WO2021106106A1

WO2021106106A1 - Communication control method, mobile station apparatus, and server apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021106106A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/046382
Authority: WO
Inventors: 田中　奈緒
Original assignee: 京セラ株式会社
Priority date: 2019-11-27
Filing date: 2019-11-27
Publication date: 2021-06-03

Abstract

A communication control method according to the present invention comprises: a step in which a mobile station apparatus having a subscriber identity module that can switch, via communications, profiles to be used for communicating with mobile communication networks communicates with a first mobile communication network by use of a first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network; a step in which, when the mobile station apparatus exists in a service area of the first mobile communication network, first position information indicating the geographic position of the mobile station apparatus is transmitted from the mobile station apparatus to the first mobile communication network; and a step in which a server apparatus managing the profiles provides, on the basis of the first position information acquired via the first mobile communication network, a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network to the mobile station apparatus via the first mobile communication network.

Description

Communication control method, mobile station equipment, and server equipment

The present invention relates to a communication control method, a mobile station device, and a server device.

Conventionally, a mobile station device having an eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) capable of switching a profile used for communicating with a mobile communication network by communication is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The profile includes an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), which is an identification number assigned by the telecommunications carrier to the user of the mobile station device.

JP-A-2017-63302

In the communication control method according to the first aspect, the mobile station apparatus having a subscriber identification module capable of switching the profile used for communicating with the mobile communication network by communication corresponds to the first mobile communication network. Communicating with the first mobile communication network using the profile, and when the mobile station device is in the service area of the first mobile communication network, the geographical position of the mobile station device. The first position information indicating the above is transmitted from the mobile station device to the first mobile communication network, and the server device that manages the profile obtains the first position information via the first mobile communication network. Based on this, the present invention includes providing a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network to the mobile station apparatus via the first mobile communication network.

The mobile station device according to the second aspect is a mobile station device capable of communicating with a server device that manages a profile used for communicating with a mobile communication network, and is a subscriber identification capable of switching the profile by communication. The mobile station device is located in the service area of the module, the communication unit that communicates with the first mobile communication network using the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network, and the service area of the first mobile communication network. It is provided with a control unit that controls to transmit the first position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station apparatus to the first mobile communication network. The communication unit receives a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network from the server device via the first mobile communication network.

The server device according to the third aspect is a server device capable of communicating with a mobile station device having a subscriber identification module capable of switching a profile used for communicating with a mobile communication network by communication, and is a first mobile device. When the mobile station device is located in the service area of the communication network, the first position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station device is received from the mobile station device via the first mobile communication network. Based on the communication unit and the first position information acquired via the first mobile communication network, the first profile corresponding to the second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network is obtained. It includes a control unit provided to the mobile station apparatus via a mobile communication network.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation (STEP1) of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation (STEP2) of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation (STEP3) of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation (STEP4) of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the tool which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the profile information managed by the tool which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the server apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the tracking mode information managed by the server apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the profile information managed by the server apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment.

The communication system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

(Outline of Embodiment)
When a mobile station device leaves the service area of one carrier and enters the service area of another carrier, the destination must be downloaded and written as a profile for the mobile communication network of the other carrier. Since communication via the mobile communication network is not possible, the user needs to switch the service area. If such a switching operation is not performed, communication cannot be tracked due to communication blackout during theft tracking, and problems such as tracking failure occur.

The communication control method according to one embodiment makes it possible to appropriately switch the profile used by the mobile station device.

In the communication control method according to one embodiment, a mobile station apparatus having a subscriber identification module capable of switching a profile used for communicating with a mobile communication network by communication has a first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network. To communicate with the first mobile communication network and to determine the geographical position of the mobile station device when the mobile station device is in the service area of the first mobile communication network. Based on the transmission of the indicated first position information from the mobile station device to the first mobile communication network and the first position information acquired by the server device that manages the profile via the first mobile communication network. A second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network is provided to the mobile station apparatus via the first mobile communication network.

