JP4605442B2 - Communication terminal and method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal, a method, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication terminal, a method, and a program that can easily expand a place where a public wireless LAN service can be used.

  In recent years, devices equipped with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) functions conforming to standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g have been rapidly spreading. Some devices other than personal computers such as television receivers and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) are equipped with this function.

  A public wireless LAN service such as HOTSPOT (trademark) has also been started. For example, a user of a device equipped with a wireless LAN function can check e-mail from outside by using this service. You can access your personal computer at home and transfer files to your device.

HOTSPOT is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. In the HOTSPOT service disclosed in Patent Document 1, not only employees of corporations that have contracted the service but also visitors can use the service.
JP 2003-318991 A

  By the way, devices equipped with wireless LAN functions are still generally used at home and in the workplace, and for their widespread use, the public wireless LAN service as described above can be used for a variety of purposes. Currently, no work is done.

  One of the causes is that the place where the public wireless LAN service can be used is extremely local. That is, the locations where access points that can use public wireless LAN services are installed are limited to a small part of the metropolitan area, and the infrastructure itself is not prepared.

  ISPs (Internet Service Providers) that develop infrastructure also need to pay for land costs, electricity costs, maintenance costs, etc. to install and manage access points. Is expected.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to easily expand the places where public wireless LAN services can be used.

The communication terminal of the present invention is a portable communication terminal that functions as a first communication means connectable to the Internet and an access point for short-range wireless communication, and performs short-range wireless communication with a terminal existing in the vicinity. A second communication means to perform, an acquisition means for searching for a terminal in the vicinity using the second communication means, and acquiring identification information relating to the terminal discovered by the search; and the identification information acquired by the acquisition means Display means for displaying a list, selection means for selecting desired identification information from the list displayed on the display means, storage means for storing the selected identification information, and identification information stored in the storage means includes a limiting means for limiting the terminal to allow connections from the terminal to the Internet to perform short-range wireless communication, and a positioning means for performing positioning of the current position, the limiting means further pre Based on the positioning result by the positioning means, the terminal existing in the vicinity of limits to connect to the Internet via the communication terminal itself.

  The restriction means can release the restriction.

  A predetermined operation button can be further provided. In this case, the acquisition unit can search for a terminal existing in the vicinity by operating a predetermined operation button, and can acquire identification information regarding the terminal discovered by the search.

The communication method of the present invention includes first communication means connectable to the Internet, and second communication means that functions as an access point for short-range wireless communication and performs short-range wireless communication with a terminal existing in the vicinity. A communication method for a portable communication terminal that uses a second communication means to search for a terminal that exists in the vicinity, acquires identification information about the terminal discovered by the search, and displays the acquired identification information as a list Select the desired identification information from the displayed list, save the selected identification information, and limit the terminals that are allowed to connect to the Internet from the terminals that perform short-range wireless communication based on the stored identification information and, characterized in that perform positioning of the current position, based on the positioning result, comprising a terminal existing in the vicinity of limits to connect to the Internet via the communication terminal itself To.

A program according to the present invention includes a first communication unit that can be connected to the Internet, and a second communication unit that functions as an access point for short-range wireless communication and that performs short-range wireless communication with a terminal that exists in the vicinity. Is a program that is executed by a computer that controls communication processing by a communication terminal of a type, and by using the second communication means, searches for a terminal that exists in the vicinity, acquires identification information relating to the terminal found by the search, Display the acquired identification information as a list, select desired identification information from the displayed list, save the selected identification information, and from the terminal that performs short-range wireless communication to the Internet based on the stored identification information limit the terminal to allow connections, performs positioning of the current position, based on the positioning result, the terminal existing in the vicinity via the communication terminal itself Internet Characterized in that it comprises a step of limiting to connect to.

In the communication terminal, method, and program of the present invention, the second communication means is used to search for a terminal that exists in the vicinity, the identification information about the terminal found by the search is acquired, and the acquired identification information is A list is displayed, desired identification information is selected from the displayed list, and the selected identification information is stored. In addition, terminals that permit connection to the Internet are restricted from terminals that perform short-range wireless communication based on the stored identification information. In addition, positioning of the current position is performed, and based on the positioning result, it is restricted that a terminal existing in the vicinity connects to the Internet via the communication terminal itself.

  According to the present invention, the places where public wireless LAN services can be used can be easily expanded.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide higher quality communication to the owner user than to other users.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  A communication system to which the present invention is applied includes, for example, a mobile access point 1, a personal computer 2, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) 3, the Internet 4, and servers 5 and 6. ISP 3 and servers 5 and 6 are connected to the Internet 4, and ISP 3 is a device managed by an ISP provider (hereinafter, the ISP provider managing ISP 3 is referred to as ISP provider # 1). The ISP 3 is also connected to a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) (registered trademark) provided by a carrier or a public line network (not shown) that realizes a mobile phone system.

