JP7337206B2 - wireless communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems.

In a wireless communication system that can be used only when a contractor is in the vehicle, a technical method has been proposed that disconnects wireless communication according to timer time if the contractor is not authenticated within a predetermined time (for example, patent Reference 1).

When the user connects the terminal to the Internet on the train, the service is started according to the authentication using the ID and PW, and the service is stopped according to the expiration of the PW. The claimed technical method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

A technical technique has been proposed for collecting usage fees from users in a prepaid manner when connecting to the Internet via a mobile network from a wireless LAN and exchanging data with each other (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

In the connection method between the terminal owned by the vehicle passenger and the terminal installed in the vehicle, the authentication server returns the approval or rejection of the authentication request from the terminal, and the wireless router authenticates within a predetermined time measured by a timer. A technical method has been proposed in which the communication is disconnected if the authentication is not completed, and the timer is canceled if the authentication is completed within a predetermined time (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

A technical method has been proposed for controlling a mobile device operated by a vehicle operator based on a predetermined policy, for example, so that speed data is equal to or lower than a minimum threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

A technical method has been proposed in which, when content is transmitted from a content server to an in-vehicle device, encrypted data is transmitted from a mobile terminal to the in-vehicle device, and the content is restored and played back (see, for example, Patent Document 6).

A technical method has been proposed (for example, patent Reference 7).

JP 2020-195053 A JP 2005-222261 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-115002 International Publication WO2020/241066 Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2012-526497 JP 2004-240655 A Japanese Patent No. 5592511

However, there is room for improvement in the convenience of wireless communication services provided to mobile terminals that work with vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system capable of improving convenience when a user receives a wireless communication service through a mobile terminal linked to a vehicle.

A mobile phone comprising a database, a first communication processing element and a second communication processing element, wherein the database, the first communication processing element and the second communication processing element cooperate with each other to use an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle as a base station. A wireless communication system that controls a wireless communication state via a network of terminals,
The first communication processing element recognizes mobile terminal information regarding the state of the mobile terminal based on communication with the mobile terminal, and transmits the mobile terminal information to the second communication processing element;
condition of the vehicle based on communication with the in-vehicle device, on condition that the second communication processing element receives the mobile terminal information indicating that the mobile terminal has been activated from the first communication processing element; After recognizing the vehicle information related to, transmit it to the first communication processing element and register it in the database,
The same vehicle information stored in the database, provided that the first communication processing element receives the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle has been switched from the non-operating state to the operating state from the second communication processing element. is registered, and on the condition that the result of the determination is affirmative, transmitting a communication acceptance notification to the second communication processing element;
on the condition that the second communication processing element has received the communication permission notification from the first communication processing element, causing the on-vehicle device to function as the base station based on communication with the on-vehicle device;
The first communication processing element causes a mobile output interface of the mobile terminal to output while switching each of a plurality of screens based on communication with the mobile terminal, and mobile input of the mobile terminal in the process of screen transition. realizing a state in which the mobile terminal can receive a communication service via the base station and the network from a telecommunications business server in response to a designated operation through an interface, based on communication with the telecommunications business server;
The first communication processing element recognizes the remaining communication capacity of the mobile terminal based on communication with the communication service server, and includes the remaining communication capacity based on communication with the mobile terminal. 1 to output the specified screen to the mobile output interface of the mobile terminal ,
When it is determined that the remaining communication capacity is highly likely to become 0 in a short period of time, a text indicating that the available communication capacity is recommended to be increased by purchasing a new plan is displayed on the mobile output interface. be.

According to the wireless communication system having this configuration, when the mobile terminal is activated and the vehicle is switched from the non-operating state to the operating state, the mobile terminal connects to the network using the in-vehicle device as a base station. wireless communication can be started. The user can be made aware of the remaining communication capacity through the first designation screen output on the mobile terminal. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

In the radio communication system having the above configuration,
It is preferable that the first communication processing element displays a button operable through the portable input interface on a second designated screen, which is at least one screen among the plurality of screens output by the portable output interface.

According to the wireless communication system having this configuration, the user can perform various operations (screen transition, selection, setting, determination, application, etc.) through the buttons displayed on the second designation screen output on the mobile terminal. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

In the wireless communication system having the above configuration,
The first communication processing element transmits the mobile terminal information indicating that the mobile terminal has been activated to the second communication processing element, and the second communication processing element causes the vehicle to operate from a non-operating state. periodically recognizing the remaining communication capacity of the communication service on the basis of communication with the communication service server on the condition that the vehicle information indicating that the state has been switched to has been received; Based on this, it is preferable to cause the portable output interface to output the first designation screen including the remaining communication capacity.

According to the wireless communication system having this configuration, the remaining communication capacity displayed on the first designation screen output on the mobile terminal is periodically updated, so that the user can be notified of the chronological changes in the remaining communication capacity. can be grasped. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a wireless communication system as an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Explanatory drawing about output screen transition. 6 is a flowchart related to wireless communication start processing; 4 is a flowchart related to wireless communication stop processing; 10 is a flowchart related to remaining communication capacity monitoring processing. 4 is a flowchart related to in-vehicle Wi-Fi use start processing.

