JP2009175980A - Service provider device, service user terminal, service providing system, and accounting method in service providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a user who uses a service, and to achieve the optimal accounting to the provider of the service in a system for providing a service through a communication network. <P>SOLUTION: In a service providing system, when a service user terminal 2A makes a service provision request, a use right consumption request is transmitted from a service provider device 4, and a service user terminal 2B receives the use right consumption request from the service provider device 4, and calculates an accounting sum on the basis of charge table information and attribute information included in the use right consumption request, and performs the consumption processing of the service use right. Thus, it is not necessary to transmit any personal information or the like to the service provider device 4 each time receiving the provision of the service, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user, and to achieve the optimal accounting corresponding to the use quantity of the service to each service provision origin. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a service provider device, a service user terminal, a service providing system, and a charging method in the service providing system.

Conventionally, there is provision of services such as provision of content data via a communication network. As such a service providing method, a service is provided to a user from each API (Application Program Interface) provider, or a mashup Web service provider formed by combining a plurality of APIs. Are known to provide services to users. Users who receive such a service are charged according to the service. As a charging method, for example, in the mashup Web service, by registering user information in advance, a purchase order can be confirmed without the service provider inquiring the user. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-161717

  However, when the above-mentioned individual API providers are charged for the users, each time the service user receives a service provided to the provider, It was necessary to send personal information, etc., which was not convenient for users. In addition, in the mashup Web service, for example, in the case of pay-as-you-go, the charge amount is limited to the time unit or the like, and the optimal charge according to the service usage amount is given to each service provider. It was difficult to do.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in a service providing system via a communication network, the convenience of a user who uses the service can be improved, and the service provider It is an object of the present invention to provide a service user terminal, a service provider device, a billing management device, a service providing system, and a billing method in the service providing system that can realize optimal billing for the service.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a service provider apparatus according to the present invention provides a service from charge table information storage means for storing charge table information related to service provision via a communication network and a service user terminal receiving the service. Service request receiving means for receiving service provision request information for requesting information, and information for requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating the price for using the service in the service user terminal, according to the service provision request information A usage right consumption request transmitting means for transmitting a usage right consumption request including fee table information corresponding to a service and a nonce which is a different data string each time to the service user terminal; Evidence data related to consumption processing of usage rights data related to service provision, including nonce and service user Evidence data by verifying the origin of the evidence data by verifying the electronic signature and the usage right consumption evidence receiving means that receives the data including the electronic signature of the service user terminal, and verifying the nonce The usage right consumption evidence verifying means for verifying that the service is created in response to the usage right consumption request, and the service that provides the service user terminal according to the verification result of the usage right consumption evidence verifying means Providing means.

  The service user terminal of the present invention provides service request means for transmitting service provision request information for requesting a service provided via a communication network to a specific service provider device, and provides a service for the service request. Information requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating the consideration for using the service, from the user device, including usage fee table information corresponding to the service and a nonce that is a different data string each time Based on the usage fee consumption request receiving means for receiving the consumption request, the attribute information storage means for storing the attribute information of the user who uses the service, and the fee table information and attribute information received by the usage right consumption request receiving means, Billing amount calculation means for calculating the billing amount of the service, and a right to use consumption data stored in advance based on the billing amount Usage data that is evidence data related to consumption processing by the cost processing means and the usage right consumption processing means, and that includes the nonce received by the usage right consumption request receiving means and the user's electronic signature, to the service provider device And a right consumption proof transmitting means.

  The service providing system of the present invention includes the service provider device described above and the service user terminal described above.

  The charging method in the service providing system of the present invention includes a service requesting step in which a service user terminal transmits service providing request information for requesting a service provided via a communication network to a specific service provider device; A service request receiving step in which the provider device receives service provision request information from the service user terminal, and a fee for the service provider device to use the service in the service user terminal according to the service provision request information Information for requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating the usage fee, including usage fee table information corresponding to the service and a nonce that is a different data string each time, is transmitted to the service user terminal The usage right consumption request sending step and the service user terminal The usage right consumption request receiving step for receiving the usage right consumption request from the service provider device, and the service user terminal based on the charge table information and attribute information received by the usage right consumption request receiving means. A billing amount calculation step for calculating the amount of money, a usage right consumption processing step in which the service user terminal performs consumption processing of the usage right data stored in advance based on the billing amount, and a service user terminal A usage right consumption proof sending step for sending data including consumption information received by the usage right consumption request receiving means and a user's electronic signature to the service provider device. A usage right consumption evidence receiving step in which the service provider device receives evidence data from the service user terminal in response to the usage right consumption request; The service provider device verifies the origin of the evidence data by verifying the electronic signature, and also verifies that the evidence data was created in response to the usage right consumption request by verifying the nonce. A usage right consumption evidence verifying step, and the service provider device comprises service providing means for providing the service to the service user terminal according to the verification result of the usage right consumption evidence verification means. .

