Apparatus and method to control reconnection of a terminal device to a wireless network via another wireless network

An apparatus obtains connection status information of each of terminal devices coupled to a first wireless network via an access point, from the access point. The apparatus detects a disconnected device which is a terminal device whose communication with the access point is disconnected, with reference to the connection status information, and notifies, by using a second wireless network, the disconnected device of a reconnection instruction for instructing the disconnected device to reconnect to the first wireless network by accessing the access point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-194718, filed on Sep. 30, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to apparatus and method to control reconnection of a terminal device to a wireless network via another wireless network.

BACKGROUND

According to a promotion of information and communication technology (ICT) education by government policy, for elementary and junior high schools all over the country, one tablet computer (hereinafter, may be referred to as “tablet”) per 3.6 students is deployed by the year 2017 and one per one student is deployed by the year 2020, and an achievement rate of 100% in maintenance of a wireless local area network (LAN) is planned.

In this way, although ICT education has been gradually processed at each of schools, even now, there are schools which provide classes with a digital textbook by deploying an electronic blackboard, a wireless LAN access point (hereinafter, may be referred to as “AP”), a tablet for teacher, and a tablet for student in each of classrooms. In recent years, a technology in which when a terminal device such as a tablet or the like is coupled to another terminal device via a wireless LAN and disconnection from the wireless LAN is detected, a user performs a connection procedure with a wired LAN is known.

Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-175814 is an example of the related art.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus obtains connection status information of each of terminal devices coupled to a first wireless network via an access point, from the access point. The apparatus detects a disconnected device which is a terminal device whose communication with the access point is disconnected, with reference to the connection status information, and notifies, via a second wireless network, the disconnected device of a reconnection instruction for instructing the disconnected device to reconnect to the first wireless network by accessing the access point.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Since elementary school students generally do not have high information Technology (IT) literacy, it is difficult to reconnect terminal devices disconnected from a wireless network to a wired network or a wireless network. For this reason, since a teacher manually restores the terminal, the teacher stops the class and restores the terminal device and a progress of the class is hindered every time disconnection of the terminal device occurs. In addition, in a case where the teacher's IT literacy is low, a stop time of the class will be even longer.

It is also conceivable that a tablet terminal has a function of constantly monitoring communication with AP, and a function of executing restarting of an operating system (OS) of the tablet and executing AP reconnection when detecting disconnection. However, since tablet terminals are equipped with processors with lower performance than general personal computers, a screen display or the like is delayed when these functions are included.

It is preferable to automatically reconnect a terminal device disconnected from a wireless network, with the wireless network.

Hereinafter, examples of a monitoring device, a reconnection method, and a reconnection program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to drawings. The embodiment is not limited by this example. In addition, each of the examples can be appropriately combined within a range without contradiction.

Overall Configuration Example

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration example of a system according to Example 1. In Example 1, as an example, a school class or the like is assumed. For example, a wireless LAN is built in a classroom, tablet terminals are distributed to each student and teacher, and a class is held by displaying information such as a textbook on the tablet terminals by using the wireless LAN.

FIG. 1illustrates a classroom1and a server120installed outside the classroom1. In the classroom1, a wireless LAN such as a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi)® is built and the classroom1includes an access point2, a management computer10, a tablet terminal30for teacher, tablet terminals40,60, and80for students, an electronic blackboard projector100, and an electronic pen110.

The access point2is an example of a device which connects each of tablet terminals in the classroom1to a wireless LAN and connects the external server120to the wireless LAN in the classroom1, and is generally a computer such as a router, a station, for example.

The tablet terminal30for teacher and the tablet terminals40,60, and80for students are examples of portable mobile terminals and are computers having a touch panel, a wireless connection function, and the like. These tablet terminals are equipped with processors having lower performance than an ordinary personal computer for the purpose of reducing the thickness and weight, and the battery operation.

In addition, these tablet terminals are coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2and are coupled to each other so as to communicate with each other. Further, each of the tablet terminals is coupled to the external server120via the access point2. Each of the tablet terminals displays textbook data delivered from the management computer10or the server120. Here, a class is held using textbook data instead of an ordinary textbook.

The management computer10is an example of a computer such as a monitoring device and is coupled to the access point2via a wireless LAN or a wired line. The management computer10obtains textbook data from the server120via the access point2and delivers the data to each of the tablet terminals coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2.

For example, the electronic blackboard projector100is coupled to the management computer10via a wired line such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)®. The electronic blackboard projector100projects various images and videos input from the management computer10on a screen. In addition, the electronic blackboard projector100is coupled to the electronic pen110via infrared rays or the like and projects operation information by the electronic pen110on the screen together with various images and videos input from the management computer10.