(composition)
A wireless communication system as one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. there is The carrier server 14 may be a component of the wireless communication server 1 .

The wireless communication server 1 comprises a database 10 , a first communication processing element 11 and a second communication processing element 12 . The database 10 may be composed of a database server capable of mutual communication with the wireless communication server 1 via a network. Each of the elements 11 and 12 reads necessary data and programs (software) from a storage device (memory such as ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, and hardware such as SSD and HDD), and then reads the data. It is composed of an arithmetic processing unit (composed of hardware such as a CPU, a single-core processor and/or a multi-core processor) that executes arithmetic processing according to the program.

The mobile terminal 21 is configured by a terminal device having a wireless communication function, such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal device, and/or a notebook computer, of a size and weight that can be carried into the vehicle 2 by the user. The mobile terminal 21 includes a mobile input interface 211 , a mobile output interface 212 and a mobile control device 214 . The portable input interface 211 may be configured by, for example, a touch panel type button or a speech recognition device having a microphone. The portable output interface 212 may be configured by, for example, a display device that configures a touch panel, or an audio output device. The portable control device 214 reads necessary data and programs (software) from a storage device (memory such as ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, and hardware such as SSD and HDD), On the other hand, it is composed of an arithmetic processing unit (composed of hardware such as a CPU, a single-core processor and/or a multi-core processor) that executes arithmetic processing according to the program.

The in-vehicle device 22 is configured by a terminal device equipped in the vehicle 2 and having a wireless communication function. The in-vehicle device 22 has a vehicle input interface 221 , a vehicle output interface 222 and a vehicle control device 224 . The vehicle input interface 221 may be configured by, for example, touch panel buttons or a voice recognition device having a microphone. The vehicle output interface 222 may be configured by, for example, a display device that configures a touch panel, or an audio output device. The vehicle control device 224 reads necessary data and programs (software) from a storage device (memory such as ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, and hardware such as SSD and HDD), and then converts the data into On the other hand, it is composed of an arithmetic processing unit (composed of hardware such as a CPU, a single-core processor and/or a multi-core processor) that executes arithmetic processing according to the program. For example, even when the vehicle 2 is in a non-operating state (IGN/OFF state), the in-vehicle device 22 is turned on by being intermittently supplied with power, and exhibits its function in this ON state.

The mobile terminal 21 and the vehicle-mounted device 22 may communicate with each other by a wired communication system or a short-range wireless system such as Bluetooth (“Bluetooth” is a registered trademark).

(function)
For easy understanding of the functions of the wireless communication system configured as described above, screen transitions on the portable output interface 212 (or a display device or touch panel constituting this) of the portable terminal 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the mobile terminal 21 is activated or wakes from sleep, as shown in FIG. 2, multiple icons (buttons) for launching multiple applications (software) and/or continuing functionality. A reference designation screen S0 including Q01 is output to the portable output interface 212. FIG.

When the remaining communication capacity Σ becomes less than or equal to the first threshold value Σ1 while the reference designation screen S0 is being output to the mobile output interface 212, the button Q02 displays the reference designation screen S0 as shown in FIG. is displayed (see FIG. 2/arrow T02). Button Q02 displays text indicating, for example, that the available remaining communication capacity is insufficient and that an increase in available communication capacity is recommended by purchasing a new plan.

When one icon Q01 corresponding to an in-vehicle Wi-Fi application (“Wi-Fi” is a registered trademark) is tapped on the reference designation screen S0, the output screen on the portable output interface 212 changes from the reference designation screen S0 to the first level. The screen transitions to the designation screen S1 (FIG. 2/arrow T01). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of operation buttons Q11 are displayed on the primary designation screen S1.

When the remaining communication capacity Σ becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value Σ1 while the primary designation screen S1 is being output to the mobile output interface 212, the text box Q12 is displayed as the primary designation as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the screen S1 (see arrow T12 in FIG. 2). The text box Q12 displays text indicating, for example, that the available remaining communication capacity is insufficient and that an increase in the available communication capacity is recommended by purchasing a new plan. . After the text box Q12 is displayed on the primary designation screen S1 for a predetermined period, the text box Q12 is erased and the original primary designation screen S1 is output to the portable output interface 212 (see arrow T14 in FIG. 2).

When one operation button Q11 for using the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service is tapped on the primary designation screen S1, the output screen of the mobile output interface 212 transitions from the primary designation screen S1 to the secondary designation screen S2. (Fig. 2/arrow T11). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the secondary designation screen S2 includes a text box Q20, a remaining communication capacity display image Q21, an ON/OFF button Q22 for switching between starting and stopping use of in-vehicle Wi-Fi, A purchase button Q23 for purchasing an in-vehicle Wi-Fi service and an ID/Pass button Q24 for setting an ID and a pass are displayed. The text box Q20 displays text indicating the details of the Wi-Fi communication plan in use.

