JP6184504B2 - Communication module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication module that includes a plurality of communication terminal devices and that realizes communication according to different forms through an external communication terminal device and each communication terminal device.

  A technical method for exchanging or sharing information useful for driving each vehicle by communication between a plurality of vehicles has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). A technical method for providing information related to other vehicles around the vehicle for the communication has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-047054 A JP 2009-104230 A

  However, the information provided by the conventional technology cannot be said to be reliable, and reliable communication cannot be performed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication module capable of highly reliable communication.

  The communication module of the present invention includes a first communication terminal device having a first wireless communication function, a second communication terminal device having a second wireless communication function different from the first wireless communication function, and the first communication terminal device. The communication control device that controls the operation and the operation of the second communication terminal device, the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the communication control device are accommodated and can be mounted on the riding type mobile body A housing having a large size and a shape, position information acquisition means for acquiring its own position information, and time information acquisition means for acquiring current time information, wherein the communication control device includes the first wireless communication In the communication by at least one of the function and the second wireless communication function, the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit and the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit are used. To.

  In the present invention, "own position information" means not only the position information of the communication module in a strict sense, but also the strict meaning, such as the position information of a passenger-type mobile body in which the communication module is mounted. It also means information that can be equated with the position information of the communication module.

  In the present invention, “use location information and time information” means location information in a message to be created or transmitted (including location information such as a current location obtained based on location information acquired by the location information acquisition means). And time information (including time information such as the current time obtained based on the time information acquired by the time information acquisition means).

  According to the communication module of the present invention, by using the position information and the time information acquired by the position information acquisition unit and the time information acquisition unit, the riding type mobile body equipped with the communication module communicates with other devices. Thus, reliable communication based on an accurate position and time can be performed. As a result, highly reliable communication is possible. Since the operation of the first communication terminal device and the operation of the second communication terminal device are controlled not by separate communication control devices but by a common communication control device, the device itself can be configured compactly.

A communication module according to the present invention, comprising: a storage unit that stores a unique communication module identifier assigned for realizing a communication function; and a fourth communication terminal device that communicates wirelessly with a setup server. Reads out the communication module identifier from the storage unit in response to detection of a trigger event, transmits the communication module identifier to the setup server via the fourth communication terminal device, and passes through the fourth communication terminal device. it is preferred to perform the process for setting up on the basis of the data corresponding to the communication module identifier the set-up server to the receiver.

  According to the communication module configured as described above, since the setup can be automatically executed in response to the detection of the trigger event, the work load required for the setup is reduced.

Setting up of the communication module of the present invention is a method of communication module performs the communication module comprises a fourth communication terminal apparatus that communicates wirelessly to setup server, the communication function in accordance with the detection of the trigger event and wirelessly transmitting the unique communication module identifier assigned to the communication module in order to realize to the set-up server via the fourth communication terminal device, via the fourth communication terminal apparatus from the setup server The communication module executes a process for setup based on the received data corresponding to the communication module identifier.

According to the communication module setup method of the present invention, the setup can be automatically executed in response to the detection of the trigger event, thereby reducing the work load required for the setup.
In the communication module of the present invention, the communication module includes a storage unit that stores reception information in the communication by the at least one, and the communication control device indicates a period during which the transmission information is valid in the transmission information in the communication by the at least one It is preferable that the lifetime information is added and the lifetime information included in the received information is referred to, and the received information that has passed a period during which the received information is valid is deleted from the storage unit.
According to the communication module configured as described above, since the received information is deleted from the storage unit after the valid period of the received information, the resources of the storage unit can be effectively used.
In the communication module configured as described above, it is preferable that the communication control device is configured to add lifetime information determined according to a type of the transmission information to the transmission information.
According to the communication module having the configuration, since the lifetime is determined according to the type of transmission information, information management is appropriately performed in view of the validity of the information.
In the communication module of the present invention, the first communication is performed by connecting a third communication terminal apparatus having a third wireless communication function different from both the first wireless communication function and the second wireless communication function to an external power source. A power supply control unit that supplies power to each of the terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device, wherein the power supply control unit includes the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and It is preferable to have a connection portion that can be connected to the external power source capable of supplying all device operating power, which is power required to operate all of the third communication terminal devices simultaneously.
According to the communication module having the configuration, when the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device are connected to an external power source that can supply power necessary to simultaneously operate all of the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device, Since power is simultaneously supplied to the communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device, the communication function of each communication terminal device can be ensured.
In the communication module configured as described above, the power control unit includes at least an all-device operation mode that supplies power to all of the three devices and a partial device operation mode that supplies power to a part of the three devices. It is preferably configured to be operable and configured to operate in the partial device operation mode when the power supplied from the external power source is less than the total device operating power.
According to the communication module configured as described above, since the supply destination is selected according to the power supply capability, an important communication function can be ensured even if the supplied power is less than the total apparatus operating power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing regarding the communication system containing the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication module as one embodiment of the present invention. The whole block diagram of the board | substrate of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the setup of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the communication function of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the message transmission / reception function of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the structure of the message transmitted / received in FIG. The figure explaining the relationship between a message kind, lifetime, and the frequency | count of transfer tolerance. Explanatory drawing regarding communication with the in-vehicle apparatus and external apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the setting of the power supply mode and operation policy of a communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the IP PUSH communication function of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the information collection function of the in-vehicle apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the information sharing function from the in-vehicle apparatus to an external apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the information sharing function from the external apparatus to the in-vehicle apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the communication function with the external apparatus which has group ID via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention.

(Configuration of communication module)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication module 1 as an embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a cabin space (for example, in a glove box in front of a passenger seat) of the passenger-type mobile body V1, etc. It is used in a state where it is mounted on the riding type moving body V1.

