Information processing systems and information processing programs

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device and program that reduces the effort required of users to input different wireless communication settings for each reservation when setting up wireless communication in locations that are available by reservation. [Solution] In the information processing system, when a usage location 18 is reserved, the reservation management device 10 transmits information indicating that the usage location 18 has been reserved to the information processing device 12 of the usage location 18. The information processing device 12 determines the wireless communication settings of the access point 14 and transmits wireless setting information indicating those wireless communication settings to the reservation management device 10. The reservation management device 10 then transmits the wireless setting information to the terminal device 16 used by the user who reserved the usage location 18.

Description

Technical Field

[0008] , , ,

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Public wireless communication is generally used by users by using settings such as a pre-prepared password.

[0003] <00****012>Patent Document 1 describes a method of establishing a connection with a corresponding wireless LAN access point based on wireless LAN access point data in a short message.

[0004] [[ID=2**]]Patent Document 2 describes a device that monitors the authentication of a wireless terminal device and the access status to a wireless LAN access point by a signal at a port of a switching hub.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, when settings such as a password are fixed, the security when using wireless communication may decrease.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to reduce the labor of a user who inputs different wireless communication settings for each reservation in the setting of wireless communication at a place where use is possible by reservation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] [[ID=**]] The invention according to claim 1 is an information processing device having a means for changing a fixed SSID or password for each user who has reserved a location, in setting up wireless communication for a location that can be used by reservation.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is a program that causes a computer to function as a means for changing the fixed SSID or password for each user who has reserved a location, in setting up wireless communication for a location that can be used by reservation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the inventions of claims 1 and 2, when setting up wireless communication in a location that can be used by reservation, the effort required of the user to input different wireless communication settings for each reservation can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reservation management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the configuration of an access point. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the reservation management table. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the screen. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow by the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a reservation management table related to the modified version. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the screen. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow related to the modified form.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0013] The information processing system according to this embodiment includes a reservation management device 10, one or more information processing devices 12, one or more access points 14, and one or more terminal devices 16. The information processing system may include devices other than these.

[0014] The reservation management device 10, the information processing device 12, the access point 14, and the terminal device 16 may communicate with other devices via a communication path N. The communication path N is, for example, a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication path N may be constructed by wired communication or may be constructed by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The reservation management device 10, the information processing device 12, the access point 14, and the terminal device 16 are connected to the communication path N using, for example, wireless communication or wired communication and communicate with other devices via the communication path N. The reservation management device 10, the information processing device 12, the access point 14, and the terminal device 16 may communicate with other devices using short-range wireless communication or the like without going through the communication path N. Short-range wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), NFC, etc.

[0015] The reservation management device 10 is a device configured to manage reservations for the use of a usage location 18. For example, when a usage time during which the usage of the usage location 18 is possible is reserved, the user who made the reservation is permitted to use the usage location 18 during that usage time, and a user who did not make the reservation is not permitted to use the usage location​​​The usage location 18 is an office such as a booth or a shared office, a hotel room, a seat in a vehicle (such as a car, a train, an airplane, a bus, etc.), a part or all of a building, or a public place, etc. Of course, places other than these may also be the usage location 18.

[0017] The reservation management device 10 manages the reservation of the usage of one or more usage locations 18. Each usage location 18 is, for example, in a different location. For example, each booth is installed in a different location, and a reservation for usage is made for each booth. The same applies to other usage locations 18.

[0018] The information processing device 12 is a device configured to control communication that can be used at the usage location 18. The communication may be wireless communication or wired communication. Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the communication is wireless communication. For example, the information processing device 12 is configured to control wireless communication that can be used via the access point 14 at the usage location 18.

[0019] The access point 14 is a wireless communication device and is configured to wirelessly communicate with a device (such as the terminal device 16, etc.) that uses the access point 14 and connect the device to a communication path such as the communication path N. For example, for each usage location 18, the use of one or more access points 14 is possible. The access point 14 may be installed inside the usage location 18 or may be installed around the usage location 18. For example, all or part of the usage location 18 is included within the communicable range of the access point 14 (that is, the range in which radio waves can be transmitted and received with the access point 14). Thereby, wireless communication using the access point 14 becomes possible for all or part of the usage location 18.

[0020] The information processing device 12 controls wireless communication available through an access point 14, which is installed, for example, within or around a usage location 18 and is available for use at the usage location 18. For example, the information processing device 12 and the access point 14 are connected by a wired communication path or a wireless communication path, and the information processing device 12 controls the access point 14 via the wired communication path or wireless communication path. When the reservation management device 10 manages reservations for multiple usage locations 18, an information processing device 12 is installed for each usage location 18, and the access point 14 of each usage location 18 is controlled by the information processing device 12 of that usage location 18. Of course, one information processing device 12 may control multiple access points 14 (for example, access points 14 provided at each of multiple usage locations 18).

[0021] The terminal device 16 is, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. As an example, the terminal device 16 is a portable terminal device such as a tablet PC, smartphone, or mobile phone.

