COMMUNICATION CONTROL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION CONTROL APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLLING OF COMMUNICATION PROCESSING

A communication control apparatus disposed in a specific area includes circuitry configured to transmit, using a second communication scheme, connection information used for performing communication between the communication control apparatus and a communication terminal using a first communication scheme, to the communication terminal when the communication terminal exists in the specific area, establish the communication with the communication terminal using the first communication scheme based on the connection information, compare a first condition including at least one of activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing and deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing, and a current time being measured in response to starting the controlling of communication, and deactivate the controlling of communication processing when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time information, or when the current time being measured corresponds to the deactivation time information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-139679, filed on Jul. 19, 2017, in the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a communication control system, a communication control apparatus, and a method of implementation of controlling of communication processing.

BACKGROUND ART

Access points used for wireless communication are disposed in various areas such as class rooms and conference rooms in schools, offices or the like, in which communication terminals can perform communication with the access points by locating the communication terminals closer to the access points. For example, one conventional art describes a communication system, in which a mobile terminal is connected to an information processing apparatus serving as an access point using short-range wireless communication such as the near field communication (NFC).

In this communication system, the information processing apparatus serving as the access point transmits connection information, such as a service set identifier (SSID) and a password, required to perform wireless communication to the mobile terminal using the short-range wireless communication. Then, the mobile terminal establishes wireless communication with the information processing apparatus using the acquired connection information. In this communication system, the mobile terminal can establish the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus by simply locating the mobile terminal closer to the information processing apparatus.

SUMMARY

As one aspect of the present invention, a communication control apparatus is devised. The communication control apparatus disposed in a specific area includes circuitry configured to implement controlling of communication processing for communication between the communication control apparatus and a communication terminal, transmit, using a second communication scheme, connection information used for performing communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal using a first communication scheme, to the communication terminal when the communication terminal exists in the specific area, the second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme, establish the communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal using the first communication scheme based on the connection information transmitted to the communication terminal, compare a first condition including at least one of activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing and deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing, and a current time being measured in response to starting the controlling of communication, and deactivate the controlling of communication processing when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing, or when the current time being measured corresponds to the deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing.

As another aspect of the present invention, a communication control system including a communication control apparatus disposed in a specific area and a communication terminal is devised. The communication control system includes circuitry configured to implement controlling of communication processing for communication between the communication control apparatus and a communication terminal, transmit, using a second communication scheme, connection information used for performing the communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal using a first communication scheme, from the communication control apparatus to the communication terminal when the communication terminal exists in the specific area, the second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme, establish the communication with the communication terminal using the first communication scheme based on the connection information transmitted to the communication terminal, compare a first condition including at least one of activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing and deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing, and a current time being measured in response to starting the controlling of communication processing, and deactivate the controlling of communication processing when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing, or when the current time being measured corresponds to the deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing.

As another aspect of the present invention, a method of implementation of controlling of communication processing of a communication control apparatus disposed in a specific area is devised. The method includes transmitting, from the communication control apparatus to a communication terminal using a second communication scheme when the communication terminal exists in the specific area, connection information to be used for performing communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal using a first communication scheme, the second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme, establishing the communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal using the first communication scheme based on the connection information transmitted to the communication terminal, measuring a current time in response to starting the controlling of communication processing, comparing a first condition including at least one of activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing and deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing, and the current time being measured, and deactivating the controlling of communication processing when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time information indicating activation of the controlling of communication processing, or when the current time being measured corresponds to the deactivation time information indicating deactivation of the controlling of communication processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description is now given of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or units, it should be understood that such elements, components, regions, layers and/or units are not limited thereby because such terms are relative, that is, used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or unit from another region, layer or unit. Thus, for example, a first element, component, region, layer or unit discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or unit without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a description is given of one or more embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a communication control system1of an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the communication control system1includes, for example, one or more communication terminals200, a plurality of communication control apparatuses100each disposed in each of adjacent areas such as adjacent rooms. The communication control system1is configured to prevent occurrence of the unintended wireless communication between the communication terminal200and the communication control apparatus100disposed in each of the adjacent areas.FIG. 1illustrates an example case of the communication control system1, which is applied to rooms in one school.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the communication control system1includes, for example, the communication control apparatus100(100a,100b,100c), the communication terminal200(200a,200b,200c,200d,200e), an information processing apparatus300(300a,300b,300c), a management apparatus350, a gateway400, and a management server500, which are connected with each other wirelessly or by wire. Hereinafter, the communication control apparatuses100a,100b, and100cmay be simply referred to the communication control apparatus100when difference of the communication control apparatuses100may not cause problems for the description, and the communication terminals200a,200b,200c,200d, and200emay be simply referred to the communication terminals200when difference of the communication terminals200may not cause problems for the description.

The communication control apparatus100can be connected to a communication path10to communicate with the management apparatus350. The communication path10is, for example, a network line that uses a local area network (LAN) without using the Internet. Further, the communication control apparatus100and the management apparatus350are connected to Internet450via the gateway400. Further, the communication control apparatus100and the management apparatus350can communicate with the management server500via the Internet450.

The communication control apparatus100is disposed in each specific area, such as each room. The communication control apparatus100can communicate with the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300using a first communication method in each room, which means the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300can communicate with each other via the communication control apparatus100in each specific area. The communication using the first communication method employs, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) communication using known standards, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The first communication method may be also referred to as a first communication scheme.

The communication control apparatus100ais disposed in, for example, room A, and controls communication with the communication terminal200aand the information processing apparatus300adisposed or located in the room A using the first communication method. Further, the communication control apparatus100acan communicate with the communication terminal200ausing a second communication method. The communication using the second communication method employs, for example, a short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (trademark) Low Energy (BLE) communication. The communication control apparatus100atransmits connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method. The second communication method may be also referred to as a second communication scheme. The second communication method is different from the first communication method.

After the communication terminal200areceives the connection information, transmitted from the communication control apparatus100a, the communication terminal200auses the connection information to communicate with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method. The connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method includes, for example, a service set identifier (SSID), and a password. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100acan restrict the communication partner of the communication using the first communication method only to the communication terminal200athat has received the connection information from the communication control apparatus100ausing the second communication method.

Similarly, the communication control apparatus100bis disposed in room B, and controls communication with the communication terminals200hand200c, and the information processing apparatus300bdisposed in the room B using the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100btransmits the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method to the communication terminals200band200cusing the second communication method. The communication terminals200band200cuse the connection information, received from the communication control apparatus100b, to communicate with the communication control apparatus100busing the first communication method.

Further, the communication control apparatus100cis disposed in room C, and controls communication with the communication terminals200d,200e, and the information processing apparatus300cdisposed in the room C using the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100ctransmits the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200dand200eusing the second communication method. The communication terminals200dand200euse the connection information, received from the communication control apparatus100c, to communicate with the communication control apparatus100cusing the first communication method.

By contrast, a user carrying the communication terminal200fis not present in any one of the rooms A, B and C. Therefore, the communication terminal200fcannot receive the connection information used for performing the communication using the first communication method from any one of the communication control apparatuses100by using the second communication method. Therefore, the communication terminal200fcannot communicate with any one of the communication control apparatuses100using the first communication method.

