Educational support system and educational support method

Abstract

To further improve the comfort when using digital content data for education. [Solution] An education support system according to an embodiment includes a server device, a terminal device, and a communication management device. The server device has a database storing educational content data, including digital textbooks. The terminal device is connectable to an on-premise network of an educational facility and is configured to make the content data available. The communication management device manages communications between the on-premise network and the server device. The communication management device also has a cache function that acquires at least a portion of the content data from the server device and temporarily stores it as cache data. When a request to use the content data is received from a terminal device connected to the on-premise network, the communication management device causes the terminal device to use the cached data of the content data in response to the request.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an education support system and an education support method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's GIGA (Global and Innovation Gateway for All) School initiative has led to rapid development of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) environments in schools and other educational facilities. As a result, by the end of March 2021, the provision of one educational device for each elementary and junior high school student nationwide is almost complete.

[0003] In response to the development of such ICT environments, various technologies have been proposed to support efficient learning by learners and efficient teaching by teachers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an education support system that automates the process from obtaining questions to grading tests administered to learners who use digital textbooks stored in an education support server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-081588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques still have room for improvement in terms of improving the user experience when using digital content data for educational purposes, such as digital textbooks.

[0006] For example, with the development of ICT environments as mentioned above, opportunities to use digital textbooks in classes have increased, which has also led to increased network load. When network load increases, delays can occur due to large amounts of traffic, which can lead to situations such as "textbooks not opening" during class. In particular, in schools, where students access the same digital textbooks simultaneously during class, delays are likely to occur.

[0007] In this regard, the GIGA School Initiative has established standard specifications for the development of school LANs (Local Area Networks), but a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has reported that, for example, only about 20% of schools will meet the recommended bandwidth as of March 2024. Furthermore, the conventional technology mentioned above does not adequately consider the network load caused by the use of digital textbooks.

[0008] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an educational support system and an educational support method that can further improve the comfort of using educational digital content data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An education support system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a server device, a terminal device, and a communication management device. The server device has a database storing educational content data including digital textbooks. The terminal device is connectable to an on-premise network of an educational facility and is provided so that the content data can be used. The communication management device manages communications between the on-premise network and the server device. The communication management device also has a cache function that acquires at least a portion of the content data from the server device and temporarily stores it as cache data. a DNS function for performing name resolution when accessing the external network from the local network; and determining whether the terminal device is connected to the local network based on whether the terminal device designates the communication management device as a DNS server using the DNS function; connected to the local network It is determined thatWhen a request for use of the content data is received from the terminal device, the terminal device is caused to use the cache data of the content data corresponding to the use request. and allowing the terminal device that is determined not to be connected to the local network to use the content data by directly connecting to the external network. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to further improve the comfort when using educational digital content data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an education support method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the communication management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 6) of a specific example of a logical network configuration that can be supported by the education support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a menu configuration for the digital cash function. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu configuration of the PAC file management function. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the cache exclusion URL setting screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of the PAC file detail setting screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of the syntax check function. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the syntax check function. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the PAC file detailed setting screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing that the source IP address can be specified. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing that the source IP address can be specified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of an education support system and an education support method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0013] In the following, a digital textbook will be used as an example of educational content data. In the following, a school network will be used as an example of an on-campus network for an educational facility. In the following, the so-called proxy auto-configuration file will be referred to as a "PAC (Proxy Auto-Configuration) file" as appropriate.

[0014] In the following description, the education support method according to the embodiment is assumed to be executed by a control unit 14 (see FIG. 3) of the communication management device 10 included in the education support system 1 according to the embodiment. The control unit 14 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0015] First, an overview of an education support method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an education support method according to an embodiment.

[0016] The education support system 1 according to the embodiment includes a server device 100, a terminal device 30, and a communication management device 10. The server device 100 has a content data DB (Database) 103a in which educational content data including digital textbooks is stored. The terminal device 30 is connectable to the school's in-house network and is provided so that the digital textbooks can be used. The communication management device 10 manages communications between the in-house network and the server device 100.

