JP2019117981A - Communication device, communication module, communication method, and communication program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device, communication module, communication method, and communication program that are highly convenient.SOLUTION: A communication device 1 includes a sensor 70, a communication module 50, and a controller 62 for controlling communication of the communication module 50. The controller 62 causes the communication module 50 to start a power saving mode (PSM) of communication if it determines that the communication device is mounted on an aircraft and moving on the basis of a detection result of the sensor 70.EFFECT: Power consumption by the communication module is automatically reduced by the communication module starting the PSM on the basis of the position of the communication device, and, as a result, the convenience of the communication device and the communication module is improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a communication module, a communication method, and a communication program that perform wireless communication.

  Conventionally, a system is known which collects data measured by a measuring device on a server. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which data measured by a measurement device is transmitted by a terminal to a server.

JP 2014-209311 A

  In the conventional system, for example, improvement of convenience is required by the spread of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a highly convenient communication device, communication module, communication method, and communication program.

  A communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a communication module, and a controller that controls communication of the communication module. The controller causes the communication module to start a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the self-vehicle is mounted on an aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor.

  A communication module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be mounted on an apparatus including a sensor. The communication module starts a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the self-vehicle is mounted on an aircraft and is in a moving state based on the detection result of the sensor.

  A communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure controls communication of a communication module. The communication method causes the communication module to start a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the own aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor.

  A communication program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a processor functioning as a controller to control communication of a communication module. The communication program causes the communication module to save power in the power saving mode (PSM) when the processor determines that the processor is mounted on the aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor. Output control information to start the

  According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a highly convenient communication device, communication module, communication method, and communication program can be provided.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the communication apparatus concerning one embodiment. It is an exploded view of the communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the internal structure shown in FIG. It is a bottom view of the internal structure shown in FIG. It is a BB sectional view of FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a graph which shows the change of the electromagnetic wave transmission strength of a communication module. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure which controls a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure which controls a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows typically operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The communication device 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment may typically be a communication device 1 for IoT (Internet of Things). The communication device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the communication device 1 for IoT, and may be various communication devices 1 having a wireless communication function. The communication device 1 is also simply referred to as a device.

  The communication device 1 may communicate with an external device such as an external server. The communication device 1 may acquire information on the external environment. The communication device 1 may transmit the acquired external environment information to an external server or the like. The communication device 1 may be used in a state of being attached to another device or a product or a cargo. As the communication device 1 is miniaturized, it becomes easy to be attached to another device, goods, cargo or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the communication device 1 according to one embodiment may include a housing 10 and an internal structure 13. The internal structure 13 may be located inside the housing 10.

  The housing 10 may include a plate 11 and a case 12. The housing 10 can protect the internal structure 13. The housing 10 may further include a packing for sealing between the plate 11 and the case 12. By sealing the space between the plate 11 and the case 12 with packing, moisture, dust and the like are less likely to intrude into the inside of the housing 10. As a result, the internal structure 13 is easily protected from moisture or dust.

  The external shape of the housing 10 may be a rectangular parallelepiped having sides along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis which intersect with each other. The X, Y and Z axes may be orthogonal to one another. The length in the X-axis direction of the housing 10 is longer than the length in the Y-axis direction of the housing 10 and the length in the Z-axis direction of the housing 10. The length in the Y-axis direction of the housing 10 is longer than the length in the Z-axis direction of the housing 10. The X-axis direction is also referred to as a first direction. The Y-axis direction is also referred to as a second direction. The Z-axis direction is also referred to as a third direction. In other words, the length in the first direction of the housing 10 is longer than the length in the second direction and the length in the third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are also referred to as the longitudinal direction, the short direction, and the thickness direction of the housing 10, respectively.

  The housing 10 may be made of a material having a strength that can withstand the use environment according to the application of the communication device 1. For example, the housing 10 may be made of resin or metal.

  The plate 11 may have a switch handle 11A and a notification window 11B. The switch handle 11A is disposed corresponding to the switch 81 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. By doing this, the user can operate the switch 81 via the switch handle 11A. The switch handle 11A may be made of a flexible material. The notification window 11B is arranged corresponding to the notification unit 80 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. The notification window 11B may be made of a transparent member or the like. By doing this, the user can visually recognize the notification unit 80 through the notification window 11B.

  The plate 11 may further have a hole 11C, a hole 11D, a hole 11E and a hole 11F. 11 C of holes are arrange | positioned corresponding to the air pressure sensor 71 (refer FIG. 3) contained in the internal structure 13. As shown in FIG. The holes 11D are arranged corresponding to the temperature sensor 72 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. The holes 11E are disposed corresponding to the humidity sensor 73 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. The holes 11F are arranged corresponding to the illuminance sensor 74 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. The atmospheric pressure sensor 71, the temperature sensor 72, the humidity sensor 73, and the illuminance sensor 74 are collectively referred to as a sensor 70 (see FIG. 3). Each sensor 70 can detect the environment outside the housing 10 with higher accuracy.

