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

Abstract

This communication control device comprises: a control-side communication unit that communicates with a first communication unit and a second communication unit of a terminal device; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information and second identification information; a storage unit that stores the first identification information and the second identification information in association with each other as associated identification information when a connection using the first identification information is permitted; a connection information determination unit that, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, determines whether or not the second identification information of the terminal device that has made the connection request is stored in the storage unit; and a connection control unit that permits the connection of the terminal device when the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information. When permitting a new connection, the connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit, and stores associated identification information regarding the new connection.

Description

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

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

[0002] There are known techniques for authenticating a communication device before starting communication. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique that allows authentication processing to be performed even on a terminal that does not have authentication information for a communication network.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-245934

[0004] PoC (Push to Talk over Cellular) systems are known that perform wireless communication using a mobile phone network. In order for a PoC terminal to use a PoC function, it is necessary to first complete PoC account authentication with a PoC server. The PoC account authentication process is performed after authentication with a telecommunications carrier's core network is performed using a subscriber identity module (SIM) of a mobile phone line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). When a PoC terminal attempts to connect to a PoC server for the first time using a mobile phone network, even if the PoC account authentication has been completed by previously connecting to the PoC server from a line other than the mobile phone network, the PoC account authentication must be performed again when connecting to the PoC server using the mobile phone network.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a communication control device, terminal device, communication system, communication control method, communication method, and communication system control method that can easily connect when receiving a connection from a terminal that has multiple communication units and each communication unit communicates using a different communication method, even if a connection request is made from a communication unit other than the connection from an authenticated communication unit.

[0006] A communication control device according to the present disclosure includes a control-side communication unit that communicates with a first communication unit of a terminal device using a first communication method and communicates with a second communication unit of the terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information and second identification information from connection information received by the control-side communication unit using the first communication method or the second communication method, the first identification information being used to identify the first communication unit of the terminal device and second identification information being used to identify the second communication unit of the terminal device; and a storage unit that, when a connection using the first identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit is permitted, associates the first identification information with the second identification information and stores the associated identification information. a connection information determination unit that, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, determines whether second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit; and a connection control unit that permits the connection of the terminal device when it is determined that first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information, wherein when the connection control unit permits a new connection based on the connection request using the second communication unit, the connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit and associates the first identification information and second identification information of the currently connected terminal device and stores them in the storage unit as associated identification information for the new connection.

[0007] The terminal device of the present disclosure comprises a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method, a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method and that has a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method, and a control unit that controls each unit, and when the remaining battery level of the terminal device falls below a predetermined level, the control unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0008] The terminal device of the present disclosure comprises a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method, a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method and that has a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method, and a control unit that controls each unit, and when the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit falls below a predetermined value, the control unit acquires second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0009] The terminal device of the present disclosure comprises a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method, a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method and that has a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method, and a control unit that controls each unit, and when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device itself, the control unit obtains second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0010] The communication system of the present disclosure includes a communication control device of the present disclosure and a terminal device that communicates with the communication control device, and the terminal device has a first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using the first communication method and a second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using the second communication method.

[0011] A communication system according to the present disclosure is a communication system including a communication control device and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein a first terminal device comprises a first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using a first communication method and a fifth communication unit that communicates with a second terminal device using a third communication method different from the first communication method, and the second terminal device comprises a second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using a second communication method different from the first communication method and the third communication method, and a sixth communication unit that communicates with the first terminal device using the third communication method, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device communicate with each other and share first identification information for identifying the first communication unit and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit as needed, and when making a connection request to the communication control device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device transmit a connection request signal to the communication control device that includes the latest first identification information and the second identification information that have been shared, The communication control device includes a third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the first terminal device using the first communication method, a fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit of the second terminal device using the second communication method, a connection information acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection request signal received by the third communication unit or the fourth communication unit, a memory unit that allows connection based on predetermined conditions for a connection request using the first communication unit, and when allowing connection using the first communication unit, associates the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit and stores them as associated identification information, and a connection control unit that, when a new connection request using the second communication unit is made, determines whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the memory unit, and if the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the memory unit, allows connection of the second terminal device that made the connection request.

[0012] The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method for controlling a communication control device that communicates with a terminal device, and includes the steps of: a control communication unit of the communication control device communicating with a first communication unit of the terminal device using a first communication method and communicating with a second communication unit of the terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; acquiring first identification information for identifying the first communication unit of the terminal device and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit of the terminal device, which are included in connection information received by the control communication unit of the communication control device using the first communication method or the second communication method; when a connection using the acquired first identification information is permitted, associating the acquired first identification information with the second identification information and storing them as related identification information; when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, determining whether the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is stored; and when it is determined that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the related identification information, allowing the connection of the terminal device.

[0013] The communication method disclosed herein includes a step in which a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a step in which a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and a step in which, when the remaining battery level of the terminal device falls below a predetermined level, second identification information of a second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device.

[0014] The communication method disclosed herein includes a step in which a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a step in which a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and a step in which, when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, second identification information of a second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device.

[0015] The communication method disclosed herein includes the steps of: a first communication unit of a terminal device communicating with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit of the terminal device communicating with another terminal device using a third communication method; and, when the radio wave strength of the communication of the third communication unit falls below a predetermined value, acquiring second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmitting first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

[0016] A control method for a communication system according to the present disclosure is a control method for a communication system including a communication control device and a plurality of terminal devices, the control method including the steps of: performing communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and occasionally sharing first identification information for identifying a first communication unit of the first terminal device and second identification information for identifying a second communication unit of the second terminal device; when the first terminal device and the second terminal device make a connection request to the communication control device, transmitting a connection request signal to the communication control device, the connection request signal including the latest shared first identification information and the second identification information as connection information; receiving the connection request signal from the first terminal device or the second terminal device by the communication control device, and the step of obtaining first identification information and second identification information from the connection information included in the communication information; the step of permitting a connection based on a predetermined condition in response to a connection request using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, and when permitting a connection using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, associating the first identification information and the second identification information obtained in the obtaining step with each other and storing them as associated identification information; and the step of determining, when a new connection request using the second communication unit is made, whether or not second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored, and permitting the connection of the second terminal device that made the connection request if the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, when there are multiple communication units and each communication unit receives a connection from a terminal that communicates using a different communication method, connection can be easily established even if a connection request is made from a communication unit other than the connection from an authenticated communication unit.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lookup table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a core network device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a first connection process of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a second connection process of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a third connection process of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a fourth connection process of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a first connection process of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a second connection process of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of authentication process of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of account authentication determination process of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of communication path determination process of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a first communication path switching process of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of second communication path switching processing in the communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of first switching processing in the communication system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of second switching processing in the communication system according to the third embodiment.Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of third switching processing in the communication system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of first switching processing in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of second switching processing in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of third switching processing in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of first switching processing in the communication system according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of second switching processing in the communication system according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of third switching processing in the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0020] [First embodiment] (Communication system) A configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] 1, the communication system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a server device 12, a core network device 14, a first base station device 16, and a second base station device 18. The communication system 1 is a PoC system.

[0022] The terminal device 10, the server device 12, the core network device 14, and the first base station device 16 are communicably connected via a network N1. The network N1 is, for example, LTE.

[0023] The terminal device 10, the server device 12, and the second base station device 18 are communicatively connected via a network N2. The network N2 is, for example, the Internet. The terminal device 10 is connected to the Internet via, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) line.

[0024] The terminal device 10 is a PoC terminal that performs PoC communication. The terminal device 10 is realized, for example, by a commercial wireless device or a smartphone. The server device 12 is a PoC server.

[0025] The core network device 14 is a core network device of a telecommunications carrier. The core network includes EPC (Evolved Packet Core), 5GC (5G Core), and the like.

[0026] The first base station device 16 is a base station of a telecommunications carrier and includes a remote radio head (RRH), a base band unit (BBU), a radio unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit (CU), and the like.

[0027] The second base station device 18 is a non-3GPP (registered trademark) base station, and is, for example, a Wi-Fi router.

[0028] When the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the network N1, the communication system 1 stores the unique information of the network N2. This reduces the authentication time required when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the network N2.

[0029] (Terminal Device) An example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] The terminal device 10 includes an input unit 20, a display unit 22, a microphone 24, a speaker 26, a first communication unit 28, a second communication unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 34.

[0031] The input unit 20 accepts various input operations for the terminal device 10. The input unit 20 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 34. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a PTT (Push-to-Talk) button, etc. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 20, the input unit 20 is disposed on the display unit 22.

[0032] The display unit 22 displays various images. The display unit 22 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0033] The microphone 24 is a microphone that detects sounds around the terminal device 10. The microphone 24 detects the sound of the user who uses the terminal device 10. The microphone 24 converts the detected sound into an audio signal.

[0034] The speaker 26 is a speaker that outputs various sounds, such as the voice of the user of the terminal device 10 that is the communication destination.

[0035] The first communication unit 28 is a communication interface that communicates with the server device 12 using a first communication method. The first communication method is a communication method that communicates with the server device 12 via the Internet network using, for example, Wi-Fi.