In addition, when the button Q02 is displayed on the reference designation screen S0, by tapping the button Q02, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 changes from the reference designation screen S0 to the output of the primary designation screen S1. It is omitted and the screen directly transitions to the secondary designation screen S2 (see FIG. 2/broken line arrow T04). By tapping the text box Q12 as a button, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 may transition from the primary designation screen S1 to the secondary designation screen S2.

By sliding or swiping the ON/OFF button Q22 from the OFF position to the ON position on the secondary designation screen S2, the mobile terminal 21 starts or restarts in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication using the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station. .

By tapping the ID/Pass button Q24 on the secondary designation screen S2, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 changes from the secondary designation screen S2 to the fifth designation screen S5 (FIG. 2/arrow T22). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an ID entry field Q51, a Pass entry field Q52, and a keypad Q54 are displayed on the fifth designation screen S5. By tapping the keypad Q54, an ID is entered in the ID entry field Q51 and a pass is entered in the pass entry field Q52. Thereafter, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 transitions from the fifth designation screen S5 to the second designation screen S2 (FIG. 2/arrow T24).

By tapping the purchase button Q23 on the secondary designation screen S2, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 transitions from the secondary designation screen S2 to the tertiary designation screen S3 (FIG. 2/arrow T21). As shown in FIG. 2, a menu button Q31 and an application button Q32 are displayed on the tertiary designation screen S3. By tapping the menu button Q31, a list of selectable plans is displayed as a pull-down menu. Further, when one plan is tapped, the one plan is displayed on the menu button Q31.

For each plan, for example, the communication capacity available per unit period (for example, one month) and/or the available period of the plan and the total available communication capacity, the amount of the communication capacity and/or the available It is defined by the usage fee according to the length of the period.

The first communication processing element 11 recognizes the usage history of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service for the mobile terminal 21 based on communication with the communication business server 14, and communicates according to the usage history of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service. A service plan may be determined, and based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, the mobile output interface 212 may output a tertiary designation screen S3 (wireless communication application screen) including the communication service plan. For example, a pull-down menu may display a plurality of recommended plans based on the usage history of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service through the mobile terminal 21, and one or a plurality of recommended plans are displayed on the menu button Q31 as default plans. may

Through the tertiary designation screen S3 (wireless communication application screen) output on the portable terminal 21, one or more suitable communication service plans can be proposed to the user in consideration of the user's use history of communication services. This allows the user to select the optimum communication service plan, thereby improving the convenience of the wireless communication service.

By tapping the application button Q32 on the tertiary designation screen S3, the application procedure for the one plan displayed on the menu button Q31 is executed. Then, the output screen in the portable output interface 212 transitions from the tertiary designation screen S3 to the quaternary designation screen S4 (FIG. 2/arrow T32). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the quaternary designation screen S4 includes an in-vehicle Wi-Fi service application completion notification window Q41 and a return button Q42. The application completion notification window Q41 displays text to the effect that the application procedure for the one plan has been completed. When the return button Q42 is tapped on the quaternary designation screen S4, the output screen on the mobile output interface 212 transitions from the quaternary designation screen S4 to the tertiary designation screen S3 (FIG. 2/arrow T34). Other screens include similar back buttons.

The first communication processing element 11 displays buttons that can be operated through the mobile input interface 211 on the specified screens S0 to S4 (corresponding to the "second specified screen" or "specified screen") output by the mobile output interface 212. Let Therefore, the user can perform various operations (screen transition, selection, setting, determination, application, etc.) through the buttons displayed on the second designation screen output on the mobile terminal 21 . This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

(First function (in-vehicle Wi-Fi/ON function))
The in-vehicle Wi-Fi/ON function as the first function of the radio communication system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user brings the mobile terminal 21 inside or near the outside of the vehicle 2 and activates the mobile terminal 21 or cancels the sleep state, the mobile terminal information is transferred from the mobile terminal 21 to the first communication processing element. 11, and the mobile terminal information is received by the first communication processing element 11 (Fig. 3/arrow X112). "Mobile terminal information" includes a mobile terminal identifier for identifying the mobile terminal 21 and/or a user identifier for identifying the user. Further, in response to this, a reference designation screen S0 as shown in FIG. 2 is output to the portable output interface 212.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal information is transmitted to the second communication processing element 12 by the first communication processing element 11, and the mobile terminal information is received by the second communication processing element 12 (Fig. 3/arrow X122). Further, the second communication processing element 12 transmits a vehicle information request to the onboard equipment 22, and the onboard equipment 22 receives the vehicle information request (FIG. 3/arrow X222).