The communication control apparatus100is, for example, a wireless LAN router. The communication control apparatus100serves as a wireless LAN access point. The communication control apparatus100generates the connection information to be used for performing communication with the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300using the first communication method. Then, the communication control apparatus100transmits the generated connection information to the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300using the second communication method. Then, based on the connection information transmitted to the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300from the communication control apparatus100, the communication control apparatus100communicates with the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300using the first communication method.

In the above described configuration, the communication control apparatus100can serve as the access point of communication using the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100is disposed in each room (i.e., specific area), and communicates with the communication terminal200and the information processing apparatus300located in each room using the first communication method.

The communication terminal200is, for example, a smart phone, a mobile phone terminal, a personal computer (PC), and a tablet terminal, and is a terminal device that can be carried by, for example, a teacher or a student. The communication terminal200is an example of a communication device such as a portable or mobile communication device.

The information processing apparatus300, disposed in each room, includes a first communication function using the first communication method, and a second communication function using the second communication method. For example, the information processing apparatus300ais an interactive white board (IWB) that can perform an interactive communication and display images written on a panel, and the information processing apparatus300bis a projector (PJ). Further, the information processing apparatus300cis, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP).

However, the information processing apparatus300is not limited thereto, and can be a desktop PC or the like. Similar to the communication terminal200, the information processing apparatus300receives the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method from the communication control apparatus100using the second communication method. Then, the information processing apparatus300uses the received connection information to communicate with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method.

The management apparatus350manages data transmitted and received by the communication control apparatus100, and authentication information for performing communication. The management apparatus350can be connected to the communication path10to communicate with the communication control apparatus100without using the Internet. The management apparatus350is, for example, a PC disposed in a teacher room in the communication control system1.

The gateway400is connected to the Internet450to communicate with the management server500. Further, the gateway400is connected to the communication path10to communicate with a plurality of communication control apparatuses100. The gateway400transfers data between the plurality of communication control apparatuses100and the management server500, which are connected with each other via the Internet450. It should be noted that the configuration of the gateway400is not limited thereto, and may be implemented by using a dedicated hardware resources and/or software programs.

The management server500is connected to the Internet450to communicate with the plurality of communication control apparatuses100. The management server500manages or checks the connection information used for performing communication between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200using the first communication method, and connected-terminal-number information of the communication terminal200. Further, the management apparatus350and the management server500can be omitted depending on a system configuration, or any one of the management apparatus350and the management server500alone can be disposed in the communication control system1. Further, the communication control system1can be applied to any environment including schools. For example, the communication control system1can be applied in any environment including specific closed areas, such as company floors or rental conference rooms.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates an example of a usage of the communication control system1of the embodiment.FIG. 2Aillustrates a case that a user carrying the communication terminal200ais present in the room A. InFIG. 2A, communication is established between the communication terminal200aand the communication control apparatus100adisposed in the room A using the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100ahas a function of controlling communication using the first communication method in the room A (i.e., specific area). The communication control function is a function serving as an access point of communication using the first communication method. The communication control function may be also referred to as the controlling of communication processing in this description.

The communication terminal200areceives the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method from the communication control apparatus100ausing the second communication method. For example, when the second communication method employs the near field communication (NFC), at first, the communication terminal200ais placed closer to the communication control apparatus100aequipped with a NFC tag used as a short-range wireless communication unit. Then, the communication terminal200areceives the connection information from the communication control apparatus100avia the NFC tag using the NFC communication. Then, the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ause the connection information transmitted and received by using the second communication method to establish communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. In this system, when a user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A and the communication terminal200ais placed closer to the communication control apparatus100a, at first, the communication terminal200aperforms the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the second communication method, with which the communication terminal200acan easily acquire the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method from the communication control apparatus100a.

FIG. 2Billustrates a case that the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A. InFIG. 2B, for example, when the class time in the class A has ended, the user carrying the communication terminal200aleft the room A. When the user carrying the communication terminal200aleft the room A, the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

Specifically, for example, if the second communication method employs the BLE communication, the communication control apparatus100adetermines that the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A when the BLE communication with the communication terminal200ais terminated, and then the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. Further, for example, if the second communication method employs the NFC communication, the communication control apparatus100adetermines that the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A when the communication control apparatus100adetects the NFC communication between the NFC tag (e.g., second communication unit1502), which may be disposed near the entrance of the room A, and the communication terminal200a, and then the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

Further, inFIG. 2B, the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function based on effective time information1552to be described later. In this description, the effective time information1552is used as one example of a first condition. When the class time in the class A has ended and the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A, the communication between the communication terminal200aand the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method is disconnected, but the communication terminal200astill retains the connection information. That is, even when the user carrying the communication terminal200amoves to the room B adjacent to the room A, the communication terminal200acan still communicate with the communication control apparatus100aby using the connection information stored in the communication terminal200ausing the first connection method even after the class time in the class A ended.

Therefore, the communication control apparatus100ais configured to deactivate the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100abased on the effective time information1552. The effective time information1552includes information of time for deactivating the communication control function. When the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function, the communication terminal200acannot communicate with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method. With this configuration, the communication control system1can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) performed between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

Further, the communication control apparatus100acan be configured not to perform communication using the second communication method when the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function. Further, the communication control apparatus100acan be configured to deactivate the communication function using the second communication method when the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function. Further, the communication control apparatus100acan be configured to delete the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method in response to a situation that the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function.

FIG. 2Cillustrates a case that the user carrying the communication terminal200a, who has left the room A, has entered the room B adjacent to the room A. When the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room B, the communication control apparatus100bestablishes communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. Specifically, after the communication control apparatus100bestablishes the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method, the communication control apparatus100bactivates the communication control function. Then, the communication control apparatus100bgenerates the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method, and transmits the generated connection information to the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100bcan communicate with the communication terminal200a, which has received the connection information, using the first communication method.

If the communication control apparatus100bdisposed in the room B is already connected to another communication terminal200using the first communication method before the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room B, the communication control apparatus100bhas already activated the communication control function. In this case, after the communication control apparatus100bestablishes the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method, the communication control apparatus100btransmits the already generated connection information to the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method.

As above described, the communication control system1includes the communication control apparatus100that controls communication using the first communication method with the communication terminal200located in the specific area. At first, the communication control apparatus100transmits the connection information used for performing communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200using the second communication method, which is different from the first communication method. Then, the communication control apparatus100communicates with the communication terminal200using the first communication method based on the connection information transmitted to the communication terminal200. Further, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function based on the effective time information1552indicating information of the time for deactivating the communication control function. With this configuration, the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) between the communication control apparatus100disposed in each adjacent area and the communication terminal200using the first communication method can be prevented.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a hardware block diagram of the communication control apparatus100of the embodiment. The communication control apparatus100employs, for example, a general computer configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the communication control apparatus100includes for example, a central processing unit (CPU)1001, a read only memory (ROM)1002, a random access memory (RAM)1003, a storage1004, a display unit1005, an input/output interface (I/F)1006, a wireless access point (AP) unit1007, a short-range wireless communication unit1008, a server communication unit1009, and a bus1010.

The CPU1001is a computing device, such as circuitry, that implements the functions of the communication control apparatus100by loading programs and data, stored in the ROM1002and the storage1004in the RAM1003, and executing the programs and data. The communication control apparatus100implements the communication control method of the embodiment by executing the program of the embodiment.

The RAM1003is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU1001. The ROM1002is a nonvolatile memory capable of retaining programs and data even when a power supply is turned off. The storage1004is a storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash ROM, and stores an operating system (OS), application programs, and various data.

