JP2006086686A - Electronic apparatus, server apparatus, information processing system, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system enhancing the security of information. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 1 includes: a first transmission section 12 for transmitting apparatus identification information of the electronic apparatus to a server apparatus 2 via a first path; and a second transmission section 14 for transmitting index information being information corresponding to the apparatus identification information to the server apparatus 2 via a second path different from the first path. The server apparatus 2 includes: a first reception section 21 for receiving the transmitted apparatus identification information; a second reception section 26 for receiving the transmitted index information; a storage section 24 for storing correspondence information being information wherein the apparatus identification information and the index information are made to correspond to each other into a correspondence information storage section 25; and an information access section 27 for acquiring the apparatus identification information corresponding to the index information received by the second reception section 26 by using the correspondence information, and for accessing electronic apparatus related information corresponding to the apparatus identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system in which an electronic device and a server device communicate with each other.

  In an information processing system in which an electronic device communicates with a server device, an electronic device identifier such as a MAC address of the electronic device is information that is not desired to be known by a third party. When an electronic device identifier is known to a malicious third party, there is a problem that the electronic device identifier can be used to access the electronic device, and the electronic device identifier is information unique to the electronic device. This is because there is a problem that privacy is infringed by monitoring the operation of the electronic device executed in response to the electronic device identifier because the information is not likely to change in the future. .

In recent years, in order to solve such a problem, a technique using index information associated with an electronic device identifier has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using this index information, the server device can identify an electronic device corresponding to the index information, and can access electronic device related information that is information related to the electronic device. Moreover, since the index information can be temporary information, the index information can be changed when it is found that the index information has been leaked to a malicious third party. This is because the index information may be changed and the correspondence between the index information and the electronic device identifier may be changed.
International Publication No. 2004/030292 Pamphlet (Page 33, Figure 15 etc.)

  However, when the index information is set (when communication is made between the electronic device and the server device in order to associate the index information with the electronic device identifier), and when the index information is used (without using the electronic device identifier, the index information is changed). When communicating between the electronic device and the server) through the same route, if a malicious third party monitors information communicated via the route, The user knows the correspondence between the index information and the electronic device identifier and the operation of the electronic device identified by the index information, and what operation is performed by the electronic device identified by a certain electronic device identifier. This is the same as what is known.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an information processing system and the like that performs communication of device identification information and communication of index information at the time of using index information through different paths. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to the present invention includes a first path and an electronic device that performs communication via a second path that is different from the first path, and a server apparatus. The electronic device includes a device identification information storage unit that stores device identification information that is information for identifying the electronic device, and the device identification information is transmitted through the first path. A first transmission unit that transmits to the server device via the second path, an index information storage unit that stores index information that is information corresponding to the device identification information, and the index information via the second path A second transmitter for transmitting to the server device, wherein the server device receives the device identification information transmitted via the first route, and the second receiver. Through the route A second receiving unit that receives the transmitted index information; a correspondence information storage unit that stores correspondence information that is information in which the device identification information and the index information are associated; Using the correspondence information, the storage unit that accumulates correspondence information related to the device identification information received by one receiving unit in the correspondence information storage unit, and the device identification information corresponding to the index information received by the second receiving unit. And an information access unit to be acquired.

  With this configuration, device identification information can be communicated via the first route, and index information can be communicated via the second route different from the first route when using the index information. Therefore, even if there is a malicious third party monitoring the information to be communicated in any of the routes, the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information and the electronic information identified by the index information Both the operation of the device is not known. As a result, it is possible to prevent a malicious third party from knowing what operation an electronic device identified by certain device identification information has performed, thereby improving safety. is made of.

The information processing system according to the present invention further includes an electronic device related information storage unit that stores electronic device related information that is information related to the electronic device, and the information access unit includes the acquired device identification information in the acquired device identification information. You may access corresponding electronic device related information.
With such a configuration, the server device can access the electronic device related information corresponding to the index information transmitted from the electronic device.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the server device generates an index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the first receiving unit, and an index generated by the index information generating unit. A third transmission unit that transmits information to the electronic device via the first path, and the storage unit receives the device identification information received by the first reception unit, and the index information. The correspondence information associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated by the generation unit is stored in the correspondence information storage unit, and the electronic device passes through the first path. A third receiving unit for receiving the transmitted index information, and storing the index information received by the third receiving unit in the index information storage unit; And the index information storage unit that may further comprise a.

  With such a configuration, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device to the server device is performed by the first route, communication for setting the index information is also performed by the first route, and the use of the index information is performed. Therefore, safety can be improved because communication for the purpose is performed through the second route.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the server device generates an index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the first receiving unit, and an index generated by the index information generating unit. A fourth transmission unit that transmits information to the electronic device via the second path, and the storage unit receives the device identification information received by the first reception unit, and the index information. Corresponding information associated with index information corresponding to the device identification information generated by the generating unit is stored in the correspondence information storage unit, and the electronic device is connected via the second path. A fourth receiving unit that receives the transmitted index information, and stores the index information received by the fourth receiving unit in the index information storage unit; And the index information storage unit that may further comprise a.

  With such a configuration, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device to the server device is performed by the first route, and communication for setting the index information and communication for using the index information are performed by the second route. Therefore, safety can be improved.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the electronic device generates an index information generation unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit, and the index information generation unit generates the index information. An index information storage unit for storing the index information in the index information storage unit, wherein the first transmission unit receives the device identification information and the index information corresponding to the device identification information. The device identification information and the index information corresponding to the device identification information transmitted to the server device via one route and the first reception unit transmitted via the first route. The storage unit receives the correspondence information in which the device identification information and the index information received by the first reception unit are associated with each other. It may be stored in the information storage unit.

  With such a configuration, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device to the server device is performed by the first route, communication for setting the index information is also performed by the first route, and the use of the index information is performed. Therefore, safety can be improved because communication for the purpose is performed through the second route.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the electronic device generates an index information generation unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit, and the index information generation unit generates the index information. An index information storage unit that stores the index information in the index information storage unit, and the second transmission unit transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit via the second path. Transmitted to the server device, the second receiving unit receives the index information, the storage unit receives the device identification information received by the first receiving unit, and the second receiving unit The correspondence information associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information may be stored in the correspondence information storage unit.

  With such a configuration, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device to the server device is performed by the first route, and communication for setting the index information and communication for using the index information are performed by the second route. Therefore, safety can be improved.

In the information processing system according to the present invention, the first route may be a route that is safer than the second route.
With such a configuration, the device identification information can be transmitted through a more secure route, and the situation where the device identification information leaks can be more reliably prevented.

  According to the information processing system or the like according to the present invention, a malicious third party can detect any one of the device identification information and the index information when the index information is used via another route. Even if the information communicated via the route is monitored, the person does not know both the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information and the operation of the electronic device identified by the index information. And improve the safety of information.