  According to such a service provider device, a service user terminal, a service providing system, and a billing method for the service providing system, when a service provision request is made from the service user terminal to the service provider device, a service is provided. A usage right consumption request is made from the provider device. Then, the service user terminal receives the fee schedule information transmitted from the service provider device and the usage right consumption request including a different nonce each time, and the service user terminal is based on the fee schedule information and the attribute information. The billing amount is calculated, and consumption processing of the service use right stored in advance is performed based on the calculation result. Furthermore, by verifying the evidence of the usage right consumption process in the service provider device, the service provider device provides the service to the service user terminal. As a result, it is not necessary to send personal information to the service provider device every time the service is provided, and the convenience for the user can be improved, and services can be provided to each service provider. Can be charged optimally according to the usage amount. In addition, since an electronic signature and a nonce are exchanged between the service user terminal and the service provider device, it is possible to realize improper billing for the user by preventing impersonation of another person and omission of billing.

  In addition, a usage right requesting unit that transmits usage right request information for requesting a predetermined amount of usage right data to a charging management device that is a service usage right issuing source, and a charging management device for the usage right request information It is preferable to further include usage right supplementing means for performing supplementary processing of usage right data held in advance based on the usage right data transmitted from. With such a configuration, service usage right data is supplemented from the billing management device in advance at the service user terminal, and settlement relating to the distribution of the service usage right data can be concentrated in the billing management device.

  Further, it is preferable that a history information storage unit for storing service usage history information is further provided, and the charge amount calculation unit calculates the service charge amount based on the fee table information and the use history information. With such a configuration, for example, when receiving the same service provision such as reception of the same content within a predetermined period, it is possible to apply a discount such as reducing the charge amount, which is the optimum charge for the service user. Is made.

  According to the present invention, in a service providing system via a communication network, it is possible to improve the convenience of a user who uses the service, and realize optimal charging for the service provider. Can do.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a service providing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  A service providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention connects to a service provider device that provides a service desired by a user via a service central management device that has received a service provision request from a service user terminal. It is a system that provides services. Examples of the provided services include distribution of content such as map information, and product transaction of program data. As shown in FIG. 1, the service providing system 1 includes a service user terminal 2A, a service user terminal 2B, a service provider device 4, a service central management device 3, and a billing management device 5. Yes. The service user terminal 2A, the service user terminal 2B, the service provider device 4, the service central management device 3, and the billing management device 5 can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet network or LAN. It is said that.

  The service user terminal 2A is configured by a personal computer and is a communication node device for a user who uses a service via the communication network NW. As shown in FIG. 2A, the service user terminal 2A includes a service provision requesting unit (service provision requesting unit) 201 and a service receiving unit 202. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the service user terminal 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the service user terminal 2A physically includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12 and a ROM 13 as main storage devices, an auxiliary storage device 14 such as a hard disk device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse as input devices. 15, an output device 16 such as a display, a communication module 17 and the like. Each function shown in FIG. 2A is obtained by loading predetermined software on hardware such as the CPU 11 and the RAM 12 shown in FIG. 3 to control the communication module 17, the input device 15, and the output under the control of the CPU 11. This is realized by operating with the device 16 and reading and reading data in the RAM 12 and the auxiliary storage device 14. The service user terminal 2A may be configured by a mobile communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like.

  In response to an instruction from the service user, the service request unit 201 transmits service request information for requesting a service provided by the service provider device 4 to the service central management device 3. In addition, the service request unit 201 transmits a service charge table request together with service provision request information.

  The service receiving unit 202 receives a service transmitted from the service provider device 4 according to the service request information. The service is, for example, content data such as map information. The service receiving unit 202 outputs the service received from the service provider device 4 to a means for executing the service.

  The service user terminal 2B is configured by a mobile communication terminal and is a communication node device for a user who uses a service via the communication network NW. As shown in FIG. 2B, the service user terminal 2B includes a usage right consumption request receiving unit (usage right consumption request receiving unit) 203, an attribute information storage unit (attribute information storage unit) 204, a usage history storage unit ( Usage history storage unit) 205, billing amount calculation unit (billing amount calculation unit) 206, usage right consumption processing unit (use right consumption processing unit) 206, usage right consumption evidence generation unit 207, usage right consumption evidence transmission unit (use right) Consumption proof transmitting means) 208, usage right requesting section (usage right requesting means) 209, usage right supplementing section (usage right supplementing means) 210, usage right information storage means 211, and supplementary processing evidence transmitting section 212. I have.

  FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the service user terminal 2B. As shown in FIG. 4, the service user terminal 2B physically has a CPU 21, a RAM 22 and a ROM 23 which are main storage devices, an auxiliary storage device 27 such as a hard disk device, an input key which is an input device, and an input such as a microphone. The terminal device includes a device 26, an output device 28 such as a speaker and a display, a mobile communication module 24, a short-range communication module 25 such as a Bluetooth communication module and an infrared communication module, and the like. The mobile communication module 24 is a module that executes data communication by a mobile communication system, and the short-range communication module 25 is a module that executes data communication by a short-range communication system. Each function shown in FIG. 2B has the communication modules 24 and 25 and the input device 26 under the control of the CPU 21 by reading predetermined software on the hardware such as the CPU 21 and the RAM 22 shown in FIG. This is realized by operating the output device 28 and reading and writing data in the RAM 22 and the auxiliary storage device 27. The service user terminal 2A and the service user terminal 2B are connected by a short-range wireless communication method such as infrared communication, Bluetooth, and contactless IC card communication. The service user terminal 2B may be configured by a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like.