[0036] The second communication unit 30 is a communication interface that communicates with the server device 12 using a second communication method. The second communication method is, for example, a communication method that communicates with the server device 12 via a mobile phone line such as LTE.

[0037] The storage unit 32 stores various types of information. The storage unit 32 stores information about the terminal device 10 that executes PoC communication. The storage unit 32 stores information such as the calculation contents of the control unit 34 and programs. The storage unit 32 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0038] The control unit 34 controls each unit of the terminal device 10. The control unit 34 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 34 executes a program that controls the operation of the terminal device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 34 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 34 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0039] The control unit 34 includes an identification information acquisition unit 40 , a connection request unit 42 , an authentication unit 44 , and a communication control unit 46 .

[0040] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires identification information for identifying the terminal device 10. The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires, for example, the identification information of the first communication unit 28. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is, for example, a Wi-Fi MAC (Media Access Control) address. The identification information of the first communication unit 28 is also referred to as first identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires, for example, the identification information of the second communication unit 30. The identification information of the second communication unit 30 is, for example, an LTE MAC address. The identification information of the second communication unit 30 is also referred to as second identification information. The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires, for example, an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number set in the terminal device 10. The IMEI number is a type of terminal identification number for the terminal device 10. The Wi-Fi MAC address, the LTE MAC address, and the IMEI number are stored in the storage unit 32. The Wi-Fi MAC address, the LTE MAC address, and the IMEI number are types of unique information of the terminal device 10.

[0041] The connection request unit 42 performs a connection request process with respect to the server device 12. The connection request unit 42 performs the connection request process by transmitting a connection request signal to the server device 12 via, for example, the first communication unit 28. The connection request unit 42 transmits the connection request signal to the server device 12 via, for example, the second communication unit 30. The connection request signal includes identification information of the first communication unit 28 and identification information of the second communication unit. Specifically, the connection request signal includes an LTE MAC address and a Wi-Fi MAC address.

[0042] The authentication unit 44 controls the second communication unit 30 to perform authentication processing with the core network device 14 before communicating with the server device 12. The authentication unit 44 also controls the first communication unit 28 or the second communication unit 30 to perform PoC account authentication processing with the server device 12.

[0043] The communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30. The communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 to communicate with the server device 12 over the Internet network. The communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to communicate with the server device 12 over LTE.

[0044] (Server Device) An example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0045] 3, the server device 12 includes a communication unit 60, a storage unit 62, a management unit 64, and a control unit 66. The server device 12 is a type of communication control device.

[0046] The communication unit 60 is a communication interface that executes communication between the terminal device 10 and an external device. The communication unit 60 communicates with the terminal device 10 using a first communication method and a second communication method. Specifically, the communication unit 60 executes communication between the server device 12 and the terminal device 10, for example, over an Internet network using the first communication method. The communication unit 60 executes communication between the server device 12 and the terminal device 10, for example, over a mobile phone network such as LTE using the second communication method. The communication unit 60 may include a communication unit 60A that executes communication between the server device 12 and the terminal device 10 via a line such as an Internet network using the first communication method, and a communication unit 60B that executes communication between the server device 12 and the terminal device 10 via a line including a mobile phone network such as LTE using the second communication method. Furthermore, the communication unit 60 is also referred to as a control-side communication unit 60 (control-side communication unit 60A, control-side communication unit 60B) to distinguish it from the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10. The communication unit 60 communicates with a communication partner via IP communication. When communicating with the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, the communication unit 60 may identify and acquire identification information used in communication by the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, which is the communication partner. The communication unit 60 functions as a third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 using the first communication method, and functions as a fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 using the second communication method.

[0047] The storage unit 62 stores various types of information. The storage unit 62 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 66, various types of acquired information, a database that stores the acquired information in association with each other, and information such as programs. The storage unit 62 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0048] The management unit 64 manages information specific to the terminal device 10. The management unit 64 manages information by controlling the storage and reference of various information in the storage unit 62. The management unit 64 may be configured to include at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, or an external storage device such as an HDD, and manages information by controlling the storage and reference of various information. The management unit 64 includes a PoC account management unit 70, a MAC address management unit 72, an IMEI management unit 74, and a database management unit 76.

[0049] The PoC account management unit 70 stores PoC account information for executing authentication processing of the PoC account of the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62. The PoC account management unit 70 stores multiple pieces of PoC account information for multiple terminal devices 10 in the storage unit 62.

[0050] The MAC address management unit 72 stores in advance in the storage unit 62, as connection permission information, identification information that is a MAC address set in a terminal device 10 that is scheduled to be permitted to connect. The MAC address management unit 72 may store, as connection permission information, the identification information that is a MAC address set in a terminal device 10 that is permitted to connect, by including it in the connection permission information stored in advance in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 may store, as connection permission information, multiple MAC addresses for each terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62. The MAC address management unit 72 stores, in the connection permission information, identification information that is included in the connection permission information and that is set in a terminal device 10 that has completed connection authentication, is permitted to connect, and is already connected, as connected information in the storage unit 62.

[0051] The IMEI management unit 74 stores IMEI number information of the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62. The IMEI management unit 74 stores IMEI number information unique to each of the plurality of terminal devices 10 in the storage unit 62.

[0052] The database management unit 76 stores a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62, which associates the unique information of the terminal device 10 with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10. The database management unit 76 associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 and stores the associated identification information in the database of the storage unit 62. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the matching table according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the matching table TB includes items such as "terminal identification information," "first communication line identification information," and "second communication line identification information." Here, for example, the "first communication line identification information" may correspond to the identification information (first identification information) of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, and the "second communication line identification information" may correspond to the identification information (second identification information) of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10.

[0053] The "terminal identification information" is, for example, an IMEI number. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the "terminal identification information" is conceptually shown as "A01" or the like, but in reality, a specific number is shown. The "first communication line identification information" is, for example, a Wi-Fi MAC address. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the "first communication line identification information" is conceptually shown as "B01" or the like, but in reality, a specific Wi-Fi MAC address is shown. The "second communication line identification information" is, for example, an LTE MAC address. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the "second communication line identification information" is conceptually shown as "C01" or the like, but in reality, a specific LTE MAC address is shown.

[0054] The control unit 66 controls each unit of the server device 12. The control unit 66 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 66 may further have, for example, a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, or may use the storage unit 62. The control unit 66 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 66 may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 66 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0055] The control unit 66 includes a connection information acquisition unit 80 , a connection information determination unit 82 , a management control unit 84 , and a connection control unit 86 .

[0056] The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, from connection information received by the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) during communication using the first communication method between the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) and the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10, identification information (first identification information) used by the first communication unit 28 in communication using the first communication method and identification information (second identification information) used by the second communication unit 30 in communication using the second communication method, which are included in the received connection information. The connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires, from connection information received by the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) during communication using the second communication method between the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) and the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10, identification information (first identification information) used by the first communication unit 28 in communication using the first communication method and identification information (second identification information) used by the second communication unit 30 in communication using the second communication method, which are included in the received connection information. Specifically, when the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the connection information by the first communication unit 28 from the terminal device 10, it acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10, which are identification information included in the connection information. When the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the connection information by the second communication unit 30 from the terminal device 10, it acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10, which are identification information included in the connection information.

[0057] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the LTE MAC address, which is the identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, matches the LTE MAC address stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information. If they match, information indicating that there is a possibility that the connection of the terminal device that has made the connection request will be permitted is set as first determination information. This may be a first determination flag. For example, if they match, the first determination flag may be set to 1, and if they do not match, the first determination flag may be set to 0. This first determination information may be stored in the storage unit 62. The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the Wi-Fi MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 matches the Wi-Fi MAC address stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 as connection permission information. If they match, information indicating that there is a possibility that the connection of the terminal device that has made the connection request will be permitted is set as first determination information. This may be a first determination flag. For example, if they match, the first determination flag may be set to 1, and if they do not match, the first determination flag may be set to 0. This first determination information may be stored in the storage unit 62. That is, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, and if the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, sets first determination information indicating that the connection of the terminal device that made the connection request may be permitted. Furthermore, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the LTE MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the Wi-Fi MAC address as related reference information by referring to the database in the storage unit 62 by the database management unit 76. If associated, the connection information determination unit 82 sets information indicating the association as second determination information. This may be a second determination flag. For example, if associated, the second determination flag may be set to 1, and if not associated, the second determination flag may be set to 0. That is, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the related identification information, and if included in the related identification information, sets second determination information indicating the association.

[0058] The management control unit 84 controls the management unit 64. The management control unit 84 controls the management unit 64 so that the management unit 64 manages the PoC account, the LTE MAC address, the Wi-Fi MAC address, and the IMEI number of the terminal device 10.

[0059] The connection control unit 86 controls the connection state between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When the connection control unit 86 permits the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 connects the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When the connection control unit 86 does not permit the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 does not connect the terminal device 10 and the server device 12. When the connection control unit 86 permits the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 transmits a connection permit signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 indicating that the connection is permitted. When the connection control unit 86 does not permit the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 transmits a connection rejection signal to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 indicating that the connection is not permitted. Furthermore, when the connection control unit 86 permits the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 stores the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 in the storage unit 62. When permitting a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, if the connection is between the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 and the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60A) of the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 stores the first identification information as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. When permitting a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, if the connection is between the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 and the communication unit 60 (communication unit 60B) of the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 stores the second identification information as connection permission information in the storage unit 62. Here, when permitting a connection between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12, the connection control unit 86 may store the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 as connection permission information in the storage unit 62.

