WO2015046535A1 - Communication module - Google Patents

Abstract

　The present invention provides a communication module capable of highly reliable communication. A communication module (1) is provided with: a communication controller (50) for controlling the operation of a first communication terminal device (52) and the operation of a second communication terminal device (53); an enclosure (2) for accommodating these devices, the enclosure (2) having a size and a shape suitable for mounting in a riding-type movable body (V1); a location information acquisition means (62) for acquiring information about the location of the module itself; and a time-of-day information acquisition means (62) for acquiring the current time of day. The communication controller (50) is configured so as to use the location information and the time-of-day information in communication.

Description

Communication module

The present invention relates to a communication module which is constituted by a plurality of communication terminal devices and realizes communication according to different modes through an external communication terminal device and each communication terminal device.

A technical method has been proposed in which information useful for driving each vehicle is exchanged or shared by communication among a plurality of vehicles (see Patent Document 1). There has been proposed a technical method for providing information on other vehicles around the host vehicle for the communication (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-047054 JP, 2009-104230, A

However, the prior art can not say that the provided information is reliable, and reliable communication has not been performed.

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

A communication module according to 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. A communication control apparatus for controlling the operation and the operation of the second communication terminal apparatus, the first communication terminal apparatus, the second communication terminal apparatus, and the communication control apparatus, and which can be attached to a passenger type mobile body The communication control apparatus comprises: a case having a size and a shape, position information acquisition means for acquiring position information of itself, and time information acquisition means for acquiring current time information; In the communication by at least one of the function and the second wireless communication function, the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit and the time information acquired by the time information acquiring unit are particularly utilized. 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 position information of the riding type mobile body on which the communication module is mounted, the strict meaning It also means information that can be regarded as the position information of the communication module in

In the present invention, “using position information and time information” refers to position information (including position information such as current position obtained based on position information acquired by the position information acquiring means) in a message to be created or transmitted. And time information (including time information such as current time obtained based on time information acquired by the time information acquiring means) is added.

According to the communication module of the present invention, when the riding type mobile body equipped with the communication module communicates with another device by using the position information and the time information acquired by the position information acquiring means and the time information acquiring means It is possible to perform reliable communication based on the correct position and time. 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 devices themselves can be configured compactly.

The communication module according to the present invention further includes a storage unit for storing received information in the communication by the at least one, and the communication control device indicates, in the communication by the at least one, a period during which the transmitted information is valid in the transmitted information. It is preferable to add lifetime information and refer to lifetime information included in the received information and delete from the storage unit the received information for which a period of time during which the received information is valid has passed.

According to the communication module of the configuration, the received information is deleted from the storage unit after the period when the received information is valid, so that the resource of the storage unit can be effectively used.

In the communication module with the configuration, it is preferable that the communication control device is configured to add, to the transmission information, lifetime information that is determined in accordance with a type of the transmission information.

According to the communication module of 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 according to the present invention, the first communication is performed by connecting a third communication terminal device having a third wireless communication function different from any of the first wireless communication function and the second wireless communication function, and an external power supply. A power supply control unit for supplying power to each of the terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device, the power supply control unit including the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and It is preferable to have a connection portion connectable to the external power supply capable of supplying all-device operation power which is power necessary to operate all 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 all connected to an external power supply capable of supplying power required to operate simultaneously, the first communication terminal device Since the communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device and the third communication terminal device are simultaneously supplied with power, the communication function of each communication terminal device can be secured.

In the communication module with the configuration, the power supply control unit at least includes an entire device operation mode for supplying power to all the three devices and a partial device operation mode for supplying power to a part of the three devices. It is preferable to be configured to be operable and to operate in the partial device operation mode when the power supplied from the external power supply is less than the total device operation power.

According to the communication module of the configuration, since the supply destination is selected according to the power supply capacity, an important communication function can be secured even if the supplied power is less than the total apparatus operation power.