[0017] In the education support method according to the embodiment of the education support system 1, the control unit 14 of the communication management device 10 acquires at least a portion of the digital textbook from the server device 100 and temporarily stores it as cache data. Furthermore, when the control unit 14 receives a request to use the digital textbook from a terminal device 30 connected to the school network, it causes the terminal device 30 to use the cache data of the digital textbook in response to the request.

[0018] That is, in the education support method according to the embodiment, digital textbooks acquired from server device 100, which is a digital textbook distribution cloud, are temporarily stored as cache data in communication management device 10. Then, when students in the same class A (or class B, etc.) simultaneously access the same digital textbook, communication management device 10 responds from the stored cache data.

[0019] This will reduce the amount of access to the Internet N1 and ease the load on the line. It will also lead to the creation of a comfortable environment for using digital textbooks, which often experience high volumes of access.

[0020] In addition, in the education support system 1, the server device 100 provides a PAC file management function to enable safe and normal access to various services via the Internet N1 from inside and outside the school.

[0021] With this management function, the server device 100 can automatically configure a proxy using one PAC file per school, even if the school network is logically divided into multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). This makes it possible to streamline the complicated proxy configuration process. A specific method for managing PAC files will be described later using Figures 15 to 20.

[0022] Furthermore, the server device 100 can not only manage PAC files, but also remotely configure the communication management device 10 with regard to functions such as caching digital textbooks. This enables centralized and efficient system operation of each communication management device 10 that is the subject of management by the server device 100. Specific examples of the configuration of the communication management device 10 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0023] An example of the configuration of the education support system 1 to which the education support method according to the embodiment is applied will be described in more detail below.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an education support system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the education support system 1 includes a communication management device 10, a plurality of terminal devices 30, a server device 100, and a filtering server 200. Note that the filtering server 200 may not be essential.

[0025] The communication management device 10 is an edge computer that is provided between the Internet N1 and a school network N2 and manages communications between each terminal device 30 connected to the school network N2 and the server device 100. The school network N2 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0026] Although not shown in the figure, for example, a router may be provided between the communication management device 10 and the Internet N1. Also, for example, an L3 switch may be provided between the communication management device 10 and the school network N2.

[0027] The terminal device 30 is a computer used by students, teachers, etc. at a school. The terminal device 30 is realized by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet. Note that the terminal device 30 may also be realized by a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device, etc., in addition to a PC or a tablet.

[0028] The terminal device 30 can be connected to the school network N2 and is provided so that at least digital textbooks can be used. The terminal device 30 may also be able to connect to the Internet N1 from outside the school (for example, from home). In this case, the terminal device 30 can connect to the Internet N1 via the service of a provider with which each home has a contract, for example.

[0029] As described above, the server device 100 has a content data DB 103a that stores educational content data including digital textbooks, and is configured to be able to distribute digital textbooks to each school via the Internet N1. The server device 100 is also configured to be able to remotely configure each communication management device 10 that it manages. The server device 100 is also configured to be able to centrally manage and distribute PAC files for each school.

[0030] The server device 100 is realized as, for example, a private cloud. The server device 100 is managed and operated by, for example, a business that provides education support services using the education support system 1.

[0031] The filtering server 200 is a computer that is configured to provide a cloud web filtering service for the purpose of restricting browsing of the Internet N1 and restricting access to harmful sites. The filtering server 200 is realized, for example, as a public cloud. The filtering server 200 is managed and operated, for example, by a filtering provider that provides the cloud web filtering service.

[0032] Next, a configuration example of the communication management device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the communication management device 10 according to the embodiment. Note that in Fig. 3 and Figs. 4 and 5 shown later, components necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are represented by functional blocks, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0033] In other words, the components shown in Figures 3 to 5 are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. In the explanation using Figures 3 to 5, the explanation of the components already described so far will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication management device 10 includes a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0035] The first communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, etc. The first communication unit 11 is connected to the Internet N1 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the Internet N1.