[0060] The connection control unit 86 permits connection of the terminal device 10 to the first communication unit 28 when it is determined that the identification information included in the connection information of the second communication unit 30 acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, here the Wi-Fi MAC address which is the acquired first identification information, matches the Wi-Fi MAC address included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72. The connection control unit 86 permits connection of the terminal device 10 when it is determined that the identification information included in the connection information of the first communication unit 28 acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80, here the LTE MAC address which is the acquired second identification information, matches the LTE MAC address included in the connection permission information stored in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72. In addition, if the connection information determination unit 82 determines that first determination information indicating that the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request is stored in the memory unit 62 has been set, and if the connection information determination unit 82 determines that second determination information indicating that the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request is associated with the first identification information and included in the related identification information has been set, the connection control unit 86 allows the connection of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request.

[0061] (Core Network Device) A configuration example of a core network device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a core network device according to the first embodiment.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the core network device 14 includes a communication unit 100 , a storage unit 102 , and a control unit 104 .

[0063] The communication unit 100 is a communication interface that executes communication between the terminal device 10 and an external device. The communication unit 100 executes communication between the core network device 14 and the terminal device 10. The communication unit 100 executes communication between the core network device 14 and the server device 12.

[0064] The storage unit 102 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 102 stores SIM information of the terminal device 10. The storage unit 102 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 104 and programs. The storage unit 102 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0065] The control unit 104 controls each unit of the core network device 14. The control unit 104 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 104 executes a program that controls the operation of the core network device 14 according to the present invention. The control unit 104 may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 104 may also be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0066] The control unit 104 includes an authentication unit 110. The authentication unit 110 executes authentication processing for connecting the terminal device 10 to the core network. The authentication unit 110 executes authentication processing for permitting the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 via LTE using the second communication unit 30. When the SIM information of the terminal device 10 that has undergone the authentication processing matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102, the authentication unit 110 permits the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 to connect via LTE.

[0067] [Processing Contents Between Terminal Device and Server Device] (First Connection Processing of Terminal Device) The flow of the first connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0068] The process shown in FIG. 6 is executed when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 .

[0069] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S10). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the LTE MAC address. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0070] The connection request unit 42 controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit connection information including the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the server device 12 (step S12). Specifically, the connection request unit 42 controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address to the server device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0071] The connection request unit 42 determines whether the connection is permitted (step S14). Specifically, the connection request unit 42 determines that the connection is permitted when it receives a signal from the server device 12 indicating that the connection is permitted. If it is determined that the connection is permitted (step S14; Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is not determined that the connection is permitted (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0072] If the determination in step S14 is Yes, the communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 28 to start PoC communication by the first communication unit 28 (step S16), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0073] If the determination in step S14 is No, the communication control unit 46 does not start PoC communication by the first communication unit 28 (step S18), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0074] (Second connection processing of terminal device) The flow of the second connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0075] The process shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 .

[0076] The authentication unit 44 executes authentication processing with the core network device 14 (step S20). Here, it is assumed that the authentication processing by the authentication unit 44 has resulted in successful authentication. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0077] The identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S22). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 40 acquires the MAC address of the Wi-Fi. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0078] Connection request unit 42 controls second communication unit 30 to transmit connection information including the identification information of first communication unit 28 and the identification information of second communication unit 30 to server device 12 (step S24). Specifically, connection request unit 42 controls second communication unit 30 to transmit the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address to server device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0079] The connection request unit 42 determines whether the connection is permitted (step S26). If it is determined that the connection is permitted (step S26; Yes), the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined that the connection is not permitted (step S26; No), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0080] If the determination in step S26 is Yes, the communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to start PoC communication by the second communication unit 30 (step S28), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0081] If the determination in step S26 is No, the communication control unit 46 does not start PoC communication by the second communication unit 30 (step S30), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0082] (Third connection processing of terminal device) The flow of the third connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0083] The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 .

[0084] The processes from step S40 to step S48 are the same as the processes from step S22 to step S30 shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0085] The process in Fig. 8 differs from the process shown in Fig. 7 in that core network authentication processing is not required. That is, the process in Fig. 8 is processing in the case where a telecommunications carrier does not perform core network authentication processing.

[0086] (Fourth connection processing of terminal device) The flow of the fourth connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fourth connection processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0087] The process shown in FIG. 9 is a process when the first communication unit 28 is already connected to the server device 12 and the second communication unit 30 is then connected to the server device 12 .

[0088] The processes from step S50 to step S58 are the same as the processes from step S20 to step S28 shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0089] If the determination in step S56 is No, the connection request unit 42 determines whether or not the connection has been permitted as a new connection from the server device 12 (step S60). If the connection has been permitted as a new connection (step S60; Yes), the process proceeds to step S62. If the determination in step S60 is that the connection has not been permitted as a new connection from the server device 12 (step S60; No), the process proceeds to step S64.

[0090] If the determination in step S60 is Yes, the communication control unit 46 controls the second communication unit 30 to start PoC communication by the second communication unit 30 as a new connection (step S62), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0091] If the determination in step S60 is No, the communication control unit 46 does not start PoC communication by the second communication unit 30 (step S64), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0092] (First connection process of the server device) The flow of the first connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0093] The process shown in FIG. 10 is a process for determining whether or not to permit connection when the server device 12 is connected to the terminal device 10 for the first time via the first communication unit 28 .

[0094] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information including identification information of the first communication unit 28 and identification information of the second communication unit 30 through communication by the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 (step S70). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address included in the connection information transmitted by the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0095] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether to permit the new connection (step S72). Specifically, the connection information determination unit 82 determines to permit the connection when, for example, the acquired MAC address of the first communication unit 28 matches the MAC address included in the connection permission information managed by the MAC address management unit 72 and stored in the storage unit 62. If it is determined to permit the new connection (step S72; Yes), the process proceeds to step S74. If it is not determined to permit the new connection (step S72; No), the process proceeds to step S78.

[0096] If step S72 returns Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the first communication unit 28 as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated identification information, which associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30, in the database of the storage unit 62 (step S74). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the Wi-Fi MAC address as connected information in the storage unit 62, and controls the database management unit 76 to associate the Wi-Fi MAC address with the LTE MAC address and store them in the storage unit 62. The process proceeds to step S76.

[0097] The connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 as a new connection (step S76). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are connected. Then, the process of FIG. 10 ends.

[0098] If the determination in step S72 is No, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a connection refusal signal to the terminal device 10 (step S78). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process in FIG. 10 ends.

[0099] (Second connection processing of server device) The flow of the second connection processing of the server device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second connection processing of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0100] The process shown in FIG. 11 is a process for determining whether or not to permit connection when the server device 12 is connected to the terminal device 10 for the first time via the second communication unit 30 .

[0101] The connection information acquisition unit 80 receives connection information including the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 through communication with the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 60 (step S80). Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 80 acquires the LTE MAC address and the Wi-Fi MAC address included in the connection information transmitted by the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S82.

[0102] The connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 in the storage unit 62 (step S82). Specifically, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether the LTE MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is associated with the Wi-Fi MAC address as related reference information by referring to the database in the storage unit 62 by the database management unit 76. If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S82; Yes), the process proceeds to step S84. If it is not determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 is associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 (step S82; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0103] If the determination in step S82 is Yes, the connection control unit 86 determines whether the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been permitted (step S84). Specifically, when the MAC address management unit 72 references the storage unit 62 and the Wi-Fi MAC address acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 is stored in the storage unit 62 as connection information, the connection control unit 86 determines that the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been permitted, assuming that the connection is the same communication that has already been permitted. If the determination in step S84 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S86. If the determination in step S84 is not that the connection from the first communication unit 28 has been permitted (step S84; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0104] If the determination in step S84 is Yes, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 indicating that the connection has been permitted (step S86). The connection control unit 86 may also control the connection permission information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 80 to be stored as connection permission information, which is pre-stored in the storage unit 62. If the connection permission information includes identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request, or identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 that is associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request, the connection permission information may be deleted from the connection permission information, and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 that is associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request may be newly stored in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information. If the connection permission information does not include the identification information associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request, or the identification information associated with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 that is associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request, it is preferable to control the storage unit 62 to store, as connection permission information, the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request and the identification information of the first communication unit 28 that is associated with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 that has made the connection request. Then, the processing of FIG. 11 ends.

[0105] If the determination in step S82 is No or if the determination in step S84 is No, the connection information determination unit 82 determines whether or not to permit a new connection (step S88). If it is determined that a new connection is permitted (step S88; Yes), the process proceeds to step S90. If it is not determined that a new connection is permitted (step S88; No), the process proceeds to step S94.