[0022] The configuration of the reservation management device 10 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the reservation management device 10.

[0023] The communication unit 20 is a communication interface and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and receiving information from other devices. The communication unit 20 may have wireless communication capabilities or wired communication capabilities. The communication unit 20 may connect to a communication path N using wireless or wired communication and communicate with other devices via the communication path N, or it may communicate with other devices without going through the communication path N by using short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0024] The memory unit 22 is one or more memory areas for storing various types of information. Each memory area is composed of one or more storage devices (such as physical drives like hard disk drives or memory) provided in the reservation management device 10.

[0025] The memory unit 22 stores reservation management information. The reservation management information is information for managing reservations for the use of each usage location 18. The reservation management information includes, for example, usage location identification information for identifying the usage location 18, usage time information indicating the usage time, user information regarding the user who reserved the usage location 18, wireless setting information regarding the settings for wireless communication used at the usage location 18, and usage information which is information necessary to use the usage location 18 at the reserved date and time.

[0026] The reservation management unit 24 is configured to manage reservations for the use of the usage location 18. For example, the reservation management unit 24 receives a request for a reservation of the use of the usage location 18 from the terminal device 16 and registers the reservation for the use of the usage location 18 in the reservation management information. The reservation management unit 24 grants permission for the user who reserved the usage location 18 to use the usage location 18. If a usage time has been reserved, the reservation management unit 24 grants permission for use during that time.

[0027] The wireless setting determination unit 26 is configured to determine the wireless communication settings available at the usage location 18. For example, the wireless setting determination unit 26 determines the wireless communication settings available at the usage location 18 according to the user who reserved the usage location 18. The wireless setting determination unit 26 may also change the wireless communication settings for each reservation. If the user specifies the wireless communication settings when reserving the usage location 18, the wireless setting determination unit 26 may determine the wireless communication settings specified by the user as the wireless communication settings available at the usage location 18. In addition, predetermined settings may be used as the wireless communication settings.

[0028] In this embodiment, as an example, the wireless setting determination unit 26 determines the wireless communication settings for the access point 14. The wireless communication settings include, for example, at least one of the following: the identification information of the access point 14 and a password for using wireless communication via the access point 14. The identification information of the access point 14 is, for example, the SSID (Service Set Identifier).

[0029] The wireless communication settings may further include at least one of the following: whether or not communication with other devices via wireless communication from the same access point 14 is permitted, and the communication speed. The function that prohibits communication with other devices via wireless communication from the same access point 14 is generally referred to as an SSID client isolation function, an SSID internal isolation function, a privacy separator, or a network isolation function. The SSID client isolation function is a function that prohibits communication between devices connected to an access point 14 having the same SSID.

[0030] The wireless setting information, which indicates the wireless communication settings determined by the wireless setting determination unit 26, is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the information processing device 12 and to the terminal device 16 used by the user who reserved the usage location 18.

[0031] The control unit 28 is configured to control the operation of each part of the reservation management device 10.

[0032] The configuration of the information processing device 12 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device 12.

[0033] The communication unit 30 is a communication interface and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and receiving information from other devices. The communication unit 30 may have wireless communication capabilities or wired communication capabilities. The communication unit 30 may connect to a communication path N using wireless or wired communication and communicate with other devices via the communication path N, or it may communicate with other devices without going through the communication path N by using short-range wireless communication, etc. The communication unit 30 communicates with the access point 14 via a wired or wireless communication path. The communication unit 30 may communicate with other devices using the access point 14 via the access point 14. In other words, the communication unit 30 may communicate with other devices connected to the same access point 14. The communication unit 30 may communicate with other devices without going through the access point 14. Furthermore, the communication unit 30 may connect to the communication path N or other communication paths via the access point 14, or it may connect to the communication path N or other communication paths without going through the access point 14.

[0034] The UI unit 32 is a user interface and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is an input device such as a keyboard, input keys, or an operation panel. The UI unit 32 may also be a UI unit such as a touch panel that combines the display unit and the operation unit. Note that the UI unit 32 does not have to be provided on the information processing device 12.

[0035] The memory unit 34 is one or more memory areas for storing various types of information. Each memory area is composed of, for example, one or more storage devices (such as physical drives like hard disk drives or memory) provided in the information processing device 12.

[0036] The setting unit 36 ​​is configured to configure the wireless communication settings available at the usage location 18. For example, the setting unit 36 ​​changes the wireless communication settings available at the usage location 18 according to the user who has reserved the usage location 18. In this embodiment, as an example, the setting unit 36 ​​configures the wireless communication settings of the access point 14. When the usage location 18 is reserved, wireless setting information indicating the wireless communication settings of the access point 14 available at the usage location 18 is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the information processing device 12. The setting unit 36 ​​configures the wireless communication settings of the access point 14 according to this wireless setting information. The setting unit 36 ​​is an example of a modification means.

[0037] If a usage time slot for the usage location 18 has been reserved, the setting unit 36 ​​may change the wireless communication settings according to the user who reserved the usage location 18 after the start time of the reserved usage time has elapsed.