The display unit1005displays, for example, data related to communication executed by the communication control apparatus100. Further, the display unit1005may be connected to a display interface (I/F) via a cable. The cable may be a cable for analog red-green-blue/video graphics array (RGB/VGA) signals, a cable for component video, or a cable for high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and digital video interactive (DVI) signals. The input/output I/F1006is an interface for connecting a universal serial bus (USB) cable, or various memories, such as a USB memory.

The wireless AP unit1007is a communication unit that performs communication using the wireless LAN of known standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless unit, and a media access control (MAC) unit. The wireless AP unit1007is used as an access point in communication with the communication terminal200or the information processing apparatus300.

The short-range wireless communication unit1008is a communication unit that performs the short-range wireless communication, and includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless unit, and a media access control (MAC) unit. The short-range wireless communication employs, for example, BLE communication. In addition to the BLE communication, the short-range wireless communication can employ the near field communication (NFC), millimeter wave radio communication, QR code (registered trademark), visible light, ambient sound, and ultrasonic wave.

The server communication unit1009is a communication unit for communicating with the management apparatus350and the management server500. The bus1010is connected to the above components to transmit address signals, data signals, and various control signals. The CPU1001, the ROM1002, the RAM1003, the storage1004, the display unit1005, the input/output I/F106, the wireless AP unit1007, the short-range wireless communication unit1008, and the server communication unit1009are connected with each other via the bus1010.

The hardware configuration of the communication control apparatus illustrated inFIG. 3can be applied to the management apparatus350and the management server500similarly. In this case, the management apparatus350and the management server500may, for example, omit the wireless AP unit1007, and communicate with the communication control apparatus100using the server communication unit1009.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of a hardware block diagram of the communication terminal200of the embodiment. The communication terminal200employs, for example, a general computer configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the communication terminal200includes, for example, a CPU2001, a ROM2002, a RAM2003, a display unit2004, an input/output interface (I/F)2005, a wireless communication unit2006, a short-range wireless communication unit2007, a microphone unit2008, a speaker unit2009, a camera unit2010, and a bus2011.

The CPU2001is a computing device, such as circuitry, that implements the functions of the communication terminal200by loading programs and data, stored in the ROM2002, and executing the programs and data. The RAM2003is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU2001. The ROM2002is a nonvolatile memory capable of retaining programs and data even when a power supply is turned off, and stores an operating system (OS), application programs, and various data.

The display unit2004displays, for example, data relating to communication executed by the communication terminal200. Further, the display unit2004may be connected to a display interface (I/F) via a cable. The cable may be a cable for analog red-green-blue/video graphics array (RGB/VGA) signals, a cable for component video, or a cable for high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and digital video interactive (DVI) signals. The input/output I/F2005is an interface for connecting a USB cable, or various memories, such as a USB memory

The wireless communication unit2006is a communication unit that performs communication using the wireless LAN of known standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless unit, and a media access control (MAC) unit. The short-range wireless communication unit2007is a communication unit that performs the short-range wireless communication, and includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless unit, and a media access control (MAC) unit.

The microphone unit2008, the speaker unit2009, and the camera unit2010are devices for inputting and outputting images and sound. The bus2011is connected to the above components to transmit address signals, data signals, and various control signals. The CPU2001, the ROM2002, the RAM2003, the display unit2004, the input/output TIP2005, the wireless communication unit2006, the short-range wireless communication unit2007, the microphone unit2008, the speaker unit2009, and the camera unit2010are connected with each other via the bus2011.

The hardware configuration of the communication terminal200illustrated inFIG. 4can be applied to the information processing apparatus300similarly. The hardware configurations illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4can be used in each of the embodiments while components may be added or removed as needed.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description is given of a functional configuration of a communication control system1A of a first embodiment disposed in each room illustrated inFIG. 1with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5illustrates an example of a functional block diagram of the communication control system1A of the first embodiment including the communication control apparatus100, the communication terminal200, and the management apparatus350. The management server500is configured to perform functions similar to functions of the management apparatus350. Further, the communication control apparatus100(100a,100b,100c) disposed in each room includes common functions, and the communication terminal200(200a,200b,200c,200d,200e) disposed in each room includes common functions.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the functions implemented by the communication control apparatus100includes, for example, a first communication unit1501, a second communication unit1502, a detection unit1503, a control unit1504, a connection information generation unit1505, a connection time management unit1506, a timer1507, a disconnection unit1508, a storing/reading unit1509, a storage unit1510, and a server-related communication unit1511.

The first communication unit1501communicates with the communication terminal200using the first communication method. Specifically, the first communication unit1501establishes communication with the communication terminal200using connection information1551to be described later. The communication using the first communication method is, for example, a wireless LAN communication. The first communication unit1501is implemented by, for example, the wireless AP unit1007and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3. The first communication unit1501is an example of a communication unit.

The second communication unit1502communicates with the communication terminal200using the second communication method. The communication using the second communication method is a communication using the short-range wireless communication standard, such as BLE communication. In addition to the BLE communication, the communication using the second communication method can employ the near field communication (NFC), millimeter wave radio communication, QR code (registered trademark), visible light, ambient sound, and ultrasonic wave.

The second communication unit1502transmits the connection information1551to the communication terminal200using the second communication method. To be described later, the connection information1551used for performing communication using the first communication method is generated by the connection information generation unit1505. That is, the communication control apparatus100can communicate with the communication terminal200, which has received the connection information1551using the second communication method, using the first communication method. Further, the second communication unit1502transmits connection time information1553, to be described later, to the communication terminal200using the second communication method. In this description, the connection time information1553is used as one example of a second condition. The second communication unit1502is implemented by, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit1008and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3. The second communication unit1502is an example of a transmission unit.

The detection unit1503detects that the communication using the second communication method by the second communication unit1502is established. The detection unit1503is implemented by, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit1008and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

The control unit1504controls the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. The communication control function is a function for serving as an access point of communication using the first communication method. The control unit1504is implemented by, for example, executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3. For example, when the detection unit1503detects that the communication using the second communication method with the communication terminal200is established, the control unit1504activates the communication control function. On the other hand, the control unit1504deactivates the communication control function based on, for example, the effective time information1552to be described later.

The effective time information1552includes, for example, deactivation time information used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. Specifically, the effective time information1552includes deactivation time information such as a deactivation time period used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100, and may further include the deactivation time information such as a deactivation time point used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100.

The effective time information1552further includes activation time information used for activating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. Specifically, the effective time information1552includes the activation time information such as an activation time period used for activating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100(i.e., time period not deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100), and may further include the activation time information such as an activation time point used for activating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100(i.e., time point not deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100).

When the control unit1504activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure an activation time of the communication control function. Specifically, when the control unit1504activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure the activation time of the communication control function using the timer1507. Then, the control unit1504compares the effective time information1552stored in the storage unit1510and the activation time measured by the timer1507. The activation time measured by the timer1507indicates a time period that has elapsed from a time point of starting the measurement to the current time, or a time point currently detected or measured by the timer1507.

When the measured activation time exceeds an effective time (i.e., effective time range) included in the effective time information1552, that is, when the measured activation time has elapsed the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504deactivates the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. On the other hand, when the measured activation time is within a range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504maintains the activation of the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100.

Hereinafter, a description is given of details of the effective time information1552with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6illustrates an example of the effective time information1552.FIG. 6illustrates an example of an effective time information management table5512stored in a management DB5503of the management apparatus350or the management server500to described later. The effective time information management table5512associates the effective time of the communication control function of each communication control apparatus100with each apparatus ID identifying each communication control apparatus100to manage the effective time information1552.

