Communication device, determination method, and program

Abstract

This contributes to the automatic determination of whether the interface of a communication device can be connected to the communication line equipment of a telecommunications carrier. [Solution] A communication device comprising one or more memories and one or more processors, connected to a communication line facility operated by a telecommunications carrier, wherein the one or more memories are configured to store first authentication information used for connecting the communication device and the communication line facility, and the one or more processors are configured to transmit and receive information to and from a terminal device connected to the communication device, and to determine whether or not the communication device and the communication line facility can be connected based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information when a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information is received from the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a determination method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the use of devices (radios) that use radio signals, such as radios, without proof of compliance with technical standards is prohibited, and a technique for determining whether the proof of compliance with technical standards of a radio is valid based on information from a database via a network is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Each disclosure of the above prior art documents is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis was made by the present inventor.

[0005] As described above, a technique for determining whether a radio has received proof of compliance with technical standards (hereinafter, there is no substantial difference in meaning between "determination" and "judgment" in the following description) is known, but a technique for automatically determining whether an interface of a communication device connected to communication line facilities operated by a telecommunications carrier can be connected to the communication line facilities is not known.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to contribute to automatically determining whether an interface of a communication device can be connected to communication line facilities of a telecommunications carrier in consideration of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] From a first perspective of this disclosure, a communication device is provided that is connected to a communication line facility operated by a telecommunications carrier. The communication device comprises one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more memories are configured to store first authentication information used for connecting the communication device to the communication line facility, and the one or more processors are configured to transmit and receive information to and from a terminal device connected to the communication device, and to determine whether the communication device can be connected to the communication line facility based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information when a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information is received from the terminal device.

[0008] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a determination method for a communication device connected to a communication line facility operated by a telecommunications carrier. The determination method includes the steps of: storing a first authentication information used for connecting the communication device to the communication line facility; transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device connected to the communication device; and determining, based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information, whether the communication device and the communication line facility can be connected when a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information is received from the terminal device.

[0009] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a program that runs in a communication device comprising one or more memories and one or more processors, and connected to a communication line facility operated by a telecommunications carrier. The program causes one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process of storing first authentication information used for connecting the communication device to the communication line facility in the one or more memories; a process of transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device connected to the communication device; and a process of determining whether the communication device and the communication line facility can be connected based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information when a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information is received from the terminal device. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be non-transitory, such as semiconductor memory, hard disks, magnetic recording media, or optical recording media. This disclosure can be embodied as a computer program product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] From each perspective of this disclosure, it is possible to contribute to the automatic determination of whether or not the interface of a communication device can be connected to the communication line equipment of a telecommunications carrier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the communication system described herein. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating one operation (S10) of the communication system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is the first diagram illustrating exemplary text information displayed on the screen of a user terminal device. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a second diagram illustrating exemplary text information displayed on the screen of a user terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same or corresponding processes and communications are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and proportions of each element may differ from reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and proportions may differ between drawings. In addition, the connecting lines between blocks such as drawings referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Furthermore, in the following description, information and data are not strictly distinguished.

[0013] First, the configuration of the communication system 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one example of the configuration of the communication system 1 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1 comprises a communication device 10, a user terminal device 14 used by the user of the communication device 10, and a communication carrier device 16 and communication line equipment 18 operated by a communication carrier. The communication device 10 comprises one or more processors 100 connected to each other via buses and signal lines so as to be able to communicate data, information and various signals, a main memory 102, an auxiliary memory 104, a user interface device (user IF device) 120 (second interface device), and a communication line equipment IF device 122 (first interface device). In other words, the communication device 10 comprises components as a computer capable of information processing and communication with the communication line equipment 18. In the communication device 10, an OS (Operating System; not shown), such as Windows® or UNIX®, which mediates between the hardware of the communication device 10 and the program executed by the communication device 10, is executed. The programs that perform the various functions of the communication device 10 run on the OS.

[0014] The communication system 1 determines, based on these components, whether the communication device 10 can connect to the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 controlled by the communication line equipment 18. When the communication system 1 determines that the communication device 10 can connect to the telecommunications carrier equipment 16, it provides the communication device 10 with communication functions using the telecommunications carrier equipment 16. On the other hand, when it determines that connection is not possible, the communication device 10 displays to the user terminal device 14 that connection to the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 is not possible.

[0015] Next, the hardware operation of each component of the communication device 10, which is a component of the communication system 1, will be described. The processor 100 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), or at least two combinations of one or more CPUs, one or more DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and one or more GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). The processor 100 executes instructions contained in one or more programs stored in at least one of the main memory 102 and the auxiliary memory 104. The main memory 102 includes storage devices such as one or more RAMs (Random Access Memory) and one or more ROMs (Read Only Memory), and temporarily stores one or more programs executed by the communication device 10, as well as information and data required for the execution of the programs.