[0038] If, after the start time for use has elapsed, the user who reserved the usage location 18 performs an operation to use the usage location 18, the setting unit 36 ​​may change the wireless communication settings according to the reserved user. For example, if the booth, which is the usage location 18, is locked, and the booth is unlocked by the user after the start time for use has elapsed, the setting unit 36 ​​will change the wireless communication settings.

[0039] Wireless communication settings may be changed by the user during the usage time when location 18 is available. For example, the SSID, password, SSID client isolation function settings, and communication speed may be changed.

[0040] The wireless communication settings may also be determined by the setting unit 36. For example, when a usage location 18 is reserved, information indicating that the usage location 18 has been reserved is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the information processing device 12 of the usage location 18. In the information processing device 12, the setting unit 36 ​​determines the wireless communication settings of the access point 14, similar to the wireless setting determination unit 26 described above. The wireless setting information indicating the wireless communication settings is transmitted from the information processing device 12 to the reservation management device 10. Then, the wireless setting information is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the terminal device 16 used by the user who reserved the usage location 18.

[0041] The prohibition unit 38 is configured to prohibit the use of wireless communication via the access point 14 by a device if its movement is not detected for a predetermined period of time or longer at the usage location 18. The movement of the device is detected, for example, based on the strength of the radio waves transmitted and received between the access point 14 and the device. If there is a change in strength, it is determined that the device has moved. The detection of the device's movement is performed, for example, by the control unit 40. For example, if a camera with wireless communication capabilities is using wireless communication via the access point 14, and the camera is not detected for a predetermined period of time or longer, the camera may be installed for surreptitious filming. By prohibiting the use of wireless communication by the camera, the prohibition unit 38 can prevent the transfer of data captured by the camera. Note that the prohibition unit 38 does not necessarily have to be provided in the information processing device 12.

[0042] The control unit 40 is configured to control the operation of each part of the information processing device 12.

[0043] The configuration of access point 14 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of access point 14.

[0044] The communication unit 42 is a communication interface and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and receiving information from other devices. The communication unit 42 has wireless communication capabilities. The communication unit 42 may also have wired communication capabilities. The communication unit 42 connects to the communication path N using wireless or wired communication and communicates with other devices via the communication path N. The communication unit 42 may also communicate with other devices without going through the communication path N by using short-range wireless communication, etc. The communication unit 42 wirelessly communicates with devices using the access point 14 (e.g., terminal device 16, etc.) using Wi-Fi, etc., and connects said devices to a communication path such as the communication path N. The communication unit 42 also communicates with the information processing device 12 via a wired communication path or a wireless communication path.

[0045] The memory unit 44 is one or more memory areas for storing various types of information. Each memory area is composed of, for example, one or more storage devices (such as physical drives like hard disk drives or memory) provided in the access point 14.

[0046] The storage unit 44 stores wireless configuration information. The wireless configuration information is information related to the wireless communication settings of the access point 14, and includes at least the identification information of the access point 14 (e.g., SSID) and the password for using wireless communication via the access point 14. The wireless configuration information may also include information indicating the settings of the SSID client isolation function and information indicating the settings of the communication speed for wireless communication using the access point 14.

[0047] The control unit 46 is configured to control the operation of each part of the access point 14.

[0048] The configuration of the terminal device 16 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the terminal device 16.

[0049] The communication unit 48 is a communication interface and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and receiving information from other devices. The communication unit 48 may have wireless communication capabilities or wired communication capabilities. The communication unit 48 may connect to a communication path N using wireless or wired communication and communicate with other devices via the communication path N, or it may communicate with other devices without going through the communication path N by using short-range wireless communication, etc.

[0050] The UI unit 50 is a user interface and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is an input device such as a keyboard, input keys, or an operation panel. The UI unit 50 may also be a UI unit such as a touch panel that combines the display unit and the operation unit.

[0051] The memory unit 52 is one or more memory areas for storing various types of information. Each memory area is composed of, for example, one or more storage devices (such as physical drives like hard disk drives or memory) provided in the terminal device 16.

[0052] The control unit 54 is configured to control the operation of each part of the terminal device 16.

[0053] The information processing system according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0054] Refer to Figure 6 to see an example of reservation management information. Figure 6 shows an example of a reservation management table, which is an example of reservation management information.

[0055] In the reservation management table, each of the 18 usage locations is associated with a location ID, device ID, usage time information, user information, wireless settings information, and usage information.

[0056] The location ID is an example of location identification information used to identify location 18. Location identification information is predetermined for each location 18 and is pre-associated with that location. Examples of location identification information include the location ID and information indicating the name of location 18. Information indicating the name may be used as location identification information instead of the location ID.

[0057] The device ID is an example of device identification information used to identify the information processing device 12 that controls the access point 14 at the usage location 18. Device identification information is predetermined for each information processing device 12 and is pre-associated with it. Examples of device identification information include the device ID, information indicating the name of the information processing device 12, and address information of the information processing device 12 (e.g., IP address or MAC address). Instead of the device ID, information indicating the name or address information may be used as device identification information.

