JPH1155647A - Communication system using catv network, center system for catv network and accounting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the communication system using the CATV network which imposes account on the user, based on a data amount requested actually by the user. SOLUTION: The communication system is provided with a 2-way CATV network 2, a cable modem 33 that is connected between the CATV network 2 and a data processor 32 acting like a terminal equipment to store management information message information base MIB including a data communication amount by the data processor 32, a network server that is provided in the center equipment of the CATV network 2, connects an external computer network and the CATV network 2 and distributes the corresponding data via an outgoing channel of the CATV network 2 from the computer network according to a request sent via an incoming channel of the CATV network 2 from the cable modem 33, and a simple network management protocol SNMP management server 34 that reads the management information MIB stored in the cable modem 33 to impose account in response to the data communication amount.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system using, for example, a CATV network, and a CA used in this system.
The present invention relates to a TV network center device and a data communication billing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a CATV network has attracted attention as a high-speed network for Internet connection. This is because a CATV operator installs a router in the center device of the CATV network and uses a modem called cable modem, which enables high-speed data communication in the direction using an unused band not used for CATV network broadcasting. By connecting to a CATV network through the Internet, a user of the CATV service is also provided with an Internet connection service. When a user who receives this service connects a personal computer or the like to a CATV network via a cable modem at home or the like, it is incomparable with a general telephone line or ISDN, and has several tens Mbits of downlink and several Mbits of uplink High-speed access having a transmission speed becomes possible.

[0003] In this type of Internet connection service, when calculating the connection fee, a system in which the time calculated from the difference between the login and logout times from the user by the authentication server in the center device is charged, There has been a system in which a log of a time when a center device connects to the external Internet is obtained based on an IP address, and the connection time is charged.

[0004]

However, since any of the above-mentioned charging systems employs a charging method according to time, the charging is not based on the amount of data actually requested by the user. In other words, the user is charged even during the time when no data request is made.

In particular, in a system for charging using the above-mentioned IP address, since the charging is based on time, the amount of data does not coincide with the amount of data actually acquired by the user, and depends on the traffic situation of the line. In addition, in the management using a fixed IP address, there is a possibility that an access may be made even if an incorrect IP address is set. In this case, the user who is actually charged is not the user who used the line, but another user who has an incorrect IP address.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to use a CATV network capable of performing charging based on the amount of data actually requested by a user. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a center device of a CATV network used in the system, and a billing method for data communication.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A bidirectional CATV network, a terminal modem connected between the bidirectional CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal, and holding management information including data traffic by the data processing device; In the center device, an external computer network is connected to the CATV network, and corresponding data is transmitted from the computer network in accordance with a request sent from the terminal modem via an upstream channel of the CATV network. The above C
It is characterized by comprising a network server device for distributing via a down channel of the ATV network, and a management server device for reading management information held by the terminal modem and charging the data according to the data traffic.

With such a system configuration, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to the connection time, so that the user can easily be satisfied. Therefore, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the management server device reads the management information from each terminal modem a plurality of times and obtains the coincidence, thereby obtaining the reliability of the data communication amount. Is secured.

With such a system configuration, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reliability of the amount of data actually transmitted and received and execute charging based on the accurate amount of data. it can.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the management server device continuously reads the management information a plurality of times until a match is obtained from each of the terminal modems. It is characterized in that the period for reading the management information is variably set according to the number of times of reading.

With such a system configuration, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, a low-reliability terminal modem, which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained, is provided.
Since the management information read cycle is set short and the read frequency is increased, noise is likely to occur due to the installation environment and the like, and even a low-reliability terminal modem is charged based on the accurate data amount. Can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the management server device continuously transmits the management information a plurality of times until a match is obtained from each terminal modem at a predetermined time. The time at which the management information is read next is variably set according to the number of times of reading until the coincidence is obtained.

With such a system configuration, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, a low-reliability terminal modem which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained at a predetermined time is provided. Next, since the time at which the management information is read out is changed and set, noise is likely to occur at a specific time due to the installation environment and the like, and even for a low-reliability terminal modem, the time zone is taken into consideration. It is possible to execute charging based on an accurate data amount.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a two-way CATV network is connected between the two-way CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal, and holds management information including a data communication amount of the data processing device. A second type of modem for a terminal of a first type, which is connected between the bidirectional CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal, and which does not hold management information including data traffic by the data processing device. Terminal modem and the external computer network provided in the center device of the bidirectional CATV network and the CATV
Network, and in accordance with a request sent from the first type terminal modem via the upstream channel of the CATV network, corresponding data is transmitted from the computer network via the downstream channel of the CATV network. The management information is monitored for the network server device to be distributed and the first and second terminal modems, and the management information is transmitted from the first type terminal modem holding the management information. And a management server device for reading and charging according to the data communication amount.

With such a system configuration, CAT
A first-type terminal modem connected to a data processing device performing data communication with an external computer network via a V network is connected to a data processing device not performing data communication with the external computer network. The second type of terminal modem is identified, and the first type of terminal modem is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. And it is easy to get the user's consent, so that the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional C in which a terminal modem for connecting a data processor to each terminal is provided.
An ATV network center device, wherein the terminal modem is:
It holds management information including the amount of data communication by the connected data processing device, connects an external computer network to the CATV network, and is sent from the terminal modem via an upstream channel of the CATV network. In response to the request, network server means for delivering the corresponding data from the computer network via the downlink channel of the CATV network, and reads out the management information held by the terminal modem and charges the data according to the data communication amount. Management server means.

With such a configuration, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to connection time.
Since it is easy for the user to be satisfied, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the management server means reads the management information from each terminal modem a plurality of times and obtains the coincidence, thereby obtaining the reliability of the data communication amount. Is secured.

With such a configuration, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to increase the reliability of the amount of data actually transmitted / received and execute charging based on the accurate amount of data. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the management server means reads the management information a plurality of times in succession until a match is obtained from each terminal modem. It is characterized in that the period for reading the management information is variably set according to the number of times of reading.

With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 6, the management information is transmitted to a low-reliability terminal modem which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained. Since the read cycle is set short and the read frequency is increased, noise is likely to occur due to the installation environment, etc., and even a low-reliability terminal modem can be charged based on the accurate data amount. Can be.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the above-described sixth aspect, the management server device continuously transmits the management information a plurality of times until a match is obtained from each terminal modem at a predetermined time. The time at which the management information is read next is variably set according to the number of times of reading until the coincidence is obtained.

With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in the sixth aspect, a low-reliability terminal modem, which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained at a predetermined time, is provided. Next, since the time at which the management information is read out is changed and set, noise is likely to occur at a specific time depending on the installation environment and the like, and even a low-reliability terminal modem can be accurately set in consideration of the time zone. It is possible to execute charging based on a large amount of data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional CATV network center device in which terminal modems for connecting a data processing device to each terminal are provided. A first type terminal modem holding management information including a data communication amount by the processing device;
A modem for a second type of terminal that does not hold the management information;
By connecting to the ATV network, the terminal modem
Network server means for distributing corresponding data from the computer network via the downstream channel of the CATV network in accordance with a request sent via the upstream channel of the TV network; and a modem for the first and second terminals. Management server means for monitoring the management information, reading the management information from the first type of terminal modem holding the management information, and charging the data according to the data communication amount. It is characterized by having.

With such a configuration, the first type terminal modem connected to the data processing device which performs data communication with the external computer network via the CATV network is connected to the external computer network. The data processing device that is not performing data communication is identified as the second type terminal modem connected thereto, and the first type terminal modem is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. As compared with a system that performs charging, the validity is higher and the user can easily be satisfied, so that the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a bidirectional CATV network center device in which a terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal is provided, wherein an external computer network is connected to the CATV network. A billing method used for a service for distributing corresponding data from the computer network via a downstream channel of the CATV network in accordance with a request transmitted from the terminal modem via the upstream channel of the CATV network. And causing the terminal modem to hold management information including the amount of data communication by the connected data processing device, reading the management information held by the terminal modem, and charging the data according to the data communication amount. Features.

According to such a method, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to the connection time. The use of the network connection service can be further promoted.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional CATV network center device in which a terminal type modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal is provided. And in accordance with a request transmitted from the modem for the first type of terminal via the upstream channel of the CATV network, corresponding data is transmitted from the computer network to the CATV.
A billing method used for a service distributed via a down channel of a network, wherein the first type of terminal modem holds management information including data traffic by a connected data processing device, Separately from the first-type terminal modem, a second-type terminal modem that does not hold the management information and connects a data processing device to each terminal is arranged in the bidirectional CATV network. , The first and second
Monitoring the management information with respect to the first terminal modem, reading the management information from the first type of terminal modem holding the management information, and charging the data according to the data communication amount. It is characterized by.