(Embodiment 1)
An information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic device 1 and a server device 2. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where one electronic device 1 communicates with the server device 2 via the communication lines 100 and 200, two or more electronic devices may communicate with the server device 2. . The electronic device 1 is, for example, a computer, a microwave oven, a telephone set, a printer, a facsimile machine, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a television, a video recording device, a set top box, or the like. The electronic device 1 and the server apparatus 2 are connected via wired or wireless communication lines 100 and 200. The communication lines 100 and 200 are, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a public telephone network, a dedicated communication line, or the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that communication line 100 is a public telephone network and communication line 200 is the Internet.

  The electronic device 1 includes a device identification information storage unit 11, a first transmission unit 12, an index information storage unit 13, a second transmission unit 14, a third reception unit 15, and an index information storage unit 16. Is provided.

  The device identification information storage unit 11 stores device identification information that is information for identifying the electronic device 1. As the device identification information, for example, a MAC address of the electronic device 1 or a GUID (Global Unique ID) such as an EUI64-based address may be used. The device identification information storage unit 11 can be realized by a predetermined recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.).

  The first transmission unit 12 transmits the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit 11 to the server device 2 via the first path. Here, the first route is a route through the communication line 100. As a communication method through the communication line 100 when the communication line 100 is a public telephone network, for example, a method of performing a dial-up connection from the electronic device 1 to the server device 2, or between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 There are a method of performing communication using a tone line, a method of performing automatic transmission and automatic reception by a facsimile machine, and the like. When performing dial-up connection, the electronic device 1 to the public telephone network may be wired or wireless. In the case of a method for automatic transmission and automatic reception in a facsimile apparatus, an automatically received image is converted into numeric or text data by using OCR software or the like. Note that the first transmission unit 12 may or may not include a transmission device (for example, a modem or a network card) for performing transmission (in this case, the first transmission unit 12 and the first transmission unit 12). A transmitting device (not shown) exists between the communication line 100). The first transmission unit 12 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.

  The index information storage unit 13 stores index information. Here, the index information is information corresponding to the device identification information. That is, device identification information is specified by specifying index information. The electronic device 1 communicates with the server device 2 using this index information instead of device identification information. The server apparatus 2 can identify the electronic device 1 based on the index information (this will be described later). The index information stored in the index information storage unit 13 is accumulated by an index information accumulation unit 16 described later. Therefore, the index information storage unit 13 does not store the index information until the index information storage unit 16 stores the index information for the first time. The index information storage unit 13 can be realized by a predetermined recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.).

  The device identification information storage unit 11 and the index information storage unit 13 may be realized by the same recording medium or may be realized by separate recording media. In the former case, the area storing the device identification information is the device identification information storage unit 11, and the area storing the index information is the index information storage unit 13.

The second transmission unit 14 transmits the index information stored in the index information storage unit 13 to the server device 2 via the second path. Here, the second route is a route through the communication line 200. The first route and the second route are different routes. Note that the second transmission unit 14 may or may not include a transmission device (for example, a modem or a network card) for transmission (in this case, the second transmission unit 14 and the second transmission unit 14). A transmitting device (not shown) is present between the communication line 200). The second transmission unit 14 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.

  The third receiving unit 15 receives the index information transmitted from the server device 2 via the first route. The third receiving unit 15 may or may not include a receiving device (for example, a modem or a network card) for receiving (in this case, the third receiving unit 15 and the third receiving unit 15). A receiving device (not shown) exists between the communication line 100). Further, the third receiving unit 15 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the receiving device.

The first transmission unit 12 and the third reception unit 15 may be physically the same means or may be different means.
The index information storage unit 16 stores the index information received by the third reception unit 15 in the index information storage unit 13.

  The server device 2 includes a first reception unit 21, an index information generation unit 22, a third transmission unit 23, a storage unit 24, a correspondence information storage unit 25, a second reception unit 26, and an electronic device. A related information storage unit 27 and an information access unit 28 are provided.

  The first receiving unit 21 receives device identification information transmitted from the electronic device 1 via the first route. The first receiving unit 21 may or may not include a receiving device (for example, a modem or a network card) for receiving (in this case, the first receiving unit 21 and the first receiving unit 21). A receiving device (not shown) exists between the communication line 100). Further, the first receiving unit 21 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the receiving device.

  The index information generation unit 22 generates index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the first reception unit 21. For example, the index information is generated by storing usable index information in a predetermined recording medium in advance and assigning one of the usable index information to the received device identification information. May be performed using a predetermined algorithm (for example, information indicating the value of a function when device identification information is substituted for an argument of a predetermined function is used as index information), or others It may be performed by the method.

The third transmission unit 23 transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit 22 to the electronic device 1 via the first path. The third transmission unit 23 may or may not include a transmission device (for example, a modem or a network card) for transmission (in this case, the third transmission unit 23 and the third transmission unit 23). A transmitting device (not shown) exists between the communication line 100). Further, the third transmission unit 23 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.
The first receiving unit 21 and the third transmitting unit 23 may be physically the same means or may be different means.

The accumulation unit 24 accumulates correspondence information regarding the device identification information received by the first reception unit 21 in the correspondence information storage unit 25. Specifically, the storage unit 24 associates the device identification information received by the first reception unit 21 with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated by the index information generation unit 22. The corresponding correspondence information is accumulated in the correspondence information storage unit 25. Here, the correspondence information is information in which index information and device identification information are associated with each other. Here, “index information and device identification information are associated with each other” means that it is only necessary to acquire device identification information from the index information. Therefore, the correspondence information may include a record including index information and device identification information, and may be information that links the index information and device identification information. In the present embodiment, the former case will be described.

  The correspondence information storage unit 25 stores correspondence information. By using this correspondence information, the server device 2 can identify the electronic device based on the index information. The correspondence information storage unit 25 can be realized by a predetermined recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.).

  The second receiving unit 26 receives the index information transmitted via the second route. This index information is transmitted to use the index information. The second receiving unit 26 may or may not include a receiving device (for example, a modem or a network card) for receiving (in this case, the second receiving unit 26 and the second receiving unit 26). There is a receiving device (not shown) between the communication line 200). Further, the second receiving unit 26 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the receiving device.

  Here, communication of index information between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 will be described. There are two types of communication of index information: communication for setting index information and communication for using index information. The communication for setting index information is communication performed to generate index information corresponding to the electronic device 1 (or device identification information) and notify the generated index information to other devices. . The communication for using the index information is communication performed for notifying the server device 2 of index information as an identifier for identifying the electronic device 1 from the electronic device 1. The communication for using the index information is performed, for example, for accessing electronic device related information stored in the server device 2.

  The electronic device related information storage unit 27 stores electronic device related information that is information related to one or more electronic devices. This electronic device related information may be, for example, information for accessing the electronic device 1 (for example, an IP address or a port number of the electronic device 1), and information on a user who owns the electronic device 1 (for example, User's name, address, telephone number, etc.) or other information about one or more electronic devices. The electronic device related information storage unit 27 can be realized by a predetermined recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.).

  The correspondence information storage unit 25 and the electronic device related information storage unit 27 may be realized by the same recording medium or may be realized by separate recording media. In the former case, the area storing the correspondence information is the correspondence information storage unit 25, and the area storing the electronic device related information is the electronic device related information storage unit 27.