  The case 12 may have a bottom 12A and a side 12B. The bottom portion 12A is located on the opposite side of the plate 11 with the internal structure 13 interposed therebetween. The side surface portion 12B is located between the plate 11 and the bottom surface portion 12A, and intersects the bottom surface portion 12A and the plate 11. The case 12 may have insertion ports 12C, 12D and 12E in the side surface portion 12B. The insertion ports 12C and 12D may be disposed corresponding to the external terminals 22 and 23 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure 13. By doing this, the terminals of the external device can be connected to the external terminals 22 and 23 through the insertion ports 12C and 12D. The insertion port 12E is disposed corresponding to the slot 24 (see FIG. 3) included in the internal structure. By doing this, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or the like can be inserted into the slot 24 through the insertion port 12E.

  At least one of the holes 11 </ b> C to 11 </ b> F and the notification window 11 </ b> B may be disposed in the side surface portion 12 </ b> B of the case 12.

  The plate 11 may further have marks 11G. The mark 11 </ b> G may be, for example, a logo mark or the like representing a main body of the communication device 1. The user can specify the orientation of the communication device 1 based on the position of the mark 11G. For example, when disposing the communication device 1 on the ground or the like, the user may arrange the communication device 1 so that the side of the plate 11 does not contact the ground or the like. That is, the user can arrange the communication device 1 such that the bottom surface 12A of the case 12 contacts the ground or the like. When the side of the plate 11 does not contact the ground or the like, the holes 11C to 11F and the notification window 11B are less likely to be blocked by the ground or the like. When the holes 11C to 11F and the notification window 11B are disposed on the side surface portion 12B of the case 12, the communication device 1 is disposed such that the bottom surface portion 12A of the case 12 contacts the ground or the like. And notification window 11B becomes difficult to be closed by the ground etc.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the internal structure 13 includes an antenna 100 and a communication module 50. The internal structure 13 may further include an external terminal 22. The internal structure 13 may further include a circuit board 20. Internal structure 13 may further include a battery 30. Internal structure 13 may further include a frame 40. The internal structure 13 may further include a sensor 70, a notification unit 80, and a switch 81.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 100 may be located on the side of the housing 10 in the positive direction of the X axis. At least one of the communication module 50 and the external terminal 22 may be located on the negative side of the X axis in the housing 10. That is, the antenna 100 may be located on one end side of the housing 10 in the first direction. At least one of the communication module 50 and the external terminal 22 may be located on the other side of the housing 10 in the first direction. The antenna 100 and at least one of the communication module 50 and the external terminal 22 may be located opposite to each other along the first direction. By doing this, the antenna 100 is separated from the predetermined distance from at least one of the communication module 50 and the external terminal 22 which can be noise sources of radio waves, thereby receiving the influence of the noise sources when radio waves are received. It becomes difficult to receive. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 can be enhanced. It is more effective in the communication apparatus 1 for IoT, which is required to be smaller in size than a mobile phone such as a smartphone in many cases and is concerned about the influence of noise sources. When a plurality of external terminals 22 are provided, if at least one external terminal 22 is located on the opposite side to the antenna 100 along the first direction, an effect of reducing the influence of noise sources can be obtained.

  The circuit board 20 may be plate-shaped. The circuit board 20 may be located along the XY plane. The circuit board 20 may be made of a material such as resin or ceramic. Various components may be mounted on the circuit board 20. The components mounted on the circuit board 20 may include, for example, an electronic component 60 (see FIG. 9), a sensor 70, or a notification unit 80 or the like. Terminals or wires may be mounted on the circuit board 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the battery terminal 21 and the external terminal 22 may be mounted on the surface of the circuit board 20 on the negative direction side of the Z axis.

  Battery terminal 21 includes a battery terminal 21A connected to the positive terminal of battery 30, a battery terminal 21B for detecting the remaining amount of battery 30, and a battery terminal 21C connected to the negative terminal of battery 30. The battery terminal 21 may have a biasing mechanism that biases the battery 30. The battery terminal 21 may bias the battery 30 in the negative direction of the X axis.

  The external terminal 22 is fixed to the circuit board 20 by the support 22A. The external terminal 22 is a terminal to which an external device can be connected. The external terminal 22 may be, for example, a terminal to which a micro USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector can be connected. The communication device 1 may be controlled by an external device connected via the external terminal 22. The communication device 1 may charge the battery 30 with the power supplied from the external terminal 22.

