Access points, communication terminals, and communication systems

Abstract

To provide an access point that can automatically delete connection information of the access point on a communication terminal.SOLUTION: An access point includes a communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal and a control unit that controls the communication. The control unit includes control information regarding deletion of connection information of the access point on the communication terminal in a predetermined packet and sends it to the communication terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an access point, a communication terminal, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] A communication terminal device having a wireless connection unit that performs wireless communication with an access point stores, for each access point, AP information necessary for connecting to the access point and position information representing the position near the access point in association with each other, and displays the position information related to the access point selected by the user. A technique is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a communication terminal connects to an access point, the connection information is stored in the communication terminal as a history. The connection information continues to be held unless the user intentionally deletes it.

[0005] When a communication device detects the radio wave of an access point, it can automatically connect to the access point without user operation by comparing it with the connection information stored as a history.

[0006] However, if connection information is stored in a communication terminal, there is a possibility of accidentally connecting to a malicious access point and getting involved in trouble. Conventionally, deletion of connection information requires the user's own judgment and operation.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an access point, a communication terminal, and a communication system that can automatically delete access point connection information in a communication terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An access point according to one aspect of the present invention is an access point comprising a communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal and a control unit that controls the communication, wherein the control unit includes control information relating to the deletion of connection information of the access point at the communication terminal in a predetermined packet and transmits it to the communication terminal.

[0009] A communication terminal according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with an access point, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the communication and a storage unit for storing connection information of the access point. The communication unit receives a predetermined packet from the access point that includes control information relating to the deletion of the connection information, and the control unit deletes the connection information based on the control information. A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication system comprising an access point and a communication terminal that communicates with the access point, wherein the access point comprises a first communication unit that communicates with the communication terminal and a first control unit that controls communication with the communication terminal, the first control unit transmits control information relating to the deletion of connection information of the access point at the communication terminal to the communication terminal in a predetermined packet, the communication terminal comprises a second communication unit that communicates with the access point, a second control unit that controls communication with the access point and a storage unit that stores the connection information, the second communication unit receives the predetermined packet containing the control information from the access point, and the control unit deletes the connection information based on the control information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]It is a configuration diagram of a communication terminal according to the form of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of an access point according to the form of the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] It is an example of a connection information group. [Figure 4B] It is an example of a connection information group. [Figure 4C] It is an example of a connection information group. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram of a communication method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an example of a display screen. [Figure 7] It is an example of a display screen. [Figure 8] It is an example of a display screen. [Figure 9] It is an example of a display screen. [Figure 10] It is an example of a display screen. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram of a communication method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram of a communication method according to the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the form of the first embodiment.

[0013] The communication system 101 includes a communication terminal 201 and an access point 301. Note that there may be a plurality of communication terminals 201 and access points 301.

[0014] The communication terminal 201 and the access point 301 communicate with each other by wireless communication between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301. The communication terminal 201 and the access point 301 perform wireless communication according to a standard of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as IEEE 802.11, for example.

[0015] The communication terminal 201 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop PC (Personal Computer), etc. Also, the access point 301 is connected to a network such as a LAN (not shown) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) (not shown), for example.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a communication terminal according to the form of the first embodiment.

[0017] The communication terminal 201 includes a control unit 211, a communication unit 221, a display unit 231, an input unit 241, and a storage unit 251.

[0018] The control unit 211 controls the communication terminal 201. Specifically, the control unit 211 controls the communication with the access point 301 performed via the communication unit 221. The control unit 211 transmits and receives various packets via the communication unit 221. The control unit 211 performs management such as saving and deleting the connection information of the access point 301 stored in the storage unit 251. The control unit 211 deletes the connection information based on the control information included in a predetermined packet received from the access point 301.

[0019] The control information indicates whether to force the deletion of connection information, recommend the deletion of connection information, or not delete the connection information. If the control information indicates that the deletion of connection information should be forced, the control unit 211 will delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger. If the control information indicates that the deletion of connection information should be recommended, the control unit 211 will ask the user whether or not to delete the connection information, and if the user responds that they should delete it, the control unit 211 will delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger. If the control information indicates that the connection information should not be deleted, the control unit 211 will not delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

[0020] The control unit 211 is, for example, a logic circuit (hardware) formed on a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip).