The information access unit 28 acquires device identification information corresponding to the index information received by the second reception unit 26 using the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25, and stores the device identification information in the acquired device identification information. Access corresponding electronic equipment related information. Here, accessing the electronic device related information means writing information in the electronic device related information storage unit 27 and reading information from the electronic device related information storage unit 27, specifically, the electronic device related information. , Searching for electronic device related information, deleting electronic device related information, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server apparatus 2 according to this embodiment.

  (Step S101) The first transmission unit 12 determines whether it is time to transmit device identification information. If it is time to transmit the device identification information, the process proceeds to step S102. If not, the process in step S101 is repeated until it is time to transmit the device identification information. The timing for transmitting the device identification information is, for example, when the electronic device 1 is activated or reset.

  (Step S102) The first transmission unit 12 reads the device identification information from the device identification information storage unit 11, and transmits the read device identification information to the server device 2 via the communication line 100 (first path). To do.

(Step S103) The third receiving unit 15 determines whether or not the index information transmitted from the server device 2 via the communication line 100 (first route) has been received. When the index information is received, the received index information is passed to the index information storage unit 16 and the process proceeds to step S104. Otherwise, the process of step S103 is repeated until the index information is received. If the index information cannot be received after a certain time (for example, 1 minute) due to some trouble, it may be determined that it is timed out and the process may be terminated. The process may be repeated again.
(Step S <b> 104) The index information accumulation unit 16 accumulates the index information received from the third reception unit 15 in the index information storage unit 13.

  (Step S105) The second transmitter 14 determines whether it is time to transmit the index information. If it is time to transmit the index information, the process proceeds to step S106. If not, the process of step S105 is repeated until it is time to transmit the index information. Note that the timing of transmitting the index information is, for example, when registering some information related to the electronic device 1 in the electronic device related information or when changing the electronic device related information corresponding to the electronic device 1. This is a case where it is desired to request some processing relating to the electronic device 1.

(Step S106) The second transmission unit 14 reads the index information from the index information storage unit 13, and transmits the read index information to the server device 2 via the communication line 200 (second route). Then, the process returns to step S105.
In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the process is terminated by powering off or a process termination interrupt.

  (Step S201) The first receiving unit 21 determines whether device identification information has been received. If the device identification information is received, the fact is passed to the index information generation unit 22, the received device identification information is passed to the storage unit 24, and the process proceeds to step S202. If not, the process proceeds to step S205. .

  (Step S202) The index information generation unit 22 generates index information. Then, the generated index information is passed to the third transmission unit 23 and the storage unit 24.

  (Step S <b> 203) The storage unit 24 stores correspondence information including the device identification information received from the first reception unit 21 and the index information received from the index information generation unit 22 in the correspondence information storage unit 25.

  (Step S204) The third transmission unit 23 transmits the index information received from the index information generation unit 22 to the electronic device 1 via the communication line 100 (first route). The third transmission unit 23 transmits the index information to the electronic device 1 by transmitting the index information to the transmission source of the device identification information received by the first reception unit 21. For example, at the time of transmitting the index information, when communication via the tone line between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 has been continued since the transmission of the device identification information, the other party (that is, It is assumed that index information is transmitted to the electronic device 1). Then, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S205) The second receiving unit 26 determines whether index information has been received. If the index information is received, the process proceeds to step S206. If not, the process returns to step S201.

(Step S206) Processing related to the index information received by the second receiving unit 26 is performed. Specifically, for example, access to electronic device related information corresponding to the index information by the information access unit 28 may be performed, or other processing may be performed.
In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process ends when the power is turned off or the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described using a specific example. In this specific example, it is assumed that the electronic device 1 is a PC (Personal Computer). The device identification information of the electronic device 1 stored in the device identification information storage unit 11 is the MAC address of the electronic device 1 and is “001122AABBCC”. Further, it is assumed that the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

  When the electronic device (PC) 1 is activated, the first transmission unit 12 determines that it is time to transmit device identification information (step S101), and uses the telephone number of the server device 2 set in advance. Thus, dial-up connection via the communication line 100 is performed. When the connection is established, the device identification information “001122AABBCC” is read from the device identification information storage unit 11 and transmitted to the server device 2 (step S102). It is assumed that the connection between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 is continued until the electronic device 1 receives the index information.

  The first receiving unit 21 receives the device identification information “001122AABBCC” transmitted from the electronic device 1 (step S201), and passes it to the index information generating unit 22 and the storage unit 24. Then, the index information generation unit 22 generates index information “XYZ1234” by a predetermined algorithm using the device identification information, and passes the generated index information to the third transmission unit 23 and the storage unit 24. (Step S202).

  The accumulation unit 24 accumulates correspondence information including the generated index information “XYZ1234” and the received device identification information “001122AABBCC” in the correspondence information storage unit 25 (step S203). As a result, the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

  Since the connection between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 is continued, the third transmission unit 23 transmits the generated index information “XYZ1234” to the electronic device 1 (step S204). Then, the index information “XYZ1234” is received by the third receiving unit 15 (step S103) and accumulated in the index information storage unit 13 (step S104). Note that when this index information is received, the dial-up connection between the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 is terminated.

  Thereafter, since the index information “XYZ1234” is accumulated, the second transmission unit 14 determines that it is time to transmit the index information (step S105), and sets a packet having the index information “XYZ1234” in the payload in advance. It transmits to the address of the server apparatus 2 that has been set (step S106). The transmission of the index information is performed via a communication line (Internet) 200. The packet having the index information “XYZ1234” in the payload is received by the second receiving unit 26, and the address information of the source included in the header (source address “202.132.10.6”, source port “23456”) ) And index information “XYZ1234” are passed to the information access unit 28 (step S205).

  The information access unit 28 searches the device identification information “001122AABBCC” corresponding to the index information “XYZ1234” from the correspondence information. Then, the electronic device related information storage unit 27 searches for electronic device related information corresponding to the device identification information. In this case, since it is the first access, the electronic device related information does not include the electronic device related information corresponding to the device identification information “001122AABBCC”. Therefore, the information access unit 28 uses the device identification information “001122AABBCC”, the electronic device related information corresponding to the device identification information, the IP address “202.132.10.6” of the electronic device 1, and the port number “23456”. Is stored in the electronic device related information storage unit 27 (step S206). As a result, the electronic device related information stored in the electronic device related information storage unit 27 is as shown in FIG. After that, the user's name and address may be registered in the electronic device related information by the user of the electronic device 1. In this case, the server apparatus 2 can identify the electronic apparatus 1 by transmitting the index information “XYZ1234” from the electronic apparatus 1 to the server apparatus 2.

  As described above, in the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the device identification information is transmitted from the electronic device 1 to the server device 2 through the first route, and the communication for setting the index information is also the first. Since the communication for using the index information is performed by the second route, the information transmitted by a malicious third party is monitored even in the second route (Internet). Even so, the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information is not known to the person, and the device identification information is transferred from the electronic device 1 to the server device 2 without leaking the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information. Can be sent.