  The external terminal 23 may be a terminal corresponding to a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) which is a type of circuit for converting a signal. A terminal corresponding to the UART can be used, for example, to connect to a sensor 70 provided outside the communication device 1.

  For example, a SIM card may be inserted into the slot 24. The slot 24 may be inserted with another card such as a memory card.

  The battery 30 may supply power to each component of the communication device 1. The battery 30 may include a rechargeable secondary battery. The secondary battery may include, for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel hydrogen battery. The battery 30 is not limited to a secondary battery, and may include a primary battery that can not be charged. The primary battery may include, for example, an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 40 may hold the circuit board 20 and the battery 30. The frame 40 may house the circuit board 20 and the battery 30 therein. The circuit board 20, the battery 30, and the frame 40 may be integrated. By integrating the circuit board 20, the battery 30, and the frame 40, the strength of the internal structure 13 can be enhanced.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 40 may have a body 41. As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the main body 41 may have a flat portion 41A facing in the positive direction of the Z axis and side portions facing in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis. The flat portion 41A may be located on the positive side of the Z axis. The flat portion 41A may be in the form of a plate extending along the XY plane. The side surface portion may project from the periphery of the flat surface portion 41A in the negative direction of the Z axis. It can be said that the main body 41 has an opening surrounded by the side surface on the negative direction side of the Z axis. The main body 41 may accommodate the circuit board 20 and the battery 30 from the side of the opening.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 40 may have holding portions 42A and 42B and convex portions 45A and 45B.

  The holding portions 42A and 42B may be positioned at two corners located on the positive direction side of the X axis of the battery 30. The holding portions 42A and 42B may further protrude from the side surface of the main body 41 to the negative side of the Z axis. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the shape of the holding portions 42A and 42B viewed from the Y-axis direction may be L-shaped. The tips of the holding portions 42A and 42B may project in the negative direction side of the X axis so as to hold the battery 30 on the negative direction side of the Z axis. The shape of the holding portions 42A and 42B viewed from the Y-axis direction is not limited to the L shape, and may be any shape that can hold the battery 30.

  The convex portions 45A and 45B may be positioned at two corners located on the negative side of the X axis of the battery 30. The protrusions 45A and 45B may further protrude from the side surface of the main body 41 to the negative side of the Z axis. The protrusions 45A and 45B can abut on the end of the battery 30 on the negative direction side of the X axis when, for example, a force is applied to the battery 30 from the positive direction of the X axis. By doing this, even if the battery 30 moves in the negative direction of the X axis, it becomes difficult to collide with the support 22A. As a result, the impact on the support 22A can be reduced.

  The protrusions 45A and 45B may support the battery 30 biased in the negative direction of the X axis when the battery terminal 21 has a biasing mechanism. The battery 30 may be sandwiched between the battery terminal 21 and the protrusions 45A and 45B.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 40 may have a frame opening 46. The frame opening 46 may be an opening located in a part of the plate-like member of the main body 41. The frame opening 46 may be located corresponding to the position where the communication module 50 is mounted.

  Each component of the frame 40 may, for example, comprise a material of appropriate strength. Materials of suitable strength may include, for example, resins or metals. Each component of the frame 40 may be integrally formed of a material of appropriate strength. By integrally forming the components of the frame 40, the strength of the frame 40 can be enhanced. As a result, it is difficult to transmit an external impact to the internal structure 13.

  The communication module 50 may be mounted at a position corresponding to the frame opening 46 of the frame 40 on the surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis of the circuit board 20, as shown in FIG. The communication module 50 may include side walls extending towards the circuit board 20. The side wall portion may be a shield case, or may be another member. The side wall can receive a force applied to the internal structure 13 from the positive direction of the Z axis. By doing this, the force applied to the communication module 50 can be reduced. As a result, the communication module 50 is less likely to be deformed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the communication module 50 may be mounted on the surface of the circuit board 20 on the positive direction side of the Z axis via the communication circuit board 51 different from the circuit board 20. The communication circuit board 51 may be made of, for example, a material such as ceramic. The communication circuit board 51 may be plate-shaped. The communication circuit board 51 and at least a part of the surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis of the battery 30 may be opposed to each other with the circuit board 20 interposed therebetween. When the communication circuit board 51 and the circuit board 20 contain different materials, the amount of bending of the communication circuit board 51 and the circuit board 20 due to an external force may be different. When the communication circuit board 51 and at least a part of the surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis of the battery 30 face each other with the circuit board 20 interposed therebetween, the circuit board 20 and the communication circuit board 51 are less likely to be bent. As a result, the communication circuit board 51 is less likely to come off the circuit board 20.

