Wireless communication device

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication device facilitating changes of passwords.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device for executing wireless communication with a plurality of communication terminals and functioning as an access point for connecting terminal devices to LANs, external networks, etc., includes: a communication control unit functioning as an access point of wireless communication with a communication terminal and controlling a password for the communication terminal to access; a housing for storing the communication control unit; a display unit provided on a front surface of the housing and displaying a current password; and an operation unit provided on the housing and being operated by a user. When receiving a user's operation on the operation unit, the communication control unit uses prescribed change means (for example, means using random numbers or a table) to change a currently-set first password to a second password different from the first password.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] A wireless communication device that allows a high degree of freedom in installing wireless communication access points has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-52290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The wireless communication device described in Patent Document 1 has a wireless communication unit that functions as an access point housed in a housing fixed inside a wall. The front of the housing is flush with the wall surface and is covered with a cover to protect the housing from dust, moisture, oil, external forces, etc. The wireless communication device also functions as one of multiple access points. In this case, the parent and child wireless communication devices share an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password. In this way, the wireless communication device is configured to be less susceptible to the surrounding environment and does not require space for installation. This allows the wireless communication device to be an access point with a high degree of freedom in installation.

[0005] However, the wireless communication device described in Patent Document 1 has problems in that the password cannot be easily changed and installation inside the wall is complicated.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication device that allows easy password change and installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication control unit that functions as an access point for wireless communication with a communication terminal and controls a password for access by the communication terminal, a housing that houses the communication control unit, a display unit that displays the current password and is displayed on the display unit or provided on the front of the housing, and an operation unit that is provided on the housing and is operated by a user, and when the communication control unit receives a user operation on the operation unit, it uses a predetermined change means to change the current password from a first password to a second password that is different from the first password. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device that allows easy password change. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external shape of a wireless communication device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a wireless communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout relationship of components of a wireless communication device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer shape of a wireless communication device according to a first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a wireless communication device according to a first modified example is connected to an outlet. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer shape of a wireless communication device according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a wireless communication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting information D110. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication device. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a wireless communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, parts with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations. In this embodiment, the terms "unit," "device," and "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "unit," "device," or "system" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "unit," "device," or "system" may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, and the functions of two or more "units," "devices," or "systems" may be realized by one physical means or device.

[0011] Wireless Communication Device 100 <<Summary>> The wireless communication device 100 according to this embodiment is a device that functions as an access point that performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 200. Wireless communication is contactless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium. For example, the communication terminal 200 is connected to the wireless communication device 100, which is an access point, by wireless communication conforming to a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), thereby being connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) or an external network (e.g., the Internet). The wireless communication device 100 may be an access point integrated with a router 300, which will be described later.

[0012] An SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​(identification code) and a password are set in the wireless communication device 100. The wireless communication device 100 has a function that allows the user to change the SSID and password through simple operation input, for example. This allows the next resident or manager to easily and quickly change the SSID and password in the wireless communication device 100, for example, when the resident of a specific room in a rental apartment building changes.

[0013] The SSID is, for example, the identification name of a Wi-Fi access point. The SSID is an identification name indicated by, for example, a string of alphanumeric characters. Wireless communication device 100 may or may not be configured to communicate only with terminals that have a matching SSID.

[0014] The password is, for example, a code for protecting a private key or a certificate, and is a code for accessing the access point, wireless communication device 100. Wireless communication device 100 manages the SSID and password as a set.

[0015] For example, wireless communication device 100 may be configured to be embedded in a wall, or may be configured so that connection unit 102 (e.g., a plug or USB connector) that can be plugged into a power outlet protrudes from the main body. In the following, as an example, wireless communication device 100 will be described as being configured so that connection unit 102 protrudes from the main body. In other words, in the following, wireless communication device 100 will be described as having a configuration that does not require placing it on the floor, while leaving the main body exposed. With this configuration, wireless communication device 100 can reduce the installation space while improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0016] In this case, wireless communication device 100 is fixed to the wall with a plug that plugs into a power outlet, making it easy to replace the main unit. Also, since it can be installed by plugging into an air conditioner outlet located near the ceiling, wireless communication device 100 is less susceptible to radio wave blocking by other objects, improving radio wave propagation efficiency.

