Wireless communication device

Abstract

A wireless communication device that allows easy password changing. [Solution] A wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with a plurality of communication terminals and functions as an access point connecting the terminal devices to a LAN, an external network, etc., includes a communication control unit that functions as an access point for wireless communication with the communication terminals and controls a password for the communication terminals to access, a housing that houses the communication control unit, a display unit provided on the front side of the housing that displays the current password, and an operation unit provided on the housing that is operated by a user. When the communication control unit receives a user's operation on the operation unit, it uses a predetermined change means (for example, a means using random numbers or a table) to change the currently set first password to a second password different from the first password.

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

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

[0004] The wireless communication device described in Patent Document 1 is housed in a housing in which a wireless communication unit that functions as an access point is fixed inside a wall. The front of the housing is arranged so as to be flush with the wall surface, and is covered with a cover for protecting the housing from dust, moisture, oil, external forces, and the like. The wireless communication device also functions as one of a number of access points. In this case, the parent unit and the child unit of the wireless communication device share an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a password. In this way, the wireless communication device has a configuration that is not easily affected by the surrounding environment, and does not require space for installation. As a result, the wireless communication device can realize an access point with a high degree of freedom in installation.

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

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device that allows easy password changing and installation. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer shape of a wireless communication device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a wireless communication device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout relationship of components of a wireless communication device. [Figure 4] 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer shape of a wireless communication device according to a first modified example. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a wireless communication device according to a first modified example is connected to an outlet. [Figure 6] 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer shape of a wireless communication device according to a second modified example. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a wireless communication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 shows an example of setting information D110. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the wireless communication device. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a wireless communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] In this case, the wireless communication device 100 is fixed to the wall with a plug that is inserted into a power outlet, so the main body can be easily replaced. Also, since it can be installed by inserting it into an air conditioner outlet provided near the ceiling, the wireless communication device 100 is less susceptible to radio wave blocking by other objects, and radio wave propagation efficiency can be improved.

[0017] In addition, the wireless communication device 100 has a display unit that displays the SSID and password on the front surface of the main body, which allows the wireless communication device 100 to easily display the setting status to the user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] The operation unit 104 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101 so as to correspond to the position of the connection unit 102. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3(a), when the connection unit 102 is provided at a position 40 mm from the top surface of the housing 101 in the -Y direction, the operation unit 104 is arranged, for example, near a position (for example, near 30 mm to 75 mm) where the center of the operation unit 104 has a length L3 of 40 mm from the top surface. In this way, when the wireless communication device 100 receives an operation input from a user to the operation unit 104, the connection unit 102 does not move in a direction to be removed from the outlet due to a pressing force in the +Z direction caused by the operation input.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0058] Furthermore, communication control unit 111 may change the first password to the second password when a user's operation input to operation unit 104 (for example, any one of operation units 104) is continuously received for a predetermined first time period (for example, 3 seconds). Furthermore, when a user's operation input to operation unit 104 is continuously received for a predetermined first time period, communication control unit 111 may change the first password to the second password when a user's operation input to operation unit 104 is further received after causing the display unit to display a screen for confirming whether or not to execute a password change. This allows wireless communication device 100 to prevent a password change that is unexpected by the user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0080] <5> In the recessed portion 107 of the wireless communication device 100a, the depth of the surface facing the communication terminal 502 (second terminal) when the connection portion 102 is electrically connected to the power terminal 501 (first terminal) is formed deeper than the depth of the surface not facing the communication terminal 502 (second terminal). This improves the convenience of installation of the wireless communication device 100a, and enables the communication terminal 502 to be used effectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. a communication control unit that functions as an access point for wireless communication between the communication terminal and the communication control unit; A housing that houses the communication control unit; A connection portion provided on a main surface of the housing and capable of being electrically connected to a wall outlet; a recessed portion provided on the main surface so as to overlap a second terminal for connecting a communication cable of the outlet, the second terminal being provided at a predetermined distance from the first terminal in a state in which the first terminal is electrically connected to the outlet; Equipped with The recessed portion is formed beyond an end of the outlet in a first direction from the first terminal to the second terminal when the connection portion is electrically connected to the first terminal. Wireless communication device.

2. The housing has a connector on a lower surface in the first direction that intersects with the main surface, to which the communication cable can be connected. The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

3. the recessed portion is formed such that a depth of a surface facing the second terminal when the connection portion is electrically connected to the first terminal is deeper than a depth of a surface not facing the second terminal.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the recessed portion is formed to extend to a bottom surface of the housing in a direction from the first terminal to the second terminal in a state in which the connection portion is electrically connected to the first terminal. The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

5. the connection portion is a plug that can be inserted into the outlet, The housing is formed to have a horizontal width of 65 mm or less and longer than a horizontal width of the plug in a state in which the connection portion is connected to the outlet. The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

6. The connection portion is provided at a position that is 5 mm or more and 60 mm or less downward from an upper surface of the housing in a vertical direction that perpendicularly intersects with the horizontal direction.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 5.

7. 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays predetermined information and is provided on a surface of the housing opposite to the main surface.

8. 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating unit that is provided on a surface of the housing opposite to the main surface thereof, in an area corresponding to a position of the connection unit on the main surface of the housing, and that is operated by a user.

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