  The communication circuit board 51 may have a cavity 52 on the side facing the circuit board 20. A part of the electronic component 60 may be mounted inside the cavity 52. A portion of the electronic component 60 mounted inside the cavity 52 may be a component not related to communication. The electronic component 60 includes, for example, a storage unit 61 and a control unit 62. The storage unit 61 and the control unit 62 may be mounted inside the cavity 52. When the communication device 1 does not include the communication module 50, the electronic component 60 may include a communication unit or the like. The electronic component 60 may be mounted on the circuit board 20 or may be mounted on the surface of the communication circuit board 51 on which the cavity 52 is formed. By mounting the electronic component 60 in the cavity 52, a gap can be formed between the electronic component 60 and the circuit board 20. By doing this, it is difficult to transmit the shock resulting from the deformation of the circuit board 20 to the electronic component 60. As a result, the electronic component 60 can be protected.

  The cavity 52 and at least a part of the surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis of the battery 30 may be opposed to each other with the circuit board 20 interposed therebetween. By doing this, the external force is easily absorbed by the battery 30 having high rigidity, and is difficult to be transmitted to the communication circuit board 51. As a result, deformation of the communication circuit board 51 can be reduced, and the electronic component 60 in the cavity 52 is less likely to be damaged.

  The sensor 70 may include, for example, at least one of an atmospheric pressure sensor 71, a temperature sensor 72, a humidity sensor 73, and an illuminance sensor 74 in order to obtain information on the external environment. The sensor 70 may include, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor, in order to obtain information on at least one of the position, movement, and attitude of the sensor 70 itself. The angular velocity sensor can detect the angular velocity of the device or the like in which the sensor 70 is provided. The acceleration sensor can detect an acceleration occurring in a device or the like in which the sensor 70 is provided. The geomagnetic sensor can detect the direction of geomagnetism. The sensor 70 may include a position sensor. The position sensor may detect position information of an apparatus or the like provided with the sensor 70 based on a detection result of a radio wave of near field communication such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the notification unit 80 may be mounted at a position corresponding to the notification window 11B (see FIG. 1). The notification unit 80 may include, for example, a light emitting device such as a light emission diode (LED). The notification unit 80 may include another light emitting device. The notification unit 80 may turn on the light emitting device based on the control of the control unit 62. Various pieces of information notified by the notification unit 80 to the user may be associated with the lighting color of the light emitting device or the lighting pattern. For example, the notification unit 80 may notify the user that the power of the communication device 1 is in the on state by lighting the light emitting device green. The notification unit 80 may notify the user that the communication device 1 is in communication with an external device or the like by keeping the light emitting device turned on. The notification unit 80 may notify that the remaining amount of the battery 30 is below the predetermined value by blinking the light emitting device.

  The notification unit 80 may include, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The notification unit 80 may include another display device. The notification unit 80 may cause the display to display various types of information to be notified to the user based on the control of the control unit 62.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 81 may be mounted at a position corresponding to the switch handle 11A (see FIG. 1). The switch 81 can be operated by the user via the switch handle 11A. The operation by the user input to the switch 81 may be output to the control unit 62.

  When the control unit 62 detects a user operation on the switch 81, the control unit 62 may execute a predetermined function associated with the operation of the switch 81. The predetermined function may include a function of causing the communication device 1 to transition between a power-on state and a power-off state. The predetermined function may include a function of starting or stopping the operation of the communication device 1. The control unit 62 may execute different functions based on the number of times the switch 81 is pressed. The control unit 62 may perform different functions based on the length of time when the switch 81 is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 100 may be located along the outer surface of the main body 41 of the frame 40. The antenna 100 may be located on the side of the plane portion 41A of the main body 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis. That is, the antenna 100 may be located on the side opposite to the side on which the circuit board 20 and the battery 30 are held in the frame 40. In this way, when the battery 30 having a relatively heavy mass is located closer to the ground or the like, the antenna 100 can be located farther from the ground or the like. As a result, when the antenna 100 transmits and receives radio waves, the influence of noise and the like from the ground can be reduced.

  The antenna 100 may be electrically connected to the communication module 50. The communication module 50 may wirelessly communicate with an external device by acquiring a radio wave received by the antenna 100 or transmitting the radio wave to the antenna 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the communication device 1 according to an embodiment includes a communication module 50, a control unit 62, an antenna 100, and a sensor 70. The control unit 62 is also referred to as a controller. The sensor 70 may be provided as an external device with the communication device 1. When the sensor 70 is provided as an external device, the sensor 70 may be connected via the external terminal 23.

  It can be said that the communication module 50 can be mounted on a device provided with the sensor 70. The communication module 50 can realize various functions including wireless communication. The communication module 50 may realize communication based on Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology. The communication module 50 may realize communication by various communication methods such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). The communication module 50 may wirelessly communicate with an external device via the antenna 100.