  Hereinafter, each component of the service user terminal 2B will be described in detail.

  The usage right consumption request receiving unit 203 receives the usage right consumption request transmitted from the service provider device 4 in response to the service request transmitted from the service user terminal 2A. The usage right consumption request is information for requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating consideration for using the service, and is information including a fee table information corresponding to the service and a nonce that is a different data string each time. is there. The fee table information includes, for example, a basic fee for content, a discount rate for each attribute, and a discount rate corresponding to the number of uses.

  Here, the nonce is a data string such as a character string or a numeric string used to prevent spoofing in authentication using a hash value. The nonce is used in an authentication method in which a random data string sent from the authentication server side (service provider apparatus 4 in the present embodiment) is combined with a password, and a hash value is retrieved and returned.

  The use history storage unit 204 stores history information of content provided by the user from the service provider device 4. The usage history storage unit 204 collects and stores access destination information such as URL information when the user accesses the site of the service provider device 4.

  The attribute information storage unit 205 stores attribute information of the user of the service user terminal 2B. The attribute information includes information such as “age”, “occupation”, and “sex”.

  The billing amount calculation unit 206 calculates a billing amount related to the service that the service user is to receive when the verification of the billing table information is normally completed. Specifically, the charge amount calculation unit 206 determines the charge amount based on the fee table information, the user's usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 204, and the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 205. Is calculated. For example, “50% discount” if the user uses the same content more than once within a week, and “100% discount” if the user uses the same content more than once within a week. Thus, the charge corresponding to the user's usage history is calculated. Further, for example, when the user attribute is “student”, a “20% discount” fee is calculated as a student discount. The charging calculation unit 206 outputs the calculated charging amount information to the usage right consumption processing unit 297.

  The usage right consumption processing unit 207 performs usage right consumption processing for the service provider using the usage right data. The usage right consumption processing unit 207 performs the usage right consumption process by subtracting the calculated charging amount from the usage right data stored in the usage right information storage unit 212. Further, the usage right consumption processing unit 207 performs usage right consumption processing by deleting the calculated charging amount from the usage right data stored in the usage right information storage unit 212. At this time, the usage right consumption processing unit 207 outputs a trigger to the usage right consumption evidence generation unit 208 before validating (commiting) the usage right data update process in the usage right storage unit 207.

  The usage right consumption evidence generation unit 208 generates evidence of the start of usage right consumption processing before the usage right data update processing. As evidence of the start of usage right consumption, time information of the usage right consumption processing start and the like can be mentioned. Further, the usage right consumption proof generating unit 208 generates an electronic signature of the generated evidence, and outputs it to the usage right consumption proof transmitting unit 209 together with the evidence of the usage right consumption processing start.

  The usage right consumption evidence transmitting unit 209 receives the evidence data including the usage right consumption processing start evidence received from the usage right consumption evidence generation unit 208, the electronic signature, and the nonce received from the service provider device 4. Send to.

  In response to an instruction from a service user before using the service via the communication network NW, the usage right request unit 210 transmits usage right request information for requesting a usage right for a predetermined amount of service to the charging management apparatus 5. To do. At this time, the usage right request unit 210 transmits the usage right request information with an electronic signature added thereto. The usage right request information includes settlement means information representing a means for paying a fee of the service user and supplementary amount information representing the amount of usage rights requested. The payment means information includes, for example, information such as “credit card number”, “card expiration date”, “card user name”, and the like. In addition, the usage right request unit 210 generates an electronic signature by encrypting the payment method information and the supplement amount information with its own secret key.

  The usage right supplementing unit 211 performs the usage right supplementing process after receiving the usage right data transmitted from the charge management apparatus 5 according to the usage right request information. That is, the usage right supplement unit 211 reads the supplement amount from the received usage right data, and then adds the read supplement amount to the usage right data held in advance in the usage right storage unit 212. The usage right supplementation unit 211 outputs the usage right data to the supplementary processing evidence transmission unit 213 before committing the update processing of the usage right data in the usage right storage unit 212. When the usage right supplementation unit 211 receives the usage right validation instruction from the charging management apparatus 5 via the supplementary processing evidence transmission unit 213, the usage right supplementary unit 211 commits the balance data update processing and sends the usage right validation instruction for a predetermined time. If it cannot be received, the balance data update process is invalidated (rolled back).