For example, when the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “001a” activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure the activation time using the timer1507. Then, when 30 minutes have elapsed from the start of connection (i.e., from the start of measurement of activation time), the control unit1504deactivates the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. That is, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “001a” maintains the activation of the communication control function for 30 minutes. Similarly, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “002b” maintains the activation of the communication control function for 1 hour. Similarly, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “003c” maintains the activation of the communication control function for 45 minutes.

The effective time information1552of the communication control apparatus100is stored in the storage unit1510of each communication control apparatus100. Further, the management apparatus350or the management server500associates the effective time information1552of each communication control apparatus100with the apparatus ID identifying each communication control apparatus100, and stores the associated information in the management DB5503as the effective time information management table5512as illustrated inFIG. 6.

The connection information generation unit1505generates the connection information1551used for performing communication using the first communication method. When the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100is activated, the connection information generation unit1505generates the connection information1551. The connection information generation unit1505is implemented by, for example, executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

Hereinafter, a description is given of the connection information1551generated by the connection information generation unit1505with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7illustrates an example of the connection information1551.FIG. 7illustrates a connection information management table5511stored in the management DB5503of the management apparatus350or the management server500. The connection information management table5511manages the connection information1551of each communication control apparatus100identified by each apparatus ID. The connection information1551is set to the communication terminal200carried by a user who has entered a room (i.e., specific area) disposed with the communication control apparatus100so that the communication terminal200can communicate with the communication control apparatus100disposed in the room (i.e., specific area) using the first communication method. The connection information1551includes the identification information identifying the communication control apparatus100, such as a combination of an apparatus ID, a service set identifier (SSID) and a password.

The connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100generates the connection information1551related to the apparatus ID of the communication control apparatus100(i.e., the connection information generation unit1505of a specific communication control apparatus100generates specific connection information for the specific communication control apparatus100), and transmits the generated connection information1551to the management apparatus350or the management server500. The management apparatus350or the management server500collectively stores the connection information1551transmitted from each communication control apparatus100in the management DB5503as the connection information management table5511as illustrated inFIG. 7.

The connection time management unit1506manages a connection time between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200based on the connection information1551generated by the connection information generation unit1505. The connection time management unit1506manages or checks the connection time between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200based on the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510and information of the activation time measured by the timer1507. The connection time information1553is to be described later with reference toFIG. 8.

Specifically, when the communication between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200using the first communication method is established, the connection time management unit1506starts to measure the connection time with the communication terminal200using the timer1507. Then, the connection time management unit1506compares the connection time measured by the timer1507and the connection time included in the connection time information1553. The connection time information1553is generated by the communication control apparatus100, the management apparatus350or the management server500, and can be set and changed as needed.

Hereinafter, a description is given of details of the connection time information1553with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8illustrates an example of the connection time information1553.FIG. 8illustrates an example of a connection time information management table5513stored in the management DB5503of the management apparatus350or the management server500. The connection time information management table5513associates the connection time between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200with each apparatus ID identifying each communication control apparatus100to manage the connection time information1553.

For example, when the connection time management unit1506of the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “001a” establishes the communication with the communication terminal200using the first communication method, the connection time management unit1506starts to measure the connection time using the timer1507. Then, when 30 minutes have elapsed from the start of connection (i.e. from the start of measurement of connection time), the connection time management unit1506instructs the disconnection unit1508, to be described later, to disconnect the established communication using the first communication method. That is, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “001a” can be connected with the communication terminal200for 30 minutes.

Similarly, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “002b” can be connected with the communication terminal200for 1 hours. Similarly, the communication control apparatus100having the apparatus ID of “003c” can be connected with the communication terminal200for 45 minutes. The connection time information1553of each communication control apparatus100is stored in the storage unit1510of each communication control apparatus100while the management apparatus350or the management server500collectively stores the connection time information1553of each communication control apparatus100in the management DB5503as the connection time information management table5513as illustrated inFIG. 8. As above described, the connection time information1553indicates, for example, a time period or duration that the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200can be connected with each other.

The disconnection unit1508disconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200using the first communication method. For example, when a user carrying the communication terminal200has left a room (i.e., specific area) where the communication control apparatus100is disposed, the disconnection unit1508disconnects the communication established between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200, carried by the user that has left the room, using the first communication method.

Further, when the connection time management unit1506determines that the connection time between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200has exceeded the connection time included in the connection time information1553, the disconnection unit1508disconnects the communication established between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200using the first communication method. The disconnection unit1508is implemented by, for example, the wireless AP unit1007and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

The storing/reading unit1509stores various data in the storage unit1510, and reads various data from the storage unit1510. The storing/reading unit1509is implemented by, for example, the ROM1002, the storage1004, and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the storage unit1510stores the effective time information1552(FIG. 6), the connection information1551(FIG. 7), and the connection time information1553(FIG. 8). The storage unit1510is implemented by, for example, the ROM1002and the storage1004illustrated inFIG. 3.

The server-related communication unit1511performs a function of transmitting and receiving various data to or from the management apparatus350or the management server500. The server-related communication unit1511communicates with the management apparatus350via the communication path10. Further, the server-related communication unit1511communicates with the management server500via the gateway400and the Internet450. The server-related communication unit1511is implemented by, for example, the server communication unit1009and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

Hereinafter, a description is given of a functional configuration of the communication terminal200. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the functions implemented by the communication terminal200includes, for example, a first communication unit2501, a second communication unit2502, a connection time management unit2503, a timer2504, a disconnection unit2505, a storing/reading unit2506, and a storage unit2507.

The first communication unit2501performs communication with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method. The first communication unit2501is implemented by, for example, the wireless communication unit2006and executing programs using the CPU2001illustrated inFIG. 4.

The second communication unit2502performs communication with the communication control apparatus100using the second communication method. The second communication unit2502receives the connection information1551and the connection time information1553used for performing communication using the first communication method, which are transmitted from the communication control apparatus100by using the second communication method. The second communication unit2502is implemented by, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit2007and executing programs using the CPU2001illustrated inFIG. 4.

The connection time management unit2503controls communication with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method based on the connection time information1553transmitted from the communication control apparatus100. Specifically, the connection time management unit2503manages or checks the connection time with the communication control apparatus100based on a comparison of the connection time information1553, transmitted from the communication control apparatus100and stored in the storage unit2507, and the communication time with the communication control apparatus100measured by the timer2504. The connection time management unit2503is implemented by, for example, executing programs using the CPU2001illustrated inFIG. 4.

The disconnection unit2505disconnects the communication established with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method. For example, when a user carrying the communication terminal200has left a room (i.e., specific area) where the communication control apparatus100is disposed, the disconnection unit2505disconnects the communication established with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method. Further, when the connection time management unit2503determines that the connection time with the communication control apparatus100exceeds a given connection time (e.g., threshold connection time) included in the connection time information1553, the disconnection unit2505disconnects the communication established with the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method. The disconnection unit2505is implemented by, for example, the wireless communication unit2006and executing programs using the CPU2001illustrated inFIG. 4.

The functions of the connection time management unit2503, the timer2504, and the disconnection unit2505are similar to the functions implemented by the connection time management unit1506, the timer1507, and the disconnection unit1508of the communication control apparatus100, and these functions may be provided on at least one of the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200.