The server120is an example of an external server which is coupled to the access point2and holds textbook data. Upon receiving a request for data acquisition from each of the tablet terminals or the management computer10, the server120transmits the textbook data to a request destination via the access point2.

In this way, in a state in which the tablet terminal30for teacher and the tablet terminals40,60, and80for students are coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2, the management computer10obtains, from the access point2, connection status of each of the tablet terminals coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2. With reference to the connection status, the management computer10detects a tablet terminal (hereinafter, sometimes described as “disconnected tablet”) disconnected from communication with the access point2. Thereafter, the management computer10notifies, by using a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) beacon, the disconnected tablet being disconnected from a wireless LAN of a reconnection instruction for instructing the disconnected tablet to reconnect with a wireless LAN by accessing the access point2.

Therefore, upon detecting a tablet for student disconnected from a wireless LAN in a classroom during a class, the management computer10transmits the reconnection instruction for reconnection with a wireless LAN, by using a BLE beacon. As a result, the tablet terminal disconnected from a wireless LAN may automatically reconnect with a wireless LAN without a teacher or a student performing recovery operation.

Functional Configuration

Next, functional configurations of devices illustrated inFIG. 1will be described. Here, functional configurations of the management computer10and each of the tablet terminals, which have functions different from a general device, will be described. Since each of the tablet terminals has the same configuration, the tablet terminal40will be described as an example.

Functional Configuration of Management Computer10

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each of devices according to Example 1. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the management computer10includes a communication unit11, a storage unit12, and a controller15.

The communication unit11is a processing unit which controls various communications such as a wireless communication or a wire communication. For example, the communication unit11is coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2, transmits information to each of the tablet terminals in a wireless LAN, and receives various kinds of information from each of the tablet terminals. For example, the communication unit11receives connection status from the access point2and transmits textbook data to each of the tablet terminals. In addition, the communication unit11executes transmission control of a BLE beacon or the like.

The storage unit12is a storage device which stores a program executed by the controller15or various kinds of data and is, for example, a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit12stores a beacon pattern DB13or a connection status DB14.

The beacon pattern DB13is a database storing a beacon pattern which is a combination of channels of transmission frequencies of a BLE beacon. For example, the beacon pattern DB13is a combination of advertising channels used in the BLE beacon and stores identification information used for identifying a tablet terminal of each student.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the beacon pattern DB13. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the beacon pattern DB13stores “tablet terminal”, “media access control (MAC) address”, and “transmission channel (first time, second time, and third time)” in association with each other. “tablet terminal” is a name of a tablet terminal used by a student, and “MAC address” is a MAC address of the tablet terminal for each student. “transmission channel” is channel information of an advertising channel, and “first time”, “second time”, and “third time” are advertising channels used by a BLE beacon.

In the example inFIG. 3, in a case of transmitting an instruction to a tablet terminal of a student A of which a MAC address is “A1:B2:C3:F3:E2:D1”, “37 ch” is used for the first time, “37 ch” is used for the second time, and “37 ch” is used for the third time. In this way, by a combination of advertising channels (37 ch, 38 ch, and 39 ch), each of the tablet terminals is identified. The combination of advertising channels may be changed for each of classes. In addition, inFIG. 3, a tablet terminal for teacher is excluded from a management target, but the tablet terminal for teacher may be included in the management target in the same manner as a tablet terminal for student.

The connection status DB14is a database which stores connection status of each of the tablet terminals coupled to a wireless LAN. Information stored here may be collected by the access point2.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the connection status DB14. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the connection status DB14stores “tablet terminal”, “MAC address”, “status”, “disconnection time”, and “disconnection reason” in association with each other. Here, “tablet terminal” is a name of a tablet terminal used by a student, and “MAC address” is a MAC address of the tablet terminal for each student. “tablet terminal” and “MAC address” may be preset.

“status” indicates connection status and stores “connecting” or “unconnected”. “disconnection time” is disconnected time. “disconnection reason” indicates whether or not a tablet terminal is disconnected during a class, and is set at “unexpected disconnection” in a case where the tablet terminal is disconnected during the class. “disconnection reason” may be determined by the access point2or the management computer10.

FIG. 4illustrates that in a tablet terminal of a student C of which a MAC address is “A1:B2:C3:F3:E2:D3”, “unexpected disconnection” occurs at “9:45” and the other tablet terminals of the other students are normally connected.

The controller15is a processing unit which manages whole of the management computer10and is, for example, a processor or the like. The controller15includes a pattern generating unit16, a delivering unit17, a monitoring unit18, and an instruction notification unit19. The pattern generating unit16, the delivering unit17, the monitoring unit18, and the instruction notification unit19are an example of an electronic circuit included in a processor or the like or an example of a process executed by the processor.