  The supplementary processing evidence transmission unit 213 transmits the electronic signature of the usage right data received from the usage right supplementing unit 211 to the charging management apparatus 5 as usage right supplemental evidence information. In addition, when the supplementary processing evidence transmission unit 213 receives the usage right validation support instruction from the charge management apparatus 5, the supplementary processing evidence transmission unit 213 outputs the usage right validation instruction to the usage right supplemental unit 211.

  Next, each component of the service central management apparatus 3 will be described in detail.

  The service central management device 3 is a computer system including a server device, a personal computer, and the like. The service central management device 3 centrally manages services provided from a plurality of service provider devices 4 and creates a mashup service. When receiving the service provision request from the service user terminal 2A, the service central management apparatus 3 calls the service provider apparatus 4 that provides the service requested by the service user terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the service central management apparatus 3 includes a service request reception unit 301 and a service request transfer unit 302.

  FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the service central management apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the service central management device 3 physically includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32 and a ROM 33 as main storage devices, an auxiliary storage device 34 such as a hard disk device, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse as input devices. 35, a device including an output device 36 such as a display, a communication module 37, and the like. Each function shown in FIG. 5 has a communication module 37, an input device 35, and an output device 36 under the control of the CPU 31 by loading predetermined software on the hardware such as the CPU 31 and the RAM 32 shown in FIG. This is realized by operating and reading and reading data in the RAM 32 and the auxiliary storage device 34. The service provider device 4 and the charge management device 5 described later have the same hardware configuration as the service central management device 3.

  The service request receiving unit 301 receives a service provision request and an electronic certificate of the service user from the service user terminal 2A. The service request reception unit 301 outputs the received service provision request and the electronic signature of the service user to the service provision request transfer unit 302.

  The service request transfer unit 302 transmits the service provision request received from the service provision request reception unit 301 and the electronic signature of the service user to the service provider device 4.

  Next, each component of the service provider device 4 will be described in detail.

  The service provider device 4 includes a server device, a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile communication terminal, and the like, and is a device that provides a service via the communication network NW. As shown in FIG. 7, the service provider apparatus 4 includes a service request receiving unit (service request receiving unit) 401, a usage right consumption request transmitting unit (usage right consumption request transmitting unit) 402, a fee table storage unit 403, , Nonce generating unit 404, usage right consumption evidence receiving unit (use right consumption evidence receiving unit) 405, usage right consumption evidence verifying unit (use right consumption evidence verifying unit) 406, service providing unit 407, and usage right consumption Evidence transmission unit 408, distributed evidence reception unit 409, and receipt evidence transmission unit 410 are provided.

  The service request receiving unit 401 receives the service provision request information of the service user terminal 2A and the electronic signature of the service user from the service central management device 3. The service request reception unit 401 outputs the service provision request information and the service user's electronic signature to the usage right consumption request transmission unit 402.

  When the usage right consumption request transmission unit 402 receives the service provision request information from the service request reception unit, the usage right consumption request transmission unit 402 transmits a usage right data consumption request, which is data indicating a price for using the service in the service user terminal 2B. The usage right data consumption request includes fee table information corresponding to the service read from the fee table information storage unit 403 and a nonce that is a different data string generated each time by the nonce generation unit 404.

  The usage right consumption evidence receiving unit 405 receives the usage right consumption evidence from the service user terminal 2B. The usage right consumption evidence receiving unit 405 receives evidence data regarding consumption processing of usage right data regarding service provision, and includes data including a nonce and an electronic signature of the service user terminal 2B. The usage right consumption evidence receiving unit 405 outputs the received usage right consumption evidence data to the usage right consumption evidence verifying unit 406.

  The usage right consumption evidence verification unit 406 verifies the usage right consumption evidence using the evidence of the service user terminal 2B, the electronic signature, and the nonce. First, the usage right consumption evidence verification unit 406 verifies the origin of the evidence by verifying the electronic signature. Further, the usage right consumption evidence verifying unit 406 verifies whether or not the consumption evidence data is created in response to the usage right consumption request by verifying the nonce. When the verification result is normal, the usage right consumption proof verification unit 406 outputs the verification result to the service providing unit 407 and the usage right consumption proof transmission unit 408.

  The service providing unit 407 provides a service to the service user terminal 2 </ b> A when the verification of the usage right consumption evidence is normally performed. The service is, for example, map information in the vicinity where the service user is located. In addition, the service providing unit 407 outputs a trigger to the usage right consumption proof transmitting unit 408 in response to the end of the provision of the service.

  The usage right consumption proof transmitting unit 408 transmits the usage right consumption proof to the charge management device 5 at the timing when the trigger is received from the service providing unit 407. At this time, the usage right proof transmission unit 408 adds the electronic signature to the usage right consumption proof and transmits it.

  The distribution evidence receiving unit 409 receives the total amount distributed from the charge management device 5 to the service provider. The distribution proof receiving unit 409 determines the validity of the received total amount, and then generates proof of receipt of fee information and also generates an electronic signature of receipt of fee information. The distribution evidence generation unit 409 outputs the generated fee information receipt evidence and its electronic signature to the receipt evidence transmission unit 410.