The storing/reading unit2506stores various data in the storage unit2507, and reads various data from the storage unit2507. The storing/reading unit2506is implemented by, for example, the ROM2002and executing programs using the CPU2001illustrated inFIG. 4. The storage unit2507stores the connection information1551and the connection time information1553transmitted from the communication control apparatus100. The storage unit2507is implemented by, for example, the ROM2002illustrated inFIG. 4.

Hereinafter, a description is given of a functional configuration of the management apparatus350. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the functions implemented by the management apparatus350includes, for example, a transmitting/receiving unit5501, a storing/reading unit5502, and a management database (DB)5503. The transmitting/receiving unit5501performs transmission and reception of data to and from the communication control apparatus100. The transmitting/receiving unit5501is implemented by, for example, the server communication unit1009and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

The storing/reading unit5502stores various data in the management DB5503, and reads various data from the management DB5503. The storing/reading unit5502is implemented by, for example, the ROM1002, the storage1004, and executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the management DB5503stores the effective time information management table5512(FIG. 6), the connection information management table5511(FIG. 7), and the connection time information management table5513(FIG. 8).

FIG. 9is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a connection processing of the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200in the communication control system1A of the first embodiment. The connection processing of the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200illustrated inFIG. 9describes an example case when a user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A disposed with the communication control apparatus100aas illustrated inFIG. 1. In this example case, it is assumed that the communication terminal200does not exist in the room A at first, and the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100ais in an idle mode (not activated) before the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A

In step S101, the second communication unit1502of the communication control apparatus100acommunicates with the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method. When the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A, the communication terminal200acan communicate with the communication control apparatus100ausing the second communication method.

In step S102, the detection unit1503of the communication control apparatus100adetects that the communication between the second communication unit1502and the communication terminal200using the second communication method is established.

In step S103, after the detection unit1503of the communication control apparatus100adetects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method, the detection unit1503notifies the detection of establishment of the second communication to the control unit1504.

In step S104, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function because there is no communication terminal200being connected with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method.

In step S105, after the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function, the control unit1504outputs an instruction for generating the connection information1551to be used for performing the communication using the first communication method to the connection information generation unit1505.

In step S106, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100agenerates the connection information1551to be used for performing the communication using the first communication method based on the generation instruction of the connection information1551received from the control unit1504.

In step S107, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the generated connection information1551to the second communication unit1502.

In step S108, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the generated connection information1551to the storing/reading unit1509.

In step S109, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100astores the connection information1551in the storage unit1510. It should be noted that step S107can be performed before or after performing step S108and step S109.

In step S110, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100ainstructs the storing/reading unit1509to read the connection time information1553.

In step S111, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100areads the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510.

In step S112, the storage unit1510of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the stored connection time information1553to the storing/reading unit1509.

In step S113, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the connection time information1553to the second communication unit1502.

In step S114, the second communication unit1502of the communication control apparatus100atransmits the connection information1551and the connection time information1553to the communication terminal200ausing the communication established using the second communication method.

In step S115, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100acommunicates with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method using the connection information1551transmitted from second communication unit1502. After the communication terminal200areceives the connection information1551from the second communication unit1502, the communication terminal200auses the received connection information1551to set connection settings of the communication using the first communication method. Then, the communication terminal200aestablishes the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method.

Disconnection Processing and Deactivation Processing:

Hereinafter, a description is given of the disconnection processing of the communication using the first communication method, and the deactivation processing of the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100in the communication control system1A of the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10illustrates an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the disconnection processing of the communication using the first communication method and the deactivation processing of the communication control function in the communication control system1A of the first embodiment.FIG. 10illustrates an example case that a user carrying the communication terminal200a, who has entered the room A, uses the communication terminal200aestablishing the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method as illustrated inFIG. 9, and then leaves the room A.

In step S201, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100aestablishes the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. The process of establishing the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method can be performed using the sequence illustrated inFIG. 9.

In step S202, after the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is established, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs a notification indicating that the communication is established to the connection time management unit1506.

In step S203, the connection time management unit1506of the communication control apparatus100amanages or checks the connection time of the communication established between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. Specifically, when the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand communication terminal200ais established using the first communication method, the connection time management unit1506starts to measure the connection time using the timer1507. Further, the connection time management unit1506reads the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510, and compares the connection time (e.g., threshold connection time) included in the connection time information1553and the connection time measured by the timer1507.

In step S204, if the connection time measured by the timer1507exceeds the connection time (e.g., threshold connection time) included in the connection time information1553, the connection time management unit1506of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs a disconnection instruction of the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method to the disconnection unit1508.

In step S205, the disconnection unit1508of the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

In steps S203to S205, the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is terminated or disconnected based on the connection time information1553, but not limited thereto. For example, if the user carrying the communication terminal200aleaves the room A (i.e., specific area) within a range of the connection time included in the connection time information1553, the disconnection unit1508disconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method without waiting of elapsing of the connection time included in the connection time information1553.

In step S206, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100amanages or checks the activation time of the communication control function. Specifically, when the control unit1504activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure the activation time using the timer1507. Then, the control unit1504compares the effective time information1552stored in the storage unit1510and the activation time measured by the timer1507. The effective time information1552is information related to the time for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. Specifically, the effective time information1552includes time information such as the time period for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100.

In step S207, if the measured activation time exceeds the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504deactivates the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100a. On the other hand, if the measured activation time is still within a range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504maintains the activation of the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100a. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100acan deactivate the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100based on the effective time information1552, and thereby the communication control apparatus100can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) with the communication terminal200using the first communication method, for example, when the class time in one room (i.e., specific area) disposed with the communication control apparatus100is ended.

Hereinafter, a description is given of processing of the communication control apparatus100ain detail with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11illustrates an example of a flowchart illustrating the steps of the disconnection processing of the communication using the first communication method and the deactivation processing of the communication control function in the communication control system1A of the first embodiment. As same as the example case ofFIG. 9, it is assumed that the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ais already established using the first communication method.

At first, in step S251, when the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to manage or check the activation time. Specifically, when the control unit1504activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure the activation time using the timer1507. Then, the control unit1504compares the effective time information1552stored in the storage unit1510and the activation time measured by the timer1507.

In step S252, the control unit1504determines whether the communication terminal200ahas left the room A. If the communication terminal200ais still in the room A (S252: NO), the sequence proceeds to step S253. On the other hand, when the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A (S252: YES), the sequence proceeds to step S254.

If the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A (S252: YES), in step S254, the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

In this processing, whether or not the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A is determined based on whether the communication control apparatus100adetects the communication using the second communication method. For example, if the second communication method employs the BLE communication, the communication control apparatus100adetermines that the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A when the communication control apparatus100adetects the disconnection of the communication established with the communication terminal200ausing the BLE communication. Further, for example, if the second communication method employs the NFC communication, the communication control apparatus100adetermines that the user carrying the communication terminal200ahas left the room A when the communication control apparatus100adetects the NFC communication between the communication terminal200aand the NFC tag (e.g., second communication unit1502) disposed near the entrance of the room A. The NFC communication between the communication terminal200aand the NFC tag disposed near the entrance of the room A can be used to detect when the user carrying the communication terminal200has entered or left the room.

In step S253, after the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is established, the communication control apparatus100areads the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510. Further, when the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is established, the communication control apparatus100astarts to measure the connection time using the timer1507.

