JP2006005792A - Wireless communication system, authentication card, communication device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless communication system, a communication device, and a computer program capable of performing authentication processing safely for security and preventing unauthorized wireless communication when authenticating a communication device by wireless communication.
Of the above wireless communication system, communication apparatus, and computer program, the wireless communication system uses an authentication card capable of wireless communication and a plurality of communication apparatuses to establish a wireless network without having a control station. The communication system, wherein the wireless communication system stores authentication source communication device information related to the authentication source communication device in the authentication card; the authentication target communication device that is the object of authentication activates authentication processing by the authentication card; The authentication source communication device is accessed based on the authentication source communication device information stored in the authentication card; a predetermined authentication process is executed between the authentication target communication device and the authentication source communication device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, an authentication card, a communication device, and a computer program.

  With the development of information technology, it is common to configure a local area network (LAN) that allows multiple computers to be connected by information communication means to send and receive and share information such as files and data Known to.

  Recently, as information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs) have become widespread and home appliances such as televisions (TVs) have become computerized, for example, these devices are connected by wireless communication so that individuals such as homes can use them. A network (PAN: Personal Area Network) and the like are known.

  In addition, as a network form using the PAN, an ad hoc network in which a control station such as an access point does not exist and surrounding communication devices constitute an autonomously distributed network is also known.

JP 2003-188788 A

  However, in the above-described ad hoc network system, in order to perform information communication with a specific communication device existing on the network specified by the user, it is necessary for each communication device to hold authentication information. When a new communication device is registered in the ad hoc network, there is a risk of unauthorized wireless communication by a third-party communication device due to leakage of authentication information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless communication system, communication apparatus, and communication apparatus capable of improving the security of authentication processing by the communication apparatus. And providing a computer program.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication system that constructs a wireless network without using a control station using an authentication card capable of wireless communication and a plurality of communication devices. Is done. In the wireless communication system, authentication source communication device information related to the authentication source communication device is stored in the authentication card; the authentication target communication device that starts the authentication process starts authentication processing by the authentication card; The authentication source communication device is accessed based on the authentication source communication device information; a predetermined authentication process is executed between the authentication target communication device and the authentication source communication device.

  According to the present invention, when a communication device performs wireless communication in a wireless communication system, it is necessary to be authenticated in advance by an authentication source communication device. Also, the communication device to be authenticated (authentication target communication device) obtains information (authentication source communication device information) related to the authentication source communication device from the authentication card in order to request authentication processing from the authentication source communication device. There is a need to. The authentication target communication device can access and authenticate the authentication source communication device based on the authentication source communication device information. The authentication source communication device information according to the present invention can be exemplified by address information (authentication source communication device address) of the authentication source communication device, for example. According to such a configuration, the authentication target communication device acquires the authentication source communication device information, not the authentication information necessary for wireless communication from the authentication card. The risk of being damaged can be reduced.

  The authentication card is provided with an authentication setting means that can set whether or not to execute the authentication process for the authentication target communication device. The authentication setting means is set to enable the authentication process, and the authentication source communication device is registered in the authentication card. If not, a predetermined registration process may be performed between the authentication card and the authentication source communication device, and the authentication source communication device information may be stored in the authentication card. According to this configuration, when the authentication source communication device information is registered in the authentication card, it is possible to prevent a risk that the authentication source communication device information is inadvertently transmitted from the communication device to the authentication card by wireless communication outside the user's assumption. This contributes to improving the security of the wireless communication system.

  The authentication source communication device includes an authentication setting unit that can set whether or not to execute the authentication process. If the authentication setting unit is set to enable the authentication process, the authentication source communication device includes an authentication card. The authentication card identification information for identifying the card may be registered. The authentication card identification information can be exemplified by a unique number of the authentication card (authentication card unique number), for example.

  The authentication card is provided with an authentication setting unit that can set whether or not to execute the authentication process, the authentication setting unit is set to enable the authentication process, and the authentication source communication device information is stored in the authentication card. The authentication source communication device information and the authentication card identification information may be transmitted from the authentication card to the authentication target communication device.

  The authentication target communication device is provided with an authentication setting unit that can set whether or not to execute the authentication process. If the authentication setting unit is set to enable the authentication process, the authentication process is performed on the authentication source communication device. It may be configured to request.

  The authentication source communication device may be configured to receive the authentication card identification information transmitted from the authentication target communication device to the authentication source communication device, and confirm whether the authentication card identification information is correct or incorrect.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing method for an authentication card that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of communication devices without having a control station. The authentication card signal processing method includes: a reception processing step for receiving a predetermined signal from a communication device; a determination processing step for determining whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted for wireless communication; A storage processing step for storing authentication source communication device information relating to the authentication source communication device that executes the authentication processing; and a transmission processing step for transmitting authentication source communication device information to the authentication target communication device that is the subject of the authentication processing. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, when receiving a predetermined signal from the communication device, the authentication card determines whether or not to allow execution of the authentication process, stores the authentication source communication device information, or transmits the authentication source communication information. With this configuration, it is possible to identify the authentication source communication device rather than the authentication information that can only be acquired through authentication processing, and reduce the risk of unauthorized wireless communication because the authentication source communication device information for access is stored or transmitted. Can do.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing method for a plurality of communication devices that wirelessly communicate with an authentication card without having a control station. The communication device signal processing method includes: a reception processing step for receiving a predetermined signal from an authentication card; a determination processing step for determining whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted to perform wireless communication; When the apparatus is an authentication source communication apparatus that executes authentication processing, the apparatus includes an authentication processing step of performing authentication processing according to a predetermined procedure with an authentication target communication apparatus to be authenticated.

  The authentication source communication device compares the authentication card identification information for identifying the authentication card transmitted from the authentication card with the authentication card identification information transmitted from another communication device; It may be configured so as to include a determination step for determining whether or not it is possible.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing method for a communication device that wirelessly communicates with an authentication card without having a control station. The signal processing method of the communication device is based on the reception processing step of receiving a predetermined signal from the authentication card, the step of determining whether or not to execute the authentication processing for authenticating the communication device, and the authentication source communication device information acquired from the authentication card. , An access processing step for accessing an authentication source communication device for executing an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted to perform wireless communication; and an authentication request processing step for requesting the authentication source communication device for an authentication process. It is characterized by including.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an authentication card that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of communication devices without having a control station receives a signal from the communication device; Information storage means for storing at least authentication source communication apparatus information relating to an authentication source communication apparatus that executes an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to communicate; and signal transmission for transmitting a predetermined signal to the communication apparatus The authentication card further includes an authentication setting unit capable of setting whether to execute the authentication process.