[0017] The wireless communication device 100 also has a display unit on the front of the device that displays the SSID and password, allowing the wireless communication device 100 to easily display the setting status to the user.

[0018] Note that communication terminal 200 is a terminal having a function of performing wireless communication with wireless communication device 100, and is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal, a personal computer, a computer game machine, equipment, or a home appliance. Communication terminal 200 has a function of accepting user operation input from, for example, a touch panel display or an external operation device (such as a keyboard or a pointing device). Communication terminal 200 also has a display function of displaying information on, for example, a display.

[0019] <<Configuration related to external shape>> The configuration related to the external shape of wireless communication device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external shape of wireless communication device 100. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the external shape of wireless communication device 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship of components of wireless communication device 100.

[0020] 1 and 2, wireless communication device 100 includes a housing 101, a connection unit 102, a display unit 103, and an operation unit 104. Wireless communication device 100 has a LAN connector 105 connected to a router 300 (which may be, for example, an optical line terminal) for connecting to the Internet, and a network interface 106 for connecting to a terminal device via a network.

[0021] Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1 , the direction along one side of the housing 101 is referred to as the X direction (horizontal direction), the direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction (vertical direction), and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction. When a connecting unit 102 (described later) is connected to a power terminal on the wall, the Y direction is defined as the +Y direction on the ceiling side and the -Y direction on the ground side. When the connecting unit 102 is connected to a power outlet on the wall, the Z direction is defined as the vertical direction to the wall, with the +Z direction being the direction toward the wall and the -Z direction being the direction away from the wall. The XY plane on the +Z direction side of the housing 101 is referred to as the "front surface," and the XY plane on the -Z direction side is referred to as the "rear surface." The XZ plane on the +Y direction side of the housing 101 is referred to as the "top surface," and the XZ plane on the -Y direction side is referred to as the "bottom surface." The YZ plane on the X direction side of the housing 101 is referred to as the "side surface."

[0022] The housing 101 houses the communication control unit 111 (processor 1001, which will be described later). The housing 101 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is made of a resin material. Note that the shape of the housing 101 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the housing 101 may be formed so that its thickness decreases from the top surface toward the bottom surface, which is the opposite side to the top surface. In other words, the housing 101 may be formed so that its front surface, which will be described later, is inclined with respect to a wall surface when the wireless communication device 100 is connected to an outlet. This can improve the user's visibility of the display unit 103 when the wireless communication device 100 is installed near a ceiling. Furthermore, the housing 101 is not limited to being made of a resin material and may be made of a metal material. Note that a LAN terminal, which allows for wired connection, may be provided on the bottom surface of the housing 101 (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0023] The connection unit 102 is a member that is electrically connected to the outlet 400 (for example, the power terminal 401). As shown in FIG. 1, the connection unit 102 is a plug formed of a metal member. The connection unit 102 may be provided so as to be fixed to the rear surface of the housing 101 and protrude from it. Alternatively, the connection unit 102 may have a movable part (not shown) that can be stored in the rear surface of the housing 101 and set so as to protrude from the rear surface when electrically connected to the outlet 400. Alternatively, the connection unit 102 may be provided on the top surface of the housing 101 so as to be rotatable along the YZ plane. The connection unit 102 may be a USB connector. In the following, as an example, the connection unit 102 will be described as being fixed to the rear surface of the housing 101 and protruding from it. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the wireless communication device 100 is fixed in a state in which the connection unit 102 is inserted into the power terminal 401. The power supply terminal 401 is a member for connecting to a commercial AC power supply (system power supply) of, for example, single-phase 100V, 60Hz or 50Hz.

[0024] The display unit 103 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101 and is a display that displays various information. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the display unit 103 displays, for example, a password (PASS) and an SSID. The display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a display of a wearable device. The display unit 103 may be, for example, a touch panel display.

[0025] The operation unit 104 is a button provided on the housing 101 and operated by a user. The operation unit 104 is provided, for example, on a surface of the housing 101 opposite the front surface, that is, on a surface other than the back surface. Specifically, the operation unit 104 may be provided on the front surface of the housing 101, on a side surface of the housing 101, or on the top or bottom surface of the housing 101. The operation unit 104 may also be a display object displayed on a display unit that is, for example, a touch panel display. The operation unit 104 may be, for example, a display object displayed on the same screen as the display unit 103 that displays the password and SSID, or may be a display object displayed on a display unit that is, for example, a touch panel display, different from the display unit 103. In the following, as an example, the operation unit 104 will be described as being provided on the front surface of the housing 101. By providing the operation unit 104 on the front surface, user operability can be improved. 1 to 3, two operation units 104 are shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured with only one operation unit, or may be configured with three or more operation units.