[0106] If step S88 returns Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the identification information of the second communication unit 30 as connected in the storage unit 62, and the database management unit 76 deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit 62 and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated identification information in the database of the storage unit 62, associating the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S90). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the MAC address management unit 72 to register the LTE MAC address in the storage unit 62 as connected, and controls the database management unit 76 to store the associated identification information in the database of the storage unit 62, associating the Wi-Fi MAC address with the LTE MAC address. The process proceeds to step S92.

[0107] The connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a connection permission signal to the terminal device 10 as a new connection (step S92). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are connected. Then, the process of FIG. 11 ends.

[0108] If the determination in step S88 is No, the connection control unit 86 controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a connection refusal signal to the terminal device 10 (step S94). In this case, the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 are not connected. Then, the process in FIG. 11 ends.

[0109] In the above-described description of the flow of the second connection process of the server device according to the first embodiment using FIG. 11 , a connection permission signal permitting connection is transmitted to the terminal device 10 in step S86 after processing such as steps S82 and S84. However, it is also possible to more simply determine whether to permit connection. For example, in the above-described description of the first connection process of the server device using FIG. 10 , when a connection request from the first communication unit 28 is permitted as a new connection, the identification information (first identification information) of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information (second identification information) of the second communication unit 30 are stored in the database of the storage unit 62 as associated identification information. The associated identification information is stored when the connection request from the first communication unit 28 is permitted as a new connection. Therefore, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit 30, it is determined whether the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62. If the second identification information of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit 62, the connection of the terminal device 10 that made the connection request is permitted. This makes it easier to determine whether to permit connection.

[0110] [Processing in the Communication System] (Authentication Processing in the Communication System) The flow of authentication processing in the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of authentication processing in the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0111] The process shown in FIG. 12 is a process from when the terminal device 10 is started up until the authentication of LTE and Wi-Fi is completed.

[0112] The control unit 34 turns on the power of the terminal device 10 (step S100), and then proceeds to steps S102 and S116.

[0113] The communication control unit 46 starts a connection to LTE using the second communication unit 30 (step S102), and then the process proceeds to step S104.

[0114] The authentication unit 44 performs core network authentication with the core network device 14 (step S104), and then the process proceeds to step S106.

[0115] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 refers to the SIM information of the terminal device 10 (step S106), and then the process proceeds to step S108.

[0116] The authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 determines whether the SIM information of the terminal device 10 matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108). If it is determined that the SIM information of the terminal device 10 matches the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the SIM information of the terminal device 10 does not match the SIM information stored in the storage unit 102 (step S108; No), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0117] If the determination in step S108 is Yes, the authentication unit 110 of the core network device 14 completes the core network authentication (step S110), and the process then proceeds to step S112.

[0118] The communication control unit 46 connects to LTE using the second communication unit 30 (step S112), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0119] If the determination in step S108 is No, the communication control unit 46 does not connect to LTE using the second communication unit 30 (step S114), and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0120] The communication control unit 46 starts a connection to Wi-Fi using the first communication unit 28 (step S116), and then the process proceeds to step S118.

[0121] The authentication unit 44 performs PoC account authentication with the server device 12 (step S118), and then the process proceeds to step S120.

[0122] The authentication unit 44 completes the PoC account authentication (step S120), which allows the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 via the Internet. Then, the process of FIG. 12 ends.

[0123] The processes from step S102 to step S114 and the processes from step S116 to step S120 are executed in parallel.

[0124] (Account Authentication Determination Process) The flow of the account authentication determination process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the account authentication determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0125] The process shown in FIG. 13 is a process in which the server device 12 determines whether or not the authentication of the PoC account of the target terminal device 10 has been authenticated.

[0126] When the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28, the management control unit 84 determines whether or not the identification information of the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72. When the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30, the management control unit 84 determines whether or not the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72. In other words, depending on the connection path of the terminal device 10, the management control unit 84 determines whether or not the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 has been registered as connection permission information in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S130). Specifically, the management control unit 84 determines whether the MAC address management unit 72 has registered the Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information when the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 of the terminal device 10 through the connection path of the terminal device 10, or whether the MAC address of the terminal device 10 in the LTE MAC address when the terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10. If the MAC address management unit 72 determines that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 corresponding to the communication path used by the terminal device 10 to connect to the server device 12 is registered in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information (step S130; Yes), the management control unit 84 proceeds to step S132. If the MAC address management unit 72 does not determine that the identification information of the first communication unit 28 or the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the terminal device 10 corresponding to the communication path is registered in the storage unit 62 as connection permission information (step S130; No), the management control unit 84 proceeds to step S138.

[0127] If step S130 returns Yes, the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 for matching the identification information (step S132). Specifically, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 and the first identification information and the second identification information can be acquired, the management control unit 84 controls the database management unit 76 to create a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates the first identification information and the second identification information. By creating a matching table in which the first identification information and the second identification information are associated in this manner, even if the terminal device 10 has already been authenticated using one of the identification information and then connects to the server device 12 via a communication unit having the other identification information, the connection is permitted without performing a new authentication process, assuming that the authentication has already been performed. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 and the second identification information cannot be acquired, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table in the database of the storage unit 62 that associates only the first identification information. Similarly, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 and the first identification information and the second identification information can be acquired, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table associating the first identification information and the second identification information in the database of the storage unit 62. Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 12 via the second communication unit 30 and the first identification information cannot be acquired, the database management unit 76 creates a matching table associating only the second identification information in the database of the storage unit 62. Then, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0128] The management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the terminal device 10 with the verification table and store them in the storage unit 62 (step S134). Specifically, the management control unit 84 controls the PoC account management unit 70 to associate the PoC account of the terminal device 10 with the identification information included in the verification table and store them in the storage unit 62. Then, the process proceeds to step S136.

[0129] The connection information determination unit 82 determines that the terminal device 10 is a terminal device whose PoC account has been authenticated (step S136), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0130] If the determination in step S130 is No, the connection information determination unit 82 determines that the terminal device 10 is a terminal device 10 for which PoC account authentication has not been completed (step S138), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0131] (Communication Path Determination Process) The flow of communication path determination process of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication path determination process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0132] The process shown in FIG. 14 is executed by the terminal device 10 when the RAT (Radio Access Technology) is changed to LTE after PoC account authentication via Wi-Fi is completed.

[0133] The authentication unit 44 of the terminal device 10 completes the PoC account authentication (step S140). The authentication unit 44 of the terminal device 10 executes, for example, the process shown in Fig. 12 to complete the PoC account authentication process. Then, the process proceeds to step S142.

[0134] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the terminal device 10 is a PoC account authenticated terminal device (step S142). The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 executes, for example, the process shown in Fig. 13 to determine that the terminal device 10 is a PoC account authenticated terminal device. Then, the process proceeds to step S144.

[0135] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to notify the server device 12 of each piece of unique information of the terminal device 10 via LTE (step S144). Specifically, the communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the server device 12 to notify the server device 12 of the Wi-Fi MAC address, LTE MAC address, and IMEI number of the terminal device 10 via LTE. Then, the process proceeds to step S146.

[0136] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the notified LTE-specific information of the terminal device 10 (step S146), and then proceeds to step S148.

[0137] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines whether the notified LTE MAC address of the terminal device 10 matches the LTE MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148). If the notified LTE MAC address of the terminal device 10 is determined to match the LTE MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148; Yes), the process proceeds to step S150. If the notified LTE MAC address of the terminal device 10 is not determined to match the LTE MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S148; No), the process proceeds to step S156.

[0138] If the determination in step S148 is Yes, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12 determines whether the notified Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 matches the Wi-Fi MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150). If the notified Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 is determined to match the Wi-Fi MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150; Yes), the process proceeds to step S152. If the notified Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 is not determined to match the Wi-Fi MAC address registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address management unit 72 (step S150; No), the process proceeds to step S156.

[0139] If the determination in step S150 is Yes, the connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the received information is information from a registered terminal device 10 (step S152), and then proceeds to step S154.

[0140] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 stores in the storage unit 62 that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is LTE (step S154), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0141] If the determination is No in step S148 or No in step S150, the connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 determines that the received information is information from a registered terminal device 10 (step S156), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0142] (First communication path switching process of communication system) The flow of the first communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0143] The process shown in FIG. 15 is executed when the communication path between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 is switched from LTE to Wi-Fi.

[0144] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to start communication with the server device 12 using LTE (step S160). Then, the process proceeds to step S162.

[0145] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 stores in the storage unit 62 that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is LTE (step S162). Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

[0146] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 to change the communication path with the server device 12 from LTE to Wi-Fi (step S164). Then, the process proceeds to step S166.

[0147] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 to execute keep-alive communication with the server device 12 (step S166). Then, the process proceeds to step S168.

[0148] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the notified Wi-Fi MAC address of the terminal device 10 (step S168), and then proceeds to step S170.

[0149] The connection information determining unit 82 of the server device 12 identifies the PoC account of the terminal device 10 based on the information registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address managing unit 72 (step S170), and then the process proceeds to step S172.

[0150] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 permits communication via Wi-Fi (step S172), and then the process proceeds to step S174.

[0151] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 updates the communication path with the terminal device 10 to Wi-Fi (step S174), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0152] (Second communication path switching process of communication system) The flow of the second communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second communication path switching process of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0153] The process shown in FIG. 16 is executed when the communication path between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 is switched from Wi-Fi to LTE.