The module according to the present invention includes a storage unit for storing a unique telephone identifier assigned for realizing a telephone function, and a fourth communication terminal apparatus for wirelessly communicating with a setup server, wherein the fourth communication control apparatus Reads the telephone identifier from the storage unit in response to the detection of the trigger event, transmits the telephone identifier to the setup server via the fourth communication terminal, and the setup via the fourth communication terminal Preferably, processing for setup is performed based on a setup method corresponding to the telephone identifier received from the server.

According to the communication module of the configuration, since the setup can be automatically executed in response to the detection of the trigger event, the workload required for the setup is reduced.

The method for setting up a communication module according to the present invention is a method executed by a communication module provided with a communication terminal device capable of communicating with a setup server wirelessly, and assigned to the communication module for realizing a telephone function in response to detection of a trigger event. Transmitting the unique telephone identifier wirelessly to the setup server via the communication terminal device, and based on the setup method corresponding to the telephone identifier received from the setup server via the communication terminal device And the step of performing processing for setup.

According to the communication module setup method of the present invention, setup can be automatically executed in response to detection of a trigger event, so that the workload required for setup can be reduced.

Explanatory drawing regarding the communication system containing the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The whole block diagram of the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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 the present 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. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding a structure of a message transmitted and received in FIG. The figure explaining the relationship between a message kind, lifetime, and the number of times of transfer acceptance. 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 the operation policy of the 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 gathering function of in-vehicle apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the information sharing function to the external apparatus from the in-vehicle apparatus via the communication module as one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing regarding the information sharing function from the external apparatus to 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 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a cabin space of the passenger type mobile body V1 (for example, in a glove box in front of a passenger seat, etc.) It is used in a state of being mounted on the passenger type moving body V1.

In the present specification, the term "ride type mobile" means a mobile that can be used by a person such as a powered senior car such as a car, a motorcycle or an electric motor.

In this specification, the inside of the passenger type mobile V1 is called "in the car", the outside of the passenger type mobile V1 is called "outside the vehicle", and the passenger type mobile and the passenger type mobile or other facilities are parties. In this case, we call it "car-car".

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

The communication module 1 also receives supply of power from an external power supply such as a battery of the passenger type moving body V1 connected to the navigation device X111, for example, via the power transmission path EPT.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the communication module 1 is composed of a housing 2 and a substrate 3 housed inside the housing 2.

(Configuration of case 2)
The housing 2 includes a housing body 2a and a lid 2b. The housing 2 (communication module 1) is designed in shape, size and weight so that the user can carry the housing 2 and attach it to an appropriate place of the passenger type mobile V1. Instead of this, the housing 2 (the communication module 1) may be previously incorporated in an appropriate place of the passenger type mobile V1.

For example, when the passenger type mobile V1 is a car, an installation panel or a cabin space, and when the passenger type mobile V1 is a motorcycle, a storage space under the seat, for example, as a mounting location to the passenger type mobile V1. Alternatively, in the case where the platform of a motorcycle or the passenger type mobile body V1 is a senior car, the passenger type mobile body V1 is an instrument panel such as a travel meter, an accessory storage space near the driver's seat, and the like.

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

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

The opening 24 is a USB terminal, a lead, a connector provided at the end of a communication cable or 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 opening that allows an ACC branch connector or a cigarette lighter socket connector, etc. to pass through.

The switch operation unit 25 is provided with a necessary number of openings for operating the switches 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 25 a is formed by a small opening that can operate the reset switch 47 a of the substrate 3. The communication module 1 is restarted by the user pressing the reset switch 47a by inserting a thin rod into the reset port 25a or the like.

The encryption setup communication start button 25 b is formed of a button configured to be operable to operate the encryption communication start switch 47 b of the substrate 3. When the user presses the encryption setup communication start button 25b, the encryption communication function of the communication module 1 becomes effective.

The display unit 26 is configured to be able to visually recognize a state display unit 48 configured to display an operating state or a communication state, which is formed of a plurality of LEDs or the like provided on the substrate 3. The display unit 26 includes, for example, a power supply status display unit that indicates the power ON / OFF status of the communication module 1 and a reboot status, an overall status display unit that indicates the overall communication status of the communication module 1, and WiFi communication. It is comprised from the WiFi status display part which shows a state, and the 3G communication status display part which shows the communication state of 3G (Third Generation) communication.