  When the authentication source communication device information is not stored in the information storage means, a means for storing the authentication source communication device information may be provided.

  When authentication source communication device information is stored in the information storage unit, the signal transmission unit may be configured to transmit the authentication source communication device information to a communication device to be subjected to authentication processing.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program that causes a computer to function as an authentication card that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of communication devices without having a control station. The computer program stores at least authentication source communication device information related to an authentication source communication device that executes an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is a wireless communication-permitted communication device; Information storing means; a signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the communication device; and an authentication setting means for accepting the setting of whether or not the authentication processing can be executed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a communication device that wirelessly communicates with an authentication card without having a control station is provided. The communication device includes: a signal receiving unit that receives a signal from the authentication card or the communication device; an information storage unit that stores information included in the signal; and a signal transmission unit that transmits a predetermined signal to the authentication card or the communication device. And an authentication setting means for setting whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to perform wireless communication.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program that causes a computer to function as a communication device that wirelessly communicates with an authentication card without having a control station. A signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the authentication card or the communication device; an information storage means for storing information included in the signal; a signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the authentication card or the communication device; And an authentication setting unit capable of accepting a setting of whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a communication device that is an authentication source using an authentication card and a predetermined authentication are used to specify a communication device that is permitted to operate as its own personal area network. Processing is performed. An authentication process as a device capable of wireless communication in the wireless communication system is executed by the authenticated communication device, and when authenticated, a wireless communication system further including the communication device is formed.

  The authentication card is in an unregistered state of the authentication source communication device at the initial stage. If the authentication source communication device has been registered, it can be returned to the unregistered state so that it can be used repeatedly even if one or more authentication source communication device information is stored in the authentication card.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication without using a control station using a plurality of communication devices. The wireless communication system stores authentication source communication device identification information that can identify an authentication source communication device that authenticates that the communication device is permitted to perform wireless communication in an information storage unit of the authentication card; Because the authentication destination communication device receives authentication from the authentication source communication device, the authentication source communication device acquires authentication source communication device identification information from the authentication card, and requests the authentication source communication device to execute authentication processing. It is characterized by doing. Note that the designation as the target of the authentication process can be performed, for example, by holding it over a communication device to be authenticated using an authentication card.

  The authentication card may be configured to include switching means for permitting / not permitting activation of execution of the predetermined process. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the authentication process from being performed at unspecified timing.

  The predetermined process may comprise at least a storage process for storing the authentication source communication apparatus identification information in the information storage unit or a transmission process for transmitting the authentication source communication apparatus identification information to the communication apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of unauthorized wireless communication for authentication of a communication device in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices perform wireless communication without having a control station. Can do.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(Ad hoc network system 100)
First, an ad hoc network system (wireless communication system) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, communication devices 101 (101a, 101b,..., 101g) are arranged in the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment. Note that the communication device 101 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this example as long as it is a device capable of wireless communication, and any number of communication devices 101 may be arranged.

  In the ad hoc network system 100, a plurality of communication devices 101 are arranged in a space, and a certain communication device 101 can directly communicate with another communication device 101 existing in the vicinity of the communication device 101. ing.

  In the ad hoc network system 100, there is no device serving as a relay for wireless communication such as an access point or a control station (or base station). Therefore, information such as the address of the communication device 101 necessary for wireless communication and whether or not the communication device 101 has been authenticated is shared by at least the communication devices 101 existing in the wireless communication area 102.

  In the ad hoc network system 100 according to the present embodiment, information such as a file is transmitted and received between the communication devices 101 by wireless communication. For example, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802. 11b, IEEE802.11g, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be exemplified, but is not limited to such an example. Further, the range of the wireless communication area 102 according to the present embodiment is a relatively short range such as several meters to several tens of meters although it differs depending on each wireless communication standard.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, each communication device 101 has an area 102 (hereinafter, wireless communication area 102) in which wireless communication is possible. As long as the communication device 101 is within the wireless communication area 102, it can wirelessly communicate with other communication devices 101.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the communication device 101a has a wireless communication area 102a, and the communication device 101a can directly communicate with the communication device 101b, the communication device 101c, and the communication device 101d in the wireless communication area 102a. However, the communication device 101e, the communication device 101f, and the communication device 101g outside the radio communication area 102a cannot communicate directly.

  Similarly, the communication device 101b can directly communicate with neighboring communication devices 101a and 101d in the wireless communication area 102b, but the other communication devices 101c, 101e, 101f, and 101g are the same. Cannot communicate directly.

  The communication device 101c can directly communicate with neighboring communication devices 101a, 101f, and 101g in the wireless communication area 102c, but directly communicates with the other communication devices 101b, 101d, and 101e. Can not.

  The communication device 101d can directly communicate with neighboring communication devices 101a, 101b, and 101e in the wireless communication area 102d, but directly communicate with the other communication devices 101c, 101f, and 101g. Can not.

  The communication device 101e can directly communicate with only the neighboring communication device 101d within the wireless communication area 102e, and cannot directly communicate with the other communication devices 101a, 101b, 101c, 101f, and 101g. .

  The communication device 101f can directly communicate only with the communication device 101c disposed in the wireless communication area 102f, and directly communicates with the other communication devices 101a, 101b, 101d, 101e, and 101g. Can not.

  Finally, the communication device 101g can directly communicate only with the communication device 101c arranged in the wireless communication area 102g, and other communication devices 101a, 101b, 101d, 101e, and 101f Cannot communicate directly.

  Next, the super frame according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the superframe according to the present embodiment.

  The super frame in the ad hoc network system 100 according to the present embodiment is a frame for determining a cycle for transmitting and receiving beacon signals. A super frame is defined by transmitting periodic beacon signals at predetermined time intervals.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the superframe is configured such that each communication apparatus 101 (101a to 101g) independently sets a superframe configuration, and the transmission timing of a beacon signal generated by a communication apparatus 101 existing in the vicinity. And the timing of beacon signals generated by other communication apparatuses 101 are set so as not to overlap.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the communication device 101a, beacon signals (N2, N3, N4) from the communication device 101b, the communication device 101c, and the communication device 101d existing within the wireless communication area 102a are transmitted. By receiving, the timing which does not overlap with those beacon signals is automatically detected, and its own beacon signal (B1) is transmitted. Note that the period of the super frame of the communication apparatus 101a is the period of the super frame of the communication apparatus 101a from the beacon transmission timing B1 to the next beacon signal transmission timing B1 '.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, in the case of the communication apparatus 101b, the communication apparatus 101b receives the beacon signals (N1, N4) of the communication apparatuses 101a and 101d in the vicinity and receives the beacon signals (N1, N4). The beacon signal N2 is transmitted at a timing B2 that does not overlap with ().