[0058] The usage time information indicates the usage time during which location 18 is available. The usage time is specified, for example, when a user reserves the use of location 18. For example, the date and time slot during which the user will use location 18 are specified.

[0059] User information is information about the user who has reserved the usage location 18, and includes, for example, user identification information to identify the user who reserved the usage location 18, and terminal identification information to identify the terminal device 16 used by the user. User identification information is, for example, information indicating the user ID, name, email address, account, etc. Terminal identification information is, for example, address information of the terminal device 16 (e.g., IP address, MAC address, etc.) and serial number, etc. User information is transmitted to the reservation management device 10 from the terminal device 16 used for the reservation when the user reserves the use of the usage location 18.

[0060] The wireless configuration information is information regarding the wireless communication settings for the access point 14 used at the location 18. All or part of the information included in the wireless configuration information may be determined by the reservation management device 10, by the user who reserves the location 18, or by the information processing device 12 of the reserved location 18.

[0061] Usage information is the information necessary to use the usage location 18 at the time of use. Usage information includes, for example, passwords and key information. When the usage location 18 is reserved, the reservation management unit 24 generates the usage information necessary to use the usage location 18 at the time of use and transmits it from the reservation management device 10 to the terminal device 16 used for the reservation. The reservation management unit 24 generates different usage information for each reservation, for example. Users using the terminal device 16 can use the usage location 18 by using this usage information. For example, if the usage location 18 is locked, the usage information is used to unlock the usage location 18. The usage information may also be used to indicate that the usage location 18 is being used legitimately. For example, if the usage location 18 is a seat or vehicle, the usage information may be used to indicate that the seat or vehicle is being used legitimately. However, if the usage location 18 is an open space or if no work is required to use the usage location 18, the usage information may not be used.

[0062] The reservation management table will be explained with a specific example. A usage location 18 with location ID "A1" has an information processing device 12 with device ID "B1" installed. User C1 has reserved usage location 18 with location ID "A1". The usage time is from 10:00 to 12:00 on April 1st. Wireless setting D1 is set as the setting for wireless communication to be used at this time. Wireless setting D1 for user C1 may be determined by user C1, or it may be automatically determined by the reservation management device 10 or the information processing device 12. In addition, usage information E1 is set as information for using usage location 18 with location ID "A1".

[0063] Furthermore, user C2 has reserved location 18 with location ID "A1". The reservation time is from 13:00 to 14:00 on April 1st. Wireless setting D2 is set as the wireless communication setting to be used at this time. Wireless setting D2 for user C2 may be determined by user C2, or it may be determined automatically by the reservation management device 10 or the information processing device 12. In addition, usage information E2 is set as information for using location 18 with location ID "A1".

[0064] The reservation completion screen will be explained below with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of the reservation completion screen.

[0065] The reservation completion screen 56 is, for example, the screen displayed when a reservation for the usage location 18 is completed. As another example, the reservation completion screen 56 may be displayed a predetermined time before the reserved usage time.

[0066] When a user reserves a location 18 using the terminal device 16 and the reservation is completed in the reservation management device 10, the data from the reservation completion screen 56 is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the terminal device 16, and the reservation completion screen 56 is displayed on the display unit of the UI section 50 of the terminal device 16.

[0067] Reservations for location 18 may be made, for example, using a web browser, using dedicated application software for making reservations, or using email, chat, etc.

[0068] The reservation completion screen 56 displays information indicating the wireless communication settings available at the reserved location 18. Here, it is assumed that Wi-Fi is used as the wireless communication. The reservation completion screen 56 displays Wi-Fi setting information. For example, the SSID and password of access point 14 are displayed as this setting information. When the user enters the SSID and password on the Wi-Fi setting screen of their terminal device 16, the terminal device 16 can communicate with the access point 14 via Wi-Fi. As a result, the terminal device 16 can connect to communication path N or other communication paths via the access point 14.

[0069] The reservation completion screen 56 displays, for example, a "Start Using" button 58. The "Start Using" button 58 is an image that is operated when using Wi-Fi at the usage location 18. When the user presses the "Start Using" button 58, the terminal device 16 communicates with the access point 14 and can use Wi-Fi.

[0070] The processing by the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the processing. In the following, a private booth will be used as the usage location 18. The booth has a door that can be locked with an electronic lock, and the electronic lock can be unlocked using the usage information described above. The booth may be installed indoors, such as in a building, or outdoors. In addition, Wi-Fi will be available via the access point 14. Furthermore, user C1 will reserve the booth.

[0071] First, user C1 uses terminal device 16 to request a reservation for the use of a booth, which is the usage location 18 (S01).