[0026] Next, the size of the housing 101 and the arrangement of the connection unit 102, display unit 103, and operation unit 104 on the housing 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] The housing 101 is sized so as not to interfere with other power terminals or communication terminals (communication terminal 402 in FIG. 3(a)) in the X direction when the connection unit 102 is electrically connected to the power terminal 401 of the outlet 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the length L1 of the housing 101 in the X direction (horizontal direction) is longer than the length of the connection unit 102 in the X direction (horizontal direction) and is 65 mm or less. For example, if the connection unit 102 is an outlet plug, the length L1 of the housing 101 in the X direction is longer than the width of the outlet plug in the X direction, which is 15 mm, and is 65 mm or less. This allows the wireless communication device 100 to avoid interference with other terminals of the outlet 400 in the X direction when electrically connected to the power terminal 401.

[0028] The connection unit 102 is disposed at the center in the X direction on the back surface of the housing 101. The connection unit 102 is also disposed so that the housing 101 does not interfere with a terminal in the +Y direction (power terminal 403 in FIG. 3(a)) when electrically connected to an outlet provided on a wall. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the connection unit 102 has a length L2 of, for example, 5 mm or more and 60 mm or less in the -Y direction from the top surface, and is desirably disposed at a position corresponding to the length L2 from the top surface to the end of the plug in the +Y direction. This prevents the wireless communication device 100 from interfering with other terminals in the Y direction of the outlet 400 when electrically connected to the power terminal 401.

[0029] Display unit 103 is provided at the center in the X direction on the front surface of housing 101. Display unit 103 is preferably provided on the +Y direction side from the center of the front surface of housing 101. This makes it easier for the user to check the display content of display unit 103 of wireless communication device 100. Note that display unit 103 may also be provided on the -Y direction side from the center of the front surface. This improves the visibility of a user looking up at display unit 103 from below when wireless communication device 100 is installed in an outlet near the ceiling (for example, an outlet for an air conditioner).

[0030] 3A, when the connection unit 102 is provided at a position 40 mm from the top surface of the housing 101 in the -Y direction, the operation unit 104 is arranged, for example, near a position (for example, about 30 mm to 75 mm) where the center of the operation unit 104 is at a length L3 of 40 mm from the top surface. As a result, when the wireless communication device 100 receives a user's operation input to the operation unit 104, the pressing force in the +Z direction due to the operation input does not move the connection unit 102 in a direction to be detached from the outlet.

[0031] <<First Modification>> An example of the external shape of a wireless communication device 100a according to a first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the external shape of a wireless communication device 100a according to a first modification. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the wireless communication device 100a according to the first modification is connected to an outlet 500.

[0032] In this modified example, the outlet 500 is provided with a power terminal 501 (first terminal) that can be electrically connected to the connection portion 102, and a communication terminal 502 (second terminal) that can be connected to a connector of a communication cable Cbl (e.g., a LAN cable or an optical cable) and is arranged a predetermined distance from the power terminal 501 in the -Y direction of the power terminal 501.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, wireless communication device 100a differs from wireless communication device 100 in that it further includes recessed portion 107.

[0034] The recessed portion 107 is a recess that can accommodate the communication cable Cbl, for example, when the connection portion 102 of the housing 101 is electrically connected to the power terminal 501 of the outlet 500. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the wireless communication device 100a can accommodate the communication cable Cbl in the recessed portion 107 when electrically connected to the power terminal 501, and therefore the communication cable Cbl can be electrically connected to the communication terminal 502 that is provided in the -Y direction of the power terminal 501.

[0035] Specifically, the recessed portion 107 is provided in the -Y direction of the connection portion 102 of the housing 101 so as to overlap with the communication terminal 502 in a planar view (planar view from the Z direction) when the connection portion 102 of the housing 101 is electrically connected to the power terminal 501.