  As shown in FIG. 2C, in the case of the communication device 101c, the communication device 101c receives beacon signals (N1, N6, N7) from the communication devices 101a, 101f, and 101g arranged in the vicinity thereof. The beacon signal N3 is transmitted at a timing B3 that does not overlap the beacon signal (N1, N6, N7).

  As shown in FIG. 2D, in the case of the communication apparatus 101d, the communication apparatus 101d receives beacon signals (N1, N2, N5) from the communication apparatuses 101a, 101b, and 101e arranged in the vicinity thereof. The beacon signal N4 is transmitted at a timing B4 that does not overlap the beacon signal (N1, N2, N5). Thereafter, the same applies to the superframe cycle, the beacon signal generation timing, and the like by the communication apparatus 101 shown in FIGS. 2 (e) to 2 (g).

  Next, an authentication procedure for wireless communication in the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an authentication procedure for wireless communication in the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a television 101h provided with a communication device 101, an audio system 101i provided with a communication device 101, and a communication device 101 are provided as devices arranged in the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment. PDA (personal digital assistant) 101a provided, printer 101c with built-in communication device 101, video camera 101g with communication device 101, mobile phone 101b with built-in communication device 101, portable CD 101d with communication device 101, communication device 101 The personal computer 101f provided with the communication device 101 and the camera 101e provided with the communication device 101 can be exemplified, but the device provided with the communication device 101 is not limited to this example. As described above, since the devices as described above are scattered in the wireless communication area 102, a wireless network can be formed in an autonomous and distributed manner. Note that devices such as the camera 101e and the PDA 101a disposed in the ad hoc network system 100 include the communication device 101 unless otherwise specified.

  In order to perform wireless communication with another communication device 101, one communication device 101 existing in the wireless communication area 102 in the ad hoc network system is authenticated as a communication device 101 capable of wireless communication in the wireless communication area 102. It is necessary to receive. First, it starts from designating a device to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as an authentication source communication device) from among a plurality of communication devices 101.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, in order to designate the authentication source communication device 101 from among the communication devices 101 arranged in the wireless communication area 102, the user is in a state where the authentication source communication device is not registered. Hold the authentication card 105 and hold the authentication card 105 over the PDA 101a.

  The authentication card 105 detects a predetermined beacon signal periodically issued by the PDA 101a, thereby identifying the PDA 101a and registering it as an authentication source communication device. Here, a case where the PDA 101a is registered in the authentication card 105 as an authentication source communication device will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

  The authentication card 105 is a non-contact / contact card medium capable of wireless communication with the communication device 101. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide an interface for transmitting and receiving signals to and from both sides. Conventionally, it has been difficult to reduce the size and weight because it is necessary to provide an interface through which the recording medium can be inserted into the communication apparatus 101, such as a recording medium such as a memory card.

  Further, when the authentication card 105 transmits / receives a signal to / from the communication device 101 by wireless communication, the authentication card 105 first performs mutual authentication, and the signal is encrypted as necessary before transmission / reception. It is safer than sending and receiving.

  Next, in order to designate as the authentication source communication device, the PDA 101 a over which the user holds the authentication card 105 receives a predetermined authentication card initial registration request from the authentication card 105 in order to register information related to the authentication card 105.

  The authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) that has received the initial registration request from the authentication card returns an initial registration completion notification only when it is in an authenticable state, and thereafter generates authentication information for itself to operate as the authentication source communication device. To do. By storing the authentication information in the communication device 101, wireless communication with another communication device 101 is possible. The authenticable state can be appropriately switched between authenticable / non-authenticable by a switching means provided in the communication apparatus 101, and details will be described later. Further, as the authentication information according to the present embodiment, for example, a WEP key, an SSL key, and the like can be exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

  Next, the authentication card 105 that has received the initial registration completion notification registers information related to the PDA 101a as an authentication source communication device. As a result, the user has an authentication card 105 in which the PDA 101a is registered as an authentication source communication device.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the authentication source communication device is registered in the authentication card 105, the other communication device 101 existing in the wireless communication area 102 can be wirelessly communicated. The communication apparatus 101 is authenticated.

  Here, the user has an authentication card 105 in which the authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) is registered, and the authentication card 105 is transmitted to the communication device 101 connected to an application device such as a video camera 101g to which the user permits wireless communication. The authentication process is performed by holding over. The application device may be a PDA, a video camera, or the like. By connecting the communication device 101 to the PDA, the video camera, or the like, the application device becomes the PDA 101a, the video camera 101g, or the like shown in FIG. The PDA 101a, the video camera 101g, and the like illustrated in FIG. 3 indicate both the communication device 101 and application devices.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when a predetermined beacon signal periodically issued by the printer 101c is detected by holding the authentication card 105 over the printer 101c, the authentication card 105 authenticates the printer 101c. Authentication activation information including information related to the original communication device is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the authentication activation information, the printer 101c transmits authentication request information to the authentication source communication device described therein (in this case, the PDA 101a corresponds) as indicated by an arrow.

  When the authentication request information is received from the printer 101c, the authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) returns an authentication confirmation notification including predetermined authentication information to the printer 101c.

  When receiving the authentication confirmation notification from the authentication source communication device (PDA 101a), the printer 101c registers the information related to the authentication source communication device already included in the authentication confirmation notification or the authentication information and the authentication information.

  FIG. 3C shows an operation of authenticating the communication apparatus 101 connected to another application device arranged in the wireless communication area 102 as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (c), when a predetermined beacon signal periodically issued by the television 101h is detected by holding the authentication card 105 registered with the authentication source communication device over the television 101h, the authentication card 105 Authentication activation information including information related to the authentication source communication device is transmitted to the television 101h.

  Further, upon receiving the authentication activation information, the television 101h makes an authentication request to the authentication source communication device (in this case, the PDA 101a corresponds) described in the authentication activation information as indicated by an arrow. Send information.

  The authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) that has received the authentication request from the television 101h returns an authentication confirmation notification including predetermined authentication information.

  The television that has received the authentication confirmation notification from the authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) registers information related to the authentication source communication device and the authentication information together.

