Communication adapter, communication system, and communication method

Abstract

A communication adapter (1) comprises: a communication unit capable of communicating via a communication network of a plurality of communication carriers; and a switching unit (131) that switches a communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication. When the communication unit receives a communication carrier selection signal that is a signal for selecting a communication carrier to be used by the communication unit for communication, the switching unit (131) switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal. The communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a communication carrier different from a communication carrier with which a user has a contract.

Description

Communication Adapter, Communication System, and Communication Method

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

[0002] Conventionally, devices capable of mounting a plurality of SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules) have been used. In Patent Document 1, it is described that a wireless communication device 10 supports communication using a plurality of SIMs simultaneously and dynamically switches the communication in consideration of the communication quality of each of SIM1, SIM2, and wireless LAN.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 138894

[0004] There are products that can be communicably connected to a service provider's server via a communication network provided by a communication carrier and a communication adapter and use the services provided by the service provider. When the product is one for which the user bears the communication volume for using the services provided by the service provider, the user uses the communication capacity of the communication carrier with which the user has contracted. For this reason, there has been a problem that the service provider cannot perform communication using the communication network of the communication carrier with which the user has contracted for processing due to the service provider's convenience, such as software update or software debugging installed in the product.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain a communication adapter that enables communication for the convenience of the service provider without using the communication capacity of the communication carrier with which the user has contracted.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication adapter according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit capable of communicating via communication networks of a plurality of communication carriers, and a switching unit that switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication. When the communication unit receives a communication carrier selection signal, which is a signal for selecting the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication, the switching unit switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal. The communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a communication carrier different from the communication carrier with which the user has contracted.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a communication adapter is obtained that enables communication at the carrier's discretion without using the communication capacity of the user's contracted communication carrier.

[0008] A block diagram showing the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the configuration of the connection equipment provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the configuration of the carrier server provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the configuration of the communication adapter provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the main components related to communication in the communication adapter provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the SIM of the communication adapter provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the transition of the service screen displayed on the display unit of the connection equipment provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of the service screen displayed on the display unit of the connection equipment provided by the communication system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the communication adapter when the communication adapter according to Embodiment 1 receives a second communication carrier selection signal. A flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure when the communication adapter according to Embodiment 1 performs carrier-initiated communication. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing when the adapter terminates communication due to carrier reasons. A figure showing the main configuration of the communication adapter when the communication adapter in the communication system according to Embodiment 2 communicates based on the first SIM for data communication. A figure showing the main configuration of the communication adapter when the communication adapter in the communication system according to Embodiment 2 communicates based on the second SIM for data communication. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing when the communication adapter transmits operating information of the air conditioner in Embodiment 2. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing when the communication adapter transmits debug log data of the air conditioner software to the carrier server in Embodiment 2. A figure showing the hardware implementation of each function of the control unit according to Embodiments 1 and 2. A figure showing the software implementation of each function of the control unit according to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0009] The communication adapter, communication system, and communication method according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to Embodiment 1. The communication system 100 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a communication adapter 1, a connecting device 2, and a carrier server 3. The communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 are connected in a communication manner via a communication network 4. The communication adapter 1 and the connecting device 2 are connected in a communication manner. The communication adapter 1 and the connecting device 2 can communicate via wireless or wired communication.

[0011] The connected device 2 is a device used by the user. The connected device 2 is connected to the communication adapter 1 and communicates with the carrier server 3 via the communication adapter 1 and the communication network 4, enabling the exchange of various types of information between the two devices.

[0012] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the connection device included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. The connection device 2 comprises an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a connection device communication unit 23, a connection device processing unit 24, a connection device storage unit 25, and a connection device control unit 26.

[0013] The operation unit 21 receives setting operations related to the operation of the connected device 2. When the operation unit 21 receives an operation from the user, it outputs information corresponding to the user's operation as an operation signal to the connected device control unit 26.

[0014] The display unit 22 is a display unit that displays various information, including the settings and operating status of the connected device 2, and switches and displays screens corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 21.

[0015] The display unit 22 displays at least one of the switching notification and processing content notification included in the communication carrier selection signal when the connected device 2 receives a communication carrier selection signal from the communication adapter 1, as described later. Details of the communication carrier selection signal will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the display unit 22 displays a service screen for the connected device 2 provided by the service provider server 3, which will be described later. Details of the service screen will be described later.

[0017] The connected device communication unit 23 communicates with the mobile terminal communication unit 141 of the communication adapter 1, which will be described later. The connected device communication unit 23 communicates with the carrier server 3 via the communication adapter 1 and the communication network 4, and exchanges various types of information with the carrier server 3.

[0018] The connected device processing unit 24 performs processing to realize the functions of the connected device 2 and executes the functions of the connected device 2.

[0019] The connected device storage unit 25 stores various types of information, such as information used to control the connected device 2, settings for the connected device 2, various types of information acquired when the connected device 2 is in operation, and information received from the carrier server 3 via the communication adapter 1.

[0020] The connected device control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the entire connected device 2.

[0021] The service provider server 3 is a service server managed by the service provider and provides various services related to the connected device 2 to the user. The service provider is, for example, the manufacturer of the connected device 2. The service provider server 3 publishes a homepage related to the connected device 2 and provides various information about the connected device 2 to the user on that homepage. If the connected device 2 is an air conditioner, an example of the services that the service provider server 3 provides to the user is the remote operation of the air conditioner and the provision of maintenance information for the air conditioner. The service provider server 3 may be an on-premise server or a cloud server.

[0022] Furthermore, the carrier server 3 transmits a communication carrier selection signal 50 to the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4 when, for example, new software related to the connected device 2 is released on the carrier server 3, that is, when the new software related to the connected device 2 is registered in the server storage unit 32 of the carrier server 3 (described later). The new software is, for example, update software for updating the software installed on the connected device 2, and update software for correcting defects in the software installed on the connected device 2. The carrier server 3 can then have the connected device 2 download the update software and perform an update or replacement of the software on the connected device 2.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a carrier server provided in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. The carrier server 3 comprises a server communication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, and a server control unit 33.