[0072] For example, reservation application software is installed on terminal device 16. When a user starts the reservation application software, the reservation application software communicates with the reservation management device 10 via communication path N, receives reservation screen data sent from the reservation management device 10, and displays the reservation screen on the display unit of the UI section 50 of terminal device 16. The reservation screen displays, for example, a list of booths and a list of usage times. On the reservation screen, the user selects the booth to be reserved from the list of booths and the usage time to be reserved from the list of usage times. Here, it is assumed that booth A1 with location ID "A1" is selected and "April 1st, 10:00~12:00" is selected as the usage time. Once the booth and usage time are selected by the user, the reservation application software sends reservation request information to the reservation management device 10. The reservation request information includes information indicating the selected booth, information indicating the selected usage time, and user information of user C1. User C1 may also specify the Wi-Fi settings for access point 14 (for example, SSID, password, whether or not to perform the SSID client isolation function, communication speed, etc.) on the reservation screen. If Wi-Fi settings are specified by user C1, the wireless setting information indicating those settings is also included in the reservation request information and sent to the reservation management device 10. Here, it is assumed that wireless setting D1 has been specified or determined as the Wi-Fi setting.

[0073] The reservation management unit 24 of the reservation management device 10 receives reservation request information transmitted from the terminal device 16 and accepts the reservation for the booth and usage time indicated by the reservation request information (S02).

[0074] The reservation management unit 24 registers the details of the reservation in the reservation management table shown in Figure 6. In this case, since booth A1 and "April 1st, 10:00-12:00" have been selected by user C1, these details are registered in the reservation management table.

[0075] Furthermore, if user C1 has not specified Wi-Fi settings, the reservation management unit 24 will determine the Wi-Fi settings. Specifically, the reservation management unit 24 will determine the SSID, password, whether or not to perform the SSID client isolation function, and the communication speed of the access point 14 available for use in booth A1. The reservation management unit 24 may determine predetermined settings as the Wi-Fi settings, or it may determine randomly determined settings as the Wi-Fi settings. The reservation management unit 24 may change some or all of the Wi-Fi settings for each reservation. In other words, the reservation management unit 24 may determine different settings as the Wi-Fi settings for each reservation. For example, the reservation management unit 24 may change the SSID and password for each reservation, thereby determining different SSIDs and passwords as the Wi-Fi settings for each reservation. Changing the SSID and password for each reservation improves the security of communication using the access point 14. The reservation management unit 24 may change either the SSID or the password, or both. Some Wi-Fi settings may be determined by user C1, while other settings may be determined by the reservation management unit 24. For example, the presence or absence of the SSID client isolation function and the communication speed may be determined by user C1, while the SSID and password may be determined by the reservation management unit 24. Of course, the SSID and password may be determined by user C1, while the presence or absence of the SSID client isolation function and the communication speed may be determined by the reservation management unit 24. Here, wireless setting D1 is specified or determined as a Wi-Fi setting, and wireless setting information related to wireless setting D1 is registered in the reservation management table.

[0076] If the reservation is completed, the reservation management unit 24 transmits the reservation information to the terminal device 16 used by user C1 (S03).

[0077] Reservation information includes, for example, wireless setting information related to Wi-Fi settings, usage information used to unlock the electronic lock on the door of booth A1, and usage time information indicating the usage time. Usage information is, for example, key information for unlocking the electronic lock on the door. The reservation management unit 24 may change the usage information for each reservation. This usage information is also registered in the reservation management table. Here, it is assumed that usage information E1 is registered as usage information for using booth A1.

[0078] In the terminal device 16, the reservation application software receives reservation information transmitted from the reservation management unit 24 and displays all or part of the reservation information on the display unit of the UI unit 50 of the terminal device 16. For example, the reservation completion screen 56 shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 50.

[0079] Furthermore, booth reservations and the sending and receiving of reservation information may be carried out using a web browser or email, without the use of reservation application software.

[0080] The control unit 40 of the information processing device 12 queries the reservation management device 10, for example, at predetermined time intervals, to inquire whether there are any reservations for the usage locations 18 that can be used by the access point 14 controlled by the information processing device 12 (S04). Information indicating this query is transmitted from the information processing device 12 to the reservation management device 10.

[0081] When the reservation management unit 24 of the reservation management device 10 receives information indicating a reservation inquiry from the information processing device 12, it refers to the reservation management table and checks whether there is a reservation for the use of the usage location 18 associated with the information processing device 12.

[0082] If the use of the location in question is reserved, the reservation management unit 24 transmits the reservation information corresponding to that reservation to the information processing device 12 that controls the access point 14 available at the location in question (S05). The reservation information is stored in the storage unit 34 of the information processing device 12.

[0083] If the location in question is not reserved, the reservation management unit 24 transmits information to the information processing device 12 indicating that the location is not reserved.

[0084] To illustrate with a specific example, the control unit 40 of the information processing device 12 (hereinafter referred to as "information processing device 12B1") associated with booth A1, that is, the information processing device 12B1 that controls the access point 14 available for use in booth A1, queries the reservation management device 10 to check whether booth A1 is reserved. Booth A1 is reserved by user C1, and its usage time is from 10:00 to 12:00 on April 1st. In this case, the reservation management unit 24 transmits reservation information to the information processing device 12B1, including wireless setting information regarding the Wi-Fi settings corresponding to the reservation and usage time information indicating the usage time. The reservation information may also include usage information. The reservation information is stored in the storage unit 34 of the information processing device 12B1.