Vehicle information is acquired and transmitted to the second communication processing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and the vehicle information is received by the second communication processing element 12 (Fig. 3/arrow X124). The "vehicle information" includes a vehicle identifier for identifying the vehicle 2 and/or an on-vehicle device identifier for identifying the on-vehicle device 22, an operating state (IGN/ON state) in which the vehicle 2 can travel, and the vehicle 2 It contains information representing the state of the vehicle 2, such as a non-operating state (IGN/OFF state) in which the vehicle cannot travel. Vehicle information is transmitted to the database 10 by the second communication processing element 12, and the vehicle information is registered in the database 10 (Fig. 3/arrow X102). At this time, the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information are associated and stored in the database 10 .

Information indicating that the vehicle 2 has transitioned from the IGN/OFF state to the IGN/ON state as a result of switching the IGN switch (energization switch in the case of an electric vehicle) of the vehicle 2 from OFF to ON by the user is included in the vehicle information. If it is included, the vehicle information is transmitted to the first communication processing element 11 by the second communication processing element 12, and the vehicle information is received by the first communication processing element 11 (Fig. 3/arrow X114). . The application activation notification is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, and the application activation notification is received by the mobile terminal 21 (FIG. 3/arrow X212). In response, an application for the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service is activated on the mobile terminal 21, and a primary designation screen S1 (application top screen) as shown in FIG. 2 is output to the mobile output interface 212. .

The first communication processing element 11, in response to the activation instruction operation (for example, the first designation operation) in the mobile terminal 21, based on communication with the second communication processing element 12 on-vehicle device 22 or Wi-Fi for on-vehicle device You can start the application. When the mobile terminal 21 is activated and the mobile terminal 21 is activated and the vehicle 2 is switched from the IGN/OFF state to the IGN/ON state, the mobile terminal 21 is installed in the vehicle. It becomes possible to start using wireless communication via a network using the device 22 as a base station. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

In response to the first designation operation through the mobile input interface 211, the mobile terminal 21 transmits an in-vehicle Wi-Fi/ON request (wireless communication ON request) to the first communication processing element 11, and the first communication is performed. The request is received by the processing element 11 (FIG. 3/arrow X116). For example, tapping one operation button Q11 on the primary designation screen S1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the first designation operation. The in-vehicle Wi-Fi/ON request includes a mobile terminal identifier for identifying the mobile terminal 21 and/or a user identifier for identifying its user.

By the first communication processing element 11, the mobile terminal identifier and/or user identifier included in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi/ON request and the vehicle identifier and/or in-vehicle device identifier included in the vehicle information are used for the inquiry. It is transmitted to the database 10 (FIG. 3/arrow X104). The database 10 transmits to the first communication processing element 11 as a query result whether or not the mobile terminal information matching the identifier and the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 is in the IGN/ON state is registered. 11 receives the inquiry result (FIG. 3/arrow X117).

If the inquiry result indicates that the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 is in the IGN/ON state are registered in the database 10, the first communication processing element 11 switches the Wi-Fi/ON state. A notification (communication permission notification) is transmitted to the second communication processing element 12, and the Wi-Fi/ON notification is received by the second communication processing element 12 (FIG. 3/arrow X126). In response, the second communication processing element 12 transmits a Wi-Fi/ON notification to the vehicle-mounted device 22, and the vehicle-mounted device 22 receives the Wi-Fi/ON notification (FIG. 3/arrow X224). . As a result, the in-vehicle device 22 can function as a base station for in-vehicle Wi-Fi (in-vehicle wireless communication service) for the mobile terminal 21 .

The vehicle-mounted device information is transmitted to the second communication processing element 12 by the vehicle-mounted device 22, and the vehicle-mounted device information is received by the second communication processing element 12 (FIG. 3/arrow X128). The vehicle-mounted device information includes a vehicle identifier and/or a vehicle-mounted device identifier, as well as information indicating that the vehicle-mounted device 22 can function as a Wi-Fi base station.

The vehicle equipment information is transmitted to the database 10 by the second communication processing element 12, and the vehicle equipment information is registered in the database 10 (Fig. 3/arrow X106). At this time, the in-vehicle equipment information is stored in the database 10 in association with the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information.

The second communication processing element 12 transmits vehicle equipment information and/or information corresponding thereto to the first communication processing element 11, and the first communication processing element 11 receives the information (FIG. 3/arrow X118 ). In response, the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, and the information is received by the mobile terminal 21 (arrow X214 in FIG. 3). Further, for example, a secondary designation screen S2 (Wi-Fi top screen) as shown in FIG.

In the mobile terminal 21, in response to the second specifying operation (in-vehicle Wi-Fi usage start operation) through the mobile input interface 211, the mobile terminal 21 is provided with a Wi-Fi communication service using the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station. is provided (FIG. 3/double arrow W1). For example, swiping the ON/OFF button Q22 from the OFF position to the ON position on the secondary designation screen S2 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the second designation operation.

(Second function (in-vehicle Wi-Fi/OFF function))
The in-vehicle Wi-Fi/OFF function as the second function of the radio communication system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The second communication processing element 12 transmits a vehicle information request to the onboard equipment 22, and the onboard equipment 22 receives the vehicle information request (FIG. 4/arrow Y222).