[0036] The second communication unit 12 is also realized by, for example, a network adapter, etc. The second communication unit 12 is connected to the school network N2 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from each terminal device 30 via the school network N2.

[0037] The storage unit 13 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. In the example of Fig. 3, the storage unit 13 stores setting information 13a, cache data 13b, and a PAC file 13c.

[0038] The setting information 13a is information relating to the settings of various functions of the communication management device 10, such as the cache function of the digital textbook. The setting information 13a is set remotely from the server device 100, for example.

[0039] The cache data 13b is data in which at least a part of the digital textbook is temporarily stored. The PAC file 13c is managed by the server device 100 and distributed from the server device 100.

[0040] As described above, the control unit 14 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller. The control unit 14 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 13, using RAM as a work area. The control unit 14 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0041] The control unit 14 performs overall control of the communication management device 10. The control unit 14 has an acquisition unit 14a, a cache server unit 14b, a first proxy server unit 14c, a second proxy server unit 14d, a quarantine processing unit 14e, and a DNS (Domain Name System) server unit 14f, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and actions described below.

[0042] The acquisition unit 14a acquires setting contents remotely set from the server device 100 via the first communication unit 11 and reflects the setting information 13a. The acquisition unit 14a also acquires a request to use a digital textbook from the terminal device 30 via the second communication unit 12. The acquisition unit 14a also acquires a digital textbook in response to the request to use a digital textbook from the terminal device 30 via the first communication unit 11.

[0043] The cache server unit 14b executes a caching function for digital textbooks. The cache server unit 14b is activated based on the activation setting in the setting information 13a, for example. The cache server unit 14b temporarily stores the digital textbooks acquired by the acquisition unit 14a as cache data 13b.

[0044] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 14a acquires from the terminal device 30 a request to use a digital textbook that has been temporarily saved as cache data 13b, the cache server unit 14b allows the terminal device 30 to use the digital textbook in the cache data 13b.

[0045] The communication management device 10 also has a proxy function that acts as a proxy for communication from the school network N2 to the Internet N1, and executes this proxy function based on the PAC file 13c.

[0046] The first proxy server unit 14c operates as a first proxy server for at least digital textbooks using the proxy function for access from the school network N2 to the Internet N1. The cache function of the cache server unit 14b is basically enabled when it operates as the first proxy server.

[0047] Similarly, the second proxy server unit 14d operates as a second proxy server for access from the school network N2 to the Internet N1 to content data other than digital textbooks using the proxy function.

[0048] In the following, the "first proxy server" may be referred to as the "digital textbook proxy server" or the "digital textbook proxy."

[0049] The quarantine processing unit 14e is configured to be able to execute security-related quarantine processing when it receives a usage request addressed to the other content data from the terminal device 30. The quarantine processing is, for example, content filtering that monitors information coming in and going out via the Internet N1 and denies or blocks connection if the content is problematic from the perspective of protecting minors or posing a security risk. The content filtering may be so-called URL filtering or dynamic content filtering. Furthermore, the quarantine processing unit 14e may execute such quarantine processing using any algorithm, such as an AI model, or may execute it using third-party filtering software.

[0050] When the second proxy server unit 14d operates as the second proxy server, and receives a usage request that has gone through quarantine processing by the quarantine processing unit 14e, it can enable the cache function for the other content data via the first proxy server.

[0051] The DNS server unit 14f executes a DNS function for performing name resolution when accessing the Internet N1 from the school network N2. The DNS server unit 14f determines whether the terminal device 30 is connected to the school network N2 based on whether the terminal device 30 has designated the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the communication management device 10 as the DNS server.

[0052] The cache server unit 14b allows the terminal device 30 that is determined by the DNS function to be connected to the school network N2 to use cached data. On the other hand, the cache server unit 14b allows the terminal device 30 that is determined by the DNS function to not be connected to the school network N2 to use the digital textbook by directly connecting to the Internet N1.