  The mobile access point 1 is a portable terminal and has a wireless communication function using a PHS service or a mobile phone service. In addition, the mobile access point 1 itself becomes an access point, and a wireless LAN (Local Area) conforming to a standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g with a nearby terminal. Network) wireless communication function.

  That is, the mobile access point 1 has a wireless communication function on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side and a wireless communication function on the LAN side.

  Such a mobile access point 1 having two wireless communication functions is carried by a user of a personal computer 2 having a wireless LAN function, for example. The personal computer 2 is also a portable notebook computer.

  Accordingly, the user of the personal computer 2 connects the personal computer 2 to the Internet 4 using the mobile access point 1 even when a fixed access point that provides public wireless LAN service is not installed on the go. Can be made.

  For example, when a user performs a predetermined operation on both or one of the mobile access point 1 and the personal computer 2, wireless LAN communication is performed between the mobile access point 1 and the personal computer 2. At the same time, the mobile access point 1 is connected to the ISP 3 via PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) by the PHS communication function. The personal computer 2 is connected to the Internet 4 via the mobile access point 1 and the ISP 3 and can download predetermined data from the server 5 or 6.

  When a user of a terminal other than the personal computer 2 carries another mobile access point that is the same as the mobile access point 1, each user can use a mobile access point that the user has, so that a fixed access point is It is possible to connect to the Internet 4 even from a place where it is not installed.

  As a wireless wireless LAN service provider (for example, ISP provider # 1) that installs a fixed access point, in order to expand the area where the public wireless LAN service can be used, secure a place to install the access point. It is possible to reduce various costs such as the cost required for operating, the electricity cost for operating the access point, and the cost required for maintenance.

  In addition, ISP operator # 1 distributes mobile access points to users who subscribe to the services that they provide for a fee or free of charge, thereby increasing the number of connections and the amount of communication from outside the subscriber's users. be able to. Of course, if paid, sales by selling mobile access points can also be obtained.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of personal computers are connected to one mobile access point 1.

  In the example of FIG. 2, in addition to the personal computer 2 of FIG. 1, personal computers 11 and 12 are connected to the mobile access point 1 by their respective wireless LAN communication functions.

  In this way, the owner of the mobile access point 1 can open the mobile access point 1 carried by him / her to other users and permit connection to the Internet 4. The owner of the mobile access point 1 does not carry the mobile access point 1 only for connecting his / her personal computer 2 to the Internet 4 but also for other users.

  Here, the other users include not only specific users who are familiar with the owner but also a large number of unspecified users. Therefore, when the owner user carries the mobile access point 1, an area where the public wireless LAN service provided by the ISP provider # 1 can be used is realized at the mobile destination.

  For example, for the owner who has used the mobile access point 1 by another user, the mobile phone access point 1 is carried by providing the privilege from the ISP operator # 1, and the other user's Therefore, the owner of the mobile access point 1 can be given an incentive to actively open.

  As ISP operator # 1 providing public wireless LAN service, by distributing a plurality of mobile access points, allowing each user to carry a mobile access point, and opening other mobile access points to other users In addition, it is possible to easily expand the usable area of the public wireless LAN service while solving the problems such as the cost for securing the installation location of the fixed access point.

  Naturally, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the mobile access point 1 is open to other users, the ISP business # 1 provides the same ISP business # 1 as the owner of the mobile access point 1 The mobile access point 1 may be used only for users of service subscribers.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the personal computer 11 is a terminal of a user who subscribes to the service of the same ISP operator # 1 as the owner of the mobile access point 1 (personal computer 2). These personal computers 2 and 11 are permitted to connect to the mobile access point 1.

  On the other hand, the personal computer 12 is a terminal of a user who has a contract with an ISP provider # 2 different from the ISP provider # 1, and connection to the mobile access point 1 is not permitted.

  For example, PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet (registered trademark)) is used to authenticate whether the user of the terminal connected to the mobile access point 1 has subscribed to the service of ISP provider # 1. To server # 1 (ISP3).

  As a result, ISP operator # 1 distributes mobile access points, so that it can use public wireless LAN services and has a wide range of available areas. Can be aroused.