[0154] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication with the server device 12 via Wi-Fi (step S180). Then, the process proceeds to step S182.

[0155] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 stores in the storage unit 62 that the communication path with the terminal device 10 is Wi-Fi (step S182).Then, the process proceeds to step S184.

[0156] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the first communication unit 28 and the second communication unit 30 to change the communication path with the server device 12 from Wi-Fi to LTE (step S184). Then, the process proceeds to step S186.

[0157] The communication control unit 46 of the terminal device 10 controls the second communication unit 30 to execute keep-alive between the terminal device 10 and the server device 12 (step S186). Then, the process proceeds to step S188.

[0158] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 refers to the notified LTE MAC address of the terminal device 10 (step S188), and then proceeds to step S190.

[0159] The connection information determining unit 82 of the server device 12 identifies the PoC account of the terminal device 10 based on the information registered in the storage unit 62 by the MAC address managing unit 72 (step S190), and then the process proceeds to step S192.

[0160] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12 permits communication via LTE (step S192), and then the process proceeds to step S194.

[0161] The connection information determination unit 82 of the server device 12 updates the communication path with the terminal device 10 to LTE (step S194), and then ends the process of FIG.

[0162] As described above, in the first embodiment, the connection request signal transmitted by the terminal device when communicating with the server device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes identification information of the first communication unit and identification information of the second communication unit. As a result, in the first embodiment, the terminal device connects to the server device 12 via the first communication unit, and then connects to the server device via the second communication unit, making it easy to determine whether the terminal device is authorized to communicate, thereby reducing the time required to start communication.

[0163] [Modification of the First Embodiment] A modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the connection request signal transmitted from the terminal device 10 to the server device 12 includes an LTE MAC address and a Wi-Fi MAC address, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The connection request signal may include the IMEI number of the terminal device 10.

[0164] In a modification of the first embodiment, for example, when the connection information acquisition unit 80 receives a connection request signal, it acquires a terminal identification number that includes the terminal identification number of the terminal device 10. In this case, the connection control unit 86 may permit the connection of the terminal device 10 when the acquired MAC address matches the MAC address stored in the MAC address management unit 72 and the acquired IMEI number matches the IMEI number stored in the IMEI management unit 74.

[0165] In the modification of the first embodiment, the accuracy of determining whether or not a terminal device is permitted to communicate can be improved by taking into consideration the IMEI number of the terminal device.

[0166] Second Embodiment (Communication System) A configuration example of a communication system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0167] As shown in Fig. 17, the communication system 1A includes a terminal device 10A, a terminal device 10B, a server device 12, a core network device 14, a first base station device 16, and a second base station device 18. The communication system 1A differs from the communication system 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that the communication system 1A includes two terminal devices, the terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B. The terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B are communicatively connected via a network N3. The communication system 1A executes a connection process with the server device 12 using the two terminal devices, the terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B.

[0168] (Terminal Device) An example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 18, the terminal device 10A differs from the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes a fifth communication unit 36 ​​instead of the second communication unit 30.

[0170] The fifth communication unit 36 ​​is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication and can be realized by, for example, a communication module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0171] The communication control unit 46A controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to perform short-range wireless communication with another terminal device. The communication control unit 46A controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to transmit the identification information of the first communication unit 28 to the other terminal device. In this way, the identification information of the first communication unit 28 is shared with the other terminal device as needed.

[0172] An example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0173] 19, the terminal device 10B differs from the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 2 in that it includes a sixth communication unit 38 instead of the first communication unit 28. The sixth communication unit 38 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication, similar to the fifth communication unit 36. The sixth communication unit 38 can be realized by, for example, a communication module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0174] The communication control unit 46B controls the sixth communication unit 38 to perform short-range wireless communication with other terminal devices. The communication control unit 46B controls the sixth communication unit 38 to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the other terminal devices. In this way, the identification information of the second communication unit 30 is shared with the other terminal devices as needed.

[0175] 17 , terminal device 10A controls fifth communication unit 36 ​​to transmit identification information of first communication unit 28 to terminal device 10B. Terminal device 10B controls sixth communication unit 38 to transmit identification information of second communication unit 30 to terminal device 10A. Terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B share information as needed, and are thereby able to transmit a connection request signal including the latest identification information of first communication unit 28 and the latest identification information of second communication unit 30 to server device 12. The latest identification information of first communication unit 28 and the latest identification information of second communication unit 30 may be included in the connection request signal as connection information and transmitted to server device 12.

[0176] For example, first, terminal device 10A uses first communication unit 28 to transmit a connection request signal including identification information of first communication unit 28 and identification information of second communication unit 30 to server device 12 via communication unit 60A of server device 12. As a result, the identification information of first communication unit 28 and the identification information of second communication unit 30 are stored in server device 12. Next, terminal device 10B uses second communication unit 30 to transmit a connection request signal including the identification information of first communication unit 28 and the identification information of second communication unit 30 to server device 12 via communication unit 60B of server device 12. At this time, because server device 12 stores the identification information of first communication unit 28 and the identification information of second communication unit 30, it is possible to easily determine whether terminal device 10B is permitted to communicate, thereby shortening the time until communication starts.

[0177] The terminal device 10A may control the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to transmit the IMEI number of the terminal device 10A to the terminal device 10B. The terminal device 10B may control the sixth communication unit 38 to transmit the IMEI number of the terminal device 10B. That is, the terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B may share each other's IMEI numbers as needed.

[0178] 17 has been described assuming that terminal device 10A includes first communication unit 28 and fifth communication unit 36, and terminal device 10B includes second communication unit 30 and sixth communication unit 38, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present disclosure, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B may each include first communication unit 28 and fifth communication unit 36, or may each include second communication unit 30 and sixth communication unit 38. In this case, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B may share identification information of each other's first communication unit 28 or identification information of each other's second communication unit 30 as needed through communication between fifth communication unit 36 ​​and sixth communication unit 38. This allows terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B to include each other's latest identification information of first communication unit 28 or each other's latest identification information of second communication unit 30 in the connection request signal transmitted to server device 12.

[0179] In Figure 17, communication system 1A is the same as communication system 1 shown in Figure 1, except that it performs processing related to the first communication unit 28 between terminal device 10A and server device 12, and performs processing related to the second communication unit 30 between terminal device 10B and server device 12, so explanation will be omitted.

[0180] As described above, in the second embodiment, when two terminal devices communicate with a server device using the first communication unit or the second communication unit, the connection request signal transmitted includes identification information of the first communication unit of the terminal device and the other device or identification information of the second communication unit of the terminal device and the other device. As a result, in the second embodiment, after one terminal device connects to the server device 12, the other terminal device connects to the server device, making it easy to determine whether the terminal device is authorized to communicate, thereby shortening the time until communication starts.

[0181] [Third Embodiment] (Communication System) A configuration example of a communication system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0182] As shown in Fig. 20, communication system 1B includes a first terminal device 10C, a second terminal device 10D, a server device 12, a core network device 14, a first base station device 16, and a second base station device 18. The configuration of communication system 1B is the same as the configuration of communication system 1 shown in Fig. 17. Communication system 1B differs from communication system 1A shown in Fig. 17 in that the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D share each other's identification information, for example, via network N3.

[0183] (Terminal Device) An example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0184] The first terminal device 10C differs from the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 18 in that a control unit 34C includes a battery remaining capacity determination unit 48C, an abnormality detection unit 50C, and a radio wave intensity determination unit 52C.

[0185] The battery remaining capacity determining unit 48C determines the remaining capacity of the battery installed in the terminal device 10C. The battery remaining capacity determining unit 48C determines whether the remaining capacity of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0186] The abnormality detection unit 50C detects an abnormality in the first terminal device 10C. The abnormality detection unit 50C determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the first terminal device 10C. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 50C determines whether an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the voltage, (heat generation) temperature, battery, input unit 20, display unit 22, microphone 24, speaker 26, and communication state with the server device 12 via the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10C. The abnormality detection unit 50C determines, for example, whether each unit has failed.

[0187] The radio wave intensity determination unit 52C determines the radio wave intensity of the communication between the first terminal apparatus 10C and the second terminal apparatus 10D by the fifth communication unit 36. The radio wave intensity determination unit 52C determines whether the radio wave intensity of the communication between the first terminal apparatus 10C and the second terminal apparatus 10D is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0188] An example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the other terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0189] As shown in Fig. 22, the second terminal device 10D differs from the first terminal device 10C shown in Fig. 21 in that it includes a second communication unit 30 instead of the first communication unit 28 and a sixth communication unit 38 instead of the fifth communication unit 36. The control unit 34D is sometimes referred to as a second control unit. The second terminal device 10D includes a SIM card slot, a SIM card, and an eSIM (embedded SIM) and is preferably capable of acquiring SIM information. This SIM information is used when the core network device 14 performs authentication processing to connect the second terminal device 10D to the core network.

[0190] (Server Device) A configuration example of a server device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device according to the third embodiment.