[0021] The communication unit 221 communicates with the access point 301. Specifically, the communication unit 221 transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 222 connected to the communication unit 221. The communication unit 221 converts (decodes) the received wireless signals into signals that the control unit 221 can process and outputs them to the control unit 221. The communication unit 221 also converts the signals output from the control unit 221 to the communication unit 221 into signals compliant with the wireless communication method used between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301, and transmits the wireless signals from the antenna 222. The communication unit 221 receives a predetermined packet from the access point 301 that contains control information regarding the deletion of connection information stored in the storage unit 251. The communication unit 221 is, for example, a wireless communication interface.

[0022] The display unit 231 displays various information such as the operation and status of the communication terminal 201. The display unit 231 also displays operation buttons for operating the communication terminal 201 using a touch panel. The display unit 231 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0023] The input unit 241 is an input device that accepts input operations from the user. The input unit 241 is, for example, a button or a touch panel. For example, a touch panel detects the user's finger touching an operation button or the like displayed on the display unit 231.

[0024] The memory unit 251 stores programs and data used by the communication terminal 201. The memory unit 251 also stores connection information for the access point 301. Details of the connection information will be described later. The memory unit 251 is a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an access point according to the first embodiment.

[0026] The access point 301 includes a control unit 311, a communication unit 321, a display unit 331, an input unit 341, and a storage unit 351.

[0027] The control unit 311 controls the access point 301. Specifically, the control unit 311 controls communication with the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The control unit 311 transmits control information regarding the deletion of the access point 301 connection information at the communication terminal 201 to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321, including this information in a predetermined packet.

[0028] The control information may indicate whether to enforce the deletion of connection information, recommend its deletion, or not delete the connection information. The control information may also include the retention period for the connection information.

[0029] The control unit 311 is, for example, a logic circuit (hardware) formed on a processor such as a CPU or an integrated circuit (IC chip).

[0030] The communication unit 321 communicates with the communication terminal 201. Specifically, the communication unit 321 transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 322 connected to the communication unit 321. The communication unit 321 converts (decodes) the received wireless signals into signals that the control unit 311 can process and outputs them to the control unit 311. The communication unit 321 also converts the signals output from the control unit 311 to the communication unit 321 into signals compliant with the wireless communication method used between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301, and transmits the wireless signals from the antenna 322. The communication unit 321 is, for example, a wireless communication interface.

[0031] The display unit 331 displays various information such as the operation and status of the access point 301. The display unit 331 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0032] The input unit 341 is an input device that accepts input operations from the user. The input unit 341 is, for example, a button or a touch panel.

[0033] The storage unit 351 stores programs and data used by the access point 301. The storage unit 351 stores various information such as the SSID related to the access point 301 and security information indicating the encryption method used for communication between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301. The storage unit 351 also stores control information and retention period related to the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 on the communication terminal 201. The storage unit 351 is, for example, a storage device such as RAM, flash memory, or HDD.

[0034] Here, we will explain the connection information stored in the memory unit 251 of the communication terminal 201.

[0035] Figures 4A to 4C show an example of a set of connection information.

[0036] The connection information group 401-i (i=1~3) includes connection information for each access point 301 (network) and control information for deleting said connection information. Specifically, the SSID, Security, Password, and automatic deletion for each access point 301 are recorded in association with each other.

[0037] The SSID is the information that identifies access point 301.

[0038] Security indicates the encryption method used for communication between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301.

[0039] The password is the password required to connect to access point 301.

[0040] Automatic deletion indicates control information regarding the deletion of connection information for access point 301. "Forced" indicates that connection information will be deleted at a predetermined trigger; "Recommended" indicates that deletion of connection information is recommended; and "None" indicates that connection information will not be deleted at a predetermined trigger. In addition, "Automatic deletion" may include the result of prompting the user whether or not to delete the connection information when the control information is "Recommended". Furthermore, "Automatic deletion" may include a retention period indicating the timing of the deletion of connection information.

[0041] The connection information group 401-1 shown in Figure 4A contains connection information for two access points, and each access point's connection information is recorded with the index [Network1] and [Network2] respectively.

[0042] In the upper section of connection information group 401-1, under [Network1], the connection information for the first access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-A123, Security=WPA3, Password=12345678, and the control information is recorded as Automatic Deletion = Forced (300 seconds). 300 seconds indicates the retention period. In other words, it indicates that the connection information for the first access point will be forcibly (automatically) deleted 300 seconds after a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, when the connection to the access point is disconnected. Details of the predetermined trigger will be described later.