(Communication system configuration)
First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 has a tool 100 having a communication function and a server device 300. The tool 100 is an example of a mobile station device. Hereinafter, an example in which the mobile station device is the tool 100 will be described, but the mobile station device may be a device capable of wireless communication, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, an in-vehicle communication module, a wearable terminal, or the like. It may be.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which the tool 100 is a binding machine (for example, a reinforcing bar binding machine) which is a kind of electric tool. However, the tool 100 may be an electric tool other than the binding machine, for example, an electric drill, an electric screwdriver, an electric saw, a grinding machine, a polishing machine, or the like. The tool 100 may be a tool that uses pneumatic power as power (for example, a pneumatic tool) such as a manual tool, or a tool that uses hydraulic power as power (for example, a hydraulic tool).

The tool 100 is a cordless type electric tool, and is driven by the electric power supplied from the battery pack 110. The battery pack 110 is configured to be removable from the tool 100. The battery included in the battery pack 110 may be any type of battery as long as it is a secondary battery, and is, for example, a lithium ion battery.

The tool 100 has a binding portion 11, a main body portion 12, and a grip portion 13. The binding portion 11 has an arm that sandwiches the reinforcing bar, and binds the reinforcing bar by winding a wire supplied from the main body portion 12 around the reinforcing bar sandwiched between the arms. The main body 12 accommodates a reel around which a wire is wound. The wire is an example of a consumable item that is consumed every time the tool 100 is used. However, the consumables may be consumables other than wires, such as nails or staplers. The main body 12 incorporates a motor 132 (see FIG. 6). The motor 132 supplies the wire to the binding portion 11 and generates a driving force for winding the wire around the reinforcing bar. The main body 12 is provided with a power switch 15 for turning on / off the power of the tool 100. The grip portion 13 is a member that extends downward from the main body portion 12 and is gripped by the tool user. A trigger 14 is provided at the upper end of the grip portion 13. When the trigger 14 is pushed down, the binding portion 11 and the main body portion 12 perform a binding operation. A trigger lock 16 that locks (fixes) the trigger 14 may be provided. When the trigger lock 16 is set to the locked state, the trigger 14 is locked so as not to be pushed down. A latch mechanism for attaching / detaching the battery pack 110 is provided at the lower end portion of the grip portion 13.

The tool 100 has a cellular communication function with the mobile communication network 200. In one embodiment, the tool 100 has an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) cellular communication function, for example, an eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication) defined by a 3GPP (3rd generation machineship project) standard. -It has a cellular communication function of Internet of Things). Specifically, the tool 100 performs wireless communication with the base station 210 included in the mobile communication network 200.

The tool 100 is provided with a built-in subscriber identification module (SIM: Subscriber Identity Module). The SIM stores a communication profile (hereinafter, simply referred to as "profile") for performing cellular communication. The embedded SIM is called an eSIM (embedded SIM). The tool 100 can switch the telecommunications carrier by rewriting the profile by communicating with the server device 300. A profile is information for identifying a subscriber, information for identifying a carrier to identify a telecommunications carrier, information about available services contracted by the subscriber, and necessary for the subscriber to receive the service. Information, etc. The profile includes the IMSI, which is an identification number assigned by the carrier to the user of the mobile station device.

The tool 100 communicates with the server device 300 via the mobile communication network 200. For example, the tool 100 transmits a message including the detection information detected by the tool 100 and the position information indicating the position of the tool 100 to the server device 300.

The detection information consists of parameter values indicating a state related to the work using the tool 100. The types of parameter values include, for example, operation count information, operation state information, and drive battery remaining amount information. The operation number information is information indicating the number of times the tool 100 has been operated (that is, the number of times the binding operation has been performed). The operating state information is information indicating the operating state of the tool 100, for example, an error state and a power on / off state. The error state may be a state in which the reinforcing bar sandwiched by the arm of the binding portion 11 is larger than the threshold value, or a state in which the temperature of the tool 100 is higher than the threshold value. The operating state information may include information indicating whether or not the battery pack 110 of the tool 100 is in a charging state. The drive battery remaining amount information is information indicating the remaining amount of the battery pack 110. The battery level may be expressed as the ratio (percentage) of the current battery level to the capacity.

