JP2003087427A - Internet access device and access warrant method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet access device that can solve a problem of a built-in type device after shipment that has had to cope with all estimated access destinations in advance so as not to cause error in order to avoid the access error with Internet service providers. SOLUTION: An EEPROM 6 stores setting information required to call an Internet service provider to a setting information area for access to the Internet by using a modem 7 described later. An ISP information area stores data denoting Internet service providers whose access is warranted according to an access test in advance. On the occurrence of a setting information update request, a microcomputer 5 decides whether or not the setting information is to be updated based on the information stored in the ISP information area of the EEPROM 6 and the updated information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device having a function of connecting to the Internet, such as a digital television broadcast receiver, a personal computer or a mobile phone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, devices having an internet access function have been commercialized in embedded devices other than personal computers.

A conventional Internet connection device will be described below. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a conventional Internet connection device.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 51 denotes a tuner, which receives digital television broadcasting received by an antenna, selects a channel under the control of a microcomputer 55, which will be described later, and then performs detection. 52
Is a remote control that allows the user to select the desired program or G
It is a user interface for operating a UI. Reference numeral 53 is a decoder, which inputs the digital broadcast signal detected and selected by the tuner 51, digitally demodulates it, filters the service packet set by the microcomputer 55, and AV-decodes and connects the television broadcast program. Output to a TV. It also provides on-screen display.

The section data including the script of the data broadcast, the update data of the receiver data, etc. is once expanded in the RAM 54 under the control of the microcomputer 55 and analyzed. An EEPROM 56 stores setting information necessary for making a call to an Internet service provider (not shown) in the setting information area in order to connect to the Internet using a modem 57 described later. Details of the setting information will be described later. 57 is a modem, which is connected to a public telephone line.

When the application issues an internet connection request, the modem 57 calls the telephone number set by the microcomputer 55 based on the information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 56 to connect to the internet service provider at the physical layer. I do. The connection of the data link layer and the network layer is performed by the microcomputer 55 by software based on the information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 56. The modem 57 may be an ADSL modem, an ONU for FTTH, a terminal adapter for ISDN, or a mobile phone, and in each case, similarly, a connection is made to the Internet service provider at the physical layer by the control of the microcomputer 55.

Next, details of the setting information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 56 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 6, the ISP name is information for uniquely identifying the Internet service provider, and may be a character string indicating the name or an identification code. The access point telephone number is the telephone number of the access point of the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name. This area may not be used in FTTH that does not use a telephone line. The ISP user ID is an ID number for authentication given by the Internet service provider to access the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name. The ISP password is the I service ID indicated by the ISP user ID indicated by the ISP user ID.
It is a password for authentication in the D number.

In some cases, these user IDs and passwords are given with a contract between the user and the Internet service provider, and when the script of the digital television broadcasting described later is used as a trigger, the user ID and password are given without a contract. There is. The ISP authentication protocol indicates an authentication protocol used by the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name, and examples thereof include PAP and CHAP in the PPP protocol used on the Internet.

Further, the method of storing such information in the setting information area is as follows: when the manufacturer stores it as default data before shipping the Internet connection device, or when the user inputs it by operating the remote controller 52 and stores it. In some cases, the internet connection device stores the information by using a script signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by a server on the internet. The information in each case is basically the same and the way it is stored is different.

Next, the operation of the conventional example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart. FIG. 7 shows setting information for calling a specific Internet service provider from the broadcasting station after shipment from the manufacturer, and a script for instructing to call using the setting information and a script for instructing to store the setting information. Is an example of the operation when a message is sent. The internet connection device receives the above-mentioned script from the broadcasting station using the tuner 51, the decoder 53 and the RAM 54, analyzes it by the microcomputer 55, and sets the setting information for calling a specific internet service provider and the setting information. Recognize that it is a script for calling and a script for instructing to store the setting information.

Next, the microcomputer 55 uses the decoder 53 to display on-screen the characters for confirming whether the Internet service provider described in the script may be called or not, and presents it to the user (ST.
EP13). Next, the user confirms the call using the remote controller 52. This confirmation can be performed by moving the cursor while observing the on-screen display of "yes" or "no" (STEP 14). If the microcomputer 55 verifies the user's confirmation operation and makes a call (STEP 15), the setting information for making a call to the specific Internet service provider described in the script is set for connection and the modem 57 is used. And make a call (STEP 16).

