JP2016184804A - Communication apparatus, communication method, and communication program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus enabling a user to easily perform APN settings, a communication method, and a communication program.SOLUTION: A storage unit 12 stores a source-by-source setting information registration table in which setting information is registered by source of a mobile body communication service. A control unit 16 reads setting information from the source-by-source setting information registration table of the storage unit 12 on the basis of identification information stored in a storage medium mounted to a holding unit 11. A communication unit 13 performs communication on the basis of the setting information read by the control unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a communication program that perform communication based on a mobile communication service.

  Several operators provide various mobile communication services. These operators make a contract according to the service contents with the user who receives the mobile communication service, and use a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in which identification information that can identify the service provider based on the contract is stored. Provide to the user. A user of a mobile communication service receives a provision of the mobile communication service by attaching a SIM card corresponding to the mobile communication service to be used to the communication device.

  In addition, in order for a communication device to communicate via a mobile communication network such as a cellular phone communication network, the communication device is set with an APN (Access Point Name) or the like for connecting to the mobile communication network. It is necessary to The APN is information indicating the provider of the mobile communication service.

  The communication device receives the provision of the mobile communication service by the provider by transmitting the setting information including the identification information stored in the attached SIM card to the provider of the provider indicated by the APN. Thus, communication can be performed via the mobile communication network. Therefore, in order for the communication apparatus to communicate via the mobile communication network after receiving the mobile communication service provided by the business operator, APN setting based on setting information such as APN must be performed.

  In recent years, the number of MVNOs (Virtual Mobile Network Operators) that provide mobile communication services has increased. When receiving a mobile communication service provided by each MVNO, the user performs APN setting for the mobile communication service in the communication device.

  Patent Document 1 describes a method of setting an APN or the like read from a lookup table and connecting to a mobile communication network.

Special table 2012-518949 gazette

  However, with the increase in MVNO and mobile communication services, the number of setting information stored in the storage means at the time of manufacture of the communication device is increased in order to perform APN settings corresponding to them. Then, when the user replaces the SIM card attached to the communication device and receives provision of mobile communication service from another provider, the user selects appropriate setting information from a lot of setting information stored in the storage means. It takes a lot of work.

  Specifically, when the user selects incorrect setting information and sets it in the communication device, the mobile communication service cannot be provided. Therefore, in such a case, the user repeats trial and error of selecting other setting information and setting it in the communication device. When the setting information stored in the storage means at the time of manufacturing the communication device is increased, the number of trial and error increases, and there is a problem that it takes time for the user to receive the mobile communication service.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a communication device, a communication method, and a communication program that allow a user to easily perform APN settings.

  The communication device according to the present invention includes a holding unit capable of mounting a storage medium storing identification information capable of identifying a provider of a mobile communication service, and communication based on the mobile communication service provided according to the identification information. Communication means for performing communication, storage means for storing setting information for communication by the communication means, and control means for reading the setting information stored in the storage means. The storage means includes a mobile communication service. A provider-specific setting information registration table in which setting information is registered for each provider is stored, and the control unit provides the storage unit based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit. The setting information is read from the original setting information registration table, and the communication unit performs communication based on the setting information read by the control unit.

  The communication method according to the present invention includes a control step of reading setting information for performing communication from a storage means, and an identification that can identify a provider of a mobile communication service stored in a storage medium attached to the holding means. A communication step for performing communication based on the mobile communication service provided according to the information, and the storage unit includes a setting information registration table for each provider in which setting information is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service. Based on the identification information stored in the storage medium stored and attached to the holding means in the control step, the setting information is read from the provider-specific setting information registration table of the storage means, and in the communication step, in the control step. Communication is performed based on the read setting information.

  A communication program according to the present invention provides a computer with a control process for reading setting information for performing communication from a storage unit and a mobile communication service provider stored in a storage medium attached to the holding unit. And a communication process for performing communication based on the mobile communication service provided in accordance with the identifiable identification information, and the storage unit stores the setting information for each provider of the mobile communication service. A setting information registration table is stored, and in the control process, based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit, the setting information is read from the setting information registration table by provider of the storage unit, In the communication process, communication is performed based on the setting information read in the control process.