[0024] The server communication unit 31 connects to the communication network 4 and communicates with the connected device 2 via the communication adapter 1. Specifically, the server communication unit 31 connects to the communication network 4 and communicates with the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 (described later) to send and receive device-related data related to the connected device 2. The device-related data includes update software for updating the software installed on the connected device 2, information regarding the operation of the connected device 2, or information regarding the surrounding conditions of the connected device 2. The server communication unit 31 transmits various data received from the connected device 2 to the server control unit 33. The server communication unit 31 also transmits device-related data related to the connected device 2 received from the server control unit 33 to the connected device 2.

[0025] The server communication unit 31 is capable of communicating with the communication adapter 1 using the communication networks 4 of multiple communication carriers. In the communication system 100, the server communication unit 31 can use the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier and the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier to communicate with the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1.

[0026] The first communication carrier is the communication carrier used for communication between the service provider server 3 and the communication adapter 1 when the server communication unit 31 provides services to the user under normal circumstances. Normal circumstances refer to normal operation when the connected device 2 performs its normal operating processes and when the connected device 2 is stopped. The first communication carrier is the communication carrier to which the user of the communication adapter 1 and connected device 2 has a contract, and to which the user pays communication charges.

[0027] The second communication carrier is a communication carrier used for communication between the carrier server 3 and the communication adapter 1 when the server communication unit 31 performs processing at the carrier's discretion, such as updating the software installed on the connected device 2 and fixing bugs in said software. The second communication carrier is a different communication carrier from the one contracted by the user of the communication adapter 1 and connected device 2, and is a communication carrier contracted by the carrier, and is a communication carrier for which the user does not pay communication fees.

[0028] Under normal circumstances, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier among multiple communication carriers. Furthermore, when the server communication unit 31 communicates regarding processes performed at the discretion of the service provider, such as updating the software installed on the connected device 2 or correcting bugs in said software, it communicates with the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier among multiple communication carriers.

[0029] The server storage unit 32 stores various information related to the processing of the service provider server 3, including information about the connected device 2 received from the connected device 2. The server storage unit 32 stores device-related data related to the connected device 2 received from the connected device 2. The server storage unit 32 stores software related to the connected device 2.

[0030] The server control unit 33 is a control unit that controls the overall processing of the carrier server 3. For example, the server control unit 33 publishes a homepage related to the connected device 2 and controls the provision of various information about the connected device 2 to users on that homepage. The server control unit 33 controls the process of storing the information of the connected device 2 received from the connected device 2 in the server storage unit 32. The server control unit 33 also transmits a communication carrier selection signal 50 to the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4 and controls the communication adapter 1 to switch the communication carrier with which it communicates with the carrier server 3.

[0031] The communication adapter 1 is a wireless communication adapter that connects to the connected device 2, connects to the carrier server 3 via the communication network 4, and communicates with the carrier server 3 and the connected device 2 to connect the carrier server 3 and the connected device 2. The communication adapter 1 is capable of communicating with the carrier server 3 using the communication networks 4 of multiple communication carriers. In the communication system 100, the communication adapter 1 can use a first communication carrier and a second communication carrier for communication with the server communication unit 31. The communication adapter 1 may also be configured to use other communication carriers for communication with the carrier server 3.

[0032] When the communication adapter 1 receives a communication carrier selection signal 50 from the carrier server 3 via the communication network 4 of the carrier currently used to communicate with the carrier server 3, it is possible to switch the communication carrier used for communication with the server communication unit 31 to another communication carrier. In other words, when the communication adapter 1 receives a communication carrier selection signal 50, it is possible to selectively switch the communication carrier used for communication with the server communication unit 31 between the first communication carrier and the second communication carrier.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the communication adapter included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 shows the main components related to communication in the communication adapter included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 5, the connecting device 2 is also shown. Figure 6 shows the SIM of the communication adapter included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1.

[0034] The communication adapter 1 comprises a first SIM 11, a second SIM 12, an edge communication unit 13 equipped with a switching unit 131, a mobile terminal device 14, an adapter storage unit 15, and an adapter control unit 16.

[0035] The first SIM 11 is a storage means for storing communication line information of the first communication carrier. The first SIM 11 is a card SIM or an eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module). As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first SIM 11 is installed in the first SIM slot 111, which is a SIM slot provided inside the communication adapter 1. The communication line information is information for performing communication with the communication network 4 provided by the communication carrier, and includes information such as the communication carrier's subscriber identification number and telephone number.

[0036] The second SIM 12 is a storage means for storing communication line information of the second communication carrier. The second SIM 12 is either a card SIM or an eSIM. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second SIM 12 is installed in the second SIM slot 121, which is a SIM slot provided inside the communication adapter 1. It is also possible to use multiple communication carriers as the second communication carrier. In this case, multiple second SIMs 12 are provided, corresponding to each second communication carrier.

[0037] Although Figures 4 to 6 show the case where the communication adapter 1 has two SIM slots and two SIMs, the number of SIM slots and SIMs provided by the communication adapter 1 is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0038] The edge communication unit 13 is installed at the end of the communication when the communication adapter 1 connects to the communication network 4, and is a communication unit that plays the role of connecting the communication adapter 1 to external devices, which are external devices of the communication adapter 1, via the communication network 4. The edge communication unit 13 connects the carrier server 3, which is an external device, to the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4. The edge communication unit 13 communicates with the carrier server 3 using the communication carrier selected and switched by the switching unit 131. The edge communication unit 13 is normally configured to communicate with the carrier server 3 using the first communication carrier.

[0039] The switching unit 131 selects one communication carrier from a plurality of communication carriers that the communication adapter 1 can communicate with based on the communication carrier selection signal 50, and switches the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 to the selected communication carrier. In other words, the switching unit 131 selects a communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal 50 from a plurality of communication carriers that the edge communication unit 13 can use for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3. In Embodiment 1, the switching unit 131 selects one of the first communication carrier and the second communication carrier based on the communication carrier selection signal 50, and switches the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 to the selected communication carrier.

[0040] When the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 is switched to the first communication carrier, the edge communication unit 13 communicates with the carrier server 3 via the first communication carrier's network 4. When the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 is switched to the second communication carrier, the edge communication unit 13 communicates with the carrier server 3 via the second communication carrier's network 4.