[0085] Furthermore, even if the reservation management unit 24 does not receive an inquiry from the information processing device 12, if the use of the usage location 18 is reserved by the reservation management device 10, the reservation management unit 24 may transmit the reservation information to the information processing device 12 associated with the reserved usage location 18.

[0086] When the start time for using booth A1 has elapsed (S06), and user C1 performs an operation to use booth A1 (S07), the reservation management device 10 performs an authentication process to confirm whether or not user C1 is permitted to use booth A1 (S08).

[0087] For example, the door to booth A1 is locked with an electronic lock. The door is equipped with a wireless communication device that performs short-range wireless communication. When user C1 brings terminal device 16 close to the door, terminal device 16 uses short-range wireless communication to transmit usage information contained in the reservation information to the wireless communication device. The reservation information is transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to terminal device 16 when the user reserves booth A1 and is stored in the storage unit 52 of terminal device 16. The wireless communication device that receives the usage information from terminal device 16 transmits the usage information and the usage location identification information (e.g., ID "A1") of booth A1 where the wireless communication device is installed to the reservation management device 10, either via the information processing device 12B1 or without the information processing device 12B1. The reservation management unit 24 refers to the reservation management table shown in Figure 6 and checks whether the transmitted usage information matches the usage information E1 associated with booth A1 indicated by the transmitted usage location identification information and the usage time including the current date and time.

[0088] If the transmitted usage information is the same as usage information E1, the reservation management unit 24 permits user C1 to use booth A1. In this case, the reservation management unit 24 transmits information indicating an unlocking instruction to the wireless communication device installed on the door of booth A1, either via the information processing device 12 or without the information processing device 12. The electronic lock is unlocked in accordance with the unlocking instruction. Once the electronic lock is unlocked, user C1 can open the door and enter booth A1. The reservation management unit 24 also transmits information indicating the start of use of booth A1 to the information processing device 12B1 (S09).

[0089] If the transmitted usage information differs from usage information E1, the reservation management unit 24 will not permit user C1 to use booth A1. In this case, the reservation management unit 24 will not transmit information indicating an unlocking instruction. As a result, the door to booth A1 will not be unlocked.

[0090] For example, if the current date and time is between 10:00 and 12:00 on April 1st, and the transmitted usage information is the same as usage information E1, the reservation management unit 24 will permit user C1 to use booth A1. If the current date and time is between 10:00 and 12:00 on April 1st, and the transmitted usage information is different from usage information E1, the reservation management unit 24 will not permit user C1 to use booth A1. Also, even if the transmitted usage information is the same as usage information E1, if the current date and time is not between 10:00 and 12:00 on April 1st, the reservation management unit 24 will not permit user C1 to use booth A1.

[0091] The following describes the process from step S10 onwards.

[0092] Upon receiving information indicating the start of use of booth A1, the setting unit 36 ​​of the information processing device 12B1 changes the Wi-Fi settings of the access point 14 available for use in booth A1 according to the wireless setting information contained in the reservation information stored in the storage unit 34 of the information processing device 12B1 (S10). Since wireless setting D1 is registered as the wireless communication setting, the setting unit 36 ​​changes the Wi-Fi setting of the access point 14 to wireless setting D1. The wireless setting information indicating wireless setting D1 is stored in the storage unit 44 of the access point 14.

[0093] Next, the control unit 40 of the information processing device 12B1 activates the Wi-Fi of access point 14, which is available in booth A1 (S11). As a result, user C1 can use the Wi-Fi provided by access point 14.

[0094] When user C1 enters the SSID and password included in the reservation information on the Wi-Fi settings screen of terminal device 16, terminal device 16 connects to access point 14 available in booth A1 and can use Wi-Fi (S12). Note that the SSID and password may be set automatically on terminal device 16.

[0095] The Wi-Fi settings may be changed by user C1 during the usage period. For example, if user C1 changes the Wi-Fi settings using the reservation application software, the Wi-Fi settings of access point 14 will be changed via the reservation application software, the reservation management device 10, and the information processing device 12. The communication speed may also be changed. High-speed connections may be available as a paid option.

[0096] When the end time of the usage period (for example, 12:00) has elapsed (S13), the control unit 40 of the information processing device 12 transmits information indicating that the usage period has ended to the terminal device 16 using the access point 14 in booth A1 (S14). The information indicating that the usage period has ended may also be displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 50 of the terminal device 16.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the information processing device 12B1 terminates the Wi-Fi provided by access point 14, which is available in booth A1 (S15). For example, the control unit 40 stops the Wi-Fi. As a result, the terminal device 16 used by user C1 will no longer be able to use the Wi-Fi provided by access point 14.