  Thus, the printer 101c and the television 101h are authenticated from the authentication source communication device (PDA 101a) using the common authentication card 105, and the application information permitted by the user on the wireless network can be exchanged. It becomes.

  The printer 101c and the television 101h that have received the wireless communication permission by the authentication source communication device transmit application information displayed on the screen of the television 101h, for example, to the printer 101c with predetermined authentication information added thereto. Application information can be printed from the printer 101c.

(About the components constituting the ad hoc network system 100)
Next, each component which comprises the ad hoc network system 100 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated.

(About the authentication card 105)
First, the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the authentication card according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the authentication card 105 is composed of the following parts. The authentication card 105 includes an authentication setting switch 401 that activates authentication processing for the application device when the user intends, and authentication information that generates predetermined information such as information about the authentication source communication device for the communication device that is the authentication request source. A generation unit 402, a wireless transmission unit 403 that modulates an information signal into a predetermined signal that can be used in the ad hoc network system 100, and an antenna 404 that transmits the modulated signal as a wireless signal and receives these wireless signals A timing control unit 405 that controls the timing at which the antenna 404 transmits a signal and the timing at which the signal is received, a radio reception unit 406 that demodulates the signal received from the antenna 404 at a predetermined timing, and extracts information. Extract a predetermined beacon signal from A beacon analysis unit 407 that analyzes information described in the issue, a central control unit 408 that is connected to each unit of the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment and that centrally manages the operation of each unit, and a reception Among the received signals, the received information analysis unit 409 that analyzes the initial registration expiration notification from the authentication source communication device, the operation execution command of the authentication card 105, the unique number of the authentication card 105 (authentication card unique number), the authentication source communication An information storage unit 410 that stores device address information, a registration status display unit 411 that displays whether or not information of an authentication source communication device is registered in the authentication card 105, and the authentication card 105 And a battery module 412 which is a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar battery or the like for driving the battery.

  In addition to the above-described minimum necessary parts, other parts are added to the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment as necessary, or some of the parts described above are included. It may be configured by deleting or changing the function. The authentication setting switch 401 corresponds to, for example, an authentication setting unit.

(About the communication device 101)
Next, the communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes the following parts. The communication device 101 is connected between the communication device 101 and the application device, uses an interface 501 that transmits and receives information, a data buffer 502 that temporarily stores data from the application device, and uses the data in the ad hoc network system 100. A wireless transmission unit 503 that performs modulation processing on a predetermined signal, a modulated signal that is transmitted as a wireless signal, an antenna 504 that receives these wireless signals, a timing at which the antenna 504 transmits a signal, and a signal are received. A timing control unit 505 that controls timing, a radio reception unit 506 that demodulates a signal received from the antenna 504 at a predetermined timing, and extracts information (data), and a beacon signal for transmitting at least the presence of itself to the surroundings A beacon generator 507 to generate A beacon signal is received, a beacon analysis unit 508 that analyzes a beacon signal from a communication device 101 that exists in the vicinity of the wireless communication area 102, information received by itself is analyzed, and the received data and authentication information are stored as data. A reception information analysis unit 509 stored in the buffer 502 or the authentication processing unit 510; an authentication processing unit 510 that stores authentication information and issues authentication information in accordance with a predetermined procedure for wireless communication; An information storage unit 511 that stores authentication information or authentication source communication device information, an authentication setting switch 512 that is in a state in which authentication is permitted for a predetermined time (authentication permission state) after switch switching, and an authentication source communication device And an authentication status display unit 513 for displaying the authentication status between. The authentication setting switch 512 corresponds to, for example, an authentication setting unit.

  The authentication source communication device information is information related to the communication device 101 that executes the authentication process of the communication device 101 necessary for wireless communication with the plurality of communication devices 101 using the ad hoc network system 100. The authentication source communication device is a so-called parent device. More specifically, the authentication source communication device information includes, for example, authentication source communication device address information (authentication source communication device address) or an authentication card unique number when the authentication source communication device is registered. It can be illustrated.

  Authentication source communication device information is different from authentication information. The authentication source communication device information is information necessary for authentication by the authentication source communication device. By accessing the authentication source communication device according to the authentication source communication device information, the authentication source communication device actually authenticates. Can receive.

  The authentication card 105 transmits the authentication source communication device information to a communication device (authentication target communication device) to be authenticated (authentication destination) by the authentication source communication device. That is, the authentication card 105 does not directly transmit authentication information to the authentication target communication device, but only transmits information necessary for accessing the authentication source communication device and receiving authentication (authentication source communication device information). Processing such as processing can be performed safely.

  In addition to the authentication information or the authentication card unique number, the information storage unit 511 includes an address (neighboring communication device) of a neighboring communication device 101 existing around (in the wireless communication area 102) of itself (communication device 101). Address) and attribute information (authenticated or unauthenticated) of the neighboring communication device 101 are stored.

  Further, by storing the authentication card unique information in the information storage unit 511, the authenticated communication device 101 can determine which user has the authentication card 105 by which the authentication process has been performed.

  In addition to the above-described minimum necessary parts, other parts are added to the communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment as necessary, or some of the parts described above are included. It may be configured by deleting or changing the function.

(Initial registration process)
Next, a registration sequence of the authentication source communication device in the authentication card according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the initial registration process according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, in the authentication card 105 in which the authentication source communication device is not registered, the authentication setting switch 401 is pressed to enter the authentication setting state (S61), and the authentication source communication device is registered. To start.

  Here, in the authentication card 105 in the authentication setting state, as a search operation (S62) of the authentication source communication apparatus 101, a beacon signal is received for a predetermined time (S63), and authentication is performed from the beacon signal that can be received during this reception period. The communication device 101 as the original communication device 101 is specified.

  When beacon signals are received from a plurality of communication devices 101, the source (communication device 101) of the beacon signal received earliest among the received beacon signals, or the communication device 101 existing nearest is the authentication source communication. Although it selects as an apparatus, it is not limited to this example.

  The authentication card 105 makes an authentication card initial registration request to the communication device 101 thus selected as the authentication source communication device (S64).

  Here, if the authentication source communication apparatus 101 is requested for initial registration from the authentication card (S64) and is in the authentication permission state (S65), the authentication source communication apparatus 101 registers authentication information and the like in the information storage unit 511, and authenticates the authentication source communication apparatus. An initial registration completion notification as 101 is returned (S66).

  Here, the determination when the user is in the authentication permission state is determined as the authentication permission state if, for example, the authentication setting switch 512 provided in the communication apparatus 101 is pressed by the user and a predetermined time elapses. However, it is not limited to such an example.