[0041] The communication carrier selection signal 50 is information that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 uses to select the communication carrier to use for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3, and is information that instructs the communication adapter 1 to switch the communication carrier for communication with the carrier server 3. The communication carrier selection signal 50 also includes a switching notification that instructs to switch the communication carrier, and a processing content notification that indicates the content of the processing to be performed by the communication adapter 1 or the connected device 2 after switching the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31. The communication adapter 1 or the connected device 2 performs processing according to the information indicated in the communication carrier selection signal 50.

[0042] In the communication system 100, the communication carrier selection signal 50 includes a first communication carrier selection signal 51 and a second communication carrier selection signal 52. The communication carrier selection signal 50 is provided for each communication carrier used by the communication adapter 1 to communicate with the carrier server 3 in the communication system 100.

[0043] The first communication carrier selection signal 51 is information indicating that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 selects the first communication carrier as the communication carrier for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3. The first communication carrier selection signal 51 includes a switching notification instructing the edge communication unit 13 to switch the communication carrier used for communication with the server communication unit 31 from the second communication carrier to the first communication carrier.

[0044] The second communication carrier selection signal 52 is information indicating that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 selects the second communication carrier as the communication carrier for communication with the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3. The second communication carrier selection signal 52 includes a switching notification instructing the edge communication unit 13 to switch the communication carrier used for communication with the server communication unit 31 from the first communication carrier to the second communication carrier. The second communication carrier selection signal 52 also includes a processing content notification indicating the content of the processing to be performed by the communication adapter 1 or connected device 2 after the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 has been switched to the second communication carrier.

[0045] The switching of communication carriers in the switching unit 131 when the first SIM 11 and the second SIM 12 are equipped with SIM cards will be described. In this case, the switching unit 131 activates the SIM card corresponding to the communication carrier selected based on the communication carrier selection signal 50, and deactivates the SIM card corresponding to the communication carrier currently set as the communication carrier for the communication adapter 1 to communicate with the operator server 3, thereby selectively switching the communication carrier for the communication adapter 1 to communicate.

[0046] The switching of communication carriers in the switching unit 131 when the first SIM 11 and the second SIM 12 are equipped with eSIMs will be described. In this case, the switching unit 131 switches the communication carrier by changing the profile recorded in the eSIM to the profile of another communication carrier. In this case, at least one of the first SIM 11 and the second SIM 12 may be used.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of the service screen displayed on the display unit of the connection device included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. Normally, on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2, a normal service screen 61 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7. Also, when the communication between the communication adapter 1 and the operator server 3 is used for the convenience of the operator, on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2, an operator-use service screen 62 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7. On the operator-use service screen 62, a message "being used by operator" indicating that the operator is using the communication between the communication adapter 1 and the operator server 3 is displayed.

[0048] The service screen displayed on the display unit 22 of the connected device 2 alternately switches between the normal service screen 61 and the carrier-using service screen 62 based on the reception of the communication carrier selection signal 50 in the connected device 2. When the connection device control unit 26 of the connected device 2 receives the first communication carrier selection signal 51 from the communication adapter 1, it causes the normal service screen 61 to be displayed on the display unit 22. When the connection device control unit 26 of the connected device 2 receives the second communication carrier selection signal 52 from the communication adapter 1, it causes the carrier-using service screen 62 to be displayed on the display unit 22. Thereby, when the user uses the service related to the connected device 2 provided by the carrier server 3, the user can easily confirm whether the communication carrier used for the communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 has been switched to the second communication carrier.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a service screen displayed on the display unit of a connected device included in the communication system according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 8, a carrier-usage communication consent screen 63 is displayed on the display unit 22 of the connected device 2. The carrier-usage communication consent screen 63 is a screen for confirming to the user the consent for the transmission and reception of carrier-usage communication.

[0050] Carrier-usage communication is the communication between the carrier server 3 and the communication adapter 1 regarding device-related data related to the connected device 2 using the communication network 4 by the second communication carrier for the carrier to perform processes such as software updates of the software installed in the connected device 2 and correction of defects in the software.

[0051] When the user consents to the transmission and reception of carrier-usage communication, carrier-usage communication can be performed, and based on the reception of the communication carrier selection signal 50, the transition between the normal service screen 61 and the carrier-using service screen 62 shown in FIG. 7 becomes possible. The server control unit 33 of the carrier server 3 transmits consent request information for causing the carrier-usage communication consent screen 63 to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the connected device 2 to the connection device control unit 26 of the connected device 2. When receiving the consent request information, the connection device control unit 26 causes the carrier-usage communication consent screen 63 to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the connected device 2.

[0052] The carrier-initiated communication acceptance screen 63 displays, for example, an "Accept" checkbox to select whether to accept carrier-initiated communication transmission and reception, and a "Disagree" checkbox to select whether to disagree to carrier-initiated communication transmission and reception. When a user uses the operation unit 21 of the connected device 2 to input acceptance information by checking the "Accept" checkbox on the carrier-initiated communication acceptance screen 63, carrier-initiated communication becomes possible. The acceptance information is stored in the connected device storage unit 25 of the connected device 2.

[0053] Furthermore, if the user uses the operation unit 21 of the connected device 2 to input rejection information indicating their refusal to send or receive carrier-initiated communications by checking the "Do not accept" checkbox on the carrier-initiated communications acceptance screen 63, it becomes impossible to perform carrier-initiated communications. The rejection information is stored in the connected device storage unit 25 of the connected device 2. As a result, the communication system 100 can only perform carrier-initiated communications if the user has given their consent for sending or receiving carrier-initiated communications, and carrier-initiated communications that are not in line with the user's wishes are not performed.

[0054] The acceptance information is then transmitted from the connection device communication unit 23 of the connection device 2 to the server control unit 33 of the carrier server 3 via the terminal communication unit 141 and edge communication unit 13 of the mobile terminal device 14 of the communication adapter 1. The server control unit 33 stores the acceptance information in the server storage unit 32. As a result, the carrier server 3 can control the service screen displayed on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2 by transmitting one of the first communication carrier selection signal 51 and the second communication carrier selection signal 52 to the connection device control unit 26, thereby switching between the normal service screen 61 and the carrier-used service screen 62. In other words, the connection device control unit 26 of the connection device 2 changes the service screen displayed on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2 in accordance with the type of communication carrier selection signal 50.