(Configuration of substrate 3)
As FIG. 2B shows, the board | substrate 3 is comprised from the 1st board | substrate 4 provided with connectors, such as each antenna and a power supply connector, and the 2nd board | substrate 5 provided with each communication terminal device etc. As shown in FIG. 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 that is an interface with the outside and the second substrate 5 provided with a communication terminal device or the like that performs communication processing are separated, performance improvement or compliance with a new communication standard etc. It becomes possible by replacing some substrates.

(Configuration of first substrate 4)
The first substrate 4 is fixed to the case body 2a, and the WiFi external antenna connectors 41a and 41b, the WiFi internal antennas 42a and 42b, the extension connector 43, the USB connector 44, and the 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 the WiFi external antenna provided outside (for example, the passenger 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 via the slots 6 respectively.

The WiFi internal antennas 42 a and 42 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 via the slots 6 respectively.

The expansion 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), for example, and a plurality of connectors (a first expansion connector 43a, a second expansion connector 43b) It consists of). The extensibility of the communication module 1 is ensured by being comprised by several connectors.

The USB connector 44 is a connector having the functions of a power supply connector for bus power (external power supply) and an information communication connector for data communication. For example, when an on-board information device such as a navigation system connected to the power supply of the passenger type moving body V1 through the USB connector 44 is connected to the communication module 1 by USB, supply of power from the on-vehicle information device to the communication module 1 main body It is possible to perform data communication through the data communication antenna 54 in accordance with a cellular communication standard such as 3G or GSM (Global System for Mobile communications). It is considered as a requirement of data communication that an authentication result using an authentication card such as a SIM card inserted in the authentication card holder 46 is appropriate.

The communication module 1 is configured to receive power from the external power supply through another power supply connector such as a cigarette lighter connector (socket) when the USB connection source does not supply power through the USB connector 44. It may be done.

The GPS external antenna connector 45 is a connector for connecting to a GPS antenna provided outside (for example, the passenger type moving body V1). When there is a circumstance such as the sensitivity of the GPS internal antenna 20 provided on the lid 2b of the housing 2 being poor, the GPS external antenna connector 45 is complementarily used to improve the 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 be able to insert an authentication card (SIM card). By inserting the authentication card 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 the activation / deactivation of each function of the communication module 1 or restarts each function.

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

(Configuration of 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, an antenna 54 for 3G data communication, and a wired communication terminal device 55. Prepare.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 10, the communication control device 50 performs in-vehicle WiFi communication of the first communication terminal device 52 with 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. It is configured to output to the external communication terminal device X11 through the communication C2 by the function or the communication C5 by the wired communication function.

For example, the owner of the passenger type mobile V1 (for example, a person who lends the passenger type mobile V1) uses the terminal X122 connected to the Internet (or a telephone communication network) to use the support server X121 as the external communication terminal X12. The IP PUSH signal informing the end time of lending of V1 of the passenger type moving body by operating the Web site provided by the mobile communication terminal device is the communication C1 by the mobile communication function of the mobile communication terminal device 51 and the inside of the first communication terminal device 52 It may be output to the smartphone X112 or the personal computer X113 as the external communication terminal device X11 via the communication C2 by 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.

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

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

Communication control device 50, as shown in FIG. 11, includes position information and time information from GPS processing unit 62, an output from an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided on passenger type mobile body V1 or communication module 1, and An external communication terminal device collected from the external communication terminal device X11 through the communication C2 by the in-car WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or the communication C5 by 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 or the like as the external communication terminal X12 via the communication C1 by the mobile communication function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the communication control device 50 performs external communication collected via the communication C2 by the in-car WiFi communication function of the first communication terminal device 52 or the communication C5 by the wired communication function of the wired communication terminal device 55. Information on the terminal device X11 (code such as message number, text information and file data such as still image and moving image) to the passenger type mobile V2 via communication C4 by car-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53 It is configured to send.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the communication control device 50 communicates with the communication module mounted on the external passenger type mobile body via the communication C4 by the car-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53. In this case, with regard to specific information, information is configured to be transmitted only to the communication module (which has the common group ID) (the riding type mobile units V3 and V4 mounted thereon).

