JP7597383B2 - Information terminal control program, information terminal, wireless device, wireless device control method, and communication control system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a control program for an information terminal, an information terminal, a wireless device, a control method for a wireless device, and a communication control system.

Currently, typical wireless devices such as mobile routers have multiple WAN (Wide Area Network) connection modes, such as high-speed mode, medium-speed mode, and low-speed mode. In general, there is a relationship between the WAN connection mode and power consumption in that the faster the data communication speed of the connection mode, the greater the power consumption.

JP 2020-145571 A

The following analysis was performed by the inventor.

The above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference.
The WAN connection mode of a wireless device is usually selected by a user performing a specific operation on the wireless device (see paragraph 0004 of Patent Document 1), but this selection may be made regardless of the congestion state on the network side. On the other hand, the actual data communication speed is often affected by the congestion state on the network side (see FIG. 11).

For this reason, even if the WAN connection mode is set to high-speed mode, congestion on the network side can cause a bottleneck and slow down the actual communication speed, causing the wireless device to waste power.

The objective of the present disclosure is, inter alia, to provide an information terminal control program, an information terminal, a wireless device, a wireless device control method, and a communication control system that contribute to reducing the power consumption of wireless devices.

(1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control program for an information terminal that can be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN (Wide Area Network) side connection modes. The control program includes:
A process of determining a throughput at a predetermined timing;
A process of selecting a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the information terminal;
selecting a WAN-side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN-side connection modes stored in the information terminal in association with the plurality of throughput ranges;
The method is characterized in that the computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting, to the wireless device, a switching command signal for commanding the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode to the selected WAN side connection mode (mode 1).
(2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information terminal that is connectable to a LAN side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes. The information terminal includes:
a throughput measurement unit for measuring a throughput;
a storage unit that stores the plurality of WAN side connection modes and a plurality of throughput ranges in association with each other; and
The wireless device control unit is characterized in that it includes a wireless device control unit that identifies a throughput at a predetermined timing, selects a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit, selects a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit, and transmits a switching command signal to the wireless device to command the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode of the wireless device to the selected WAN side connection mode (form 6) .
(3 ) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information terminal according to the present disclosure ,
A wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes ,
the wireless device includes a device control unit that receives a WAN-side connection mode switching command signal from an information terminal connected to a LAN side of the wireless device and switches a WAN-side connection mode from the plurality of WAN-side connection modes to a WAN-side connection mode designated by the WAN-side connection mode switching command signal;
the WAN-side connection mode designated by the WAN-side connection mode switching command signal corresponds to a throughput range including the throughput measured by the information terminal via the wireless device;
Wireless devices
A communication control system including the above is provided (mode 8 ).

In the control program of the above aspect 1,
the predetermined timing is at each time point at a predetermined interval;
It is preferable that the throughput specified at the predetermined timing is the throughput measured at each of the points in time (mode 2).
In the control program of the above aspect 1,
The control program further comprises:
At each time point of a predetermined interval, from a plurality of sets of position information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in the information terminal in association with each other, a set corresponding to the position information and the time information of the information terminal at the each time point is selected;
a process of selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
The predetermined timing is each of the points in time;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is preferably a throughput selected at each point in time (mode 3).
In the control program of the above aspect 2 or 3,
The predetermined interval is preferably a constant (time) interval (mode 4).
In the control program of the above aspect 1,
The control program further comprises:
when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal, selecting a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal at the time the change occurred from a plurality of sets of location information and time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal;
a process of selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
the predetermined timing being when the change occurs;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is preferably a throughput selected when the change occurs (mode 5).
In the information terminal of the above aspect 6,
The information terminal further includes:
a location and time information acquiring unit that acquires location information and time information of the information terminal when the throughput measuring unit measures the throughput; and
It is preferable that the measuring device further includes a learning memory for storing measured throughput, position information and time information obtained when measuring the throughput in association with each other (Mode 7).