  In this specification, the “riding type moving body” means a moving body that can be used by a person such as a powered senior car such as an automobile, a motorcycle, or an electric motor.

  In this specification, the interior of the passenger-type mobile body V1 is referred to as “inside the vehicle”, the outside of the passenger-type mobile body V1 is referred to as “outside the vehicle”, and the passenger-type mobile body and the passenger-type mobile body or other facilities are referred to as parties. Is called “between the car and the car”.

  The communication module 1 includes a wireless communication function (mobile communication function) that performs communication C1 with the external communication terminal device X0 through a telephone communication network, a navigation device X111, and a smartphone X112 through a cabin space (for example, in the control panel or the vicinity thereof). , Wireless communication function (in-vehicle WiFi (registered trademark) communication function) for performing communication C2 with an external communication terminal device X11 such as a personal computer X113, a tablet terminal (not shown), or a portable game machine (not shown), wireless LAN access Wireless communication function (external WiFi communication function) for performing communication C3 with the external communication terminal device X12 through the Internet by connecting to the point, communication module mounted on the passenger-type mobile unit V2, or communication installed in the store S External communication terminal device X2 such as modules Wireless communication function (vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication function (WiFi direct communication function)) for performing communication C4 of the above, and wired communication with an external communication terminal device X11 such as a navigation device X111 via an information communication connector such as a USB connector It has a wired communication function for performing C5.

  In addition, the communication module 1 receives power supply from an external power source such as a battery of the riding-type mobile body V1 connected to the navigation device X111 via the power transmission path EPT.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the communication module 1 includes a housing 2 and a substrate 3 accommodated in the housing 2.

(Configuration of housing 2)
The housing 2 is composed of a housing body 2a and a lid 2b. The housing 2 (communication module 1) is designed to have a shape, size, and weight so that the user can carry the housing 2 and attach it to an appropriate location of the riding type mobile body V1. It replaces with this and the housing | casing 2 (communication module 1) may be previously integrated in the suitable place of the riding type mobile body V1.

  For example, when the riding-type moving body V1 is an automobile, the mounting position to the riding-type moving body V1 is an instrument panel or a cabin space, and when the riding-type moving body V1 is a motorcycle, a storage space under a seat, Alternatively, when the motorcycle carrier and the riding-type moving body V1 are senior cars, the riding-type moving body V1 includes an accessory panel such as a travel meter, a small compartment space near the driver's seat, and the like.

  A part of the lid 2 b is configured by a GPS (Global Positioning System) internal antenna 20. The GPS internal antenna 20 is electrically connected to the substrate 3 by inserting the terminal of the lead 21 of the GPS internal antenna 20 into the lead receiving side connector 22 provided on the substrate 3.

  The casing body 2a includes a plurality of openings 24, a switch operation unit 25, and an LED display unit 26 on the side surface.

  The opening 24 is a USB terminal, a lead wire, a communication cable, a connector provided at the end of a power cable, or the like (for example, a USB connector) so that each connector such as a power connector provided on the substrate 3 can be connected to the outside. 44, an ACC branch connector or a cigarette lighter socket connector).

  The switch operation unit 25 is provided with a necessary number of openings for operating the switch 47 provided on the substrate 3. For example, the switch operation unit 25 includes a reset port 25a and an encryption setup communication start button 25b.

  The reset port 25a is formed by an opening that is small enough to operate the reset switch 47a of the substrate 3. When the user presses the reset switch 47a by inserting a thin stick into the reset port 25a, the communication module 1 is restarted.

  The encryption setup communication start button 25b is formed by a button configured to be able to operate the encryption communication start switch 47b of the board 3. When the user presses the encryption setup communication start button 25b, the encryption communication function of the communication module 1 is enabled.

  The display unit 26 is configured so that a state display unit 48 that displays an operation state or a communication state including a plurality of LEDs or the like provided on the substrate 3 can be visually recognized. The display unit 26 includes, for example, a power status display unit that indicates the power ON / OFF and reboot status of the communication module 1, an overall status display unit that indicates an overall communication state of the communication module 1, and WiFi communication. It includes a WiFi status display unit that indicates a state and a 3G communication status display unit that indicates a communication state of 3G (Third Generation) communication.

(Configuration of substrate 3)
As shown in FIG. 2B, the board 3 includes a first board 4 provided with connectors such as antennas and power connectors, and a second board 5 provided with communication terminals and the like. The first substrate 4 and the second substrate 5 are electrically connected via the slot 6. Since the first substrate 4 provided with a connector or the like which is an interface with the outside and the second substrate 5 provided with a communication terminal device or the like for performing communication processing are separated, it is possible to improve performance or comply with new communication standards. This is possible by exchanging the substrate.

(Configuration of the first substrate 4)
The first substrate 4 is fixed to the housing body 2a, and WiFi external antenna connectors 41a and 41b, WiFi internal antennas 42a and 42b, an extension connector 43, a USB connector 44, and a GPS external antenna connector. 45, an authentication card holder 46, a switch 47, and a status display unit 48.

  The WiFi external antenna connectors 41a and 41b are connectors for connecting to WiFi external antennas provided on the outside (for example, the riding type mobile body V1). The WiFi external antenna connectors 41 a and 41 b are electrically connected to the first communication terminal device 52 and the second communication terminal device 53 (described later) provided on the second substrate 5 through the slots 6, respectively.

  The WiFi internal antennas 42 a and 42 b are electrically connected to a first communication terminal device 52 and a second communication terminal device 53 (described later) provided on the second substrate 5 through the slots 6, respectively.

  The extension connector 43 is a connector for connecting to an external communication facility such as an ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) spot or an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection system), and includes a plurality of connectors (first extension connector 43a, second extension connector 43b). ). By comprising a plurality of connectors, the expandability of the communication module 1 is ensured.