[0053] Next, a configuration example of the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a control unit 34.

[0054] The communication unit 31 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, etc. The communication unit 31 is connected to the Internet N1 or the school network N2 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 or the communication management device 10 via the Internet N1 or the school network N2.

[0055] The HMI unit 32 is a component that provides interface components related to input and output for students and the like who use the terminal device 30. The HMI unit 32 includes an input interface that accepts input operations from students and the like. The input interface is realized by, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The input interface may also be realized by a microphone, etc. The input interface may also be realized by software components.

[0056] The HMI unit 32 also includes an output interface that presents visual and audio information to students, etc. The output interface is realized by, for example, a display, a speaker, earphones, etc. The HMI unit 32 may also be configured to provide an input interface and an output interface as a single unit, for example, by a touch panel display.

[0057] The storage unit 33 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, or a HDD. In the example of Fig. 4, the storage unit 33 stores a PAC file 33a. The PAC file 33a is managed by the server device 100 and distributed from the server device 100.

[0058] As described above, the control unit 34 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller. The control unit 34 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 33, using the RAM as a work area. The control unit 34 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0059] The control unit 34 performs overall control of the terminal device 30. The control unit 34 has an acquisition unit 34a, a setting unit 34b, and an application execution unit 34c, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0060] The acquisition unit 34a acquires the PAC file 33a and the digital textbook via the communication unit 31. The setting unit 34b automatically sets the proxy based on the PAC file 33a. The application execution unit 34c executes predetermined application software that uses educational content data including the digital textbook.

[0061] Next, a configuration example of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 101, an HMI unit 102, a storage unit 103, and a control unit 104.

[0062] The communication unit 101 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, etc. The communication unit 101 is connected to the Internet N1 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the communication management device 10 or the terminal device 30 via the Internet N1.

[0063] The HMI unit 102 is a component that provides interface components related to input and output to an operator or the like who uses the server device 100. The HMI unit 102 includes an input interface that accepts input operations from an operator or the like. The input interface is realized by, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The input interface may also be realized by a microphone or the like. The input interface may also be realized by software components.

[0064] The HMI unit 102 also includes an output interface that presents visual information and audio information to an operator, etc. The output interface is realized by, for example, a display, a speaker, earphones, etc. The HMI unit 102 may be configured to provide an input interface and an output interface in one unit, for example, by a touch panel display. The HMI unit 102 may also be realized by, for example, another device connected to a network via the communication unit 101.

[0065] The storage unit 103 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a HDD, etc. In the example of Fig. 5, the storage unit 103 stores a content data DB 103a, a managed device DB 103b, and a PAC file DB 103c.

[0066] The content data DB 103a is a database that stores various educational content data, including digital textbooks. Note that the educational content data is not limited to data used by students, but may also be data used by teachers, boards of education, education center staff, etc.

[0067] The managed device DB 103b is a database of various devices such as the communication management device 10 and the terminal device 30 that are managed by the server device 100. The managed device DB 103b stores various information such as the network configuration and device configuration for each school.

[0068] The PAC file DB 103c is a database of PAC files for each school managed by the server device 100.

[0069] As described above, the control unit 104 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller. The control unit 104 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 103, using RAM as a work area. The control unit 104 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0070] The control unit 104 performs overall control of the server device 100. The control unit 104 has an acquisition unit 104a, a setting unit 104b, a content management unit 104c, a cache management unit 104d, a PAC file management unit 104e, and a distribution unit 104f, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0071] The acquisition unit 104a acquires a request to use a digital textbook from the communication management device 10 or the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 101. The setting unit 104b performs remote settings for each communication management device 10. The setting unit 104b performs settings related to, for example, the content management function, the digital textbook cache function, and the PAC file management function. For example, the setting unit 104b presents a setting screen related to each of these functions to the HMI unit 102 and performs settings based on input from an operator or the like on the screen.