  In addition, as a first route for transmitting device identification information, there is a possibility that device identification information may be leaked by using a route that is safer than the second route, for example, a public telephone network or a dedicated communication line. Further reduction may be possible.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic device 1 may be connected to the communication line 200 via the communication processing device 300. Here, the communication processing apparatus 300 has a NAT function and a firewall function, and is called a router or a firewall, for example. In this case, the address and port number of the electronic device 1 managed in the electronic device related information are the address and port number of the communication processing device 300. Thus, the electronic device 1
It is the same in the following embodiments that may be connected to the communication line 200 via the communication processing device 300.

  Further, when assigning one of the usable index information, for example, address information (pointer) of device identification information stored later in the correspondence information storage unit 25 may be assigned. Specifically, the index information generation unit 22 assigns an address of an area where the device identification information can be stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 as index information, and the storage unit 24 receives the first reception in the area indicated by the address. The device identification information received by the unit 21 is accumulated. In this case, only the device identification information is stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25.

(Embodiment 2)
An information processing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the index information generated by the server device is transmitted to the electronic device via a second route different from the first route used for communication of the device identification information.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 7, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic device 3 and a server device 4. The electronic device 3 and the server device 4 correspond to the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 of the first embodiment, respectively. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication line 100 is a public telephone network and the communication line 200 is the Internet.

  The electronic device 3 includes a device identification information storage unit 11, a first transmission unit 12, an index information storage unit 13, a second transmission unit 14, an index information storage unit 16, and a fourth reception unit 31. Is provided. The configuration and operation other than the fourth receiving unit 31 are configured to receive the index information transmitted through the second path instead of the third receiving unit 15 that receives the index information transmitted through the first path. Except for the changes relating to the provision of the four receiving units 31, the description is omitted.

  The fourth receiving unit 31 receives the index information transmitted via the second route. The fourth receiving unit 31 may or may not include a receiving device (for example, a modem or a network card) for receiving (in this case, the fourth receiving unit 31 and the fourth receiving unit 31). There is a receiving device (not shown) between the communication line 200). Further, the fourth receiving unit 31 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the receiving device.

  The server device 4 includes a first reception unit 21, an index information generation unit 22, a storage unit 24, a correspondence information storage unit 25, a second reception unit 26, an electronic device related information storage unit 27, information An access unit 28 and a fourth transmission unit 41 are provided. The configuration and operation other than the fourth transmission unit 41 are configured such that the fourth transmission unit 41 that transmits the index information through the second route is used instead of the third transmission unit 23 that transmits the index information through the first route. Except for the changes relating to the provision, the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

The fourth transmission unit 41 transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit 22 to the electronic device 3 via the second path. The fourth transmission unit 41 may or may not include a transmission device (for example, a modem or a network card) for performing transmission (in this case, the fourth transmission unit 41 and the fourth transmission unit 41). A transmitting device (not shown) is present between the communication line 200). The fourth transmission unit 41 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives the transmission device.

  Note that the flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment is the index information transmission from the third transmission unit 23 to the third reception unit 15 in the first embodiment via the first route. Instead, it is the same as FIGS. 2 and 3 except that the index information is transmitted from the fourth transmission unit 41 to the fourth reception unit 31 via the second path, and the description thereof is omitted. .

  Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described using a specific example. Also in this specific example, it is assumed that the electronic device 3 is a PC, and the device identification information of the electronic device 3 is “001122AABBCC”. Further, it is assumed that the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

  When the electronic device (PC) 3 is activated, the device identification information “001122AABBCC” is transmitted by dial-up connection from the electronic device 3 to the server device 4 in the same manner as in the specific example of the first embodiment (Step S1). S101, S102). In this specific example, address information that is information indicating the IP address (202.132.10.6) of the electronic device 3 is transmitted together with the device identification information. Further, after the device identification information is transmitted, the dial-up connection is disconnected.

  The first receiving unit 21 receives the device identification information “001122AABBCC” and the address information “202.132.16” transmitted from the electronic device 1 (step S201), and uses the device identification information as an index information generation unit. 22 and the storage unit 24, and the address information is transferred to the fourth transmission unit 41 through a route (not shown). The index information generation unit 22 generates index information “XYZ1234” by a predetermined algorithm using the received device identification information, and passes the generated index information to the fourth transmission unit 41 and the storage unit 24 ( Step S202).

  The accumulation unit 24 accumulates correspondence information including the generated index information “XYZ1234” and the received device identification information “001122AABBCC” in the correspondence information storage unit 25 (step S203). As a result, the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

The fourth transmission unit 41 transmits the generated index information “XYZ1234” to the address indicated by the address information “202.132.10.6” received from the first reception unit 21 (step S204). Then, the index information “XYZ1234” is received by the fourth receiving unit 31 (step S103) and accumulated in the index information storage unit 13 (step S104).
Thereafter, the operation of transmitting the index information to the server device 4 by the second transmission unit 14 is the same as the specific example of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the information processing system according to the present embodiment, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device 3 to the server device 4 is performed through the first route, communication for setting index information, and index information. Since communication for use of the network is performed by the second route, even if a malicious third party monitors information communicated in the second route (Internet), an index is given to the person. The correspondence between the information and the device identification information is not known, and the device identification information can be transmitted from the electronic device 3 to the server device 4 without leaking the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information.

Further, as the first route for transmitting the device identification information, a route that is safer than the second route,
For example, by using a public telephone network or a dedicated communication line, the possibility of leakage of device identification information can be further reduced.

  In the specific example according to the present embodiment, the case where the electronic device 3 transmits the address information indicating the address of the transmission destination of the index information to the server device 4 has been described. It may be set by inputting or reading from a predetermined medium.

  Similarly to FIG. 6, when the communication processing device 300 is provided, generally, the electronic device 3 cannot receive the index information transmitted from the server device 4. Therefore, when the communication processing device 300 is provided, the communication processing device 300 passes a packet from the WAN side to the electronic device 3 from the electronic device 3 to the server device 4 and the like before the index information is transmitted. In order to be able to do so, it is necessary to transmit a predetermined packet. The index information is received by the electronic device 3 by transmitting the index information from the server device 4 to the WAN-side port of the communication processing device 300 used for the transmission of the packet.

(Embodiment 3)
An information processing system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the index information generated by the electronic device is transmitted to the server device together with the device identification information.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 8, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic device 5 and a server device 6. The electronic device 5 and the server device 6 correspond to the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 of the first embodiment, respectively. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication line 100 is a public telephone network and the communication line 200 is the Internet.