  In addition, when the mobile access point 1 is also opened to users who subscribe to the services of ISP providers other than ISP operator # 1, ISP operator # is selected according to the number of times, time, traffic, etc. From 1, the other ISP operator may be charged a fee. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, when the user of the personal computer 12 is permitted to use the mobile access point 1, the ISP operator # 1 changes to the ISP according to the connection time to the Internet 4, communication traffic, and the like. A charge is charged to the business # 2.

  In this way, various business models centering on mobile access points can be realized.

  The process for limiting the terminals that can be connected according to, for example, the ISP provider to be subscribed to will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile access point 1.

  The mobile access point 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 34, a wireless LAN module 35, and a PHS module. 37 and a power supply unit 39. In the example of FIG. 4, the wireless communication function on the WAN side is realized by PHS.

  The CPU 31 expands the program stored in the EEPROM 32 in the RAM 33 and controls the overall operation of the mobile access point 1. In addition to the program executed by the CPU 31, the EEPROM 32 also stores information related to the terminal performing wireless LAN communication.

  The GPS module 34 performs positioning based on the information from the captured satellite and outputs the positioning result to the CPU 31. As will be described later, a determination as to whether or not to permit connection to the Internet 4 is made according to the positioning result by the GPS module 34.

  The wireless LAN module 35 performs wireless LAN communication based on a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g via an antenna 36 with an external terminal.

  The PHS module 37 communicates with a nearby PHS base station via an antenna 38 and connects to the ISP 3. The PHS module 37 and the wireless LAN module 35 may be, for example, a compact flash (registered trademark) type module that can be attached to and detached from a slot formed in the mobile access point 1.

  The power supply unit 39 manages the supply of power to each unit of the mobile access point 1. For example, when a time during which wireless LAN communication is not performed with any terminal continues for a predetermined time, the power supply unit 39 cuts off the power supply and prevents the battery (not shown) of the mobile access point 1 from being wasted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the mobile access point 1.

  An OS (Operating System) 52 and an application 53 are prepared as software of the mobile access point 1 above the hardware 51 (wireless LAN module 35, PHS module 37, etc.) of the mobile access point 1.

  The OS 52 includes a wireless LAN module 35, a PHS module 37, a driver 61 for hardware such as a bus, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), PPP, PPPoE, NAT (Network Address Translation) (or IP Implements functions such as IP (Internet Protocol masquerading), DHCPd (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Deamon) or DHCPc (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Client), and QoS (Quality of Service) that can identify ports as well as address translation Middleware 62 is included.

  For example, a private IP address is appropriately assigned to each terminal that is performing wireless LAN communication with the mobile access point 1 by the NAT and IP masquerade function realized by the middleware 62, and assigned to the mobile access point 1. Conversion to the specified global IP address is performed.

  The application 53 includes an application that performs processing according to the positioning result by the GPS module 34, an application that measures the connection time and communication amount of a terminal connected to the mobile access point 1, and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the mobile access point 1.

  At least a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the software of FIG.

  The PHS communication control unit 71 controls PHS communication by the PHS module 37. For example, the PHS communication control unit 71 supplies data received from the server 5 via the Internet 4 and ISP 3 to the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 via the communication management unit 74. Further, when predetermined data is supplied from the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 via the communication management unit 74, the PHS communication control unit 71 transmits it to another terminal connected to the Internet 4. .

  The authentication unit 72 authenticates the terminal that has started wireless LAN communication, and determines whether the mobile access point 1 is used, that is, whether the connection to the Internet 4 is permitted.

  For example, when the connection to the Internet 4 is permitted only for the terminal of the user who subscribes to the service of ISP provider # 1, the authentication unit 72 uses the ID and password input by the user as the PHS communication control unit 71. To the ISP 3 to authenticate whether or not the user is a user who subscribes to the service of the ISP operator # 1. As a result of authentication, if it is determined that the user of the terminal connected by wireless LAN communication is a user who subscribes to the service of ISP provider # 1, the authentication unit 72 permits the user to connect to the Internet 4 To do.

  The wireless LAN communication control unit 73 controls wireless LAN communication by the wireless LAN module 35. For example, the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 receives data transmitted from a terminal performing wireless LAN communication, and supplies the data to the PHS communication control unit 71 via the communication management unit 74. In addition, when predetermined data is supplied from the PHS communication control unit 71 via the communication management unit 74, the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 transmits it to a terminal that performs wireless LAN communication.

  The communication management unit 74 monitors data transmission / reception performed between the PHS communication control unit 71 and the wireless LAN communication control unit 73, and determines the number of connections, connection time, and communication volume of each terminal connected to the Internet 4. to manage.