The pattern generating unit16is a processing unit which generates a combination of advertising channels for identifying each of the tablet terminals. For example, the pattern generating unit16generates a beacon pattern illustrated inFIG. 3, and saves the beacon pattern in the beacon pattern DB13at a class start time. In addition, the pattern generating unit16also may delete information stored in the beacon pattern DB13at a class end time. The class start time or the class end time may be preset. In addition, as a generating method, it is possible to adopt a BLE random address setting and the like, and to arbitrarily change a combination of channels or the number of times of transmission, depending on the number of tablet terminals.

The delivering unit17is a processing unit which delivers the beacon pattern generated by the pattern generating unit16to each of the tablet terminals via a wireless LAN. For example, when a beacon pattern is saved in the beacon pattern DB13, the delivering unit17reads the beacon pattern from the beacon pattern DB13and transmits the beacon pattern, via the access point2, to each of the tablet terminals by using “MAC address” stored in advance in the connection status DB14.

The monitoring unit18is a processing unit which monitors connection status of a tablet terminal to a wireless LAN for each student. For example, the monitoring unit18obtains connection status (status, disconnection time, and the like) from the access point2, and monitors whether or not unexpected disconnection occurs. For example, the monitoring unit18regularly obtains connection status from the access point2and saves the obtained connection status in the connection status DB14. Then, in a case of detecting status “unconnected” during a class, the monitoring unit18sets “unexpected disconnection” to “disconnection reason” for a tablet terminal from which status “unconnected” has been detected.

The instruction notification unit19is a processing unit which notifies a tablet terminal to which “unexpected disconnection” is set by the monitoring unit18, by using BLE different from a wireless LAN, of an instruction for reconnection to a wireless LAN by accessing the access point2. For example, the instruction notification unit19specifies a combination of transmission channels corresponding to a tablet terminal for student in a disconnected state, from the beacon pattern DB13, and broadcasts an instruction for reconnection by using the specified combination.

For example, upon detecting that “unexpected disconnection” is set to a tablet terminal of the student C with reference to the connection status DB14, the instruction notification unit19obtains disconnection time “9:45” from the connection status DB14. Next, the instruction notification unit19obtains transmission channels (37 ch, 37 ch, and 39 ch) of the tablet terminal of the student C in a disconnected state, from the beacon pattern DB13. Then, the instruction notification unit19broadcasts an advertised packet including time information “9:45” which is disconnection time, as a BLE beacon via 37 ch. After a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the instruction notification unit19broadcasts an advertised packet including time information “9:45” as a BLE beacon via 37 ch. Further, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the instruction notification unit19broadcasts an advertised packet including time information “9:45” as a BLE beacon via 39 ch.

That is, by notifying a BLE beacon three times for one disconnection detection, it is possible to notify disconnection time to the tablet terminal of the student C in a disconnected state. The BLE beacon may include a reconnection instruction, a reconnection command, or the like. The predetermined time may be arbitrarily changed.

In this way, by broadcasting packet data with a combination of three frequency channels, it is possible to identify a tablet terminal for student. In addition, since Bluetooth® device address (BD address), which may be an attack target when acquired by a third party, is not included in the beacon, security is high and risk of becoming the attack target of the third party becomes also small.

In addition, in a case where a disconnected tablet terminal is detected and nothing is registered as a disconnection reason, that is, “unexpected disconnection” is not registered as a disconnection reason, the instruction notification unit19determines that a class is ended and deletes a beacon pattern stored in the beacon pattern DB13.

Functional Configuration of Tablet Terminal40

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the tablet terminal40includes a communication unit41, a display unit42, a storage unit43, and a controller46.

The communication unit41is a processing unit which is coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2and controls communication with another tablet terminal, the management computer10, the server120, and the like. For example, the communication unit41receives textbook data from the management computer10via the access point2.

In addition, the communication unit41receives a BLE beacon broadcasted from the management computer10. For example, the communication unit41receives an advertised packet including time information and the like from the management computer10without going through the access point2.

The display unit42is a touch panel display which displays each piece of information and accepts operation of a student or the like. For example, the display unit42displays textbook data and accepts page turning operation, answer operation to a problem, or the like.

The storage unit43is a storage device which stores a program executed by the controller46or various kinds of data and is, for example, a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit43stores a beacon pattern DB44and a disconnection time DB45.

The beacon pattern DB44is a database which stores a beacon pattern which is a combination of transmission frequency channels of a BLE beacon. For example, the beacon pattern DB44stores a beacon pattern delivered from the management computer10. The stored information is the same as inFIG. 3, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The disconnection time DB45is a database which stores a time at which the tablet terminal40is disconnected from a wireless LAN. For example, the disconnection time DB45stores disconnection time “9:45” and the like. Here, the stored disconnection time is the latest disconnection time and is updated by the controller46.