According to such a method, the first type terminal modem connected to the data processing device which performs data communication with the external computer network via the CATV network is connected to the external computer network. A data processing device that is not performing data communication is correctly identified as a second type terminal modem connected thereto, and the first type terminal modem is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. As compared with a system that performs charging according to the above, the legitimacy is higher and the user is more convinced, so that the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a CATV system that provides an Internet connection service will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire system, in which a CATV station 1 and a CATV network 2 are connected by CATV lines 3, 3,. The CATV network 2 is connected to individual CATV subscriber homes 4, 4,..., Schools and public institutions 5, and the like.

The CATV station 1 is connected to the Internet 6 via a dedicated line and an external Internet connection provider (not shown).
Individual CATV subscriber homes 4, 4, connected to the TV network 2
, And each subscriber such as a school or public institution 5 can receive an Internet connection service by connecting a personal computer or an Internet-compatible television receiver to a cable modem installed together with a home terminal (not shown). It is something that will be.

In the CATV station 1, a head end (HE) 11 is connected to the CATV lines 3, 3,..., A translator (TL) 12 and a cable modem for each of the CATV lines 3, 3,. (CM) 13 is connected, and the translator 12 performs frequency conversion of uplink data and downlink data.

The cable modem 13 functions as a center modem to be described later. An Ethernet LAN 14 is connected via the cable modem 13, and a DM 15 is connected to the Ethernet LAN 14 via a firewall 15.
Z (DeMilized Zone) 16 is connected and an Internet terminal (Int. Terminal)
17, and a network management manager (management MN) 1
8 are connected.

The Internet terminal 17 is a CATV station 1
The network management manager 18 is a server for checking a connection state with the Internet 6 within the server, and a network management manager 18 for collecting management information for monitoring an operation state related to the connection with the Internet 6 in addition to a charging process described later. .

The firewall 15 is a gateway provided to prevent unauthorized intrusion from another network, and is a LAN DMZ1 set for that purpose.
6 is connected to an Internet server 19 including a WWW (World Wide Web) server, a name server, a mail server, and an FTP server for file transfer.

The Internet 6 is connected to the DMZ 16 through a gateway 20 and a gateway router 21 by a dedicated line.

FIG. 2 exemplifies a frequency arrangement of signals transmitted on the above CATV lines 3, 3,. Here, for example, within a frequency band range of 0 [MHz] to 750 [MHz], below 50 [MHz] is set as a boundary and below it is set as an up band and above it is set as a down band.

In the upstream band, the relay amplifier monitoring signal and the asymmetric upstream channels T1, T for data communication are used.
2. A symmetrical uplink channel T3 for data communication and an uplink television channel T4 are set.

In the downstream band, similarly, in addition to the relay amplifier monitor signal and some FM stations, terrestrial broadcasting channels 1, 3 to 6, 8 to 12, 15, 17 and the CATV Network 2 unique channels C24-C26,
C28 to C31, C34 to C48, and C50 to C53 are arranged and set as shown.

However, all the channels C24 to C26 are set as downlink channels for data communication,
Among them, the channel C24 is set as a symmetric channel corresponding to the channel T3, and the channels C25 and C26 are set as asymmetric channels corresponding to the channels T1 and T2. In the present embodiment, the channels are hatched in the drawing. As shown, it is assumed that the Internet connection service is implemented using the symmetrical uplink channel T3 and downlink channel C24.

Therefore, the remaining asymmetrical uplink channels T1 and T2 for data communication and downlink channels C12 and C12,
Using C26, it is also possible to implement a connection service with another LAN or the like.

The above-mentioned relay amplifier monitoring signals in the upstream band and the downstream band, asymmetric channels T1 and T2 for data communication in the upstream band, and each channel other than the FM station in the downstream band are connected to the Internet connection. It is assumed that the bandwidth is 6 [MHz] in common, including the uplink channel T3 and the downlink channel C24 for implementing the service.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a conceptual configuration of a charging system provided in the network manager 18 will be described including peripheral devices.

In the figure, the CATV network 2 and the Ethernet LAN 14 are connected by a center modem 31 comprising the cable modem 13 via CATV lines 3, 3,... (Not shown). Are personal computers 32, 32,... As data processing devices used by each user via cable modems 33, 33,. Shall be connected.

Each of the cable modems 33, 33,... Is connected to a personal computer 32, 3 connected thereto.
2,... (MIB) including transmission data amount and reception data amount when data communication is performed by the Internet connection service.
ase: management information base), which holds operation information of a device to be managed.

The center modem 31 has the same frequency band for the up channel and the down channel as described above. For example, by improving the modulation method, the transfer speed of the down channel is improved from that of the up channel. This is an asymmetric modem that modulates and demodulates data at 30 to 40 Mbps.
work Management Protocol
l: Simple network management protocol) agent function.

On the other hand, on the Ethernet LAN 14 side, the SNMP management server 34 and the data charging server 3 constitute the network management manager 18.
5, a router 36, and a CATV charging server 37.

The SNMP management server 34 has an SNMP manager function, collects MIBs from the cable modems 33, 33,... Using various registers and flag registers described later, sets polling time, and performs a retry. On the other hand, the control data and the user data are divided, the format of the total data is converted, etc., and the accounting data corresponding to the data amount for each data communication for each cable modem 33 is calculated.
Is output to the data charging server 35 via.

The data billing server 35 reads billing data from the SNMP management server 34, performs billing processing together with the billing total data for each user up to that point, and inputs the obtained new billing total data into the CATV billing data. Ethernet LAN1 after format conversion as data
4. Output to the CATV charging server 37 via the router 36.

The CATV billing server 37 reads the billing total data from the data billing server 35, inputs the billing data as communication billing for each user of the CATV network, and adds the billing data to other CATV network usage fees and the like. The processing is executed to create and output, for example, accounting data such as a monthly usage fee and report data describing items such as usage details.

Next, the charging operation for data communication according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of the main processing relating to charging by the SNMP management server 34. Initially, the mode flag indicating the transmission / reception state is set to "0" as an initial setting (step A1). Then, the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection of the MIB from the specific cable modem 33 is cleared to "0" (step A2). Further, the maximum number of the cable modems 33 subscribed and connected to the CATV network 2 at that time is set in the y register (step A3), and the value of the x register indicating the number of the cable modem 33 for which the accounting process is to be performed is set. Clear to "0"
(Step A4), and it is assumed that the initialization has been completed.

Next, after confirming that the value of the x register does not exceed the value of the y register which is the maximum value (step A5), "Get" requesting the MIB to the center modem 31 which is the SNMP agent is performed. Req
west (information request) ”processing (step A
6).

FIG. 5 shows the specific contents of the "Get Request" process. First, the IP (Int) of the x-th cable modem 33 is determined using the value of the x register.
(Ethernet Protocol) address or MAC
After transferring the address (also referred to as Ethernet address) to the register RE (step B1), it is determined whether the mode flag indicating the transmission / reception state is “0”, that is, the transmission state (step B2).

If it is determined that the mode flag is "0", then the transmission data number MIB-S is transmitted to the x-th cable modem 33 in order to make the MIB including the transmission data amount information S respond. The transfer setting is made to the register RE (step B3), and then the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 held in the register RE and the transmission data number MIB-S are used for the center modem 31 in advance. The “Get Request” signal is transmitted in the set format (step B4), and the first “Get Request”
“quest” processing ends.

In the main processing of FIG. 4, following the "Get Request" processing for the center modem 31, the "Get Request" for receiving a response from the center modem 31 is received.
A "Response (information request response)" process is executed (step A7).

FIG. 6 shows this “Get Response”.
This shows the specific contents of the processing.
After setting an arbitrary time t1 which is a time limit for receiving a response after transmitting a request by the "t Request" signal (step C1), a time t0 for measuring the time t1 is set.
The value of the register is cleared to the initial value "0" (step C2).

Thereafter, the value of the t0 register is changed to the time t1.
Is determined (step C3). If not, the "Get" from the center modem 31 is determined.
“Get Respo” corresponding to the “Request” signal
nse ”signal is received (step C).
4).