The above program can be recorded on a computer-readable (non-transient) storage medium. That is, the present disclosure can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program is input to the computer device from an input device or from the outside via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and drives the processor according to predetermined steps or processes, and can display the processing results, including intermediate states as necessary, at each stage via a display device, or can communicate with the outside via the communication interface. As an example, a computer device for this purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, which are connectable to each other via a bus.

This disclosure and each of its aspects can contribute, among other things, to reducing power consumption in wireless devices.

1 illustrates an example of an information terminal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is an example of a data structure of a selection table according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of an information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 illustrates an example of an information terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is an example of a data structure of a learning table according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of an information terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of an information terminal according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates an example of a communication control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of hardware resources. 1 is an example of a conventional communication control system.

The following provides an overview of the present disclosure. The reference numerals in the drawings attached to this overview are intended solely to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated embodiment. The connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. One-way arrows are used to diagrammatically indicate the flow of signals, information, data, etc., and do not exclude bidirectionality. The connections between blocks in each drawing can be wired or wireless. The program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, and the computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices (including computers) within or outside the device via the communication interface, whether wired or wireless.

Furthermore, in this disclosure, an "information terminal" is particularly a smartphone, but is not limited to this. For example, any terminal capable of communicating information by being interconnected via the Internet, whether wired or wireless, such as a PC (personal computer), tablet, or PDA (personal digital assistant), may be included in the "information terminal."

Furthermore, in this disclosure, a "wireless device" is particularly a mobile router, but is not limited thereto, and may include any device that has a WAN side communication unit and a LAN side communication unit with multiple switchable WAN side connection modes, and at least the WAN side communicates wirelessly. Therefore, communication on the LAN side of the "wireless device", i.e., connection with an "information terminal", is not limited to wireless, but can also be wired. Furthermore, the number of "information terminals" connected to the LAN side is not limited to one, but multiple "information terminals" can also be connected, and furthermore, the wireless and wired connections on the LAN side are not limited to one type each. Note that communication methods compatible with the WAN side connection mode include, for example, 5G, 4G, 3G, etc.

Furthermore, in this disclosure, "connection" can include both wireless and wired methods.

Furthermore, in the following description and drawings, elements having the same or common functions are designated by the same drawing reference numbers.

First Embodiment
1 illustrates an example of an information terminal 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The information terminal 10 includes a throughput measurement unit 11, a storage unit 12, a wireless device control unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 15.

The control of the information terminal 10 is realized by a wireless device control application installed on the information terminal 10 or the wireless device control unit 13, and the wireless device control application is composed of a program that causes a computer to execute each process in the information terminal 10. In the following explanation and drawings, the "wireless device control application" is abbreviated to "wireless device control app."

The throughput measurement unit 11 is configured to measure the throughput via the wireless device 30 (see FIG. 8) to which the information terminal 10 is connected in response to a command from the wireless device control unit 13.

The storage unit 12 stores a plurality of WAN side connection modes and a plurality of throughput ranges, which are set in advance via the wireless device control app, in association with each other, particularly in the form of a "selection table" (see FIG. 2). Note that the throughput range can be changed via the wireless device control app.

The wireless device control unit 13 is configured to determine the throughput via the wireless device 30 to which the information terminal 10 is connected at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the predetermined timing is, in particular, each time point at a predetermined interval determined by the user of the information terminal via the wireless device control app, that is, each time point at a predetermined constant or arbitrary interval. In this embodiment, the throughput determined at this predetermined timing is the throughput measured by the throughput measurement unit 11 at each of the above-mentioned times in response to a command from the wireless device control unit 13.

The wireless device control unit 13 is further configured to select a throughput range that includes the identified throughput, i.e., the throughput measured by the throughput measurement unit 11, from the multiple throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 12.

The wireless device control unit 13 is further configured to select a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from among a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit 12 in association with a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 12.

The wireless device control unit 13 is further configured to transmit, via the communication unit 14, a switching command signal to the wireless device 30 to command the wireless device 30 to switch its WAN side connection mode to the selected WAN side connection mode.