The controller46is a processing unit which manages the overall tablet terminal40and is, for example, a processor or the like. The controller46includes a display controller47, a receiver48, and a reconnection unit49. The display controller47, the receiver48, and the reconnection unit49are an example of an electronic circuit included in a processor or the like or an example of a process executed by the processor.

Upon detecting a tablet disconnected from a wireless LAN, the controller46determines whether or not disconnected time is in a time zone designated in advance such as a time zone in which a class is ended. In a case where the disconnected time is not in the time zone designated in advance, the controller46makes a determination of unexpected disconnection and saves the disconnection time in the disconnection time DB45. On the other hand, in a case where the disconnected time is in the time zone designated in advance, the controller46makes a determination of a class being ended and deletes information stored in the beacon pattern DB44.

The display controller47is a processing unit which executes an information display or touch panel operation. For example, the display controller47displays textbook data received from the management computer10on the display unit42. In addition, the display controller47accepts touch panel operation via the display unit42and executes a process corresponding to the accepted touch panel operation. For example, the display controller47executes page turning when swipe operation is accepted and executes an enlarged display when receiving double click operation.

The receiver48is a processing unit which receives a beacon pattern delivered from the management computer10. For example, the receiver48receives a beacon pattern from the management computer10via the access point2and saves the beacon pattern in the beacon pattern DB44.

The reconnection unit49is a processing unit which executes reconnection to a wireless LAN according to a reconnection instruction from the management computer10. For example, the reconnection unit49receives a BLE beacon with a beacon pattern assigned to the tablet terminal40and executes reconnection in a case where disconnection time notified with the received BLE beacon matches with disconnection time stored in the disconnection time DB45.

For example, a case where the tablet terminal40is a tablet terminal of the student C will be described. The reconnection unit49specifies that a beacon pattern assigned to the tablet terminal40is 37 ch, 37 ch, and 39 ch with reference to the beacon pattern DB44. Thereafter, the reconnection unit49receives an advertised packet of a BLE beacon broadcasted from the management computer10via 37 ch, subsequently receives an advertised packet of a BLE beacon broadcasted via 37 ch, and lastly receives an advertised packet of a BLE beacon broadcasted via 39 ch.

Then, since the respective channels used by the management computer10are equal to a beacon pattern (37 ch, 37 ch, and 39 ch) of the tablet terminal40, the reconnection unit49determines that the advertised packets are addressed to the tablet terminal40. The reconnection unit49extracts time information from each of the received three advertised packets, and restarts the tablet terminal40and reconnects to a wireless LAN in a case where each piece of time information is equal to disconnection time (9:45) stored in the disconnection time DB45. A reconnection process is not limited to rebooting but can also include executing a command and the like designated in advance.

Specific Example

Next, a specific example of reconnection to a wireless LAN described in Example 1 will be described.FIG. 5is a diagram for explaining automatic recovery according to Example 1. As illustrated inFIG. 5, in the classroom1, a class is held by the tablet terminal30for teacher, the tablet terminals40,60, and80for students, and the management computer10being coupled to each other by a wireless LAN via the access point2. In this state, it is assumed that the tablet terminal40is disconnected from the access point2.

The management computer10obtains connection status from the access point2and detects unexpected disconnection of the tablet terminal40(S1). At this time, the management computer10obtains disconnection time from the connection status.

Next, the management computer10specifies a beacon pattern assigned to the tablet terminal40from the beacon pattern DB13and broadcasts an advertised packet including the disconnection time by using the specified beacon pattern (S2).

Thereafter, each of the tablet terminals40,60, and80receives the advertised packets. When the tablet terminal40among the tablet terminals40,60, and80receives the advertised packets with a beacon pattern assigned to the tablet terminal40, the tablet terminal40determines that the advertised packets are addressed to the tablet terminal40. When disconnection time included in each of the advertised packets matches with disconnection time stored in the disconnection time DB45of the tablet terminal40, the tablet terminal40executes restarting (S3).

In this way, the management computer10executes automatic connection of a tablet terminal disconnected from a wireless LAN via a wireless network different from a wireless LAN.

Flow of Process

Next, a process of each of devices will be described. Here, a process of the management computer10and a process of a disconnected tablet terminal will be described. As an example, a disconnected tablet terminal is the tablet terminal40.

Process of Management Computer10

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of the management computer10according to Example 1. As illustrated inFIG. 6, when connection of all of tablet terminals is completed (Yes in S101), the pattern generating unit16of the management computer10generates a beacon pattern (S102). Thereafter, the delivering unit17delivers the beacon pattern to each of the tablet terminals via the access point2(S103). In the case, the pattern generating unit16may receive a notification of connection completion from the access point2or may also determine the connection completion from connection status obtained from the access point2.