[0036] 5(b), recessed portion 107 is formed beyond the −Y direction end of communication terminal 502 of outlet 500 when connection portion 102 is electrically connected to power terminal 501. That is, recessed portion 107 is a recess of a size such that the −Y direction end of recessed portion 107 protrudes further in the −Y direction than the −Y direction end of outlet 500 when viewed from the Z direction in a state connected to power terminal 501. Specifically, when connection portion 102 is provided so that its +Y direction end overlaps a position 5 mm in the −Y direction from the top surface of housing 101, recessed portion 107 is formed on the back surface of housing 101, for example, in a range from 10 mm in the −Y direction to 50 mm in the −Y direction from the −Y direction end of connection portion 102.

[0037] This allows communication cable Cbl, one end of which is connected to communication terminal 502, to be passed through the gap between recess 107 and the end of outlet 500, and the other end of which is connected to LAN connector 105 of wireless communication device 100a. In other words, by providing recess 107, wireless communication device 100a, when electrically connected to power terminal 501, can also be electrically connected to communication terminal 502, which is provided in the -Y direction of power terminal 501, thereby improving convenience of installation.

[0038] 5(b), recessed portion 107 is formed such that a depth L4 of a surface S1 facing communication terminal 502 when connection portion 102 is electrically connected to power terminal 501 is deeper than a depth L5 of a surface S2 that does not face communication terminal 502. Specifically, recessed portion 107 may have a depth L4 of 12 mm on surface S1, for example, and a depth L5 of 8 mm on surface S2, for example. As a result, even when connection portion 102 is electrically connected to power terminal 501 with one end of communication cable Cbl connected to communication terminal 502, communication cable Cbl can be passed through a gap between recessed portion 107 and an end of an outlet without contacting surface S1, and the other end of communication cable Cbl can be connected to LAN connector 105 of wireless communication device 100a.

[0039] This allows the wireless communication device 100a to use the communication terminal 502 even when the wireless communication device 100a is connected to an outlet in which the communication terminal 502 is located directly below the power terminal 501, for example.

[0040] The width of the recess 107 in the X direction may be any length that does not interfere with the terminal of the communication cable Cbl, for example, 10 mm or more.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above description, recessed portion 107 has been described as a recess provided in housing 101, but this is not limiting and, for example, may be formed by extending to the bottom surface of housing 101. That is, a hole may be formed in the bottom surface of housing 101 that has the same size as the width in the X direction and the width in the Z direction of recessed portion 107 (depth L5 of surface S2) when viewed in plan from the -Y direction. This enables wireless communication device 100a to improve the operability of an operator who connects communication cable Cbl to a LAN terminal on the bottom surface of housing 101.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above description, recess 107 has been described as a recess provided in housing 101, but this is not limiting. For example, a hole (not shown) may be formed in the bottom surface of housing 101 when viewed from the -Y direction, and the hole may be formed to communicate with recess 107. The area of ​​the hole when viewed from the -Y direction may be equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​communication cable Cbl. In this case, recess 107 does not have to be formed such that the -Y direction end of recess 107 protrudes further in the -Y direction than the -Y direction end of outlet 500 when viewed from the Z direction in a state where it is connected to power supply terminal 501. This allows wireless communication device 100a to be miniaturized and improves the operability of an operator who connects communication cable Cbl to a LAN terminal on the bottom surface of housing 101.

[0043] 5(a), the wireless communication device 100a may have the operation unit 104a provided on either the left or right side of the display unit 103a in the X direction on the front surface of the housing 101. In this case, for example, when the wireless communication device 100a is connected to the outlet 500, the operation unit 104a is provided so as to overlap with the outlet 500 in a plan view from the Z direction. This prevents the connection unit 102 from moving in a direction detached from the outlet 500 when the wireless communication device 100a receives a user operation input on the operation unit 104a due to a pressing force in the +Z direction caused by the operation input.

[0044] <<Second Modification>> An example of the external shape of a wireless communication device 100b according to a second modification will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the external shape of a wireless communication device 100b according to a second modification.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 6, wireless communication device 100b is a built-in wireless communication device that is embedded in a wall, unlike wireless communication device 100. Wireless communication device 100b includes a housing 101b, a display unit 103b, and an operation unit 104b. Note that display unit 103b is the same as display unit 103 of wireless communication device 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, wireless communication device 100b does not have a configuration that protrudes from the surface of housing 101b, unlike connection unit 102 of wireless communication device 100, and is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) within the wall, for example, to receive power.

