JP2016133959A - Network connection device, network connection method, and network connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a device having small resources to communicate with an information processor connected to a network.SOLUTION: A W client 10 is installed in a wall W1. The W client 10 has a connector to which input devices 1 and 2 and an output device 3 in the outside of the wall W1 are connected. A detection part of the W client 10 detects the connection of at least one of the input devices 1 and 2 and the output device 3 to the connector. A communication part of the W client 10 communicates with an information processor 30 connected to a network 20 when the connection of at least one of the input devices 1 and 2 and the output device 3 to the connector is detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a network connection device, a network connection method, and a network connection system.

  In Patent Document 1, “a virtual machine unit having a plurality of first virtual machines and a first hypervisor that manages each of the first virtual machines, a second virtual machine and a second virtual machine that manages the second virtual machine” are disclosed. An information system comprising: a backup unit having a hypervisor; and a terminal capable of communicating with the virtual machine unit, wherein the backup unit backs up data of the virtual machine unit. .

JP 2014-44630 A

  By the way, in a thin client system, it communicates with a virtual machine using terminal devices, such as a personal computer. Terminal devices such as personal computers include many main memories such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), operating system, application software, display device, keyboard, mouse, etc. There is a problem that it has resources and is expensive.

  Patent Document 1 describes that a terminal that communicates with a virtual machine unit is a personal computer.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a technique capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus connected to a network with an apparatus having few resources.

  The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least a part of the above-described problems. Examples of the means are as follows. In order to solve the above problems, a network connection device installed in a wall according to the present invention includes a connector to which a device outside the wall is connected, a detection unit that detects connection of the device to the connector, and the detection And a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device connected to a network when the connection of the device to the connector is detected by the unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can communicate with the information processing apparatus connected to the network with an apparatus with few resources. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of a W client system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of W client installed in the wall. It is the figure which showed an example of the block of W client. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement of W client. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the W client system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the data structural example of the authentication information memorize | stored in an authentication apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen displayed on an output device. It is the figure which showed an example of the block of W client. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement of W client. It is a perspective view of W client concerning a 3rd embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the network connection device according to the present invention is referred to as a W client (Wall Client).

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a W client system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the W client system includes a W client 10, a network 20, and an information processing device 30.

  FIG. 1 shows buildings S1 to S3. Buildings S1-S3 are buildings, such as a house, a building, or an accommodation facility, for example.

  The building S1 in FIG. 1 shows a partial cross section of the wall W1 in the building S1. The W client 10 is installed in the wall W1.

  The W client 10 has a connector into which the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3 are inserted, and is installed in the wall W1 so that the connector appears on the outer surface of the wall W1. That is, the W client 10 is installed in the wall W1 so that the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3 can be inserted. Similarly to the building S1, the buildings S2 and S3 have W clients installed on the walls in the building.

  The input devices 1 and 2 are, for example, a key input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. The output device 3 is a display device (monitor) such as an LCD (Liquid crystal display).

  The W client 10 is connected to the information processing apparatus 30 via the network 20. The network 20 is, for example, the Internet or a dedicated line.

  The information processing apparatus 30 is, for example, a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) server. The information processing apparatus 30 generates a plurality of virtual computers 31, 32,..., 33 therein and provides a virtual desktop to the user.

  For example, a virtual computer 31 is assigned to the W client 10 of the building S1. For example, a virtual computer 32 is assigned to the W client of the building S2. For example, a virtual computer 33 is assigned to the W client of the building S3. Therefore, for example, a user who is a resident of the building S1 can use the virtual desktop of the virtual computer 31 via the W client 10 installed in the building S1. A user who is a resident of the building S2 can use the virtual desktop of the virtual computer 32 via the W client installed in the building S2. A user who is a resident of the building S3 can use the virtual desktop of the virtual computer 33 via the W client installed in the building S3.

  The operation of the W client system in FIG. 1 will be described. A user who is a resident of the building S1 wants to access the virtual computer 31 provided by the information processing apparatus 30 in the building S1. In this case, the user inserts the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3 into the connector of the W client 10 installed in the wall W1.