Next, upon obtaining the connection status from the access point2(S104), the monitoring unit18determines whether or not an unconnected tablet terminal exists (S105). Here, the monitoring unit18stores a disconnection reason and the like in the connection status DB14. In a case where an unconnected tablet terminal does not exist (No in S105), the monitoring unit18repeats S104and the following steps.

In a case where the monitoring unit18determines that an unconnected tablet terminal exists (Yes in S105), the instruction notification unit19obtains a disconnection reason and disconnection time (S106). The disconnection reason may be determined also by the management computer10and the access point2by using the similar method.

Thereafter, in a case where the disconnection reason is “unexpected disconnection” (Yes in S107), the instruction notification unit19specifies a beacon pattern corresponding to a tablet terminal of “unexpected disconnection” from the beacon pattern DB13(S108). Next, the instruction notification unit19transmits an advertised packet including the disconnection time with the corresponding beacon pattern as a BLE beacon (S109). Thereafter, S104and the following steps are repeated.

On the other hand, in a case where the disconnection reason is not “unexpected disconnection” (No in S107), the instruction notification unit19determines that a class is ended and deletes a beacon pattern stored in the beacon pattern DB13(S110).

Process of Tablet Terminal40

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of the tablet terminal40according to Example 1. As illustrated inFIG. 7, after connection to a wireless LAN is completed (Yes in S201), the receiver48of the tablet terminal40receives a beacon pattern by a wireless LAN via the access point2and saves the beacon pattern in the beacon pattern DB44(S202).

Thereafter, upon detecting a tablet disconnected from a wireless LAN (Yes in S203), the controller46determines whether or not a disconnection reason is unexpected disconnection (S204). Here, in a case where it is determined that the disconnection reason is unexpected disconnection (Yes in S204), the controller46saves the disconnection time in the disconnection time DB45(S205).

Thereafter, in a case where a BLE beacon is received (Yes in S206) and it is determined that the BLE beacon is addressed to the tablet terminal40, based on the beacon pattern (Yes in S207), the reconnection unit49extracts disconnection time from each of advertised packets transmitted as a BLE beacon (S208).

In a case where the extracted disconnection time matches with disconnection time stored in the disconnection time DB45(Yes in S209), the reconnection unit49executes a reconnecting process (S210) and reconnects to a wireless LAN (S211). Thereafter, S203and the following steps are repeated.

On the other hand, in a case where the extracted disconnection time does not match with disconnection time stored in the disconnection time DB45(No in S209), the flow returns to S206and the reconnection unit49waits for receiving a BLE beacon. In a case where it is determined that the disconnection reason is not unexpected disconnection in S204(No in S204), the controller46deletes a beacon pattern from the beacon pattern DB44(S212).

Effect

As described above, even in a case where a low-performance tablet terminal is used, the management computer10may be automatically recovered from a trouble of a wireless LAN connection without going through a person. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment which minimizes class stop time.

In addition, in a case where a wireless LAN disconnection occurs and a BLE beacon which each of tablet terminals for students receives is addressed to the tablet terminal for student, pieces of information about disconnection time are compared and wireless LAN recovery operation is performed when the pieces of information about disconnection time match with each other. Therefore, since the tablet terminal for student receives the BLE beacon only when disconnected from a wireless LAN and performs wireless LAN recovery operation only when pieces of information about disconnection time match with each other, it is possible to realize more securely remote recovery. In addition, since only disconnection time is transmitted and leakage of address information of a tablet terminal may be suppressed even if the disconnection time leaks to an outside, the management computer10may minimize damage caused by a malicious third party.

In Example 1, an example in which a reconnection instruction is notified to a tablet terminal in a state of the tablet terminal being disconnected by using a beacon pattern and broadcasting is described, but the example is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to directly connect to a tablet terminal during disconnection and to execute a reconnecting process by using a Bluetooth® (hereinafter, may be referred to as “BT”). Therefore, in Example 2, an example in which the management computer10is directly connected to a tablet terminal during disconnection and causes the tablet terminal to execute a reconnecting process and to automatically recover the connection to a wireless LAN will be described.

Description of Automatic Recovery of Example 2

FIG. 8is a diagram for explaining automatic recovery according to Example 2. An overall configuration of a system illustrated inFIG. 8is the same as that of Example 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, in a state in which a class is held using a wireless LAN in the classroom1, the management computer10obtains connection status from the access point2and detects unexpected disconnection of the tablet terminal40(S11). At this time, the management computer10obtains disconnection time from the connection status.