The communication unit 14 is connected to the LAN side of the wireless device 30 and is configured to communicate with the wireless device 30.

The control unit 15 is configured to control the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts.

Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of a selection table stored in the storage unit 12. In the selection table, multiple throughput ranges are associated with multiple WAN side connection modes. The selection table including multiple throughput ranges and multiple WAN side connection modes is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 prior to control according to the present disclosure.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information terminal 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that, hereinafter, "step" is represented by "S."

First, at a predetermined time, the throughput via the wireless device 30 to which the information terminal 10 is connected is measured in response to a command from the wireless device control unit 13 or the wireless device control application (S11).

Next, from among the multiple throughput ranges recorded in the selection table, a throughput range that includes the throughput measured in S11 is selected (S12).

Next, the WAN side connection mode that corresponds to the throughput range selected in S12 is selected from the selection table (S13).

Finally, a switching command signal is transmitted to the wireless device 30 to command the wireless device 30 to switch its WAN-side connection mode to the WAN-side connection mode selected in S13 (S14). When the actual WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 differs from the selected WAN-side connection mode, the device control unit 31 (see FIG. 8) of the wireless device 30 that receives the switching command signal switches the WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 to the selected WAN-side connection mode.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the wireless device from operating in a high-speed WAN-side connection mode that consumes a lot of power even if the actual throughput is low due to network congestion, etc., thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The information terminal 20 according to this embodiment includes a location time information acquisition unit 26 and a learning memory 27 in addition to the components of the information terminal 20 according to the first embodiment.

The position and time information acquisition unit 26 is configured to acquire position information and time information of the information terminal 20. The position and time information of the information terminal 20 is typically acquired by the GPS function of the information terminal 20 (in this case, the position and time information acquisition unit 26 can be configured as a GPS function unit), but is not limited to this. For example, the position and time information acquisition unit 26 can also acquire the position and time information of the information terminal 20 via a wireless LAN spot of a public wireless LAN.

The learning memory 27 stores the throughput measured by the throughput measurement unit 21, and the position information and time information acquired by the position and time information acquisition unit 26 when measuring the throughput, in association with each other, particularly in the form of a "learning table" (see FIG. 5).

The wireless device control unit 23 is configured to determine the throughput via the wireless device 30 to which the information terminal 20 is connected at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the predetermined timing is, as in the first embodiment, a point in time at a predetermined interval, that is, a point in time at a predetermined constant or arbitrary interval, determined in particular by the user of the information terminal via the wireless device control app. On the other hand, the throughput determined at the predetermined timing in this embodiment is the throughput selected from the learning memory 27 at each of the above points in time by a command from the wireless device control unit 23.

The wireless device control unit 23 is further configured to select a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal 20 at each of the above-mentioned points in time from a plurality of sets of location information and time information stored in association with each other in the learning memory 27, and to select a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the learning memory 27. Note that the throughput selected from the plurality of throughputs stored in the learning memory 27 is the throughput identified at a predetermined timing in this embodiment.

The wireless device control unit 23 is further configured to select a throughput range that includes the identified throughput, i.e., the throughput selected from the learning memory 27, from among the multiple throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 22, as in the first embodiment.

The wireless device control unit 23 is further configured to select a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit 22 in association with a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 22, as in the first embodiment.

The wireless device control unit 23 is further configured to transmit, as in the first embodiment, a switching command signal to the wireless device 30 via the communication unit 24, commanding the wireless device 30 to switch its WAN-side connection mode to the selected WAN-side connection mode.

The throughput measurement unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the communication unit 24 are configured similarly to the throughput measurement unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 14 of the first embodiment, respectively. Also, the control unit 25 is configured to control the operation of each unit of the information terminal 20, similarly to the first embodiment.

Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the learning table stored in the learning memory 27. In the learning table, the measured throughput (results) and the location information and time information of the information terminal 20 at the time of measuring this throughput are recorded in association with each other. Note that the time information field of the illustrated learning table records the "day of the week" and "time" when the throughput measurement was performed, but is not limited to this. For example, the time information field may include only the time, or in addition to the time, any information related to time, such as the day of the week, date, month, etc., or a specific time period such as morning, midday, afternoon, night, late night, etc. (and any suitable combination of these). In addition, the location information of the information terminal 20 recorded in the location information field is described, for example, in xyz coordinates such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

The (actual) position (information) of the information terminal 20 at each time point may not completely match the position (information) pre-recorded in the learning memory 27 or the learning table. Therefore, if the (actual) position (information) of the information terminal 20 at each time point is included within a predetermined range that includes the position (information) pre-recorded in the learning memory 27 or the learning table, it is also possible to determine that the (actual) position (information) of the information terminal 20 at each time point corresponds to the position (information) pre-recorded in the learning memory 27 or the learning table.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information terminal 20 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, at a predetermined time, the location and time information acquisition unit 26 acquires location information and time information of the information terminal 20 in response to a command from the wireless device control unit 23 or the wireless device control app (S21).

Next, from the multiple sets of multiple pieces of location information and multiple pieces of time information recorded in the learning table, a set corresponding to the location information and time information acquired in S21 is selected (S22).

Next, from the multiple throughputs stored in the learning table in association with multiple sets of multiple pieces of location information and multiple pieces of time information, the throughput corresponding to the set selected in S22 is selected (S23).

Next, from among the multiple throughput ranges recorded in the selection table, a throughput range that includes the throughput selected in S23 is selected (S24).

Next, the WAN side connection mode corresponding to the throughput range selected in S24 is selected from the selection table (S25).

Finally, a switching command signal is transmitted to the wireless device 30 to command the wireless device 30 to switch its WAN-side connection mode to the WAN-side connection mode selected in S25 (S26). When the actual WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 differs from the selected WAN-side connection mode, the device control unit 31 (see FIG. 8) of the wireless device 30 that has received this switching command signal switches the WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 to the selected WAN-side connection mode.

In this way, by learning the location information, time information, and throughput, when the wireless device is used at the same location and time thereafter, the previously learned throughput can be used, eliminating the need to measure the throughput again, thereby further reducing the time and power consumption required for throughput measurement. Note that this learning function can be realized by a wireless device control app, but it can also be realized by a dedicated application stored in the information terminal.

Third Embodiment
The configuration of the information terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is substantially similar to the configuration of the information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As in the second embodiment, the wireless device control unit 23 is configured to determine the throughput via the wireless device 30 to which the information terminal 20 is connected at a predetermined timing. However, unlike the second embodiment, in this embodiment, the predetermined timing is when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal 20 acquired by the location time information acquisition unit 26 (i.e., when the information terminal 20 moves a predetermined distance or more). Furthermore, the throughput determined at the predetermined timing in this embodiment is the throughput selected from the learning memory 27 when this change occurs.

Therefore, the wireless device control unit 23 is further configured to select a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal 20 when the above-mentioned change occurs from a plurality of sets of location information and time information stored in association with each other in the learning memory 27, and select a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with each of the plurality of sets in the learning memory 27; to select a throughput range including the identified throughput, i.e., the throughput selected from the learning memory 27, from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 22; to select a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit 22 in association with the plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit 22; and to transmit a switching command signal to the wireless device 30 via the communication unit 24 to command the wireless device 30 to switch the WAN side connection mode to the selected WAN side connection mode.

Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information terminal 20 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal 20, the location and time information acquisition unit 26 acquires the location information and time information of the information terminal 20 at that time (S31).

Next, from the multiple sets of multiple pieces of location information and multiple pieces of time information recorded in the learning table, a set corresponding to the location information and time information acquired in S31 is selected (S32).

Next, from the multiple throughputs stored in the learning table in association with multiple sets of multiple pieces of location information and multiple pieces of time information, the throughput corresponding to the set selected in S32 is selected (S33).