  The receipt proof transmission unit 410 transmits the fee information receipt proof created by the distribution proof reception unit 409 and its electronic signature to the charge management apparatus 5.

  Next, each component of the charge management apparatus 5 will be described in detail.

  The charge management device 5 is a computer system that includes a server device, a personal computer, and the like. The billing management apparatus 5 concentrates the usage right issuance processing used in the service providing system 1 via the communication network, the fee settlement processing accompanying the service usage right exchange, and the user information management of the service user and the service provider. Do. As shown in FIG. 8, the billing management apparatus 5 includes a usage right request receiving unit 501, a credit processing unit 502, a settlement processing unit 503, a usage right transmitting unit 504, a usage right enabling unit 505, and a usage right. A consumption reception unit 506, a usage fee totaling unit 507, a settlement processing unit 508, a distribution evidence transmission unit 509, and a user information storage unit 510 are provided.

  The usage right request receiving unit 501 receives the usage right request information and the electronic signature from the service user terminal 2B. The usage right request receiving unit 501 performs mutual authentication and public key acquisition in advance using an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol, and then verifies the electronic signature using the public key. Further, the usage right request receiving unit 501 outputs the usage right request information to the credit processing unit 502 when the verification of the electronic signature is normally completed.

  The credit processing unit 502 reads the credit information of the service user stored in the user information storage unit 510, and then determines whether the amount indicated by the supplementary amount information does not exceed the credit balance of the service user. As a result, the credit processing related to the service user is executed. The credit processing unit 502 outputs the result of the credit processing to the settlement processing unit 503.

  When the credit processing by the credit processing unit 502 is completed, the settlement processing unit 503 uses the settlement means information included in the usage right request information to collect a fee corresponding to the supplemented usage right from the service user. Perform payment processing. More specifically, the settlement processing unit 503 generates billing information to be sent to a credit card company, a financial institution, or the like while referring to settlement means information and supplementary amount concessions. The payment processing unit 503 outputs a trigger to the usage right transmission unit 504 after the payment processing is completed.

  When the usage right transmission unit 504 receives the trigger from the settlement processing unit 503, the usage right transmission unit 504 transmits the usage right corresponding to the supplement amount information included in the usage right request information to the service provider device 4.

  The usage right validation unit 505 receives an electronic signature as evidence for supplementing the usage right from the service user terminal 2B and verifies the electronic signature. Further, the usage right validation unit 505 transmits a usage rights validation instruction for validating the usage rights supplement processing to the service user terminal 2B when the verification process of the electronic signature is normally completed.

  The usage right consumption evidence receiving unit 506 receives the usage right history evidence information and the electronic signature from the service user terminal 2B. The communication history receiving unit 506 performs mutual authentication with the service provider device 4 and acquisition of a public key in advance using the SSL protocol, and then verifies the electronic signature using the public key. Further, the usage right consumption proof receiving unit 506 outputs the communication history information to the usage fee totaling unit 507 when the verification of the electronic signature is normally completed.

  The usage fee totaling unit 507 totals the fee related to the service for each service provider based on the usage right consumption evidence information. The usage fee totaling unit 507 outputs the totaled fee and the service provider identification information to the settlement processing unit 508.

  The settlement processing unit 508 starts settlement processing for the service provider based on the total fee received from the usage fee totaling unit 507 and the identification information of the service provider. Specifically, the payment processing unit 508 reads the payment means information related to the service provider by referring to the user information storage unit 510 based on the identification information. Then, the settlement processing unit 508 starts a settlement process corresponding to the settlement means information. For example, when the settlement means is a bank, transfer request information for sending to a financial institution is generated. If the settlement means is electronic money, electronic money data corresponding to the total fee is created, and processing for sending the electronic money data to the service provider device 4 is started. Note that the settlement processing unit 508 outputs the total fee and the service provider identification information to the distribution evidence transmission unit 509 before committing the execution of the settlement process.

  The distribution evidence transmission unit 509 transmits the total fee received from the settlement processing unit 508 to the service provider device 4 as distribution evidence.

  Next, the operation of the service providing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9, and the charging method in the service providing system 1 via the communication network will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the service providing system 1, and steps are abbreviated as S.

  In the service providing system 1, the API is released by the mashup service provider device 4, and the service central management device 3 that has received the API release mashes a combination of a plurality of APIs published in each service provider device 4. Create and publish an up service (Mashup service creation and publishing step).

  First, the service provider terminal 2A makes a service provision request to the service central management device 3 (step S01). Next, the service central management device 3 that has received the service request transfers the service provision request information to the service provider device 4 (step S02).

  Next, the service provider device 4 that has received the request for service provision requests the service user terminal 2B to consume the usage right data including fee table information corresponding to the service and a different nonce each time. A right consumption request is transmitted (step S03). Subsequently, the service user terminal 2B calculates a charge amount based on the fee table information, attribute information, and usage history information (step S04).