The position information is information indicating the position of the tool 100, and includes latitude / longitude information obtained by using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The location information may further include altitude information.

The mobile communication network 200 has a base station 210. Further, the mobile communication network 200 includes at least one of a narrow area communication network (LAN: Local Area Network), a high area communication network (WAN: Wide Area Network), and the Internet.

The server device 300 is a server that manages the tool 100. The server device 300 may be composed of a plurality of computers. The server device 300 is connected to the mobile communication network 200 and communicates with the tool 100 via the mobile communication network 200. The Internet may intervene between the server device 300 and the mobile communication network 200.

Although only one tool 100 is shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the server device 300 manages a plurality of tools 100. The server device 300 receives a message from the tool 100 via the mobile communication network 200, acquires and manages the information included in the received message. For example, the server device 300 manages the progress of work based on the detection information and the position information. The server device 300 may grasp the position of the tool 100 when the tool 100 is lost or the like based on the position information.

In one embodiment, the server device 300 manages a profile for cellular communication. The server device 300 rewrites the eSIM of the tool 100 by communicating with the tool 100. For example, the server device 300 adds a profile to the eSIM of the tool 100 or deletes the profile from the eSIM of the tool 100.

(Operation of communication system)
Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. 2 to 5 are diagrams showing the operation of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system 1 according to the embodiment has a plurality of mobile communication networks 200 operated by different communication carriers. Here, as the plurality of mobile communication networks 200, two mobile communication networks, the first mobile communication network 200A and the second mobile communication network 200B, are illustrated. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A and the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B are adjacent to each other. The service area of the first mobile communication network 200A and the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B may partially overlap.

In one embodiment, it is assumed that the tool 100 does not have a roaming function for roaming between mobile communication networks of different telecommunications carriers. For example, the tool 100 that performs LPWA-type cellular communication may not be able to use the roaming function.

Therefore, in order for the tool 100 to perform cellular communication with the first mobile communication network 200A, the tool 100 has a profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A (hereinafter, referred to as "first profile"). Must be. Similarly, in order for the tool 100 to perform cellular communication with the second mobile communication network 200B, the tool 100 has a profile corresponding to the second mobile communication network 200B (hereinafter, referred to as "second profile"). Must be.

The server device 300 manages a plurality of profiles of a plurality of telecommunications carriers for which a business operator that provides or manages the tool 100 (for example, a manufacturer of the tool 100) has a communication service contract. Here, the server device 300 includes a plurality of first profiles PA # 1, PA # 2, ... Corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A, and a plurality of second profile PBs corresponding to the second mobile communication network 200B. It is assumed that # 1, PB # 2, ... And so on are managed.

The server device 300 temporarily assigns a profile from the managed profiles according to the position of the tool 100. Therefore, the user of the tool 100, which does not have the roaming function, obtains the profile corresponding to the telecommunications carrier from the server device 300 without contracting with the telecommunications carrier, and the mobile communication network of the telecommunications carrier. 200 is available.

In the following, the operation of the communication system 1 will be described in the order of STEP1 to STEP4 for the scenario in which the tool 100 leaves the first mobile communication network 200A and enters the second mobile communication network 200B due to movement.

STEP1:
As shown in FIG. 2, the tool 100 is in the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A. When the tool 100 first performs cellular communication with the first mobile communication network 200A, the tool 100 acquires the first profile PA # 1 corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A from the server device 300, and acquires the first profile PA. Remember # 1. When the server device 300 provides the first profile PA # 1 to the tool 100, the server device 300 manages the first profile PA # 1 as a profile being provided to the tool 100 and being used by the tool 100.

Alternatively, the tool 100 may store the first profile PA # 1 corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A in advance. In this case, the tool 100 notifies the server device 300 that the first profile PA # 1 will be used when the cellular communication with the first mobile communication network 200A is first performed. When the server device 300 receives a notification from the tool 100 that the first profile PA # 1 is to be used, the server device 300 provides the first profile PA # 1 to the tool 100 as a profile in use by the tool 100. to manage.