  The electronic device 5 includes a device identification information storage unit 11, an index information storage unit 13, a second transmission unit 14, an index information storage unit 16, an index information generation unit 51, and a first transmission unit 52. Prepare. The configurations and operations other than the index information generation unit 51 and the first transmission unit 52 are other than that the index information is generated by the index information generation unit 51 instead of the index information reception by the third reception unit 15. This is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The index information generation unit 51 generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit 11. The index information is stored in the index information storage unit 13 by the index information storage unit 16 and transmitted to the server device 6 by the first transmission unit 52. The method for generating the index information is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in order to prevent the same index information from being transmitted from two or more electronic devices to the server device 6, for example, when assigning index information, it can be assigned to each electronic device. It is necessary to change the index information. The same applies when a predetermined algorithm is used.

  The first transmission unit 52 transmits device identification information and index information corresponding to the device identification information to the server device 6 via the first path. Except for transmitting the index information in addition to the device identification information, it is the same as the first transmission unit 12 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

The server device 6 includes an accumulation unit 24, a correspondence information storage unit 25, a second reception unit 26, an electronic device related information storage unit 27, an information access unit 28, and a first reception unit 61. The configuration and operation other than the first receiving unit 61 are the same as those in the first embodiment except that the index information is transmitted from the electronic device 5 instead of generating the index information by the index information generating unit 22. Description is omitted.

  The first reception unit 61 receives device identification information and index information corresponding to the device identification information transmitted via the first route. Except for receiving the index information in addition to the device identification information, it is the same as the first receiving unit 21 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic apparatus 5 according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 6 according to this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the processing of steps S105 and S106 is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the processing of steps S205 and S206 is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  (Step S301) The first transmission unit 52 determines whether it is time to transmit the device identification information and the index information. If it is time to transmit device identification information, etc., an instruction to generate index information is passed to the index information generation unit 51, and the process proceeds to step S302. If not, timing to transmit device identification information, etc. Step S301 is repeated until. The timing for transmitting the device identification information is, for example, when the electronic device 5 is activated or reset.

  (Step S302) The index information generation unit 51 generates index information. Then, the generated index information is passed to the index information storage unit 16 and the first transmission unit 52.

  (Step S303) The first transmission unit 52 reads the device identification information from the device identification information storage unit 11, and transmits the read device identification information and the index information received from the index information generation unit 51 to the communication line 100 ( To the server device 6 via the first route).

(Step S304) The index information storage unit 16 stores the index information received from the index information generation unit 51 in the index information storage unit 13.
In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the process is terminated by power-off or a process termination interrupt.

  (Step S401) The first receiving unit 61 determines whether device identification information and index information have been received. If device identification information or the like is received, the information is passed to the storage unit 24 and the process proceeds to step S402. If not, the process proceeds to step S205.

(Step S <b> 402) The storage unit 24 stores correspondence information including device identification information and index information received from the first reception unit 61 in the correspondence information storage unit 25. Then, the process returns to step S401.
In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process ends when the power is turned off or the process ends.

Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described using a specific example. Also in this specific example, it is assumed that the electronic device 5 is a PC and the device identification information of the electronic device 5 is “001122AABBCC”. Further, it is assumed that the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

  When the electronic device (PC) 5 is activated, the first transmission unit 52 determines that it is time to transmit device identification information or the like (step S301), and the device identification information “001122AABBCC” is stored in the device identification information storage unit 11. ”And the device identification information and an instruction to generate index information are passed to the index information generation unit 51. Then, the index information generation unit 51 generates index information “XYZ1234” by a predetermined algorithm using the device identification information, and the generated index information is transmitted to the first transmission unit 52, the index information storage unit 16, and the like. (Step S302).

  When the first transmission unit 52 receives the index information, the first transmission unit 52 performs dial-up connection via the communication line 100 by using the telephone number of the server device 6 set in advance. When the connection is established, the device identification information “001122AABBCC” read from the device identification information storage unit 11 and the index information “XYZ1234” generated by the index information generation unit 51 are transmitted to the server device 6 (step S303). . Note that the dial-up connection between the electronic device 5 and the server device 6 is disconnected when the transmission of the information is completed.

  The index information storage unit 16 stores the index information “XYZ1234” received from the index information generation unit 51 in the index information storage unit 13 (step S304).

The first receiving unit 61 of the server device 6 receives the device identification information “001122AABBCC” and the index information “XYZ1234” transmitted from the electronic device 5 (step S401), and passes them to the storage unit 24. The accumulation unit 24 accumulates correspondence information including the received device identification information “001122AABBCC” and index information “XYZ1234” in the correspondence information storage unit 25 (step S402). As a result, the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.
Thereafter, the operation of transmitting the index information to the server device 6 by the second transmission unit 14 is the same as the specific example of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the device identification information is transmitted from the electronic device 5 to the server device 6 through the first path, and the communication for setting the index information is the same as the first. Since the communication for using the index information is performed by the second route, the information transmitted by a malicious third party is monitored even in the second route (Internet). Even so, the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information is not known to the person, and the device identification information is transferred from the electronic device 5 to the server device 6 without leaking the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information. Can be sent.

  In addition, as a first route for transmitting device identification information, there is a possibility that device identification information may be leaked by using a route that is safer than the second route, for example, a public telephone network or a dedicated communication line. Further reduction may be possible.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the device identification information and the index information are transmitted to the server device 6 has been described. However, the device identification information and the index information may be transmitted to the server device 6 separately. .

(Embodiment 4)
An information processing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, transmission of index information generated by an electronic device to a server device is performed via a second route different from the first route used for communication of device identification information.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 11, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic device 7 and a server device 8. The electronic device 7 and the server device 8 correspond to the electronic device 1 and the server device 2 of the first embodiment, respectively. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication line 100 is a public telephone network and the communication line 200 is the Internet.

  The electronic device 7 includes a device identification information storage unit 11, a first transmission unit 12, an index information storage unit 13, an index information storage unit 16, an index information generation unit 71, and a second transmission unit 72. Prepare. The configurations and operations other than the index information generation unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are other than that the index information generation unit 71 generates index information instead of the index information generation unit 71 receiving the index information. This is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The index information generation unit 71 generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit 11. The index information is stored in the index information storage unit 13 by the index information storage unit 16 and transmitted to the server device 8 by the second transmission unit 72. The method for generating the index information is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in order to prevent the same index information from being transmitted from two or more electronic devices to the server device 8, for example, when assigning index information, it can be assigned to each electronic device. It is necessary to change the index information. The same applies when a predetermined algorithm is used.

  The second transmission unit 72 transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit 71 to the server device 8 via the second path. Also, the index information stored in the index information storage unit 13 is transmitted to the server device 8 via the second path. That is, the second transmission unit 72 performs transmission of index information for setting index information and transmission of index information for use of index information. It is the same as the second transmission unit 14 according to Embodiment 1 except that the index information is transmitted for setting the index information, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The server device 8 includes a first reception unit 21, an accumulation unit 24, a correspondence information storage unit 25, an electronic device related information storage unit 27, an information access unit 28, and a second reception unit 81. Configurations and operations other than the second receiving unit 81 are generated by the electronic device 7 instead of the index information generated by the index information generating unit 22, and the index information transmitted from the electronic device 7 is used as the second receiving unit 81. Are the same as those in the first embodiment except for the point received.