  According to the present invention, the user can easily perform APN setting.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of a connection of the communication apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the communication apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the IMSI number contained in the identification information memorize | stored in the SIM card. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which the communication apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs APN setting. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which the communication apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs APN setting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an APN setting table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an APN setting table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which setting information is memorize | stored in a memory | storage part at another timing. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the communication apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 1. FIG.
A communication apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a connection example of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention transmits and receives information to and from a base station 300 of a mobile communication network 200 such as a mobile phone communication network.

  The communication device 100 is connected to a communication device such as a mobile phone or a portable computer and relays communication between the device and the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 or a mobile phone. Etc.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of this invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a SIM card slot 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, and a control unit 160.

  A SIM card 400 is inserted into the SIM card slot 110. Information is stored in the storage unit 120. The information stored in the storage unit 120 stores setting information including software necessary for controlling the communication device 100, an APN corresponding to a provider providing each mobile communication service, and the like.

  An antenna 170 is connected to the communication unit 130. And the communication part 130 transmits / receives information by radio | wireless communication via the antenna 170. FIG. Specifically, the communication unit 130 transmits / receives information to / from the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 according to a communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). Further, when the communication device 100 is a relay device such as a mobile router that relays communication between the base station 300 and another communication device, the communication unit 130 communicates information with the other communication device through short-range wireless communication. Send and receive.

  The display unit 140 displays information. The operation unit 150 inputs information. The control unit 160 controls the entire communication device 100. The control unit 160 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes processing according to program control.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number included in the identification information stored in the SIM card 400. As shown in FIG. 3, the IMSI number includes an MCC (Mobile Country Code), an MNC (Mobile Network Code), and an MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number).

  The MCC is information indicating, for example, a three-digit number indicating the operation area (for example, country) of the mobile communication service provider that provided the user with the SIM card 400. For example, if the operating area of the business that provided the SIM card 400 to the user is Japan, the MCC is 440, for example.

  The MNC is, for example, information that identifies the business operator who provided the SIM card 400 to the user with a 2-digit or 3-digit number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, MNC is a two-digit number.

  MSIN is, for example, a 9-digit or 10-digit number that identifies a user. In the example shown in FIG. 3, MSIN is a 10-digit number.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the IMSI number, MCC is the first to third digits, MNC is the fourth and fifth digits, and MSIN is the sixth to 15th digits.

  Next, the operation of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of this invention will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating an operation in which the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of this invention performs APN setting. For example, when the communication based on the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 is started by the operation performed on the operation unit 150 by the user, the control unit 160 performs the following processing illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. I do.

  That is, the control unit 160 reads the APN setting table stored in the storage unit 120 (step S101). Note that the communication based on the SIM card 400 refers to communication according to a mobile communication service provided based on identification information stored in the SIM card 400, for example.

  Here, the APN setting table will be described. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the APN setting table. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the APN setting table includes an APN setting main table and an APN setting subtable. FIG. 6 shows an APN setting main table. FIG. 7 shows an APN setting subtable.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the APN setting main table, an IMSI number and setting information (shown as APN information in FIG. 6) are registered in association with each other. The APN setting sub-table is prepared for each mobile communication service provider, and setting information for receiving provision of the mobile communication service from each provider is registered. The setting information is, for example, information indicating an APN, a user name, a password, an authentication type, and the like for receiving provision of a mobile communication service.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the APN setting subtable, setting information registered in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. 6 is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service. Specifically, in the APN setting sub-table A, setting information (indicated as APN information in FIG. 7; the same applies hereinafter) for receiving provision of mobile communication service by the operator A is registered. In the APN setting subtable B, setting information for receiving provision of mobile communication service by the operator B is registered. In the APN setting subtable C, setting information for receiving provision of mobile communication service by the operator C is registered.