  On the other hand, the authentication card 512 that has received the initial registration completion notification from the authentication source communication apparatus 101 confirms that it has received the initial registration completion notification within the initial registration set time. Information (such as an address) related to the communication device 101 is registered as a communication device (S67).

(Authentication process using an authentication card)
Next, an authentication process for authenticating the communication apparatus 101 using the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a schematic configuration of authentication processing by the authentication card according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the authentication card 105 in which the authentication source communication device is registered in advance, such as the authentication source communication device address stored in the information storage unit 410, has entered the authentication setting state (S71). The authentication process can be activated.

  As described above, for example, the authentication setting state is switched when the authentication setting switch 401 provided in the authentication card 105 is pressed by the user to enter the authentication setting state. However, the authentication setting state is not limited to this example.

  Next, the authentication card 105 calls authentication source communication device information such as an authentication card unique number or an authentication source communication device address stored in the information storage unit 410 (S72).

  Next, the authentication card 105 in the authentication setting state searches for the communication device 101 (hereinafter referred to as the authentication target communication device 101) to be subjected to the authentication process (S73). As the search operation, a beacon signal is received for a predetermined time (S74), and the beacon signal of the authentication target communication apparatus 101 that can be received during this reception period is extracted.

  When beacon signals are received from a plurality of communication devices 101, the beacon signal transmission source (communication device 101) received earliest among the received beacon signals or the communication device 101 present nearest to the beacon signal is authenticated. Although it selects as the apparatus 101b, it is not limited to this example.

  The authentication card 105 transmits the authentication source communication device information called in the authentication source communication information acquisition process (S72) to the communication device 101 thus detected as the authentication target communication device 101b (S75).

  The authentication target communication device 101b that has received the authentication source communication device information accesses the authentication source communication device 101a and makes an authentication request to the authentication source communication device 101a when it is in the authentication permission state (S76). . Note that access is a generic term for, for example, use of a wireless communication system, connection to an authentication card or communication device, data reference, data storage, data deletion, or data change.

  Note that, as described above, the determination when the self (authentication target communication apparatus 101b) is in the authentication-permitted state is, for example, when the authentication setting switch 512 provided in the authentication target communication apparatus 101b is pressed by the user and a certain time has elapsed. However, it is not limited to such an example.

  Next, when an authentication request is received from the authentication target communication device 101b (S77), the authentication source communication device 101a is in the authentication permission state (S78) and is authenticated using the authentication card 105. When the authentication card 105 that has started processing has been registered in the authentication source communication apparatus 101a (S79), an authentication confirmation notification is returned to the authentication target communication apparatus 101b (S80).

  As described above, when the self (authentication source communication apparatus 101a) is in the authentication-permitted state, for example, the authentication setting switch 512 provided in the authentication source communication apparatus 101a is pressed by the user and a certain time has elapsed. However, it is not limited to such an example.

  When the authentication target communication device 101b receives the authentication confirmation notification from the authentication source communication device 101a within the authentication registration set time, the authentication target communication device 101b stores the authentication information in the information storage unit 511, thereby registering the authentication source communication device 101a. Perform (S81).

  As a condition for the authentication target communication apparatus 101b to register the authentication source communication apparatus 101a, for example, the authentication setting switch 512 provided in the authentication source communication apparatus 101a is pressed by the user until a predetermined time elapses. Although it is mentioned as a condition that it is a state, it is not limited to this example.

(Authentication card operation)
Next, a series of operations of the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a schematic configuration of a series of operations of the authentication card according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment first acquires the state of the authentication setting switch 401 (S101). For example, when the authentication setting switch 401 is pressed and authentication registration is possible (S102). ), A beacon receiving operation for receiving a beacon signal from the communication device 101 arranged in the wireless communication area 102 over a predetermined period is started (S103).

  If a beacon signal is received and the communication device 101 exists in the wireless communication area 102 (S104), the earliest communication device 101 that receives the beacon signal or is closest is specified (S105).

  Next, when the authentication source communication device has already been registered in the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment (S106), authentication source communication device information such as the authentication source communication device address is acquired from the information storage unit 410 (S107). Further, the authentication card unique number is also acquired (S108), and authentication activation request information is generated.

  When the reception time arrives at the authentication target communication device (S109), the authentication card 105 transmits the authentication activation request information to the authentication target communication device (S110). When the authentication target communication device receives the authentication activation request information, information such as authentication information can be stored in the information storage unit 511 and wirelessly communicated with another communication device 101. Note that the arrival time of the authentication target communication device is, for example, a time that is a predetermined time after the authentication card 105 receives a beacon signal from the communication device 101 (authentication target communication device). It is not limited to examples.

  On the other hand, if the authentication source communication device is not registered in the authentication card 105 according to the present embodiment (S106), the authentication card is registered in order to register the communication device 101 identified by receiving the beacon signal (S105) as the authentication source communication device. 105 obtains the authentication card unique number (S111), and when the reception time of the authentication source communication device has arrived (S112), requests the authentication device initial registration to the specified communication device 101 (S113).

  The arrival of the reception time of the authentication source communication device has substantially the same configuration as the arrival of the reception time of the authentication target communication device. For example, the authentication card 105 receives a beacon signal from the communication device 101 (authentication source communication device). The reception time is a time after a predetermined time from receiving, but is not limited to such an example.

  Next, as described above, when the authentication card 105 receives an initial registration completion notification from the authentication source communication device within a predetermined initial registration set time (S114), the authentication card 105 registers the authentication source communication device (S115). That is, registration of the authentication source communication device is completed by storing the address (authentication source communication device address) of the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device, the authentication card unique number, and the like in the information storage unit 410.

  If the authentication card 105 does not receive the initial registration completion notification from the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device within the predetermined initial registration setting time, the initial registration processing is assumed to have failed, and the series of authentication cards 105 is assumed to have failed. The operation ends.

  If the authentication card 105 cannot receive the beacon signal in the wireless communication area 102 (S104), the authentication card 105 determines that there is no communication device 101 in the vicinity, and the authentication card 105 stores the information in the information storage unit 401. The setting of the authentication source communication device is canceled by deleting the stored information such as the authentication source communication device address (S116). That is, the authentication source communication device becomes an unregistered authentication card 105.

(About operation | movement of the communication apparatus 101)
Next, a series of operations of the communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment first performs a beacon signal reception process over a predetermined period (S121), and another communication apparatus 101 arranged in the wireless communication area 102 emits. The beacon signal transmission timing at which its own beacon signal is transmitted is set so as not to overlap with the beacon transmission timing (S122), and the beacon reception cycle is further set (S123).