Next, the management computer10directly connects to the tablet terminal40during the disconnection from a wireless LAN by using BT, and issues a restarting command to the tablet terminal40(S12). As a result, the tablet terminal40is able to automatically reconnect to a wireless LAN (S13).

Functional Configuration

Next, functional configurations of devices illustratedFIG. 8will be described. Here, among functional configurations of the management computer10and the tablet terminal40, functions different from those of Example 1 will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the same functions, but different processes will be separately described even if the same reference numerals are given.

Functional Configuration of Management Computer10

FIG. 9is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each of devices according to Example 2. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the management computer10includes the communication unit11, the storage unit12, and the controller15.

The storage unit12is a storage device which stores a program executed by the controller15or various kinds of data and is, for example, a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit12stores the connection status DB14and an address information DB20.

The address information DB20is address information used for BT connection and stores a Bluetooth® Device address (BD address) of each of the tablet terminals. Information stored therein is set and changed by an administrator or the like.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the address information DB20. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the address information DB20stores “tablet terminal”, “MAC address”, and “BD address” in association with each other. “tablet terminal” is a name of a tablet terminal used by a student, and “MAC address” is a MAC address of the tablet terminal for each student. “BD address” is address information used for BT connection.

In the example inFIG. 10, a MAC address of a tablet terminal of the student C is “A1:B2:C3:F3:E2:D3” and a BD address thereof is “B1:C2:D3:G3:F2:E3”.

The controller15is a processing unit which manages the whole of the management computer10and is, for example, a processor or the like. The controller15includes a monitoring unit21, an establishing unit22, and a reconnection unit23. The monitoring unit21, the establishing unit22, and the reconnection unit23are an example of an electronic circuit included in a processor or the like or an example of a process executed by the processor.

The monitoring unit21executes the same process as the monitoring unit18described Example 1. For example, the monitoring unit21obtains connection status (status and disconnection time) from the access point2and monitors whether or not unexpected disconnection occurs. For example, the monitoring unit21regularly obtains connection status from the access point2and saves the obtained connection status in the connection status DB14. Then, in a case of detecting status “unconnected” during a class, the monitoring unit21sets “unexpected disconnection” to “disconnection reason” of a tablet terminal corresponding to “unconnected”.

The establishing unit22is a processing unit which establishes BT connection with a tablet terminal being disconnected from wireless LAN. For example, upon detecting, with reference to the connection status DB14, a tablet terminal for which “unexpected disconnection” is registered, the establishing unit22specifies a BD address of the corresponding tablet terminal from the address information DB20. The establishing unit22executes BT connection by designating the specified BD address and establishes BT connection with the tablet terminal being disconnected from wireless LAN.

For example, upon detecting “unexpected disconnection” of a tablet terminal of the student C with reference to the connection status DB14, the establishing unit22obtains a BD address “B1:C2:D3:G3:F2:E3” of the tablet terminal of the student C from the address information DB20. The establishing unit22designates the BD address “B1:C2:D3:G3:F2:E3” to transmit a BT connection request. Thereafter, upon receiving a connection response, the establishing unit22establishes BT connection with a tablet terminal of the student C to which the BD address “B1:C2:D3:G3:F2:E3” is set.

The reconnection unit23is a processing unit which causes the tablet terminal disconnected from a wireless LAN to execute a reconnecting process. For example, the reconnection unit23issues start operation or a command of the reconnecting process by BT communication to the tablet terminal in which BT connection is established by the establishing unit22. In the above example, the reconnection unit23issues a command or the like of restarting by BT connection to the tablet terminal of the student C in which BT connection is established.

When the tablet terminal of the student C is restarted, the reconnection unit23automatically establishes BT connection with the tablet terminal of the student C. Then, the reconnection unit23determines that reconnection to a wireless LAN is completed and automatically disconnects BT connection.

Functional Configuration of Tablet Terminal40

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the tablet terminal40includes the communication unit41, the display unit42, the storage unit43, and the controller46.

A difference fromFIG. 2described in Example 1 is that the storage unit43does not store the beacon pattern DB44. In addition, since the reconnection unit49of the controller46includes a process different from Example 1, the process will be described.

The reconnection unit49is a processing unit which establishes BT connection with the management computer10and receives an instruction for a reconnecting process via the BT connection, in contrast with Example 1. For example, in a case where “unexpected disconnection” is detected by the controller46, the reconnection unit49moves to a waiting state for BT connection. Thereafter, upon receiving a connection request by BT from the management computer10, the reconnection unit49transmits a connection response to the management computer10by using BT.

In this way, in a state in which the reconnection unit49may not be connected to a wireless LAN, the reconnection unit49establishes BT connection with the management computer10. Thereafter, the reconnection unit49receives a restarting command or the like from the management computer10via BT connection. The tablet terminal40executes restarting by receiving a restarting command from the management computer10. Restarting may be performed remotely by the management computer10or performed locally by the management computer10.