  When the W client 10 detects connection of at least one of the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3, it makes a connection request to the virtual computer 31 assigned to the W client 10. Thereby, the input devices 1 and 2 and the output device 3 can communicate with the virtual computer 31 via the W client 10.

  As described above, when the W client 10 detects connection of at least one of the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3, it makes a connection request to the virtual computer 31 assigned to the W client 10. As a result, the user can access the virtual computer 31 without using a terminal device or the like provided with resources for connecting to the virtual computer 31. For example, a user can use a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, and the like without using application software for connecting to the virtual computer 31 or a personal computer equipped with a CPU, a storage device, and an operating system for executing the application software. By connecting a device with few resources to the W client 10, the virtual computer 31 can be accessed.

  In addition, in FIG. 1, although only three buildings S1-S3 are shown, it is not restricted to this. For example, there may be four or more buildings.

  In FIG. 1, only one W client 10 is installed in the wall W1 in the building S1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two or more W clients 10 may be installed in the wall W1 in the building S1.

  In FIG. 1, two input devices 1 and 2 are connected to the W client 10 and one output device 3 is connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one input device may be connected to the W client 10 and two or more output devices may be connected.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the W client installed in the wall. 2 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 2, the W client 10 is installed in a wall W1.

  The W client 10 has a front panel 10a. In FIG. 2, a part of the front panel 10a appears on the outer surface of the wall W1.

  The front panel 10 a is provided with connectors 11 a to 11 c for connecting the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3. The connectors 11a and 11b are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors. The connector 11c is, for example, an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connector. Thereby, for example, a keyboard having a USB connector can be connected to the connector 11a, and a mouse having a USB connector can be connected to the connector 11b. A monitor having an HDMI connector can be connected to the connector 11c.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the W client 10 is installed in the wall W1 so that the connectors 11a to 11c appear on the outer surface of the wall W1. Accordingly, the user can connect input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor to the wall W1 (connected to the W client 10). Then, the user can access the virtual computer 31 assigned to the W client 10.

  In FIG. 2, the W client 10 includes the three connectors 11a to 11c, but is not limited thereto. For example, the W client 10 may have four or more connectors.

  The types of connectors 11a to 11c are not limited to USB connectors or HDMI connectors. For example, the connectors 11a to 11c may be connectors such as earphone jacks.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a W client block. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the W client 10 includes connectors 11 a to 11 c, a detection unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a connector 14.

  The connectors 11a to 11c are connectors to which the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3 are connected. The connectors 11a to 11c are, for example, USB connectors or HDMI connectors.

  The detection unit 12 detects the connection of the connector of the input devices 1 and 2 or the output device 3 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as an input / output device) to the connector 11a. That is, the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a.

  The detector 12 can detect the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a using a general method. For example, when the connector 11a is a USB connector, the detection unit 12 can detect the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a by using a general USB device detection method. Further, when the connector 11a is an HDMI connector, the detection unit 12 can detect the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a using a general HDMI device detection method.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, but may also detect the connection to the connectors 11b and 11c. Further, the detection unit 12 may detect the connection of the input / output device with respect to at least one of the connectors 11a to 11c. For example, the detection unit 12 may detect the connection of the input / output device to the connector when the input / output device is connected to both the connectors 11a and 11b. Or the detection part 12 may detect the connection to the connector of an input / output device, when an input / output device is connected to all the connectors 11a-11c.

  The detection unit 12 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor having a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. For example, the ROM stores a program for detecting connection to the connector 11a of the input / output device, and the function of the detection unit 12 is realized by the CPU executing the program. The RAM temporarily stores a part of the program stored in the ROM and data when the CPU performs an operation or the like. The detection unit 12 may realize its function by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

  When the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, the communication unit 13 starts communication with the information processing device 30 connected to the network 20. Then, the communication unit 13 mediates communication between the input / output devices connected to the connectors 11a to 11c and the information processing device 30 connected to the network 20 (for example, the communication unit 13 includes the connectors 11a to 11a). It carries out the communication function of the input / output device connected to 11c and communicates with the information processing device 30).