[0016] The auxiliary storage device 104 includes, for example, one or more non-volatile computer-readable storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), one or more SSDs (Solid State Drives), and one or more flash memory devices, or one or more of these. The auxiliary storage device 104 stores the program executed by the communication device 10 and the information and data required for its execution for the medium to long term. At least one of the main storage device 102 and the auxiliary storage device 104 (memory) stores the authentication information (first authentication information) and other data and information required for processing, as described later, in advance before the user terminal device 14 is started up, or before the user terminal device 14 and the communication device 10 are started up.

[0017] The authentication information stored in memory includes an authentication number (first information), interface information (third information), and determination information (second information). The authentication number indicates, for example, a number issued after authentication by an authentication body. The interface information indicates the standard of the interface function provided by the communication line equipment IF device 122 of the communication device 10 for mutual input and output of data with the communication line equipment 18. The interface information further indicates whether the communication line equipment IF device 122 has already been authenticated (certified) by an authentication body or not (not authenticated) according to this interface standard. Authentication under the Telecommunications Business Act and the Radio Act, etc., is carried out by an authentication body. The authentication number for the communication line equipment IF device 122 is issued by the authentication body and reported to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This authentication number is received by the manufacturer of the communication line equipment IF device 122. The determination information indicates whether at least one of the communication line equipment IF device 122 and the interface information is subject to determination.

[0018] The user interface device 120 is connected to the user terminal device 14 via a communication line or LAN (Local Area Network) compliant with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The user interface device 120 operates under the control of the processor 100 and provides the user terminal device 14 with an interface function for sending and receiving data and information to and from the communication device 10.

[0019] In addition, one or more programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 or the like of the communication device 10 and executed by the processor 100 can be provided as a program product recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Note that such a program product may include, in addition to one or more programs, information and data essential for the execution of one or more programs.

[0020] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the communication system 1 will be described in association with the components of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one operation (S10) of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that FIG. 2 mainly shows the operation when the communication device 10 operates as a determination operation, and the operations for communication between the communication device 10 and the communication carrier device 16 and the communication line facility 18 are omitted.

[0021] In S100, when power is supplied to the communication device 10 and the communication device 10 starts up, the processor 100 of the communication device 10 starts and executes the OS, one or more programs for realizing the function as a determination device of the communication device 10, and a program for realizing the communication function. When the user terminal device 14 is connected to the communication device 10, the processor 100 controls the user IF device 120 and starts communication between the communication device 10 and the user terminal device 14. The processor 100 causes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image or the like that requests the user to input authentication information including interface information of the connection destination to be displayed on the display (not shown) of the user terminal device 14. Note that the user of the user terminal device 14 can only see the communication line facility IF device 122, and the user does not know the authentication information. Therefore, before the communication device 10 starts communication with the communication line facility 18, it is necessary to notify the user of the authentication information (authentication number and authenticated interface).

[0022] When the user performs an input operation of authentication information including interface information of the connection destination for the GUI image, the user terminal device 14 accepts the authentication information including the input interface information of the connection destination. The user terminal device 14 transmits the authentication information input for the GUI image to the processor 100 via the user IF device 120. Note that the authentication information (second authentication information) transmitted from the user terminal device 14 to the processor 100 includes at least an authentication number and standard information (fourth information). The standard information indicates the standard of the interface function provided by the communication line facility IF device 122.

[0023] A more detailed explanation will be given with specific examples. In the Telecommunications Business Act, examples of interface standards subject to authentication include 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, and 1000BASE-LX. Also, in the Radio Law, examples of interface standards subject to authentication include IEEE802.a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The manufacturer of the communication device 10 applies for authentication of the interface standards supported by the communication device 10 and requests authentication. Further explanation with the Telecommunications Business Act as an example, the communication line facility IF device 122 complies with one or more of the interface standards subject to authentication in the Telecommunications Business Act.

[0024] For example, when a certain type of communication device 10 complies with 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T, the certification authority certifies 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T and issues an authentication number a. That is, the authentication number a = 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T. Also, for example, when another type of communication device 10 complies with 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, and 1000BASE-LX, the certification authority certifies 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, and 1000BASE-LX and issues an authentication number b. That is, the authentication number b = 10 / 100 / 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, and 1000BASE-LX.

[0025] In S102, the processor 100 compares the interface information received from the user terminal device 14 with the interface information included in the authentication information pre-stored in the auxiliary storage device 104, and determines whether they match.