  The control unit 160 converts the setting information registered in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. 6 into the MCC and MNC (first to first in the example shown in FIG. 3) included in the IMSI number associated with the setting information. Based on the fifth digit), it is registered in the sub-table for each business operator. Specifically, for example, in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 160 displays the setting information associated with the IMSI number whose first to fifth digits are “44010”. It is registered in the APN setting subtable A in association with the contract SIM name indicating A. Further, the control unit 160 indicates the setting information associated with the IMSI number whose first to fifth digits are “44020” in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. It is registered in the APN setting subtable B in association with the contract SIM name. Further, for example, the control unit 160 indicates the setting information associated with the IMSI number whose first to fifth digits are “44050” in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. Register in the APN setting sub-table C in association with the contract SIM name.

  The setting information may be registered in the APN setting subtable, but an address or the like where the setting information is stored in the storage unit 120 may be registered in the APN setting subtable. And the control part 160 is comprised so that setting information may be read from the memory | storage part 120 from the APN setting subtable or the said address etc., for example.

  Specifically, the control unit 160 reads the IMSI number registered in the APN setting main table in the process of step S101. When the IMSI number that matches the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 is registered in the APN setting main table (Y in step S102), The process proceeds to step S103. When the IMSI number that matches the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 is not registered in the APN setting main table (N in Step S102), The process proceeds to step S104.

  In the process of step S103, the control unit 160 reads setting information associated with the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 from the storage unit 120 in the APN setting main table. (Step S103).

  The control unit 160 performs APN setting based on the read setting information. Specifically, the control unit 160 sets an APN, a user name, a password, an authentication type, and the like included in the read setting information, for example. The control unit 160 connects to the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 based on the performed APN setting. Then, the control unit 160 ends the process.

  Further, in the process of step S104, the control unit 160 registers the MCC and MNC in the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 in the APN setting main table shown in FIG. If it matches the MCC and MNC in any of the IMSI numbers (Y in step S104), the process proceeds to step S109. Otherwise (N in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the control unit 160 notifies the user to manually set the APN (step S105). Specifically, in step S105, the control unit 160 causes the display unit 140 to display a screen for prompting input of information necessary for APN setting such as an APN, a user name, a password, and an authentication type. Then, information corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 150 by the user is input to the control unit 160 according to the screen displayed on the display unit 140.

  The control unit 160 performs APN setting according to information input by the user (step S106). And the control part 160 connects with the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 based on the APN setting performed by the process of step S106 (step S107).

  The control unit 160 uses the setting information used for the APN setting when the connection with the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 is successful, and the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110. Are registered in the APN setting main table (step S108). Then, the control unit 160 ends the process.

  In step S109, the control unit 160 determines an APN setting subtable to be referenced based on the IMSI number stored in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110 (step S109). Move on to processing. Specifically, for example, if the first to fifth digits of the IMSI number are “44010”, the control unit 160 determines to refer to the APN setting subtable A. For example, if the first to fifth digits of the IMSI number are “44020”, the control unit 160 determines to refer to the APN setting subtable B. For example, if the first to fifth digits of the IMSI number are “44050”, the control unit 160 determines to refer to the APN setting subtable C. It is assumed that each APN setting subtable is stored in the storage unit 120 in association with the first to fifth digits of the IMSI number.

  In step S110, the control unit 160 reads setting information from the APN setting subtable determined in step S109 (step S110). Note that if the setting information is registered in the APN setting subtable in the process of step S110, the control unit 160 reads the setting information from the APN setting subtable. In addition, if the address at which the setting information in the storage unit 120 is stored is registered in the APN setting subtable in the process of step S110, the control unit 160 reads the setting information from the storage unit 120 based on the address.

  And the control part 160 performs APN setting based on the setting information read by the process of step S110 (step S111). The controller 160 attempts to connect the mobile communication network 200 to the base station 300 based on the APN setting performed in step S111 (step S112).

  When the connection to the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 is successful in the process of step S112 (Y of step S113), the control unit 160 proceeds to the process of step S108 and when the connection fails ( N) of step S113, and the process proceeds to step S114.