Tool 100 performs cellular communication with the first mobile communication network 200A using the first profile PA # 1. For example, in a state where the tool 100 is used for work (for example, a state in which the power of the tool 100 is turned on), the tool 100 periodically transmits a message including detection information and position information to the server device 300. In this case, the server device 300 manages the progress of the work based on the message from the tool 100. On the other hand, when the tool 100 is not used for work (for example, the power of the tool 100 is off), the tool 100 periodically transmits a message including position information to the server device 300. In this case, the server device 300 manages the position of the tool 100 based on the message from the tool 100.

As described above, when the tool 100 is in the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A, the tool 100 first provides the position information (first position information) indicating the geographical position of the tool 100. It is transmitted to the server device 300 via the mobile communication network 200A. The server device 300 grasps the position of the tool 100 based on the first position information from the tool 100.

The server device 300 may determine the target tool 100 for which the profile is provided by the server device 300 from among the plurality of tools 100. For example, the server device 300 provides only the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A for the tool 100 that is unlikely to leave the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A, and the other profile is this tool. It may not be provided to 100.

On the other hand, for the tool 100 that may leave the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A, the server device 300 uses the tool 100 in addition to the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A. Set the modes that can be provided to. Hereinafter, such a mode is referred to as a "tracking mode". The server device 300 may provide a plurality of profiles including the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network 200A to the tool 100 in the tracking mode in advance.

The server device 300 may set the tracking mode for the tool 100 based on whether or not the tool 100 has been stolen. For example, when the server device 300 receives a notification from the terminal of the user of the tool 100 that the tool 100 has been stolen, the server device 300 determines the tool 100 as the target tool 100 and sets the tracking mode for the tool 100.

The server device 300 may set the tracking mode for the tool 100 based on whether or not the tool 100 is within a predetermined area. For example, the predetermined area is an area corresponding to a work site (including a storage place for the tool 100) in which the tool 100 is used. Since the tool 100 is generally located in the work site, it is highly necessary to track the position of the tool 100 when the tool 100 leaves the work site. The server device 300 determines whether or not the tool 100 is within a predetermined area based on the position information received from the tool 100.

The server device 300 may be set to increase the frequency of transmitting position information to the tool 100 in the tracking mode. As a result, the accuracy of position management of the tool 100 can be improved. Alternatively, the server device 300 may be set to reduce the frequency of transmitting position information to the tool 100 in the tracking mode. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the tool 100 and facilitate long-term position tracking. The server device 300 may make a determination to increase or decrease the frequency of transmitting position information based on the remaining battery level of the tool 100.

STEP2:
As shown in FIG. 3, the tool 100 moves toward the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. The server device 300 sets the second profile PB # 1 corresponding to the second mobile communication network 200B to the first mobile communication network 200A based on the first position information acquired from the tool 100 via the first mobile communication network 200A. Provided to the tool 100 via. As a result, the tool 100 can make the second mobile communication network 200B available before the UE 100 moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B.

When the server device 300 determines that the tool 100 is located within a predetermined range from the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B based on the first position information, the server device 300 uses the second profile PB via the first mobile communication network 200A. # 1 may be provided to the tool 100. In other words, when the server device 300 determines that the tool 100 has approached the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, the server device 300 provides the tool 100 with the second profile PB # 1 via the first mobile communication network 200A. As a result, the second profile PB # 1 can be provided to the tool 100 at an appropriate timing.

When the second profile PB # 1 is provided to the tool 100, the server device 300 manages the second profile PB # 1 as an unused profile while being provided to the tool 100.

The server device 300 may determine the timing of providing the second profile PB # 1 to the tool 100 via the first mobile communication network 200A based on the moving speed of the tool 100. For example, when the moving speed of the tool 100 is higher than the threshold value, the server device 300 provides the tool 100 with the second profile PB # 1 at a timing earlier than the reference timing. The reference timing is the timing at which the tool 100 enters the predetermined range from the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. That is, the server device 300 provides the second profile PB # 1 at an early stage when the tool 100 is moving at high speed. As a result, the second profile PB # 1 can be more reliably provided to the tool 100 before the UE 100 moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. The server device 300 can specify the moving speed of the tool 100 based on the first position information periodically received from the tool 100.