  The USB connector 44 is a connector having functions of both a power supply connector for bus power (external power) and an information communication connector for data communication. For example, when an in-vehicle information device such as navigation connected to the power source of the passenger-type mobile body V1 through the USB connector 44 is connected to the communication module 1 by USB, power is supplied from the in-vehicle information device to the communication module 1 main body. In addition, data communication through the data communication antenna 54 according to mobile phone communication standards such as 3G or GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) becomes possible. A requirement for data communication is that an authentication result using an authentication card such as a SIM card inserted into the authentication card holder 46 is appropriate.

  Further, when the USB connection source does not supply power via the USB connector 44, the communication module 1 is configured to receive power from an external power source via another power supply connector such as a cigarette lighter connector (socket). May be.

  The GPS external antenna connector 45 is a connector for connecting to a GPS antenna provided outside (for example, the riding-type moving body V1). When there is a situation such as poor sensitivity of the GPS internal antenna 20 provided on the lid 2b of the housing 2, the GPS external antenna connector 45 is used in a complementary manner, thereby improving GPS reception accuracy. .

  A GPS antenna may be connected to the communication module 1 through the GPS external antenna connector 45, and position information acquired thereby may be transmitted from the communication module 1 to the external communication terminal devices X0, X11, X12, X2, and the like.

  The authentication card holder 46 is configured to accept an authentication card (SIM card). When the authentication card is inserted into the authentication card holder 46, communication requiring authentication, for example, 3G data communication via the data communication antenna 54 becomes possible.

  The switch 47 includes a reset switch 47a, an encrypted communication start switch 47b (WPS (WiFi Protected Set up) switch), and the like. The reset switch 47a is a switch that switches between valid / invalid of each function of the communication module 1 or restarts each function.

  The state display unit 48 displays the operating state or communication state of the communication module 1 including a plurality of LEDs 48a to 48d.

(Configuration of the second substrate 5)
The second substrate 5 includes a communication control device 50, a mobile communication terminal device 51, a first communication terminal device 52, a second communication terminal device 53, a 3G data communication antenna 54, and a wired communication terminal device 55. Prepare.

  The communication control device 50 is configured by a computer of the mobile communication terminal device 51 (comprised of a CPU, a memory such as RAM and ROM, a timer, etc.), and includes the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, and the first communication terminal device. 2 It is configured to control the operation of the communication terminal device 53. The communication control device 50 is configured or programmed to control communication between the external communication terminal device connected to the communication module 1 through the radio telephone function or the connectors 41 a, 41 b, 44 and the communication module 1.

  Further, the communication control device 50 has a communication module setup function (FIG. 4), a communication function (FIG. 5), and a message transmission / reception function (FIG. 6) which will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the communication control device 50 performs communication C1 using the mobile communication function of the mobile communication terminal device 51 and communication C2 using the in-vehicle WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or wired communication of the wired communication terminal device 55. As the external communication terminal device X12 for complementing the functions of the communication module 1 and the external communication terminal device X11 such as the smartphone X112 connected to the wired LAN, the navigation device X111 connected to the in-vehicle LAN via the communication C5 by function It has a function of communicating with the support server X121.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the communication control device 50 uses the IP PUSH signal received from the support server X121 via the communication C1 by the mobile communication function of the mobile communication terminal device 51, and the in-vehicle WiFi communication of the first communication terminal device 52. It is configured to output to the external communication terminal device X11 through communication C2 by function or communication C5 by wire communication function.

  For example, the owner of the passenger-type mobile body V1 (for example, the person who rents the passenger-type mobile body V1) uses the terminal X122 connected to the Internet (or telephone communication network) to support the server X121 as the external communication terminal device X12. By operating the website provided by the mobile communication terminal device 51, the IP PUSH signal that informs the end time of the renting of the V1 of the passenger-type mobile unit is communicated by the mobile communication function of the mobile communication terminal device 51 and in the vehicle of the first communication terminal device 52. The data can be output to the smartphone X112 or the personal computer X113 as the external communication terminal device X11 via the communication C2 using the WiFi communication function.

  In addition to or instead of this, the IP PUSH signal may be output to the navigation device X111 as the external communication terminal device X11 via the communication C5 by the wired communication function.

  Moreover, the IP PUSH signal informing the update timing by the provider of the communication module may be transmitted from the external communication terminal device X12 to the communication module 1 by batch processing.

  Further, the communication control device 50 acquires the position information and time information of itself (passenger type mobile body V1) via the GPS processing unit 62, and performs time synchronization of itself. As a result, in communication with the external communication terminal devices X0, X11, X12, and X2, it is possible to transmit its own location information and accurate time, and to create log information based on its own location information and accurate time. I can do it.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the communication control device 50 includes position information and time information from the GPS processing unit 62, an output from an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided in the riding type mobile body V1 or the communication module 1, and The external communication terminal device collected from the external communication terminal device X11 via the communication C2 using the in-vehicle WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or the communication C5 using the wired communication function of the wired communication terminal device 55 and stored in the storage unit 63 The connection log of X11 is configured to be transmitted to the support server X121 as the external communication terminal X12 via the communication C1 by the mobile communication function.

  12, the communication control device 50 collects the external communication collected via the communication C2 using the in-vehicle WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or the communication C5 using the wired communication function of the wired communication terminal device 55. Information of terminal device X11 (code such as message number, text information and file data such as still image / moving image) is transferred to passenger-type mobile body V2 via communication C4 by the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function of second communication terminal device 53. Configured to send.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the communication control device 50 receives information (for example, event information) received from the passenger-type mobile body V2 or the store via the communication C4 by the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53. ) Through the communication C2 using the in-vehicle WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or the communication C5 using the wired communication function of the wired communication terminal device 55, the external communication terminal device X11 (navigation device X111, smartphone X112 or personal computer X113). Configured to send to. In this case, it is preferable that the IP PUSH signal is transmitted together.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the communication control device 50 communicates with a communication module mounted on an external passenger-type mobile body via communication C4 by the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53. In this case, the specific information is configured to be transmitted only to the communication modules having the common group ID (the riding type mobile bodies V3 and V4 equipped with the same).