After that, data communication processing occurs, but since it is not directly related to the explanation of the operation of this embodiment, it will be omitted.
After the communication termination processing is completed, the microcomputer 55 uses the decoder 53 to turn on the character for confirming whether or not the setting information for making a call to the specific Internet service provider described in the script may be stored. It is displayed on the screen and presented to the user (STEP 1
7). Next, the user confirms the memory by using the remote controller 52. This confirmation can be made by moving the cursor while observing the on-screen display of yes or no (STEP 18). If the contents verified by the microcomputer 55 are verified by the user and stored (STEP
19), the setting information for making a call to the specific Internet service provider described in the script is E
It is stored in the setting information area of the EPROM 56 (STEP2
0).

[0013]

However, in the above-mentioned configuration, a specific Internet service which is set by the user's setting or a script signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by the server on the Internet after shipment from the manufacturer. In the connection after setting the connection with the provider, it is assumed that the connection operation is executed without performing the connection verification in advance.

Generally, when there is a protocol mismatch or a timeout value conflict during communication connection, a connection error occurs. It is general in personal computers that these problems can be solved individually by changing the software on the Internet connection device side, but it is expected that the connection operation will be executed without the user's awareness. Scripts in digital television broadcasting. With respect to calling by a signal or a signal sent by a server on the Internet, it is difficult to obtain an opportunity to update the software, so it is practically impossible to deal with it by changing the software before calling.

That is, for such a call, it is practically difficult to avoid a connection error because it is necessary to deal with all possible connection destinations in advance so that an error does not occur. is there. In addition, it is generally difficult for a built-in device such as a television receiver to have a function that allows the user to freely change the internal software. The problem is that it is practically difficult to avoid it because it is necessary to deal with all possible connection destinations in advance so that an error does not occur.

An object of the present invention is to provide an internet connection device that solves the above-mentioned conventional problems.

[0017]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The first invention (Claim 1)
Corresponds to a communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line, a setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider, and information indicating a connectable internet service provider. A connectable Internet service provider that stores the provider storage unit that stores the specific Internet service provider indicated by the information to be updated when updating the information stored in the setting information storage unit And a control unit that shifts to a process of confirming that the item is included in the item and updating the item.

A second aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 2) is a communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line and a setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider. And provider storage means for storing information indicating connectable internet service providers, setting information of the communication means for connecting to a specific internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company, and the setting information. Setting information receiving means for receiving instruction information for rewriting the contents of the storage means, and a connectable internet service provider in which the specified internet service provider indicated by the sent setting information is stored in the provider storage means. If included, the setting information Is characterized in that a control means shifts to a process of rewriting the contents of 憶 means.

A third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 3) is a communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line and a setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider. And provider storage means for storing information indicating connectable internet service providers, setting information of the communication means for connecting to a specific internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company, and the setting information thereof. Setting information receiving means for receiving instruction information for making a call using, and a connectable internet service provider in which the specific internet service provider indicated by the transmitted setting information is stored in the provider storing means. If included, the specific internet Using the setting information of the communication means for connecting to the service provider is characterized by a control means shifts to the processing of a call.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 4), communication means setting information for connecting to a connectable internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company, and the provider storage means. Is provided with a provider information receiving means for receiving instruction information for rewriting the contents of the above, and a control means for controlling the contents of the provider storing means to be rewritten with the contents received by the provider information receiving means.

The fifth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 5) is characterized in that the setting information includes at least a name for identifying an Internet service provider and an ID for identifying a user.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6), the communication line is a public telephone line, and the setting information is at least a name for identifying an Internet service provider and a telephone number of an access point. It is characterized by including an ID for identifying a user.

The seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7) is characterized in that the connectable internet service provider is an internet service provider whose connection has been confirmed in advance and which can guarantee connection.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8), the manufacturer stores the setting information of the communication means and the provider storage for connecting after confirming the mutual connection between the internet service provider and the internet connection device according to claim 4. The connection guarantee method is characterized in that instruction information for rewriting the contents of the means is transmitted to the internet connection device according to claim 4.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 9), a broadcasting station or a communication company has an internet service provider and communication means setting information for connecting the internet connection device according to claim 4 and the provider storage means. The connection guarantee method is characterized in that the instruction information for making a call is transmitted after transmitting the instruction information for rewriting the contents.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the first of the present invention.
2 shows the configuration of the embodiment of FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a tuner, which receives a digital television broadcast received by an antenna, selects a channel under the control of a microcomputer 5 described later, and then performs detection. 2 is a remote controller for selecting a program desired by the user or GUI
Is a user interface for operating.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a decoder, which inputs a digital broadcasting signal selected and detected by the tuner 1 and digitally demodulates it to filter a service packet set by the microcomputer 5 and AV-decode a television broadcasting program. Output to the connected TV.

On-screen display is also performed. The section data including the script of the data broadcast and the update data of the receiver data is controlled by the microcomputer 5 and RA
Develop once in M4 and analyze.

An EEPROM 6 stores setting information necessary for making a call to an Internet service provider (not shown) in the setting information area in order to connect to the Internet using a modem 7 described later. Details of the setting information will be described later. A connection test is performed in advance in the ISP information area, and data indicating an Internet service provider that can guarantee the connection is stored.

Details of the data to be stored will be described later. A modem 7 is connected to a public telephone line. When an internet connection request is generated by the application, the modem 7 calls the telephone number set by the microcomputer 5 based on the information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 6 to connect to the internet service provider at the physical layer.

The connection of the data link layer and the network layer is performed by the microcomputer 5 by software based on the information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 6.
The modem 7 is an ONU such as an ADSL modem or FTTH.
A terminal adapter for ISDN, a mobile phone, or the like may be used, and in each case, the microcomputer 5 is similarly controlled to connect to the Internet service provider on the physical layer.

Next, details of the setting information stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the ISP name is information for uniquely identifying the Internet service provider, and may be a character string indicating the name or an identification code.

The access point telephone number is the telephone number of the access point of the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name. FT without telephone line
This area may not be used in TH or the like.

The ISP user ID is an ID number for authentication given by the Internet service provider to access the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name.

The ISP password is a password for authentication at the ID number indicated by the ISP user ID in the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name. These user IDs and passwords may be given with a contract between the user and the Internet service provider, and may be given without a contract from the Internet service provider triggered by a script of digital television broadcasting described later.

The ISP authentication protocol indicates an authentication protocol used by the Internet service provider indicated by the ISP name. For example, PAP or CHA in the PPP protocol used on the Internet.
P is given.

The method of storing these information in the setting information area is as follows: when the manufacturer stores the data as default data before shipping the Internet connection device, or when the user inputs it by operating the remote controller 2 and stores it. In some cases, the internet connection device stores the information by using a script signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by a server on the internet.
The information in each case is basically the same and the way it is stored is different.

Next, details of data stored in the ISP information area of the EEPROM 6 and indicating the Internet service provider capable of guaranteeing the connection will be described with reference to FIG.

The information for identifying the ISP in this example is I
The SP name may be a character string indicating the name or an identification code. The connection test is performed in advance, and the ISP name of the Internet service provider that can guarantee the connection is stored.

In FIG. 3, ABCDEFGH and XX
XYYYZZZZ and ISP called 1234567890
This means that the three Internet service providers in the name are connectable.

For the internet service provider ABCDHFGH, access number 012
It can be connected to the access point of 3456789,
This means that the Internet service provider 1234567890 can be connected to the access point with the access number 03991234.

The ISP name stored in the area starting at address 0000h is ABCDEFGH. Corresponding information is not stored from the area starting at address 0600h to the area starting at FE00h, which is all F data.

These areas are reserved for sequentially storing the ISP name when an Internet service provider who newly guarantees the connection appears in the future. The storage method can be stored by the manufacturer's after-maintenance, input by the user operating the remote controller 2 for storage, or by using a script signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by a server on the Internet to allow the Internet connection device to May be remembered.