In step S253, if the connection time measured by the timer1507is within the range of connection time included in the connection time information1553(S253: YES), the communication control apparatus100arepeats the processing of step S253. On the other hand, if the connection time measured by the timer1507exceeds the connection time included in the connection time information1553(S253: NO), the sequence proceeds to step S254. The measurement of the connection time using the timer1507is started at a time when the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is detected. Further, the measurement of connection time using the timer1507can be started based on a pre-set time or timing.

If the connection time measured by the timer1507exceeds the connection time included in the connection time information1553(S253: NO), in step S254, the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

In step S255, the control unit1504determines whether the activation time measured by the timer1507is within the range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552. If the activation time measured by the timer1507is within the range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552(S255: YES), the control unit1504proceeds the sequence to step S256. On the other hand, If the activation time measured by the timer1507exceeds the range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504proceeds the sequence to step S257.

In step S256, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100amaintains the activation of the communication control function because the activation time is still within the range of effective time included in the effective time information1552.

In step S257, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function because the activation time measured by the timer1507has exceeded the range of effective time included in the effective time information1552. Further, if a user carrying any one of the communication terminals200enters the room A (i.e., specific area) after the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function in step S257, and the communication control apparatus100aestablishes the communication with the communication terminal200using the second communication method again, the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function again.

As to the above described first embodiment, the communication control apparatus100is equipped with the communication control function that controls the communication using the first communication method with the communication terminal200located in the specific area, and transmits the connection information1551used for performing the communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200using the second communication method different from the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100uses the connection information1551, transmitted to the communication terminal200, to communicate with the communication terminal200using the first communication method. Then, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function based on the effective time information1552related to the time for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) with the communication terminal200using the first communication method.

Variant Example of First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description is given of a variant example of the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 12. As to the communication control system of the variant example of the first embodiment, effective time information1552bincludes time information related to the activation time and the deactivation time of the communication control function.FIG. 12illustrates an example of the effective time information1552bof the variant example of the first embodiment.FIG. 12illustrates an example of an effective time information management table5512bstored in the management DB5503of the management apparatus350. The effective time information management table5512bassociates the communication control function (e.g., function of access point) and the effective time of the communication control function set for each communication control apparatus100identified by the apparatus ID to manage the associated information as the effective time information1552b, which is one example of the first condition.

The effective time information1552bincludes, for example, time information such as an activation time point or period used for activating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100(i.e., time point or period not deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100), and time information such as a deactivation time point or period used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100For example, the effective time information1552bof the apparatus ID of “001a” is set by assuming that the communication control system1A is used in each room of a school, in which the effective time information1552bof the apparatus ID of “001a” is prepared based on a class time schedule in one room. The communication control apparatus100, which corresponds to the apparatus ID of “001a,” activates the communication control function when the current time becomes the start time (9:00 AM), and maintains the communication control function during the first period (9:00 to 10:30 AM) and the second period (10:30 AM to 12:10 PM). Then, the communication control apparatus100corresponding to the apparatus ID of “001a” deactivates the communication control function when the current time becomes a lunch break (12:10 to 13:00 PM), and the communication control apparatus100activates the communication control function again when the current time becomes the start time of the third period (13:00 to 14:30 PM). Finally, when the current time passes the end time of the fourth period (14:30 to 16:00 PM), the communication control apparatus100corresponding to the apparatus ID of “001a” deactivates the communication control function (16:00 PM to 24:00, 0:00 to 9:00 AM), and the classes in one day is ended. As to the above described communication control apparatus100, the time information includes, for example, an activation time point or period to activate (not to deactivate) the communication control function (controlling of communication processing), and the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time point or period. Further, as to the above described communication control apparatus100, the time information includes, for example, an activation time period or period to activate (not to deactivate) the communication control function, and the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function when the current time being measured deviates from the activation time period or period.

On the other hand, for example, as indicated in the effective time information1552b, the communication control apparatus100corresponding to the apparatus ID of “002b” can be configured to activate the communication control function continuously (i.e., not to deactivate the communication control function) during the daytime time period (9:00 AM to 16:00 PM) when the class activities are being continued. In this manner, the effective time of the communication control function can be set variably based on the timeline or schedule of the room disposed with the communication control apparatus100.

The effective time information1552bof each communication control apparatus100is stored in the storage unit1510of each communication control apparatus100while the management apparatus350collectively stores the effective time information1552bof each communication control apparatus100in the management DB5503as the effective time information management table5512bas illustrated inFIG. 12. The effective time information1552billustrated inFIG. 12is an example, and can be set or changed according to the installation location of the communication control apparatus100and the operation method of the system. In this case, the communication control apparatus100or the management apparatus350are configured to set and change the effective time information1552b.

As to the above described variant example of the first embodiment, the effective time information1552bincludes the activation time information such as the activation time point or period used for activating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100(i.e., time point or period not to deactivate the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100), and the deactivation time information such as the deactivation time point or period used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. With this configuration, the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100can be activated (cannot to be deactivated) in conjunction with the system environment such as the time schedule of a class and the reservation time of a conference room. Further, the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100can be deactivated during a break time or a time not reserved for use.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description is given of a communication control system of a second embodiment with reference toFIG. 13. The communication control system of the second embodiment includes a connected-terminal-number information1554including information of the number of the communication terminals200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method, in addition to the effective time information1552used for deactivating the communication control function. The same configuration and same function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13illustrates an example of a functional block diagram of a communication control system1B including a communication control apparatus, a communication terminal, and a management apparatus of the second embodiment. The same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, a communication control apparatus100B illustrated inFIG. 13includes, for example, a connected-terminal-number counting unit1512that counts the number of the communication terminals200being connected with the communication control apparatus100B. Further, connected-terminal-number information1554is stored in the storage unit1510. The connected-terminal-number information1554includes information indicating the number of the connected communication terminal200counted by the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512, and information of a threshold value indicating the number of the connected communication terminal200used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100.

The connected-terminal-number counting unit1512counts the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method by the first communication unit1501. The connected-terminal-number counting unit1512is implemented by, for example, executing programs using the CPU1001illustrated inFIG. 3.

The control unit1504deactivates the communication control function when the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method is equal to or less than a threshold value included in the connected-terminal-number information1554. The threshold value indicates the number of the connected communication terminal200used for deactivating the communication control function. The threshold value may be set, for example, zero indicating that no communication terminal200is connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method, which means the communication terminal200is not present in a room. However, the threshold value is not limited zero indicating that no communication terminal200is connected communication control apparatus100using the first communication method (i.e., no communication terminal200is present in the room). For example, if the information processing apparatus300is disposed in the room (i.e., specific area) permanently, the threshold value is preferably a given number combining the number of the information processing apparatuses300and the number of the communication terminals200connected to the communication control apparatus100B using the first communication method. The threshold value can be set and changed by the communication control apparatus100B or a management apparatus350B as needed.

A description is given of a functional configuration of the management apparatus350B. In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the management apparatus350B stores a connected-terminal-number information management table5514in the management DB5503as illustrated inFIG. 13. The connected-terminal-number information management table5514is managed by associating the connected-terminal-number information1554stored in each communication control apparatus100with the apparatus ID identifying each communication control apparatus100. The connected-terminal-number information1554is transmitted from each communication control apparatus100to the management apparatus350B via the transmitting/receiving unit5501.

Hereinafter, a description is given of a processing of deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100B in the communication control system1B of the second embodiment with reference toFIG. 14.FIG. 14illustrates an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the connection processing of the communication control apparatus100B and the communication terminal200in the communication control system1B of the second embodiment.