Here, when the “Get Response” signal is not received, the value of the t0 register is set to “+”.
1 "After the update setting (step C4), the processing from step C3 is repeatedly executed again.

In this way, the processing of steps C3 to C5 is repeatedly executed, and the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1 or the "Get Re
Wait for the reception of a "sponse" signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1, the center modem 31 outputs "Get R".
esponse "signal,
M from applicable cable modem 33 to center modem 31
Since the IB has been transmitted, it is confirmed that the mode flag is "0" indicating the transmission state (step C6), and whether or not the value of the n register indicating the number of collections is "1" That is, it is determined whether or not the same data has already been received once (step C7).

Here, if it is determined that the value of the n register is “0” instead of “1”, the information S on the amount of transmission data included in the received MIB is set and input to the register Sx holding the amount of transmission data. After that (step C8), the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is set to "1" again (step C9), and the process returns to step C1 again.

Next, an arbitrary time t1 is similarly set as the second round of processing (step C1), and the value of the t0 register is set to an initial value "0" (step C2).
To C5 are repeatedly executed until the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1 or the center modem 31
Waits for the reception of the “Get Response” signal from.

That is, “Get Response”
The signal is received twice from the center modem 31 at predetermined time intervals in response to the transmission of the above-mentioned “Get Request” signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1, the center modem 31 outputs "Get R".
When it is determined that the "esponse" signal has been received and that the corresponding cable modem 33 has transmitted the MIB to the center modem 31, it is confirmed that the mode flag is "0" indicating the transmission state. (Step C6) It is determined whether or not the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is “1” (Step C7).

Here, the value of the n register is stored in step C9.
Is determined to be "1" by the above process, and the information S of the transmission data amount included in the MIB received this time is determined.
Is determined to be the same as the value set and input to the register Sx in the previous reception, that is, whether or not the information S on the amount of transmitted data is highly reliable (step C10).

When it is determined that the two values are the same and are reliable, the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is cleared to “0” (step C11), followed by “Get Response”. The value of the t0 register holding the time required to obtain the signal reception is held and set in the Nx register holding the stability of the cable modem 33 (step C12). G
et Response "processing is terminated.

In step C3, the center modem 3
If it is determined that the value of the t0 register has exceeded the set time t1 without receiving the “Get Response” signal from the “Get Response” signal, the “Get Response” signal is received.
step "C1"
Proceeding to 1, the value of the n register indicating the number of acquisitions is cleared to "0", and the value of the t0 register at that time is set to Nx
The setting is held in the register (step C12), and the first “Get Response” process is completed.

If it is determined in step C10 that the transmission data amount information S contained in the MIB received this time is different from the value set and input to the register Sx in the previous reception, the value of the n register Is set to "1" (step C13), the information S on the amount of transmission data included in the MIB received this time is set again in the register Sx (step C14), and then "Ge" in FIG.
The processing of the "t Request" processing (step A6) is executed again.

However, in the main processing of FIG. 4, "Get Res" which receives the response from the center modem 31 is received.
When the "ponse" process is completed, the SNMP management server 3
4 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item to the center modem 31 (step A8).

FIG. 7 shows the specific contents of the "Set" processing.
Request (setting request) signal, and after setting an arbitrary time t2 which is a time limit for receiving a response from the data charging server 35 (step D1), clear the value of the t0 register for measuring the time t2. To an initial value “0” (step D2).

Thereafter, the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 is transferred and set to the register RE using the value of the x register (step D3).
After confirming that the de flag is "0" indicating the transmission state (step D4), the transmission data number MIB-S for making the cable modem 33 respond to the MIB including the information of the transmission data amount S is set. The transfer setting is made to the register RE (step D5), and the transmission data S = 0 is set to be transferred to the register RE (step D6).

The IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 held in the register RE, the transmission data number MIB-S, and the transmission data S = 0 are set in advance in the center modem 31. "Set Request" in the format described above.
An "st" signal is transmitted (step D7).

Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the t0 register has exceeded the time t2 arbitrarily set (step D).
8) If the number does not exceed “Set R” corresponding to the “Set Request” signal from the center modem 31,
It is determined whether or not an "esponse (setting request response)" signal has been received (step D9).

Here, when the “Set Response” signal is not received, the value of the t0 register is changed to “+”.
1) After the update setting (step D10), the processing from step D8 is repeated and executed again.

In this way, the processing of steps D8 to D10 is repeatedly executed, and the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t2, or the "Set R"
Wait for the reception of the "esponse" signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t2, the center modem 31 outputs "Set R".
esponse "signal,
Since the clear setting related to the transmission data amount information S and the like has been executed for the corresponding cable modem 33, the first "Set" process is completed.

If it is determined in step D08 that the value of the t0 register has exceeded the set time t2 without receiving the "Set Response" signal from the center modem 31, the process returns to step D1 again. Repeat the above process from the beginning.

In the main processing of FIG. 4, when the “Set” processing for clearing the center modem 31 is completed,
The SNMP management server 34 determines whether or not the mode flag is “1”, that is, the above-described steps A6 to A8 in the reception state.
(Step A)
9) Since the mode flag is not “1” but “0” indicating the transmission state here, the mode flag is set to “1” indicating the reception state again (step A1).
0), and the processing shifts to the processing from step A6 again.

The second step A6 “Get Req
In the “west” process, in the process of FIG. 5, first, the IP address or the MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 is transferred and set to the register RE using the value of the x register (step B1), and then the mode flag is set in the transmission state. Is determined (step B2).

Here, if it is determined that the mode flag is not “0” indicating the transmission state but “1” indicating the reception state, then the x-th cable modem 33 includes information R on the amount of received data. In order to respond to the MIB, the reception data number MIB-R is transferred and set to the register RE (step B5). Then, the IP address of the x-th cable modem 33 held in the register RE and the reception data number MIB-R are set. To “GetReq” in a format preset for the center modem 31 using
A “get” signal is transmitted (step B4), and the second “Get Request” process is completed.

In the main process of FIG. 4, following the "Get Request" process for the center modem 31, the "Get Request" which receives a response from the center modem 31 is received.
"Response" processing (step A
7).

As shown in FIG. 6, the second “Get Re
In the "sponse" process, the arbitrary time t1 is first set (step C1), and then the value of the t0 register is cleared to an initial value "0" (step C2).

Thereafter, the value of the t0 register is changed to the time t1.
Is determined (step C3). If not, “Get Re” from the center modem 31 is determined.
It is determined whether a "sponse" signal has been received (step C4).

If no “Get Response” signal is received, the value of the t0 register is changed to “+”.
1 "After the update setting (step C4), the processing from step C3 is repeatedly executed again.

Thus, the processing of steps C3 to C5 is repeatedly executed, and the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1, or the "Get Re
Wait for the reception of a "sponse" signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1, the center modem 31 outputs "Get R".
esponse "signal,
M from applicable cable modem 33 to center modem 31
Since the IB has been transmitted, after confirming that the mode flag is not “0” indicating the transmission state but “1” indicating the reception state (step C6), the n flag of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is checked. It is determined whether or not the value is “1”, that is, whether or not the same data has already been received once (step C15).

Here, if it is determined that the value of the n register is “0” instead of “1”, the information R of the received data amount included in the received MIB is set and input to the register Rx holding the received data amount. After that (step C16), the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is set to "1" again (step C17), and the process returns to step C1 again.

Next, an arbitrary time t1 is similarly set as the second round of processing (step C1), and the value of the t0 register is set to an initial value "0" (step C2).
To C5 are repeatedly executed until the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1 or the center modem 31
It waits for the second reception of the “Get Response” signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t1, the center modem 31 outputs "Get R".
It is determined that the “esponse” signal has been received, and when the corresponding cable modem 33 transmits the MIB to the center modem 31, the mode flag is set to “1” instead of “0”.
(Step C6), it is determined whether or not the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is “1” (Step C15).

Here, the value of the n register is stored in step C1.
Since it is set to "1" in the process of step 7, it is determined whether or not the information R of the received data amount included in the MIB received this time is the same as the value set and input to the register Rx in the previous reception. That is, it is determined whether the received data amount information R is highly reliable (step C1).
8).

If it is determined that the two values are the same and are reliable, the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection is cleared to “0” (step C11), followed by “Get Response”. The value of the t0 register holding the time required to obtain the signal reception is held and set in the Nx register holding the stability of the cable modem 33 (step C12). G
et Response "processing is terminated.