Next, from among the multiple throughput ranges recorded in the selection table, a throughput range that includes the throughput selected in S33 is selected (S34).

Next, the WAN side connection mode corresponding to the throughput range selected in S34 is selected from the selection table (S35).

Finally, a switching command signal is transmitted to the wireless device 30 to command the wireless device 30 to switch its WAN-side connection mode to the WAN-side connection mode selected in S35 (S36). When the actual WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 differs from the selected WAN-side connection mode, the device control unit 31 (see FIG. 8) of the wireless device 30 that receives this switching command signal switches the WAN-side connection mode of the wireless device 30 to the selected WAN-side connection mode.

In this way, by reviewing the WAN side connection mode of the wireless device when a specified change occurs in the location information of the information terminal, rather than at specified time intervals, it becomes possible to control the WAN side connection mode more precisely according to the user's usage environment (a lot/little movement, time of day for communication, etc.), and as a result, it is possible to further reduce unnecessary power consumption of the wireless device. This third embodiment is more appropriate for the RF (Radio Frequency) method, which has a strong relationship between location and throughput.

Figure 8 shows an example of a wireless device 30 having multiple switchable WAN side connection modes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The wireless device 30 includes a device control unit 31, a wireless LAN communication unit 32, and a wireless WAN communication unit 33.

The device control unit 31 includes a device control unit that receives a WAN side connection mode switching command signal from the information terminals 10 and 20 connected to the wireless LAN communication unit 32 of the wireless device 30, and switches the WAN side connection mode from a plurality of WAN side connection modes to the WAN side connection mode specified by the WAN side connection mode switching command signal.

The wireless LAN communication unit 32 is a communication unit on the LAN side of the wireless device 30 that communicates with the communication units 14, 24 of the information terminals 10, 20. In the illustrated example, the communication unit on the LAN side of the wireless device 30 is configured to communicate with the communication units 14, 24 of the information terminals 10, 20 wirelessly, but it can also be configured to communicate partially or entirely via a wired method.

The wireless WAN communication unit 33 is a WAN-side communication unit of the wireless device 30 that wirelessly communicates with a wireless WAN-side base station (see FIG. 9) connected to the Internet 50 (see FIG. 9).

Figure 9 shows an example of a communication control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The communication control system according to the present disclosure includes information terminals 10 and 20 according to the present disclosure and a wireless device 30 according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 9, the reference numerals of the components of the information terminals 10 and 20 and the wireless device 30 are omitted. In addition, for comparison with the conventional communication control system (see FIG. 11), the information terminals 10 and 20 are shown only with a memory unit and a wireless device control unit, which are components not included in the conventional information terminal 10' (see FIG. 11), and a communication unit. On the other hand, it should be noted that in the conventional communication control system shown in FIG. 11, the wireless device 30' does not include a component corresponding to the device control unit 31 of the wireless device 30 that operates in cooperation with the information terminals 10 and 20 of the present disclosure.

The control unit according to the above embodiment can be configured by so-called hardware resources (information processing device, computer), and can use one having the configuration shown in FIG. 10. For example, the hardware resource 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a network interface 203, etc., which are connected to each other by an internal bus 204.

However, the configuration shown in FIG. 10 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 200. The hardware resource 200 may include hardware (e.g., an input/output interface) that is not shown. The processor 201 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

In addition, the memory 202 may be, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a SSD (Solid State Drive).

Furthermore, the network interface 203 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, etc.

Furthermore, the functions of the hardware resource 200 are realized by a processing module. The processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 201 executing a program stored in the memory 202. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium on which the program is stored. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. In other words, it is sufficient that the functions performed by the processing module can be realized by the execution of software in some kind of hardware.