  For example, the communication unit 13 stores in advance the IP address of the virtual computer 31 of the information processing apparatus 30 assigned to the W client 10. When the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, the communication unit 13 uses a pre-stored IP address or the like to virtualize the information processing device 30 connected to the network 20. A connection request is made to the computer 31. When the communication connection with the virtual computer 31 is established, the communication unit 13 mediates communication between the input / output device connected to the connectors 11 a to 11 c and the virtual computer 31. The communication unit 13 communicates with the virtual computer 31 through, for example, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dedicated line.

  When communication between the communication unit 13 and the virtual computer 31 is established, for example, the video card of the information processing apparatus 30 transmits image data of the virtual desktop screen to the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 outputs the received image data of the virtual desktop screen to the output device 3 such as a monitor connected to the connectors 11a to 11c. As a result, the user can perform various operations using the virtual computer 31.

  The communication unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like and an ONU (Optical Network Unit). For example, the microprocessor makes a connection request to the virtual computer 31 of the information processing apparatus 30 according to a program stored in the ROM, or communicates between the input / output devices connected to the connectors 11 a to 11 c and the virtual computer 31. To control. At that time, the microprocessor refers to the IP address of the virtual computer 31 assigned to the W client 10 stored in advance in the ROM or RAM. Further, the microprocessor stores data sent from a keyboard or mouse connected to the connectors 11a to 11c in a packet or is connected to the connectors 11a to 11c from a packet sent from the virtual computer 31. Image data to be output to a monitor or the like. The ONU performs electro-optical signal conversion. For example, the ONU converts an electrical signal output from the microprocessor into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal to the network 20, and converts an optical signal received from the network 20 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the microprocessor.

  The communication unit 13 may realize its function by a south bridge or an ASIC. The detection unit 12 and the communication unit 13 may be realized by a single microprocessor.

  The connector 14 is connected to the network 20. The connector 14 is, for example, an SC (Square Shaped) connector and is connected to an optical cable.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the W client. The W client 10 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the detection unit 12 determines whether or not the input / output device is connected to the connector 11a (step S1). When it is determined that the input / output device is not connected to the connector 11a (“No” in S1), the detection unit 12 continues the process of step S1. If the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device is connected to the connector 11a ("Yes" in S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

  When the connection to the connector 11a of the input / output device is detected in step S1 (“Yes” in S1), the communication unit 13 makes a connection request to the virtual computer 31 of the information processing device 30 (step S2).

  Next, when the communication unit 13 makes a connection request to the virtual computer 31 of the information processing apparatus 30 in step S2 and establishes a communication connection with the virtual computer 31, the communication unit 13 communicates with the virtual computer 31 (step S3). ). That is, the communication unit 13 mediates communication between the virtual computer 31 and the input / output device connected to the connectors 11 a to 11 c. For example, the communication unit 13 receives the image data of the virtual desktop screen sent from the virtual computer 31, and outputs the image data to monitors connected to the connectors 11a to 11c. In addition, the communication unit 13 transmits data transmitted from a keyboard, a mouse, or the like connected to the connectors 11 a to 11 c to the virtual computer 31.

  Next, the detection unit 12 determines whether or not the input / output device is disconnected from the connector 11a (step S4). When the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device is not disconnected from the connector 11a (“No” in S4), the process proceeds to step S3. When the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device is disconnected from the connector 11a (“Yes” in S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the input / output device has been disconnected from the connector 11a ("Yes" in S4), the communication unit 13 disconnects the communication connection with the virtual computer 31 and ends the communication (step S5). ).

  As described above, the W client 10 is installed in the wall W1 of the building S1, and the detection unit 12 of the W client 10 detects the connection to the connector 11a of the input / output device. The communication unit 13 communicates with the virtual computer 31 of the information processing device 30 when the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a.

  As a result, the user can access the virtual computer 31 without using a terminal device or the like provided with resources for connecting to the virtual computer 31. For example, the user can access the virtual computer 31 by connecting a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or the like with few resources to the W client 10.

  Further, the user can use the virtual computer 31 at a low cost. For example, the user can use the virtual computer 31 by arranging a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, and the like.