[0043] In the lower section of connection information group 401-1, under [Network2], the connection information for the second access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-D567, Security=WPA2, Password=12341234, and the control information is set to Automatic Deletion=None. This indicates that the connection information for the second access point will not be deleted at the predetermined trigger.

[0044] The connection information group 401-2 shown in Figure 4B contains connection information for two access points, and each access point's connection information is recorded with the index [Network1] and [Network2] respectively.

[0045] In the upper section of connection information group 401-2, under [Network1], the connection information for the first access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-B234, Security=WPA / WPA2, Password=87654321, and the control information is Automatic Deletion = Recommended (180 seconds) [Accepted]. 180 seconds indicates the retention period. [Accepted] indicates the result of prompting the user whether or not to delete the connection information, and that the user responded that they would delete it. In other words, it indicates that the connection information for the first access point will be forcibly (automatically) deleted 180 seconds after a predetermined trigger.

[0046] In the lower section of connection information group 401-2, under [Network2], the connection information for the second access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-D567, Security=WPA2, Password=12341234, and the control information is set to Automatic Deletion=None. This indicates that the connection information for the second access point will not be deleted at the predetermined trigger.

[0047] The connection information group 401-2 shown in Figure 4C contains connection information for two access points, and each access point's connection information is recorded with the index [Network1] and [Network2] respectively.

[0048] In the upper section of connection information group 401-3, under [Network1], the connection information for the first access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-B234, Security=WPA / WPA2, Password=87654321, and the control information is Automatic Deletion = Recommended (180 seconds) [Rejected]. 180 seconds indicates the retention period. [Rejected] indicates the result of prompting the user whether or not to delete the connection information, and that the user responded that they would not delete it. In other words, it indicates that the connection information for the first access point will not be deleted after 180 seconds have elapsed from the predetermined trigger.

[0049] In the lower section of connection information group 401-3, under [Network2], the connection information for the second access point is recorded as SSID=SSID-D567, Security=WPA2, Password=12341234, and the control information is set to Automatic Deletion=None. This indicates that the connection information for the second access point will not be deleted at the predetermined trigger.

[0050] Next, the communication method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 10.

[0051] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of the communication method according to the first embodiment. Figures 6 to 10 are examples of display screens.

[0052] In step S501, the control unit 311 transmits a Beacon packet via the communication unit 321. The Beacon packet is a packet that broadcasts information about the access point 301 (network), and includes the SSID (Service set identifier) ​​and security information that identify the access point 301. The control unit 311 also includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Beacon packet. The Beacon packet is an example of a predetermined packet. The communication unit 221 receives the Beacon packet from the access point 301.

[0053] In step S502, the control unit 211 sends a Probe Request packet to the access point 301 via the communication unit 221. The Probe Request packet is a packet requesting network information. The communication unit 321 receives the Probe Request packet from the communication terminal 201.

[0054] In step S503, the control unit 311 sends a Probe Response packet to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The Probe Response packet is a response to the Probe Response packet and provides network information. The Probe Response packet includes security information indicating the SSID of the access point 301 and the encryption method used for communication with the access point 301. The control unit 311 also includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Probe Response packet. The Probe Response packet is an example of a predetermined packet. The communication unit 221 receives the Probe Response packet from the access point 301.

[0055] In step S504, the control unit 211 displays the access point connection information ("SSID" and "Security") and the control information for deleting the connection information ("Automatic Deletion") on the display unit 231, as shown in Figure 6. The user selects the access point to connect to and enters the password. Here, the user selects access point 301 and enters the password for access point 301. The control unit 211 stores the connection information for the selected access point 301 and the control information for deleting the connection information in the storage unit 251. If the control information for deleting the connection information has not yet been received, the control unit 211 does not need to display the control information on the display unit 231, and stores the control information in the storage unit 251 when it is received. The control unit 211 sends an Authentication packet to access point 301 via the communication unit 221. The communication unit 321 receives the Authentication packet from the communication terminal 201.

[0056] In step S505, the control unit 311 transmits an Authentication packet to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The control unit 311 includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Authentication packet. The Authentication packet is an example of a predetermined packet. The communication unit 221 receives the Authentication packet from the access point 301.