  The communication module 50 may acquire position information of the communication device 1 based on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology or the like. GNSS technology may include satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS, Galileo, Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZSS) and the like. The position information of the communication device 1 may include latitude, longitude, and altitude information.

  The controller 62 includes at least one processor to provide control and processing capabilities to perform various functions. The processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is also referred to as an integrated circuit (IC). The processor may be implemented as a plurality of communicatively coupled integrated circuits and discrete circuits. The processor may be implemented based on various other known techniques.

  The communication device 1 may further include a storage unit 61 connected to the control unit 62. The storage unit 61 may be configured by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 61 stores various information, programs executed by the control unit 62, and the like. The storage unit 61 may function as a work memory of the control unit 62. The storage unit 61 may be included in the control unit 62.

  The antenna 100 may be electrically connected to the communication module 50. The communication module 50 may wirelessly communicate with an external device such as an external server by acquiring a radio wave received by the antenna 100 or transmitting a radio wave from the antenna 100.

  The communication device 1 may transmit the detection result of the sensor 70 or position information of the communication device 1 to an external device. The control unit 62 may transmit the detection result of the sensor 70 or the position information of the communication device 1 to the external device via the communication module 50.

  The communication module 50 may cause the antenna 100 to transmit a radio wave having a predetermined strength. The predetermined strength may be determined as appropriate. The communication module 50 may transmit a radio wave from the antenna 100 based on the control information acquired from the control unit 62. The communication module 50 may have, for example, a function included in Release 13 specification of 3 rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or the like. The 3GPP Release 13 specifications include the functions supported by the UE (User Equipment) category M1 and the functions supported by the NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT) category. The communication module 50 may transmit and receive radio waves from the antenna 100 based on the DRX (Discontinuous Reception) technology defined in the 3GPP specifications. DRX technology may include eDRX (extended DRX) technology. The DRX technology is a technology that can reduce the power consumption of the communication module 50 by causing the communication module 50 to intermittently receive radio waves. The operation based on the DRX technology is also referred to as intermittent reception operation. When transmitting and receiving radio waves based on the DRX technology, the communication module 50 can realize intermittent transmission and reception of radio waves by stopping transmission and reception of radio waves for a predetermined period. The predetermined period for stopping transmission and reception of radio waves based on the DRX technology is also referred to as a DRX sleep period.

  The communication module 50 may start PSM (Power Saving Mode), which is a function capable of reducing the power consumption of the communication device 1 itself, based on the control information acquired from the control unit 62. The communication module 50 may initiate a PSM as defined in the 3GPP specifications. The communication module 50 may start PSM based on control information acquired from an external device such as an external server. PSM is also referred to as a power saving mode of communication. That is, the control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM. The communication device 1 itself is also called an own device. The period until the communication module 50 starts PSM and ends PSM is also referred to as PSM period. The communication module 50 stops transmission and reception of radio waves for a predetermined period in the PSM period. After stopping transmission and reception of radio waves for a predetermined period, the communication module 50 performs transmission and reception of radio waves for confirming that the communication module 50 is operating. The predetermined period in which the communication module 50 does not transmit radio waves in the PSM period is also referred to as a PSM sleep period. The PSM sleep period may be set longer than the DRX sleep period.

  In the graph shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the intensity of the radio wave transmitted by the communication module 50. The vertical bar tm represents the timing of transmission and reception of radio waves. That is, the communication module 50 may transmit and receive radio waves at the timing corresponding to the time specified by the vertical bar tm.

  The communication module 50 may start PSM at a time represented by T1 and may end PSM at a time represented by T2. That is, the period from the time represented by T1 to the time represented by T2 may be a PSM period represented by D1. The communication module 50 may stop transmission and reception of radio waves during a PSM sleep period represented by P1 in the PSM period. The communication module 50 may perform the intermittent reception operation in a period until the time represented by T1 or in a period after the time represented by T2. The communication module 50 may stop transmission and reception of radio waves during a DRX sleep period represented by P2 when performing the intermittent reception operation.

  The power consumption of the communication module 50 during the PSM sleep period may be reduced to the same extent as the power consumption when the communication module 50 is powered off. That is, when the communication module 50 starts PSM, the power consumption of the communication module 50 can be reduced without the power supply of the communication module 50 being turned off. If the communication module 50 is simply turned off, the operation of the communication module 50 is difficult to confirm. On the other hand, when the communication module 50 starts PSM, the operation of the communication module 50 can be easily confirmed by the communication module 50 transmitting and receiving radio waves each time the PSM sleep period elapses. That is, when the communication module 50 starts PSM, both the confirmation of the operation of the communication module 50 and the reduction of the power consumption of the communication module 50 can be compatible.

  The control unit 62 may obtain the detection result of the sensor 70 from the sensor 70. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM based on the detection result of the sensor 70.