A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.
[Supplementary Note 1] A control program for an information terminal connectable to the LAN (Local Area Network) side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN (Wide Area Network) side connection modes.
The control program
A process of determining a throughput via the wireless device to which the information terminal is connected at a predetermined timing;
A process of selecting a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the information terminal;
selecting a WAN-side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN-side connection modes stored in the information terminal in association with the plurality of throughput ranges;
The computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting, to the wireless device, a switching command signal for commanding the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode to the selected WAN side connection mode.
[Appendix 2] In the above control program,
the predetermined timing being each time point at a predetermined interval;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is the throughput measured at each point in time.
[Supplementary Note 3] The above control program further includes:
At each time point of a predetermined interval, from a plurality of sets of position information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal, a set corresponding to the position information and the time information of the information terminal at the each time point is selected;
selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
The predetermined timing is each of the points in time;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is the throughput selected at each point in time.
[Appendix 4] In the above control program,
The predetermined interval is a constant interval.
[Supplementary Note 5] The above control program further includes:
when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal, selecting a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal at the time the change occurred from a plurality of sets of the plurality of pieces of location information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal;
selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
the predetermined time being when the change occurs;
The throughput identified at the predetermined time is the throughput selected when the change occurs.
[Supplementary Note 6] An information terminal that can be connected to the LAN side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes.
The information terminal includes:
a throughput measurement unit that measures a throughput via a wireless device to which the information terminal is connected;
a storage unit that stores the plurality of WAN side connection modes and a plurality of throughput ranges in association with each other; and
The wireless device control unit includes a wireless device control unit that identifies a throughput at a predetermined timing, selects a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit, selects a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit, and transmits a switching command signal to the wireless device to command the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode of the wireless device to the selected WAN side connection mode.
[Supplementary Note 7] The information terminal further includes:
a location and time information acquiring unit that acquires location information and time information of the information terminal when the throughput measuring unit measures the throughput; and
The device includes a learning memory that stores the measured throughput, and the position information and time information obtained when measuring the throughput, in association with each other.
[Supplementary Note 8] A wireless device having multiple switchable WAN side connection modes.
The wireless device includes:
The wireless device includes a device control unit that receives a WAN side connection mode switching command signal from an information terminal connected to the LAN side of the wireless device, and switches the WAN side connection mode from the multiple WAN side connection modes to the WAN side connection mode specified by the WAN side connection mode switching command signal.
[Supplementary Note 9] A method for controlling a wireless device having multiple switchable WAN side connection modes.
The control method includes:
receiving a WAN side connection mode switching command signal from an information terminal connected to the LAN side of the wireless device;
switching the WAN side connection mode from the plurality of WAN side connection modes to a WAN side connection mode designated by the WAN side connection mode switching command signal.
[Appendix 10]
A communication control system including the above information terminal and the above wireless device.
[Supplementary Note 11] A method for controlling an information terminal connectable to the LAN side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes.
The control method includes:
determining, at a predetermined timing, a throughput via the wireless device to which the information terminal is connected;
selecting a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the information terminal;
selecting a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the information terminal in association with the plurality of throughput ranges;
transmitting a switching command signal to the wireless device to command the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode to the selected WAN side connection mode.
[Appendix 12] In the above control method,
the predetermined timing being each time point at a predetermined interval;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is the throughput measured at each point in time.
[Supplementary Note 13] The above control method further comprises:
At each time point of a predetermined interval, from a plurality of sets of position information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal, a set corresponding to the position information and the time information of the information terminal at the each time point is selected;
selecting a throughput corresponding to a selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
The predetermined timing is each of the points in time;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is the throughput selected at each point in time.
[Supplementary Note 14] In the above control method,
The predetermined interval is a constant interval.
[Supplementary Note 15] The above control method further comprises:
when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal, selecting a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal at the time the change occurred from a plurality of sets of the plurality of pieces of location information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal;
selecting a throughput corresponding to a selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
the predetermined time being when the change occurs;
The throughput identified at the predetermined time is the throughput selected when the change occurs.
[Supplementary Note 16] A control program for a wireless device having multiple switchable WAN side connection modes.
The control program
receiving a WAN side connection mode switching command signal from an information terminal connected to the LAN side of the wireless device;
The method causes a computer to execute a process of switching the WAN side connection mode from the plurality of WAN side connection modes to the WAN side connection mode designated by the WAN side connection mode switching command signal.