If it is determined in step C18 that the received data amount information R included in the MIB received this time is different from the value set and input to the register Rx in the previous reception, the value of the n register is determined. Is set to "1" (step C19), the information R of the amount of received data included in the MIB received this time is set again in the register Rx (step C20), and then "Ge" in FIG.
The processing of the "t Request" processing (step A6) is executed again.

In the main processing of FIG. 4, the response from the center modem 31 is “Get Response”.
When the "se" process is completed, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item for the center modem 31 (step A8).

As shown in FIG. 7, in the second "Set" process, after setting an arbitrary time t2 (step D1),
The value of the t0 register for measuring the time t2 is cleared to an initial value "0" (step D2).

Thereafter, the IP address of the x-th cable modem 33 is transferred and set to the register RE by using the value of the x register (step D3), and the mode flag indicates "reception state" instead of "0" indicating transmission state. After confirming that it is 1 "(step D4), the reception data number MIB-R for making the cable modem 33 respond to the MIB including the information of the reception data amount S is set in the register RE.
(Step D11), and further sets the received data R
= 0 is transferred to the register RE (step D1).
2).

The IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 held in the register RE, the reception data number MIB-R, and the reception data R = 0 are set in the center modem 31 in advance. "Set Request" in the format described above.
An "st" signal is transmitted (step D7).

Next, it is determined whether the value of the t0 register does not exceed the time t2 arbitrarily set (step D).
8) If the number does not exceed “Set R” corresponding to the “Set Request” signal from the center modem 31,
It is determined whether or not an “esponse” signal has been received (step D9).

If the “Set Response” signal has not been received, the value of the t0 register is changed to “+”.
1) After the update setting (step D10), the processing from step D8 is repeated and executed again.

In this way, the processing of steps D8 to D10 is repeatedly executed, and the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t2, or the "Set R"
Wait for the reception of the "esponse" signal.

Before the value of the t0 register exceeds the set time t2, the center modem 31 outputs "Set R".
esponse "signal,
Since the clear setting related to the received data amount information R and the like is executed for the corresponding cable modem 33, the second "Set" process is completed.

As described above, the information S on the transmission data amount and the information R on the reception data amount for the x-th cable modem 33 have been obtained. In the main processing of No. 4, after completion of the second “Set” processing, step A9 is executed.
, Where the mode flag indicates “1” indicating the reception state.
That is, the x-th cable modem 33
Data amount information S and received data amount information R with respect to
Confirm that you have completed the acquisition of the
After setting “0” indicating the transmission state in the e flag, the value of the x register is updated and set to “+1”, and the above-described step A is performed again.
The processing from step 5 is repeatedly executed.

As described above, while updating the value of x, the mode flag for each x-th cable modem 33 is set to "0" indicating the transmission state and to "1" indicating the reception state. ~ A8 processing once each for a total of 2
Each time, the information S of the transmission data amount and the information R of the reception data amount are obtained. Then, when the value of the x register exceeds the maximum value held in the y register, this is determined in step A5, and the information S on the transmission data amount for all the cable modems 33, 33,.
And the information R on the amount of received data.
The process returns to step A1 again.

Normally, all cable modems 3
Acquisition of the information S on the amount of transmission data and the information R on the amount of reception data for 3, 33,... Should normally be performed once a month because the fee is charged every month. However, here, it is assumed that this is performed a plurality of times a month, for example, about once a day, for the reason described later.

The accounting calculation performed based on the transmission data amount information S and the reception data amount information R acquired by the SNMP management server 34 is described below.
And the price P per bit (or byte), which is a unit of billing data, and the number of collections N per month, for example, the charge Pt per user per month Pt = (S1 + S2 + ... + SN + R1 + R2 + ... + RN
) × P.

Furthermore, in order to add the communication usage fee calculated by the above method as one item to the existing charging system for creating a CATV video viewing fee and creating a form, the existing charging system needs to have a user ID and its communication usage. Data entry is performed using various file formats such as text data or CSV describing the charge item number and the calculated charge separated by the symbol ",".

As described above, using the cable modems 33, 33,... Corresponding to the MIB, the amount of data transmitted and received by each cable modem 33, 33,. Server 34
The system calculates on the side and charges based on the total amount of data, so fees are calculated based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. Since the price is high and the user can easily be satisfied, the use of the Internet connection service can be further promoted.

The above-mentioned SNMP is the OSI of communication.
(Open system interconnection) UDP (User Datagram) of the transport layer of the protocol model
Protocol (Application) using TCP (Transmission Con
In contrast to an application that uses control protocol (control protocol), since retransmission control is not performed, communication is performed in which the destination of the transmitted data is not notified, and control data is small, but the reliability is low.

In order to overcome this problem, in the above-described embodiment, the MIB is continuously collected a plurality of times, data is collected within a predetermined time until the contents match, and the last read data is read continuously. In this case, charging is performed based on information on the amount of data contained in the MIB, so that an inexpensive and stable charging system suitable for the usage mode can be constructed.

[0112] With regard to collection of billing data, billing is normally performed on a monthly basis.
It is recommended that the access be performed several times.
Considering that it takes time to collect B, or overcoming the communication disabled state due to the failure of the SNMP management server 34 or the cable modem 33, as described above, for example, once a day, or at a predetermined time interval Data collection based on the contents is performed, and the transmission data amount / reception data amount held on the cable modem 33 side is always set to clear after the execution, and the information amount of the MIB collected each time is reduced. The collection time for... Can be reduced. In this case, the data amount for a maximum of one month is not stored in each cable modem 33, 33,.
Since the information is accumulated in the management server 34, the collection is performed reliably, and a highly reliable and stable accounting system can be realized.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a CATV system that provides an Internet connection service will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the general configuration of the entire system, FIG. 2 shows the frequency arrangement of signals transmitted on the CATV line, and FIG. 2 shows the conceptual configuration of the accounting system provided in the network manager 18. Are the same as those in FIG.
The same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a charging operation for data communication according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of the main processing relating to charging by the SNMP management server 34. The main processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed up to m times depending on the degree when the stability Nx is an incomplete value. The reason for the repetitive execution is added.

Initially, as an initial setting, the initial value is stored in all Nx registers that hold the stability for the cable modems 33 connected to all the x-th personal computers 32 from the “0” -th to the y-th described later. "0" is set (step E1), and the value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection of MIB from the cable modem 33 is cleared to "0" (step E2).

Next, after confirming that the value of the n register is smaller than the maximum value m (step E3),
The mode flag indicating the receiving state is set to "0" (step E4). Further, the maximum number of the cable modems 33 subscribed and connected to the CATV network 2 at that time is set in the y register (step E5), and the value of the x register indicating the number of the cable modem 33 for which the accounting process is to be performed is set. It is cleared to "0" (step E6), and it is assumed that the initial setting has been completed.

Next, after confirming that the value of the x register does not exceed the maximum value of the y register (step E7), the value of the Nx register corresponding to the value of the x register at this time is checked. It is determined whether or not the content is cleared and is "0" (step E8). If the content is "0", "Get Request (information request) for requesting MIB to the center modem 31 which is the SNMP agent" is requested. ) "Process (step E9).

The first “Get Request”
Since the specific contents of the processing are the same as those in FIG. 5, their illustration and detailed description are omitted, but the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 and the transmission data number MIB-S are To send a "Get Request" signal to the center modem 31.

After the “Get Request” processing, the SN
The MP management server 34 receives a response from the center modem 31 “Get Response (information request response)”
The process is executed (Step E10).

The first “Get Responses”
The specific contents of the "e" process are substantially the same as those in FIG. 6 as shown in FIG. 9, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted. However, after transmitting the request by the "Get Request" signal, If the "Get Response" signal is not received from the center modem 31 within this time t1, the value of the n register is cleared, unlike the case of FIG. The time t0 (t0> t) required for waiting for the response at that time without executing the process of step C11 to set it to "0"
1) is set in the Nx register that holds the stability (step C12), and then the content of the Sx register that holds nothing at this point is obtained, and after confirming that there is no content, the Sx register is cleared. (Step C21).

When the "Get Response" signal is received from the center modem 31 within the time t1, the center modem 31 is switched to the corresponding cable modem 33.
Only when the information S of the amount of transmission data included in the MIB received from is received twice and the contents are matched, the reliability of the information is ensured, and only when it is determined that they match, as shown in FIG. In step C12, the time t0 (t0≤t1) required for waiting for the response at that time is set in the Nx register without executing the process of step C11 in which the value of the n register is cleared to "0". After acquiring the information S on the amount of transmission data held in the register, the Sx register is cleared (step C21).