  Further, for example, the user does not have to place the main body of a desktop personal computer or the like in the room, so that the room space can be used effectively.

  Further, the W client 10 can be realized with few resources. For example, the W client 10 can be realized by a resource for detecting connection of the connectors 11 a to 11 c of the input / output device and a resource for performing communication between the input / output device and the virtual computer 31. Specifically, the W client 10 does not require a large-scale CPU, an HDD that stores general-purpose application software, or a large-scale main memory, and can be realized by a small-scale microprocessor or ASIC.

  The information processing apparatus 30 includes, for example, a video card, decodes compressed image data, and transmits the decoded image data (uncompressed image data) to the W client 10. The communication unit 13 of the W client 10 receives the uncompressed image data and outputs it to the connectors 11a to 11c to which the output device 3 such as a monitor is connected. Thus, the W client 10 does not require resources for decoding the compressed image data (for example, a video card or a CPU for decoding the compressed image data), and can be realized with small-scale hardware.

  Further, since the W client 10 can be realized by a small resource, the cost can be suppressed.

  In addition, if the building S1 is an accommodation facility, the accommodation provider simply lends a low-resource device such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. without renting a high-resource device such as a personal computer to the guest. The use of the virtual computer 31 can be provided to the guest.

  In the above description, input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor are connected to the W client 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the W client 10 may be connected with an input / output device such as a keyboard and monitor integrated, an input / output device such as a USB memory, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) driver, a printer, a speaker, an earphone, and a game controller. Good.

  Further, in the above, even an unauthorized user who is not authorized to use the W client 10 (for example, a user who is not a resident of the building S1) is assigned to the W client 10 if an input / output device is connected to the W client 10. The virtual computers 31 to 33 can be accessed. Therefore, when the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connectors 11a to 11c, the communication unit 13 may perform user authentication and communicate with the virtual computers 31 to 33.

  For example, the communication unit 13 stores in advance a user ID (identification) of a user who can use the W client 10 and a user PSW (password). When the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, the communication unit 13 outputs screen data for performing user authentication to the output device 3. For example, the communication unit 13 outputs screen data for receiving a user ID and a user PSW from the user to the output device 3. When the authentication information input from the input devices 1 and 2 is appropriate (the user ID and the user PSW input on the screen of the output device 3 are stored in advance) In the case of coincidence with PSW), communication with the virtual computers 31 to 33 is performed. Thereby, the W client 10 can prevent an unauthorized user from accessing. User authentication may use card authentication, fingerprint authentication, handwriting authentication, or the like.

  Further, the virtual computers 31 to 33 may perform user authentication. For example, what is necessary is just to set so that user authentication may be performed in the operating system etc. of the virtual computers 31-33. This also prevents unauthorized users from accessing.

  The communication unit 13 of the W client 10 starts communication with the information processing device 30 when the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connectors 11a to 11c and receives a communication start instruction from the user. May be. For example, when the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, the communication unit 13 outputs screen data asking whether to perform communication to the output device 3. And the communication part 13 will communicate with the virtual computers 31-33, if the instruction | indication which communicates from the input devices 1 and 2 is received.

  The wall W1 includes a ceiling wall and a pillar wall.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, a virtual computer is assigned to the W client, and the W client communicates with the assigned virtual computer. In the second embodiment, a virtual computer is assigned to the user, and the W client communicates with the virtual computer assigned to the user. As a result, the user can access the virtual computer assigned to himself / herself from a W client installed in the wall of any building. For example, a user can access a virtual computer assigned to himself / herself from an accommodation facility on a business trip if a W client is installed at the accommodation destination. Hereinafter, parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a W client system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG.

  The W client system shown in FIG. The authentication device 50 is, for example, an authentication server. The authentication device 50 is connected to the W client 40 via the network 20.

  Virtual computers 31 to 33 of the information processing apparatus 30 are assigned in advance to users A to C who use the W client 40. For example, the virtual computer 31 is assigned to the user A. User B is assigned a virtual computer 32. User C is assigned a virtual computer 33.