[0072] The content management unit 104c manages the content data stored in the content data DB 103a based on the settings made by the setting unit 104b. The cache management unit 104d manages the settings and status of the cache function of each communication management device 10 based on the settings made by the setting unit 104b. The PAC file management unit 104e manages the settings and status of the proxy function of each communication management device 10 based on the settings made by the setting unit 104b.

[0073] The distribution unit 104f distributes, for example, a digital textbook in response to the above-mentioned usage request to the requesting communication management device 10 or terminal device 30. The distribution unit 104f also distributes a newly generated or appropriately updated PAC file to the communication management device 10 or terminal device 30 of the target school.

[0074] Next, specific examples of logical network configurations that can be supported by the education support system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11. Figs. 6 to 11 are explanatory diagrams (part 1) to (part 6) of specific examples of logical network configurations that can be supported by the education support system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that "eth0" in Figs. 6 and 8 to 11 refers to an Ethernet (registered trademark) port on the school network N2 side. "eth1" refers to an Ethernet (registered trademark) port on the Internet N1 side.

[0075] As a first specific example, the education support system 1 can support a logical network configuration as shown in Fig. 6. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the DNS function of the communication management device 10 is used to determine whether the communication is inside or outside the school.

[0076] At this time, as shown in Figure 7, among the terminal devices 30-1 to 30-5 connected to the school network N2, for example, the terminal device 30-1, which specifies the communication management device 10 as the DNS server, is determined to be on campus. On the other hand, the terminal device 30-5, which specifies a device other than the communication management device 10 as the DNS server, is determined to be off campus even if it is physically connected to the school network N2. Furthermore, the terminal device 30-11 connected to the off-campus network is determined to be off campus because a DNS server other than the communication management device 10 is specified depending on the provider, etc.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6, among terminal devices 30-1 to 30-5 on school network N2, terminal device 30-1 and the like determined to be within the school will access server device 100 from the Internet N1 via the digital textbook proxy when addressed to the digital textbook proxy. Also, when addressed to a standard proxy other than the digital textbook proxy, they will access server device 100 from the Internet N1 via the standard proxy.

[0078] "To digital textbook proxy" and "To standard proxy" are specified in URL format in the URL list on the PAC file detailed settings screen shown later in Figure 15. "To digital textbook proxy" specifies content such as digital textbooks. "To standard proxy" specifies services for which SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) decoding is not recommended.

[0079] Furthermore, for connections other than "to the digital textbook proxy" and "to the standard proxy," as well as for the terminal devices 30-5 and 30-11 (see FIG. 7) determined to be outside the school, direct connection is made via the default proxy.

[0080] Next, as a second specific example, the education support system 1 can support a logical network configuration as shown in Fig. 8. In the example shown in Fig. 8, quarantine processing is performed on unspecified destinations, so the difference from the example shown in Fig. 6 is that quarantine processing is specified for the default proxy.

[0081] Furthermore, the example shown in Fig. 8 differs from the example shown in Fig. 6 in that a standard proxy is designated as the upper proxy for the quarantine process. Although not shown, a self-signed root certificate for digital textbooks is pre-registered in each terminal device 30. Furthermore, if the above-mentioned filtering software is used in the quarantine process, a self-signed root certificate for the filtering software is also pre-registered.

[0082] Next, as a third specific example, the education support system 1 can support a logical network configuration such as that shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in Fig. 9, similar to Fig. 8, unspecified destinations specify the above-mentioned quarantine process to the default proxy, but it differs from the example shown in Fig. 8 in that the digital textbook proxy is specified as the upper proxy for the quarantine process.

[0083] The self-signed root certificate is the same as the example shown in Figure 8. The direct connections to "Digital Textbook Proxy", "Standard Proxy" and those determined to be outside the school are the same as the example shown in Figure 6.

[0084] According to the example shown in FIG. 9, the cache function can also be enabled for unspecified destinations, that is, content data other than digital textbooks, by specifying the digital textbook proxy as an upper proxy.