It is to be noted that whether or not the information S on the amount of transmission data included in the received MIB is the second time is as shown in FIG.
The value of the n register is “1” as in step C7 shown in FIG.
, Not S, as shown in step C7 '.
It is determined whether or not the information S of the transmission data amount is already held in the x register, and the step C in which “1” is set in the n register after the first reception in FIG.
Step 9 is not performed.

Further, when the contents do not match in the reception of the information S of the transmission data amount twice, without setting "1" to the n register as in step S13 in FIG. In step C14, the information S on the amount of transmission data received for the second time is set and input again to the register Sx, and then the above-mentioned “Get Request” processing (step E9) is executed again.

However, the first “Get Respo”
When the "nse" process is completed, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item for the center modem 31 (step E11).

Since the specific contents of the first "Set" process are the same as those in FIG. 7, their illustration and detailed description are omitted, but after setting the time t2, x
IP address or MAC of the third cable modem 33
Using the address, the transmission data number MIB-S, and the transmission data S = 0, "SetRe"
A "quest (setting request)" signal is transmitted, and the "Set Request" is sent from the center modem 31 within the time t2.
When the “Set Response (setting request response)” signal corresponding to the “t” signal is received, it is assumed that the clear setting related to the transmission data amount information S and the like has been executed for the corresponding cable modem 33.

However, when the "Set" process for clearing the center modem 31 for the first time is completed, the SNM
The P management server 34 determines whether or not the mode flag is “1”, that is, whether or not the processing in steps E9 to E11 has been completed in the reception state (step E1).
2) Here, since the mode flag is not “1” but “0” indicating the transmission state, the mode flag is set to “1” indicating the reception state again (step E1).
3) The processing shifts to the processing from step E9 again.

The second “Get Request”
In the process (step E9), a “Get Request” signal is transmitted to the center modem 31 using the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 and the received data number MIB-R.

After the second “Get Request” process, the SNMP management server 34 executes a “Get Response (information request response)” process of receiving a response from the center modem 31 (step E10).

The second “Get Responses”
In the “e” processing, as shown in FIG.
Request "Request" signal is transmitted, and an arbitrary time t1 is set as a time limit for receiving a response. Within this time t1, the center modem 31 sends a "Get Respo".
When the “nse” signal is not received, unlike the case of FIG. 6 described above, it is necessary to directly wait for a response at that time without executing the process of step C11 in which the value of the n register is cleared to “0”. The time t0 (t0> t1) obtained is set in the Nx register holding the stability, and then the Rx register holding the information R on the amount of received data is cleared (step C21).

When the "Get Response" signal is received from the center modem 31 within the time t1, the center modem 31 is switched to the corresponding cable modem 33.
6 is received twice and the reliability of the information is ensured by matching the contents thereof, and only when it is determined that they match, the information n in FIG. The time t0 (t0 ≦ t1) required for waiting for the response at that time is set in the Nx register without executing the process of step C11 in which the value of the register is cleared and set to “0”, and held in the Rx register. Of received data amount R
After that, the Rx register is cleared (step C21).

It should be noted that whether or not the received data amount information S included in the received MIB is the second time is determined by setting the value of the n register to "1" as shown in step C15 in FIG. , Not step C1 in FIG.
As shown in 5 ', it is determined whether or not the information R of the transmission data amount is already held in the Rx register, and "1" is stored in the n register after the first reception in FIG.
Is not performed in step C17.

Further, if the contents do not match in the reception of the information R of the received data amount twice, without setting "1" to the n register as in step S19 in FIG. After the information R of the received data amount received for the second time is set and input again to the register Rx (step C2).
0), the processing of the "Get Request" processing (step E9) is executed again.

However, the second “Get Respo”
When the "nse" process is completed, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item for the center modem 31 (step E11).

In the second “Set” processing,
After setting the time t2, the x-th cable modem 33
A "Set Request (setting request)" signal is transmitted to the center modem 31 by using the IP address or MAC address of the IP address, the transmission data number MIB-S, and the reception data R = 0, and the center modem 31 is transmitted within the time t2.
When a “Set Response (setting request response)” signal corresponding to the “Set Request” signal is received from the above, the clear setting related to the information R of the received data amount and the like is executed for the corresponding cable modem 33. I do.

When the "Set" process for performing the second clear setting of the center modem 31 is completed, the SNM
The P management server 34 confirms that the mode flag is "1" (step E12), and then proceeds to "Get Re"
Whether the value held in the Nx register corresponding to the x-th cable modem 33 that holds the time t0 required for waiting for a response in the “sponse” process as stability exceeds a preset threshold Ts (Ts <t1) Is determined (step E14).

Here, only when it is determined that the time t0 required for waiting for a response set in the Nx register exceeds the preset threshold value Ts, the reliability of the x-th cable modem 33 is determined. Is low, x
The contents of the Nx register corresponding to the register value are cleared to "0" (step E15).

If it is determined in step E14 that the time t0 required for waiting for a response set in the Nx register does not exceed the preset threshold value Ts,
Assuming that the reliability of the x-th cable modem 33 is sufficiently high, the processing in step E15 is not performed.

Thereafter, irrespective of the execution / non-execution of the processing of step E15, the value of the x register is updated and set to "+1" so as to repeat the same processing as described above for the next cable modem 33 (step E16). After setting the flag to "0" indicating the transmission state (step E1)
7) The processing from step E7 is repeatedly executed again.

As described above, while appropriately updating and setting the value of the x register, the data amount S of the transmission data and the data amount R of the reception data, which are considered to be highly reliable, are obtained. The time t0 required for waiting for a response is held in the Nx register as stability, and when the content exceeds a preset threshold value Ts, the content of the corresponding Nx register is cleared. .

When the value of the x register exceeds the maximum value held in the y register, this is determined in step E7, and the first round for all the first to y-th cable modems 33, 33,. Then, the value of the n register is updated and set to "+1" to "1" (step E18), and thereafter, the flow returns to step E3 again.

Then, it is confirmed that the value of the n register is smaller than the maximum value m (step E3), and "0" is set to a mode flag indicating a transmission / reception state (step E3).
4) Further, after setting the maximum number of the cable modems 33 in the y register (step E5), the value of the x register is cleared to "0" (step E6), and the initial setting is completed.

Next, after confirming that the value of the x register does not exceed the value of the y register which is the maximum value (step E7), the processing from step E8 is executed.

Here, in step E8, the data amount S of the transmission data and the data amount R of the reception data have already been obtained based on whether or not the content of the Nx register corresponding to the value of the x register is "0". It is determined whether or not the reliability of the cable modem 33 is low. If it is determined that the content of the Nx register is not “0” and some content is held, In step E15, the clear setting process is not performed. Therefore, it is determined that the reliability of the x-th cable modem 33 is low, and the processes in steps E9 to E13 are omitted. The register value is updated by "+1".

If it is determined in step E8 that the content of the Nx register is "0", the data amount S of the transmission data and the data amount R of the reception data have already been obtained.
Assuming that the reliability of the second cable modem 33 is low, the process proceeds to step E9 again.

As described above, while appropriately updating and setting the value of the x register, step E is performed only for the cable modem 33 for which the reliability of the cable modem 33 is determined to be low.
9 to E13 are executed again to obtain the data amount S of the transmission data and the data amount R of the reception data. At the same time, the time t0 required for the cable modem 33 to wait for the response is stored in the Nx register as the stability. If the contents exceed a preset threshold value Ts, the contents of the corresponding Nx register are cleared.

When the value of the x register exceeds the maximum value held in the y register, this is determined in step E7, and the second round for all the first to y-th cable modems 33, 33,. Then, the value of the n register is updated and set to "+1" to "1" (step E18), and thereafter, the flow returns to step E3 again.

By repeating such a process in the same manner as described above, the cable modem 3 determined to have low reliability is determined.
For only 3, the process is executed at most m times, and the value of the n register updated and set to “+1” at step E18 is not smaller than the maximum value m at step E3.
When it is determined that they are equal to each other, it is determined that the acquisition of the information S of the transmission data amount and the information R of the reception data amount for the cable modem 33 with low reliability is performed at most m times. All the registers are cleared, and the value of the n register is cleared to “0” in the following step E2.