The tool 100 stores (caches) the second profile PB # 1 provided by the server device 300. Specifically, the tool 100 stores the second profile PB # 1 provided by the server device 300 in its own eSIM.

The second profile PB # 1 provided by the server device 300 may be associated with the identifier of the second mobile communication network 200B. As such an identifier, for example, a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) identifier can be used. The PLMN identifier is composed of a combination of MCC (country code) and MNC (business code). The tool 100 stores the second profile PB # 1 in association with the identifier of the second mobile communication network 200B.

The second profile PB # 2 provided by the server device 300 may be associated with the information indicating the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. As such information, for example, the position information of the area edge of the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B can be used. The tool 100 stores the second profile PB # 1 in association with the information indicating the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B.

STEP3:
As shown in FIG. 4, the tool 100 moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. When the tool 100 moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, the tool 100 starts using the second profile PB # 1 stored in the eSIM. Specifically, the tool 100 switches the profile used for cellular communication from the first profile PA # 1 to the second profile PB # 1. As a result, the tool 100 can move to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B and can quickly start cellular communication with the second mobile communication network 200B.

Here, the tool 100 detects the PLMN identifier broadcast by the base station 210 included in the second mobile communication network 200B in the system information, and responds to the detection of the PLMN identifier of the second mobile communication network 200B. , It may be determined that the user has moved to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. Alternatively, the tool 100 confirms its own geographical position (position information) and determines that its own position is included in the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, so that the tool 100 itself is the second mobile communication network. It may be determined that the user has moved to the service area of 200B.

The tool 100 transmits a notification indicating the start of use of the second profile PB # 1 to the server device 300 via the second mobile communication network 200B in response to the start of use of the second profile PB # 1. When the server device 300 receives the usage start notification of the second profile PB # 1 from the tool 100, the server device 300 manages the second profile PB # 1 as a profile being provided to the tool 100 and being used by the tool 100.

STEP4:
As shown in FIG. 5, the tool 100 moves in the direction away from the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A after entering the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B. After the tool 100 moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, the server device 300 transmits a deletion instruction instructing the deletion of the first profile PA # 1 to the tool 100 via the second mobile communication network 200B. To do. The tool 100 deletes the first profile PA # 1 from its own eSIM in response to receiving the deletion instruction.

When the first profile PA # 1 is deleted in the tool 100, the server device 300 manages the first profile PA # 1 as an unprovided profile. As a result, the server device 300 can assign the first profile PA # 1 to the other tool 100. In this way, the server device 300 causes the plurality of tools 100 to share the profile managed by the server device 300 in a time-division manner.

When the tool 100 is in the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, the tool 100 transmits the second position information indicating the geographical position of the tool 100 to the second mobile communication network 200B. The server device 300 transmits a deletion instruction to the tool 100 via the second mobile communication network 200B based on the second position information acquired via the second mobile communication network 200B. For example, when the server device 300 determines that the tool 100 is located outside the predetermined range from the service area of the first mobile communication network 200A based on the second position information, the server device 300 issues a deletion instruction via the second mobile communication network 200B. Send to 100.

When the tool 100 moves from the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B to the service area of the third mobile communication network (not shown), the same operation as STEP 1 to STEP 4 described above is performed. As a result, even if the tool 100 moves across three or more mobile communication networks, the position of the tool 100 can be tracked.

When the tool 100 is in the service area of the second mobile communication network 200B, the tool 100 sends a battery-related notification based on the remaining battery level of the tool 100 to the server device 300 via the second mobile communication network 200B. May be sent to. The server device 300 may transmit a deletion instruction to the tool 100 via the second mobile communication network 200B based on the battery-related notification acquired via the second mobile communication network 200B. For example, when the server device 300 determines that the remaining battery level of the tool 100 is equal to or less than the threshold value based on the battery-related notification, the server device 300 transmits a deletion instruction to the tool 100 via the second mobile communication network 200B. As a result, the profile assigned to the tool 100 (second profile PB # 1) can be collected before the remaining battery level of the tool 100 is exhausted, and this profile can be assigned to another tool 100.