[0085] Next, as a fourth specific example, the education support system 1 can support a logical network configuration as shown in Fig. 10. The example shown in Fig. 10 differs from the example shown in Fig. 6 in that in the case of a direct connection via a default proxy, the connection goes through the cloud web filter of the filtering server 200.

[0086] Although not shown, both a self-signed root certificate for digital textbooks and a self-signed root certificate for cloud web filters are registered in advance in each terminal device 30.

[0087] Next, as a fifth specific example, the education support system 1 can support a logical network configuration as shown in Fig. 11. The example shown in Fig. 11 differs from the examples shown so far in that a web filter in an education center, for example, is designated as an upper proxy of the digital textbook proxy and the standard proxy.

[0088] The web filter in the training center is provided in, for example, a center device (not shown) that is managed and operated by the training center. It is preferable that the web filter in the training center does not perform user authentication.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 11, the standard proxy is specified as the default proxy for unspecified destinations. At this time, it is recommended to disable the cache function so as not to affect the operation of the web filter in the education center.

[0090] Although not shown, each terminal device 30 is pre-registered with both a self-signed root certificate for digital textbooks and a self-signed root certificate for a web filter within the education center.

[0091] Next, specific examples of various setting methods for the cache management function and PAC file management function provided by server device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 20. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a menu configuration for the cache management function. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu configuration for the PAC file management function.

[0092] For the cache management function, for example, a menu is displayed by selecting "Digital Textbook Cache" from the portal screen for operators displayed on the HMI unit 102 of the server device 100, as shown in FIG.

[0093] Selecting "Basic Proxy Settings" from this menu will display the basic proxy settings screen. Also, selecting "Cache Exclusion URL Settings" will display the cache exclusion URL settings screen. Also, selecting "Upstream Proxy Settings" will display the upstream proxy settings screen.

[0094] Also, by selecting "Proxy Server Advanced Settings", the proxy server advanced settings screen will be displayed, and by selecting "Cache Status", the cache status screen will be displayed.

[0095] On the other hand, the PAC file management function displays a menu by selecting "PAC file management" from the portal screen described above, as shown in Fig. 13. Also, by selecting "PAC file advanced settings" from this menu, the PAC file advanced settings screen is displayed.

[0096] Next, one example of a cache exclusion URL setting screen among various screens in the cache management function will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the cache exclusion URL setting screen.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14, the cache exclusion URL setting screen allows you to specify URLs that will not be cached by the digital textbook proxy. The cache exclusion URLs that you have set can be confirmed in the cache exclusion URL list.

[0098] In the cache exclusion URL setting screen, you specify URLs that you do not want to cache after passing through the digital textbook proxy. If you want to access them directly without going through the digital textbook proxy, you need to specify DIRECT (direct connection) in the PAC file advanced setting screen, not on this screen (see Figure 18).

[0099] Next, an example of a PAC file details setting screen in the PAC file management function and supplementary content will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 20. Fig. 15 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a PAC file details setting screen. Figs. 16 and 17 are diagrams (parts 1) and (part 2) showing an example of a syntax check function. Fig. 18 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of a PAC file details setting screen. Figs. 19 and 20 are diagrams (parts 1) and (part 2) explaining that a sender IP address can be specified.

[0100] 15, the PAC file detail setting screen allows editing and creation of a PAC file to be referenced by the terminal device 30. In "Name", the name of the PAC file is specified.

[0101] In addition, the "Custom Settings" allows you to write the contents of the PAC file directly in JavaScript (registered trademark). This "Custom Settings" also has a syntax check function. Specifically, when the contents of the PAC file are written as JavaScript functions, a syntax check tool is launched and the check results are displayed.

[0102] As shown in Figure 16, for example, if a written function does not contain a "var" variable declaration, the syntax check tool will display an error message (such as "The variable declaration is incorrect") pointing out this fact. Also, as shown in Figure 17, if a written function contains a missing parenthesis (here, a missing "}"), the syntax check tool will display an error message (such as "There are not enough parentheses"). This helps prevent syntax errors from occurring in the "custom settings" where the contents of the PAC file are directly written.