As described above, if access is not possible due to a line failure in the installation environment, or if there is a large amount of traffic, it takes time to collect MIBs, or
In consideration of overcoming the communication disabled state due to the failure of the NMP management server 34 or the cable modem 33, data collection is set by increasing the number of times of collection to the maximum for those with low reliability as described above. By doing so, the communication data amount can be reliably collected from all of the cable modems 33, 33,..., And a highly reliable and stable billing system can be realized.

It should be noted that the accounting calculation based on the transmission data amount information S and the reception data amount information R acquired by the SNMP management server 34 and the accounting calculation for the CATV video viewing fee and the existing accounting system for creating a form are performed. The method for adding the communication usage fee as one item is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

(Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a CATV system that provides an Internet connection service will be described with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that FIG. 1 shows the general configuration of the entire system, FIG. 2 shows the frequency arrangement of signals transmitted on the CATV line, and FIG. 2 shows the conceptual configuration of the charging system provided in the network manager 18. Are the same as those in FIG.
The same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a charging operation for data communication according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the contents of the main processing relating to charging by the SNMP management server 34. The main processing shown in FIG. And a factor for changing the execution time.

Initially, as an initial setting, the initial value “0” is stored in all Nx registers that hold the stability for the cable modems 33 connected to all the x-th personal computers 32 from the “0” -th to the y-th described later. , A Zt counter that operates as a timer that measures the current time, which will be described later, and a Zi counter that measures the update cycle of the Zt counter are cleared to “0” (step F1). The value of the n register indicating the number of times of collection of the MIB from 33 is cleared to "0" (step F2).

Next, after confirming that the value of the n register is smaller than the maximum value m (step F3),
The mode flag indicating the receiving state is set to "0" (step F4). Further, the maximum number of cable modems 33 subscribed and connected to the CATV network 2 at that time is set in the y register (step F5), and the value of the x register indicating the number of the cable modem 33 for which the accounting process is to be performed is set. It is cleared to "0" (step F6), and it is assumed that the initial setting has been completed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the Zt counter for counting the current time has exceeded the content of the Zk register holding a predetermined time for performing the charging process, ie, whether or not the predetermined time for performing the charging process has been reached. It is determined whether or not it is not (Step F7).
After updating the register value to "+1" (step F
8) The process from step F3 is repeated again.

However, the Zt counter is periodically interrupted by the system clock of the SNMP management server 34 as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 12, the count value is set to a predetermined value while the value of the Zi counter is constantly updated and set to “+1”.
For example, a process of determining whether or not a value corresponding to one hour has been performed is repeatedly executed (steps G1 and G2).

When it is determined in step G1 that the count value of the Zi counter has reached a predetermined value,
The value of the t counter is updated and set to "+1" (step G3), the value of the Zi counter is cleared to "0" (step G4), and the SNMP management server 34 is set in accordance with the time held by the Zt counter. Sending an interrupt signal for executing the interrupt processing (step G5);
Is repeatedly executed.

In FIG. 10, when the processing of steps F3 to F8 is repeatedly executed as described above, n
The register value is sequentially updated and set in the range of “0” to “m”, and when it becomes “m”, this is determined in step F3, and the process is initialized to “0” in step F2. It is.

Then, by the processing shown in FIG.
The value of the t counter is updated and set, and
When the value of the Zt counter exceeds the content of the Zk register and the NMP management server 34 reaches a predetermined time for performing the charging process, the NMP management server 34 determines this in step F7, and
MIB for center modem 31 as P agent
Is executed (Step F9).

The first “Get Request”
Since the specific contents of the processing are the same as those in FIG. 5, their illustration and detailed description are omitted, but the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 and the transmission data number MIB-S are To send a "Get Request" signal to the center modem 31.

After the “Get Request” processing, the SN
The MP management server 34 receives a response from the center modem 31 “Get Response (information request response)”
The process is executed (Step F10).

The first “Get Responses”
As shown in FIG. 11, the specific contents of the “e” processing are substantially the same as those in FIGS. 6 and 9 described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. However, by transmitting a request using the “Get Request” signal, From the center modem 3 within the time t1.
When the “Get Response” signal is not received from 1, unlike the case of FIG. 6 described above, the process of step C11 of clearing the value of the n register and setting it to “0” is not performed, and the response at that time is performed. Time to wait t0 (t0
> T1) is set in the Nx register holding the stability (step C12), and the count value of the Zt counter at that time is held at the time when the accounting process corresponding to the x-th cable modem 33 is executed. And transfer setting to the Zx register (step C31).

Then, the value of the x register at this time is transferred and set to the Wx register designating the cable modem 33 to be charged (step C32), and then the contents of the Sx register holding nothing at this time Is acquired, and after confirming that there is no content, the Sx register is cleared (step C21).

When the “Get Response” signal is received from the center modem 31 within the time t 1, the center modem 31 transmits the signal to the corresponding cable modem 33.
Only when the information S of the amount of transmission data included in the MIB received from is received twice and the contents are matched, the reliability of the information is ensured, and only when it is determined that they match, as shown in FIG. In step C12, the time t0 (t0 ≤ t1) required for waiting for a response at that time is set in the Nx register without executing the process of step C11 in which the value of the n register is cleared to "0". C12) Then, the count value of the Zt counter at that time is transferred and set to a Zx register for holding the time at which the accounting process corresponding to the x-th cable modem 33 is executed (step C31).

Next, the value of the x register at this time is set to be transferred to the Wx register designating the cable modem 33 to be charged (step C32), and the contents of the Sx register holding nothing at this time are stored. Is acquired, and after confirming that there is no content, the Sx register is cleared (step C21).

It is to be noted that whether or not the information S on the amount of transmission data included in the received MIB is the second time is as shown in FIG.
The value of the n register is “1” as in step C7 shown in FIG.
, Not S, as shown in step C7 '.
It is determined whether or not the information S of the transmission data amount is already held in the x register, and the step C in which “1” is set in the n register after the first reception in FIG.
Step 9 is not performed.

Further, when the contents do not match in the reception of the information S on the transmission data amount twice, without setting "1" to the n register as in step S13 in FIG. In step C14, the information S on the amount of transmission data received for the second time is set and input again to the register Sx, and then the above-mentioned “Get Request” processing (step E9) is executed again.

However, the first “Get Respo”
When the "nse" process is completed, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item for the center modem 31 (step F11).

Since the specific contents of the first "Set" process are the same as those in FIG. 7, their illustration and detailed description are omitted, but after setting the time t2, x
IP address or MAC of the third cable modem 33
Using the address, the transmission data number MIB-S, and the transmission data S = 0, "SetRe"
A "quest (setting request)" signal is transmitted, and the "Set Request" is sent from the center modem 31 within the time t2.
When the “Set Response (setting request response)” signal corresponding to the “t” signal is received, it is assumed that the clear setting related to the transmission data amount information S and the like has been executed for the corresponding cable modem 33.

However, when the “Set” process for performing the first clear setting of the center modem 31 is completed, the SNM
The P management server 34 determines whether or not the mode flag is “1”, that is, whether or not the processing in steps F9 to F11 has been completed in the reception state (step F1).
2) Since the mode flag is not “1” but “0” indicating the transmission state, the mode flag is set to “1” indicating the reception state again (step F1).
3) Then, the process returns to the process from step F9.

The second “Get Request”
In the process (step F9), a “Get Request” signal is transmitted to the center modem 31 using the IP address or MAC address of the x-th cable modem 33 and the received data number MIB-R.

After the second "Get Request" process, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Get Response (information request response)" process for receiving a response from the center modem 31 (step F10).

This second “Get Responses”
In the “e” process, as shown in FIG.
Request "Request" signal is transmitted, and an arbitrary time t1 is set as a time limit for receiving a response, and "Get Resp" is sent from the center modem 31 within this time t1.
If the “onse” signal is not received,
Unlike the case of (1), the time t0 (t0> t1) required for directly waiting for a response at that time is maintained without performing the process of step C11 in which the value of the n register is cleared and set to "0". Register, and then Z
The count value of the t counter is transferred and set to the Zx register (step C31).

Next, the value of the x register at this time is transferred and set to the Wx register (step C32). At this point, the contents of the Sx register that holds nothing at this time are obtained, and after confirming that there is no contents, It is assumed that the Sx register is cleared (step C21).