[0098] The control unit 40 does not stop the Wi-Fi, and the setting unit 36 ​​may change the Wi-Fi settings of the access point 14 to a setting other than wireless setting D1. A setting other than wireless setting D1 could be, for example, an SSID and password with randomly selected values, or a predetermined SSID and password. In this case as well, terminal devices 16 whose Wi-Fi setting is wireless setting D1 will not be able to use the Wi-Fi provided by the access point 14.

[0099] When user C1's usage time expires and the user leaves booth A1, the electronic lock on the door will lock. From that point onward, the user cannot enter booth A1 unless the electronic lock is unlocked.

[0100] Between 13:00 and 14:00 on April 1st, when user C2 unlocks the electronic lock on booth A1 using usage information E1, the Wi-Fi settings of access point 14 are changed to wireless setting D2 for user C2. Reservation information, including wireless setting information for wireless setting D2, is transmitted to the terminal device 16 used by user C2. By changing the Wi-Fi settings of terminal device 16 to wireless setting D2, user C2 can use the Wi-Fi of access point 14.

[0101] Since the wireless communication settings available at location 18 are changed according to the user who reserved that location 18, security is improved when using the wireless communication compared to using a fixed setting.

[0102] (modified version) The following describes a modified version. In this modified version, users other than the user who reserved the location 18 are also permitted to use the access point 14 available at the location 18. For example, the reservation management device 10 transmits address information, reservation information, and wireless setting information to the terminal device 16 used by the other user, and the other user can use the access point 14 by using the wireless communication settings indicated by the wireless setting information. The address information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that indicates the location of the web page containing the reservation information and wireless setting information.

[0103] Other users are, for example, users registered with the reservation management device 10 when the user who reserved location 18 made the reservation for location 18. In addition, the user who reserved location 18 may register other users or remove other registered users from registration after the reservation is made and before the end of the usage time.

[0104] The following provides a detailed explanation of the variations.

[0105] Refer to Figure 9 to explain the reservation management information related to the modified example. Figure 9 shows an example of a reservation management table, which is an example of reservation management information related to the modified example.

[0106] In the modified version of the reservation management table, in addition to the information registered in the reservation management table shown in Figure 6, other user information is further associated with each of the 18 usage locations, such as the location ID.

[0107] Other user information refers to information about users other than the user who reserved location 18, and is information about other users who are permitted to use the access points 14 available at location 18. For example, other user information includes information such as the email address and account of other users. Other user information is registered, for example, by the user who reserved location 18.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 9, the user information for users F1 and F2 is associated with location ID "A1", usage time "April 1st, 10:00-12:00", and user C1. In other words, users F1 and F2 are permitted to use access point 14, which is available at usage location 18 with location ID "A1", between 10:00 and 12:00 on April 1st.

[0109] Furthermore, the user information for users F3 and F4 is associated with location ID "A1", usage time "April 1st, 13:00-14:00", and user C2. In other words, users F3 and F4 are permitted to use access point 14, which is available at usage location 18 with location ID "A1", between 13:00 and 14:00 on April 1st.

[0110] For example, if user F1's email address is registered as user F1's other user information, the reservation management device 10 sends address information for accessing reservation information to that email address. When user F1 accesses this address information using a web browser, a web page containing that address information is displayed on the web browser. This web page contains reservation information and wireless setting information, and user F1 can refer to this reservation information and wireless setting information. User F1 can use access point 14 using the wireless communication settings indicated by the wireless setting information. The same applies to users F2, F3, and F4. Of course, reservation information and wireless setting information may also be sent to the email addresses of other users.

[0111] Figure 10 shows an example of the above web page. Web page 60 contains Wi-Fi setting information (e.g., SSID and password) as wireless communication setting information. Other users can use access point 14 configured with the SSID and password listed on web page 60. Web page 60 may also contain information indicating the location of available access points 14, information indicating the dates and times they are available, and information about users who have reserved the location 18.

[0112] The modified process will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the process. In the following, it will be assumed that user C1 reserves booth A1, similar to the process explained with reference to Figure 8. It will also be assumed that Wi-Fi is available via access point 14. Furthermore, the terminal device 16 used by user C1 will be referred to as "terminal device 16A," and the terminal device 16 used by other users other than user C1 will be referred to as "terminal device 16B."

[0113] The processes in steps S20, S21, and S22 are the same as the processes in steps S01, S02, and S03 shown in Figure 8. Here, it is assumed that booth A1 is reserved for use, and the usage time is from 10:00 to 12:00 on April 1st.

[0114] User C1 then performs the registration operation for other users on the reservation screen (S23). For example, User C1 enters the email addresses of other users on the reservation screen. Here, it is assumed that the email addresses of Users F1 and F2 are entered. The email addresses of Users F1 and F2 are sent from the terminal device 16 used by User C1 to the reservation management device 10. The reservation management unit 24 registers the email addresses of Users F1 and F2 in the reservation management table, associating them with the reservation details registered by User C1 (i.e., Booth A1, which is the usage location 18, and the usage time, "April 1st, 10:00-12:00").

[0115] The reservation management unit 24 creates a web page containing reservation information (S24) and sends address information indicating the URL of the web page to the email addresses of other registered users (S25). In this case, the address information is sent to the email addresses of users F1 and F2, respectively.