[0046] The housing 101b is installed by being embedded in a wall using, for example, a member such as a wall-mounted switch box. For example, the housing 101b is arranged inside the wall surface of a rectangular mounting frame 600 that is fixed to the wall surface when viewed from the front in the -Z direction. The housing 101b may be formed integrally with the mounting frame. This prevents the wireless communication device 100b from being taken away by a user (for example, a tenant of a rental apartment), and allows the SSID and password to be changed easily and quickly. The operation unit 104b is provided on the front surface of the housing 101. By providing the operation unit 104b on the front surface of the housing 101, user operability can be improved.

[0047] The wireless communication device 100b is not limited to being installed on a wall as a standalone wireless communication device 100b as shown in FIG. 6, but may also be housed in a switch box together with a power outlet, a LAN terminal, etc. and embedded in the wall.

[0048] <<Functional Configuration>> The functional configuration of the wireless communication device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless communication device 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the wireless communication device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a communication control unit 111, and a display processing unit 112.

[0049] The storage unit 110 includes setting information D110. The setting information D110 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the setting information D110. The setting information D110 stores, for example, a password and a MAC address in association with each other, using the SSID as a primary key. The MAC address field stores the MAC address of the communication terminal 200 currently accessing the wireless communication device 100. For example, the MAC address field corresponding to the SSID "1a2b3c4d5f" stores the MAC addresses of two communication terminals 200, "12:34:56:78:90:ab" and "34:56:78:90:cd:12."

[0050] The communication control unit 111 functions as an access point for wireless communication with the communication terminal 200, and performs control such as management and change of passwords and SSIDs. The communication control unit 111 stores and manages the passwords and SSIDs in setting information D110. When the communication control unit 111 receives a user's operation input via the operation unit 104 (e.g., any one of the operation units 104) while the connection unit 102 is electrically connected to the power terminal, the communication control unit 111 changes the password (hereinafter referred to as the "first password") that is set (currently) at the time the user's operation input is received to a password (hereinafter referred to as the "second password") that is different from the first password. The communication control unit 111 stores the changed second password in setting information D110. This allows the wireless communication device 100 to easily and quickly change passwords. Therefore, for example, when a tenant of a rental apartment changes the password, the password can be quickly changed to ensure security. In addition, when changing only the password without changing the SSID, the SSID may be indicated by, for example, attaching a sticker indicating the SSID to the outer surface of the housing 101, or by attaching a sticker indicating a two-dimensional code containing information about the SSID (for example, the two-dimensional code shown on the top surface of Figure 1).

[0051] Furthermore, in addition to changing the first password to the second password, communication control unit 111 may also change the SSID (hereinafter referred to as the "first SSID") that is set at the time (currently) when the user's operation is accepted to an SSID (hereinafter referred to as the "second SSID") that is different from the first SSID. This allows wireless communication device 100 to easily and quickly change the SSID along with the password, so that, for example, when a tenant of a rental apartment makes a change, security can be ensured by changing the SSID along with the password.

[0052] Here, communication control unit 111 generates a second password based on a randomly generated character string.

[0053] Specifically, communication control unit 111 may generate a randomly generated character string as the second password, or may generate a password as the second password selected based on a randomly generated character string (e.g., a random number) from a table containing multiple password candidates stored in storage unit 110. This allows wireless communication device 100 to easily generate a highly secure password.

[0054] The randomly generated character string may be, for example, a string of numbers (e.g., random numbers), a string of symbols, a string of alphabets, or a string that is a combination of these. The communication control unit 111 may generate the character string using a function that generates the character string (e.g., a rand function that generates random numbers), or may generate the character string using a table that includes multiple character strings that have been generated in advance.

[0055] Furthermore, communication control unit 111 may generate the second SSID based on a randomly generated character string.

[0056] Specifically, communication control unit 111 may generate a randomly generated character string as the second SSID, or may generate an SSID selected based on a character string (e.g., a random number) from a table containing multiple SSID candidates stored in storage unit 110 as the second SSID. Note that the second SSID may include a portion of a MAC address. Specifically, for example, the second SSID may have the upper five digits of an eight-digit number as the lower five digits of a MAC address, in which case the lower three digits may be a randomly generated character string.