As an example of a specific means for transmitting information in a form that can be recognized only to the communication modules having common group IDs (the riding type mobile units V3 and V4 mounted thereon), the common group ID is linked By transmitting a message encrypted with the encrypted key (common key), means can be adopted that only the riding type mobile having a common group ID can decrypt the message.

Also, as another example of specific means for transmitting information in a form recognizable only to communication modules having a common group ID, the frequency linked to the group ID (a frequency different from the frequency normally used Means for transmitting information by

Also, as another example of specific means for transmitting information in a form that can be recognized only to a communication module having a common group ID, the group ID is exchanged when establishing communication with another passenger type mobile body And means for determining whether to transmit information according to the group ID.

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

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

On the other hand, when the reception information includes a group ID, the communication module on the reception side is an external communication in which the reception information includes only the group ID of the group to which the communication module on the reception side belongs. It is configured to output (transmit) to the terminal X11 and to discard the received information not including the group ID of the group to which the communication module on the receiving side belongs.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 14, the communication control device 50 performs the mobile communication of the communication log by the communication C4 by the car-vehicle WiFi communication function of the second communication terminal device 53 stored in the storage unit 63. It is comprised so that it may transmit to the support server X121 via communication C1 by the mobile communication function of the terminal device 51. FIG.

The mobile communication terminal device 51 has a mobile communication function through an antenna 54 for 3G data communication. 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. The "in-car WiFi communication function" is a communication standard defined by IEEE 802.11, and means that the first communication terminal device 52 functions as a WiFi router for the external communication terminal device X11, and "the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function" This 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 device that communicates with the external communication terminal device X12 through the Internet. Since the in-car WiFi communication function and the out-of-car WiFi communication function are switched periodically at high speed, communication by both functions can be simultaneously processed in parallel.

Note that 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, for example, a WiFi access point provided in a parking lot with communication facilities. Therefore, the location may limit the use of the out-of-vehicle WiFi communication function. Also, in this case, the communication module 1 is a slave to the access point as a master of communication. In the in-vehicle WiFi communication function, the communication module 1 is a parent device.

The second communication terminal device 53 has a car-car WiFi communication function through the WiFi external antenna.

The second communication terminal device 53 has an inter-vehicle WiFi communication function of distributing information at a predetermined frequency and receiving information at the predetermined frequency.

For example, as a communication scheme in this car-vehicle WiFi communication function, WiFi Direct of a predetermined frequency (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band) may be employed. In this case, the setting of the master unit and the slave unit is automatically determined each time, which is advantageous for utilizing the communication function.

Here, “car-to-car WiFi communication function” includes communication between a passenger type mobile body and a passenger type mobile body, communication between a pedestrian and a passenger type mobile body, roadside communication equipment and a passenger type mobile body Communication between the In addition, the passenger type mobile body referred to here has a broad meaning as described above, and includes a mobile body which is regarded as a walker by law like a two-wheeled vehicle or a senior car.

With the mobile communication function and the external WiFi communication function, the mobile communication function directly communicates with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via the base station (mobile base station) of the telephone communication network. In contrast to the function, the external WiFi communication function is not a base station of a telephone communication network, but a function to communicate with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via an access point. It is different.

The in-vehicle WiFi communication function and the in-vehicle WiFi communication function communicate with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via the access point instead of the base station of the telephone communication network instead of the in-vehicle WiFi communication function. While the car-to-car WiFi communication function is a function that directly communicates with another terminal device (external communication terminal device X2) without passing through the access point.