[0055] Furthermore, acceptance and rejection information are stored in the adapter storage unit 15 of the communication adapter 1.

[0056] The mobile terminal device 14 communicates with the edge communication unit 13 and the connection device communication unit 23 of the connection device 2, and exchanges information between the communication adapter 1 and the connection device 2. The mobile terminal device 14 comprises a mobile terminal communication unit 141, a mobile terminal storage unit 142, and a mobile terminal control unit 143.

[0057] The mobile terminal communication unit 141 communicates with the connected device 2 and exchanges information between the communication adapter 1 and the connected device 2.

[0058] The mobile terminal storage unit 142 stores information received from the connected device 2.

[0059] The mobile terminal control unit 143 is a control unit that controls the processing of the entire mobile terminal device 14.

[0060] The adapter storage unit 15 stores various types of information used in processing the communication adapter 1, including information received from the carrier server 3. The adapter storage unit 15 also stores acceptance information and rejection information.

[0061] The adapter control unit 16 is a control unit that controls the entire communication adapter 1. The adapter control unit 16 controls the process of storing the information received from the carrier server 3 in the adapter storage unit 15. The adapter control unit 16 also controls the process of transmitting the information received from the carrier server 3 to the connected device 2.

[0062] Next, the operation of the communication system 100 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the communication adapter when the communication adapter according to Embodiment 1 receives a second communication carrier selection signal. The flow shown in Figure 9 is performed in the normal state where communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 is performed using the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier. Figure 9 shows the flow when the communication adapter 1 switches the communication carrier with the carrier server 3 from the first communication carrier to the second communication carrier in order for the carrier server 3 to perform carrier-convenient communication and to send and receive information.

[0063] In step S110, the edge communication unit 13 receives the second communication carrier selection signal 52. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0064] In step S120, it is determined whether or not the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is permitted. Specifically, the switching unit 131 determines whether or not the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is permitted. The switching unit 131 determines whether or not the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is permitted based on whether or not the acceptance information is stored in the adapter storage unit 15 of the communication adapter 1. The switching unit 131 determines that the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is permitted if the acceptance information is stored in the adapter storage unit 15 of the communication adapter 1. The switching unit 131 determines that the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is not permitted if the acceptance information is not stored in the adapter storage unit 15 of the communication adapter 1.

[0065] If it is determined that the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is permitted, the result in step S120 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S130. If it is determined that the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication is not permitted, the result in step S120 is No, and the process proceeds to step S150.

[0066] In step S130, the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 is switched to the second communication carrier. That is, the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 for communication with the server communication unit 31 is switched to the second communication carrier. Specifically, the switching unit 131 switches the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 for communication with the server communication unit 31 to the second communication carrier based on the second communication carrier selection signal 52.

[0067] Furthermore, if there are multiple second communication carriers, it is possible to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 to multiple second communication carriers by using a second communication carrier selection signal 52 corresponding to each second communication carrier. In this case, a SIM corresponding to each second communication carrier is provided. Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0068] In step S140, the transmission and reception of device-related data associated with the connected device 2 is performed using the second communication carrier. The server control unit 33 of the carrier server 3 uses the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier to transmit, for example, update software as device-related data associated with the connected device 2 to the communication adapter 1. The connected device control unit 26 of the connected device 2 receives the second communication carrier selection signal 52 from the communication adapter 1 and, based on the second communication carrier selection signal 52, displays the carrier usage service screen 62 on the display unit 22 of the connected device 2. The carrier usage service screen 62 displays the message "Carrier in use". This completes the series of processes.

[0069] In step S150, communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the carrier server 3 is maintained on the first communication carrier. That is, the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 to communicate with the server communication unit 31 is not switched to the second communication carrier. Specifically, the switching unit 131 maintains communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the carrier server 3 using the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier without switching to the second communication carrier. This completes the series of processes.

[0070] As described above, in the communication adapter 1, if the user has consented to the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communication, upon receiving the second communication carrier selection signal 52, the communication carrier used for communication between the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 is switched to the second communication carrier.

[0071] Next, the operation when the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 communicate via a second communication carrier will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure when the communication adapter according to Embodiment 1 performs carrier-initiated communication. The processing shown in Figure 10 is performed after carrier-initiated communication is initiated by the processing shown in Figure 9 described above. When the communication adapter 1 performs carrier-initiated communication, the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 always performs the processing shown in Figure 10.

[0072] In step S210, it is determined whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier. Specifically, it is determined and confirmed whether the edge communication unit 13 is currently communicating with the server communication unit 31 using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier.

[0073] If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S210 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S220. If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are not communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S210 is No, and the process proceeds to step S260.

[0074] In step S220, it is determined whether or not the carrier-initiated communication has ended. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not the carrier-initiated communication has ended.

[0075] If it is determined that the carrier-initiated communication has not ended, the result in step S220 is No, and the process proceeds to step S230. If it is determined that the carrier-initiated communication has ended, the result in step S220 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S250.

[0076] In step S230, the message "In use by carrier" is displayed. Specifically, the connection device control unit 26 of the connection device 2 continues to display the carrier-used service screen 62 on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2, and continues to display the "In use by carrier" message on the carrier-used service screen 62. The connection device control unit 26 continues to display the carrier-used service screen 62 on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2 if it has not received carrier-initiated communication termination information from the edge communication unit 13, for example, information indicating that carrier-initiated communication has ended.

[0077] The edge communication unit 13 determines that the carrier-initiated communication has ended when it determines that both the reception of information from the carrier server 3 to the communication adapter 1 in the carrier-initiated communication and the transmission of information from the communication adapter 1 to the carrier server 3 in the carrier-initiated communication have ended, and transmits carrier-initiated communication termination information to the connected device control unit 26. The process then proceeds to step S240.

[0078] In step S240, carrier-initiated communication continues. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 continues carrier-initiated communication. In this case, the edge communication unit 13 does not perform any communication other than carrier-initiated communication. After that, the process returns to step S210.