  The communication device 1 can be attached to the cargo itself mounted on an aircraft, or a pallet or container of air cargo. That is, the communication device 1 can be mounted on the aircraft and can move. It may not be necessary to transmit radio waves while the aircraft is moving on board the aircraft. When the sensor 70 includes an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, the control unit 62 may obtain information on the movement of the own machine based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor. When the sensor 70 includes the air pressure sensor 71, the control unit 62 may acquire information on the altitude of the own machine based on the detection result of the air pressure sensor 71. The control unit 62 may obtain the information on the movement of the own machine or the information on the altitude of the own machine based on the detection result of the sensor 70 connected as the external device. The control unit 62 may determine whether the own aircraft is in the state of being mounted on the aircraft and moving based on the information on the movement of the own aircraft or the information on the altitude of the own aircraft. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM when it determines that the own aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and is in a moving state. By doing this, transmission of unnecessary radio waves can be reduced. As a result, the power consumption of the communication module 50 can be reduced. The state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and is moving is, for example, a state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and the aircraft is sliding on the runway. The state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and is moving is, for example, a state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and the aircraft is taking off from the runway. The state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and is moving is, for example, a state in which the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and the aircraft is taking off from the runway and flying.

  A beacon signal may be transmitted on board the aircraft. The beacon signal may include information identifying the source of the signal or its location. The communication module 50 may obtain information on the position of the own device by receiving the beacon signal. That is, reception of a beacon signal may correspond to acquisition of information on the position of the own aircraft. The communication module 50 may determine whether the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft based on the reception result of the beacon signal. The control unit 62 may obtain the reception result of the beacon signal from the communication module 50. The control unit 62 may determine whether the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft based on the reception result of the beacon signal.

  The communication module 50 may initiate PSM upon receiving a beacon signal. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM when it determines that its own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft. After determining that the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft, the control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM based on the flight plan of the aircraft. By doing this, the power consumption of the communication module 50 can be reduced. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM before the aircraft starts takeoff operation. By doing this, the influence of the radio wave from the communication device 1 on the instruments of the takeoff aircraft can be reduced. Initiation of PSM by communication module 50 may be performed more reliably by communication module 50 initiating PSM based on receipt of the beacon signal. The communication module 50 can continue the communication until it is mounted on the aircraft by the fact that the communication module 50 initiates the PSM based on the reception of the beacon signal transmitted on the aircraft. That is, the communication module 50 can continue the communication without starting the PSM until the timing as close as possible to the timing when the period to stop the communication starts. When the communication device 1 is attached to a cargo or the like, the period of keeping track of the position of the cargo or the like can be extended. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 and the communication module 50 can be improved.

  The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to start PSM not only when the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft but also when it is determined that the own aircraft is located within the predetermined range. The control unit 62 may determine the position of the own device based on the information acquired from the sensor 70 or the communication module 50. The predetermined range may be a range in which transmission of communication radio waves is limited. The range in which the transmission of the communication radio wave is limited may be a place where the use of the communication device 1 is not preferable. The power consumption by the communication module 50 can be automatically reduced by the communication module 50 starting PSM based on the position of the own device. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 and the communication module 50 can be improved.

  The range in which the transmission of the communication radio wave is limited may be, for example, the inside of the aircraft or around the runway of the airport where the aircraft departs and arrives. By restricting the transmission of the communication radio wave in the vicinity of the aircraft runway or the airport runway where the aircraft departs and arrives, the influence of the communication radio wave on the instruments of the departure and arrival aircraft can be reduced.

  The range in which the transmission of the communication radio wave is limited may be in a building such as a hospital or a clinic. By restricting transmission of communication radio waves in a building such as a hospital or a clinic, the influence of communication radio waves on medical equipment and the like can be reduced. The range in which the transmission of the communication radio wave is limited may be in a site such as a school or in a building such as a music hall. By limiting the communication of the communication device 1, noise that may be generated when the user uses the communication device 1 can be reduced. As a result, silence in a school, a music hall, or a hospital or clinic can be easily maintained.

  The control unit 62 can cause the communication module 50 to start PSM based on control information received from an external device such as an external server. In other words, the communication module 50 may start PSM based on control information received from an external device. On the other hand, the control unit 62 can cause the communication module 50 to start PSM even if it is not based on control information received from an external device. In other words, the communication module 50 can start PSM even if it is not based on control information received from an external device. Since the PSM can be started based on the control information received from the external device, the start of the PSM by the communication module 50 can be performed more reliably regardless of whether the communication status with the outside is good or not. That is, the configuration in which PSM can be started without being based on control information received from an external device can function as a fail safe when the communication status with the outside is not good. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 and the communication module 50 can be improved.