The information in each case is basically the same as the ISP name, and the method for storing is different. XX stored in the area starting at address 0200h
Regarding the Internet service provider XYYYZZZZ, there is no information about the access point telephone number, but it is unnecessary if the access point is not particularly limited in order to guarantee the connection, or if the telephone number is not required for FTTH etc. This is because.

Although the ISP name is used as the information for identifying the Internet service provider in this example, the ISP name may not be used as long as the information can be identified by the microcomputer 5. For example, if a public telephone line is assumed, only the telephone number of the access point may be used, or FT
The user ID may be used in TH and the like.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart.

FIG. 4 shows setting information for calling a specific Internet service provider from the broadcasting station after shipment from the manufacturer, a script for instructing calling using the setting information, and storing the setting information. It shows an example of an operation when a script for instructing is sent.

The internet connection device receives the above-mentioned script from the broadcasting station using the tuner 1, the decoder 3 and the RAM 4, analyzes it by the microcomputer 5, and sets the setting information for making a call to a specific internet service provider. Recognize that it is a script for calling using the setting information and a script for instructing to store the setting information.

Next, the microcomputer 5 searches the ISP name stored in the ISP information area of the EEPROM 6 in order to determine whether the particular Internet service provider described in the script can connect (STEP).
1).

Next, it is verified whether or not there is an ISP name that matches the ISP name described in the script (STE
P2).

The verification here may be performed simply by the ISP names, but the microcomputer 5 may specify the Internet service provider by using other identification information for verification.

As a result of the verification, when the microcomputer 5 determines that the Internet service provider described in the script is connectable, the microcomputer 5 may use the decoder 3 to call the Internet service provider described in the script. On-screen display of characters to confirm whether or not to present to the user (ST
EP3).

Next, the user confirms the call using the remote controller 2. This confirmation can be performed by moving the cursor while observing the on-screen display of YES or NO (STEP 4).

If the microcomputer 5 verifies the user's confirmation operation and makes a call (STEP 5), the setting information for making a call to a specific Internet service provider described in the script is set for connection and the modem is set. Make a call using 7 (STEP 6).

In this embodiment, a dial-up connection using a modem is shown. However, when using an ADSL model or an ONU of FTTH, it may be possible to connect using the PPP protocol on the Internet.

After that, data communication processing occurs, but since it is not directly related to the present invention, description thereof will be omitted. After the communication end processing is completed, the microcomputer 5 turns on the character for confirming whether or not the setting information for making a call to the specific Internet service provider described in the script may be stored by using the decoder 3. It is displayed on the screen and presented to the user (STEP 7).

Next, the user confirms the memory by using the remote controller 2. This confirmation can be performed by moving the cursor while observing the on-screen display of "Yes" or "No" (STEP8).

If the user's confirmation operation is verified by the microcomputer 5 and stored (STEP 9), the setting information for calling a specific Internet service provider described in the script is stored in the setting information area of the EEPROM 6. Yes (STEP 10).

If there is no matching ISP name in STEP2, the subsequent calling and storing processing is not performed, and ST
If the content is not called in EP5, subsequent calling processing is not performed.

In these cases, since the call cannot be made as a result, not only the call processing is not performed but the setting information of the EEPROM 6 is not called to the specific internet service provider described in the script. It is conceivable to call an Internet service provider stored in the area.

Alternatively, when sending a script for setting information for making a call to a specific Internet service provider from a broadcasting station or the like and instructing a call, after making an agreement with the manufacturer in advance and conducting a connection test to confirm the connection. By providing an operational rule that the data is additionally stored in the ISP information area of the EEPROM 6 and then sent, it is possible to solve the problem that a call cannot be made in some cases.

In this case, the ISP information area of the EEPROM 6 is updated by the Internet connecting device when it is stored by the manufacturer's after-maintenance or by using a script signal or a download signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by a server on the Internet. May be remembered.

In such an operation, EEOROM6
There is a business model in which a fee and a connection test fee are obtained from an Internet service provider, a broadcasting station, or a company providing an advertisement by updating the ISP information of 1.

If the contents are not stored in STEP 9, the process of storing the setting information for calling a specific Internet service provider described in the script in the setting information area of the EEPROM 6 is not performed.