  For example, when a privilege is provided from ISP provider # 1 in response to opening mobile access point 1 to another user, communication management unit 74 determines whether or not from ISP 3 based on information such as the number of connections to be managed. It also performs processing to obtain benefits (points that can be used for any service). If information such as the number of connections of terminals connected to the Internet 4, connection time, and communication volume is managed by the ISP 3, the communication management unit 74 is not necessary.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 in FIG.

  The wireless LAN communication control unit 73 includes a MAC (Media Access Control Address) address management unit 81, a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key management unit 82, a QoS (Quality of Service) management unit 83, a timer management unit 84, and a positioning control unit. 85.

  The MAC address management unit 81 identifies a terminal that performs wireless LAN communication based on a MAC address set for each terminal.

  The WEP key management unit 82 generates a WEP key having a predetermined number of bits, or encrypts / decrypts wireless LAN communication using the generated WEP key.

  For example, the WEP key management unit 82 manages the valid time of the generated WEP key based on the output from the timer management unit 84 or the generated WEP key based on the output from the positioning control unit 85. Or manage valid locations. As will be described later, the connection to the Internet 4 is appropriately limited by the time since the start of the connection (the time since the generation of the WEP key) and the place.

  The QoS management unit 83 performs QoS management for wireless LAN communication. For example, when wireless LAN communication is performed with the terminal of the owner of the mobile access point 1 (personal computer 2) and the terminal of another user at the same time, the QoS management unit 83 performs communication with the terminal of the owner. By allocating a wider bandwidth than communications with other users' terminals, the owner user is provided with higher quality communications.

  The timer management unit 84 manages the timer, and when the time set by the WEP key management unit 82 has elapsed, outputs a signal indicating that to the WEP key management unit 82.

  The positioning control unit 85 controls the GPS module 34 to perform positioning at a predetermined timing, and outputs the positioning result to the WEP key management unit 82.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the personal computer 2 of FIG. The personal computers 11 and 12 in FIG. 2 have the same configuration.

  The CPU 101 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 102 or a program loaded from the storage unit 108 to the RAM 103. The RAM 103 also stores data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes as appropriate.

  The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected to each other via a bus 104. An input / output interface 105 is also connected to the bus 104.

  Connected to the input / output interface 105 are an input unit 106 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an output unit 107 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a storage unit 108 composed of a hard disk, and a wireless LAN module 109. The wireless LAN module 109 is a module having the same standard as the wireless LAN module 35 of the mobile access point 1.

  A drive 110 is connected to the input / output interface 105 as necessary, and a removable medium 111 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from the medium is required. Is installed in the storage unit 108 according to the above.

  Next, the operation of the mobile access point 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, the connection management process of the mobile access point 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, any terminal is permitted to connect to the Internet 4 regardless of the ISP operator to whom the user subscribes.

  In step S1, the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines whether there is a request for connection to the Internet 4 from a terminal existing in the vicinity, and waits until it is determined that there is a request.

  If the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines in step S1 that a connection request has been made, the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 proceeds to step S2 and determines whether or not the connection request is a request by the user of the mobile access point 1 owner. To do.

  This determination is made by the MAC address management unit 81 based on the MAC address of the personal computer 2 registered in advance in the mobile access point 1, for example. That is, if the MAC address of the terminal that has requested connection is pre-registered as the MAC address of the owner's terminal, it is determined that the request made is a request from the owner's user, If it is not registered, it is determined that the request is from a user other than the owner user.

  The terminal user who requested the connection is requested to enter the ID and password. Based on whether the entered ID and password are registered in advance as the owner's It may be determined whether or not the request is from a user.

  In step S2, if the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines that the request for connection to the Internet 4 is a request by the owner user, the process proceeds to step S3 and permits connection to the Internet 4.

  As a result, the personal computer 2 is connected to the Internet 4 via the wireless LAN module 35, the CPU 31 (wireless LAN communication control unit 73, communication management unit 74, PHS communication control unit 71), PHS module 37, and ISP3. For example, data downloaded from the server 5 or the like is received by the PHS communication control unit 71, supplied to the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 via the communication management unit 74, and then wireless LAN communication by the wireless LAN communication control unit 73. Is transmitted to the personal computer 2 via.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the connection to the Internet 4 is to be ended, and the processes in and after step S3 are repeated until it is determined that the connection is to be ended. If it is determined in step S4 that the connection is to be terminated, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines in step S2 that the request for connection to the Internet 4 is a request from a user other than the user who owns the mobile access point 1, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In the example of FIG. 9, since any user is allowed to connect, the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 connects to the Internet 4 for terminals of users other than the owner user in step S <b> 5. to approve.