  The communication module 50 may end PSM in a PSM period based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition for the communication module 50 to end PSM is also referred to as a PSM end condition.

  The PSM termination condition may be to acquire control information on termination of PSM from the control unit 62. That is, the control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end PSM. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end the PSM based on, for example, the detection result acquired from the sensor 70.

  After the control unit 62 determines that the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and is moving, based on the detection result of the sensor 70, whether the own aircraft is not mounted and moving on the aircraft anymore You may judge. For example, when the control unit 62 determines that the altitude of the own aircraft has become less than the predetermined altitude based on the information on the altitude of the own aircraft, it is determined that the own aircraft is not in the state of being mounted on the aircraft and moving. You may For example, based on the information on the movement of the own aircraft, the control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft is no longer in the state of being mounted on the aircraft and moving. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end the PSM when it determines that the own aircraft is no longer in the state of being mounted on the aircraft and moving.

  When the control unit 62 causes the communication module 50 to start PSM based on the information on the position of the own device acquired from the functional unit different from the sensor 70, the control unit 62 causes the detection operation of the sensor 70 to be triggered when the PSM starts. Good. The control unit 62 may start the detection operation of a part of the plurality of sensors 70, for example, an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, in response to the start of PSM. When the detection result detected by the part of the sensors 70 is not used in the IoT service, the part of the sensors 70 can be used only for the determination of the PSM termination condition, so power consumption can be reduced.

  The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end the PSM when it determines whether the own device is no longer mounted on the aircraft. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end PSM not only when the own aircraft is not mounted in the aircraft but also when it is determined that the own aircraft is located outside the predetermined range.

  The PSM termination condition may be, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of PSM. The communication module 50 may measure the elapsed time from the start of PSM using a timer, and may end PSM when the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The timer may be included in the communication module 50 or may be provided outside the communication module 50. In the PSM end condition, the predetermined time to be compared with the elapsed time from the start of PSM is also referred to as a first set time. The first set time is simply referred to as the set time. The first set time may be set appropriately. The first set time may be determined based on, for example, a flight plan of the aircraft.

  If the PSM termination condition is not a condition based on the position information of the own device, the communication module 50 terminates the PSM even if it is difficult to obtain the position information of the own device by stopping transmission and reception of radio waves. Can be determined. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 and the communication module 50 can be improved.

  The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end the PSM based on the information acquired from another module such as an RFID module. Further, when the communication apparatus 1 includes another module different from the communication module 50 and performs wireless communication such as IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the control unit 62 uses information acquired from the other module. Based on the communication module 50 may terminate the PSM. The control unit 62 may cause the communication module 50 to end the PSM based on the user's operation on the switch 81. The PSM termination condition is not limited to these conditions, and may be other various conditions.

  The communication device 1 may retain the detection results of the sensor 70, for example, the temperature sensor 72 and the humidity sensor 73, in the storage unit 61 of the own device during the PSM period. The communication module 50 may transmit the accumulated detection result to the server when the PSM ends. The detection result of the sensor 70 in a state where the communication device 1 is mounted on the aircraft and is moving can be used in the IoT service.

  The communication module 50 may start PSM immediately when the position of the own device enters a predetermined range. The communication module 50 may start PSM after a predetermined time has elapsed since the position of the own device enters a predetermined range. The communication module 50 may measure the elapsed time after the position of the own device has entered the predetermined range by the timer, and may start PSM when the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The predetermined time to be compared with the elapsed time after the position of the own machine enters the predetermined range is also referred to as a second set time. The second set time may be set appropriately. The second set time may be determined, for example, based on the flight plan of the aircraft. The second set time may be determined based on, for example, the opening time of a school, the opening time of an event in a music hall, or the like.

  The communication module 50 may extend the DRX sleep time when the position of the own device falls within a predetermined range. By doing this, the power consumption by the communication module 50 can be reduced. As a result, the convenience of the communication device 1 and the communication module 50 can be improved.

  The communication device 1 may control communication according to the procedure of the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  The control unit 62 acquires the detection result of the sensor 70 (step S11). The control unit 62 may obtain a detection result from, for example, the barometric pressure sensor 71, the temperature sensor 72, the humidity sensor 73, the illuminance sensor 74, or the like. The control unit 62 may obtain a detection result from, for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor.

  The control unit 62 calculates the movement of the own machine based on the detection result of the sensor 70 (step S12). The control unit 62 may calculate, for example, the position or the velocity of the own device based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor. The control unit 62 may calculate, for example, the height at which the own machine is located based on the detection result of the air pressure sensor 71.

  The control unit 62 determines whether the own aircraft is moving on the aircraft based on the movement of the own aircraft (step S13). The control unit 62 may determine that the aircraft is moving on the aircraft when the speed of the aircraft is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The controller 62 may determine that the aircraft is moving on the aircraft when the acceleration generated in the aircraft is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft has moved on the aircraft when the increase amount of the altitude of the own aircraft becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. The control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft has moved on the aircraft based on the position and the altitude of the own aircraft.