[0057] In step S506, the control unit 211 sends an Association Request packet to the access point 301 via the communication unit 221. The Association Request packet is a packet requesting a connection. The communication unit 321 receives the Association Request packet from the communication terminal 201.

[0058] In step S507, the control unit 311 sends an Association Response packet to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The Association Response packet is a response to the Association Request packet and indicates whether the connection is permitted or if there is an error. The control unit 311 also includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Association Response packet. The Association Response packet is an example of a predetermined packet. The communication unit 221 receives the Association Response packet from the access point 301.

[0059] In step S508, the control unit 211 and the control unit 311 perform a 4-way handshake to establish a connection between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301.

[0060] In step S509, the control unit 211 deletes connection information based on control information contained in a predetermined packet at a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, when disconnection from the access point 301, specifically when the communication unit 221 receives a Deauthentication packet from the access point 301, when the communication unit 221 receives a Disassociation packet from the access point 301, when the control unit 211 sends a Deauthentication packet to the access point 301 via the communication unit 221, when the control unit 211 sends a Disassociation packet to the access point 301 via the communication unit 221, and when radio waves from the access point 301 are lost.

[0061] If the control unit 211 receives control information from the access point 301 indicating that the deletion of connection information is mandatory, the control unit 211 deletes the connection information of the access point 301 from the storage unit 251 at a predetermined trigger. If the control information received from the access point 301 includes a retention period for the connection information, and the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information is mandatory, the control unit 211 deletes the connection information of the access point 301 from the storage unit 251 after the retention period has elapsed from the predetermined trigger. When the communication terminal 201 is near the boundary of the communication range of the access point 301, a situation occurs where the radio waves from the access point 301 are interrupted and disconnected, but then the radio wave condition is immediately restored and it becomes possible to connect to the access point 301. In this case, if it is within the retention period after disconnection from the access point 301, the connection information is not deleted and remains, so automatic reconnection is performed, thus preventing a decrease in usability.

[0062] If the control information received from the access point 301 indicates that the deletion of connection information is recommended, the control unit 211 will ask the user whether or not to delete the connection information. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 211 will cause the display unit 231 to display a screen asking whether or not to delete the connection information of the access point after disconnection. The timing of the inquiry is one of the predetermined triggers mentioned above or when the retention period has elapsed since the predetermined trigger. The control unit 211 may also make the inquiry at a time before the predetermined trigger.

[0063] If the user responds to the inquiry by agreeing to delete (for example, by touching the Accept button in Figure 7), the control unit 211 records the user's response in the connection information. For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 4B under [Network1], [Accepted] is recorded under "Automatic Deletion" to indicate that the user has agreed to delete. If the user responds by agreeing to delete, the control unit 211 deletes the connection information from the recording unit 251 at a predetermined trigger. Furthermore, if the control information received from the access point 301 includes a retention period for the connection information, and the control information received from the access point 301 indicates that deletion of the connection information is recommended, and the user responds to the inquiry by agreeing to delete, the control unit 211 deletes the connection information of the access point 301 from the storage unit 251 after the retention period has elapsed from the predetermined trigger.

[0064] Furthermore, while connected to the access point 301, the control unit 211 can display connection information for the access point 301 and control information for deleting said connection information on the display unit 231, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows that the control information recommends deleting the connection information and that the retention period for the connection information is 180 seconds.

[0065] Furthermore, if the control information received from the access point 301 indicates that the deletion of the connection information is recommended, and the user responds to the inquiry by agreeing to delete it, after a predetermined trigger, the control unit 211 can display the time remaining until the connection information is deleted on the display unit 231. For example, while connected to the access point 301, as shown in Figure 8, the retention period for the connection information is displayed as 180 seconds, but after a predetermined trigger, as shown in Figure 9, the retention period is displayed as a countdown. That is, the retention period is decremented by one second, and Figure 9 shows the state where the retention period has decreased from 180 seconds to 60 seconds. This allows the user to know how much time is left until the connection information is deleted.

[0066] When the connection information for the access point 301 is deleted from the storage unit 251 after a predetermined trigger and the expiration of the retention period, a message indicating that the connection information has been deleted is displayed on the display unit 231, as shown in Figure 10.