  In step S6, the communication management unit 74 calculates the communication amount of the terminal connected to the Internet 4, proceeds to step S7, and determines whether or not to end the connection.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the connection is not terminated, the communication management unit 74 returns to step S5, repeatedly executes the subsequent processing, and proceeds to step S8 if it is determined that the connection is terminated.

  In step S <b> 8, the communication management unit 74 acquires a privilege issued for releasing the connection to the Internet 4 to other users from the ISP 3 based on the calculated cumulative traffic. In this example, a privilege is provided according to the amount of communication. Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  Through the above processing, a user who is within the radio wave reach of the mobile access point 1 (wireless LAN module 35) can connect his / her terminal to the Internet 4 without being restricted by the ISP operator to which he / she subscribes. Is possible. From the viewpoint of expanding the available area of the public wireless LAN service and increasing the number of users, it is preferable that connection to the Internet 4 is permitted without any limitation.

  In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the communication amount of the terminal connected to the Internet 4 is managed by the mobile access point 1 (communication management unit 74). However, when managed by the ISP 3, processing in steps S6 and S8 is performed. Is not done. In addition, the issuance of a privilege from ISP provider # 1 is performed not at every time when connection to the Internet 4 is terminated, but at a predetermined timing, for example, every predetermined period such as every month. Good.

  Next, another connection management process of the mobile access point 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this example, connection to the Internet 4 is permitted only for users who subscribe to the service of the same ISP operator as the ISP operator with whom the owner of the mobile access point 1 contracts.

  The processing in steps S21 to S24 is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S4 in FIG. That is, if it is determined in step S21 that a connection request to the Internet 4 has been made, the process proceeds to step S22, where it is determined whether or not the connection request is a request by the owner of the mobile access point 1.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the request is made by the owner, the process proceeds to step S23, and connection to the Internet 4 is permitted. In step S24, the processes in and after step S23 are repeatedly performed until it is determined that the connection to the Internet 4 is to be ended. If it is determined that the connection is to be ended, the process is ended.

  On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines in step S22 that the connection request is a request by a user other than the user who owns the mobile access point 1, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the authentication unit 72 authenticates the ISP operator to which the user who requests connection joins. For example, the authentication unit 72 requests the user who requests connection to input the ISP operator's ID and password, and performs authentication based on the ID and password input in response to the request. For example, the ID and password input by the user and acquired by the authentication unit 72 are transmitted to the ISP 3 by the PHS communication control unit 71, and authentication is performed.

  In step S26, the authentication unit 72 determines that the ISP company to which the user who requests connection to the Internet 4 subscribes based on the authentication result of the ISP 3 supplied via the PHS communication control unit 71 is the owner user. It is determined whether or not the ISP provider is the same ISP provider (ISP provider # 1) as the subscriber, and if it is not the same ISP provider, the process is terminated. In this case, connection to the Internet 4 is not permitted.

  On the other hand, in step S26, the authentication unit 72 proceeds to step S27 if it is determined that the ISP operator to which the user who requests connection is the same ISP operator as the ISP operator to which the owner user subscribes. .

  The processing in steps S27 to S30 is the same as the processing in steps S5 to S8 in FIG. That is, in step S27, a user terminal other than the owner user is also permitted to connect to the Internet 4, and in step S28, the traffic is calculated.

  When it is determined in step S29 that the connection is terminated, the process proceeds to step S30, a privilege is acquired, and then the process is terminated.

  Through the above processing, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the user of the personal computer 11 who subscribes to the service of the ISP business # 1, like the user of the personal computer 2 who is the owner of the mobile access point 1. For this, connection to the Internet 4 is permitted.

  The process shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 is performed every time a request for connection to the Internet 4 is made at the mobile destination of the mobile access point 1. Accordingly, in some cases, a plurality of terminals are connected to the Internet 4 through one mobile access point 1.

  Next, the QoS management processing of the mobile access point 1 that is repeatedly performed when at least one terminal is connected to the Internet 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 41, the QoS management unit 83 of the wireless LAN communication control unit 73 determines whether or not the owner user's terminal is connected to the Internet 4. For example, an inquiry as to whether or not the owner user is currently connected is made to the MAC address management unit 81, and a determination is made based on the result of the inquiry.

  If the QoS management unit 83 determines in step S41 that the terminal of the owner user is not connected, the QoS management unit 83 ends the process. In this case, when there are a plurality of terminals (terminals of other users) connected to the Internet 4 via the mobile access point 1, communication of the same quality is provided.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S41 that the owner user is connected, the QoS management unit 83 proceeds to step S42, and then determines whether a user other than the owner is also connected.