  If the control unit 62 is not in the moving state on the aircraft (step S13: NO), the control unit 62 returns to step S11. The control unit 62 causes the communication module 50 to start PSM (step S14) when the own aircraft is moving on the aircraft (step S13: YES).

  The control unit 62 causes the communication module 50 to end the PSM based on the predetermined condition (step S15). After step S15, the control unit 62 ends the procedure of the flowchart of FIG.

  The communication device 1 may control communication according to the procedure of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Steps S21 to S24 correspond to steps S11 to S14 in FIG. The description from step S21 to step S24 is omitted.

  After causing the communication module 50 to start PSM in step S24, the control unit 62 acquires the detection result of the sensor 70 (step S25). The process performed in step S25 is the same as or similar to the process performed in step S11 or S21.

  The control unit 62 calculates the movement of the own machine based on the detection result of the sensor 70 (step S26). The process performed in step S26 is the same as or similar to the process performed in step S12 or S22.

  The control unit 62 determines whether the own aircraft is no longer moving on the aircraft based on the movement of the own aircraft (step S27). The control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft is not in the moving state on the aircraft when the speed of the own aircraft becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft is not in the moving state on the aircraft when the decrease amount of the altitude of the own aircraft becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. The control unit 62 may determine that the own aircraft is not in the moving state on the aircraft based on the position and the altitude of the own aircraft.

  Control part 62 returns to Step S11, when a self-opportunity is still a movement state in an aircraft (Step S27: NO). If the control unit 62 is not in the moving state on the aircraft (step S27: YES), the control unit 62 causes the communication module 50 to end PSM (step S28). After step S28, the control unit 62 ends the procedure of the flowchart of FIG.

  The communication device 1 according to the present embodiment can be mounted on the aircraft 2 as schematically shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 10, when the aircraft 2 carrying the communication device 1 is parked at the airport or is not flying, the communication device 1 has not started PSM, for example, DRX Technology based operations may be performed. As shown in FIG. 11, when the aircraft 2 carrying the communication device 1 is flying and is moving, the communication device 1 may have started PSM. The communication device 1 moves the aircraft 2 equipped with the communication device 1 in a moving state by receiving a beacon signal transmitted from a predetermined point provided between the parking lot of the airport and the runway etc. It may detect that it is migrating. The communication device 1 may detect that the aircraft 2 on which the communication device 1 is mounted is in a moving state by another method.

  Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes or modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations or modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional unit can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory. A plurality of functional units may be combined or divided into one. Each embodiment according to the present disclosure described above is not limited to be implemented faithfully to each described embodiment, and may be implemented by combining the respective features or omitting some of them as appropriate. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 communication apparatus 2 aircraft 10 housing 11 plate 11A switch handle 11B notification window 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F hole 11G mark 12 case 12A bottom part 12B side part 12C, 12D, 12E receptacle 13 internal structure 20 circuit board 21 ( 21A, 21B, 21C) Battery terminal 22, 23 External terminal 22A Support section 24 Slot 30 Battery 40 Frame 41 Body 41A Flat section 42A, 42B Holding section 45A, 45B Convex section 46 Frame opening 50 Communication module 51 Communication circuit board 52 Cavity 60 Electronic component 61 storage unit 62 control unit (controller)
70 sensor 71 barometric pressure sensor 72 temperature sensor 73 humidity sensor 74 illuminance sensor 80 notification unit 81 switch 100 antenna

Claims (8)

Sensor,
Communication module,
A controller for controlling communication of the communication module;
The controller causes the communication module to start a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the own device is mounted on the aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor. apparatus.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the communication module to terminate the PSM when it is determined that the self-vehicle is no longer in the state of being mounted on the aircraft and moving based on the detection result of the sensor. Communication device.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication module ends the PSM after a set time has elapsed since the start of the PSM.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the PSM is defined in a specification of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).   5. The communication module according to claim 1, wherein the communication module performs an intermittent reception operation (DRX) defined in the 3GPP specifications in a state in which the PSM is not started or in a state in which the PSM is ended. The communication device according to. Can be mounted on a device equipped with a sensor,
A communication module that starts a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the own aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor. Control the communication of the communication module,
A communication method for causing the communication module to start a power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined based on a detection result of a sensor that the own aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and is in a moving state. On the processor acting as controller
Control the communication of the communication module,
Communication that causes the communication module to output control information to start the power saving mode (PSM) of communication when it is determined that the own aircraft is mounted on the aircraft and is moving based on the detection result of the sensor program.