(Tool configuration example)
Next, a configuration example of the tool 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the tool 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tool 100 has a tool body 101 and a battery pack 110. The tool body 101 corresponds to the binding portion 11, the main body portion 12, and the grip portion 13 shown in FIG.

In addition to the trigger 14 and the power switch 15 described above, the tool body 101 includes a battery connection unit 120, a motor drive unit 131, a motor 132, a sensor 140, a communication unit 150, a GNSS receiver 160, and an eSIM 170. , A communication battery 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a tool control unit 191 and a communication control unit 192.

The battery connection unit 120 is an interface that is electrically connected to the battery pack 110. The battery connection unit 120 supplies the electric power supplied from the battery pack 110 to each part of the tool body 101.

Under the control of the tool control unit 191 the motor drive unit 131 converts the electric power supplied from the battery pack 110 and supplies the drive power to the motor 132 to drive the motor 132.

The sensor 140 includes a plurality of sensors. The sensor 140 detects, for example, the number of operations indicating the number of times the bundling operation has been performed, the operating state of the tool 100, and the remaining battery level of the battery pack 110, and sends each parameter value indicating the detection result to the tool control unit 191. Output.

The tool control unit 191 has at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory, and controls the mechanical operation of the tool 100. For example, the tool control unit 191 is a motor drive unit that drives the motor 132 when the trigger 14 is pushed down in the power-on state of the tool 100 (that is, the power switch 15 is set to on). It controls 131. As a result, the motor 132 is driven by the motor drive unit 131, and the binding unit 11 performs a binding operation.

The communication unit 150 performs LPWA-type cellular communication as described above. The communication unit 150 performs amplification processing, filtering processing, etc. on the cellular radio signal received by the antenna, converts the cellular radio signal into a baseband signal, and transmits the received signal after signal processing such as demodulation / decoding to the communication control unit. Output to 192. Further, the communication unit 150 performs signal processing such as coding and modulation on the transmission signal output from the communication control unit 192, converts the baseband signal after the signal processing into a cellular radio signal, and performs amplification processing and the like. Go and send from the antenna.

The GNSS receiver 160 acquires position information indicating the current position of the tool 100 under the control of the communication control unit 192, and outputs the acquired position information to the communication control unit 192. The GNSS receiver 160 includes, for example, a receiver of at least one of GPS, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System), COMPASS, and Galileo.

The eSIM170 is a SIM (embedded SIM) incorporated in the tool 100. The eSIM170 stores a profile for performing cellular communication. By rewriting the profile stored in the eSIM 170, it is possible to switch the telecommunications carrier used for cellular communication.

The communication battery 180 stores electric power for driving the communication unit 150, the GNSS receiver 160, the communication control unit 192, and the like. For example, the communication battery 180 supplies electric power for communicating between the tool 100 and the server device 300 when the power of the tool 100 is turned off. As the communication battery 180, a primary battery may be used, or a secondary battery may be used.

The communication control unit 192 has at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory, and controls the communication unit 150, the GNSS receiver 160, and the eSIM 170. The communication control unit 192 controls the operation of the tool 100 in STEP1 to STEP4 described above.

The communication control unit 192 manages the profile stored in the eSIM 170. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of profile information managed by the communication control unit 192. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication control unit 192 associates each profile stored in the eSIM 170 with at least one of the PLMN identifier of the mobile communication network 200 using this profile and the available area (available service area). to manage. Further, the communication control unit 192 manages the usage state of whether or not this profile is currently in use for each profile stored in the eSIM 170. The communication control unit 192 controls the communication unit 150 so as to perform cellular communication according to the profile in use.