When the “Get Response” signal is received from the center modem 31 within the time t 1, the center modem 31 transmits the signal to the corresponding cable modem 33.
6 is received twice and the reliability of the information is ensured by matching the contents thereof, and only when it is determined that they match, the information n in FIG. The time t0 (t0 ≦ t1) required for waiting for the response at that time is directly set in the Nx register without executing the process of step C11 in which the value of the register is cleared and set to “0”. The count value of the Zt counter is transferred and set to the Zx register (step C31).

Next, the value of the x register at this time is transferred and set to the Wx register (step C32), and after the information R on the amount of received data held in the Rx register is obtained, the Rx register is cleared (step C32). Step C2
1).

It is to be noted that whether or not the received data amount information S included in the received MIB is the second time is determined by setting the value of the n register to "1" as shown in step C15 in FIG. , Not the step C1 in FIG.
As shown in 5 ', it is determined whether or not the information R of the transmission data amount is already held in the Rx register, and "1" is stored in the n register after the first reception in FIG.
Is not performed in step C17.

Further, if the contents do not match in the reception of the information R of the received data amount twice, without setting "1" to the n register as in step S19 in FIG. After the information R of the received data amount received for the second time is set and input again to the register Rx (step C2).
0), the processing of the "Get Request" processing (step E9) is executed again.

However, the second "Get Respo"
When the "nse" process is completed, the SNMP management server 34 executes a "Set" process for clearing each collection item for the center modem 31 (step F11).

In the second “Set” processing,
After setting the time t2, the x-th cable modem 33
A "Set Request (setting request)" signal is transmitted to the center modem 31 by using the IP address or MAC address of the IP address, the transmission data number MIB-S, and the reception data R = 0, and the center modem 31 is transmitted within the time t2.
When a “Set Response (setting request response)” signal corresponding to the “Set Request” signal is received from the above, the clear setting related to the information R of the received data amount and the like is executed for the corresponding cable modem 33. I do.

When the "Set" process for performing the second clear setting of the center modem 31 is completed, the SNM
The P management server 34 confirms that the mode flag is “1” (step F12), and then determines whether the value of the n register is “0” (step F14).

If it is determined that the value of the n register is not “0”, then the value held in the Nx register corresponding to the (x + 1) th cable modem 33, which is “+1” to the value of the x register at that time, is “0”. Is determined (step F15).

If it is determined in step F15 that the value held in the Nx register corresponding to the (x + 1) th cable modem 33 is "0",
If it is determined in step 14 that the value of the n register is "0", it is determined that the processing of steps F9 to F11 in the first cycle for "0" to y-th cable modems 33, 33, ... has not been completed. Therefore, the value of the x register is updated and set to “+1” again (step F20), and the updated and set value of the x register is updated for all the cable modems 33 and 3.
It is confirmed that the value is less than the value of the y register holding the number of 3,... (Step F21), and “0” is set in the mode register to acquire the data amount S of the transmission data (step F26). The process returns to step F7 again.

Thus, the above steps F7, F9 to F1
3, F9 to F12, F14, (F15), F20, F2
By repeatedly executing the processing of 1, F26, “0” to y
.., The time at which the accounting process is executed, the modem number, the data amount of the transmission data, and the data amount of the reception data corresponding to this time.

Then, in step F20, the value of the x register is updated and set to "+1". When it is determined in step F21 that the updated value is equal to the value of the y register,
Since the acquisition of the various data corresponding to all the cable modems 33, 33,... Has been completed, the value of the n register is reset to "1" again (step F).
22), the value of the x register is cleared to “0” (step F23), and after the value of the Zk register is cleared (step F24), the mode is changed to “mode” in step F26.
"0" is set in the register, and the process returns to the process from step F7 again.

Here, steps F7, F9 to F13, F
9 to F12 are performed again, and the stability corresponding to the “0” th cable modem 33, the time at which the accounting process is performed, the modem number corresponding to this time, the data amount of the transmission data, and the data amount of the reception data Is obtained again, the value of the n register is not “0” in step F14, and the (x + 1) th, that is, “1” in step F15
If the value held in the Nx register corresponding to the second cable modem 33 has already been acquired and it is determined that the value is not "0", the respective cable modems 33, 33,.
Shifts to processing related to

That is, each cable modem 3 in the second round
In the processing relating to 3, 33,..., After confirming that the value of the x register is smaller than the value of the y register (step F16), the current time is set in step C3 in FIG.
It is determined whether or not it is time to execute the accounting process for the x-th cable modem 33 set in the Zx register in step 2 (step F18). If it is not the time set in the Zx register, the value of the x register is changed. After the “+1” update setting (step F19), the processing from step F6 is performed again.

As described above, steps F16, F18, F1
9, the current time is set in the Zx register while updating the value of the x register.
It is sequentially determined whether or not it is time to execute the accounting process of the third cable modem 33.

However, if it is determined that the value of the x register updated and set in step F16 becomes equal to the value of the y register, the value of the x register is cleared to "0" (step F17), and then the process returns to step F16. Return to

Then, in step F18, the current time is Z
x-th cable modem 3 set in x register
When it is determined that it is time to execute the charging process of No. 3,
The modem number held in the Wx register is set in the x register corresponding to the time at which the accounting process is executed (step F25), the process proceeds to step F26, and "0" is set in the mode register. The process moves to the process from step F7.

In this case, the contents of the Zk register which originally holds the time for starting the first round of charging processing for all the cable modems 33, 33,... Have been cleared in step F24. It is possible to unconditionally shift to the accounting processing of step F9 and subsequent steps via this step F7.

In this way, the time at which the accounting process can be executed with high stability for all the cable modems 33, 33,... Thereafter, when the current time reaches the set time, the corresponding modem number is read out and the accounting process for the cable modem 33 is executed.

Therefore, each cable modem 33, 3
Considering the reliability of charging information that varies depending on the time of day depending on the installation environment of 3, etc., set a time zone in which data can be collected with high reliability and perform data collection. , The amount of communication data can be reliably collected from all of the cable modems 33, 33,..., And a highly reliable and stable charging system can be realized.

It should be noted that the billing calculation performed based on the information S on the amount of transmission data and the information R on the amount of reception data acquired by the SNMP management server 34, and the accounting calculation for the existing charging system for creating CATV video viewing charges and forms. The method for adding the communication usage fee as one item is the same as that described in the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the first to third embodiments, the center modem 31 (13) is provided to connect the CATV network 2 and the Ethernet LAN 14, and all the personal computers 32, 32,. MIB including billing information from cable modems 33, 33, ...
However, it is also conceivable that a personal computer 32 'and a cable modem 33', which are not connected to the Internet but are only connected to the LAN, are connected to the CATV network 2.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration of the billing system in such a case.
In addition to (13), RMON (remote network
(or monitoring) probe 41 and RMO
An N manager 42 may be provided. That is, data coming from the cable modems 33, 33 ',
Alternatively, data flowing to the center modem 31 is transmitted via the center modem 31 to the central Ethernet LAN 14b.
Appear on top.

Therefore, the Ethernet LAN 14b
The RMON probe 41 for monitoring data is connected between the Ethernet LAN 14a and the Ethernet LAN 14a.
It is assumed that data flowing on the AN 14b is collected. R
The data collected by the MON probe 41 is transmitted to the Ethernet LAN 14a via the Ethernet LAN 14a.
And the RMON manager 42 connected between the Ethernet LAN 14c.

The RMON manager 42 converts the data collected by the RMON probe 41 by IP address or MA.
The data is totaled for each C address and sent to the data charging server 35. The data accounting server 35 performs an accounting process calculation,
The obtained billing data is sent to the CATV billing server 37, and the CATV billing server 37 bills each user, so that a billing system process based on the data is performed.

In the figure, the Web server 44 connected to the Ethernet LAN 14c converts the billed data into the HTML format so that the billing display for each user can be displayed on the Web. Things.

This is because the Web server 44 sends the CGI
Requests the data of the requested user from the data charging server 35, receives the data from the data charging server 35, converts the data into HTML format data based on the data, and displays a billing statement for each user. Is displayed.

In order to ensure the security of the user, when accessing the Web server 44, the password is verified in the management of the Web server 44. On the other hand, the router 36 is designed to prevent unauthorized access from the external Internet. It is installed to protect the billing data, and is configured to permit only access from specified terminals and administrative users.

Further, the WAN probe 43 connected to the Ethernet LAN 14a is not particularly related to the billing data system, monitors data traffic between externally connected Internet providers, and increases the number of lines according to the data amount. This shows another role of the RMON manager 42.