[0116] The processes in steps S26 and S27 are the same as the processes in steps S04 and S05 shown in Figure 8.

[0117] Users F1 and F2 use their respective terminal devices 16B to access the web page containing the address information mentioned above and view the reservation information (e.g., SSID and password) listed on the web page (S28). For example, the web page 60 shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the display unit of the UI section 50 of the terminal device 16B, and users F1 and F2 can recognize the SSID and password listed on the web page. This viewing may be performed at any point after the address information has been sent to the respective email addresses of users F1 and F2.

[0118] The processes in steps S29 to S35 are the same as the processes in steps S06 to S12 shown in Figure 8.

[0119] Users F1 and F2 can each enter the SSID and password listed on the web page into the Wi-Fi settings screen of their respective terminal devices 16B, and the terminal device 16B will connect to the access point 14 available in booth A1 and be able to use Wi-Fi (S36).

[0120] The processes in steps S37 and S38 are the same as the processes in steps S13 and S14 shown in Figure 8.

[0121] When the end time of the usage period (for example, 12:00) has elapsed (S37), the reservation management unit 24 of the reservation management device 10 deletes the reservation information from the web page where the reservation information is displayed (S39). In this way, other users (for example, users F1 and F2) cannot view the reservation information that was previously listed on the web page even if they access it. The reservation management unit 24 may also delete the web page itself. In this way, other users cannot access the web page and therefore cannot view the reservation information.

[0122] The process in step S40 is the same as the process in step S15 shown in Figure 8.

[0123] In the above embodiments and modifications, the setting unit 36 ​​may adjust the wireless communication functions available at the usage location 18 to be closer to the functions available to the user who has reserved the usage location 18. Wireless communication functions include, for example, communication speed and communication standards. For example, if a user is able to use the fifth-generation mobile communication system (i.e., 5G) due to their communication contract, and the wireless communication available at the usage location 18 supports up to the fourth-generation mobile communication system (i.e., 4G) but not 5G, the setting unit 36 ​​sets the wireless communication function to 4G. In other words, the setting unit 36 ​​sets the wireless communication function available at the usage location 18 to the upper limit of the wireless communication function that the user can use. If a user is able to use 4G but cannot use 5G, and the wireless communication function available at the usage location 18 supports both 4G and 5G, the setting unit 36 ​​sets the wireless communication function to 4G.

[0124] In usage locations 18 other than the booths, the wireless communication settings are changed according to the user who has reserved the usage location 18, similar to the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, when a hotel guest who has reserved a room unlocks the room key, the wireless communication settings available in the room are changed to the settings for that guest. The same applies to other usage locations 18.

[0125] A fixed setting may be used as the wireless communication setting for each user. For example, a fixed SSID and password may be registered in the reservation management device 10 for each user, and reservation information including the fixed SSID and password may be sent to the information processing device 12 of the usage location 18. Even if the reservation date and time or the usage location 18 changes, the user can use wireless communication at the usage location 18 using their own SSID and password. The SSID and password may be determined by the user who will use the SSID and password, or they may be determined automatically by the reservation management device 10.

[0126] The setting unit 36 ​​of the information processing device 12 may also change the communication settings of devices installed at the usage location 18 to settings for the user who reserved the usage location 18. For example, the setting unit 36 ​​may change the communication settings of devices with wireless communication capabilities (e.g., air conditioners, lighting, printers, etc.) to settings for the user who reserved the usage location 18 where the device is installed.

[0127] In addition to setting wireless communication, the setting unit 36 ​​may also change the environment of the usage location 18 according to the user who reserved the usage location 18. For example, the setting unit 36 ​​may change the settings of the air conditioner installed in the usage location 18 (e.g., temperature, airflow, etc.), the settings of the lighting installed in the usage location 18 (e.g., brightness, color, etc.), or the scent inside the usage location 18 according to the user who reserved the usage location 18.

[0128] The functions of the reservation management device 10, information processing device 12, and terminal device 16 described above are realized, for example, through the cooperation of hardware and software. Specifically, the reservation management device 10, information processing device 12, and terminal device 16 each have one or more processors, such as a CPU (not shown). The functions of the reservation management device 10, information processing device 12, and terminal device 16 are realized by the one or more processors reading and executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown). The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, the functions of the reservation management device 10, information processing device 12, and terminal device 16 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor, electronic circuit, or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Devices such as memory may be used in this realization. As yet another example, the functions of the reservation management device 10, information processing device 12, and terminal device 16 may be realized by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 10 Reservation management device, 12 Information processing device, 14 Access point, 16 Terminal device, 18 Location of use.

Claims

1. In setting up wireless communication at a location that can be used by reservation, a means for changing the fixed SSID or password for each user who has reserved the location, An information processing device having

2. Computers, In setting up wireless communication at a location that can be used by reservation, a means for changing the fixed SSID or password for each user who has reserved the location, A program that makes it function as such.

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