  The authentication device 50 stores user information of users A to C who can use the virtual computers 31 to 33 and information of virtual computers 31 to 33 assigned to the users A to C. The user information is, for example, a user ID and a user PSW for accessing the virtual computers 31 to 33, and the information of the virtual computers 31 to 33 is, for example, the IP address of the virtual computers 31 to 33.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of authentication information stored in the authentication device. The authentication information 60 illustrated in FIG. 6 is stored in the authentication device 50, for example. The authentication information 60 has a user ID 61, a user PSW 62, and an IP address 63.

  The user ID 61 and the user PSW 62 are user information for the users A to C to access the virtual computers 31 to 33. The user ID 61 and the user PSW 62 are issued by, for example, a vendor that provides the W client system or a vendor that provides the virtual computers 31 to 33.

  For example, the trader issues a user ID 61 and a user PSW 62 to the users A to C in response to an application from the users A to C who want to use the W client system. Then, the trader associates the user ID 61 and the user PSW 62 issued to the users A to C with the IP addresses 63 of the virtual computers 31 to 33 assigned to the users A to C and stores them in the authentication device 50.

  For example, it is assumed that the virtual computer 31 whose IP address is “xxx” is assigned to the user A. Then, it is assumed that the user ID “aaa” and the user PSW “xyz” for using the assigned virtual computer 31 are issued to the user A. In this case, “aaa” is stored in the user ID 61 of the authentication information 60, “xyz” is stored in the user PSW 62, and “xxx” is stored in the IP address 63.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the operation of the W client system will be described. The user A wants to access the virtual computer 31 of the information processing apparatus 30 assigned to him. In this case, the user A inserts the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3 into the connector of the W client 40.

  When the W client 40 detects connection of at least one of the connectors of the input devices 1 and 2 and the connector of the output device 3, it makes an authentication request to the authentication device 50. Upon receiving an authentication request from the W client 40, the authentication device 50 transmits image data for performing user authentication to the W client 40. When the W client 40 receives the image data of the user authentication screen from the authentication device 50, the W client 40 outputs the received image data to the output device 3.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the output device. As shown in FIG. 7, an authentication screen 70 is displayed on the output device 3. On the authentication screen 70, an input box 71 for inputting a user ID and an input box 72 for inputting a user PSW are displayed.

  The user A uses the input devices 1 and 2 to input the user ID and user PSW issued by the supplier on the authentication screen 70 displayed on the output device 3. For example, the user A inputs the user ID “aaa” and the user PSW 62 “xyz” in the input boxes 71 and 72. The W client 40 transmits the input user ID and user PSW to the authentication device 50.

  Upon receiving the user ID and the user PSW, the authentication device 50 refers to the authentication information 60 stored in the storage device and performs an authentication process. When the received user ID and user PSW match the user ID 61 and user PSW 62 of the authentication information 60, the authentication device 50 transmits the corresponding IP address 63 to the W client 40. In the case of the above example, the authentication device 50 transmits the IP address “xxx” of the virtual computer 31 assigned to the user A to the W client 40.

  The W client 40 communicates with the virtual computer 31 using the IP address transmitted from the authentication device 50. Thereby, the user A can use the virtual computer 31 assigned to himself / herself.

  As described above, when the authentication device 50 determines that the user authentication of the user A is appropriate, the W client 40 communicates with the virtual computer 31 assigned to the user A. Thereby, for example, the user A can communicate with the virtual computer 31 assigned to him / her even from the W client 40 installed in the buildings S2 and S3.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block of the W client. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. Below, a different part from FIG. 3 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the W client 40 has a communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 includes a storage unit 41a.

  When the detection unit 12 detects the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a, the communication unit 41 accesses the authentication device 50. The communication unit 41 receives, for example, the image data of the authentication screen 70 illustrated in FIG. 7 from the authentication device 50 and outputs the image data to the output device 3.

  The communication unit 41 receives the user IDs of the users A to C and the user PSW from the input devices 1 and 2. Then, the communication unit 41 transmits the received user ID and user PSW to the authentication device 50.