Also, the mobile communication function and the car-vehicle WiFi communication function are functions that allow the mobile communication function to directly communicate with other terminal devices (external communication terminal devices X0 and X12) via the telephone communication network. On the other hand, the car-vehicle WiFi communication function is different in that it is a function of directly communicating with another terminal device (external communication terminal device X2) without passing through a telephone communication network.

In the case of a mobile object without a glove box such as a small mobile object 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 steering wheel 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.

(Functional 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. And 69.

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

Power supply control unit 61, as shown in FIG. 9, according to the power supply mode, uses an external power supply (for example, a battery of passenger type mobile V1 connected to navigation device X111) via a power transmission path EPT. It has a function of distributing the power obtained from the power supply or the non-contact type power supply to the mobile communication terminal 51, the first communication terminal 52 and the second communication terminal 53.

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

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

The second mode is a mode in which power supply to some of the communication terminals (for example, the mobile communication terminal 51 and the first communication terminal 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 passenger type mobile body V1 to the communication module 1 in a state where the supply amount of the external power supply is lowered, the communication control device 50 is the same as the first mode. Power is supplied.

Power supply to a device having a communication function (mobile communication function or in-vehicle WiFi communication function) via a telephone communication network (or the Internet) and a function to connect to in-vehicle devices (in-car WiFi communication function or wired communication function) is secured This makes it possible to improve the performance and expand the function of the external communication terminal device X11.

For example, by acquiring the update file from the external communication terminal X12 and distributing the acquired update file to the external communication terminal X11, the external communication terminal X11 is updated, and the performance of the external communication terminal X11 is improved, Alternatively, the function of the external communication terminal 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 capable of efficient information exchange.

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

Thus, by securing some functions, it is possible to realize common specifications on the premise of using the functions.

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

The power supply control unit 61 is designed 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. There is.

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 wire (cable). The power supply connector and the lead are configured to be connectable to an external power supply capable of supplying the entire apparatus operation power.

As shown in FIG. 9, a user (for example, a store staff) accesses the communication module 1 by 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 the operation, the power supply mode can be set. The setting of the power supply mode is stored in the storage unit 63. In addition, 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 X12 connected to the Internet (or a telephone communication network), and performs a predetermined operation, Information for setting the power supply mode may be transmitted from the support server X 121 to the communication module 1.

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

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

As the operation policy of the power supply mode, for example, the first policy always operating in the first mode, the second policy always operating in the second mode, the third policy always operating in the third mode, and the available power of the power supply source In response, a fourth policy may be employed in which the first mode or the second mode is selected.

The power control unit 61 uses an operation policy determination unit that determines an operation policy, a detection unit that detects the available power of the power supply source when the operation policy is the fourth policy, and the detected power is mobile communication. A determination means for determining whether the total device operating power is less than the power required to operate all of the terminal device 51, the first communication terminal device 52 and the second communication terminal device 53 simultaneously, and the determination result is positive And selecting means for selecting the first mode if the determination is negative and selecting the second mode if the determination result is negative.

An ammeter that measures the supply current may be employed as the detection means.

Note that, as an example of an external power supply that supplies power less than the total device operation power, the power supply source restricts the supplied power when the supply capacity is limited by the standard of the connection unit (such as the USB standard). There is a case.

The GPS processing unit 62 is configured by the communication control device 50. The GPS processing unit 62 converts the radio frequency of the GPS signal received via the GPS antenna connected via the GPS internal antenna 20 or the connector 45 for GPS external antenna into an intermediate frequency, and A / D conversion. And the The GPS processing unit 62 receives and processes GPS information (including position information and time information).

The storage unit 63 is configured of a storage device (including a memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and the like) of the mobile communication terminal device 51. Note that the storage unit 63 does not have to be entirely configured by the storage device of the communication module 1. For example, a portion of the storage unit 63 may be configured by the storage device of the external communication terminal device X11.

