned decision process and the control entity capable of executing the control method, a selection process is executed to select the notification destination from among the control entities capable of executing the control method. The aforementioned selection process is, If the provider server is selected as the executable control entity according to the aforementioned correspondence, it is determined whether the bottleneck factor can be resolved. If it is determined that the bottleneck factor cannot be resolved, the management node that manages the provider server and one of several other servers that are different from the provider server but are capable of providing the service are selected as the notification recipient. Communication control method.

8. The selection process selects the notification recipient based on the correspondence, the time required for control by the control method, the degree of load that the control method places on the system providing the service, and the service quality required for the service. The communication control method according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned identification process identifies whether the wireless communication section, the provider server, or the mobile device is the bottleneck causing the communication problem. The aforementioned decision process is, If the wireless communication section is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined wireless control. If the aforementioned provider server is the bottleneck, the control method is determined to execute a predetermined server control. If the moving body is the bottleneck, the control method determines that a predetermined movement control method will be executed. The communication control method according to claim 7 or 8.

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