  Note that the setting of the beacon reception period (S123) is performed, for example, when the communication apparatus 101 receives a beacon signal at a frequency of once every 100 periods in the superframe period, and the beacon by the new communication apparatus 101 is received in the reception process. When there is a signal, it means a process for setting the superframe period again.

  Here, when the beacon transmission timing of its own communication device 101 arrives (S124), the communication device 101 transmits a beacon signal (S125). A beacon signal is transmitted in the wireless communication area 102.

  If the beacon reception period has arrived (S126), the beacon signal is received over a predetermined period (S127), and it is determined whether or not a communication device 101 that newly generates a beacon signal has appeared (S128). If the communication device 101 exists, for example, the address information of the communication device 101 is acquired (S129), and is registered in the information storage unit 511 as the communication device 101 belonging to the same wireless communication area 102 (S130). In addition, although the address information of the communication apparatus 101 concerning this Embodiment can illustrate a MAC address etc., for example, it is not limited to this example.

  Further, when there is no communication device 101 that emits a new beacon signal, if the beacon reception cycle has not arrived, it is determined whether there is a signal reception timing for receiving a signal addressed to itself (S131). If it has arrived, signal reception processing is performed (S132).

  Here, when data addressed to itself is received (S133), information on the transmission source communication device 101 is acquired (S134), and based on the acquired information, the transmission source communication device 101 is an authenticated communication device. Judge whether there is. In the case of information transmitted by the authenticated communication apparatus 101 (S135), the data is received (S136), and a predetermined receipt confirmation is returned to the transmission source communication apparatus 101 (S137). Note that the information related to the communication device 101 of the transmission source corresponds to information on the header portion of the received data, and the details will be described later.

  Further, when the transmission source communication apparatus 101 belongs to a wireless communication area 102 different from the transmission destination communication apparatus 101, data cannot be directly transmitted from the transmission source communication apparatus 101 to the transmission destination communication apparatus 101. However, the communication apparatus 101 belonging to both the wireless communication areas 102 of the transmission source and the transmission destination serves as a relay role and transfers data from the transmission source to the transmission destination. Regardless of the wireless communication area 102, the address information (neighboring communication device address) of the neighboring communication device 101 is shared by all the communication devices 101.

  Further, in the case of information transmitted by an unauthenticated communication device 101, the communication device 101 that has received the information discards the received information and proceeds to S144.

  When the authentication activation request information is received from the authentication card 105 (S138), the communication apparatus 101 performs the authentication activation process for itself (S139). The authentication activation process will be described later.

  Next, when the communication apparatus 101 is an authentication source communication apparatus and there is an authentication request from another communication apparatus 101 addressed to itself (S140), an authentication process for authenticating the communication apparatus 101 as an authentication source communication apparatus is performed. This is performed (S141). The authentication process will be described later.

  Further, when initial registration request information for registration as an authentication source communication device is received from the authentication card 105 (S142), the communication device 101 performs an authentication card registration process (S143). The authentication card registration process will be described later.

  After completion of each of these processes (S139, S141, S143) and also when the reception timing at which the communication apparatus 101 receives information addressed to itself has not arrived, the process proceeds to data transmission request acceptance (S144).

  Thereafter, when there is a data transmission request from the application device side to transmit data to another communication device 101 via the interface 501 provided in the communication device 101 (S144), if the request is for the authenticated communication device 101 (S145). ) Temporarily stores data from the interface 501 in the data buffer 502 (S146), the communication apparatus 101 estimates the timing of the transmission operation (S147), and transmits the data stored in the data buffer 502 (S148). ).

  Further, after the above data transmission (S148), when there is a receipt confirmation reply from the transmission destination communication apparatus 101 (S149), the data stored in the data buffer 502 of the transmission source communication apparatus 101 is transferred to the data buffer 502. (S150).

  If there is no receipt confirmation reception from the destination communication device 101 (S149), the source communication device 101 returns to S147, estimates the operation timing of the communication device 101 (S147), and again receives the same data. Transmit (S148). If the receipt confirmation is not returned even if the data is transmitted a predetermined number of times, the transmission source communication apparatus 101 may determine that a transmission error has occurred and stop the data transmission.

  If it is not the initial registration request (S142) of the authentication card 105, if there is no data transmission request (S144), or if it is not a transmission request addressed to the authenticated communication device 101 (S145), the processing returns to S124 and is performed as the communication device 101. The series of operations described above is repeated.

  Next, a subroutine for each process of the communication apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the authentication process according to this embodiment, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the authentication activation process according to this embodiment, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the registration process of this authentication card.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the authentication processing according to the present embodiment, it is first determined whether or not the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device is in a state in which authentication processing is possible (S161). For example, the authentication card unique number information included in the received information is acquired (S162), and it is determined whether or not it matches the authentication card unique number held by itself (S163).

  If the authentication card unique numbers match (S163), the authentication source communication apparatus transmits information related to the authentication request source communication apparatus 101 (authentication target communication apparatus), such as address information of the communication apparatus, to the authentication target communication apparatus. Is obtained from the received information (S164), the reception operation timing on the authentication target communication device side is estimated (S165), the authentication information is transmitted (S166), and the authentication target communication device is registered as the authenticated communication device. (S167). In addition, when transmitting authentication information, you may transmit after encrypting.

  The authentication target communication device is as described above, and the registration of the authentication target communication device includes, for example, information such as authenticated as attribute information together with the neighboring communication device address already stored in the information storage unit 511. The information is stored in the information storage unit 511. The reception operation timing on the authentication target communication device side is, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed after receiving a beacon signal from the authentication target communication device, or by appropriately transmitting a beacon signal from here to the authentication target communication device. A case where it is confirmed whether or not the communication device is ready to receive can be exemplified.

  If the authentication card unique number does not match when the authentication source communication apparatus is not operating, it is determined that the communication apparatus 101 is not authenticated (S168). Thus, a series of operations of the authentication process according to the present embodiment is completed, and the authentication process (S141) illustrated in FIG. 9 is completed.

  Next, the authentication activation process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. First, an authentication source such as an authentication card unique number or an authentication source communication device address stored in the information storage unit 410 from the authentication card 105 is described. When communication device information is acquired (S171), and the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device is registered in the information storage unit 511 as a communication device 101 in the vicinity of the communication device 101 ( In S172), the reception operation timing on the authentication source communication device side is estimated (S173), and an authentication request is issued to the authentication source communication device (S174).