  The second receiving unit 81 receives the index information generated and transmitted by the electronic device 7. That is, the second receiving unit 81 receives both index information for setting index information and index information for using index information. It is the same as the second receiving unit 26 according to the first embodiment except that the index information is received for setting the index information, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device 7 according to this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 8 according to this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the processes in steps S101 and S102 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the process of step S206 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  (Step S501) The second transmitter 72 determines whether it is time to transmit the index information. If it is time to transmit the index information, the process proceeds to step S502; otherwise, the process returns to step S101. Note that the timing for transmitting the index information is, for example, when the device identification information is transmitted by the first transmission unit 12 or when it is desired to register some information related to the electronic device 7 in the electronic device related information. This is the case when it is desired to change the corresponding electronic device related information, or when the server device 8 is requested to perform some processing relating to the electronic device 7.

  (Step S502) The second transmission unit 72 determines whether to transmit the index information for setting the index information or for using the index information. For example, if transmission is performed at the timing when the device identification information is transmitted by the first transmission unit 12, it is determined that the setting is performed for setting the index information, and some information regarding the electronic device 7 is to be registered in the electronic device related information. Therefore, when transmitting for this purpose, it is determined to use the index information. This determination may be performed, for example, by determining whether or not the index information is stored in the index information storage unit 13. When the index information is stored, it is determined that the index information is used for use. When index information is transmitted for setting index information, an instruction to generate index information is passed to the index information generation unit 71 and the process proceeds to step S503. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S506. .

  (Step S503) The index information generation unit 71 generates index information. Then, the generated index information is passed to the second transmission unit 72 and the index information storage unit 16.

  (Step S <b> 504) The second transmission unit 72 transmits the index information received from the index information generation unit 71 to the server device 8. In this case, a flag or the like indicating that the index information is transmitted for setting the index information may be transmitted to the server device 8 in association with the index information.

  (Step S505) The index information storage unit 16 stores the index information received from the index information generation unit 71 in the index information storage unit 13. Then, the process returns to step S101.

(Step S506) The second transmission unit 72 reads the index information from the index information storage unit 13, and transmits the read index information to the server device 2 via the communication line 200 (second route). In this case, a flag or the like indicating that the index information is transmitted for use of the index information may be transmitted to the server device 8 in association with the index information. Then, the process returns to step S101.
In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the process is terminated by powering off or a process termination interrupt.

(Step S601) The first receiving unit 21 determines whether device identification information has been received. When the device identification information is received, the received device identification information is passed to the storage unit 24 and the process proceeds to step S602. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S605.
(Step S <b> 602) The storage unit 24 temporarily stores the device identification information received from the first receiving unit 21 in a storage unit (not shown) included in the storage unit 24.

  (Step S603) The storage unit 24 determines whether correspondence information can be stored. Here, correspondence information can be accumulated when the storage unit 24 temporarily stores device identification information and index information corresponding to the device identification information. If the correspondence information can be accumulated, the process proceeds to step S604. Otherwise, the process returns to step S601.

  (Step S604) The storage unit 24 receives the device identification information received from the first reception unit 21 and temporarily stored therein, and the device identification information corresponding to the device identification information, and receives it from the second reception unit 81 to temporarily store the device identification information. Correspondence information including the stored index information is accumulated in the correspondence information storage unit 25. Then, the process returns to step S601.

  (Step S605) The second receiving unit 81 determines whether or not index information has been received. If the index information is received, the process proceeds to step S606. If not, the process returns to step S601.

  (Step S606) The second receiving unit 81 determines whether index information has been received for setting index information or index information has been received for using index information. Note that whether or not the index information for setting the index information has been received may be determined based on, for example, a flag transmitted together with the index information. If the index information is received for setting the index information, the index information is transferred to the storage unit 24 and the process proceeds to step S607. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206.

(Step S <b> 607) The storage unit 24 temporarily stores the device identification information received from the second reception unit 81 in a storage unit (not shown) included in the storage unit 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S603.
In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the process is terminated by powering off or a process termination interrupt.

  Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described using a specific example. Also in this specific example, it is assumed that the electronic device 7 is a PC and the device identification information of the electronic device 7 is “001122AABBCC”. Further, it is assumed that the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

  When the electronic device (PC) 7 is activated, the device identification information “001122AABBCC” is transmitted by dial-up connection from the electronic device 7 to the server device 8 in the same manner as in the specific example of the first embodiment (steps). S101, S102). In this specific example, address information that is information indicating the IP address (202.132.10.6) of the electronic device 3 is transmitted together with the device identification information. Further, after the device identification information is transmitted, the dial-up connection is disconnected.

The first receiving unit 21 receives the device identification information “001122AABBCC” and the address information “202.132.10.6” transmitted from the electronic device 1 (step S601), and passes the information to the storage unit 24. . Then, the storage unit 24 temporarily stores the device identification information “001122AABBCC” in association with the address information “202.132.10.6” in a storage unit (not shown). FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a storage unit (not illustrated) included in the storage unit 24. In FIG. 14A, the device identification information “001122AABBCC” and the address information “202.132.10.6” are associated with each other. Note that the index information is not stored because it has not been received by the second receiving unit 81 yet. Therefore, the accumulation unit 24 determines that the correspondence information cannot be accumulated (step S603), and the correspondence information is not accumulated.

  When the second transmission unit 72 detects that the device identification information has been transmitted by the first transmission unit 12 through a route (not shown), the second transmission unit 72 determines that it is time to transmit the index information for setting, and sets the index information. An instruction for generation is passed to the index information generation unit 71 (steps S501 and S502). Then, the index information generation unit 71 acquires the device identification information “001122AABBCC” from the device identification information storage unit 11 through a route (not shown), and generates index information “XYZ1234” by a predetermined algorithm using the device identification information. Then, the data is transferred to the second transmission unit 72 and the index information storage unit 16 (step S503).

  The second transmission unit 72 configures a packet having the index information “XYZ1234” received from the index information generation unit 71 and a flag “1” indicating that it is index information for setting in the payload. It transmits to the server device 8 (step S504). The transmission of the index information is performed via a communication line (Internet) 200. The index information storage unit 16 stores the index information “XYZ1234” received from the index information generation unit 71 in the index information storage unit 13 (step S505).