[0191] The server device 12A differs from the server device 12 shown in FIG. 3 in that the communication unit 60A includes a communication unit 601 and a communication unit 602.

[0192] The communication unit 601 executes communication between the server device 12 and the first terminal device 10C via a line such as the Internet network, using the first communication method.

[0193] The communication unit 602 executes communication between the server device 12 and the second terminal device 10D via a line including a mobile phone network such as LTE, using the second communication method of the second terminal device 10D.

[0194] The communication unit 60 is also referred to as the control side communication unit 60 (control side communication unit 601, control side communication unit 601) to distinguish it from the first communication unit 28 of the first terminal device 10C and the second communication unit 30 of the second terminal device 10D.

[0195] When communicating with a server device 12A using two terminal devices, a first terminal device 10C and a second terminal device 10D, it is desirable to appropriately set the timing for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D to ensure proper communication without interruption. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D connected to the server device 12A is below a predetermined level, a process for sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is performed. That is, in the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D connected to the server device 12A is below a predetermined level, a process for switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to the other terminal device is performed to maintain the connection with the server device 12A. The following describes the process for switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. The process of switching from the second terminal apparatus 10D to the first terminal apparatus 10C is the same as the process of switching from the first terminal apparatus 10C to the second terminal apparatus 10D, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] (First Switching Process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0197] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining battery charge of one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D connected to the server device 12A is below a predetermined level, the other terminal device is used to execute a process of maintaining the connection with the server device 12A. The following describes the process performed when the remaining battery charge of the first terminal device 10C is below a predetermined level. The process performed when the remaining battery charge of the second terminal device 10D is below a predetermined level is the same as the process performed by the first terminal device 10C, and therefore will not be described here.

[0198] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal apparatus 10C and the server apparatus 12A (step S200).

[0199] The battery remaining amount determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S202). If it is determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C is equal to or less than the predetermined value (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. If it is not determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C is equal to or less than the predetermined value (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S200. That is, in the third embodiment, if the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C exceeds the predetermined value, switching from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D is not performed.

[0200] If the determination in step S202 is Yes, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the fifth communication unit 36 ​​to transmit a request signal for identification information to the second terminal apparatus 10D (step S204).

[0201] The control unit 34D of the second terminal apparatus 10D determines whether to accept the request for identification information received from the first terminal apparatus 10C (step S206). If it is determined that the request for identification information is accepted (step S206; Yes), the process proceeds to step S210. If it is not determined that the request for identification information is accepted (step S206; No), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0202] If step S206 returns No, the control unit 34C of the first terminal apparatus 10C determines that the request for identification information to the second terminal apparatus 10D is unsuccessful (step S208). The control unit 34 of the first terminal apparatus 10C determines that the request for identification information is unsuccessful, for example, if it does not receive identification information from the second terminal apparatus 10D within a predetermined time, or if it receives a signal indicating a response refusal. In this case, no switching process is performed to take over communication from the first terminal apparatus 10C to the second terminal apparatus 10D in a state where authentication has been performed in advance. The process of FIG. 24 then ends.

[0203] If the determination in step S206 is Yes, the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal apparatus 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the first terminal apparatus 10C (step S210).

[0204] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit 30 to the server apparatus 12 (step S212).

[0205] The management control unit 84 of the server device 12A determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 has already been registered with the server device 12A as connection permission information (step S214). If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 has already been registered with the server device 12A (step S214; Yes), the process proceeds to step S216. If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 has not already been registered with the server device 12A (step S214; No), the process proceeds to step S218.

[0206] If the determination in step S214 is Yes, the management control unit 54 of the server device 12A updates the registered identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S216). The management control unit 54 of the server device 12 updates, for example, the identification information of the second communication unit 30 included in the collation table.

[0207] If the determination in step S216 is No, the management control unit 54 of the server device 12A registers the identification information of the second communication unit 30 as connection permission information in the server device 12A (step S218).

[0208] Thereafter, instead of connecting to server device 12A using first terminal device 10C, connection to server device 12A is attempted using second terminal device 10D. Here, for example, when the remaining battery charge of first terminal device 10C drops below a predetermined value, making it difficult to continue communication using first terminal device 10C, the first terminal device 10C attempts to continue communication by switching to second terminal device 10D, which has a remaining battery charge. Communication control unit 46D of second terminal device 10D controls second communication unit 30 to connect second terminal device 10D and server device 12A (step S220).

[0209] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A determines whether the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the connected second terminal device 10D matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S222). If it is determined that the identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the connected second terminal device 10D matches the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S222; Yes), the process proceeds to step S224. If it is determined that the identification information of the connected second terminal device 10D does not match the stored identification information of the second communication unit 30 of the second terminal device 10D (step S222; No), the process proceeds to step S226.

[0210] If step S222 returns Yes, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A permits connection between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A (step S224). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A transmits a connection permit signal to the second terminal device 10D via the communication unit 60. This enables communication between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A. In other words, it becomes possible to switch the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. The processing of FIG. 24 then ends.

[0211] If step S222 returns No, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A denies connection between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12 (step S226). Specifically, the connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A transmits a connection refusal signal to the second terminal device 10D via the communication unit 60. In this case, the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are not connected in a state where communication is continued after a pre-authentication process, and a new authentication process is required when connecting. In other words, the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A is not switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D as an authenticated terminal device. The process of FIG. 24 then ends.

[0212] That is, when the remaining battery charge of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C, which has a low remaining battery charge and may not be able to maintain connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D, so that communication with the server device 12A can be performed without interruption.

[0213] (Second Switching Process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0214] In the second switching process of the third embodiment, for example, when the first terminal device 10C, whose remaining battery power has fallen below a predetermined value, is charged and the remaining battery power exceeds the predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authenticated state, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A.

[0215] The management control unit 84 of the server device 12A stores associated identification information, which associates the identification information of the first communication unit 28 with the identification information of the second communication unit 30, in the storage unit 62 (step S230).

[0216] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to start communication between the first terminal apparatus 10C and the server apparatus 12A (step S232).

[0217] The battery remaining capacity determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery capacity of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has exceeded a predetermined value (step S234). If it is determined that the remaining battery capacity of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has exceeded the predetermined value (step S234; Yes), the process proceeds to step S186. If it is not determined that the remaining battery capacity of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has exceeded the predetermined value (step S234; No), the process proceeds to step S232.

[0218] If the determination in step S234 is Yes, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit a request signal for deleting the related identification information to the server apparatus 12A (step S236).

[0219] When the management control unit 84 of the server device 12A receives the request signal to delete the associated identification information from the first terminal device 10C, it deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit 62 in association with the identification information of the first communication unit 28 and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 (step S238). The management control unit 84 of the server device 12A deleting the associated identification information prevents the process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D as a previously authenticated terminal device. In other words, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12A deleting the associated identification information requires a new authentication process when the second terminal device 10D connects to the server device 12A, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained.

[0220] The connection control unit 86 of the server device 12A controls the communication unit 60 to transmit a response signal for deleting the related identification information to the first terminal device 10C (step S240).

[0221] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C determines whether a response signal has been received from the server apparatus 12A (step S242). If it is determined that the response signal has been received (step S242; Yes), the process proceeds to step S244. If it is not determined that the response signal has been received (step S242; No), the process proceeds to step S246.

[0222] If the determination in step S242 is Yes, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C receives the response signal (step S244), and the processing in FIG.

[0223] If the determination in step S242 is No, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C controls the first communication unit 28 to transmit a retransmission signal indicating a request for retransmission of the response signal to the server apparatus 12 (step S246). For example, if the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C does not receive a response signal even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting a request signal for deletion of the related identification information, it transmits a retransmission signal to the server apparatus 12A. Then, the process proceeds to step S242. Here, a retransmission signal indicating a request for retransmission of the response signal is transmitted to the server apparatus 12A. However, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process of FIG. 25 may be terminated without issuing a retransmission request as a timeout.

[0224] That is, when the remaining battery charge of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value and then exceeds the predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the associated identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, a new authentication process is required when the second terminal device 10D connects to the server device 12A, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from being switched from the first terminal device 10C, which has sufficient remaining battery charge and can maintain connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D.

[0225] (Third Switching Process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0226] In the third switching process of the third embodiment, for example, if the remaining battery charge of the first terminal device 10C is below a predetermined value and the remaining battery charge of the second terminal device 10D is also below a predetermined value, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authenticated state, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A.

[0227] The processes in steps S250 and S252 are the same as those in steps S230 and S232 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0228] The battery remaining amount determination unit 48C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has fallen below a predetermined value (step S254). If it is determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has fallen below the predetermined value (step S254; Yes), the process proceeds to step S256. If it is not determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the first terminal device 10C has fallen below the predetermined value (step S254; No), the process proceeds to step S262.

[0229] If the determination in step S254 is Yes, the battery remaining amount determination unit 48D of the second terminal apparatus 10D determines whether the remaining battery amount of the battery of the second terminal apparatus 10D has fallen below a predetermined value (step S256). If it is determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the second terminal apparatus 10D has fallen below the predetermined value (step S256; Yes), the process proceeds to step S258. If it is not determined that the remaining battery amount of the battery of the second terminal apparatus 10D has fallen below the predetermined value (step S256; No), the process proceeds to step S252.