  Whether the control unit 160 refers to the APN setting sub-table in the process of step S114, and the storage unit 120 stores setting information other than the setting information that has already been read in the series of processes such as step S110 before this time. It is determined whether or not (step S114). When it is determined that the setting information other than the setting information read out in the process of step S110 is not stored in the storage unit 120 (N in step S114), the control unit 160 proceeds to the process of step S105. In addition, when the control unit 160 determines that setting information other than the setting information read in the series of processing in step S110 before this time is stored in the storage unit 120 (Y in step S114), the control unit 160 again performs step S110. In step S110, setting information other than the setting information read in the series of processing in step S110 before this time is read out.

  According to the present embodiment, the control unit 160 automatically performs APN setting based on the setting information read in the processes of steps S103 and S110. Therefore, it is possible to save the user from setting APN.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 160 performs the processing in steps S110 to S114 based on the APN setting subtable prepared for each business operator according to the SIM card 400, which is determined in the processing in step S109. The APN setting corresponding to the setting information stored in the storage unit 120 and the connection to the base station 300 are repeatedly attempted. Therefore, the APN setting according to the setting information for receiving the provision of the mobile communication service from a provider different from the provider of the SIM card 400, the connection trial to the base station 300 based on the APN setting, and the like are not performed. . Therefore, since the control unit 160 reads the setting information based on the APN setting subtable prepared for each business operator, the number of setting information used for the connection attempt to the base station 300 can be reduced. Then, the time required for connection to the base station 300 can be shortened.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 160, in the process of step S108, sets the setting information used for the APN setting when the connection with the base station 300 is successful in the SIM card slot 110. It is registered in the APN setting main table in association with the IMSI number stored in the card 400 (step S108). Then, the control unit 160 utilizes the setting information registered in the APN setting main table for the next and subsequent APN settings and connection to the base station 300 (step S102). Therefore, the time required for the next and subsequent connections to the base station 300 corresponding to the mobile communication service that has been successfully connected to the base station 300 once can be reduced. This effect is particularly noticeable when a plurality of SIM cards 400 are properly used.

  Note that the control unit 160 registers the setting information used for the APN setting when the connection with the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 is successful in the processing of step S108 also in the corresponding APN setting subtable. It may be configured. Specifically, the control unit 160 stores the setting information used for the APN setting when the connection with the base station 300 of the mobile communication network 200 is successful in the SIM card 400 installed in the SIM card slot 110. On the basis of the IMSI number being registered, registration is also made in the APN setting sub-table corresponding to the provider of the mobile communication service.

  According to such a configuration, when another SIM card provided by the mobile communication service provider is inserted into the SIM card slot 110, an APN setting corresponding to the mobile communication service provider is provided. Setting information is retrieved from the sub-table and read out. Therefore, even if the MSIN is different among the IMSI numbers stored in the SIM card, communication can be performed using the setting information registered in the APN setting subtable. Accordingly, it is possible to save the user from manually entering the setting information.

  In this example, the setting information is stored in the storage unit 120 when the communication device 100 is manufactured or in the process of step S108. However, the setting information may be configured to be stored in the storage unit 120 at another timing. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which setting information is stored in the storage unit 120 at another timing. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the communication device 100 receives setting information from another communication device (not shown) via the base station 300 and stores the setting information in the storage unit 120. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the communication device 100 receives the setting information stored in the communication device 500 from the communication device 500 and causes the storage unit 120 to store the setting information. The communication device 100 (more specifically, the control unit 160) receives the setting information transmitted from the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the communication device 500 connected by short-range wireless communication, and stores the setting information. 120 is stored.

  According to such a configuration, for example, new setting information can be stored in the storage unit 120 together with the firmware update of the communication device 100. Then, setting information for receiving provision of a mobile communication service started after manufacturing the communication device 100 can be stored in the storage unit 120. And it becomes possible to receive provision of the mobile communication service started after manufacture of the communication apparatus 100. FIG.

  In this example, the communication device 100 has been described as including the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150. However, the communication device 100 does not include one or both of the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150. Also good. Then, when the communication device 100 is, for example, a mobile router, the control unit 160 of the communication device 100 displays information to be displayed by the display unit 140 on the display unit of the communication device connected by short-range wireless communication. The information may be displayed and input to the operation unit 150 by the operation unit of the communication apparatus.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a communication device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication device 10 according to the second embodiment of this invention. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the communication device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a holding unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit 16.