For example, the storage unit 63 includes the power mode, the operation policy, the template of transmission information used in the message transmission / reception function described later, the 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 of 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, an appropriate user interface such as a voice input unit, a keyboard, a touch panel display screen, etc. 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 status display unit 48. The notification unit 65 outputs the communication state and the like to the outside in a form in which the communication state or the like can be visually recognized by controlling the blinking or blinking state of the LEDs 48a to 48d. Here, the number of LEDs can also be set in anticipation of expansion. The notification unit 65 may additionally or alternatively include a display screen and an audio output unit such as a buzzer.

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

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

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

The antenna unit 69 includes the GPS internal antenna 20, the WiFi internal antennas 42a and 42b, 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.

(Setup of communication module)
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 apparatus X12), and a process therefor will be described. Here, “setup” means a process of setting different settings in each 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 to connect at least to the setup server X12 before setup.

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

In this state, first, the communication module 1 detects a trigger event (FIG. 4 / STEP 12). The trigger event may be, for example, that the communication module 1 is turned on, 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 indicates the mobile communication function or the first communication of the mobile communication terminal 51. It is transmitted to the setup server X12 using the external WiFi communication function of the terminal device 52 (FIG. 4 / arrow Q1).

In the setup server X12, the ride-on mobile unit 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 object identifier is retrieved (selected) from the database (FIG. 4 / STEP 24).

Then, necessary data is transmitted from the setup server X12 to the communication module 1 according to the setup method (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)
As described above, the communication module 1 which has been set up can be supplied with power from the on-vehicle battery and can exhibit a communication function in response to a trigger event such as the ignition key of the passenger type mobile V1 being switched from OFF to ON. It becomes an active state. In this state, the communication module 1 or its communication control device 50 determines the presence or absence of an external communication terminal (peer) to be a connection destination (FIG. 5 / STEP 02). This determination process is executed, for example, by determining whether or not the signal of the corresponding communication standard has been 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. Be done.

If it is determined that there is an external communication terminal device to be connected (FIG. 5 / STEP 02..YES), it is further determined whether a connection between communication module 1 and the external communication terminal device to be connected is established. (FIG. 5 / STEP 04). This determination process is performed, for example, in accordance with the success or failure of the predetermined form of mutual communication between the communication module 1 and the external communication terminal device in accordance with the corresponding communication protocol.

If it is determined that there is no external communication terminal apparatus to be the connection destination (FIG. 5 / STEP 02 .. NO), the current communication process is terminated.

When it is determined that the connection is not established (FIG. 5 / STEP 04 .. NO), it is determined whether or not the designated time has elapsed since it is determined that the peer exists (FIG. 5 / STEP 06). If it is determined that the designated time has not elapsed (FIG. 5 / STEP 06 .. NO), it is again determined whether or not the connection has been established (FIG. 5 / STEP 04). If the specified time has elapsed without establishing a connection (FIG. 5 / STEP 06..YES), the current communication process is terminated.

If it is determined that the connection is established (FIG. 5 / STEP 04 .. YES), it is determined whether the communication is completed (FIG. 5 / STEP 08). For example, through the first communication terminal device 52, the presence or absence of a predetermined event such as the communication module 1 receiving a signal indicating that the communication is completed from the external communication terminal device X11 or X12 of the other party is determined. When the connection between the communication module 1 attached to the passenger type mobile V1 and the communication module (external device) X2 attached to the passenger type mobile V2 is established through the second communication terminal device 53, It is determined whether the type moving body V1 and the passenger type moving body V2 have mutually transmitted and received necessary information.

If it is determined that the communication is not completed (FIG. 5 / STEP 08 .. NO), the processing after the connection establishment (FIG. 5 / STEP 04) is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication is completed (FIG. 5 / STEP 08..YES), the current communication process is ended.

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

The communication control device 50 determines whether the second communication terminal device 53 is supplied with power of a predetermined level or more and is in a communicable operating state (FIG. 6 / STEP 32). The communication control device 50 may determine whether the main switch (for example, an ignition key) of the passenger type mobile V1 connected to the navigation device X111 as an external power supply is ON or OFF.