Thereafter, when the tablet terminal40is restarted, the reconnection unit49automatically establishes BT connection with the management computer10. Thereafter, when the reconnection unit49determines that reconnection to a wireless LAN is completed, the reconnection unit49automatically disconnects BT connection.

Flow of Process

Next, a process of each of devices according to Example 2 will be described. Here, a process of the management computer10and a process of a tablet terminal will be described. As an example, a disconnected tablet terminal is the tablet terminal40.

Process of Management Computer10

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of the management computer10according to Example 2. As illustrated inFIG. 11, when connection of all of the tablet terminals is completed (Yes in S301) and connection status is obtained from the access point2(S302), the monitoring unit21of the management computer10determines whether or not an unconnected tablet terminal exists (S303). Here, in a case where an unconnected tablet terminal does not exist (No in S303), the monitoring unit21repeats S302and the following steps.

In a case where the monitoring unit21determines that an unconnected tablet terminal exists (Yes in S303), the establishing unit22obtains a disconnection reason and disconnection time (S304).

Thereafter, in a case where the disconnection reason is “unexpected disconnection” (Yes in S305), the establishing unit22specifies address information (BD address) of a tablet terminal being disconnected corresponding to “unexpected disconnection”, from the address information DB20(S306).

Next, the establishing unit22transmits a request for BT connection by designating the specified address information (S307). Upon receiving a connection response (Yes in S308), the establishing unit22completes BT connection with the tablet terminal being disconnected (S309).

The reconnection unit23causes, by using BT, the tablet terminal being disconnected to execute a reconnecting process (S310). In a case where connection completion of the unconnected tablet is confirmed according to the connection status afterward obtained by the monitoring unit21(Yes in S312), the reconnection unit23disconnects BT (S313). Thereafter, S302and the following steps are repeated.

On the other hand, in a case where the unconnected tablet terminal is detected in the connection status afterward obtained by the monitoring unit21and connection completion of the unconnected tablet is not confirmed (No in S312), the reconnection unit23returns to S310and executes the reconnecting process to the tablet terminal being disconnected again. The reconnection unit23may execute S313without executing S311and S312assuming that reconnection to a wireless LAN is completed. Even in this case, since an unconnected state is detected by obtaining the next connection status, the reconnecting process may be repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the disconnection reason is not “unexpected disconnection” (No in S305), the process is ended.

Process of Tablet Terminal40

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of the tablet terminal40according to Example 2. As illustrated inFIG. 12, after connection to a wireless LAN is completed (Yes in S401), upon detecting disconnection from a wireless LAN (Yes in S402), the controller46of the tablet terminal40determines whether or not a disconnection reason is unexpected disconnection (S403). Here, in a case where the disconnection reason is not unexpected disconnection (No in S403), the controller46ends the process.

On the other hand, in a case where the controller46determines that the disconnection reason is unexpected disconnection (Yes in S403), the reconnection unit49moves to a waiting state for BT connection (S404). Upon receiving a request for BT connection from the management computer10(Yes in S405), the reconnection unit49transmits a response for BT connection to the management computer10(S406). Then, the reconnection unit49completes BT connection (S407).

Thereafter, upon receiving a reconnection request via BT (Yes in S408), the reconnection unit49execute the reconnecting process (S409), reconnects to a wireless LAN (S410), and disconnects BT (S411). The reconnection unit49may control BT to disconnect BT after reconnection to a wireless LAN succeeds, or may control BT to disconnect BT regardless of success or failure of reconnection after restarting is completed.

Effect

In this way, the management computer10transmits a reconnection operation instruction to a tablet terminal of a student, and the tablet terminal of the student executes reconnection operation. When the tablet terminal of the student is reconnected to a wireless LAN, the tablet terminal disconnects BT connection. Therefore, since the tablet terminal of the student establishes BT connection only during a time period in which reconnection operation to a wireless LAN is being performed, it is possible to minimize power consumption. In addition, since the management computer10is directly connected to a tablet terminal being disconnected and causes the tablet terminal to execute reconnection, it is possible to improve a probability of success in reconnection.

Although the examples of the embodiment are described so far, the embodiment may be implemented in various different forms in addition to the examples described above. Therefore, different examples will be described below.

Wireless Line

Although a wireless LAN or BLE, a wireless LAN and BT, and the like are described as examples in the above examples, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, instead of BT or BLE, other non-contact communication or the like may be adopted.