[0230] If the answer is Yes in step S256, the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to transmit a battery remaining capacity signal indicating the remaining battery capacity of the battery of the second terminal device 10D to the first terminal device 10C (step S258).

[0231] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C receives the remaining battery power signal (step S260).

[0232] The processes in steps S262 to S272 are the same as those in steps S236 to S246 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0233] That is, when the remaining battery charge of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value and the remaining battery charge of the second terminal device 10D falls below a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the associated identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, if the second terminal device 10D has been pre-authenticated, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from being switched to the second terminal device 10D, which has a low remaining battery charge and may not be able to maintain a connection with the server device 12A.

[0234] As described above, in the third embodiment, the terminal device that communicates with the server device is switched based on the remaining battery power of at least one of the two terminal devices that can communicate with the server device. This allows the third embodiment to perform communication with the server device without interruption.

[0235] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D that is connected to the server device 12A, a process of sharing identification information between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is performed. That is, in the fourth embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D that is connected to the server device 12A, a process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to the other terminal device is performed to maintain the connection with the server device 12A. Here, the abnormality detected in the terminal device may be, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device is outside a predetermined range, when the (heat generation) temperature of the terminal device is outside a predetermined range, when the battery voltage of the terminal device is outside a predetermined range, when a failure of the input unit 20 is detected, when a failure of the display unit 22 is detected, when a failure of the microphone 24 is detected, when a failure of the speaker 26 is detected, or when it is determined that communication with the server device 12 cannot be maintained by the first communication unit 28.

[0236] (First Switching Process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0237] The process of step S280 is the same as the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 24, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0238] The abnormality detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S282). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S282; Yes), the process proceeds to step S284. If it is not determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S282; No), the process proceeds to step S280. In other words, if no abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10C, switching from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D is not performed.

[0239] The processes from step S284 to step S306 are the same as the processes from step S204 to step S226 shown in FIG. 24, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0240] That is, when an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10C, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C can switch the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, it is possible to switch from the first terminal device 10C, which may not be able to maintain a connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D, so that communication with the server device 12A can be performed without interruption.

[0241] (Second Switching Process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0242] In the second switching process of the fourth embodiment, for example, when the abnormal state in the first terminal device 10C in which an abnormality was detected is resolved and the first terminal device 10C is determined to be normal, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authenticated state, the pre-authenticated state is canceled and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A. Here, the normal state determined by the terminal device may be, for example, when the voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when the (heat) temperature of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when the battery voltage of the terminal device is within a predetermined range, when no failure of the input unit 20 is detected, when no failure of the display unit 22 is detected, when no failure of the microphone 24 is detected, when no failure of the speaker 26 is detected, or when it is determined that communication with the server device 12A via the first communication unit 28 is maintained.

[0243] The processes in steps S310 and S312 are the same as those in steps S230 and S232 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0244] The abnormality detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether or not the first terminal device 10C has detected a normal state (step S314). For example, if the first terminal device 10C generates heat and the temperature is determined to be abnormal, and then the temperature of the first terminal device 10C drops, the abnormality detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C detects a normal state in the first terminal device 10C. If it is determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected a normal state (step S314; Yes), the process proceeds to step S316. If it is not determined that the first terminal device 10C has detected a normal state (step S314; No), the process proceeds to step S312.

[0245] The processes in steps S316 to S326 are the same as the processes in steps S236 to S246 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0246] That is, if an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10C, and then normality is detected in the first terminal device 10C, and if an abnormality is detected in the second terminal device 10D, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the related identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authenticated state, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from being switched from the first terminal device 10C, which can maintain a connection with the server device 12A, to the second terminal device 10D.

[0247] (Third Switching Process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0248] In the third switching process of the fourth embodiment, for example, if an abnormality is detected in the first terminal device 10C and also in the second terminal device 10D, the switching process is not performed, and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A.

[0249] The processes in steps S330 and S332 are the same as those in steps S250 and S252 shown in FIG. 26, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0250] The abnormality detection unit 50C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S334). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S334; Yes), the process proceeds to step S336. If it is not determined that an abnormality has been detected in the first terminal device 10C (step S334; No), the process proceeds to step S342.

[0251] If the determination in step S284 is Yes, the abnormality detection unit 50D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10D (step S286). If it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10D (step S286; Yes), the process proceeds to step S288. If it is not determined that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10D (step S286; No), the process proceeds to step S282.

[0252] If the answer to step S336 is Yes, the communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D controls the sixth communication unit 38 to send an abnormality signal to the first terminal device 10C indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the second terminal device 10D (step S338).

[0253] The communication control unit 46C of the first terminal apparatus 10C receives the abnormality signal (step S340).

[0254] The processes in steps S342 to S352 are the same as the processes in steps S262 to S272 shown in FIG. 26, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0255] That is, when an abnormality is detected in both the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the associated identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, if the second terminal device 10D has been pre-authenticated, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the terminal device connected to the server device 12A from being switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D, which may not be able to maintain a connection with the server device 12A.

[0256] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the terminal device that communicates with the server device is switched based on the detection result of an abnormality in at least one of two terminal devices that can communicate with the server device. As a result, the fourth embodiment can perform communication with the server device without interruption.

[0257] Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, when the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​or the sixth communication unit 38 of one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D that is connected to the server device 12 falls below a predetermined value, a process of sharing identification information is performed between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D. That is, in the fifth embodiment, when the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​or the sixth communication unit 38 of one of the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D that is connected to the server device 12 falls below a predetermined value, a process of switching the terminal device connected to the server device 12A to the other terminal device and maintaining the connection with the server device 12A is performed.

[0258] (First Switching Process) The first switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0259] The process of step S310 is the same as the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 24, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0260] The radio wave intensity determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C has fallen below a predetermined value (step S362). That is, the radio wave intensity determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines whether the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is stable. Specifically, if the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C has fallen below a predetermined value, the radio wave intensity determination unit 52C of the first terminal device 10C determines that the communication between the first terminal device 10C and the second terminal device 10D is unstable. If it is determined that the radio wave intensity has fallen below the predetermined value (step S362; Yes), the process proceeds to step S364. If it is not determined that the radio wave intensity has fallen below the predetermined value (step S362; No), the process proceeds to step S360. That is, if the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​in the first terminal apparatus 10C does not fall below a predetermined value, switching from the first terminal apparatus 10C to the second terminal apparatus 10D is not performed.

[0261] The processes from step S364 to step S386 are the same as the processes from step S204 to step S226 shown in FIG. 24, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0262] That is, when the radio wave intensity of the communication from the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D. As a result, for example, when the second terminal device 10D is taken out, the terminal device connected to the server device 12A can be switched from the first terminal device 10C to the taken-out second terminal device 10D, so that communication with the server device 12A can be performed without interruption.

[0263] (Second Switching Process) The second switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0264] In the second switching process of the fifth embodiment, for example, when the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are already connected and the radio wave strength of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A.

[0265] The processes in steps S340 and S342 are the same as those in steps S230 and S232 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0266] The communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are already connected (step S394). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are already connected (step S394; Yes), the process proceeds to step S396. If it is not determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are already connected (step S394; No), the process proceeds to step S398.

[0267] If the determination in step S394 is Yes, the management control unit 84 of the server device 12A continues to store the related identification information in the storage unit 62 (step S396), and then the process proceeds to step S382.

[0268] If the determination in step S394 is No, the radio wave intensity determination unit 52C of the first terminal apparatus 10C determines whether the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal apparatus 10C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S398). If it is determined that the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S398; Yes), the process proceeds to step S400. If it is not determined that the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S398; No), the process proceeds to step S392. In other words, if the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal apparatus 10C is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the server apparatus 12A maintains the storage of the related identification information.

[0269] The processes in steps S400 to S410 are the same as those in steps S236 to S246 shown in FIG. 25, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0270] That is, when the radio wave intensity of the communication from the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value and then the radio wave intensity of the communication from the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C rises above a predetermined value while the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A are connected, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the associated identification information to the server device 12A. As a result, if the second terminal device 10D has been pre-authenticated, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, for example, if the second terminal device 10D is taken out and then returns immediately, the communication between the server device 12A and the first terminal device 10C is maintained, and communication with the server device 12A can be performed without interruption.

[0271] (Third Switching Process) The third switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third switching process of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0272] In the third switching process of the fifth embodiment, for example, if the second terminal device 10D cannot communicate with the server device 12A and the radio wave strength of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​is below a predetermined value, the switching process is not performed, and a process is executed to maintain the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12.

[0273] The processes in steps S420 and S472 are the same as those in steps S250 and S252 shown in FIG. 26, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0274] The communication control unit 46D of the second terminal device 10D determines whether the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate with each other (step S424). If it is determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate with each other (step S424; Yes), the process proceeds to step S426. If it is not determined that the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12A can communicate with each other (step S424; No), the process proceeds to step S428.