Vehicle information is acquired and transmitted to the second communication processing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and the vehicle information is received by the second communication processing element 12 (Fig. 4/arrow Y124). The vehicle information is registered in the database 10 (Fig. 4/arrow Y102). At this time, the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information are associated and stored in the database 10 .

When the vehicle information includes information indicating that the vehicle 2 has transitioned from the IGN/ON state to the IGN/OFF state, the second communication processing element 12 transmits the vehicle information to the first communication processing element 11. and the vehicle information is received by the first communication processing element 11 (FIG. 4/arrow Y114). Vehicle information and/or information corresponding thereto is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, and the information is received by the mobile terminal 21 (FIG. 4/arrow Y212). In response, a screen containing a notice that the Wi-Fi service will be terminated may be output to the mobile output interface 212 . For example, when the secondary designation screen S2 shown in FIG. 2 is output to the mobile output interface 212, automatically swiping the ON/OFF button Q22 from the ON position to the OFF position corresponds to the notice. You may

The first communication processing element 11 sends the vehicle identifier and/or the vehicle equipment identifier contained in the vehicle information to the database 10 for inquiry (FIG. 4/arrow Y104). The presence or absence of registration of vehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 with the matching identifier is in the IGN/OFF state is transmitted from the database 10 as an inquiry result to the first communication processing element 11, and the first communication processing element 11 makes the inquiry. The result is received (Fig. 4/arrow Y117).

When the inquiry result indicates that the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 is in the IGN/OFF state is registered in the database 10, the first communication processing element 11 notifies the Wi-Fi/OFF (communication is stopped). notification) is sent to the second communication processing element 12, and the Wi-Fi/OFF notification is received by the second communication processing element 12 (FIG. 4/arrow Y126). In response, the second communication processing element 12 transmits a Wi-Fi/OFF notification to the vehicle-mounted device 22, and the vehicle-mounted device 22 receives the Wi-Fi/OFF notification (FIG. 4/arrow Y224). . As a result, the in-vehicle device 22 stops functioning as a base station for in-vehicle Wi-Fi (in-vehicle wireless communication service) for the portable terminal 21 .

The vehicle-mounted device information is transmitted by the vehicle-mounted device 22 to the second communication processing element 12, and the vehicle-mounted device information is received by the second communication processing element 12 (FIG. 4/arrow Y128).

The vehicle equipment information is transmitted to the database 10 by the second communication processing element 12, and the vehicle equipment information is registered in the database 10 (Fig. 4/arrow Y106). At this time, the in-vehicle equipment information is stored in the database 10 in association with the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information.

The second communication processing element 12 transmits vehicle equipment information and/or information corresponding thereto to the first communication processing element 11, and the first communication processing element 11 receives the information (FIG. 4/arrow Y118 ). In response to this, the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, and the information is received by the mobile terminal 21 (FIG. 4/arrow Y214). Then, in response to this, for example, a primary designation screen S1 as shown in FIG. notification is displayed. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi communication service using the vehicle-mounted device 22 as a base station for the mobile terminal 21 is stopped (FIG. 4/double arrow W2).

(Third function (remaining communication capacity display function))
A remaining communication capacity display function as a third function of the wireless communication system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The second communication processing element 12 recognizes that the in-vehicle Wi-Fi is ON based on the communication with the in-vehicle device 22 (FIG. 5/STEP 110 (FIG. 3/arrows X126, X118 and double-headed arrow W1). ).

The value of the flag f representing the length of the designated period Tth is reset to "0" (FIG. 5/STEP 111). The time t measured by the timer is reset to "0" (FIG. 5/STEP 112). The counted time t is increased by "Δt" corresponding to the arithmetic processing cycle (FIG. 5/STEP 114). It is determined whether or not the measured time t is equal to or longer than a designated period Tth (for example, "10 minutes") (FIG. 5/STEP 116). If the determination result is negative (FIG. 5/STEP 116 . . . NO), the clocked time t is further increased by Δt (FIG. 5/STEP 114).

If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 5/STEP 116 . . . YES), the first communication processing element 11 confirms the remaining communication capacity .SIGMA. By transmitting the result to the mobile terminal 21, the mobile output interface 212 is caused to display the remaining communication capacity Σ (FIG. 5/STEP 118). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a remaining communication capacity display image Q21 in which the remaining communication capacity Σ is displayed and the amount of the remaining communication capacity Σ is expressed by the length of the arc-shaped icon is displayed. The included secondary designation screen S2 is output to the portable output interface 212. FIG.