[0067] If the user responds that they will not delete the item (by touching the Reject button in Figure 7), the control unit 211 records the user's response in the connection information. For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 4C under [Network1], [Rejected] is recorded under "Automatic Deletion" to indicate that the user responded that they will not delete the item. If the user responds that they will not delete the item, the control unit 211 does not delete the connection information from the recording unit 251 at a predetermined trigger or after a predetermined retention period has elapsed.

[0068] If the communication unit 221 receives multiple control pieces of information and the contents of these pieces of information differ, the control unit 211 deletes the connection information based on the content indicated by the control piece with the highest priority among the received control pieces. For example, it might set the priority of "forcing the deletion of connection information" to the highest, the priority of "recommending the deletion of connection information" to the second highest, and the priority of "not deleting connection information" to the lowest. Alternatively, the control unit 211 may delete the connection information based on the control piece that was received last.

[0069] As described above, in the communication method according to the first embodiment, the control unit 311 includes control information regarding the deletion of connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in predetermined packets (Beacon packets, Probe Response packets, Authentication packets, and Association Response packets). However, the control unit 311 may include the control information in at least one of the Beacon packets, Probe Response packets, Authentication packets, and Association Response packets, rather than in all of these packets.

[0070] Furthermore, to enhance the confidentiality of access point 301, the control unit 311 does not need to send Beacon packets and Probe Response packets. When connecting to such an access point 301, the sequence from step S504 onwards is executed, so it is desirable to include control information in the Authentication packet and Association Response packet.

[0071] According to the first embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be performed automatically. According to the first embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be controlled from the access point by including control information regarding the deletion of connection information in packets transmitted from the access point. According to the first embodiment, implementation is made easier by including control information regarding the deletion of connection information in Beacon packets, Probe Response packets, Authentication packets, and Association Response packets used in existing connection sequences.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, control information regarding the deletion of connection information for access point 301 at communication terminal 201 was included in Beacon packets, Probe Response packets, Authentication packets, and Association Response packets. However, in the second embodiment, the control information is included in Deauthentication packets and Disassociation packets.

[0073] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of a communication method according to the second embodiment.

[0074] The processing in steps S1101 to S1108 is the same as the processing in steps S501 to S508, respectively. However, in steps S1101, S1103, S1105, and S1107, the control unit 311 does not need to include control information regarding the deletion of connection information for the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Beacon packet, Probe Response packet, Authentication packet, and Association Response packet.

[0075] In step S1109, the control unit 311 transmits a Deauthentication packet and a Disassociation packet to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The control unit 311 may transmit either the Deauthentication packet or the Disassociation packet via the communication unit 321. The Deauthentication packet is a packet that cancels authentication and disconnects the connection, and the Disassociation packet is a packet that disconnects the connection. The control unit 311 includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Deauthentication packet and the Disassociation packet. The Deauthentication packet and the Disassociation packet are examples of predetermined packets.

[0076] The control unit 211 deletes connection information based on control information contained in a predetermined packet at a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, when disconnecting from the access point 301, specifically when the communication unit 221 receives a Deauthentication packet from the access point 301, and when the communication unit 221 receives a Disassociation from the access point 301. The deletion of connection information based on control information is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be performed automatically. According to the second embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be controlled from the access point by including control information regarding the deletion of connection information in packets transmitted from the access point. According to the second embodiment, implementation is made easier by including control information regarding the deletion of connection information in Deauthentication packets and Disassociation packets used in existing connection sequences.

[0078] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, control information was included in existing packets such as Beacon packets, but in the third embodiment, control information is included in new packets.

[0079] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram of a communication method according to the third embodiment.

[0080] The processing in steps S1201 to S1208 is the same as the processing in steps S501 to S508, respectively. However, in steps S1201, S1203, S1205, and S1207, the control unit 311 does not need to include control information regarding the deletion of connection information for the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 in the Beacon packet, Probe Response packet, Authentication packet, and Association Response packet.

[0081] From step S1208 onward, arbitrary communication takes place between the communication terminal 201 and the access point 301.

[0082] In step S1209, the control unit 311 sends a new packet containing control information regarding the deletion of the connection information of the access point 301 at the communication terminal 201 to the communication terminal 201 via the communication unit 321. The new packet is, for example, a packet other than the Beacon packet, Probe Response packet, Authentication packet, Association Response packet, Deauthentication packet, and Disassociation packet used in the existing connection sequence, and is an example of a predetermined packet. The timing at which the new packet containing the control information is sent may be any timing between steps S1208 and S1210.