[0275] The process of step S426 is the same as the process of step S396 shown in FIG. 31, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0276] If the determination in step S424 is No, the radio wave intensity determination unit 52C of the first terminal apparatus 10C determines whether the radio wave intensity of the communication by the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal apparatus 10C has fallen below a predetermined value (step S428). If it is determined that the radio wave intensity has fallen below the predetermined value (step S428; Yes), the process proceeds to step S430. If it is not determined that the radio wave intensity has fallen below the predetermined value (step S428; No), the process proceeds to step S422.

[0277] The processes from step S430 to step S4400 are the same as the processes from step S400 to step S410 shown in FIG. 31, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0278] That is, when communication between the second terminal device 10D and the server device 12 is not possible and the radio wave intensity of the communication from the fifth communication unit 36 ​​of the first terminal device 10C falls below a predetermined value, the communication control unit 46C of the first terminal device 10C transmits a request signal for deleting the associated identification information to the server device 12. As a result, if the second terminal device 10D is in a pre-authenticated state, the pre-authenticated state is cancelled, and the connection between the first terminal device 10C and the server device 12A is maintained. As a result, even if the second terminal device 10D is taken out, for example, it is possible to prevent the terminal device communicating with the server device 12A from being switched from the first terminal device 10C to the second terminal device 10D, which is unable to communicate with the server device 12A, and communication with the server device 12A can be performed without interruption.

[0279] As described above, the fifth embodiment switches the terminal device that communicates with the server device based on the radio wave intensity of the communication between two terminal devices that can communicate with the server device. This allows the fourth embodiment to communicate with the server device without interruption.

[0280] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that this distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0281] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0282] The communication control device, terminal device, communication system, communication control method, communication method, and communication system control method of the present disclosure can be used in a PoC system that performs PoC communication.

[0283] 1, 1A, 1B Communication system 10, 10A, 10B Terminal device 10C First terminal device 10D Second terminal device 12, 12A Server device 14 Core network device 16 First base station device 18 Second base station device 20 Input unit 22 Display unit 24 Microphone 26 Speaker 28 First communication unit 30 Second communication unit 32, 62, 102 Storage unit 34, 34C, 34D, 66, 104 Control unit 36 ​​Fifth communication unit 38 Sixth communication unit 40 Identification information acquisition unit 42 Connection request unit 44, 110 Authentication unit 46, 46A, 46C, 46D Communication control unit 48C, 48D Battery remaining amount determination unit 50C, 50D Abnormality detection unit 52C Radio wave intensity determination unit 54, 84 Management control unit 60, 60A, 60B, 601 Control side communication unit 60, 60A, 60B, 100, 601, 602 Communication unit 64 Management unit 70 PoC account management unit 72 MAC address management unit 74 IMEI management unit 76 Database management unit 80 Connection information acquisition unit 82 Connection information determination unit 86 Connection control unit

Claims

1. A control side communication unit that communicates with a first communication unit of a terminal device using a first communication method and communicates with a second communication unit of the terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information for identifying the first communication unit of the terminal device and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit of the terminal device from connection information received by the control side communication unit using the first communication method or the second communication method, the first identification information and the second identification information being received; a storage unit that, when a connection using the first identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit is permitted, associates the first identification information with the second identification information and stores them as associated identification information; a connection information determination unit that, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, determines whether the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit; and a connection control unit that, when it is determined that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information, permits connection of the terminal device; when the connection control unit permits a new connection based on the connection request using the second communication unit, the connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the storage unit, and stores the first identification information and the second identification information of the currently connected terminal device in association with each other as associated identification information for the new connection in the storage unit.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit pre-stores first identification information and second identification information relating to a terminal device to be permitted to connect as connection permission information, and the connection control unit determines whether to permit the connection of the terminal device based on the connection permission information when a connection request using new first identification information or a connection request using new second identification information is received.

3. A communication system comprising: a communication control device according to claim 1 or 2; and a terminal device that communicates with said communication control device, wherein said terminal device comprises a first communication unit that communicates with said communication control device using said first communication method, and a second communication unit that communicates with said communication control device using said second communication method.

4. A communication control method for controlling a communication control device that communicates with a terminal device, comprising: a step in which a control communication unit of the communication control device communicates with a first communication unit of the terminal device using a first communication method, and communicates with a second communication unit of the terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method; a step in which first identification information for identifying the first communication unit of the terminal device and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit of the terminal device are acquired, the first identification information and second identification information being included in connection information received by the control communication unit of the communication control device using the first communication method or the second communication method; a step in which, when a connection using the acquired first identification information is permitted, the acquired first identification information and second identification information are associated and stored as associated identification information; a step in which, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, the second identification information of the terminal device that made the connection request is determined to be stored or not; and a step in which, when it is determined that the first identification information associated with the second identification information is included in the associated identification information, the connection of the terminal device is permitted.

5. A communication system including a communication control device and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein a first terminal device comprises: a first communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using a first communication method; and a fifth communication unit that communicates with a second terminal device using a third communication method different from the first communication method; the second terminal device comprises: a second communication unit that communicates with the communication control device using a second communication method different from the first and third communication methods; and a sixth communication unit that communicates with the first terminal device using the third communication method; the first terminal device and the second terminal device communicate with each other and share first identification information for identifying the first communication unit and second identification information for identifying the second communication unit as needed; when making a connection request to the communication control device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device transmit a connection request signal to the communication control device that includes the latest first identification information and second identification information that have been shared; and the communication control device comprises: a third communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the first terminal device using the first communication method; a fourth communication unit that communicates with the second communication unit of the second terminal device using the second communication method; a connection information acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection request signal received by the third communication unit or the fourth communication unit; a storage unit that permits connection in response to a connection request using the first communication unit based on predetermined conditions, and that, when permitting connection using the first communication unit, associates the first identification information and the second identification information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit and stores them as associated identification information; and a connection control unit that, when a new connection request is made using the second communication unit, determines whether the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit, and permits connection of the second terminal device that made the connection request if the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored in the storage unit.

6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein when the connection control unit permits a new connection based on a connection request using the second communication unit, the connection control unit deletes the associated identification information stored in the memory unit, associates the first identification information and the second identification information of the currently connected terminal device as associated identification information for the new connection, and stores them in the memory unit.

7. A control method for a communication system including a communication control device and a plurality of terminal devices, comprising the steps of: communicating between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and occasionally sharing first identification information for identifying a first communication unit of the first terminal device and second identification information for identifying a second communication unit of the second terminal device; when the first terminal device and the second terminal device make a connection request to the communication control device, transmitting a connection request signal to the communication control device, the connection information including the latest shared first identification information and second identification information; receiving the connection request signal from the first terminal device or the second terminal device by the communication control device, and acquiring the first identification information and the second identification information from the connection information included in the connection request signal; permitting connection based on predetermined conditions in response to the connection request using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, and when permitting connection using the first communication unit of the first terminal device, associating the first identification information and the second identification information acquired in the obtaining step with each other and storing them as associated identification information; a step of determining whether second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored when a new connection request is made using a second communication unit, and allowing the connection of the second terminal device that made the connection request if the second identification information of the second terminal device that made the connection request is stored.

8. A terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method and that has a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method; and a control unit that controls each unit, wherein when the remaining battery level of the terminal device falls below a predetermined level, the control unit acquires second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

9. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit, when the remaining battery charge of the terminal device exceeds a predetermined value, transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete associated identification information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information stored in the server device.

10. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete the associated identification information when the remaining battery power of the terminal device itself and the other terminal device falls below a predetermined remaining power.

11. A communication method comprising: a step in which a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a step in which a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and a step in which, when the remaining battery level of the terminal device falls below a predetermined level, second identification information of a second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device.

12. A terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method, the other terminal device having a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method; and a control unit that controls each unit, wherein when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device itself, the control unit acquires second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein when normality is detected in the terminal device itself, the control unit transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete associated identification information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information stored in the server device.

14. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete related identification information when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device itself and the other terminal device.

15. A communication method comprising: a step in which a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a step in which a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and a step in which, when an abnormality is detected in the terminal device, second identification information of a second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device.

16. A terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a third communication unit that communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method and that has a second communication unit that communicates with the server device using a second communication method; and a control unit that controls each unit, wherein when the radio wave strength of the communication from the third communication unit falls below a predetermined value, the control unit acquires second identification information of the second communication unit from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and transmits connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information to the server device.

17. The terminal device described in claim 16, wherein the control unit, when the radio wave strength of the communication from the third communication unit exceeds a predetermined value, transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete associated identification information that associates the first identification information and the second identification information stored in the server device.

18. The terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit transmits a request signal to the server device via the first communication unit to delete related identification information when the radio wave strength of the communication from the third communication unit falls below a predetermined value in a state in which the server device and the other terminal device cannot communicate with each other.

19. A communication method comprising: a step in which a first communication unit of a terminal device communicates with a server device using a first communication method; a step in which a third communication unit of the terminal device communicates with another terminal device using a third communication method; and a step in which, when the radio wave strength of the communication from the third communication unit falls below a predetermined value, second identification information of the second communication unit is obtained from the other terminal device via the third communication unit, and first connection information including the first identification information of the first communication unit and the second identification information is transmitted to the server device.

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