  In step S42, if the QoS management unit 83 determines that a user other than the owner is not connected, the QoS management unit 83 ends the process. This state is a state in which the terminal connected to the Internet 4 is only the owner's terminal, and high-quality communication is provided to the owner's terminal.

  On the other hand, if the QoS management unit 83 determines in step S42 that a user other than the owner is also connected, the process proceeds to step S43, where the bandwidth allocated to the terminal of the user other than the owner is assigned to the owner terminal. A bandwidth wider than the bandwidth or a bandwidth not used in communication with a terminal of a user other than the owner is allocated. That is, higher quality communication is provided to the owner user than to users other than the owner. This quality limitation is realized by, for example, RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol) which is a protocol for managing the bandwidth.

  Thus, by changing the quality of communication, high quality communication is always provided to the owner user. If the quality of communication performed by the owner is reduced by opening the mobile access point 1 to other users, the owner should avoid opening the mobile access point 1 to other users. Therefore, such a fear can be solved by always providing high-quality communication to the owner.

  Next, a specific process for restricting connection to the Internet 4 will be described. It should be noted that the following connection restriction can be prevented from being performed as necessary, such as when the mobile access point 1 is widely opened to other users.

  First, a process for restricting connection by MAC address will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The right side of the figure shows user operations, and the left side shows the processing of the mobile access point 1. Here, a case where the terminal used by the user is the personal computer 2 will be described. The same applies to FIGS. 14, 16, 17, and 19 described later.

  In step S101, the user validates the wireless LAN module 109 of the personal computer 2 by performing a predetermined operation, proceeds to step S102, and changes the mode of the mobile access point 1 to the MAC address registration mode.

  Only a terminal having a MAC address registered in the mobile access point 1 during this registration mode can perform wireless LAN communication with the mobile access point 1. For example, the user changes the mode of the mobile access point 1 to the registration mode by operating a predetermined button provided on the casing of the mobile access point 1.

  In step S111, the MAC address management unit 81 changes the mode of the mobile access point 1 to the MAC address registration mode.

  In step S112, the MAC address management unit 81 searches for a terminal having a wireless LAN function, and displays the MAC address of the terminal found by the search.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying a MAC address.

  A display unit 121 made of an LCD or the like is provided on the housing surface of the mobile access point 1. For example, a message “select MAC address of terminal to be used” is displayed, and a list of MAC addresses of terminals discovered by the search is displayed below this message.

  In the example of FIG. 13, from the top, “00-07-50-1c-aa-bb”, “00-07-50-1c-cc-dd”, “00-11-22-33-ee-ff”. ”Is displayed, and by checking the check box displayed on the left side of each MAC address, the terminal connected to the mobile access point 1 can be selected. .

  The user confirms the MAC address of the personal computer 2 and selects (checks) the MAC address of the personal computer 2 from the MAC addresses displayed on the display unit 121 in step S103. As a result, the user can subsequently perform wireless LAN communication between the personal computer 2 and the mobile access point 1.

  In step S113, the MAC address management unit 81 of the mobile access point 1 stores the MAC address selected by the user, proceeds to step S114, and permits a connection from a terminal in which the stored MAC address is set. Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  As described above, the user can register the MAC address of a terminal that performs wireless LAN communication with a simple operation by simply selecting from those displayed in a list.

  Next, a process for setting a WEP key and resetting a timer, which are pre-processes for limiting the connection according to time, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the MAC address has already been registered by the process shown in FIG.

  When connecting the personal computer 2 to the Internet 4, in step S121, for example, the user presses a new connection button provided on the housing surface of the mobile access point 1.

  In step S131, the WEP key management unit 82 of the mobile access point 1 generates a WEP key having a predetermined number of bits, and displays it in step S132.

  The WEP key management unit 82 resets the timer managed by the timer management unit 84 and starts measuring the valid time of the generated WEP key (the time limit for limiting connection to the Internet 4).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of the WEP key and the valid time. The same parts as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Below the display unit 121, a new connection button 131 that is operated when a new connection is made and an extension button 132 that is operated when the time limit is extended are provided.

  In the example of FIG. 15, “abcde” representing a 40-bit WEP key is displayed. The user who has confirmed this display sets the WEP key of “abcde” also on the personal computer 2, so that wireless LAN communication performed between the mobile access point 1 and the personal computer 2 is intercepted by other users. Can be prevented. The WEP key is stored by the WEP key management unit 82 and used for communication with the personal computer 2 thereafter.