The connection processing of the communication control apparatus100B and the communication terminal200illustrated inFIG. 14is described below as similar toFIG. 9, in which a user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A disposed with the communication control apparatus100aillustrated inFIG. 1. It is assumed that the communication terminal200does not exist in the room A at first, and the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100ais in an idle mode (not activated) before the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A.

In step S301, the second communication unit1502of the communication control apparatus100a, which is the communication control apparatus100B, communicates with the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method. When the user carrying the communication terminal200aenters the room A, the communication terminal200acan communicate with the communication control apparatus100ausing the second communication method.

In step S302, the detection unit1503of the communication control apparatus100adetects that the communication between the second communication unit1502and the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method is established.

In step S303, after the detection unit1503of the communication control apparatus100adetects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the second communication method, the detection unit1503instructs the storing/reading unit1509to read the connected-terminal-number information1554.

In step S304, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100areads the connected-terminal-number information1554stored in the storage unit1510.

In step S305, the storage unit1510of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the stored connected-terminal-number information1554to the storing/reading unit1509.

In step S306, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the read connected-terminal-number information1554to the control unit1504.

In step S307, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100arefers to the connected-terminal-number information1554output from the storing/reading unit1509, and if there is no communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method, the control unit1504activates the communication control function.

In step S308, after the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function, the control unit1504outputs an instruction for generating the connection information1551to be used for performing the communication using the first communication method to the connection information generation unit1505.

In step S309, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100agenerates the connection information1551to be used for performing the communication using the first communication method based on the instruction of generating the connection information1551received from the control unit1504.

In step S310, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the generated connection information1551to the second communication unit1502.

In step S311, the connection information generation unit1505of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the generated connection information1551to the storing/reading unit1509.

In step S312, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100astores the connection information1551in the storage unit1510. It should be noted that step S310can be performed before or after performing steps S311and S312.

In step S313, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100ainstructs the storing/reading unit1509to read the connection time information1553.

In step S314, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100areads the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510.

In step S315, the storage unit1510of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the stored connection time information1553to the storing/reading unit1509.

In step S316, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the connection time information1553to the second communication unit1502.

In step S317, the second communication unit1502of the communication control apparatus100atransmits the connection information1551and the connection time information1553to the communication terminal200ausing the communication established using the second communication method.

In step S318, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100acommunicates with the communication terminal200ausing the connection information1551transmitted to the communication terminal200. After the communication terminal200areceives the connection information1551from the second communication unit1502, the communication terminal200asets connection settings of the communication using the first communication method based on the received connection information1551. Then, the communication terminal200aestablishes the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method.

In step S319, after the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is established, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs a notification indicating that the communication with the communication terminal200ais established to the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512.

In step S320, the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512of the communication control apparatus100aadds one to the number of the connected communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method, and outputs a calculated number of the connected communication terminal200to the storing/reading unit1509as the calculated connected-terminal number.

In step S321, the storing/reading unit1509of the communication control apparatus100aoverwrites the connected-terminal-number information1554stored in the storage unit1510using the number of the connected communication terminal200calculated in step S320, and stores the overwritten connected-terminal-number information1554in the storage unit1510.

Disconnection and Deactivation of Communication Control Function:

Hereinafter, a description is given of the disconnection processioning of the communication using the first communication method and the deactivation processing of the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100B in the communication control system1B of the second embodiment with reference toFIG. 15.FIG. 15illustrates an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the disconnection processing of the communication using the first communication method and the deactivation processing of the control communication control function of the communication control apparatus100B in the communication control system1B of the second embodiment.FIG. 15illustrates an example case that a user carrying the communication terminal200a, who has entered the room A, uses the communication terminal200aestablishing the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method as illustrated inFIG. 14, and then leaves the room A.

In step S401, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100aestablishes the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. The process of establishing the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method can be performed using the sequence illustrated inFIG. 14.

In step S402, after the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ais established using the first communication method, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs a notification indicating that the communication is established to the connection time management unit1506.

In step S403, the connection time management unit1506of the communication control apparatus100amanages or checks the connection time of the communication between the first communication unit1501and the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method. Specifically, in response to the establishment of the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method, the connection time management unit1506starts to measure the connection time using the timer1507. Further, the connection time management unit1506reads the connection time information1553stored in the storage unit1510, and compares the connection time (e.g., threshold connection time) included in the connection time information1553and the connection time measured by the timer1507.

In step S404, if the connection time measured by the timer1507exceeds the connection time (e.g., threshold connection time) included in the connection time information1553, the connection time management unit1506of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the disconnection instruction of the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method to the disconnection unit1508.

In step S405, the disconnection unit1508of the communication control apparatus100adisconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

In steps S403to S405, the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is terminated or disconnected based on the connection time information1553, but not limited thereto. For example, if the user carrying the communication terminal200aleaves the room A (i.e., specific area) within a range of the connection time included in the connection time information1553, the disconnection unit1508disconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method without waiting of elapsing of the connection time included in the connection time information1553.

In step S406, after the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is disconnected by the disconnection unit1508, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100anotifies the disconnection of communication to the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512.

In step S407, the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512of the communication control apparatus100asubtracts one from the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method.

In step S408, the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs information indicating the subtracted number of the connected-terminal-number of the communication terminal200to the control unit1504.

In step S409, if the number of the connected communication terminal200is equal to or less than the threshold value indicating the number of the connected communication terminal200for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100a, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100a.

Hereinafter, a description is given of the processing of the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100ain detail with reference toFIG. 16.FIG. 16illustrates an example of a flowchart illustrating the steps of processing of deactivating the communication control function in the communication control apparatus100B of the second embodiment. As similar toFIG. 15, it is assumed that the communication control apparatus100a, which is the communication control apparatus100B, and communication terminal200ahas established the communication using the first communication method.

In step S451, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100aactivates the communication control function, and starts to manage or check the activation time. Specifically, when the control unit1504activates the communication control function, the control unit1504starts to measure the activation time using the timer1507. Then, the control unit1504compares the effective time information1552stored in the storage unit1510and the activation time measured by the timer1507.

In step S452, the communication control apparatus100compares the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method, and a threshold value indicating the number of the connected communication terminal200for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100included in the connected-terminal-number information1554.

If the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method is equal to or less than the threshold value (S452: YES), the communication control apparatus100proceeds the sequence to step S454. If the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100is equal to or less than the threshold value (S452: YES), in step S454, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function. On the other hand, if the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method is greater than the threshold value (S452: NO), the communication control apparatus100proceeds the sequence to step S453.

In step S453, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100compares the effective time included in the effective time information1552and the activation time measured by the timer1507. If the measured activation time is still within the range of the effective time included in the effective time information1552(S453: YES), that is, if the measured activation time has not yet elapsed the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100repeats step S453. On the other hand, if the measured activation time exceeds the effective time included in the effective time information1552(S453: NO), that is, if the measured activation time has elapsed the effective time included in the effective time information1552, the communication control apparatus100proceeds the sequence to step S454.

In step S453, after the communication control function is activated, the communication control apparatus100reads the effective time information1552stored in the storage unit1510. Further, when the communication control function is activated, the communication control apparatus100starts to measure the activation time using the timer1507. The measurement of the activation time using the timer1507is started at a time when the communication control function is activated as above described, but the measurement of activation time using the timer1507can be started based on a pre-set time or timing.