  Next, in the service user terminal 2B, the usage right data is consumed according to the charge amount calculated in step S04 (step S05), and evidence that the usage right data is consumed is generated (step S06). ). The generated usage right proof data is transmitted to the service provider apparatus 4 with an electronic signature and a nonce added (step S07).

  Subsequently, in the service provider device 4, the evidence data of the usage right consumption process transmitted from the service user terminal 2 </ b> B is verified using the electronic signature and the nonce (step S <b> 08), and the verification result is normal. Is provided to the service user terminal 2A (step S09).

  When service is provided to the service user terminal 2A, evidence of usage right consumption is transmitted from the service provider device 4 to the billing device 5 (step S10). Then, when the payment processing is performed based on the proof of usage right consumption in the billing management apparatus 5 (step S11), the total fee is transmitted to the service provider apparatus 4 as proof of distribution (step S12).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an operation at the time of supplementing service usage right data in the service providing system 1 via the communication network NW will be described.

  First, mutual authentication processing is performed between the service user terminal 2B and the charge management apparatus 5 according to an instruction from the service user (step S101). Next, service usage right request information and its electronic signature are transmitted from the service user terminal 2B to the billing management apparatus 5 (step S102). Thereafter, the electronic signature is verified in the charge management apparatus 5 (step S103). Further, in the charge management device 5, a charge settlement process corresponding to the supplement amount of the usage right is executed (step S104). Then, the usage right data corresponding to the replenishment amount is created in the charge management device 5 (step S105). Thereafter, the created usage right data is transmitted from the charge management apparatus 5 to the service user terminal 2B (step S106).

  On the other hand, the service user terminal 2B starts replenishment processing of the balance of the usage right data stored in the service user terminal 2B based on the transmitted usage right data (step S107). Next, before the update of the balance of the usage right data is committed, an electronic signature of the usage right data is transmitted from the service user terminal 2B to the billing management apparatus 5 as evidence information for supplementing the usage right data. (Step S108). Thereafter, the billing management apparatus 5 verifies the electronic signature of the usage right data (step S109). When the verification of the electronic signature is completed normally, a usage right data validation instruction is transmitted from the charge management apparatus 5 to the service user terminal 2B (step S110). In the service user terminal 2B, when the usage right data validation instruction is received, the update of the balance of the usage right data is committed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the operation at the time of charge settlement between the service provider device 4 and the charge management device 5 in the service providing system 1 via the communication network NW will be described in detail.

  First, mutual authentication processing is performed between the service provider device 4 and the charge management device 5 according to a predetermined timing or an instruction from the service provider (step S201). Next, the service provider device 4 transmits the usage right consumption evidence information and its electronic signature to the charge management device 5 (step S202). On the other hand, the charge management apparatus 5 receives the usage right consumption proof information and the electronic signature thereof, and then verifies the electronic signature (step S203). Further, when the verification result of the electronic signature is normal, the charge management apparatus 5 aggregates the charges for each service provider based on the usage right consumption evidence information, and provides the service based on the aggregated charges. The settlement processing for the person is started (step S204). At the same time, the charge management device 5 transmits to the service provider device 4 fee information indicating the total amount to be processed (step S205).

  The service provider device 4 determines the validity of the received total amount by comparing it with the usage right consumption evidence information (step S206). Thereafter, the service provider device 4 creates a proof of receipt of fee information and an electronic signature thereof (step S207). Then, the service provider device 4 transmits the charge information receipt proof and its electronic signature to the charge management device 5 (step S208).

  The billing management apparatus 5 verifies the electronic signature of the proof of receipt of fee information (step S209). Thereafter, when the verification result of the electronic signature is normal, the charge management device 5 transmits a charge information validation instruction to the service provider device 4 (step S210). In response to this, the service provider device 4 commits the fee information data when receiving the fee information validation instruction (step S211). Further, the billing management apparatus 5 commits the payment process to the service provider (step S212).

  Hereinafter, operational effects of the service providing system via the communication network NW will be described.

  According to such a service providing system, when a service provision request is made from the service user terminal 2A to the service provider device 4, a usage right consumption request is made from the service provider device 4. Then, the service user terminal 2B receives the charge table information transmitted from the service provider device 4 and a usage right consumption request including a different nonce each time, and calculates the charge amount based on the charge table information and the attribute information. Then, the consumption processing of the service use right stored in advance is performed based on the calculation result. Further, by verifying the evidence of the usage right consumption process in the service provider device 4, the service provider device 4 provides the service to the service user terminal 2A. Accordingly, it is not necessary to transmit personal information to the service provider device 4 every time the service is provided, and the convenience for the user can be improved, and each service provider can be improved. It is possible to perform optimal charging according to the amount of service used. Further, since an electronic signature and a nonce are exchanged between the service user terminal 2B and the service provider device 4, it is possible to prevent the impersonation of another person, omission of charges, and the like to realize appropriate charging for the user.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was concretely demonstrated based on the embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. In the above embodiment, the service user terminal 2B performs processing related to the right of use, but the IC card 6 included in the service user terminal 2B may perform processing related to the right of use. In other words, the IC card 6 may be provided with each component related to the usage rights provided in the service user terminal 2B.