  In the example of FIG. 15, the message “4H is valid” is also displayed on the display unit 121, and the WEP key displayed on the message is valid for 4 hours.

  In the above, the processing for setting the WEP key has been described, but setting of an SSID (Service Set ID) is also performed as necessary. Note that the WEP key setting or the like may be automatically performed by a setting technique based on Zero Configuration Networking (so-called Zeroconf).

  Next, processing subsequent to the processing in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S141, for example, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether or not the time when the measurement is started in the process of FIG. . This notification may be performed by transmitting a predetermined message from the mobile access point 1 to the personal computer 2 and displaying the message on the screen of the personal computer 2 (the output unit 107). It may be performed by displaying a message on one display unit 121.

  If it is determined that the time since the start of measurement has not passed the time limit, the connection to the Internet 4 is continued.

  After notifying the user that the time has expired, in step S142, the WEP key management unit 82 sets the grace time in the timer management unit 84 and starts measuring the grace time.

  In step S143, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether or not the grace time has elapsed based on the output from the timer management unit 84. Disconnect the wireless LAN communication. Thereby, the connection to the Internet 4 by the personal computer 2 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the WEP key management unit 82 determines in step S143 that the grace time has not elapsed since the start of measurement, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether or not the extension button 132 has been operated. In this example, the user can extend the time limit within the grace time set after the time set first is elapsed.

  When the extension button 132 is pressed in step S151, in step S144, the WEP key management unit 82 resets the timer, extends the time limit, and continues the connection to the Internet 4.

  Next, a process for acquiring the current position and setting a WEP key, which is a pre-process of the process for restricting connection depending on the location, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In this example, when the setting of the WEP key has already been performed by the process shown in FIG. 14, the generated WEP key is the current position information at the time of generation (the current position acquired by the GPS module 34). Assume that the WEP key management unit 82 stores the information in the EEPROM 32 or the like in association with the position information). It is also assumed that there is a limit on the number of times the WEP key is used.

  When the user presses the new connection button 131 in step S161, in step S171, the positioning control unit 85 controls the GPS module 34 and acquires position information (latitude / longitude information) indicating the current position. The position information acquired by the positioning control unit 85 is output to the WEP key management unit 82.

  In step S172, the WEP key management unit 82 manages the WEP key managed in association with the position information supplied from the positioning control unit 85 and the remaining usable number of times set in the WEP key, for example, the EEPROM 32. Read from.

  In step S173, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether the WEP key exists (the WEP key has already been set) and the usable number remains, the WEP key exists, and If it is determined that the usable count remains, the read WEP key is used as the WEP key used in the current wireless LAN communication.

  On the other hand, if the WEP key management unit 82 determines that there is no WEP key or that the number of usable times does not remain, a WEP key is newly generated in step S174, and the process proceeds to step S175 to generate the generated WEP key. And show location. The generated WEP key is stored together with the available number of times in association with the current position, and is valid only when the mobile access point 1 is within a predetermined range including the current position.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of a WEP key and a location.

  The display of the WEP key is the same as the display of FIG. In the example of FIG. 18, the latitude and longitude of the current position are displayed under the WEP key display, and the mobile access point 1 is used only on the Internet 4 within a predetermined range including the position specified by the latitude and longitude. It is possible to connect. In the example of FIG. 18, the current position is “N35 ° 41′49.3” E139 ° 38′21.2 ”.

  Next, processing subsequent to the processing in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S181, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether or not it has moved from the current position obtained by the previous positioning. That is, positioning by the positioning control unit 85 is performed at a predetermined cycle, and the positioning result is repeatedly output to the WEP key management unit 82.

  When the positioning error by GPS is about 20 m, when it is detected that the position has moved beyond the range of the error from the position obtained by the previous positioning, or a range several times the error (for example, 40 m It is determined that the place has moved when moving beyond the range of 100 m to 100 m.

  If it is determined in step S181 that the location has moved, the WEP key management unit 82 reads the WEP key managed in association with the current position after the movement and the number of times the WEP key can be used.

  In step S182, the WEP key management unit 82 determines whether or not the WEP key exists and the number of usable times remains, and if it is determined that the WEP key exists and the number of usable times remains, the reading is performed. The WEP key is set as a key used for wireless LAN communication. That is, only the user who has registered the WEP key at the moved location can connect to the Internet 4 even when the location is moved.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S183 that the WEP key cannot be read or the usable number of times does not remain, the WEP key management unit 82 disconnects the wireless LAN communication. Thereby, for example, the connection to the Internet 4 by the personal computer 2 is terminated.