[0079] In step S250, the communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 is switched to the first communication carrier. Specifically, the switching unit 131 of the edge communication unit 13 switches the communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 from the second communication carrier to the first communication carrier. Then, the process proceeds to step S260.

[0080] In step S260, the edge communication unit 13 does not perform carrier-initiated communication. This completes the series of processes.

[0081] Next, we will describe the processing of the communication adapter 1 when carrier-initiated communication is terminated. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure when the communication adapter according to Embodiment 1 terminates carrier-initiated communication.

[0082] In step S310, the edge communication unit 13 receives the first communication carrier selection signal 51 via the second communication carrier's network 4 while performing carrier-initiated communication using the second communication carrier's network 4. Upon receiving the first communication carrier selection signal 51, the edge communication unit 13 transmits the first communication carrier selection signal 51 to the connection device control unit 26 of the connection device 2. The process then proceeds to step S320.

[0083] In step S320, the "Using a carrier" message on the carrier usage service screen 62 is removed. Specifically, the connection device control unit 26 of the connection device 2, upon receiving the first communication carrier selection signal 51, removes the display of the carrier usage service screen 62 on the display unit 22 of the connection device 2, and removes the "Using a carrier" message from the carrier usage service screen 62. The process then proceeds to step S330.

[0084] In step S330, communication between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31 is switched to communication on the first communication carrier. That is, the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 to communicate with the server communication unit 31 is switched to the first communication carrier. Specifically, the switching unit 131, upon receiving the first communication carrier selection signal 51, switches the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 to communicate with the server communication unit 31 to the first communication carrier. This completes the series of processes. After the communication carrier used by the edge communication unit 13 to communicate with the server communication unit 31 is switched to the first communication carrier, the server communication unit 31 uses the first communication carrier to communicate with the edge communication unit 13 as usual.

[0085] The order of steps S320 and S330 does not matter.

[0086] According to the communication system 100 described above, a communication adapter is realized that includes a communication unit capable of communicating via the communication networks of multiple communication carriers, and a switching unit that switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication. The switching unit switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal when the communication unit receives a communication carrier selection signal, which is a signal that selects the communication carrier to be used by the communication unit for communication. The communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a communication carrier different from the communication carrier to which the user has a contract.

[0087] As described above, in the communication system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the carrier server 3 transmits a communication carrier selection signal 50 to the communication adapter 1 via the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier. When the communication adapter 1 receives the communication carrier selection signal 50, it switches the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 based on the communication carrier selection signal 50. This allows the communication system 100 to receive a proposal from the carrier server 3 to the communication adapter 1 to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3.

[0088] When the communication adapter 1 receives the second communication carrier selection signal 52 as the communication carrier selection signal 50, it switches the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 to the second communication carrier. As a result, the carrier server 3 can communicate with the communication adapter 1 using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier without using the communication capacity of the first communication carrier to which the user has a contract. This allows the carrier server 3 to perform processes on the connected device 2 at the carrier's discretion, such as updating the software installed on the connected device 2 and debugging the software, without using the communication capacity of the first communication carrier, for which the user bears the cost.

[0089] Furthermore, if the user has consented to the transmission and reception of carrier-initiated communications, the communication adapter 1 switches the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 to the second communication carrier based on the second communication carrier selection signal 52. As a result, the communication system 100 can only perform carrier-initiated communications if the user has consented to their transmission and reception, and carrier-initiated communications that are not in line with the user's wishes will not be performed. In other words, the communication system 100 is configured so that the user can refuse to transmit or receive carrier-initiated communications. This allows the communication system 100 to provide the carrier server 3 with a user-friendly service. Once the user has consented to the proposal to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3, carrier-initiated communications will be performed automatically thereafter. Specifically, after the consent information is stored in the server storage unit 32 of the carrier server 3, the carrier server 3 can perform carrier-initiated communications without obtaining user consent for sending and receiving carrier-initiated communications each time it performs a carrier-initiated communication.

[0090] As described above, the communication system 100 according to Embodiment 1 provides a communication adapter that enables communication at the operator's discretion using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier to which the operator has a contract, without using the communication capacity of the first communication carrier to which the user has a contract. As a result, the communication system 100 can perform processing at the operator's discretion, such as updating or debugging the software installed on the connected device 2, without using the communication capacity of the first communication carrier to which the user has a contract.

[0091] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 describes a case in which, when the user accepts a proposal to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3, carrier-initiated communication is performed to update the software installed on the connected device 2 and to debug the software.

[0092] Figure 12 shows the main configuration of the communication adapter in the communication system according to Embodiment 2 when data communication is performed based on the first SIM. Figure 13 shows the main configuration of the communication adapter in the communication system according to Embodiment 2 when data communication is performed based on the second SIM. Figure 12 corresponds to the state before the user accepts the proposal to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3. Figure 13 corresponds to the state after the user accepts the proposal to switch the communication carrier used for communication between the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3.

[0093] When the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the first SIM 11, the edge communication unit 13 acquires the communication line information of the first communication carrier stored in the first SIM 11 and communicates based on that communication line information. When the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the second SIM 12, the edge communication unit 13 acquires the communication line information of the second communication carrier stored in the second SIM 12 and communicates based on that communication line information.

[0094] As described above, the mobile terminal communication unit 141 of the mobile terminal device 14 of the communication adapter 1 and the connected device communication unit 23 of the connected device 2 can communicate with each other.

[0095] Any device can be used as the connected device 2, but in Embodiment 2, we will describe the case where the connected device 2 is an air conditioner. In the case of an air conditioner which is the connected device 2, the air conditioner's operating information, which is information related to the operation of the air conditioner, is collected as device-related data related to the connected device 2 by the air conditioner's connected device control unit 26.

[0096] The operating information for the air conditioner includes information related to the operation of the air conditioner used for services provided to the user from the service provider server 3, and information used by the service provider server 3 to debug the software installed on the connected device 2. The information related to the operation of the air conditioner used for services provided to the user from the service provider server 3 includes at least one of the following: the air conditioner's set temperature, the air conditioner's operating time, and the measured temperature of the space the air conditioner is conditioned in. The information used for software debugging is debug log data used by the server control unit 33 for investigations to debug the air conditioner's software.