  The authentication device 50 refers to the authentication information 60 based on the received user ID and user PSW and performs user authentication. If the authentication device 50 determines that user authentication is appropriate, the authentication device 50 transmits an IP address corresponding to the received user ID and the user PSW to the communication unit 41 of the W client 40.

  The communication unit 41 stores the received IP address in the storage unit 41a. Then, the communication unit 41 makes a connection request to the virtual computers 31 to 33 of the information processing apparatus 30 connected to the network 20 using the IP address or the like stored in the storage unit 41a. Then, when the communication connection with the virtual computers 31 to 33 is established, the communication unit 41 mediates communication between the input / output device connected to the connectors 11 a to 11 c and the virtual computer 31.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the W client. The W client 10 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the detection unit 12 determines whether or not the input / output device is connected to the connector 11a (step S11). When it is determined that the input / output device is not connected to the connector 11a (“No” in S11), the detection unit 12 continues the process of step S11. When the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device is connected to the connector 11a ("Yes" in S11), the process proceeds to step S12.

  When the connection of the input / output device to the connector 11a is detected in step S11 (“Yes” in S11), the communication unit 41 accesses the authentication device 50 and receives the image data of the authentication screen (step S12). ). Then, the communication unit 41 outputs the received image data of the authentication screen to the output device 3 such as a monitor connected to the connectors 11a to 11c.

  Next, the communication unit 41 receives user information (user ID and user PSW) input by the user from the input devices 1 and 2 connected to the connectors 11a to 11c, and transmits it to the authentication device 50 (step S13). .

  The authentication device 50 performs a user authentication process based on the user information transmitted from the communication unit 41. If the authentication device 50 determines that the user authentication is appropriate, the authentication device 50 transmits an IP address corresponding to the user information to the communication unit 41. That is, if the authentication device 50 determines that the authentication of the user who has made the authentication request is appropriate, the authentication device 50 transmits the IP address of the virtual computer assigned to the user to the communication unit 41.

  Next, the communication unit 41 receives the IP address from the authentication device 50 and stores it in the storage unit 41a (step S14).

  Next, the communication unit 41 refers to the IP address stored in the storage unit 41a and makes a connection request to the virtual computers 31 to 33 of the information processing apparatus 30 (step S15).

  Next, when the communication unit 41 makes a connection request to the virtual computers 31 to 33 of the information processing apparatus 30 and establishes communication connection with the virtual computers 31 to 33 in Step S15, Communication is performed (step S16). That is, the communication unit 41 mediates communication between the input / output devices connected to the connectors 11a to 11c and the virtual computers 31 to 33. The communication unit 41 communicates with the virtual computers 31 to 33 using the IP address stored in the storage unit 41a in step S14.

  Next, the detection unit 12 determines whether or not the input / output device is disconnected from the connector 11a (step S17). When the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device is not disconnected from the connector 11a (“No” in S17), the process proceeds to step S16. If the detection unit 12 determines that the input / output device has been disconnected from the connector 11a (“Yes” in S17), the process proceeds to step S18.

  If it is determined in step S17 that the input / output device has been disconnected from the connector 11a (“Yes” in S17), the communication unit 41 disconnects the communication connection with the virtual computers 31 to 33 and ends the communication ( Step S18).

  Next, the communication unit 41 deletes the IP address stored in the storage unit 41a (step S19).

  As described above, the W client 40 communicates with the virtual computers 31 to 33 assigned to the user. Thereby, the user can access the virtual computers 31 to 33 from any W client 40.

  In the above description, the information processing apparatus 30 and the authentication apparatus 50 have been described as separate apparatuses, but may be realized by the same apparatus. For example, the information processing device 30 may include the authentication device 50.

  The authentication device 50 may dynamically assign an IP address to the user. For example, the authentication device 50 has a plurality of IP addresses that can be dynamically assigned to the user. The authentication device 50 performs user authentication in response to a user request, and when it is determined that the user is an appropriate user, the user is assigned one of a plurality of IP addresses. Then, when the user who assigned the IP address finishes using the virtual computers 31 to 33 (for example, when the process of step S18 in FIG. 9 is executed), the authentication device 50 releases the IP address assigned to the user. IP addresses that can be assigned to other users.