  The holding unit 11 corresponds to the SIM card slot 110 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The communication unit 13 corresponds to the communication unit 130 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The storage unit 12 corresponds to the storage unit 120 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The control unit 16 corresponds to the control unit 160 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  The holding unit 11 can be loaded with a storage medium (corresponding to the SIM card 400 shown in FIG. 1) in which identification information that can identify the provider of the mobile communication service is stored. The communication unit 13 performs communication based on a mobile communication service provided according to the identification information. The storage unit 12 stores setting information for the communication unit 13 to perform communication. The control unit 16 reads setting information stored in the storage unit 12.

  The storage unit 12 stores a provider-specific setting information registration table (corresponding to the APN setting subtable shown in FIG. 7) in which setting information is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service.

  Further, the control unit 16 reads the setting information from the provider-specific setting information registration table of the storage unit 12 based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit 11.

  The communication unit 13 performs communication based on the setting information read by the control unit 16.

  According to the present embodiment, the user can easily perform the APN setting.

10, 100, 500 Communication device 11 Holding unit 12, 120 Storage unit 13, 130 Communication unit 16, 160 Control unit 110 SIM card slot 140 Display unit 150 Operation unit 170 Antenna 200 Mobile communication network 300 Base station 400 SIM card

Claims (7)

A holding unit capable of mounting a storage medium storing identification information capable of identifying a provider of the mobile communication service;
Communication means for performing communication based on the mobile communication service provided according to the identification information;
Storage means for storing setting information for the communication means to perform the communication;
Control means for reading the setting information stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores a provider-specific setting information registration table in which the setting information is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service,
The control means reads the setting information from the provider-specific setting information registration table of the storage means based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding means,
The communication unit performs the communication based on the setting information read by the control unit. The identification information stored in the storage medium includes information that can identify a provider of the mobile communication service,
The control means includes
When the communication unit performs the communication based on the mobile communication service based on the setting information read from the storage unit, the setting information is stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit. In association with the identification information is registered in the general setting information registration table stored in the storage means,
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the communication unit performs the communication, the setting information is read from the comprehensive setting information registration table based on the identification information stored in the storage medium. The identification information stored in the storage medium includes information that can identify a provider of the mobile communication service,
The control means includes
When the communication means performs the communication based on the mobile communication service based on the setting information input by operating the operation means, the setting information is stored in the storage medium attached to the holding means. In association with the stored identification information, register in the general setting information registration table stored in the storage means,
3. The communication according to claim 1, wherein, when the communication unit performs the communication, the setting information is read from the general setting information registration table based on the identification information stored in the storage medium. apparatus. The control means registers the setting information associated with the identification information in the comprehensive setting information registration table, according to the provider-specific setting information according to the provider of the mobile communication service identified by the identification information. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the communication device is registered in a table. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit stores setting information transmitted from another communication device in a storage unit. A control step of reading setting information for performing communication from the storage means;
A communication step of performing communication based on the mobile communication service provided according to identification information stored in a storage medium attached to the holding means and capable of identifying a provider of the mobile communication service;
The storage means stores a provider-specific setting information registration table in which the setting information is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service,
In the control step, based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit, the setting information is read from the provider-specific setting information registration table of the storage unit,
In the communication step, the communication is performed based on the setting information read in the control step. On the computer,
Control processing for reading setting information for performing communication from the storage means;
A communication process that performs communication based on the mobile communication service provided according to identification information that is stored in a storage medium attached to the holding unit and that can identify a provider of the mobile communication service;
The storage means stores a provider-specific setting information registration table in which the setting information is registered for each provider of the mobile communication service,
In the control process, based on the identification information stored in the storage medium attached to the holding unit, the setting information is read from the provider-specific setting information registration table of the storage unit,
A communication program for causing the communication to be performed based on the setting information read in the control process in the communication process.

Images