[0057] Furthermore, when generating the second password and the second SSID, the communication control unit 111 may generate the second password based on a randomly generated character string, while generating the second SSID using a method different from the method for generating the second password. Specifically, the communication control unit 111 may generate a randomly generated character string as the second password, and generate an SSID as the second SSID selected from a table containing multiple SSID candidates based on a predetermined method (for example, a method for selecting candidates in the table according to a predetermined rule such as priority order).

[0058] Furthermore, communication control unit 111 may change the first password to the second password when receiving a user's operation input to operation unit 104 (e.g., any one of operation units 104) continuously for a predetermined first time period (e.g., three seconds). Furthermore, when receiving a user's operation input to operation unit 104 continuously for the predetermined first time period, communication control unit 111 may cause the display unit to display a screen for confirming whether or not to execute a password change, and then change the first password to the second password when receiving further user's operation input to operation unit 104. This enables wireless communication device 100 to prevent a password change unexpected by the user.

[0059] Furthermore, when communication control unit 111 receives user operation input via operation unit 104 continuously for a time shorter than the first time period, communication control unit 111 may cause display unit 103 to display the current password. This allows wireless communication device 100 to prevent the user from changing the password unexpectedly while allowing the user to easily check the current password, thereby improving user convenience.

[0060] Furthermore, when the connection unit 102 is connected to a power terminal of an outlet (for example, the power terminal 401 in FIG. 3(a)), the communication control unit 111 operates to be able to control the password. This allows the wireless communication device 100 to change the password without any user operation input at the same time as the connection unit 102 is connected to the power terminal 401 of the outlet 400, thereby improving user convenience.

[0061] The display processing unit 112 displays various screens on the display unit 103. Specifically, the display processing unit 112 displays a setting confirmation screen T1 shown in Fig. 2(a) on the display unit 103. The setting confirmation screen T1 includes an SSID display area T11 in which the SSID is displayed, and a password display area T12 in which the password is displayed.

[0062] <<Processing Procedure>> An example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication device 100.

[0063] In step S100, the user inserts connector 102 into the power terminal of outlet 400 to supply power to wireless communication device 100.

[0064] In step S101, the wireless communication device 100 displays a setting confirmation screen T1 on the display unit 103, where the SSID and password can be changed. For example, the setting confirmation screen TI displays the SSID and password that are currently set.

[0065] In step S102, the wireless communication device 100 accepts an operation input from the user to the operation unit 104 for changing the SSID and password.

[0066] In step S103, the wireless communication device 100 generates a character string, for example, a random number. The wireless communication device 100 generates an SSID and a password based on the character string. The wireless communication device 100 stores the generated SSID and password in the storage unit 110.

[0067] In step S104, the wireless communication device 100 displays the generated SSID and password on the setting confirmation screen T1, thereby changing the SSID and password in a simple manner.

[0068] ===Hardware Configuration=== An example of a hardware configuration for implementing the wireless communication device 100 on a computer will now be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, a computer 1000 includes a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, an input I / F unit 1004, a data I / F unit 1005, and a communication I / F unit 1006.

[0070] The processor 1001 is a communication control unit that controls various processes in the computer 1000 by executing programs stored in the memory 1002 .

[0071] The memory 1002 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 1002 temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 1001 and data required when the program is executed.

[0072] The storage device 1003 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, etc. The storage device 1003 stores an operating system and various programs for realizing the above-mentioned components.

[0073] The input I / F unit 1004 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F unit 1004 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F unit 1004 may be connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a LAN, or Wi-Fi (hereinafter referred to as "LAN, etc.").

[0074] The data I / F unit 1005 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 1000. A specific example of the data I / F unit 1005 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F unit 1005 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In this case, the data I / F unit 1005 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a LAN.

[0075] The communication I / F unit 1006 is a device for performing data communication via the Internet N, either wired or wirelessly, with devices external to the computer 1000. The communication I / F unit 1006 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In this case, the communication I / F unit 1006 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a LAN.