[0097] Of the operating information of the air conditioner, the information related to the operation of the air conditioner that is provided to the user from the service provider's server 3 as a service is transmitted from the communication adapter 1 to the service provider's server 3 by the first communication carrier. Of the operating information of the air conditioner, the information that the service provider's server 3 uses to debug the software installed on the connected device 2 is transmitted from the communication adapter 1 to the service provider's server 3 by the second communication carrier.

[0098] The operating information of the air conditioner collected by the air conditioner's connection device control unit 26 is stored in the air conditioner's connection device storage unit 25. The air conditioner's connection device control unit 26 then immediately transmits the operating information of the air conditioner stored in the air conditioner's connection device storage unit 25 to the mobile terminal communication unit 141 via the air conditioner's connection device communication unit 23.

[0099] The air conditioner operation information received by the mobile terminal communication unit 141 is transmitted from the mobile terminal communication unit 141 to the mobile terminal storage unit 142 of the mobile terminal device 14 of the communication adapter 1, and stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142. The edge communication unit 13 then transmits the air conditioner operation information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 to the carrier server 3 via the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be a regular timing or an irregular timing.

[0100] The air conditioner operation information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 here includes, as described above, information related to the operation of the air conditioner provided to the user by the service provider server 3 as a service, and debug log data, which is information used by the service provider server 3 to debug the software installed on the connected device 2.

[0101] Furthermore, when the operator server 3 releases new software for the air conditioner, it performs operator-initiated communication based on the second SIM 12 via the second communication carrier's network 4 to update or upgrade the new software for the air conditioner.

[0102] Furthermore, the carrier server 3 can also release new software for the software of the edge communication unit 13 and the adapter control unit 16 installed in the communication adapter 1. In this case, when the carrier server 3 releases new software for the edge communication unit 13 or the adapter control unit 16, it performs carrier-initiated communication based on the second SIM 12 via the second communication carrier's network 4 to update or upgrade the software of the edge communication unit 13 or the adapter control unit 16.

[0103] Next, the operation of the communication system 100 in Embodiment 2 will be described. First, the operation of the communication adapter 1 in which it communicates based on the first SIM 11 as shown in Figure 12 and transmits the operation information of the air conditioner to the operator server 3 will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the communication adapter to transmit the operation information of the air conditioner in Embodiment 2. When the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the first SIM 11 as shown in Figure 12, the communication adapter 1 always performs the process shown in Figure 14.

[0104] The timing at which the air conditioner transmits its operating information to the communication adapter 1 is determined by the specifications of the air conditioner. For example, in order for the operator's server 3 to understand changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner, the air conditioner collects its operating information once every five minutes and transmits it to the operator's server 3.

[0105] In step S410, it is determined whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the first communication carrier. Specifically, it is determined and confirmed whether the edge communication unit 13 is currently communicating with the server communication unit 31 using the communication network 4 of the first communication carrier.

[0106] If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating by the first communication carrier, the answer in step S410 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S420. If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are not communicating by the first communication carrier, the answer in step S410 is No, and the process proceeds to step S450.

[0107] In step S420, it is determined whether or not it is currently time to transmit data. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not it is currently time to transmit operation information for the air conditioner.

[0108] If it is determined that the current time is for transmitting operation information for the air conditioner, the answer in step S420 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S430. If it is determined that the current time is not for transmitting operation information for the air conditioner, the answer in step S420 is No, and the process proceeds to step S450.

[0109] In step S430, it is determined whether or not there is any operating information for the air conditioner other than the latest information. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not there is any operating information for the air conditioner other than the latest information. The edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not there is any operating information for the air conditioner other than the latest information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142, such as data that could not be transmitted due to reasons such as deterioration of the communication environment between the edge communication unit 13 and the server communication unit 31. Operating information for the air conditioner that has been properly transmitted to the business server 3 is displayed, for example, on a homepage related to the air conditioner. In this case, operating information for the air conditioner that is not displayed on the homepage related to the air conditioner is operating information for the air conditioner that has not been properly transmitted from the communication adapter 1 to the business server 3.

[0110] The edge communication unit 13 stores, for example, information from past transmission records of air conditioner operation information in the adapter storage unit 15. Then, based on the information in the transmission records, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not there is any air conditioner operation information other than the most recent information.

[0111] If it is determined that there is operating information for the air conditioner other than the latest information, the answer in step S430 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S440. If it is determined that there is no operating information for the air conditioner other than the latest information, the answer in step S430 is No, and the process proceeds to step S460.

[0112] In step S440, all operating information for air conditioners that has not yet been sent to the operator server 3 is transmitted. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 transmits to the operator server 3 all operating information for air conditioners stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 that has not yet been sent to the operator server server 3's server communication unit 31. All operating information for air conditioners that has not yet been sent to the operator server 3 includes the latest information, for example, all operating information for air conditioners that is not displayed on the air conditioner's website. The process then returns to step S410.

[0113] In step S450, the edge communication unit 13 does not transmit the air conditioner's operating information to the operator's server 3. After that, the process returns to step S410.

[0114] In step S460, the latest operating information for the air conditioner is transmitted to the operator server 3. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 transmits the latest operating information for the air conditioner, from among the operating information for the air conditioner stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142, to the server communication unit 31 of the operator server 3. After that, the process returns to step S410.

[0115] Next, we will describe the operation in which the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the second SIM 12 as shown in Figure 13 and downloads the air conditioner software from the operator server 3. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for updating the air conditioner software in Embodiment 2. When the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the second SIM 12 as shown in Figure 13, the communication adapter 1 always performs the process shown in Figure 15.

[0116] In step S510, it is determined whether or not the operator server 3 has software related to air conditioners. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether or not the operator server 3 has software related to air conditioners.

[0117] The edge communication unit 13 sends an inquiry notification to the server control unit 33 of the operator server 3, asking whether the air conditioner software is stored in the server storage unit 32 of the operator server 3. The server control unit 33 sends an inquiry response, which is a response to the inquiry notification, to the edge communication unit 13.

[0118] The edge communication unit 13 determines that the operator server 3 has software related to air conditioners if the response to the inquiry indicates that the air conditioner software is stored in the server storage unit 32 of the operator server 3. The response indicating that the air conditioner software is stored in the server storage unit 32 includes information about the version of the air conditioner software stored in the server storage unit 32. The edge communication unit 13 determines that the operator server 3 does not have software related to air conditioners if the response to the inquiry indicates that the air conditioner software is not stored in the server storage unit 32 of the operator server 3.