Within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of the claims), modifications and adjustments to the embodiments and examples are possible, based on the basic technical ideas. Furthermore, within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of the various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and amendments that a person skilled in the art would be able to make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the scope of the claims, and the technical ideas.

10, 20 Information terminal 11, 21 Throughput measurement unit 12, 22 Storage unit 13, 23 Wireless device control unit (wireless device control application)
14, 24 Communication unit 15, 25 Control unit 26 Position and time information acquisition unit 27 Learning memory

30 Wireless device 31 Device control unit 32 Wireless LAN communication unit 33 Wireless WAN communication unit

40 Wireless WAN base station 50 Internet

10' Conventional information terminal 30' Conventional wireless device

200 Hardware Resources 201 Processor 202 Memory 203 Network Interface 204 Internal Bus

Claims (8)

A control program for an information terminal connectable to a LAN (Local Area Network) side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN (Wide Area Network) side connection modes, comprising:
A process of determining a throughput via the wireless device to which the information terminal is connected at a predetermined timing;
A process of selecting a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the information terminal;
selecting a WAN-side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN-side connection modes stored in the information terminal in association with the plurality of throughput ranges;
a control program that causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting, to the wireless device, a switching command signal that commands the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode to a selected WAN side connection mode. 2. The control program according to claim 1,
the predetermined timing is at each time point at a predetermined interval;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is a throughput measured at each point in time. 2. The control program according to claim 1,
The control program further comprises:
At each time point of a predetermined interval, from a plurality of sets of position information and a plurality of pieces of time information stored in the information terminal in association with each other, a set corresponding to the position information and the time information of the information terminal at the each time point is selected;
a process of selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
The predetermined timing is each of the points in time;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is a throughput selected at each point in time. 4. The control program according to claim 2,
The control program, wherein the predetermined interval is a constant interval. 2. The control program according to claim 1,
The control program further comprises:
when a predetermined change occurs in the location information of the information terminal, selecting a set corresponding to the location information and time information of the information terminal at the time the change occurred from a plurality of sets of location information and time information stored in association with each other in the information terminal;
a process of selecting a throughput corresponding to the selected set from a plurality of throughputs stored in association with the plurality of sets in the information terminal;
the predetermined timing being when the change occurs;
The throughput specified at the predetermined timing is a throughput selected when the change occurs. An information terminal connectable to a LAN side of a wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes,
a throughput measurement unit that measures a throughput via a wireless device to which the information terminal is connected;
a storage unit that stores the plurality of WAN side connection modes and a plurality of throughput ranges in association with each other; and
an information terminal comprising: a wireless device control unit that identifies a throughput at a predetermined timing, selects a throughput range including the identified throughput from a plurality of throughput ranges stored in the memory unit, selects a WAN side connection mode corresponding to the selected throughput range from a plurality of WAN side connection modes stored in the memory unit, and transmits a switching command signal to the wireless device to command the wireless device to switch the WAN side connection mode of the wireless device to the selected WAN side connection mode. 7. The information terminal according to claim 6,
The information terminal further includes:
a location and time information acquiring unit that acquires location information and time information of the information terminal when the throughput measuring unit measures the throughput; and
An information terminal comprising: a learning memory that stores a measured throughput, position information and time information obtained when measuring the throughput, in association with each other. An information terminal according to claim 6 or 7 ;
A wireless device having a plurality of switchable WAN side connection modes ,
the wireless device includes a device control unit that receives a WAN-side connection mode switching command signal from an information terminal connected to a LAN side of the wireless device and switches a WAN-side connection mode from the plurality of WAN-side connection modes to a WAN-side connection mode designated by the WAN-side connection mode switching command signal;
the WAN-side connection mode designated by the WAN-side connection mode switching command signal corresponds to a throughput range including the throughput measured by the information terminal via the wireless device;
Wireless devices
A communication control system including:

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