  As an example of a specific means for transmitting information in a form recognizable only to communication modules having a common group ID (passenger type mobile bodies V3 and V4 equipped with), it is linked to the common group ID. By transmitting a message encrypted with a given encryption key (common key), it is possible to adopt means for enabling only a passenger-type mobile unit having a common group ID to decrypt the message.

  Another example of a specific means for transmitting information in a form that can be recognized only by communication modules having a common group ID is a frequency associated with the group ID (a frequency different from a normally used frequency). ) May be employed to transmit information.

  Another example of specific means for transmitting information in a form recognizable only to communication modules having a common group ID is to exchange group IDs when establishing communication with other passenger-type mobile units. A means for determining whether or not to transmit information according to the group ID can be employed.

  Further, instead of transmitting information in a form recognizable only to communication modules having a common group ID, only the information addressed to the common group ID is selected and connected to the communication module 1 on the receiving side. The communication module may be configured to output (transmit) to the external communication terminal X11.

  In this case, for example, the transmission-side communication module is configured to include the group ID of the group to which the transmission-side communication module belongs in transmission information header information or the like.

  On the other hand, if the reception information includes a group ID in the reception information, the external communication in which only the reception information in which the group ID includes the group ID of the group to which the reception communication module belongs is connected to the communication module 1 It is configured to output (transmit) to the terminal X11 and discard the received information that does not include the group ID of the group to which the receiving communication module belongs.

  In addition, when the communication control device 50 receives information (code such as a message number, text information, and file data such as a still image / moving image) from the passenger-type mobile unit V3 having a common group ID, The information is transferred to the external communication terminal device X11 such as the navigation device X111 via the communication C2 based on the wired communication function of the smartphone X112 or the wired communication terminal device 55 via the communication C2 based on the in-vehicle WiFi communication function of the communication terminal device 52. Further, the communication control device 50 is configured to transfer the received information to another passenger-type mobile body V4 having a common group ID.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the communication control device 50 performs the mobile communication communication log by the communication C <b> 4 by the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53 stored in the storage unit 63. The terminal device 51 is configured to transmit to the support server X121 via the communication C1 by the mobile communication function.

  The mobile communication terminal device 51 has a mobile communication function through the 3G data communication antenna 54. The mobile communication function is a wireless communication function according to a mobile phone standard such as 3G or GSM.

  The first communication terminal device 52 has an in-vehicle WiFi communication function through the WiFi internal antennas 42a and 42b and an out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function through the WiFi external antenna. “In-vehicle WiFi communication function” is a communication standard defined by IEEE 802.11, which means that the first communication terminal device 52 functions as a WiFi router for the external communication terminal device X11. “In-vehicle WiFi communication function” It means that the first communication terminal device 52 functions as a WiFi access point outside the vehicle installed in a WiFi spot or the like and a slave unit that communicates with the external communication terminal device X12 through the Internet. Since the in-vehicle WiFi communication function and the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function are periodically switched at high speed, communication by both functions can be processed in parallel.

  One or both of the mobile communication terminal device 51 and the first communication terminal device 52 constitute the “fourth communication terminal device” of the present invention.

  In the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function, the communication module 1 needs to use a WiFi access point provided in a parking lot with communication facilities, for example. For this reason, the use of the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function may be limited depending on the location. In this case, the communication module 1 is a slave unit for the access point that is a master unit for communication. In the in-vehicle WiFi communication function, the communication module 1 serves as a parent device.

  The second communication terminal device 53 has a vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication function through a WiFi external antenna.

  The second communication terminal device 53 has a vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication function that distributes information at a predetermined frequency and receives information at the predetermined frequency.

  For example, a WiFi direct having a predetermined frequency (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band) can be adopted as a communication method in the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function. In this case, since the setting of the master / slave unit is automatically determined each time, it is advantageous for taking advantage of the communication function.

  Here, the “vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication function” includes communication between the riding-type moving body and the riding-type moving body, communication between the pedestrian and the riding-type moving body, roadside communication equipment, and the riding-type moving body. Communication between is included. Further, the passenger-type moving body here has a broad meaning as described above, and includes a moving body that is regarded as a pedestrian by law, such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a senior car.

  The mobile communication function and the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function are such that the mobile communication function directly communicates with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via a telephone communication network base station (mobile base station). On the other hand, the WiFi communication function outside the vehicle is a function that communicates with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via an access point instead of a base station of the telephone communication network. Different.

  The out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function and the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function are such that the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function communicates with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via an access point instead of a base station of a telephone communication network. The vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication function is different from the above-described function in that it directly communicates with another terminal device (external communication terminal device X2) without going through an access point.

  In addition, the mobile communication function and the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function are functions in which the mobile communication function communicates with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) directly via the telephone communication network. On the other hand, the inter-vehicle WiFi communication function is different in that it is a function for directly communicating with another terminal device (external communication terminal device X2) without going through the telephone communication network.

  In the case of a mobile body that does not include a glove box, such as a small mobile body such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a senior car, the communication module 1 is installed in an appropriate space such as the periphery of the handle and the rear of the passenger seat.

  The wired communication terminal device 55 is configured by hardware common to the communication control device 50 and has a wired communication function that enables physical connection via an information transmission connector such as the USB connector 44.

(Function block of communication module)
Next, functional blocks of the communication module 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The communication module 1 includes a power control unit 61, a GPS processing unit 62, a storage unit 63, an operation unit 64, a notification unit 65, a communication control unit 66, a transmission unit 67, a reception unit 68, and an antenna unit. 69.