[0119] If it is determined that the operator server 3 has software related to the air conditioner, the answer in step S510 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S520. If it is determined that the operator server 3 does not have software related to the air conditioner, the answer in step S510 is No, and the process proceeds to step S550.

[0120] In step S520, it is determined whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are currently communicating using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier.

[0121] If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S520 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S530. If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are not communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S520 is No, and the process proceeds to step S550.

[0122] In step S530, it is determined whether the software related to the air conditioner on the operator server 3 is a newer version than the software currently used in the air conditioner. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines whether the software related to the air conditioner on the operator server 3 is a newer version than the software currently used in the air conditioner.

[0123] Software that is newer than the software currently used in an air conditioner is new software, and is, for example, update software that updates the software currently used in the air conditioner.

[0124] The edge communication unit 13 queries the connected device control unit 26 of the air conditioner to obtain information about the software version currently used in the air conditioner. The edge communication unit 13 then compares the information about the software version currently used in the air conditioner with the information about the software version of the air conditioner included in the query response.

[0125] If it is determined that the software for the air conditioner on the operator server 3 is a newer version than the software currently used in the air conditioner, the answer in step S530 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S540. If it is determined that the software for the air conditioner on the operator server 3 is not a newer version than the software currently used in the air conditioner, the answer in step S530 is No, and the process proceeds to step S550.

[0126] In step S540, the air conditioner performs a software update. Specifically, the air conditioner's connection device control unit 26 performs the software update. The air conditioner's connection device control unit 26 updates the software currently used in the air conditioner with the update software stored in the connection device storage unit 25, thereby updating the air conditioner's software.

[0127] When an air conditioner performs a software update, the update software, which is the new version of the air conditioner's software, is first downloaded from the operator server 3. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 downloads the update software, which is the new version of the air conditioner's software, from the operator server 3.

[0128] The edge communication unit 13 obtains the update software from the carrier server 3 via communication using the second communication carrier. The edge communication unit 13 stores the update software in the mobile terminal storage unit 142. Once the update software is stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142, the mobile terminal communication unit 141 transmits the update software to the air conditioner.

[0129] When the air conditioner receives update software from the mobile terminal communication unit 141, it stores the update software in the connected device storage unit 25. This completes the download of the update software to the air conditioner. Then, the connected device control unit 26 of the air conditioner updates the software currently used in the air conditioner with the update software stored in the connected device storage unit 25, thereby updating the air conditioner's software. This completes the series of processes.

[0130] In step S550, the air conditioner does not perform a software update. This completes the series of processes.

[0131] Next, we will describe the operation in which the communication adapter 1 sends debug log data, which is data for debugging the air conditioner software, to the operator server 3. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the communication adapter to send debug log data for the air conditioner software to the operator server in Embodiment 2. The process shown in Figure 16 is performed when the communication adapter 1 communicates based on the second SIM 12 as shown in Figure 13.

[0132] In step S610, a debug log data request for the air conditioner software is received. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 receives the debug log data request for the air conditioner software. The debug log data request is sent from the server control unit 33 of the operator server 3 to the edge communication unit 13. The process then proceeds to step S620.

[0133] The debug log data request for the air conditioner software is information that the server control unit 33 requests to send debug log data to be used for investigations to debug the air conditioner software.

[0134] In step S620, it is determined whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier. Specifically, the edge communication unit 13 determines and confirms whether the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are currently communicating using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier.

[0135] If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S620 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S630. If it is determined that the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1 and the server communication unit 31 of the carrier server 3 are not communicating via the second communication carrier, the answer in step S620 is No, and the process proceeds to step S640.

[0136] In step S630, the edge communication unit 13 transmits debug log data of the air conditioner software to the server control unit 33 of the operator server 3. The edge communication unit 13 retrieves the debug log data of the air conditioner software from the air conditioner operation information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 and transmits the debug log data to the server control unit 33 of the operator server 3. This completes the series of processes.

[0137] In step S640, the edge communication unit 13 does not send the debug log data for the air conditioner software to the server control unit 33 of the operator server 3. This completes the series of processes.

[0138] As described above, in Embodiment 2, when the communication system 100 is communicating with the communication adapter 1 and the operator server 3 using the communication network 4 of the second communication carrier, it is possible to perform software updates and debugging of the air conditioner at the operator's discretion without using the communication capacity of the first communication carrier to which the user has a contract.

[0139] Furthermore, the communication adapter 1 stores the operating information of the air conditioner obtained from the air conditioner in the mobile terminal storage unit 142. The operating information of the air conditioner stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 includes information related to the operation of the air conditioner used for services provided to the user from the service provider server 3, and information used by the service provider server 3 to debug the software installed on the connected device 2.

[0140] As a result, the communication adapter 1 can transmit information related to the operation of the air conditioner, which was stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 142 when the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 were communicating using the first communication carrier's network 4, to the carrier server 3 when the communication adapter 1 and the carrier server 3 are communicating using the second communication carrier's network 4. This ensures that even if carrier-initiated communication is performed using the second communication carrier's network 4, there will be no gaps in the services that the carrier server 3 provides to the user.

[0141] Furthermore, the communication adapter 1 can transmit debug log data of the air conditioner software to the carrier server 3 during carrier-initiated communication using the second communication carrier's network 4. This allows the carrier server 3 to obtain information that can be used to investigate and identify the cause of a problem that occurs on the carrier's end while the connected device 2 is in use.

[0142] Next, the hardware configurations of the control units 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described. The control units 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 correspond to the adapter control unit 16 of the communication adapter 1, the edge communication unit 13 of the communication adapter 1, the mobile terminal control unit 143 of the mobile terminal device 14 of the communication adapter 1, the connection device control unit 26 of the connection device 2, and the server control unit 33 of the carrier server 3, respectively, according to Embodiments 1 and 2. The functions of the control units 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are realized by processing circuits. The processing circuits may be dedicated hardware or processing devices that execute programs stored in a storage device.