  Below, with reference to FIG. 12, operation | movement of the service provision system 1 which concerns on a modification is demonstrated, and the accounting method in the service provision system 1 via a communication network is also demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the service providing system 1 according to the modification.

  In the service providing system 1, the API is released by the mashup service provider device 4, and the service central management device 3 that has received the API release mashes a combination of a plurality of APIs published in each service provider device 4. Create and publish an up service (Mashup service creation and publishing step).

  First, the service provider terminal 2A makes a service provision request to the service central management device 3 (step S301). Next, the service central management apparatus 3 that has received the service request transfers the service provision request information to the service provider apparatus 4 (step S302).

  Next, the service provider device 4 that has received the request for service provision requests the service user terminal 2B to consume the usage right data including fee table information corresponding to the service and a different nonce each time. A right consumption request is transmitted (step S303). Then, the service user terminal 2B outputs usage right consumption request information to the IC card 6 (step S304). Subsequently, the IC card 6 calculates a charge amount based on the fee table information, attribute information, and usage history information (step S305).

  Next, in the IC card 6, the usage right data is consumed according to the amount of charge calculated in step S305 (step S306), and evidence that the usage right data is consumed is generated (step S307). The generated usage right proof data is output to the service user terminal 2B with an electronic signature and a nonce added (S308), and the proof data received from the service user terminal 2B to the service provider device 4 is transmitted. (Step S309).

  Subsequently, in the service provider device 4, the evidence data of the usage right consumption process transmitted from the service user terminal 2B is verified using the electronic signature and the nonce (step S310), and the verification result is normal. Is provided to the service user terminal 2A (step S311).

  When service is provided to the service user terminal 2A, evidence of usage right consumption is transmitted from the service provider device 4 to the billing device 5 (step S312). Then, when the payment processing is performed based on the proof of usage right consumption in the billing management apparatus 5 (step S313), the total fee is transmitted to the service provider apparatus 4 as proof of distribution (step S314).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the operation at the time of supplementing service usage right data in the service providing system 1 via the communication network NW according to the modification will be described.

  First, mutual authentication processing is performed between the service user terminal 2B and the billing management apparatus 5 according to an instruction from the service user (step S401). Next, service usage right request information is output from the service user terminal 2B to the IC card 6 (step S401). When an electronic signature is generated in the IC card 6 (step S403), service usage right request information and the electronic signature are output to the service user terminal 2B (step S404). The service user terminal 2B transmits the service usage right request information and the electronic signature to the charge management apparatus 5 (step S405).

  Subsequently, the electronic signature is verified in the charge management apparatus 5 (step S406). Further, in the charge management device 5, a charge settlement process corresponding to the supplement amount of the usage right is executed (step S407). Then, the usage right data corresponding to the replenishment amount is created in the charge management apparatus 5 (step S408). Thereafter, the created usage right data is transmitted from the charge management apparatus 5 to the service user terminal 2 (step S409) and output to the IC card 6 (step S410).

  On the other hand, in the IC card 6, replenishment processing to the balance of the usage right data stored in the IC card 6 is started based on the transmitted usage right data (step S411). Next, before the update of the balance of the usage right data is committed, an electronic signature of the usage right data is output from the IC card 6 to the service user terminal 2B as evidence information for supplementing the usage right data. (Step S412). When the evidence information for supplementing the usage right data is transmitted from the service user terminal 2B to the accounting management device 5 (step S413), the electronic signature of the usage right data is verified by the accounting management device 5 (step S414). ). When the verification of the electronic signature is normally completed, the usage right data validation instruction is transmitted from the charge management apparatus 5 to the service user terminal 2B (step S415) and output to the IC card 6 (step S416). . When the IC card 6 receives the usage right data validation instruction, the update of the balance of the usage right data is committed.

  The IC card 6 can be removed from the service user terminal 2B, and the usage right data can be used in the other service user terminals by being attached to the other service user terminals.

  In the above-described embodiment, the service user terminal 2A that receives the service and the service user terminal 2B that consumes the usage right are separate devices, but both the same computer, PDA, mobile communication terminal, and the like are used. You may perform the process of.

  In the above-described embodiment, the service user terminal 2A and the service user terminal 2B are configured to be connected by a short-range wireless communication method such as infrared communication, Bluetooth, and non-contact IC card communication. May be. Further, the service user terminal 2A may be directly connected to the communication network NW without going through the service user terminal 2A.