  The power control unit 61 is configured by the communication control device 50.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply control unit 61 is connected to an external power supply (for example, a battery of a passenger-type mobile body V1 connected to the navigation device X111, a commercial power supply connected through a plug, through a power transmission path EPT according to a power supply mode. A function of distributing power obtained from a power source or a non-contact power source to the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, and the second communication terminal device 53.

  The power supply modes for controlling the power supply of the communication module 1 include the following first mode to third mode.

  The first mode is when the external power source is started (for example, when the main switch of the riding type mobile body V1 that starts charging the battery of the riding type mobile body V1 connected to the navigation device X111 as the external power source is turned on). In this mode, the power supply to all of the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, and the second communication terminal device 53 is started in conjunction with each other. In this case, in the state where the supply amount of the external power supply is reduced (for example, the main switch of the passenger-type mobile body V1 connected to the navigation device X111 as the external power supply is turned off), the passenger-type mobile body V1 When a small amount of power is supplied from the battery to the communication module 1, power is supplied to the communication control device 50 (the storage unit 63 and the power supply control unit 61).

  The second mode is a mode in which power supply to some of the communication terminal devices (for example, the mobile communication terminal device 51 and the first communication terminal device 52) is started in conjunction with the start of the external power supply. In this case, when a small amount of power is supplied from the battery of the riding type mobile body V1 to the communication module 1 in a state where the supply amount of the external power supply is reduced, the communication control device 50 is connected to the communication control device 50 as in the first mode. Power is supplied.

  Supply of power to a device having a communication function (mobile communication function or external WiFi communication function) via a telephone communication network (or the Internet) and a function (in-vehicle WiFi communication function or wired communication function) for connecting to an in-vehicle device is ensured. As a result, the performance improvement and function expansion of the external communication terminal device X11 are possible.

  For example, by acquiring an update file from the external communication terminal device X12 and distributing the acquired update file to the external communication terminal device X11, the external communication terminal device X11 is updated, and the performance of the external communication terminal device X11 is improved. Alternatively, the function of the external communication terminal device X11 is expanded.

  More specifically, for example, the navigation apparatus X111 as the external communication terminal apparatus X11 can be updated with a program related to an information presentation function that enables efficient information exchange.

  Further, for example, a new information presentation function such as real-time traffic jam information, parking lot information, or weather information can be added to the navigation device X111 as the external communication terminal device X11.

  Thus, by securing a part of the functions, it is possible to realize a common specification on the premise that the functions are used.

  The third mode is a mode in which power is constantly supplied to all of the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, and the second communication terminal device 53.

  The power supply control unit 61 is designed so as to be able to control the total device operating power, which is the power required to operate all of the first communication terminal device 52, the second communication terminal device 53, and the mobile communication terminal device 51 simultaneously. Yes.

  Further, the power control unit 61 includes a power supply connector such as a USB connector 44, an ACC branch connector, or a cigarette lighter socket connector. The power supply connector and each communication terminal device are connected by a conducting wire (cable). The power supply connector and the conductive wire are configured to be connectable to an external power source capable of supplying the entire apparatus operating power.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a user (for example, a store staff) accesses the communication module 1 through an external communication terminal device X11 such as a navigation device X111, a smartphone X112, or a personal computer X113 connected to the in-vehicle LAN. By performing the operation, the power mode can be set. The setting of the power mode is stored in the storage unit 63. Further, user authentication may be performed when the communication module 1 is accessed.

  Instead, a user (for example, a store staff) accesses the support server X121 from the terminal X122 as the external communication terminal device X12 connected to the Internet (or telephone communication network), and performs a predetermined operation. Information for setting the power mode may be transmitted from the support server X121 to the communication module 1.

  In addition, a user (for example, a store staff or an owner of a passenger-type mobile body) accesses the communication module 1 through the external communication terminal device X11 such as the navigation device X111, the smartphone X112, or the personal computer X113 connected to the in-vehicle LAN, By performing this operation, it is possible to set the operation policy of the power mode. The operation policy is stored in the storage unit 63. User authentication may be performed when the communication module 1 is accessed.

  Instead, the user (for example, a store staff) accesses the support server X121 from the terminal X122 as the external communication terminal device X12 connected to the Internet or a telephone communication network, and performs a predetermined operation, thereby supporting the support server. Information for setting the power mode operation policy may be transmitted from the X 121 to the communication module 1.

  As the operation policy of the power mode, for example, the first policy that always operates in the first mode, the second policy that always operates in the second mode, the third policy that always operates in the third mode, and the suppliable power of the power supply source Accordingly, a fourth policy in which the first mode or the second mode is selected may be employed.

  The power control unit 61 includes an operation policy determination unit that determines an operation policy, a detection unit that detects power that can be supplied from a power supply source when the operation policy is a fourth policy, and the detected power is mobile communication. A determination means for determining whether or not the terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, and the second communication terminal device 53 are less than the total device operating power, which is the power required to operate all of the terminals simultaneously, and the determination result is positive Selecting means for selecting the first mode when the target is correct and selecting the second mode when the determination result is negative.

  As the detection means, an ammeter that measures the supply current can be employed.

  In addition, as an example of an external power supply that supplies power less than the entire apparatus operating power, when the supply capability is limited by a connection standard (such as a USB standard), the power supply source limits the supply power. There is a case.

  The GPS processing unit 62 is configured by the communication control device 50. The GPS processing unit 62 includes a frequency converter that converts a GPS signal received via the GPS antenna connected to the GPS internal antenna 20 or the GPS external antenna connector 45 from a radio frequency to an intermediate frequency, and an A / D conversion. With a vessel. The GPS processing unit 62 receives and processes GPS information (including position information and time information).