[0076] ===Summary=== <1> Wireless communication device 100 functions as an access point for wireless communication with communication terminal 200, and includes communication control unit 111 that controls a password for access by communication terminal 200, housing 101 that houses communication control unit 111, display unit 103 that is provided on the front of housing 101 and displays a current password, and operation unit 104 that is displayed on display unit 103 or is provided on housing 101 and is operated by a user, and when communication control unit 111 accepts a user operation on operation unit 104, it uses a predetermined change means (for example, a means using random numbers or a table) to change the current password from a first password to a second password that is different from the first password. This allows wireless communication device 100 to change the password easily and quickly, so that when a tenant of a rental apartment changes the password, for example, the password can be changed quickly to ensure security.

[0077] <2> Moreover, wireless communication device 100 further includes connection unit 102 provided on housing 101 so that the back surface of housing 101 opposite the front surface faces the wall surface when wireless communication device 100 is electrically connected to outlet 400 (for example, power terminal 401) provided on the wall surface, and operation unit 104 is provided on a surface other than the back surface of housing 101. This allows wireless communication device 100 to easily change the password and also enables easy installation without being embedded in a wall.

[0078] <3> In wireless communication device 100a, outlet 500 includes power terminal 501 (first terminal) electrically connectable to connection unit 102, and communication terminal 502 (second terminal) connectable to a LAN connector 105, an optical outlet, or the like (a predetermined connection unit) and provided at a predetermined distance from power terminal 501 (first terminal). Wireless communication device 100a further includes recessed portion 107 provided on the rear surface of housing 101 so as to overlap communication terminal 502 (second terminal) when connection unit 102 provided on housing 101 is electrically connected to power terminal 501 (first terminal). This allows wireless communication device 100a to be electrically connected to communication terminal 502 provided in the -Y direction of power terminal 501 when electrically connected to power terminal 501, thereby improving installation convenience. In other words, communication terminal 502 can be used even when connected to an outlet in which communication terminal 502 is located directly below power terminal 501.

[0079] <4> In a state where connection portion 102 is electrically connected to power terminal 501 (first terminal), recess 107 in wireless communication device 100a is formed beyond the end of outlet 500 (the end of outlet 500 in the -Y direction in FIG. 5) in the direction from power terminal 501 (first terminal) to communication terminal 502 (second terminal). This improves the convenience of installation of wireless communication device 100a and enables effective use of communication terminal 502.

[0080] <5> Indentation 107 in wireless communication device 100a is formed so that the depth of the surface facing communication terminal 502 (second terminal) when connection portion 102 is electrically connected to power terminal 501 (first terminal) is deeper than the depth of the surface not facing communication terminal 502 (second terminal). This improves the convenience of installation in wireless communication device 100a and enables effective use of communication terminal 502.

[0081] <6> Recessed portion 107 in wireless communication device 100a is formed to extend to the bottom surface of housing 101 (the surface of housing 101 in FIG. 5 in the -Y direction on which LAN connector 105 is provided), which improves the convenience of installation of wireless communication device 100a and enables effective use of communication terminal 502.

[0082] <7> Furthermore, communication control unit 111 in wireless communication device 100 controls the password and the SSID (identification code) of the network access point corresponding to the password, and when a user operation is received from operation unit 104, uses a predetermined change means to change the current SSID (identification code) from a first SSID (first identification code) to a second SSID (second identification code) different from the first SSID (first identification code). This allows wireless communication device 100 to easily and quickly change the SSID along with the password, so that, for example, when a tenant of a rental apartment makes a change, security can be ensured by changing the SSID along with the password.

[0083] <8> Furthermore, when the communication control unit 111 in the wireless communication device 100 receives a user operation on the operation unit 104, the communication control unit 111 generates a second password based on a randomly generated character string. This allows the wireless communication device 100 to easily generate a highly secure password.

[0084] <9> Furthermore, when communication control unit 111 in wireless communication device 100 receives user operation input to operation unit 104 continuously for a first time period (a predetermined time period), communication control unit 111 changes the first password to the second password. This allows wireless communication device 100 to prevent the password from being changed unexpectedly by the user.

[0085] <10> Furthermore, when communication control unit 111 in wireless communication device 100 receives user operation input to operation unit 104 continuously for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period (predetermined time period), communication control unit 111 causes display unit 103 to display the current password. This allows wireless communication device 100 to prevent the user from changing the password unexpectedly while allowing the user to easily check the current password, thereby improving user convenience.