[0103] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15, "DIRECT (direct connection)" allows you to directly specify a list of URLs that do not go through each proxy. As shown in Figures 15 and 18, for "within school," you can also set the "standard proxy server," "digital textbook proxy server," and "default proxy" individually.

[0104] In the settings for the "Standard Proxy Server" and "Digital Textbook Proxy Server," you can directly specify a list of URLs that will be used by the "Standard Proxy Server" and "Digital Textbook Proxy Server," respectively, and you can also specify an IP address or FQDN as the proxy address. You can also specify a proxy address by setting a proxy for each network (see the area enclosed by the closed dashed curve in Figure 15).

[0105] As shown in Figure 18, when setting the "default proxy," it is possible to specify "DIRECT (direct connection)" or to directly specify the proxy address and port number, and it is also possible to set a proxy for each network, as shown in Figure 15 (see the area surrounded by the closed dashed curve in Figure 18).

[0106] In such network-specific proxy settings, it is possible to specify the source IP address. Specifically, in the network-specific proxy settings, there are input fields for "Proxy" and "Network."

[0107] "Proxy" specifies the destination proxy. The format is:<FQDN|IPアドレス> :<port number>. "Network" specifies the network that is the access source (sender). The format is <network address> / <prefix length>. Note that multiple "networks" can be specified by separating them with line breaks.

[0108] By using the "+" button, you can increase the number of entries in the "Proxy" and "Network" paired entry fields up to a maximum of 10. By being able to configure proxy settings by network in this way, you can achieve the following benefits:

[0109] In the current educational environment, the school network N2 is often logically divided into multiple sections, for example, by VLANs, and has multiple network addresses. In this case, if you wanted to set up different proxies for each VLAN, you had to set up individual PAC files for each VLAN. This meant that managing PAC files was also a time-consuming and complicated task.

[0110] In contrast, in this embodiment, multiple network-specific proxy settings can be configured in one PAC file, so that the same PAC file can be used for, for example, two VLANs, VLAN-1 and VLAN-2, within the school network N2, as shown in Fig. 19. When a terminal device 30 in VLAN-1 is the sender, a proxy server corresponding to the IP address of VLAN-1 can be assigned. When a terminal device 30 in VLAN-2 is the sender, a proxy server corresponding to the IP address of VLAN-2 can be assigned.

[0111] 20, for example, a terminal device 30 in VLAN-10 of network "192.168.10.0 / 24" is assigned to the proxy server "192.168.10.1:8080." Similarly, a terminal device 30 in VLAN-20 of network "192.168.20.0 / 24" is assigned to the proxy server "192.168.20.1:8080."

[0112] In the network-specific proxy settings shown in Figure 20, "0.0.0.0 / 0" is specified as the network for the proxy "192.168.20.1:8080." In this way, if "0.0.0.0 / 0" is specified as the network, and the source network does not correspond to any of the networks in the network column, the proxy with "0.0.0.0 / 0" specified will be applied.

[0113] Therefore, in the example of FIG. 20, for example, the terminal device 30 in the VLAN-30 of the network "192.168.30.0 / 24" is applied with the proxy server "192.168.20.1:8080".

[0114] Returning to the explanation of Figure 18, as shown in Figure 18, the PAC file advanced settings screen also allows you to set a "default proxy" that will distribute requests to destination URLs that do not match any of the above for "outside school." For this "default proxy," you can specify "DIRECT (direct connection)" or directly specify the proxy address and port number.