  The storage unit 63 is configured by a storage device (configured by a memory such as a RAM or a ROM) of the mobile communication terminal device 51. Note that the entire storage unit 63 does not necessarily have to be configured by the storage device of the communication module 1, and for example, a part thereof may be configured by the storage device of the external communication terminal device X11.

  The storage unit 63 includes, for example, the above-described power supply mode, operation policy, transmission information template used in a message transmission / reception function described later, lifetime table, transmission information (generated transmission information and transmitted information), reception information, transmission / reception record. The operation log of the communication module 1 and the program are stored.

  The program includes, for example, a firmware update program for the communication module 1.

  The operation unit 64 is configured by the switch operation unit 25. In addition to or instead of the switch operation unit 25, a suitable user interface such as a voice input unit, a keyboard, and a touch panel display screen may be used.

  The notification unit 65 includes the communication control device 50 and a plurality of LEDs 48 a to 48 d of the state display unit 48. The notification unit 65 outputs the communication state and the like to the outside in a form that can be visually recognized by controlling the blinking or blinking of the LEDs 48a to 48d. Here, the number of LEDs may be a number that allows for expansion. In addition to or instead of this, the notification unit 65 may include a display screen and sound output means such as a buzzer.

  The communication control unit 66 includes the communication control device 50, and controls the operations of the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, the second communication terminal device 53, and the wired communication terminal device 55 as described above.

  The transmission unit 67 includes the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, the second communication terminal device 53, and the wired communication terminal device 55, and transmits information to the outside as described above.

  The receiving unit 68 includes the mobile communication terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52, the second communication terminal device 53, and the wired communication terminal device 55, and receives information from the outside as described above.

  The antenna unit 69 includes the GPS internal antenna 20, the WiFi internal antennas 42 a and 42 b, and the data communication antenna 54, and exchanges radio waves with the outside in conjunction with the transmission unit 67 and the reception unit 68.

(Communication module setup)
In the present embodiment, after the communication module 1 is shipped from the factory, the communication module 1 is set up by communication with the setup server (external communication terminal device X12). Processing for that purpose will be described. Here, “setup” means a step of making different settings for each individual communication module in order to enable a communication function described later.

  In addition, one or both of the mobile communication terminal device 51 and the first communication terminal device 52 of the communication module 1 are configured to perform communication connected to at least the setup server X12 at the time before setup.

  The setup server X12 includes a communication module identifier (for example, at least one of an authentication card (SIM card) telephone number, serial number, MSISDN, etc.), a riding type mobile unit identifier unique to each riding type mobile unit, The setup method is associated with and stored in advance in the database.

  In this state, first, a trigger event is detected by the communication module 1 (FIG. 4 / STEP 12). Examples of the trigger event include that the communication module 1 is energized, that the in-vehicle device is connected to the USB connector 44, or that the authentication card is inserted into the authentication card holder 46.

  In response to the detection of the trigger event, the telephone identifier is read from the memory (storage unit) constituting the communication module 1 (FIG. 4 / STEP 14), and the telephone identifier is the mobile communication function or first communication of the mobile communication terminal device 51. Using the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function of the terminal device 52, it is transmitted to the setup server X12 (FIG. 4 / arrow Q1).

  In the setup server X12, the riding-type mobile body identifier associated with the telephone identifier is read from the database (FIG. 4 / STEP 22). Further, the setup method associated with the passenger-type mobile unit identifier is retrieved (selected) from the database (FIG. 4 / STEP 24).

  Then, according to the setup method, necessary data is transmitted from the setup server X12 to the communication module 1 (FIG. 4 / arrow Q2), and the setup process of the communication module 1 is executed based on this data (FIG. 4 / (STEP 16).

(Communication function)
The communication module 1 that has been set up as described above can perform communication functions by being supplied with electric power from the in-vehicle battery in response to a trigger event such as when the ignition key of the passenger-type mobile body V1 is switched from OFF to ON. Will be in a working state. In this state, the communication module 1 or its communication control device 50 determines whether or not there is an external communication terminal device (peer) as a connection destination (FIG. 5 / STEP02). This determination process is executed by determining whether or not a signal of a corresponding communication standard is received by each of the first communication terminal device 52 and the second communication terminal device 53 through the WiFi internal antennas 42a and 42b, for example. Is done.

  When it is determined that there is an external communication terminal device as a connection destination (FIG. 5 / STEP02... YES), it is further determined whether or not a connection between the communication module 1 and the external communication terminal device as a connection destination has been established. (FIG. 5 / STEP04). This determination processing is executed, for example, according to the success or failure of a predetermined form of mutual communication between the communication module 1 and the external communication terminal device according to the corresponding communication protocol.

  If it is determined that there is no external communication terminal device as a connection destination (FIG. 5 / STEP02... NO), the current communication process ends.

  When it is determined that a connection has not been established (FIG. 5 / STEP04... NO), it is determined whether or not a specified time has elapsed since it was determined that a peer exists (FIG. 5 / STEP06). If it is determined that the specified time has not elapsed (FIG. 5 / STEP06... NO), the presence / absence of connection establishment is determined again (FIG. 5 / STEP04). If the specified time has elapsed without connection being established (FIG. 5 / STEP 06... YES), the current communication process ends.

  When it is determined that the connection has been established (FIG. 5 / STEP04... YES), it is determined whether the communication is completed (FIG. 5 / STEP08). For example, the presence / absence of a predetermined event such as reception of a signal indicating that the communication module 1 has completed communication from the external communication terminal devices X11 and X12 of the other party is determined through the first communication terminal device 52. When the connection between the communication module 1 attached to the passenger-type mobile body V1 and the communication module (external device) X2 attached to the passenger-type mobile body V2 is established through the second communication terminal device 53, the passenger It is determined whether or not the mold moving body V1 and the riding-type moving body V2 have completed transmission and reception of necessary information.