  When receiving the packet transmitted from the electronic device 7 (step S605), the second reception unit 81 determines that it is transmission of index information for setting because the payload flag of the packet is “1”. Then, the source address information “202.132.10” included in the header of the received packet and the index information “XYZ1234” included in the payload are passed to the storage unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the storage unit 24 stores a record corresponding to the address information “202.132.10.6” in the storage means (not shown). Information “XYZ1234” is temporarily stored (step S607). Then, the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage means (not shown) which the accumulation | storage part 24 has becomes as shown in FIG.14 (b). In this case, since both the index information and the device identification information are stored, the storage unit 24 determines that the correspondence information can be stored (step S603), and the index information “XYZ1234” and the device identification are determined. Correspondence information having the information “001122AABBCC” is stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 (step S604). As a result, the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 25 is as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, since the index information is transmitted for setting, the second transmission unit 72 determines that it is a timing to transmit the index information for using the index information (steps S501 and S502), and the index information “XYZ1234. ”And a packet having a flag“ 0 ”indicating that it is index information for use in the payload is transmitted to the server device 8 (step S506). The transmission of the index information is performed via a communication line (Internet) 200. The packet having the index information “XYZ1234” in the payload is received by the second receiving unit 81 (step S605), and since the payload flag is “0”, it is determined that the index information for use is received. (Step S606), the source address information (source address “202.132.10.6”, source port “23456”) included in the header, and index information “XYZ”.
1234 "is passed to the information access unit 28. The subsequent processing is the same as the specific example of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the information processing system according to the present embodiment, transmission of device identification information from the electronic device 7 to the server device 8 is performed through the first path, communication for setting index information, and index information. Since communication for use of the network is performed by the second route, even if a malicious third party monitors information communicated in the second route (Internet), an index is given to the person. The correspondence between the information and the device identification information is not known, and the device identification information can be transmitted from the electronic device 7 to the server device 8 without leaking the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information.

  In addition, as a first route for transmitting device identification information, there is a possibility that device identification information may be leaked by using a route that is safer than the second route, for example, a public telephone network or a dedicated communication line. Further reduction may be possible.

  In the specific example of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the case where it is determined whether the device identification information and the index information correspond using the address information has been described. Alternatively, the information received at the same time may be stored as corresponding device identification information and index information.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the corresponding index information is transmitted after the device identification information is transmitted has been described. However, the transmission order of the device identification information and the index information corresponding to the device identification information is not limited. Absent.

  In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which whether the transmission is for setting index information or the transmission for use is determined based on the flag included in the payload of the packet, but this is an example. Thus, for example, when the index information included in the payload is not stored in the storage means (not shown) included in the correspondence information storage unit 25 and the storage unit 24, it is determined that the index information is transmitted for setting. In other cases, it may be determined that the index information is transmitted for use.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the initial accumulation of the electronic device related information is performed by transmitting the index information separately from the transmission of the index information for setting has been described. May be stored when index information for setting is transmitted.

  Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiments where the communication line 100 is a public telephone network and the communication line 200 is the Internet, the types of the communication lines 100 and 200 are not limited. The first route and the second route need only be different. Therefore, for example, the communication line 100 may be a dedicated communication line and the communication line 200 may be an intranet.

Further, the first route and the second route may be set in one type of communication line, for example, the Internet. However, even in such a case, it is necessary to prevent the first route and the second route from overlapping. Here, the first route and the second route do not overlap with each other if the relay nodes (routers in the WAN) that pass through the first route and the relay nodes that pass through the second route are all or one. The part is different. For example, in communication from the electronic device to the server device via the second path, the address information of the server device is set and transmitted as the address information of the communication destination included in the header of the packet to be transmitted. On the other hand, in communication from the electronic device to the server device via the first path, the address information of the relay server different from the server device is set and transmitted as the address information of the communication destination included in the header of the packet to be transmitted. The address information of the server device is included in the payload of the packet. The relay server that receives the packet acquires the address information of the server device from the payload, changes the transmission destination of the packet to the acquired address information, and transmits the packet to the server device. Therefore, transmitting information from the electronic device to the server device includes transmitting via the relay server.

  By doing so, at least a part of the first route and the second route from the electronic device to the server device become different routes, and a malicious third party communicates on either of the different routes. Even if the information to be monitored is monitored, it is possible to prevent the person from acquiring both the correspondence between the index information and the device identification information and the information regarding the operation of the electronic device identified by the index information. It is possible to improve safety. When the first route and the second route are set in one type of communication line as described above, each transmission unit and each reception unit included in the electronic device and the server device are physically The same means may be used, or different means may be used.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the correspondence information may be information that can acquire the device identification information from the index information, and is not limited to the description in the specific example of each of the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, device identification information is stored in a predetermined storage means, and a pointer indicating an area where the device identification information is stored and index information are stored in association with each other. May be. In this case, the correspondence information may be only a pointer, may be index information and a pointer, or may be index information, a pointer, and device identification information.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the information access unit 28 performs acquisition of device identification information corresponding to the index information and access to electronic device related information corresponding to the acquired device identification information has been described. The information access unit 28 may only acquire the device identification information corresponding to the index information. The acquired device identification information is used for access to electronic device related information and other processing. The device identification information may be used in the server device or may be used in another device. The other device is, for example, a device that stores electronic device related information. Therefore, when the information access unit 28 only acquires the device identification information, the server device may not include the electronic device related information storage unit 27.

  In each of the above embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. May be.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. The software that realizes the electronic device in each of the above embodiments is a program as described below. That is, this program is an information processing system comprising an electronic device and a server device that communicate with a computer via a first route and a second route that is different from the first route. A first transmission step of transmitting device identification information, which is information for identifying the electronic device, to the server device via the first route, the program for executing processing in the electronic device in A second transmission step of transmitting index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, to the server device via the second path.

  In this program, the computer receives index information generated in correspondence with the device identification information transmitted in the first transmission step, transmitted from the server device via the first path. And the index information storage step for storing the index information received in the third reception step, and the index information stored in the index information storage step is stored in the second transmission step. You may send it.

  Moreover, the software which implement | achieves the server apparatus in each said embodiment is the following programs. That is, this program is an information processing system comprising an electronic device and a server device that communicate with a computer via a first route and a second route that is different from the first route. 1 is a program for executing processing in the server device, and receives device identification information, which is information identifying the electronic device, transmitted from the electronic device via the first path. Received in a receiving step, a second receiving step for receiving index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, transmitted from the electronic device via the second route, and received in the first receiving step An accumulating step for accumulating correspondence information, which is information associated with the device identification information and the index information, The device identification information corresponding to the received index information in the receiving step, an acquisition step of acquiring, using the correspondence information is intended for causing the execution.

  In this program, the computer may further execute an information access step of accessing electronic device related information, which is information related to the electronic device, corresponding to the device identification information acquired in the acquiring step.

  Further, in this program, an index information generating step for generating index information corresponding to the device identification information received in the first receiving step, and the index information generated in the index information generating step are stored in the computer. A third transmission step of transmitting to the electronic device via the path of the device, and in the storage step, the device identification information received in the first reception step and the index information generation step Correspondence information associated with index information corresponding to the device identification information may be accumulated.

  In the above program, in a transmission step for transmitting information, a reception step for receiving information, etc., processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (only performed by hardware). Not included) is not included.