[0083] The process in step S1210 is the same as the process in step S509.

[0084] According to the third embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be performed automatically. According to the third embodiment, the deletion of access point connection information at a communication terminal can be controlled from the access point by including control information regarding the deletion of connection information in the packets transmitted from the access point.

[0085] (others) The first to third embodiments may be implemented individually, or they may be implemented in any combination.

[0086] In the first to third embodiments described above, the control unit 211 deleted the connection information at a predetermined trigger if the control information indicated that the deletion of the connection information should be enforced. However, the control unit 211 may delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger unless the predetermined packet contains control information indicating that the connection information should not be deleted. Specifically, for example, if the control information contained in the predetermined packet indicates that the connection information should not be deleted, the control unit 211 will not delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger. If the predetermined packet does not contain control information indicating that the connection information should not be deleted, the control unit 211 may delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

[0087] Furthermore, if the terminal device 201 is powered off before the connection information is deleted, the control unit 211 will refer to the group of connection information 401-i stored in the storage unit 251 when the terminal device 201 is restarted or when wireless communication is enabled, and if there is any connection information to be deleted that is set to "Automatic Deletion" as "Forced" or "Recommended [Accepted]", it will delete that connection information.

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and is modifiable, and the above configurations can be replaced with substantially the same configuration, a configuration that produces the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 101 Communication Systems 201 Terminal device 211 Control Unit 221 Communications Department 231 Display section 241 Input section 251 Storage section 301 Access Point 311 Control Unit 321 Communications Department 331 Display section 341 Input section 351 Storage section

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with the communication terminal, A control unit that controls the aforementioned communication, An access point equipped with, The control unit includes control information regarding the deletion of the access point connection information in the communication terminal in a predetermined packet and transmits it to the communication terminal. The control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information is to be forced, and the access point causes the communication terminal to delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

2. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined packet is at least one of a Beacon packet, a Probe Response packet, an Authentication packet, an Association Response packet, a Deauthentication packet, and a Disassociation packet.

3. The access point according to claim 1, further comprising the control information and the retention period for the connection information.

4. A communication unit that communicates with the access point, A control unit that controls the aforementioned communication, A storage unit that stores connection information for the aforementioned access point, Equipped with, The communication unit receives a predetermined packet from the access point that includes control information regarding the deletion of the connection information. The control unit deletes the connection information based on the control information. The control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information should be enforced, the deletion of the connection information should be recommended, or the connection information should not be deleted. If the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information should be enforced, the control unit deletes the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

5. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined packet is at least one of a Beacon packet, a Probe Response packet, an Authentication packet, an Association Response packet, a Deauthentication packet, and a Disassociation packet.

6. The control information further includes the retention period for the connection information, The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein if the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information is compelling, the control unit deletes the connection information after the retention period has elapsed from a predetermined trigger.

7. If the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information is recommended, the control unit will ask the user whether or not to delete the connection information. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein the control unit deletes the connection information at a predetermined trigger when the user responds that it will delete it.

8. The control information further includes the retention period for the connection information, If the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information is recommended, the control unit will ask the user whether or not to delete the connection information. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein, if the user responds that they will delete, the control unit deletes the connection information after the retention period has elapsed from a predetermined trigger.

9. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein the control unit does not delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger if the control information indicates that the connection information will not be deleted.

10. If the control information indicates that the connection information will not be deleted, the control unit will not delete the connection information at a predetermined trigger. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein if the predetermined packet does not contain the control information indicating that the connection information should not be deleted, the control unit deletes the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

11. A communication system comprising an access point and a communication terminal that communicates with the access point, The aforementioned access point is A first communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned communication terminal, A first control unit that controls communication with the aforementioned communication terminal, Equipped with, The first control unit includes control information regarding the deletion of the access point connection information in the communication terminal in a predetermined packet and transmits it to the communication terminal. The aforementioned communication terminal is A second communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned access point, A second control unit that controls communication with the aforementioned access point, A storage unit for storing the aforementioned connection information, Equipped with, The second communication unit receives the predetermined packet containing the control information from the access point, The second control unit deletes the connection information based on the control information. The control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information should be enforced, the deletion of the connection information should be recommended, or the connection information should not be deleted. If the control information indicates that the deletion of the connection information should be enforced, the second control unit is a communication system that deletes the connection information at a predetermined trigger.

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