  Furthermore, only when authentication information is transmitted from the authentication source communication device to the own communication device 101 within a predetermined authentication registration setting time (S175), the authentication source communication device is regarded as the authenticated communication device 101, Information such as authenticated is registered as attribute information together with the communication device address of the authentication source communication device in the information storage unit 511 of the communication device 101 (S176).

  Further, when there is no communication device 101 serving as an authentication source communication device in the vicinity, or when authentication information is not transmitted to the own communication device 101 within a predetermined authentication registration setting time, a communication device without authentication Is determined (S177). Thus, a series of operations of the authentication activation process according to the present embodiment is completed, and the authentication activation process (S139) illustrated in FIG. 9 is terminated.

  Next, an authentication card registration process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the authentication card registration process according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, it is first determined whether or not it is possible to register the communication device 101 as an authentication source communication device with respect to the authentication card 105. However, if the registration is possible, the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device stores the authentication card unique number held in advance in the authentication card 105 in the information storage unit 511 (S182). The initial registration completion notification is transmitted to the authentication card 105 (S183).

(Signals used in the ad hoc network system 100)
Next, signals used in the ad hoc network system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of signals used in the ad hoc network system according to the present embodiment.

  First, the beacon signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 (a). As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the beacon signal is a beacon for identifying that it is a beacon signal. A signal identifier 131, communication device information 132 unique to the transmission source communication device 101 that transmits the beacon signal, authentication group information 133 for identifying the group to which the transmission source communication device 101 belongs, and the communication device 101 It comprises at least communication device attribute information 134 indicating attributes. The communication device information 132 can exemplify address information such as a MAC address, for example. The communication device attribute information (attribute information) 134 can exemplify attribute information such as authenticated / unauthenticated, for example. .

  The beacon signal according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown here as necessary.

  Next, the initial registration request signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13B, the initial registration request signal according to the present embodiment includes an initial registration request identifier 141 for identifying that this signal is an initial registration request, and a signal as an authentication source communication device. Authentication source communication device information 142 for identifying the communication device 101 that receives the authentication card, and an authentication card unique number 143 for identifying the authentication card 105 that transmitted the initial registration request signal.

  Note that the initial registration request according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown here as necessary.

  Next, an initial registration completion signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13C, the initial registration completion signal according to the present embodiment includes an initial registration completion identifier 151 for identifying that this signal is an initial registration completion signal, and an initial registration completion signal. It comprises at least an authentication card unique number 152 for specifying the authentication card 105 to be received and authentication source communication device information 153 for specifying the communication device 101 that has transmitted the initial registration completion signal.

  Note that the initial registration completion signal according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown in FIG. 13C as necessary.

  Next, an authentication activation request signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13D, the authentication activation request signal according to the present embodiment includes an authentication activation request identifier 161 for identifying that this signal is an authentication activation request signal, and an authentication activation request signal. Authentication source communication device information 162 for specifying the communication device 101 to receive, authentication target communication device information 163 for specifying the communication device 101 that has transmitted the authentication activation request signal, and authentication for which this authentication processing has been activated And at least card unique information 164.

  Note that the authentication activation request signal according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown in FIG. 13D as necessary.

  Next, an authentication information signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13E, the authentication information signal according to the present embodiment includes an authentication information identifier 171 for identifying that this signal is an authentication information signal, and a communication device that receives the authentication information signal. Authentication target communication device information 172 for specifying 101, authentication source communication device information 173 for specifying the communication device 101 that has transmitted the authentication information signal, and authentication information acquired in the authentication processing as the subsequent authentication And at least authentication information 174 used by the communication apparatus 101.

  Note that the authentication information according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown in FIG.

  Next, the data information signal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13F, the data information signal according to the present embodiment includes a data information identifier 181 for identifying that the data information signal is data, and a communication apparatus 101 that receives the data information signal. Destination communication device information 182 for identifying the communication device 101, transmission source communication device information 183 for identifying the communication device 101 that transmitted the data information signal, and, for example, encrypted information using predetermined authentication information as a seed. And a data payload 184 containing protected data (or user data).

  Note that the data information signal according to the present embodiment may be configured in combination with other information not shown in FIG. 13 (f) as necessary. By transmitting and receiving the data information signal, for example, by transmitting the data information signal of the image held by the television 101h from the television 101h to the printer 101c, the printer 101c can print the image.

  From the above, the detection of the communication device 101 belonging to the wireless communication area 102 by the signal used in the ad hoc network system 100 according to the present embodiment, the initial registration processing of the communication device 101 designated as the authentication source communication device, the communication device For example, authentication processing for authenticating the communication apparatus 101 by the authentication source communication apparatus or transmission processing for transmitting data from the communication apparatus 101 to another communication apparatus 101 by wireless communication can be executed. .

  Further, by configuring the ad hoc network system 100 from the above, authentication with the own communication device 101 is performed, so that the authentication card 105 managed by the user is used, and the other communication devices 101 that are not performing authentication processing are used. Connection by wireless communication can be restricted.

  By storing, for example, address information (authentication source communication device address) of the authentication source communication device indicating the existence of the authentication source communication device in the authentication card 105, the communication device 101 that performs a predetermined authentication process can be easily identified. It is impossible to perform wireless communication using the communication device 101 by a third party in advance, and it is effective for improving security.

  Further, unless the authentication setting switch 401 provided on the authentication card 105 is pressed, data is not transmitted to the outside in the authentication process or the initial registration process. Therefore, unless the authentication setting switch 401 of the authentication card 105 is operated, the authentication source communication The risk of leaking device address information to the outside can be eliminated.

  Since the authentication card 105 is managed individually by the user, there is no fear that security information such as the authentication source communication device address and the authentication card unique number will be leaked to the outside unless the authentication card 105 is lost by carelessness of the user.

  When the authentication source communication device does not exist in the vicinity of the communication device 101 to be newly authenticated, the predetermined authentication process is not executed. Therefore, as long as both the authentication card 105 and the authentication source communication device exist in a remote place where beacon signals cannot be transmitted and received. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malicious user from executing authentication processing remotely without executing authentication processing. Further, by separately managing the authentication card 105 and the authentication source communication device, it is possible to prevent authentication processing by impersonation by using the communication device 101 by a malicious third party.

  When there is an authentication request from the communication device 101 using an authentication card unique number other than the authentication card 105 registered in the authentication source communication device, the authentication request is invalid, and therefore, the authentication request is invalid. Prevents impersonation by three parties.