Further, the communication control unit 192 transmits a message including the detection information and the location information to the server device 300 via the communication unit 150. The communication control unit 192 may periodically transmit such a message to the server device 300, or may transmit a message to the server device 300 in response to a request from the server device 300. For example, while the tool 100 is in use, the communication control unit 192 acquires detection information consisting of various parameter values from the tool control unit 191 and transmits the acquired detection information to the server device 300. Further, the communication control unit 192 transmits the position information obtained by the GNSS receiver 160 to the server device 300. The transmission of the position information is performed not only when the tool 100 is in use but also when the tool 100 is not in use (for example, in a power-off state).

The battery pack 110 is configured to be removable from the tool body 101. The battery pack 110 includes a battery 111 and a power receiving unit 112. The battery 111 stores electric power for driving the tool 100. The battery 111 may be a secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion battery. The power receiving unit 112 receives the electric power from the charger to charge the battery 111.

(Example of server device configuration)
Next, a configuration example of the server device 300 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the server device 300 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the server device 300 has a communication unit 310 and a control unit 320.

The communication unit 310 communicates with the tool 100 via the mobile communication network 200.

The control unit 320 has at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory, and controls the communication unit 310. Further, the control unit 320 controls the operation of the server device 300 in STEP1 to STEP4 described above.

The control unit 320 manages the tracking mode information. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of tracking mode information managed by the control unit 320. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 320 manages whether or not each tool 100 to be managed is in the tracking mode. The control unit 320 may further manage the geographical information of the work site where each tool 100 to be managed is used for the work.

Further, the control unit 320 manages profile information including a plurality of profiles. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of profile information managed by the control unit 320. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 320 manages each profile in association with at least one of the PLMN identifier of the mobile communication network 200 using this profile and the usable area (usable service area). Further, the control unit 320 manages the ID of the tool of the provision destination (assignment destination) of this profile and the usage state of this profile for each profile. When providing a profile to the tool 100, the control unit 320 selects a profile from the profiles managed as unprovided (unallocated), and provides the selected profile to the tool 100.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the server device 300 may adjust the number of profiles to be managed by itself. As described above, the server device 300 manages the profile for which the business operator that provides or manages the tool 100 has a communication service contract. Therefore, if the number of profiles managed by the server device 300 is excessive, there is a concern that the communication charge burden of the business operator that provides or manages the tool 100 will increase. Therefore, the server device 300 may change the number of profiles managed by the server device 300 based on the usage record of the profile by the tool 100 for which the profile is provided. For example, the server device 300 is changed so as to reduce the number of profiles to be managed when the usage record of the profiles is small.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, assuming a case where a plurality of tools 100 are collectively stolen, it is considered that the server device 300 can track the position of one of the plurality of tools 100. Therefore, when the server device 300 identifies another tool 100 that moves together with one tool 100 based on the position information of each tool 100, the server device 300 assigns a profile (for example, a second profile PB # 1) to the other tool 100. A profile may be provided for the one tool 100 without providing it. This saves the profile provided to the tool 100. For example, the server device 300 grasps the movement locus for each tool 100 in the tracking mode, identifies a plurality of tools 100 having the same movement locus, and assigns the tool 100 to one of the specified plurality of tools 100. On the other hand, a profile corresponding to the mobile communication network 200 of the destination is provided.

Note that a program that causes the computer to execute each of the above-mentioned processes may be provided. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media can be used to install programs on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

Although one embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings above, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made within a range that does not deviate from the gist. ..