[0086] <11> Furthermore, connection unit 102 of wireless communication device 100 is a plug that can be inserted into outlet 400, and housing 101 is formed to have a width in the X direction (horizontal direction) that is longer than the width of the plug in the X direction (horizontal direction) and is 65 mm or less when connection unit 102 is connected to outlet 400. This allows wireless communication device 100 to be configured not to interfere with other terminals in the X direction of outlet 400 when electrically connected to power terminal 401.

[0087] <12> Furthermore, connection unit 102 of wireless communication device 100 is provided at a position 5 mm to 60 mm in the -Y direction (downward direction) from the top surface of housing 101 in the Y direction (upward direction) perpendicular to the X direction (horizontal direction). This prevents wireless communication device 100 from interfering with other terminals of outlet 400 in the Y direction when electrically connected to power supply terminal 401.

[0088] <13> Furthermore, operation unit 104 in wireless communication device 100 is provided on the front surface of housing 101, and is provided in a predetermined region on the front surface of housing 101 in the +Y direction (upward) from the center of the front surface of housing 101 so as to correspond to the position of connection unit 102 on the rear surface of housing 101. As a result, when wireless communication device 100 receives a user's operation input on operation unit 104, connection unit 102 does not move in a direction to be detached from the outlet due to the pressing force in the +Z direction caused by the operation input.

[0089] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100...wireless communication device, 101...casing, 102...connection section, 103...display section, 104...operation section, 105...LAN connector, 106...network interface, 107...recessed section, 110...storage section, 111...communication control section, 112...display processing section.

Claims

1. a communication control unit that functions as an access point for wireless communication with a communication terminal and controls a password for access by the communication terminal; a housing that houses the communication control unit; a display unit provided on the front surface of the housing for displaying a current password; an operation unit that is displayed on the display unit or provided on the housing and that is operated by a user; Equipped with when the communication control unit receives a user operation on the operation unit, the communication control unit changes the current password from a first password to a second password different from the first password using a predetermined change means; Wireless communication device.

2. a connecting portion provided on the housing so that a rear surface opposite to the front surface of the housing faces the wall surface when the housing is electrically connected to a wall outlet; The operation unit is provided on the housing and on a surface other than the back surface of the housing. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the outlet includes a first terminal electrically connectable to the connection portion, and a second terminal provided a predetermined distance from the first terminal and connectable to a predetermined connection portion; The wireless communication device a recessed portion provided on the rear surface of the housing so as to overlap with the second terminal when the connection portion provided on the housing is electrically connected to the first terminal; The wireless communication device according to claim 2 .

4. The recessed portion is formed beyond an end of the outlet in a direction from the first terminal to the second terminal when the connection portion is electrically connected to the first terminal. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 .

5. the recessed portion is formed so that a depth of a surface facing the second terminal when the connection portion is electrically connected to the first terminal is deeper than a depth of a surface not facing the second terminal. The wireless communication device according to claim 4 .

6. The recessed portion is formed to extend to the lower surface of the housing. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 .

7. The communication control unit Controlling the password and the identification code of the network access point corresponding to the password; when a user operation on the operation unit is received, using a predetermined change means, the current identification code is changed from a first identification code to a second identification code different from the first identification code; The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

8. the communication control unit generates the second password based on a randomly generated character string when a user operation on the operation unit is received; The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

9. the communication control unit changes the first password to the second password when it receives a user's operation input to the operation unit continuously for a predetermined time, or when it receives a user's operation input in accordance with an instruction displayed on an operation screen. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

10. the communication control unit causes the display unit to display the current password when the communication control unit continuously receives a user operation input to the operation unit for a time shorter than the predetermined time, or when the communication control unit receives a user operation input in accordance with an instruction displayed on an operation screen.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9.

11. the connection part is a plug that can be inserted into the outlet, The housing is formed to have a horizontal width of 65 mm or less, which is longer than the horizontal width of the plug when the connection portion is connected to the outlet. The wireless communication device according to claim 2 .

12. the connection portion is provided at a position that is 5 mm or more and 60 mm or less downward from the top surface of the housing in a vertical direction that perpendicularly intersects with the horizontal direction, The wireless communication device of claim 11.

13. The operation unit includes: provided on the front surface of the housing, the connector is provided in a predetermined region on the front surface of the housing above the center of the front surface of the housing so as to correspond to the position of the connector on the rear surface of the housing; 13. The wireless communication device of claim 12.

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