  User authentication may use card authentication, fingerprint authentication, handwriting authentication, or the like.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, a virtual computer can be used without installing a W client in the wall.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a W client according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the W client 80 is not installed in the wall W11 but can be placed outside the wall.

  The W client 80 has connectors 11a to 11c for connecting input / output devices. Further, the W client 80 has a connector 81. The connector 81 is connected to a communication unit (not shown) of the W client 80 via a cable. The W client 80 has the same function as the W client 10 described in FIG. 3 or the W client 40 described in FIG.

  Connector 81 is connected to connector 91 provided on wall W11. The connector 91 provided on the wall W11 is, for example, a modular jack and is connected to the network 20. Thereby, the W client 80 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 30 by connecting the connector 81 to the connector 91 of the wall W11.

  As described above, the W client 80 has the connector 81 connected to the network 20. Accordingly, the W client 80 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 30 by connecting the connector 81 to the connector 91 of the wall W11 without being installed in the wall W11.

  In addition, the W client 80 does not require, for example, construction for installation in the wall W11.

  In the above description, the W client 80 is connected to the network 20 by wire, but may be connected to the network 20 by wireless. For example, the communication unit of the W client 80 may have a wireless communication function, and may be connected to the network 20 via a mobile phone wireless network, a WiMAX wireless network, or the like.

  The above-described functional configuration of the W client system is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the W client system. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the W client system can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Further, each processing unit in the above-described flowchart is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the W client system. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the W client system can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes. Further, the processing order is not limited to the above flowchart.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. Also, the above embodiments can be combined. The present invention can also be provided as a network connection method, a program for connecting to a W client network, and a storage medium storing the program.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2: Input device 3: Output device 10: W client 10a: Front panel 11a-11c: Connector 12: Detection part 13: Communication part 14: Connector 20: Network 30: Information processing device 31-33: Virtual computer 40: W client 41: communication unit 41a: storage unit 50: authentication device 60: authentication information 61: user ID
62: User PSW
63: IP address 70: Authentication screen 80: W client 81, 91: Connector S1 to S3: Building W1, W11: Wall

Claims (11)

In the network connection device installed in the wall,
A connector to which a device outside the wall is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection to the connector of the device;
A communication unit that communicates with an information processing device connected to a network when the detection unit detects a connection to the connector of the device;
A network connection device comprising: The network connection device according to claim 1,
The connector includes an input connector to which an input device is connected, an output connector to which an output device is connected,
A network connection device comprising: The network connection device according to claim 2,
The detection unit detects at least one of connection of the input device to the input connector and connection of the output device to the output connector;
A network connection device characterized by that. The network connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The information processing apparatus generates a plurality of virtual computers inside,
The communication unit communicates with the virtual computer.
A network connection device characterized by that. The network connection device according to claim 4,
The communication unit communicates with the virtual computer assigned to the network connection device;
A network connection device characterized by that. The network connection device according to claim 4,
The communication unit communicates with the virtual computer assigned to a user;
A network connection device characterized by that. The network connection device according to claim 2 or 3,
When the detection unit detects the connection of the device to the connector, the communication unit outputs screen data for performing user authentication to the output device, and the user information input from the input device is appropriate. And communicating with the information processing device.
A network communication device. In a network connection method of a network connection device having a connector installed in a wall,
Detect connection to the connector of the device outside the wall,
When detecting the connection of the device to the connector, it communicates with an information processing device connected to a network.
A network connection method characterized by the above. In a network connection system having a network connection device and an information processing device installed in a wall,
The network connection device is:
A connector to which a device outside the wall is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection to the connector of the device;
A communication unit that communicates with an information processing device connected to a network when the detection unit detects a connection to the connector of the device;
A network connection system comprising: A first connector connected to the network;
A second connector to which the device is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection of the device to the second connector;
A communication unit that communicates with an information processing device connected to the network when the detection unit detects a connection of the device to the second connector;
A network connection device comprising: A connector to which the device is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection to the connector of the device;
When the detection unit detects the connection of the device to the connector, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device connected to a network by wireless communication;
A network connection device comprising:

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