  In this way, the connection to the Internet 4 can be limited not only by the ISP operator to which the user subscribes but also by various conditions such as time and place.

  In addition, the mobile access point 1 can be connected to the Internet 4 via the mobile access point 1 only when the mobile access point 1 is carried in a predetermined position (in a predetermined area) determined by the ISP. It may be. For example, by setting such an area as an area that cannot be covered by a fixed access point, the ISP operator can set a public wireless LAN service in any area other than the area that can be covered by an installed fixed access point. Can be set by the mobile access point.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

  When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a network or a recording medium into a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the recording medium is distributed to provide a program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk (CD- Removable media 111 composed of ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), magneto-optical disk (including MD (registered trademark) (Mini-Disk)), or semiconductor memory In addition, it is configured by a ROM 102 on which a program is recorded and a hard disk included in the storage unit 108 provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.

  In the present specification, each step includes not only processing performed in time series according to the described order but also processing executed in parallel or individually, although not necessarily performed in time series.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows a mode that several personal computers are connected to one mobile access point. It is a figure which shows the other mode that the some personal computer is connected to one mobile access point. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a mobile access point. It is a figure which shows the example of a software structure of a mobile access point. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a mobile access point. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the wireless LAN communication control part of FIG. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer. It is a flowchart explaining the connection management process of a mobile access point. It is a flowchart explaining the other connection management processing of a mobile access point. It is a flowchart explaining the QoS management process of a mobile access point. It is a flowchart explaining the process which restrict | limits a connection by a MAC address. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a MAC address. It is a flowchart explaining the pre-process of the process which restrict | limits a connection by time. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a WEP key and effective time. It is a flowchart explaining the process which restrict | limits a connection by time. It is a flowchart explaining the pre-process of the process which restrict | limits a connection according to a place. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a WEP key and a place. It is a flowchart explaining the process which restrict | limits a connection by a place.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile access point, 2 Personal computer, 3 ISP, 4 Internet, 34 GPS module, 35 Wireless LAN module, 37 PHS module, 71 PHS communication control part, 72 Authentication part, 73 Wireless LAN communication control part, 74 Communication management part, 81 MAC address manager, 82 WEP key manager, 83 QoS manager, 84 timer manager, 85 positioning controller

Claims (5)

In portable communication terminals,
A first communication means connectable to the Internet;
A second communication unit that functions as an access point for short-range wireless communication and performs the short-range wireless communication with a terminal that is present in the vicinity;
Using the second communication means, search for a terminal that exists in the vicinity, acquisition means for acquiring identification information about the terminal discovered by the search;
Display means for displaying a list of the identification information acquired by the acquisition means;
Selecting means for selecting desired identification information from the list displayed on the display means;
Storage means for storing the selected identification information;
Based on the identification information stored in the storage means, limiting means for limiting terminals that are allowed to connect to the Internet from among the terminals that perform the short-range wireless communication ;
Positioning means to measure the current position and
With
The restricting unit is a communication terminal that further restricts a terminal existing in the vicinity from connecting to the Internet via the communication terminal based on a positioning result by the positioning unit . The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the restriction unit can release the restriction. A predetermined operation button is further provided,
The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit searches for a terminal existing in the vicinity by operating the predetermined operation button, and acquires identification information regarding the terminal discovered by the search. A first communication means connectable to the Internet;
In a communication method of a portable communication terminal that functions as an access point for short-range wireless communication and includes a second communication means for performing short-range wireless communication with a terminal that exists in the vicinity,
Using the second communication means, search for a terminal existing in the vicinity, obtain identification information about the terminal discovered by the search,
List the acquired identification information,
Select the desired identification information from the displayed list,
Save the selected identification information,
Based on the stored identification information, restrict terminals that are allowed to connect to the Internet from among the terminals that perform the short-range wireless communication ,
Measure the current position,
A communication method including a step of restricting a terminal existing in the vicinity from connecting to the Internet via a communication terminal based on a positioning result . A first communication means connectable to the Internet;
In a program for causing a computer to control communication processing by a portable communication terminal that functions as an access point for short-range wireless communication and includes a terminal that exists in the vicinity and a second communication unit that performs the short-range wireless communication.
Using the second communication means, search for a terminal existing in the vicinity, obtain identification information about the terminal discovered by the search,
List the acquired identification information,
Select the desired identification information from the displayed list,
Save the selected identification information,
Based on the stored identification information, restrict terminals that are allowed to connect to the Internet from among the terminals that perform the short-range wireless communication ,
Measure the current position,
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a step of restricting a terminal existing in the vicinity from connecting to the Internet via a communication terminal itself based on a positioning result .

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