There may be a case where there is no process for storing the setting information for making a call to the Internet service provider and only the process for making a call to the particular Internet service provider described in the script, and vice versa. There is also. In addition, STEP2 to STEP5 and S
The process of obtaining the user confirmation from TEP7 to STEP9 may be omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the EEP
By providing the ISP information area in the ROM 6 and storing the information indicating the Internet service provider whose connection has been tested beforehand and the connection has been confirmed, user settings, script signals in digital television broadcasting or Internet In the connection setting with a specific Internet service provider set by using the signal transmitted by the server, the microcomputer 5 can verify whether the Internet service provider is connectable.

By using the verification result, it is possible to limit the call to the Internet providers that can be connected.
You can prevent connection errors. Further, by preserving an extra ISP information area, it is possible to sequentially add information indicating an Internet service provider whose connection confirmation will be confirmed in the future.

[0070]

As described above, the Internet connection device of the present invention stores in advance the information indicating the connectable Internet service provider, so that the setting of the user or the script signal in the digital television broadcasting after the shipment from the manufacturer can be performed. It is possible to prevent the connection operation from being performed without performing connection verification in advance in the connection setting with a specific Internet service provider, which is set using a signal transmitted from a server on the Internet.

As a result, a connection error can be avoided even when calling is instructed by a script signal in digital television broadcasting or a signal transmitted by a server on the Internet, which is expected to execute a connection operation without the user's awareness. be able to. Further, it is possible to realize an internet connection device capable of avoiding a connection error even in an embedded device such as a television receiver.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of ISP connection setting information in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of an ISP information storage method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram of conventional ISP connection setting information.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tuner 2 remote control 3 decoder 4 RAM 5 Microcomputer 6 EEPROM 7 modem

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line, a setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider, and information indicating a connectable internet service provider. When updating the information stored in the provider storage unit and the setting information storage unit, a connectable Internet service in which the specific Internet service provider indicated by the information to be updated is stored in the provider storage unit An internet connection device provided with a control unit that shifts to a process of confirming that the provider is included and updating. 2. Communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line, setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider, and information indicating connectable internet service providers. Receiving a provider storing means for storing, setting information of a communication means for connecting to a specific internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company, and instruction information for rewriting the contents of the setting information storing means. The setting information receiving means and the specific internet service provider indicated by the transmitted setting information are included in the connectable internet service providers stored in the provider storing means. Move to rewriting process An internet connection device having a control means for performing the operation. 3. Communication means for connecting to the Internet via a communication line, setting information storage means for storing setting information of the communication means for connecting to an internet service provider, and information indicating connectable internet service providers. Receives provider storage means for storing and setting information of a communication means for connecting to a specific internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company and instruction information for making a call using the setting information Connecting to the specific Internet service provider when the setting information receiving unit and the specific Internet service provider indicated by the transmitted setting information are included in the connectable Internet service providers stored in the provider storage unit. To do An Internet connection device comprising: a control unit that shifts to a process of making a call using the setting information of the communication unit. 4. A provider for receiving setting information of communication means for connecting to a connectable internet service provider sent from a television broadcasting station or a communication company and instruction information for rewriting the contents of the provider storage means. The internet connection device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising: information receiving means, and control means for controlling to rewrite the contents of the provider storage means with the contents received by the provider information receiving means. 5. The internet connection device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the setting information includes at least a name for identifying an internet service provider and an ID for identifying a user. 6. The communication line is a public telephone line,
The internet connection device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the setting information includes at least a name for identifying an internet service provider, a telephone number of an access point, and an ID for identifying a user. 7. The Internet connection according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the connectable Internet service provider is an Internet service provider whose connection has been confirmed in advance and connection guarantee is possible. apparatus. 8. The manufacturer claims the setting information of the communication means for connecting after confirming the mutual connection between the internet service provider and the internet connection device according to claim 4 and the instruction information for rewriting the contents of the provider storage means. The connection guarantee method to be transmitted to the Internet connection device described in 4. 9. The broadcasting station or communication company transmits the setting information of the communication means for connecting the internet service provider and the internet connection device according to claim 4 and the instruction information for rewriting the contents of the provider storage means. A connection guarantee method that sends instruction information for making a call.