  When it is determined that the communication is incomplete (FIG. 5 / STEP08... NO), the processing after the connection establishment (FIG. 5 / STEP04) is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication is completed (FIG. 5 / STEP08... YES), the current communication process ends.

(Message transmission / reception function)
Based on the above communication function, the message transmission / reception function of the communication control device 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the car-to-vehicle WiFi communication function will be described as an example. However, the mobile communication function, the in-vehicle WiFi communication function, the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function, and the wired communication function may be similarly processed.

  The communication control device 50 determines whether or not the second communication terminal device 53 is in an operating state in which a predetermined power or more is supplied and communication is possible (FIG. 6 / STEP 32). The communication control device 50 may determine whether a main switch (for example, an ignition key) of the riding-type moving body V1 connected to the navigation device X111 as an external power source is ON or OFF.

  When the determination result is negative (FIG. 6 / STEP 32... NO), the communication control device 50 re-executes the processing after STEP 32.

  If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6 / STEP 32... YES), the communication control device 50 can communicate with the GPS satellite or mobile base station (whether a predetermined signal is received from the GPS satellite or mobile base station). It is determined whether or not (FIG. 6 / STEP34).

  If the determination result is negative (FIG. 6 / STEP 34... NO), the communication control device 50 executes the processing after STEP 32.

  When the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6 / STEP 34... YES), the communication control device 50 is connected to the navigation device X111, the smartphone X112, or the smartphone X112 connected via the first communication terminal device 52 or the wired communication terminal device 55. It is determined whether or not there is an input of the message body A5 (see FIG. 7A) of the message from the external communication terminal device X11 such as the personal computer X113 (FIG. 6 / STEP 36).

  The body A5 of this message is transmitted to other passenger-type moving bodies via the inter-vehicle WiFi communication C4 in STEP 46 after adding header information such as the message generation time A3 in STEP 42 to be described later.

  A message to be transmitted may have a message structure of a proprietary standard, but preferably has a frame structure of a common standard such as IEEE. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the message to be transmitted includes message type A1, position information A2, message generation time A3, lifetime A4, text A5, node information A6, and allowable transfer count A7. It is preferable.

  For example, as a message to be transmitted, a message conforming to IEEE 802.11g, that is, a message having a frame structure including a PLCP preamble, a PLCP header, and a PSDU may be employed. In this case, the OFDM data symbol of PSDU preferably includes message type A1, position information A2, message generation time A3, lifetime A4, body A5, node information A6, and allowable transfer count A7.

  The message type A1 means the type of the message body A5. As shown in FIG. 7B, the “traffic information 1” has a relatively low influence on the user such as “notification of existence” such as greetings and natural traffic jams. "Meteorological information" indicating sudden weather changes such as squalls, guerrilla heavy rains, and droughts, and "traffic information 2" that has a relatively high impact on users such as sudden failures such as accidents, floods and fires along the roads, etc. It is represented by the information type.

  The position information A2 is the position information of the terminal device that created the message. More specifically, the position information A2 is obtained by the position information acquisition means such as the GPS processing unit 62 or the mobile communication terminal device 51 (GPS position information, Or position information obtained from a mobile base station), or information on the current position corrected by information indicated by sensors such as a speed sensor and an acceleration sensor provided in the riding type mobile body V1 or the communication module 1. .

  The message generation time A3 is the time at which the message is generated, and the time information (GPS time information or mobile base time acquired by the time information acquisition means such as the GPS processing unit 62 or the mobile communication terminal device 51 at the time of message generation). Time information obtained from the station), or the current time information obtained by correcting the time information by information indicated by the timer.

  The lifetime A4 is information indicating the valid period of the message, and may be represented by, for example, the end (end time) of the valid period of the message or by the length (time) of the valid period of the message. May be.

  When it is not necessary to store the message for a long time as in “Notification of existence”, the effective period is set to be short as the lifetime A4, while the content itself to be transmitted is long as in “Traffic information 2”. In the case of continuing, the effective period is set as the lifetime A4.

  The body A5, information in accordance with the type A1 of the message, for example, includes information such as "Hello", "there is a traffic jam this 100m destination," "5km destination heavy rain", "traffic accident". The text A5 may be generated by the external communication terminal device X11 such as the navigation device X111 connected to the communication module 1, or may be input by the user to the external communication terminal device X11. Good.

  The node information A6 is information for specifying the creator of the message. More specifically, the node information A6 is the individual identification number of the communication module 1 or the external communication terminal device X11, OS information, message creation software version information, or external communication. This is the user mail address or telephone number of the terminal device X11, the sender name such as a nickname, and the like.

  The allowable transfer number A7 is a number of allowable transfers determined according to the number of users whose messages are useful information.

  In the case of information limited to the parties involved, such as “notification of existence”, the allowable transfer count A7 is set to a relatively small number, while many users such as accidents such as accidents, floods, roadside fires, etc. In the case of information that affects the number of times, the allowable transfer count A7 is set to a relatively large number.

  In the case of information that is limited between user parties, such as “notification of existence”, the allowable transfer count A7 may be set to zero. However, for example, it is unavoidable to share information with the target user. May be set to an allowable number of times (or a minimum number of times necessary for sharing information with a target user) (for example, 1 to 2 times).

  When transfer inevitably occurs in order to share information with the target user, if the allowable transfer count A7 is zero, the transfer is not allowed and the message may not reach the other party that is originally intended for communication. . In order to avoid this, the allowable transfer count A may be set to the allowable transfer count that is inevitably generated in order to share information with the target user.

  As an example of the case where transfer inevitably occurs in order to share information with the target user, when a message created by the external communication terminal device X11 in the vehicle is transferred, the communication module on the receiving side is the external communication terminal in the vehicle. When transferring to the device X11, and when communication with the communication module to be communicated is difficult due to the shielding object, a message may be transmitted via another communication module.