In addition, since advertising channel frequencies (37 ch, 38 ch, and 39 ch) used for the above BLE beacon are not overlapped with channel frequencies (1 ch, 6 ch, and 11 ch) used for an ordinary wireless LAN, it is possible to reduce failure due to radio wave interference. In addition, a beacon is not limited to BLE, another beacon may be adopted, and channels may also be used for other channels not used for a wireless LAN and the like.

Tablet Terminal

Although a tablet terminal for student is described as a target of automatic recovery in the above examples, the embodiment is not limited thereto and a tablet terminal for teacher may be a target of automatic recovery. In addition, not only a tablet terminal but also another computer such as a smartphone, a server, or the like may be a target of automatic recovery.

Transmission Information

Although an example in which disconnection time is transmitted by a BLE beacon is described in Example 1, it is possible to execute only a notification using a beacon pattern without transmitting disconnection time. By transmitting the disconnection time, it is possible to execute a two-step determination of a notification using the beacon pattern and a coincidence of the disconnection time, thereby improving a security level.

Environment

Although a wireless LAN in a classroom is described as an example in the above examples, the embodiment is not limited thereto and may apply to inside a hospital, inside a warehouse, inside a vehicle, or the like in the same manner.

Hardware Configuration of Management Computer10

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management computer10. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the management computer10includes a power supply unit10a, a BLE unit10b, a wireless LAN unit10c, a hard disk drive (HDD)10d, a memory10e, and a processor10f.

The power supply unit10acontrols a power supply of the management computer10. The BLE unit10bexecutes transmission control of a BLE beacon. The wireless LAN unit10cis coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2and executes transmission and reception of data. The HDD10dis an example of a storage device which stores a program, data, and the like.

An example of the memory10eis a random access memory (RAM) such as a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, or the like. An example of the processor10fis a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or the like.

In addition, the management computer10operates as an information processing device which executes a reconnection method by reading and executing a program. That is, the management computer10executes a program which executes the same function as the pattern generating unit16, the delivering unit17, the monitoring unit18, and the instruction notification unit19. As a result, the management computer10is able to execute a process which executes the same function as the pattern generating unit16, the delivering unit17, the monitoring unit18, and the instruction notification unit19. A program according to the embodiment is not limited to being executed by the management computer10. For example, even in a case where another computer or another server executes a program or a case where the computer and the server execute a program in cooperation with each other, the embodiment may be applied in the same manner. The same applies to a program which executes the same function as each of functional units described in Example 2.

This program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the program is recorded in a computer readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and can be executed by a computer reading from the recording medium.

Hardware Configuration of Tablet Terminal40

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the tablet terminal40. As illustrated inFIG. 14, the tablet terminal40includes a power supply unit40a, a BLE unit40b, a wireless LAN unit40c, a touch panel40d, a display unit40e, an HDD40f, a memory40g, and a processor40h.

The power supply unit40acontrols a power supply of the tablet terminal40. The BLE unit40bexecutes reception control of a BLE beacon. The wireless LAN unit40cis coupled to a wireless LAN via the access point2and executes transmission and reception of data.

The touch panel40dis an input unit which is overlapped with the display unit40eand accepts user operation, and outputs an operated position (coordinate) on the processor40h. The touch panel40dmay adopt various methods such as a capacitive method and an electromagnetic induction method. The display unit40eis an example of a display unit which displays various kinds of information.

The HDD40fis an example of a storage device which stores a program, data, and the like. An example of the memory40gis a RAM such as an SDRAM and the like, a ROM, a flash memory, or the like. An example of the processor40his a CPU, a DSP, an FPGA, a PLD, or the like.

In addition, the tablet terminal40operates as an information processing device which executes a reconnection method by reading and executing a program. That is, the tablet terminal40executes a program which executes the same function as the display controller47, the receiver48, and the reconnection unit49. As a result, the tablet terminal40is able to execute a process which executes the same function as the display controller47, the receiver48, and the reconnection unit49. A program according to the embodiment is not limited to being executed by the tablet terminal40. For example, even in a case where another computer or another server executes a program or a case where the computer and the server execute a program in cooperation with each other, the embodiment may be applied in the same manner.

This program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the program is recorded in a computer readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and can be executed by a computer reading from the recording medium.

System

In addition, among all processes described in the present examples, all or a part of the processes explained as being automatically performed can also be performed manually. Alternatively, all or a part of the processes described as being performed manually can be automatically performed by a known method. Further, processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters illustrated in the document or in the drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise noted.

In addition, each of components of each of devices illustrated in the drawing is functionally conceptual and is not desirable to be physically configured as illustrated in the drawing. In other words, specific forms of distribution and integration of each of the devices are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings. That is, all or a part thereof may be configured by being functionally or physically distributed and integrated as arbitrary units according to various loads and use situations. Further, all or an arbitrary part of each of processing functions performed in each of the devices may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.