Subsequently, the second communication processing element 12 determines whether or not the value of the flag f is 0 (FIG. 5/STEP 120). As will be described later, when the value of the flag f is not set to "1", the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 5/STEP 120 . . . YES). is equal to or less than the first threshold value Σ1 and its changing speed (dΣ/dt) is equal to or less than the reference speed Vth (<0) (FIG. 5/STEP 121). The determination process regarding the rate of change (dΣ/dt) of the remaining communication capacity Σ may be omitted. There is a possibility that the reference speed Vth becomes 0 (Σ-Vth×Tth becomes 0 or less) when the remaining communication capacity Σ decreases at that speed before the specified period Tth elapses. set to the value

If the determination result is negative (FIG. 5/STEP 121 . . . NO), that is, if there is a low probability that the remaining communication capacity Σ will become 0 in a relatively short period of time (for example, a period of Tth to 3Tth), the time counted by the timer t is reset to 0 (FIG. 5/STEP 112), and the subsequent processes are repeated.

On the other hand, if the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 5/STEP 121 . . . YES), that is, if there is a high probability that the remaining communication capacity .SIGMA. is set to "1" (FIG. 5/STEP 122), and the designated period Tth is set shorter by ΔT (for example, ΔT=5 minutes, 7 minutes or 9 minutes) (FIG. 5/STEP 124). Then, the time t measured by the timer is reset to 0 (FIG. 5/STEP 112), and the subsequent processes are repeated.

When it is determined that the remaining communication capacity Σ is likely to become 0 in a short period of time while the reference designation screen S0 is being output to the mobile output interface 212, the remaining communication capacity is insufficient on the reference designation screen S0. A button Q02 including a notification to the effect that it is present may be displayed (see FIG. 2/arrow T02). When it is determined that the remaining communication capacity Σ is likely to become 0 in a short period of time while the primary designation screen S1 is being output to the mobile output interface 212, the remaining communication capacity is insufficient on the primary designation screen S1. A text box Q12 may be displayed that includes a notification to that effect (see FIG. 2/arrow T12).

In the state where the value of the flag f is set to "1", the determination result of whether or not the value of the flag f is 0 is negative (FIG. 5/STEP 120 -- NO), so the second communication processing element 12 determines whether or not the remaining communication capacity Σ is equal to or less than the second threshold Σ2 (smaller than the first threshold Σ1) (FIG. 5/STEP 126).

If the determination result is negative (FIG. 5/STEP 126 . . . NO), the time t measured by the timer is reset to 0 (FIG. 5/STEP 112), and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 5/STEP 126 . . . YES), the in-vehicle Wi-Fi is in an OFF state, that is, the Wi-Fi communication with the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station through the mobile terminal 21 is stopped. (FIG. 5/STEP 128).

According to the third function, the remaining communication capacity Σ displayed on the secondary designation screen S2 (corresponding to the “first designation screen”) output on the mobile terminal 21 is periodically updated. Therefore, it is possible for the user to grasp the time-series variation of the remaining communication capacity Σ.

Also, the specified period Tth, which is the period for checking the remaining communication capacity Σ, can be set to an appropriate length in view of the user's communication service usage history. For example, for a heavy user who consumes communication capacity in a short time, the designated period Tth may be set shorter than that for a normal user. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

(4th function (in-vehicle Wi-Fi usage start function))
The in-vehicle Wi-Fi utilization start function as the fourth function of the wireless communication system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

The in-vehicle Wi-Fi is turned on by the second communication processing element 12 based on the communication with the in-vehicle device 22, that is, the state in which Wi-Fi communication with the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station through the mobile terminal 21 is permitted. is recognized (FIG. 6/STEP 210).

The first communication processing element 11 determines whether or not the use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi in the portable terminal 21 is the first use (FIG. 6/STEP 212).

When it is determined that the use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi on the mobile terminal 21 is the first use (FIG. 6/STEP 212 . . . YES), the first communication processing element 11 performs the mobile output interface based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21. A tutorial screen is output in 212 (FIG. 6/STEP 214). The tutorial screen includes guidelines such as how to use the in-car Wi-Fi. After that, the first communication processing element 11 determines whether or not the purchase procedure for any one of the multiple plans for using the in-vehicle Wi-Fi has been completed (FIG. 6/STEP 216). .

For example, as described above, when the application button Q32 is tapped on the tertiary designation screen S3 shown in FIG. executed. At this time, based on communication between the first communication processing element 11 and/or the second communication processing element 12 and the communication business server 14, the application procedure for the one plan is executed. A plan for which a usage start application has been made is registered in the database 10 in association with a mobile terminal identifier and/or a user identifier.

If it is determined that the use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi on the mobile terminal 21 is the second or subsequent use (FIG. 6/STEP 212 . . . NO), the output of the tutorial screen (FIG. 6/STEP 214) is omitted, and the first communication process is performed. Element 11 determines whether or not the purchase procedure for any one of a plurality of plans for using in-vehicle Wi-Fi has been completed (FIG. 6/STEP 216).

If it is determined that the plan purchase procedure has been completed (FIG. 6/STEP 216 . . . YES), the first communication processing element 11 displays the mobile output interface 212 that the user is using based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21. plan is output (FIG. 6/STEP 222). As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a text box Q20 showing text representing the content of the plan in use is displayed on the secondary designation screen S2.