[0026] In the process of S104, the processor 100 determines whether the communication line equipment IF device 122 is subject to authentication by the telecommunications carrier equipment 16, based on the determination information contained in the authentication information pre-stored in the auxiliary storage device 104. If the communication line equipment IF device 122 is subject to authentication by the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 (Y in the process of S104), the communication system 1 proceeds to the process of S106; otherwise, the process ends. Note that if the communication line equipment IF device 122 is subject to authentication, it indicates that the communication equipment 10, including the communication line equipment IF device 122, can be a communication partner of the communication line equipment 18.

[0027] In the processing of S106, the processor 100 processes the interface information input from the user terminal device 14 and the interface information previously stored in the auxiliary storage device 104. Based on this processing, the processor 100 determines whether the interface function standard provided by the communication line equipment IF device 122 of the communication device 10 is subject to certification by a certification body.

[0028] If the specifications of the communication line equipment IF device 122 are subject to certification by a certification body (Y in processing S106), the communication system 1 proceeds to processing S108. On the other hand, if the communication line equipment IF device 122 is not subject to certification by a certification body (N in the same process), the communication system 1 terminates processing.

[0029] In S108, the processor 100 determines whether the communication line equipment IF device 122 is certified. If the communication device 10 is authorized by the certification body and the communication line equipment IF device 122 is certified by the certification body (Y in the S108 process), the processor 100 proceeds to the S110 process; otherwise, it proceeds to the S112 process. The fact that the communication line equipment IF device 122 is certified by the certification body indicates that the communication device 10, including the communication line equipment IF device 122, is certified as a communication partner for the communication line equipment 18, and that the communication device 10 can connect to the communication line equipment 18.

[0030] In S110, the processor 100 displays text information indicating that the communication line equipment IF device 122 is authorized and authenticated. Figure 3A is an example of text information displayed on the screen of the user terminal device 14. This display is achieved, for example, by displaying text information such as "The interface to be connected is authenticated. You can connect." in a predetermined display area of ​​the GUI image on the screen of the user terminal device 14's display (not shown), as shown in Figure 3A. Note that this text information is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and use of the communication device 10.

[0031] In S112, the processor 100 transmits character information to the user terminal device 14 via the user IF device 120 indicating that the communication line equipment 18 and the communication device 10 cannot connect, and displays this information on its display (an error message). This character information indicates at least one of the following: that the communication device 10 cannot connect to the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 to communicate (the connection is denied), and that the communication line equipment IF device 122 has not been authenticated by the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 (the connection is denied).

[0032] In S112, the display is shown, for example, by displaying text information on the screen of the user terminal device 14's display in a predetermined display area of ​​the GUI image, as shown in Figure 3B, stating, "The interface to be connected is not authenticated. Prior connection permission from the communication line equipment 18 is required."

[0033] Next, we will explain the technical effects of communication system 1. Without a determination based on the connection interface information input to the user terminal device 14 and the authentication information including the connection interface information stored in the auxiliary storage device 104, a manual investigation of the certification status of technical standards and technical condition compliance certifications under the Telecommunications Business Act and other laws would be required. However, manual investigations tend to result in errors such as forgetting to check the technical condition compliance certifications already obtained by the communication device 10 when connecting a new communication device 10, or the technical condition compliance certifications already obtained by the additional communication line equipment IF device 122 when adding a communication line equipment IF device 122. Communication system 1 can prevent such errors. Therefore, situations such as the inability of the communication device 10 to connect to the communication line equipment 18 due to such errors can also be prevented.

[0034] Next, a modified example of the operation of the communication system 1 described above will be explained. In the operation of the communication system 1 described above, the communication device 10 is always able to connect to the communication line equipment 18. In contrast, if, for example, the communication line equipment IF device 122 is not authenticated by the telecommunications carrier, the communication system 1 can operate in such a way that it disconnects the connection between the communication device 10 and the telecommunications carrier equipment 16, thereby improving the security of the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 and the communication line equipment 18. Furthermore, if, in the process of S106, it is discovered that the communication line equipment IF device 122 is not authenticated by the telecommunications carrier, allowing the user to use the user terminal device 14 to configure the communication line equipment IF device 122 to be authenticated by the telecommunications carrier would be convenient for the user and would further improve the security of the telecommunications carrier equipment 16 and the communication line equipment 18.

[0035] Furthermore, by sequentially storing the results of the judgments in S104 to S108 in the main memory 102 or auxiliary memory 104 of the communication device 10, it becomes possible for multiple users to analyze these judgment results when performing maintenance on the communication device 10 after the judgments have been made. In addition, if the communication device 10 is equipped with a display, the display on the user terminal device 14 can be viewed not only by the user operating the user terminal device 14 but also by the user operating the communication device 10.