If the measured activation time exceeds the effective time included in the effective time information1552, that is, if the measured activation time has elapsed the effective time included in the effective time information1552(S453: NO), in step S454, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function.

As to the above described second embodiment, the communication control apparatus100B controls the activation or deactivation of the communication control function based on the number of the connected communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100using the first communication method, and the effective time information1552. Therefore, the communication control function can be deactivated without referring to the effective time information1552when the activation of the communication control function is not required, such as when no communication terminal200is connected to the communication control apparatus100or when the number of the connected communication terminal200is equal to or less than the threshold value.

Third Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description is given of a third embodiment with reference toFIG. 17. A communication control system of the third embodiment describes a case that the communication terminal200performs the disconnection processing of the communication established between the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200using the first communication method. The same configurations and functions as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Disconnection and Deactivation of Communication Control Function:

FIG. 17illustrates an example of a sequence diagram illustrating disconnection processing of communication using the first communication method and deactivation processing of communication control function of the communication control apparatus in the communication control system of the third embodiment. Similar toFIG. 15,FIG. 17illustrates an example case that a user carrying the communication terminal200a, who has entered the room A, uses the communication terminal200aestablishing the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method as illustrated inFIG. 14, and then leaves the room A.

In step S501, the first communication unit2501of the communication terminal200aestablishes the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method. The process of establishing the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method can be performed using the sequence illustrated inFIG. 14.

In step S502, after the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ais established using the first communication method, the first communication unit2501of the communication terminal200aoutputs a notification indicating that the communication is established to the connection time management unit2503.

In step S503, the connection time management unit2503of the communication terminal200amanages or checks the connection time with the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100a. Specifically, in response to a start of the connection with the communication control apparatus100a, the connection time management unit2503starts to measure the connection time using the timer2504. Further, the connection time management unit2503reads the connection time information1553transmitted from the communication control apparatus100aand stored in the storage unit2507, and compares the connection time included in the connection time information1553and the connection time measured by the timer2504.

In step S504, if the connection time measured by the timer2504exceeds the connection time included in the connection time information1553(or if the connection time has elapsed the connection time included in the connection time information1553), the connection time management unit2503of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs the disconnection instruction of the communication with the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method to the disconnection unit2505.

In step S505, the disconnection unit2505of the communication terminal200adisconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method.

In steps S503to S505, the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is terminated or disconnected based on the connection time information1553, but not limited thereto. For example, if the user carrying the communication terminal200aleaves the room A (i.e., specific area) within a range of the connection time included in the connection time information1553(i.e., before the measured connection time has elapsed the connection time included in the connection time information1553), the disconnection unit2505disconnects the communication between the communication control apparatus100aand the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method without waiting of elapsing of the connection time included in the connection time information1553.

In step S506, after the communication with the communication terminal200ausing the first communication method is disconnected by the disconnection unit2505of the communication terminal200a, the first communication unit1501of the communication control apparatus100anotifies the disconnection of communication to the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512.

In step S507, the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512of the communication control apparatus100asubtracts one from the number of the communication terminal200being connected to the communication control apparatus100ausing the first communication method.

In step S508, the connected-terminal-number counting unit1512of the communication control apparatus100aoutputs information of the subtracted number of the connected communication terminal200to the control unit1504.

If the number of the connected communication terminal200, output in step S508, is equal to or less than the threshold value indicating the number of the connected communication terminal200for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100, in step S509, the control unit1504of the communication control apparatus100adeactivates the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100a.

As to the above described embodiments, the communication control apparatus100is equipped with the communication control function that controls communication with the communication terminal200located in the specific area using the first communication method, and transmits the connection information1551used for performing the communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200using the second communication method different from the first communication method. In this configuration, the communication control apparatus100communicates with the communication terminal200using the first communication method using the connection information1551transmitted to the communication terminal200from the communication control apparatus100. Then, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function based on the effective time information1552including the time information for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) with the communication terminal200using the first communication method.

Further, the communication control apparatus100of the above described embodiments includes the time information such as the activation time point or range used for activating (not deactivating) the communication control function and the deactivation time point or range used for deactivating the communication control function as the effective time information1552. Therefore, the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100can be activated in conjunction with the system environment such as the time schedule of class and the reservation time of a conference room. Further, the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100can be deactivated during a break time or a time not reserved for use.

Further, as to the above described embodiments, if the number of the communication terminal200being connected using the first communication method is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function, and thereby the communication control function can be deactivated when the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100is not required to be activated.

Further, as to the above described embodiments, the communication control system1includes, for example, the communication terminal200, and the communication control apparatus100equipped with the communication control function that controls the communication with the communication terminal200located in the specific area using the first communication method. The communication control apparatus100transmits the connection information used for performing the communication using the first communication method to the communication terminal200using the second communication method different from the first communication method. Then, the communication control apparatus100and the communication terminal200use the connection information, transmitted to the communication terminal200, to communicate with each other using the first communication method. Further, the communication control apparatus100deactivates the communication control function based on the effective time information1552including the time information for deactivating the communication control function. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) with the communication terminal200using the first communication method.

Further, as to the above described embodiments, the method of controlling communication processing performed by the communication control apparatus100is devised. The method includes transmitting the connection information used for performing communication with the communication terminal200using the first communication method to the communication terminal200located in the specific area, using the second communication method different from the first communication method, establishing the communication with the communication terminal200using the first communication method based on the connection information, and deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100enabling the communication with the communication terminal200located in the specific area using the first communication method based on the effective time information1552(i.e., first condition) used for deactivating the communication control function of the communication control apparatus100. With this configuration, the communication control apparatus100can prevent the unintended communication (e.g., unintended wireless communication) with the communication terminal200using the first communication method.

As to conventional communication systems, even when a user carrying a communication terminal (e.g., mobile terminal) leaves from one area where a communication control apparatus is disposed, the connection information used for connecting with the communication control apparatus remains in the communication terminal. For example, in a school, a communication terminal carried by a student is connected to a communication control apparatus in a room1, and when the class time in the room1has ended, the communication terminal of the student leaves from the room1and may enter an adjacent room2. However, the connection information used for connecting the communication terminal and the communication control apparatus disposed in the room1remains in the communication terminal even when the communication terminal of the student moves to the adjacent room2. As a result, there is a risk that unintended wireless communication is being performed between the communication control apparatus disposed in the room1and the communication terminal although the communication terminal is not present in the room1.

According to the above described embodiments, the unintended wireless communication between the communication control apparatus and the communication terminal can be prevented. Further, any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.

The functions of each embodiment can be implemented by computer-executable programs written in legacy programming languages such as assembler, C, C++, C #, Java (registered trademark), and the like, and stored and distributed in computer-readable memory such as read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, flexible disk, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk rewriteable (CD-RW), digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM), digital versatile disk random access memory (DVD-RAM), DVD recording only/rewritable (DVD-R/RW), Blu-ray disc, SD card, mini disk (MD), magneto optical disc (MO) and the like, or distributed over a telecommunications line.

Further, a part or all of the functions of each embodiment can be implemented on a programmable device (PD) such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like, or can be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), in which circuit configuration data (bit stream data), downloaded to the PD to implement the functions of the embodiments on the PD, can be distributed via a recording medium recording data described in hardware description language (HDL), very high speed integrated circuits hardware description language (VHDL), Verilog HDL, or the like for generating the circuit configuration data.

Although the description of the present invention has been made based on the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the requirements described in the above embodiments. Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patent specification may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.