If it is determined that the plan purchase procedure has not been completed (FIG. 6/STEP 216 . . . NO), the first communication processing element 11, based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21, selects the available plans for the mobile output interface 212. A list is output (FIG. 6/STEP 218). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tertiary designation screen S3 in which one or more recommended plans are displayed on the menu button Q31 as default plans is output to the portable output interface 212. FIG.

After that, when a plan is selected through the mobile phone input interface 211 and the fee payment procedure required to use the plan is completed (FIG. 6/STEP 220), the first communication processing element 11 allows communication with the mobile terminal 21. Based on this, the plan currently used by the user is output to the mobile output interface 212 (FIG. 6/STEP 222). The in-vehicle Wi-Fi service plan in use is registered in the database 10 in association with the mobile terminal identifier and/or the user identifier. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a text box Q20 showing text representing the content of the plan in use is displayed on the secondary specification screen S2.

Based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, the first communication processing element 11 determines whether or not an ID (user identifier) and Pass setting request operation has been performed through the mobile input interface 211 (FIG. 6/STEP 224). If it is determined that an ID and Pass setting request operation has been performed (FIG. 6/STEP 224 . . . YES), a screen for setting and inputting an ID and Pass is output to the mobile output interface 212 based on communication with the mobile terminal 21 . (FIG. 6/STEP 226). As a result, for example, the fifth designation screen S5 as shown in FIG. 2 is output to the portable output interface 212.

If it is determined that there is no ID and Pass setting request operation (FIG. 6/STEP 224 . . . NO), or after the screen output for setting and inputting the ID and Pass (FIG. 6/STEP 226), the first communication process Based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21, the element 11 determines whether or not there is a purchase history confirmation operation through the mobile input interface 211 (FIG. 6/STEP 228). If it is determined that the purchase history confirmation operation has been performed (FIG. 6/STEP 228 . . . YES), a screen showing the application history for the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service plan is output based on communication with the mobile terminal 21 (FIG. 6/ STEP 230). Application histories for in-vehicle Wi-Fi service plans are registered in the database 10 in association with mobile terminal identifiers and/or user identifiers.

If it is determined that there was no purchase history confirmation operation (Fig. 6/STEP 228..NO), or after the screen output showing the application history of the in-car Wi-Fi service plan (Fig. 6/STEP 230), one communication Based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21, the processing element 11 determines whether or not there is an operation to confirm the usage plan through the mobile input interface 211 (FIG. 6/STEP 232). If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6/STEP 232 . . . YES), based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, a screen showing the plan in use among the in-vehicle Wi-Fi services is output (FIG. 6/ STEP 234). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a text box Q20 showing text representing the content of the plan in use is displayed on the secondary designation screen S2.

Next, based on the communication with the mobile terminal 21, the first communication processing element 11 determines whether or not there is an in-vehicle Wi-Fi usage start operation through the mobile input interface 211 (FIG. 6/STEP 236). For example, the operation of swiping the ON/OFF button Q22 displayed on the secondary designation screen S2 shown in FIG. 2 from the OFF position to the ON position corresponds to the in-vehicle Wi-Fi usage start operation.

If it is determined that there has been an in-vehicle Wi-Fi use start operation (FIG. 6/STEP 236 . . . YES), use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service using the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station is started through the mobile terminal 21 (FIG. 6 / STEP 238).

If it is determined that there is no in-vehicle Wi-Fi usage start operation (FIG. 6/STEP 236 . . . NO), a series of processing ends.

(Effect)
According to the wireless communication system 1 having the configuration described above, when the vehicle 2 is switched from the IGN/OFF state (non-operating state) to the IGN/ON state (operating state) while the mobile terminal 21 is activated, Then, the portable terminal 21 can start using wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) via a network using the vehicle-mounted device 22 as a base station (see FIG. 3). Further, when the vehicle 2 is switched from the IGN/ON state (operating state) to the IGN/OFF state (non-operating state) while the mobile terminal 21 is activated, the mobile terminal 21 controls the in-vehicle device. 22 as a base station, the use of wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) via the network is suspended. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service. In addition, since the Wi-Fi network can be used in a certain area within close proximity of the vehicle, Wi-Fi can be used without depending on the power source of the Wi-Fi router or mobile unit 21 at outdoor locations.

(Another embodiment of the present invention)
The second communication processing element 12 checks whether there is an abnormality in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication of the mobile terminal 21 based on communication with the communication business server 14, and if the existence of the abnormality is confirmed, the communication business server 14 and You may check the provision status of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service based on the communication. For example, even though the second communication processing element 12 periodically transmits a request for checking the provision status of the wireless communication service to the communication business server 14, the confirmation result is not received from the communication business server 14 for a predetermined period of time. If there is no response to the second communication processing element 12 even after exceeding the time period, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication.