[0036] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: [Note 1] (See the first perspective above) [Note 2] The communication device described in Appendix 1, wherein the first authentication information and the second authentication information include first information indicating the telecommunications carrier, and it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected when the first information included in the first authentication information and the second authentication information match. [Note 3] The communication device further comprises a first interface device that provides an interface function with the communication line equipment, wherein at least the first authentication information further includes second information indicating at least whether the first interface device is subject to authentication by an authentication body, and the communication device is determined to be able to connect with the communication line equipment when the second information indicates that the first interface device is subject to authentication by an authentication body, as described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The communication device according to Appendix 3, wherein at least the first authentication information includes at least third information indicating whether or not the first interface device has been certified by a certification body, and at least the second authentication information includes fourth information indicating the specifications of the first interface device, and based on the third information and the fourth information, it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected when the first interface device has been certified by a certification body. [Note 5] The communication device further comprises a second interface device that provides an interface function with the terminal device, and when it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected, the communication device controls the second interface device to transmit information to the terminal device indicating that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected, as described in any of appendices 1 to 4. [Note 6] The communication device described in Appendix 3, which disconnects the connection between the communication device and the communication line equipment except when the first interface device has been certified by a certification body. [Note 7] The communication device according to Appendix 3, wherein, in addition to the first interface device being certified by a certification body, the first interface device is configured to be certified by a certification body in response to user operations on the terminal device. [Note 8] A communication device described in any of the appendices 1 to 7 that sequentially stores the results of the aforementioned determination. [Note 9] (See the second perspective above) [Note 10] (See the third perspective above) It goes without saying that any combination of the forms described in the appendices of this disclosure, or any combination of the elements described in each perspective and embodiment (including the non-selection of some elements), can be made from time to time by those skilled in the art, in accordance with the basic concepts of this disclosure.

[0037] Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents cited is incorporated into this publication by reference. Within the framework of this disclosure (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments to the embodiments or examples are possible based on their fundamental technical concept. Also, within the framework of this disclosure, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each appendix, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and alterations that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concept. In particular, the numerical ranges described in this publication should be interpreted as specifically describing any numerical value or sub-range included within that range, even if not specifically noted. Furthermore, each disclosure item of the above-mentioned cited documents is deemed to be included in the disclosure items of this application, which may be used in part or in whole as part of this disclosure, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Communication System 10. Communication equipment 100 processors 102 Main storage 104 Auxiliary storage 120 User Interface Device 122 Communication Line Equipment IF Device 14. User terminal device 16. Telecommunications carrier equipment 18. Communication line equipment

Claims

1. A communication device connected to communication line equipment operated by a telecommunications carrier, comprising one or more memories and one or more processors, The one or more of the aforementioned memories are configured to store first authentication information used for connecting the communication device and the communication line equipment. The one or more processors described above are: The communication device transmits and receives information with a terminal device connected to the aforementioned communication device. When the terminal device receives a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information, it determines whether the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information. A communication device configured in such a way.

2. The first authentication information and the second authentication information include first information indicating the telecommunications carrier, When the first authentication information and the first information contained in the second authentication information match, it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The communication device further comprises a first interface device that provides an interface function with the communication line equipment, The first authentication information further includes at least second information indicating whether the first interface device is subject to authentication by a certification body, When the second information indicates that the first interface device is subject to certification by a certification body, it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. At least the first authentication information includes at least third information indicating whether or not the first interface device has been certified by a certification body, At least the second authentication information includes a fourth piece of information indicating the specifications of the first interface device, Based on the third and fourth pieces of information, it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected when the first interface device is certified by a certification body. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The communication device further comprises a second interface device that provides an interface function with the terminal device, When it is determined that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected, the second interface device is controlled to transmit information to the terminal device indicating that the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. The connection between the communication device and the communication line equipment is disconnected except when the first interface device has been certified by the certification body. The communication device according to claim 3.

7. In addition to the first interface device being authenticated by the authentication authority, the first interface device is configured to be authenticated by the authentication authority in response to user operations on the terminal device. The communication device according to claim 3.

8. The results of the above determinations are stored sequentially. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. A determination method using communication equipment connected to communication line facilities operated by a telecommunications carrier, A step of storing first authentication information used for connecting the communication device and the communication line equipment, The steps include transmitting and receiving information with a terminal device connected to the aforementioned communication device, The steps include: when a second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information is received from the terminal device, determining whether the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information; A determination method that includes this.

10. A program executed in a communication device connected to communication line equipment operated by a telecommunications carrier, wherein the communication device comprises one or more memories and one or more processors. A process of storing first authentication information used for connecting the communication device and the communication line equipment in one or more memories, A process for transmitting and receiving information between and a terminal device connected to the aforementioned communication device, A process to determine whether the communication device and the communication line equipment can be connected based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information when the terminal device receives the second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information. A program that causes one or more of the aforementioned processors to execute it.

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