[0143] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the configuration in which the respective functions of the control unit according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are realized in hardware. The processing circuit 81 incorporates a logic circuit 81a that realizes the functions of the control unit 80.

[0144] If the processing circuit 81 is a processing unit, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0145] Figure 18 shows a configuration in which the functions of the control unit according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are realized by software. The processing circuit 81 includes a processor 811 that executes program 81b, a random access memory 812 used by the processor 811 as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores program 81b. The functions of the control unit 80 are realized when the processor 811 loads program 81b stored in the storage device 813 onto the random access memory 812 and executes it. The software or firmware is written in a programming language and stored in the storage device 813. The processor 811 can be a central processing unit, but is not limited to that. The storage device 813 can be a semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM® (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The semiconductor memory may be non-volatile memory or volatile memory. Furthermore, the storage device 813 can be a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) in addition to semiconductor memory. The processor 811 may output data such as calculation results to the storage device 813 for storage, or it may store such data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, random access memory 812, and storage device 813 onto a single chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0146] The processing circuit 81 realizes the functions of the control unit 80 by reading and executing the program 81b stored in the memory device 813. The program 81b can also be described as a set of procedures and methods that cause the computer to execute, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

[0147] Furthermore, the processing circuit 81 may implement some of the functions of the control unit 80 using dedicated hardware, and some of the functions of the control unit 80 using software or firmware.

[0148] In this way, the processing circuit 81 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0149] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0150] 1 Communication adapter, 2 Connection device, 3 Carrier server, 4 Communication network, 11 First SIM, 12 Second SIM, 13 Edge communication unit, 14 Mobile terminal device, 15 Adapter storage unit, 16 Adapter control unit, 21 Operation unit, 22 Display unit, 23 Connection device communication unit, 24 Connection device processing unit, 25 Connection device storage unit, 26 Connection device control unit, 31 Server communication unit, 32 Server storage unit, 33 Server control unit, 50 Communication carrier selection signal, 51 First communication carrier selection signal, 52 Second communication carrier selection signal, 61 Normal service screen, 62 Service screen when using carrier, 63 Carrier-initiated communication acceptance screen, 80 Control unit, 81 Processing circuit, 81a Logic circuit, 81b Program, 100 Communication system, 111 First SIM slot, 121 Second SIM slot, 131 Switching unit, 141 Mobile terminal communication unit, 142 Mobile terminal storage unit, 143 Mobile terminal control unit, 811 Processor, 812 Random access memory, 813 Storage device.

Claims

1. A communication adapter comprising: a communication unit capable of communicating via the communication networks of multiple communication carriers; and a switching unit that switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication, wherein when the communication unit receives a communication carrier selection signal, which is a signal that selects the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication, the switching unit switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal, and the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a communication carrier different from the communication carrier to which the user has a contract.

2. The communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit, when the communication unit receives the communication carrier selection signal via the communication network of the first communication carrier, switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication to the second communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal.

3. The communication adapter according to claim 2, wherein the communication carrier selection signal includes a switching notification instructing the communication unit to switch the communication carrier used for communication from the first communication carrier to the second communication carrier, and a processing content notification indicating the processing content to be performed after the communication unit switches the communication carrier used for communication to the second communication carrier.

4. The communication unit transmits and receives device-related data relating to the device connected to the communication adapter via the communication network of the second communication carrier switched by the switching unit, according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The communication adapter according to claim 4, wherein the equipment-related data includes update software for updating software installed in the equipment, information regarding the operation of the equipment, or information regarding the surrounding conditions of the equipment.

6. The communication adapter according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the equipment is an air conditioner, and the equipment-related data is information related to the operation of the air conditioner, which is air conditioner operation information, or air conditioner debug log data.

7. The communication adapter according to claim 6, wherein the operating information of the air conditioner includes at least one of the following: the set temperature of the air conditioner, the operating time of the air conditioner, and the measured temperature of the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner.

8. The communication adapter according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a storage unit for storing operating information of the air conditioner.

9. A communication system comprising a communication adapter and a server capable of communicating with the communication adapter, wherein the communication adapter comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the server via a communication network of multiple communication carriers, and a switching unit that switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication with the server, the switching unit switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication with the server to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal when the communication unit receives a communication carrier selection signal which is a signal that the communication unit uses for communication with the server, the server transmits the communication carrier selection signal to the communication adapter, and the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a different communication carrier from the communication carrier to which the user of the communication adapter has a contract.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the switching unit, when the communication unit receives the communication carrier selection signal from the server via the communication network of the first communication carrier, switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit for communication with the server to the second communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal.

11. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein the communication carrier selection signal includes a switching notification instructing the communication unit to switch the communication carrier used for communication with the server from the first communication carrier to the second communication carrier, and a processing content notification indicating the processing content to be performed after the communication unit switches the communication carrier used for communication with the server to the second communication carrier.

12. The communication system according to claim 11, comprising a device connected to the communication adapter, wherein the communication unit transmits the communication carrier selection signal to the device, and the device comprises a display unit that displays at least one of the switching notification and the processing content notification.

13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein the communication unit transmits and receives device-related data related to the device to and from the server via the communication network of the second communication carrier switched by the switching unit.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the equipment-related data includes update software for updating software installed in the equipment, information regarding the operation of the equipment, or information regarding the surrounding conditions of the equipment.

15. The communication system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the equipment is an air conditioner, and the equipment-related data is information relating to the operation of the air conditioner, which is air conditioner operation information, or air conditioner debug log data.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein the operating information of the air conditioner includes at least one of the following: the set temperature of the air conditioner, the operating time of the air conditioner, and the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner.

17. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the communication adapter comprises a storage unit for storing operating information of the air conditioner.

18. A communication method for a communication adapter, comprising the steps of: the communication unit of the communication adapter receives a communication carrier selection signal, which is a signal for selecting a communication carrier to be used by the communication unit for communication; the switching unit of the communication adapter switches the communication carrier used by the communication unit to the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal; and the communication unit performs communication via the communication network of the communication carrier switched by the switching unit, wherein the communication carrier indicated by the communication carrier selection signal is a different communication carrier from the communication carrier to which the user of the communication adapter has a contract.

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