According to the wireless communication system of this configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service (wireless communication service) by the communication business server 14, that is, when the mobile terminal 21 uses the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station, Wi-Fi communication is performed. If a problem occurs in (in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication), the situation is confirmed based on communication with the communication service server 14 . As a result, the cause of the abnormality in the communication service server 14 can be investigated and/or eliminated, thereby improving the convenience of the wireless communication service.

When the second communication processing element 12 confirms that the malfunction of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21 has been resolved, the communication service server 14 included in the mobile terminal information registered in the database 10 The content of the communication service for the mobile terminal 21 and the content of the communication service managed by the communication business server 14 may be matched. For example, in response to the second communication processing element 12 periodically transmitting a request for checking the provision status of the wireless communication service to the communication business server 14, the confirmation result is sent from the communication business server 14 to the second If it is periodically returned to the communication processing element 12, it is determined that the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication abnormality has been resolved.

According to the wireless communication system having this configuration, when the abnormality occurring in the Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21 with the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station is resolved, the communication service registered in the database 10 for the mobile terminal 21 is canceled. The contents are matched with the contents of the communication service provided by the communication business server 14 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the content of the communication service from becoming inconsistent before and after an abnormality occurs in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21, thereby improving the convenience of the wireless communication service.

When the second communication processing element 12 confirms that the abnormality that occurred in the Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21 with the vehicle-mounted device 22 as a base station has been resolved, the first communication processing element 11 and the second communication processing element 12, the portable terminal information and vehicle information registered in the database 10 may be updated through mutual communication between the vehicle-mounted device 22 and the communication business server 14.

According to the wireless communication system having this configuration, when an abnormality occurring in the Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21 with the in-vehicle device 22 as a base station is resolved, the mobile terminal information and the vehicle information registered in the database 10 are restored. updated or refreshed. This avoids discrepancies between the latest registered content of the mobile terminal information and/or the vehicle information and the actual content before and after an abnormality occurs in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21. Service convenience will be improved.

Designation screens (or second designation screens) S0 to S5 as shown in FIG. In this case, the user can perform various operations (screen transition, selection, setting, determination, application, etc.) through the vehicle input interface 221 using buttons displayed on the designation screens S0 to S5. This improves the convenience of the wireless communication service.

1. Wireless communication server (wireless communication system), 2. Vehicle, 10. Database, 11. First communication processing element, 12. Second communication processing element, 21. Mobile terminal, 22. Vehicle-mounted device.

Claims (3)

A mobile phone comprising a database, a first communication processing element and a second communication processing element, wherein the database, the first communication processing element and the second communication processing element cooperate with each other to use an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle as a base station. A wireless communication system that controls a wireless communication state via a network of terminals,
The first communication processing element recognizes mobile terminal information regarding the state of the mobile terminal based on communication with the mobile terminal, and transmits the mobile terminal information to the second communication processing element;
condition of the vehicle based on communication with the in-vehicle device, on condition that the second communication processing element receives the mobile terminal information indicating that the mobile terminal has been activated from the first communication processing element; After recognizing the vehicle information related to, transmit it to the first communication processing element and register it in the database,
The same vehicle information stored in the database, provided that the first communication processing element receives the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle has been switched from the non-operating state to the operating state from the second communication processing element. is registered, and on the condition that the result of the determination is affirmative, transmitting a communication acceptance notification to the second communication processing element;
on the condition that the second communication processing element has received the communication permission notification from the first communication processing element, causing the on-vehicle device to function as the base station based on communication with the on-vehicle device;
The first communication processing element causes a mobile output interface of the mobile terminal to output while switching each of a plurality of screens based on communication with the mobile terminal, and mobile input of the mobile terminal in the process of screen transition. realizing a state in which the mobile terminal can receive a communication service via the base station and the network from a telecommunications business server in response to a designated operation through an interface, based on communication with the telecommunications business server;
The first communication processing element recognizes the remaining communication capacity of the mobile terminal based on communication with the communication service server, and includes the remaining communication capacity based on communication with the mobile terminal. 1 to output the specified screen to the mobile output interface of the mobile terminal ,
When it is determined that the remaining communication capacity is highly likely to become 0 in a short period of time, a text indicating that the available communication capacity is recommended to be increased by purchasing a new plan is displayed on the mobile output interface. Ru
wireless communication system. In the wireless communication system according to claim 1,
A wireless communication system in which the first communication processing element displays buttons operable through the mobile input interface on a second designated screen, which is at least one of the plurality of screens output on the mobile output interface. In the radio communication system according to claim 1 or 2,
The first communication processing element transmits the mobile terminal information indicating that the mobile terminal has been activated to the second communication processing element, and the second communication processing element causes the vehicle to operate from a non-operating state. periodically recognizing the remaining communication capacity of the communication service on the basis of communication with the communication service server on the condition that the vehicle information indicating that the state has been switched to has been received; and outputting the first designation screen including the remaining communication capacity to the mobile output interface.

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