  In the above embodiment, the service is provided between the service user terminals 2A and 2B and the service provider device 3 via the service central management device 3, but the service is not transmitted via the service central management device 3. Provision may be made.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the service provision system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a figure which shows the structure of the service user terminal of FIG. (B) It is a figure which shows the structure of the service user terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the service user terminal shown to Fig.2 (a). It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the service user terminal shown in FIG.2 (b). It is a figure which shows the structure of the service central management apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the service central management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the service provider apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the charge management apparatus of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of a service provision system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the fee payment process from a service user terminal to a charge sensing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of charge settlement between a service provider apparatus and a charge management apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the service provision system which concerns on a modification. It is a sequence diagram which shows the fee payment process from the service user terminal which concerns on a modification to a charge sensing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Service provision system, 2A, 2B ... Service user terminal, 4 ... Service provider apparatus, 5 ... Charge management apparatus, 201 ... Service request part (service request means), 203 ... Usage right consumption request reception part (Use right) Consumption request receiving means), 204 ... attribute information storage section (attribute information storage means), 205 ... usage history storage section (use history storage means), 205 ... billing amount calculation section (billing amount calculation means), 207 ... usage right consumption Processing unit (usage right consumption processing means), 209... Usage right consumption proof transmitting unit (usage right consumption evidence transmitting means), 401... Service request receiving unit (service request receiving means), 402. (Right consumption request transmission means), 403 ... charge table information storage section (charge table information storage means), 405 ... usage right consumption evidence reception section (use right consumption evidence reception means), 406 ... usage right consumption evidence Proof part (consumption evidence verification means use rights), 407 ... service providing unit (service providing means), NW ... communication network.

Claims (6)

Rate table information storage means for storing rate table information related to provision of services via a communication network;
Service request receiving means for receiving service provision request information for requesting provision of the service from a service user terminal receiving the service;
Information for requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating consideration for using the service in the service user terminal, in accordance with the service provision request information, and the fee table information corresponding to the service And a usage right consumption request transmitting means for transmitting a usage right consumption request including a nonce that is a different data string each time to the service user terminal,
In response to the usage right consumption request, evidence data related to consumption processing of usage right data relating to the provision of the service, the data including the nonce and the electronic signature of the service user terminal are obtained from the service user terminal. A usage right consumption proof receiving means for receiving;
Use of verifying the origin of the evidence data by verifying the electronic signature and verifying that the evidence data is generated in response to the usage right consumption request by verifying the nonce Rights consumption evidence verification means;
Service providing means for providing the service to the service user terminal according to the verification result of the usage right consumption evidence verifying means;
A service provider apparatus comprising: Service request means for transmitting service provision request information for requesting a service provided via a communication network to a specific service provider device; and
In response to the service request, information requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating consideration for using the service, from the service provider device, and the fee table information corresponding to the service A usage right consumption request receiving means for receiving a usage right consumption request including a nonce that is a different data string each time,
Attribute information storage means for storing attribute information of a user who uses the service;
Billing amount calculating means for calculating a charge amount of the service based on the fee table information and the attribute information received by the usage right consumption request receiving means;
Usage right consumption processing means for consuming consumption right data stored in advance based on the billing amount;
Use of transmitting evidence data related to consumption processing by the usage right consumption processing means, including the nonce received by the usage right consumption request receiving means and the electronic signature of the user to the service provider device Rights consumption proof sending means,
A service user terminal comprising: Usage right requesting means for transmitting usage right request information for requesting a predetermined amount of the usage right data to a billing management apparatus that is a service usage right issuing source;
Usage right supplementing means for performing supplementary processing of usage right data stored in advance based on the usage right data transmitted from the billing management apparatus to the usage right request information;
The service user terminal according to claim 2, further comprising: A history information storage means for storing usage history information of the service;
4. The service user terminal according to claim 2, wherein the charge amount calculation means calculates the charge amount of the service based on the fee table information and the usage history information. A service provider device according to claim 1;
A service user terminal according to claims 2 to 4;
A service providing system comprising: A service request step in which a service user terminal transmits service provision request information for requesting a service provided via a communication network to a specific service provider device;
A service request receiving step in which the service provider device receives the service provision request information from the service user terminal;
The service provider device is information requesting consumption of usage right data, which is data indicating a price for using the service in the service user terminal, according to the service provision request information, A usage right consumption request transmitting step for transmitting a usage right consumption request including the fee table information corresponding to the nonce and a nonce that is a different data string each time to the service user terminal;
A usage right consumption request receiving step in which the service user terminal receives the usage right consumption request from the service provider device in response to the service request;
A billing amount calculating step in which the service user terminal calculates a billing amount of the service based on the fee table information and attribute information received by the usage right consumption request receiving unit;
A usage right consumption processing step in which the service user terminal performs consumption processing of usage right data stored in advance based on the charge amount;
The service user terminal is evidence data related to consumption processing by the usage right consumption processing unit, and includes data including the nonce received by the usage right consumption request receiving unit and the electronic signature of the user. A usage right consumption proof sending step to send to the provider device;
In response to the usage right consumption request, the service provider device receives the evidence data from the service user terminal.
The service provider device verifies the origin of the evidence data by verifying the electronic signature, and the evidence data is generated in response to the usage right consumption request by verifying the nonce. A usage right consumption evidence verification step for verifying that,
Service providing means for the service provider device to provide the service to the service user terminal according to the verification result of the usage right consumption proof verification means;
A billing method in a service providing system comprising:

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