[0115] As described above, the education support system 1 according to the embodiment includes the server device 100, the terminal device 30, and the communication management device 10. The server device 100 has a content data DB 103a in which educational content data including digital textbooks is stored. The terminal device 30 is connectable to the school's in-school network N2 (corresponding to an example of an "in-school network") and is provided so that the content data can be used. The communication management device 10 manages communication between the school network N2 and the server device 100. The communication management device 10 also has a cache function that acquires at least a portion of the content data from the server device 100 and temporarily stores it as cache data. When the communication management device 10 receives a request to use the content data from a terminal device 30 connected to the school network N2, it causes the terminal device 30 to use the cached data of the content data corresponding to the use request.

[0116] Therefore, according to the education support system 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to further improve the comfort when using digital content data for education, such as digital textbooks.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, a "school" is used as an example of an educational facility, but the educational facility may also be a cram school, a computer classroom, etc. Furthermore, the place where the terminal device 30 is used is not limited to a class (i.e., a classroom) in a "school," but may also be a staff room, a gymnasium, etc.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the educational content data to be cached is a digital textbook, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the educational content data may be digital teaching materials other than a digital textbook, or update data for the OS (Operating System) of the terminal device 30.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, examples of several compatible logical network configurations are given, but the logical network configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a compatible logical network configuration may be created as appropriate depending on the physical network configuration of the educational facility. Note that, since educational content data used in educational facilities is handled, it is preferable to use only content data to be cached that has been thoroughly verified in advance.

[0120] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Educational Support System 10 Communication management device 14 Control Unit 30 Terminal Equipment 34 Control Unit 100 Server device 103a Content Data DB 104 Control Unit 200 Filtering Server N1 Internet N2 School Network

Claims

1. a server device having a database in which educational content data including digital textbooks is stored; a terminal device that can be connected to an in-house network of an educational facility and that is provided so that the content data can be used; a communication management device that manages communication between the local network and the server device; Equipped with The communication management device a cache function for acquiring at least a part of the content data from the server device and temporarily storing it as cache data, and a DNS function for performing name resolution when accessing an external network from the local network, determining whether the terminal device is connected to the local network based on whether the terminal device designates the communication management device as a DNS server using the DNS function; when a request for use of the content data is received from the terminal device determined to be connected to the local area network, the terminal device is caused to use the cache data of the content data corresponding to the request for use; and allowing the terminal device determined not to be connected to the local network to use the content data by directly connecting to the external network. Educational support system.

2. The communication management device a proxy function for acting as a proxy for communication from the local network to an external network; Executing the proxy function based on a proxy automatic configuration file managed in the server device. The education support system according to claim 1 .

3. The communication management device With respect to access from the local network to the external network, the proxy server operates as at least a first proxy server addressed to the content data and a second proxy server addressed to content data other than the content data by using the proxy function; enabling the cache function when operating as the first proxy server; The education support system according to claim 2 .

4. The communication management device When the second proxy server receives a request for use of the other content data from the terminal device that has passed through a security quarantine process, the second proxy server enables the cache function for the other content data via the first proxy server. The education support system according to claim 3 .

5. the server device has a function for editing the proxy automatic configuration file; The education support system according to claim 2 .

6. The editing function has a syntax check function for proxy settings. The education support system according to claim 5 .

7. The editing function is One proxy automatic configuration file can be used to configure multiple local area networks, an IP address in the local network of each of the terminal devices can be directly specified for each of the local networks; The education support system according to claim 5 .

8. An educational support method executed by a communication management device in an educational support system including a server device having a database in which educational content data including digital textbooks is stored, a terminal device connectable to an in-house network of an educational facility and provided so that the content data can be used, and a communication management device that manages communications between the in-house network and the server device, comprising: acquiring at least a portion of the content data from the server device and temporarily storing it as cache data; determining whether the terminal device is connected to the local network based on whether the terminal device designates the communication management device as a DNS server using a DNS function that performs name resolution when accessing an external network from the local network; when a request for use of the content data is received from the terminal device determined to be connected to the local area network, causing the terminal device to use the cache data of the content data corresponding to the request for use; allowing the terminal device determined not to be connected to the local network to use the content data by directly connecting to the external network; Educational support methods, including:

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