  Further, by providing the communication apparatus 101 with an authentication setting switch 512 or the like indicating whether or not the authentication process is possible, the user can limit the time for performing the authentication process using the communication apparatus 101. It is possible to prevent the authentication process from being executed carelessly by a person.

  Since the authentication process cannot be continued unless the authentication card 105, the authentication source communication device, and the authentication target communication device are in an authentic state, the authentication processing with the communication device 101 that is not expected by the user is performed. Can be prevented.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, this invention is not limited to this example. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be envisaged within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

  In the above embodiment, the information storage unit 410 or the information storage unit 511 has been described by taking as an example a case where it is configured from a single RAM. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Alternatively, two or more may be provided, or at least one of a hard disk, a ROM, and a flash memory may be further provided.

  In the above embodiment, the case where each unit included in the communication device 101 and the authentication card 105 is made up of hardware has been described as an example. For example, each unit may be a computer program composed of one or two or more modules or components.

  The present invention is applicable to a wireless communication system, an authentication card, a communication device, and a computer program.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic structure of the ad hoc network system concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic structure of the super frame concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the authentication procedure for radio | wireless communication in the ad hoc network system concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the authentication card | curd concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the communication apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the schematic structure of the initial registration process concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the schematic structure of the authentication process by the authentication card | curd concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the schematic structure of a series of operation | movement of the authentication card concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the authentication process concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the authentication starting process concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the registration process of the authentication card | curd concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the signal utilized with the ad hoc network system concerning this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Ad hoc network system 101 Communication device 102 Wireless communication area 105 Authentication card

Claims (16)

In a wireless communication system that constructs a wireless network without using a control station using an authentication card capable of wireless communication and a plurality of communication devices:
Storing authentication source communication device information related to an authentication source communication device in the authentication card;
An authentication target communication device to be authenticated activates an authentication process by the authentication card;
Accessing the authentication source communication device based on the authentication source communication device information stored in the authentication card;
A wireless communication system, wherein a predetermined authentication process is executed between the authentication target communication device and the authentication source communication device. The authentication card is provided with an authentication setting means capable of setting whether or not to execute an authentication process for the authentication target communication device,
If the authentication setting unit is set to enable authentication processing and the authentication source communication device is not registered in the authentication card, a predetermined registration process is performed between the authentication card and the authentication source communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication source communication device information is stored in the authentication card. The authentication source communication device includes an authentication setting unit capable of setting whether to execute the authentication process,
3. The authentication card identification information for identifying the authentication card is registered in the authentication source communication device when the authentication setting means is set to enable authentication processing. The wireless communication system according to 1. The authentication card includes an authentication setting unit capable of setting whether to execute the authentication process.
When the authentication setting unit is set to enable authentication processing and the authentication source communication device information is stored in the authentication card, the authentication source communication device information is transferred from the authentication card to the authentication target communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication card identification information is transmitted. The authentication target communication device includes an authentication setting unit capable of setting whether to execute the authentication process,
2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the authentication setting unit is set to enable authentication processing, the authentication source communication device is requested to perform authentication processing. 3. 2. The authentication source communication device receives the authentication card identification information transmitted from the authentication target communication device to the authentication source communication device, and checks whether the authentication card identification information is correct or incorrect. The wireless communication system according to 1. In a signal processing method for an authentication card that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of communication devices without having a control station:
A reception processing step of receiving a predetermined signal from the communication device;
A determination processing step for determining whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to perform wireless communication;
A storage processing step for storing authentication source communication device information relating to an authentication source communication device that executes authentication processing;
A transmission processing step of transmitting the authentication source communication device information to an authentication target communication device that is a target of the authentication processing;
A signal processing method for an authentication card, comprising: In a signal processing method of a plurality of communication devices that wirelessly communicate with an authentication card without having a control station:
A reception processing step of receiving a predetermined signal from the authentication card;
A determination processing step for determining whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to perform wireless communication;
If the communication device is an authentication source communication device that executes authentication processing, an authentication processing step of performing authentication processing according to a predetermined procedure with the authentication target communication device to be authenticated;
A signal processing method for a communication device, comprising: The authentication source communication device compares authentication card identification information for identifying an authentication card transmitted from the authentication card with authentication card identification information transmitted from another communication device;
9. The signal processing method for a communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a determination step for determining whether or not the authentication process can be executed as a result of the comparison. In a signal processing method of a communication device that wirelessly communicates with an authentication card without having a control station:
A reception processing step of receiving a predetermined signal from the authentication card;
Determining whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating the communication device;
An access processing step of accessing an authentication source communication device that executes an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted to perform wireless communication based on the authentication source communication device information acquired from the authentication card;
An authentication request processing step for requesting authentication processing from the authentication source communication device;
A signal processing method for a communication device, comprising: In an authentication card that does not have a control station and wirelessly communicates with multiple communication devices:
Signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the communication device;
Information storage means for storing at least authentication source communication device information relating to an authentication source communication device that executes an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted for wireless communication;
Signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the communication device;
The authentication card further comprises an authentication setting means capable of setting whether to execute the authentication process. 12. The authentication card according to claim 11, further comprising means for storing the authentication source communication apparatus information when the authentication source communication apparatus information is not stored in the information storage means. When the authentication source communication device information is stored in the information storage unit, the signal transmission unit transmits the authentication source communication device information to a communication device to be subjected to authentication processing. The authentication card according to claim 11. In a computer program that causes a computer to function as an authentication card for wireless communication with a plurality of communication devices without having a control station:
Signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the communication device;
Information storage means for storing at least authentication source communication device information relating to an authentication source communication device that executes an authentication process for authenticating that the communication device is permitted for wireless communication;
Signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the communication device;
A computer program comprising authentication setting means for accepting a setting of whether or not to execute the authentication process. In a communication device that does not have a control station and wirelessly communicates with an authentication card:
Signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the authentication card or the communication device;
Information storage means for storing information included in the signal;
Signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the authentication card or the communication device;
Authentication setting means for setting whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to perform wireless communication;
A communication device comprising: In a computer program that causes a computer to function as a communication device that communicates wirelessly with an authentication card without having a control station:
Signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the authentication card or the communication device;
Information storage means for storing information included in the signal;
Signal transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the authentication card or the communication device;
A computer program, comprising: an authentication setting unit capable of accepting a setting of whether or not to execute an authentication process for authenticating that the communication apparatus is permitted to perform wireless communication.

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