  Further, this program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, and a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like) is read out. May be executed by

Further, the computer that executes this program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the information processing system and the like according to the present invention can improve safety by performing communication of device identification information and communication of index information when using index information through different paths. This is useful in a system for performing communication between a server device and an electronic device.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system by Embodiment 1 of this invention. Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server apparatus by the embodiment The figure which shows an example of the correspondence information in the embodiment The figure which shows an example of the electronic device relevant information in the embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system by the embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system by Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system by Embodiment 3 of this invention. Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server apparatus by the embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system by Embodiment 4 of this invention. Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server apparatus by the embodiment The figure which shows an example of the apparatus identification information and index information memorize | stored temporarily in the same embodiment The figure which shows an example of the apparatus identification information and index information memorize | stored temporarily in the same embodiment

Explanation of symbols

1, 3, 5, 7 Electronic device 2, 4, 6, 8 Server device 11 Device identification information storage unit 12, 52 First transmission unit 13 Index information storage unit 14, 72 Second transmission unit 15 Third reception Unit 16 Index information storage unit 21, 61 First reception unit 22, 51, 71 Index information generation unit 23 Third transmission unit 24 Storage unit 25 Corresponding information storage unit 26, 81 Second reception unit 27 Electronic device related information Storage unit 28 Information access unit 31 Fourth reception unit 41 Fourth transmission unit 100, 200 Communication line 300 Communication processing device

Claims (21)

An information processing system comprising an electronic device and a server device that communicate via a first route and a second route that is different from the first route,
The electronic device is
A device identification information storage unit that stores device identification information that is information for identifying the electronic device, a first transmission unit that transmits the device identification information to the server device via the first path, and An index information storage unit storing index information which is information corresponding to the device identification information;
A second transmitter that transmits the index information to the server device via the second path,
The server device
A first receiver that receives the device identification information transmitted via the first path;
A second receiver for receiving the index information transmitted via the second path;
A correspondence information storage unit that stores correspondence information that is information in which the device identification information and the index information are associated;
An accumulation unit that accumulates correspondence information related to device identification information received by the first reception unit in the correspondence information storage unit;
An information processing system comprising: an information access unit that acquires device identification information corresponding to the index information received by the second reception unit using the correspondence information. An electronic device related information storage unit storing electronic device related information that is information related to the electronic device;
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information access unit accesses electronic device related information corresponding to the acquired device identification information. The server device
An index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the first receiving unit;
A third transmitter that transmits the index information generated by the index information generator to the electronic device via the first path;
The storage unit displays correspondence information in which the device identification information received by the first reception unit is associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated by the index information generation unit. It is accumulated in the storage unit,
The electronic device is
A third receiver for receiving the index information transmitted via the first path;
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an index information storage unit that stores the index information received by the third reception unit in the index information storage unit. The server device
An index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the first receiving unit;
A fourth transmission unit that transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit to the electronic device via the second path;
The storage unit displays correspondence information in which the device identification information received by the first reception unit is associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated by the index information generation unit. It is accumulated in the storage unit,
The electronic device is
A fourth receiver for receiving the index information transmitted via the second path;
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an index information storage unit that stores the index information received by the fourth reception unit in the index information storage unit. The electronic device is
An index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit;
An index information storage unit that stores the index information generated by the index information generation unit in the index information storage unit;
The first transmission unit transmits the device identification information and index information corresponding to the device identification information to the server device via the first path,
The first receiving unit receives the device identification information and index information corresponding to the device identification information transmitted via the first route,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the accumulation unit accumulates correspondence information in which the device identification information received by the first reception unit is associated with index information in the correspondence information storage unit. The electronic device is
An index information generating unit that generates index information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit;
An index information storage unit that stores the index information generated by the index information generation unit in the index information storage unit;
The second transmission unit transmits the index information generated by the index information generation unit to the server device via the second path;
The second receiving unit receives the index information;
The storage unit includes correspondence information in which the device identification information received by the first reception unit is associated with index information corresponding to the device identification information received by the second reception unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system accumulates in the information storage unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first route is a route that is safer than the second route. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the first route is a public telephone network. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second route is the Internet. The electronic device which comprises the information processing system in any one of Claim 1 to 9. The server apparatus which comprises the information processing system in any one of Claim 1 to 9. A communication method used in the electronic device in an information processing system including an electronic device and a server device that performs communication via a first route and a second route that is a route different from the first route Because
A first transmission step of transmitting device identification information, which is information for identifying the electronic device, to the server device via the first path;
A second transmission step of transmitting index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, to the server device via the second path. A third receiving step of receiving index information generated in correspondence with the device identification information transmitted in the first transmitting step, transmitted from the server device via the first path;
An index information accumulation step for accumulating the index information received in the third reception step,
The communication method according to claim 12, wherein in the second transmission step, the index information stored in the index information storage step is transmitted. A communication method used in the server device in an information processing system including an electronic device and a server device, which communicates via a first route and a second route that is a route different from the first route Because
A first receiving step of receiving device identification information, which is information for identifying the electronic device, transmitted from the electronic device via the first path;
A second receiving step of receiving index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, transmitted from the electronic device via the second path;
An accumulation step for accumulating correspondence information, which is information associated with the device identification information and the index information, regarding the device identification information received in the first reception step;
A communication method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring device identification information corresponding to the index information received in the second reception step using the correspondence information. The communication method according to claim 14, further comprising an information access step of accessing electronic device related information, which is information related to the electronic device, corresponding to the device identification information acquired in the acquiring step. An index information generating step for generating index information corresponding to the device identification information received in the first receiving step;
A third transmission step of transmitting the index information generated in the index information generation step to the electronic device via the first path;
In the storage step, correspondence information in which the device identification information received in the first reception step is associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated in the index information generation step is stored. The communication method according to claim 14 or 15. On the computer,
Execute processing in the electronic device in an information processing system including an electronic device and a server device that communicate via a first route and a second route that is different from the first route. A program for
A first transmission step of transmitting device identification information, which is information for identifying the electronic device, to the server device via the first path;
A program for executing a second transmission step of transmitting index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, to the server device via the second path. On the computer,
A third receiving step of receiving index information generated in correspondence with the device identification information transmitted in the first transmitting step, transmitted from the server device via the first path;
An index information accumulating step for accumulating the index information received in the third receiving step;
The program according to claim 15, wherein in the second transmission step, the index information stored in the index information storage step is transmitted. On the computer,
Execute processing in the server device in an information processing system including an electronic device and a server device that communicate via a first route and a second route that is different from the first route. A program for
A first receiving step of receiving device identification information, which is information for identifying the electronic device, transmitted from the electronic device via the first path;
A second receiving step of receiving index information, which is information corresponding to the device identification information, transmitted from the electronic device via the second path;
An accumulation step for accumulating correspondence information, which is information associated with the device identification information and the index information, regarding the device identification information received in the first reception step;
A program for executing an acquisition step of acquiring device identification information corresponding to the index information received in the second reception step using the correspondence information. On the computer,
The program according to claim 19, further causing an information access step of accessing electronic device related information, which is information related to the electronic device, corresponding to the device identification information acquired in the acquiring step. On the computer,
An index information generating step for generating index information corresponding to the device identification information received in the first receiving step;
A third transmission step of transmitting the index information generated in the index information generation step to the electronic device via the first path; and
In the storage step, correspondence information in which the device identification information received in the first reception step is associated with the index information corresponding to the device identification information generated in the index information generation step is stored. The program according to claim 19 or 20.

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