[0206]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to the connection time. Since it is easy to obtain, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the reliability of the actually transmitted / received data amount is improved, and charging based on the accurate data amount is executed. Can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the management for a low-reliability terminal modem which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained is performed. Since the information reading cycle is set short and the frequency of reading is increased, noise is likely to occur due to the installation environment, etc., and even a low-reliability terminal modem can be charged based on the accurate data amount. can do.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, a low-reliability terminal modem having a large number of readings until a match is obtained at a predetermined time is provided. Since the time at which the management information is read next is changed and set, noise is likely to occur at a specific time depending on the installation environment and the like, and the time zone is considered even for a low-reliability terminal modem. Charging can be performed based on an accurate data amount.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a first-type terminal modem connected to a data processing device performing data communication with an external computer network via a CATV network is connected to an external computer network. Is distinguished from the second type terminal modem to which the data processing device which is not performing data communication with the first type is connected, and the first type terminal modem is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. As compared with a system that performs charging according to the above, the legitimacy is higher and the user is more convinced, so that the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to the connection time, and the user can easily be satisfied. Therefore, use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reliability of the actually transmitted / received data amount is improved, and charging based on the accurate data amount is executed. Can be.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the management for a low-reliability terminal modem, which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained, is performed. Since the information reading cycle is set short and the frequency of reading is increased, noise is likely to occur due to the installation environment, etc., and even a low-reliability terminal modem can be charged based on the accurate data amount. can do.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect of the present invention, a low-reliability terminal modem which has a large number of readings until a match is obtained at a predetermined time is provided. Since the time at which the management information is read next is changed and set, noise is likely to occur at a specific time depending on the installation environment and the like, and the time zone is considered even for a low-reliability terminal modem. Charging can be performed based on an accurate data amount.

According to the tenth aspect, CATV
A first type terminal modem connected to a data processing device that is performing data communication with an external computer network via a network is connected to a data processing device that is not performing data communication with the external computer network. It is distinguished from the second type of terminal modem, and the first type of terminal modem is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. Since the price is high and the user is easily satisfied, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, billing is performed based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received, and the legitimacy is higher than that of a system that performs billing according to the connection time, so that the user can easily be satisfied. Therefore, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

According to the twelfth aspect, CATV
A first type terminal modem connected to a data processing device that is performing data communication with an external computer network via a network is connected to a data processing device that is not performing data communication with the external computer network. The terminal modem of the second type is correctly identified, and the terminal modem of the first type is charged based on the amount of data actually transmitted and received. Since it is easy to get the user's consent easily, the use of the connection service to the computer network can be further promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying a frequency arrangement of signals transmitted on the CATV line according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a conceptual configuration of a charging system according to the embodiment including peripheral devices;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a main process according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing “Get Requests” according to the embodiment.
The flowchart which shows the subroutine content of "t" process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing “Get Responses” according to the embodiment;
The flowchart which shows the subroutine content of "e" process.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of “Set” processing according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of main processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows “Get Responses” according to the embodiment.
The flowchart which shows the subroutine content of "e" process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a main process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing “Get Response” according to the embodiment.
The flowchart which shows the subroutine content of "se" process.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart showing the contents of a timer interrupt process according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another conceptual configuration of the charging system according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, including peripheral devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CATV station 2 ... CATV network 3 ... CATV line 4 ... CATV subscriber's house 5 ... School / public institution 6 ... Internet 11 ... Head end (HE) 12 ... Translator 13 ... Cable modem (CM) 14, 14a-14c ... Ethernet LAN 15 ... Firewall (FW) 16 ... DMZ 17 ... Internet terminal 18 ... Network management manager 19 ... Internet server 20 ... Gateway (GW) 21 ... Gateway router 31 ... Center modem 32,32 '... Personal computer 33,33' ... Cable modem 34 SNMP management server 35 Data charging server 36 Router 37 CATV charging server 41 RMON probe 42 RMON manager 43 WAN probe 44 Web server

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A bidirectional CATV network, a terminal modem connected between the bidirectional CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal, and holding management information including data traffic by the data processing device; It is provided in a center device of a bidirectional CATV network, connects an external computer network to the CATV network, and responds to a request corresponding to a request sent from the terminal modem via an upstream channel of the CATV network. And a management server for reading management information held by the terminal modem and charging the data according to the amount of data communication of the terminal modem. A communication system using a CATV network. 2. The CATV network according to claim 1, wherein the management server device reads the management information from each terminal modem a plurality of times and obtains a match between them, thereby ensuring the reliability of the data communication amount. Communication system using. 3. The management server device reads management information continuously a plurality of times until a match is obtained from each terminal modem.
2. The CAT according to claim 1, wherein the cycle of reading the management information is variably set according to the number of times of reading until a match is obtained.
A communication system using a V network. 4. The management server device reads the management information continuously from the terminal modems a plurality of times at a predetermined time until a match is obtained, and then determines the management information based on the number of readings until the match is obtained. 2. The communication system using a CATV network according to claim 1, wherein the time at which the data is read is variably set. 5. A first type of terminal which is connected between a bidirectional CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal and holds management information including data traffic by the data processing device. A second type of terminal modem connected between the bidirectional CATV network and a data processing device serving as a terminal and not holding management information including data traffic by the data processing device; It is provided in the center device of the bidirectional CATV network, connects an external computer network to the CATV network, and connects the first type of terminal modem to the CATV network.
According to the request sent via the upstream channel of the network,
A network server for distributing corresponding data from the computer network via a down channel of the CATV network; and monitoring the management information for the first and second terminal modems, and holding the management information. A communication system using a CATV network, comprising: a management server device that reads the management information from the first type of terminal modem and charges the data according to the data communication amount. 6. A center device of a bidirectional CATV network in which a terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal is provided, wherein the terminal modem has a data communication volume by a connected data processing device. In response to a request sent from the terminal modem via the upstream channel of the CATV network, the corresponding data is stored in the computer network by connecting the external computer network to the CATV network. From the above CAT
CATV characterized by comprising network server means for distributing via a downstream channel of a V network, and management server means for reading management information held by the terminal modem and billing according to the data traffic. Network center equipment. 7. The CATV network according to claim 6, wherein said management server means reads the management information from each terminal modem a plurality of times and obtains a match between them, thereby ensuring the reliability of the data communication amount. Center equipment. 8. The management server means reads the management information a plurality of times continuously until a match is obtained from each terminal modem,
7. The CAT according to claim 6, wherein the cycle of reading the management information is variably set according to the number of times of reading until a match is obtained.
V network center device. 9. The management server device reads the management information a plurality of times continuously from each terminal modem at a predetermined time until a match is obtained, and then reads the management information based on the number of times of reading until the match is obtained. 7. The CATV network center apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the time at which the data is read is variably set. 10. A center device of a bidirectional CATV network in which a terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal is provided, wherein the terminal modem has a data communication volume by a connected data processing device. And a second type of terminal modem that does not hold the management information and that connects the external computer network to the CATV network. In response to a request sent from the terminal modem via the upstream channel of the CATV network, corresponding data is transmitted from the computer network to the CAT.
Network server means for distributing via a downstream channel of a V network; and a first type of terminal which monitors the management information for the first and second terminal modems and holds the management information. And a management server means for reading the management information from the modem and charging the data in accordance with the amount of data communication. 11. A bidirectional CATV network center device in which a terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal is provided.
Network, and in accordance with a request sent from the terminal modem via the upstream channel of the CATV network, corresponding data is transmitted from the computer network to the C network.
A billing method used for a service distributed via a down channel of an ATV network, wherein the terminal modem holds management information including data traffic by a connected data processing device, A method of reading management information held by the server and charging based on the amount of data communication. 12. A bidirectional CATV having a first type terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal.
A network center device connects an external computer network to the CATV network and, in accordance with a request sent from the first type terminal modem via an upstream channel of the CATV network, stores corresponding data in the network. A billing method used for a service distributed from a computer network via a downlink channel of the CATV network, the management method including a data communication amount by a data processing device connected to the first type terminal modem. In addition to the first-type terminal modem, the second-type terminal modem for connecting a data processing device to each terminal, which does not hold the management information, is connected to the first-type terminal modem. CATV
The management information is monitored for the first and second terminal modems, and the management information is read out from the first type terminal modem holding the management information. A billing method characterized in that billing is performed according to the data traffic.