Claims

A mobile station apparatus having a subscriber identification module capable of switching a profile used for communicating with a mobile communication network by communication uses the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network with the first mobile communication network. To communicate with
When the mobile station device is located in the service area of the first mobile communication network, the first position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station device is transmitted from the mobile station device to the first mobile communication network. To send to
Based on the first position information acquired by the server device that manages the profile via the first mobile communication network, a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network is obtained. A communication control method comprising providing the mobile station apparatus via the first mobile communication network.
The server device further comprises managing a plurality of profiles of a plurality of carriers having a communication service contract with the carrier providing or managing the mobile station device.
The communication control method according to claim 1, wherein providing the second profile includes providing the second profile to the mobile station device from among the plurality of profiles managed by the server device.
The communication control method according to claim 2, wherein the server device further changes the number of profiles managed by the server device based on the usage record of the plurality of profiles by the mobile station device to which the profile is provided.
Any one of claims 1 to 3 that determines the timing at which the server device provides the second profile to the mobile station device via the first mobile communication network based on the moving speed of the mobile station device. The communication control method described in the section.
The mobile station device stores the second profile provided by the server device in the subscriber identification module, and
The mobile station apparatus further comprises starting to use the second profile stored in the subscriber identification module when the mobile station apparatus moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network. The communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Providing the second profile means that when it is determined that the mobile station device is located within a predetermined range from the service area of the second mobile communication network based on the first position information, the server device provides the second profile. 1. The communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises providing the second profile to the mobile station apparatus via a mobile communication network.
Providing the second profile means that when the server device identifies another mobile station device that moves together with the mobile station device, the movement without providing the second profile to the other mobile station device. The communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises providing the second profile to a station apparatus.
The server device further comprises determining a target mobile station device for which the server device provides a profile.
The determination is any of claims 1 to 7 based on at least one of whether or not the mobile station device has been stolen and whether or not the mobile station device is within a predetermined area. The communication control method according to item 1.
The communication control method according to claim 8, wherein the determination includes determining a stolen mobile station device as the target mobile station device.
The mobile station device is a tool having a communication function.
The predetermined area is an area corresponding to a work site where the tool is used.
The communication control method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the determination includes determining the mobile station device outside the predetermined area as the target mobile station device.
After the mobile station device moves to the service area of the second mobile communication network, a deletion instruction instructing the deletion of the first profile is transmitted from the server device to the mobile station device via the second mobile communication network. To do and
The communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mobile station apparatus further deletes the first profile from the subscriber identification module in response to receiving the deletion instruction. ..
When the mobile station device is located in the service area of the second mobile communication network, the second position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station device is transmitted from the mobile station device to the second mobile communication network. Have more to send to
To transmit the deletion instruction, the deletion instruction is transmitted from the server device to the mobile station device via the second mobile communication network based on the second position information acquired via the second mobile communication network. The communication control method according to claim 11, which comprises transmitting to.
When it is determined that the mobile station device is located outside the predetermined range from the service area of the first mobile communication network based on the second position information, the deletion instruction is transmitted from the server device to the second. The communication control method according to claim 12, wherein the deletion instruction is transmitted to the mobile station apparatus via a mobile communication network.
When the mobile station device is in the service area of the second mobile communication network, a battery-related notification based on the remaining battery level of the mobile station device is transmitted from the mobile station device to the second mobile communication network. Have more to do,
Sending the deletion instruction is to send the deletion instruction from the server device to the mobile station device via the second mobile communication network based on the battery-related notification acquired via the second mobile communication network. The communication control method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which comprises transmitting.
When it is determined that the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the threshold value based on the battery-related notification, the transmission of the deletion instruction causes the deletion instruction to be moved from the server device via the second mobile communication network. The communication control method according to claim 14, which comprises transmitting to a station device.
A mobile station device that can communicate with a server device that manages profiles used to communicate with a mobile communication network.
A subscriber identification module that can switch the profile by communication,
A communication unit that communicates with the first mobile communication network using the first profile corresponding to the first mobile communication network, and
When the mobile station device is located in the service area of the first mobile communication network, it is controlled to transmit the first position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station device to the first mobile communication network. With a control unit
The communication unit is a mobile station device that receives a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network from the server device via the first mobile communication network.
A server device capable of communicating with a mobile station device having a subscriber identification module whose profile used for communication with the mobile communication network can be switched by communication.
When the mobile station device is located in the service area of the first mobile communication network, the first position information indicating the geographical position of the mobile station device is transmitted from the mobile station device to the first mobile communication network. With the communication unit that receives via
Based on the first position information acquired via the first mobile communication network, a second profile corresponding to a second mobile communication network different from the first mobile communication network is provided via the first mobile communication network. A server device including a control unit provided to the mobile station device.