  Of these, in STEP 36, the input of the text A5 is accepted. Instead of this, input of the message type A1 and the text A5 may be accepted. In addition to these, part or all of the position information A2, the message generation time A3, the lifetime A4, the node information A6, and the allowable transfer count A7 may be input.

  If the determination result is negative (FIG. 6 / STEP 36... NO), the communication control device 50 re-executes the processing of STEP 36.

  If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6 / STEP 36... YES), the communication control device 50 determines the type of the input message (FIG. 6 / STEP 38).

  As described above, the message type A1 may be input in STEP 36, or may be automatically determined from the text A5 by machine recognition such as pattern recognition.

  The communication control device 50 acquires position information and current time information as information on its current position from a GPS satellite or a mobile base station via the GPS processing unit 62 or the mobile communication terminal device 51 (FIG. 6 / (STEP 40). At this time, the communication control device 50 may perform time synchronization of its own timer based on the acquired current time information.

  The communication control device 50 creates position information A2, message generation time A3, lifetime A4, node information A6, and allowable transfer count A7 based on the determined message type and the acquired position information and time information (FIG. 6). / STEP 42).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, the communication control device 50 creates the lifetime A4 and the allowable transfer count A7 by referring to a table determined according to the message type A1. For example, when the message type A1 is “notification of existence”, the communication control device 50 sets 3 minutes as the lifetime (or a time 3 minutes after the generation time) and sets 0 as the allowable transfer count A7. Set.

  For example, the communication control device 50 determines whether or not the vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication C4 is possible (whether or not the other passenger-type moving body and the vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi connection have been completed) by the processing in FIG. 5 / STEP02. (FIG. 6 / STEP 44). In addition, this determination may be processed in parallel with STEP34-STEP38.

  When the determination result is negative (FIG. 6 / STEP 44... NO), the communication control device 50 re-executes the processing of STEP 44.

  If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6 / STEP 44... YES), the communication control device 50 transmits the message created in STEP 42 via the vehicle-to-vehicle WiFi communication C4 and receives the message (FIG. 6). / STEP 46).

  The communication control device 50 stores the received message in the storage unit 63 (FIG. 6 / STEP 48).

  Subsequently, the communication control device 50 refers to the lifetime A4 of the received message stored in the storage unit 63 and the current time of the timer, and deletes the received message that has passed the period or time indicated by the lifetime A4. (FIG. 6 / STEP50).

  The communication control device 50 outputs the message received in STEP 46 to the external communication terminal device X11 (its display screen or microphone) such as the navigation device X111, the smartphone X112, or the personal computer X113 via the first communication terminal device 52 or the like. (FIG. 6 / STEP 52). At this time, the received message that has not been deleted can be read from the storage unit 63 according to the user's operation and output to the external communication terminal device X11 (the display screen or the microphone thereof).

  The communication control device 50 refers to the transfer allowable number of times A7 of the received message, and if the transfer allowable number of times A7 is 1 or more, the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the transfer allowable number of times A7 is set as a new transfer allowable number of times A7. May be the same as the original message, and a new message may be created for transfer to another passenger-type mobile body or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication module, 2 ... Housing, 3 ... Board | substrate, 4 ... 1st board | substrate, 5 ... 2nd board | substrate, 50 ... Communication control apparatus, 51 ... Mobile communication terminal device (3rd communication terminal apparatus), 52 ... 1st Communication terminal device, 53 ... second communication terminal device, V1 ... riding-type moving body, V2 ... riding-type moving body.

Claims (3)

Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information of the riding type mobile body;
Time information acquisition means for acquiring current time information;
A first communication terminal device having a first wireless communication function having at least a function as a router by wireless fidelity of the communication terminal device existing inside the passenger-type mobile unit;
Direct wireless communication by wireless fidelity between the riding-type moving body and another riding-type moving body, between the riding-type moving body and a pedestrian, or between the riding-type moving body and a roadside communication facility. In order to execute the control, the setting of the master unit and the slave unit is automatically determined each time, and at least the position information of the riding type mobile body acquired by the position information acquisition unit and the time information acquisition unit are acquired. A second communication terminal device having a second wireless communication function that uses the time information obtained,
A third communication terminal device having a third wireless communication function for connecting to a server existing outside the passenger-type mobile unit via a telephone communication network;
A communication control device for controlling the operations of the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device;
A housing that accommodates the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, the third communication terminal device, and the communication control device, and that has a size and a shape that can be attached to the riding type moving body; With
The communication control device uses the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit and the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit in communication by at least one of the first wireless communication function and the second wireless communication function. A communication module configured to:
A power control unit for supplying power to each of the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device by connecting to an external power supply;
The power supplied from the external power source is less than the total device operating power, which is the power required to operate all of the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device simultaneously. A communication module configured to operate in the first device terminal device and the third communication terminal device in a partial device operation mode. The communication module according to claim 1,
A storage unit for storing a unique communication module identifier assigned for realizing the communication function;
A fourth communication terminal device that communicates wirelessly with the setup server,
Prior Symbol communications controller reads the communication module identifier from the storage unit according to a detection of a trigger event, via the fourth communication terminal device transmits the communication module identifier to the setup server, the fourth A communication module that executes a process for setup based on data corresponding to the communication module identifier received from the setup server via a communication terminal device. A method performed by the communication module of claim 1 , comprising:
The communication module includes a fourth communication terminal device that communicates wirelessly with a setup server,
Wirelessly transmitting a unique communication module identifier assigned to a communication module for realizing a communication function in response to detection of a trigger event to the setup server via the fourth communication terminal device;
Processing for setup based on data corresponding to the communication module identifier received from the setup server via the fourth communication terminal device;
A communication module setup method executed by the communication module.

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