If 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), can the communication control device 50 be able to communicate with the GPS satellite or mobile base station (whether a predetermined signal is received from the GPS satellite or mobile base station? ) Or not (FIG. 6 / STEP 34).

If the determination result is negative (FIG. 6 / STEP 34 .. NO), the communication control device 50 executes the processing after STEP32.

If the determination result is affirmative (FIG. 6 / STEP 34 .. YES), the communication control device 50 is connected to the navigation device X111 or the smartphone X112 connected via the first communication terminal device 52 or the wired communication terminal device 55. It is determined whether there is an input of the text A5 (see FIG. 7A) of the message from the external communication terminal device X11 such as the personal computer X113 or the like (FIG. 6 / STEP 36).

The text A5 of this message is sent to another passenger type mobile via the inter-vehicle WiFi communication C4 in STEP 46 after header information such as the message generation time A3 is added in STEP 42 described later.

The message to be sent 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 transfer allowable number A7. Is preferred.

For example, as a message to be transmitted, an IEEE 802.11g compliant message, that is, a message with a frame structure consisting of a PLCP preamble, a PLCP header, and a PSDU can be adopted. In this case, it is preferable that the OFDM data symbols of PSDU include message type A1, position information A2, message generation time A3, lifetime A4, text A5, node information A6, and transfer allowance number A7.

The type A1 of the message means the type of the text A5 of the message, and as shown in FIG. 7B, "notification of presence" such as greetings, impact degree to users such as natural traffic congestion is relatively low "traffic information 1 "Sweat", "weather information" showing sudden weather changes such as heavy rain and rain, and "traffic information 2" with relatively high influence to users such as sudden failure such as accident, flood and roadside fire, etc. It is represented by the information type of

The position information A2 is the position information of the terminal device that created the message, and more specifically, the position information (GPS position information, etc.) acquired by the position information acquisition unit such as the GPS processing unit 62 or the mobile communication terminal device 51. Or the position information obtained from the mobile base station) or the current position information corrected by the information such as the speed sensor and the acceleration sensor provided in the passenger type mobile V1 or the communication module 1. .

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

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

When there is no need to store a message for a long time, as in the case of “notification of existence”, the effective period is set short as lifetime A4, while the transmitted content itself is long like “traffic information 2”. In the case of survival, the lifetime is set to be long 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 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 X11 Good.

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

The allowable number of transfers A7 is the number of times to allow transfer defined in accordance with the degree to which the user makes the message useful.

In the case of information limited between user parties as in "notification of presence", the number of permitted transfers A7 is set to a relatively small number, but many users, such as sudden failures such as accidents, floods, roadside fires, etc. In the case of the information affecting the above, the allowable number of transfers A7 is set to a relatively large number.

In addition, in the case of the information limited between the user parties like "notification of presence", the number of times of allowable transfer A7 may be set to zero times, but it is inevitable for example to share information with the target user The number of transfers that occur may be set to an acceptable number (or the minimum number of transfers necessary to share information with the target user) (eg, 1 to 2).

When transfer occurs unavoidably to share information with the target user, if the number of permitted transfers A7 is zero, transfer is not permitted and there is a possibility that a message may not reach the other party to be originally intended for communication . In order to avoid this, the allowable number of transfers A may be set as the allowable number of transfers that inevitably occur in order to share information with the target user.

As an example when transfer occurs inevitably to share information with the target user, when transferring a message created by the external communication terminal device X11 in the car, the communication module on the receiving side is an external communication terminal in the car In the case of transfer to the device X11, and in the case where communication with the communication module to be communicated is difficult due to a shield, the case of transmitting a message via another communication module may be mentioned.

Among these, in STEP 36, the input of the text A5 is accepted. Alternatively, the 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 number of transfers 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, which are information on the current position of itself, from the GPS satellite or 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 transfer allowance number A7 based on the determined type of message and the acquired position information and time information (FIG. 6). / STEP 42).

Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, the communication control apparatus 50 creates a lifetime A4 and an allowable number of transfers A7 with reference to a table determined according to the type A1 of the message. For example, when the message type A1 is "notification of existence", the communication control apparatus 50 sets 3 minutes as a lifetime (or time 3 minutes after generation time) and sets 0 as an allowable transfer number A7. Set

Communication control device 50 determines, for example, whether or not car-to-car WiFi communication C4 is possible (whether or not another passenger type moving body and car-to-car WiFi connection are completed) by the process of FIG. 5 / STEP 02. (FIG. 6 / STEP 44). This determination may be processed in parallel with STEP34 to STEP38.

If 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 inter-vehicle WiFi communication C4 and receives the message (FIG. 6) (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 for which the period or time indicated by the lifetime A4 has passed. (FIG. 6 / STEP 50).

The communication control device 50 outputs the message received in STEP 46 to (the display screen or the microphone of) the external communication terminal device X11 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 may be read from the storage unit 63 according to the user's operation and may be output to (the display screen of the external communication terminal X11 or a microphone).

The communication control apparatus 50 refers to the transfer allowable number A7 of the received message, and if the transfer allowable number A7 is one or more, sets the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the transfer allowable number A7 as a new transfer allowable number A7. May be made the same as the original message, and a new message may be created for transfer to another riding mobile or the like.

1. communication module, 2. case, 3. substrate, 4. first substrate, 5. second substrate, 50 communication control device 51, mobile communication terminal device (third communication terminal device) 52, first Communication terminal device, 53 .. second communication terminal device, V1 .. passenger type mobile body, V2 .. passenger type mobile body.

Claims (7)

1. 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;
   A communication control device that controls the operation of the first communication terminal device and the operation of the second communication terminal device;
   A housing which accommodates the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the communication control device, and which has a size and a shape that can be attached to a passenger type mobile body;
   Position information acquisition means for acquiring own position information;
   And time information acquisition means for acquiring current time information;
   The communication control apparatus uses the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit and the time information acquired by the time information acquiring unit in communication by at least one of the first wireless communication function and the second wireless communication function. A communication module characterized in that it is configured to:
2. In the communication module according to claim 1,
   A storage unit configured to store received information in the at least one communication;
   The communication control apparatus adds lifetime information indicating a period during which the transmission information is valid to transmission information in communication by the at least one, and refers to the lifetime information included in the reception information, and the reception information The communication module is configured to delete from the storage unit the received information whose period of validity is expired.
3. In the communication module according to claim 2,
   The communication module, wherein the communication control apparatus is configured to add, to the transmission information, lifetime information that is determined in accordance with a type of the transmission information.
4. In the communication module according to claim 1,
   A third communication terminal device having a third wireless communication function different from any of the first wireless communication function and the second wireless communication function;
   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 supply control unit is an external power supply capable of supplying all-device operation power, which is power necessary to operate all of the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device, and the third communication terminal device simultaneously. A communication module having a connection portion connectable to
5. In the communication module according to claim 4,
   The power supply control unit is configured to be operable at least in an entire device operation mode for supplying power to all of the three devices and a partial device operation mode for supplying power to a portion of the three devices. ,
   A communication module configured to operate in the partial device operation mode when the power supplied from the external power supply is a power less than the total device operation power.
6. The communication module according to claim 1, wherein
   A storage unit for storing a unique telephone identifier assigned for realizing the telephone function;
   And a fourth communication terminal that communicates wirelessly to the setup server,
   The fourth communication control device reads the telephone identifier from the storage unit in response to the detection of a trigger event, transmits the telephone identifier to the setup server via the fourth communication terminal device, and the fourth communication terminal A communication module for executing a process for setup based on a setup method corresponding to the telephone identifier received from the setup server via an apparatus.
7. A method executed by a communication module comprising a communication terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with a setup server, the method comprising:
   Wirelessly transmitting to the setup server via the communication terminal device a unique telephone identifier assigned to a communication module for implementing a telephone function in response to detection of a trigger event;
   Processing for setup based on a setup method corresponding to the telephone identifier received from the setup server via the communication terminal device;
   A communication module setup method executed by the communication module.

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