WO2008050400A1

WO2008050400A1 - Communication management apparatus, communication terminal apparatus, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008050400A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Shibasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-10-24
Filing date: 2006-10-24
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: JPWO2008050400A1; JP4859930B2

Abstract

A communication management apparatus (110) manages communication between a first communication terminal apparatus (120) and a second communication terminal apparatus (130). A receiving part (111) receives, from the first communication terminal apparatus (120), a connection request that requests a connection to the second communication terminal apparatus (130) and that includes both first identification information associated with information related to the first communication terminal apparatus (120) and second identification information not associated with the information related to the first communication terminal apparatus (120). A connecting part (112) uses the second identification information, which is included in the connection request received by the receiving part (111), to connect the first communication terminal apparatus (120) to the second communication terminal apparatus (130). A charging part (113) uses the first identification information to charge the first communication terminal apparatus (120) for the connection made by the connecting part (112).

Description

Specification

Communication management device, communication terminal device, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium

Technical field

The present invention relates to a communication management device, a communication management method, a communication management program, and a recording medium that manage connection to a communication line. The present invention also relates to a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium that perform communication using a communication line. However, use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described communication management device, communication terminal device, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, in road traffic information communication systems such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), vehicle running state information detected by a roadside sensor installed on the road side is used. Generate road traffic information. In addition, a technology has been proposed that provides more real-time road traffic information based on data transmitted (uplink) of the vehicle power actually traveling on the road (for example, the following patent document).

See 1. ).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-276209

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, according to the above-described prior art, the data to which the vehicle power is also uplinked includes information for identifying the uplink source vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle identification information” t). /! For this reason, it is possible to track a specific vehicle by monitoring data including specific vehicle identification information, and there is a problem that privacy of a vehicle occupant may be infringed. In this way, if the vehicle power is also likely to infringe on privacy by uplinking data, the user is reluctant to provide the data. For this reason, the number of data used as the basis of road traffic information decreases, and the problem that the accuracy of road traffic information falls is an example. [0005] Further, in this case, it is considered that vehicle identification information is not included in uplink data, or privacy is protected by using anonymous vehicle identification information. When using a communication line for sending messages, communication is performed by sending a communication ID indicating the communication source for the connection. In the case of a communication means dedicated for the service, such as a beacon device installed on the roadside, the service provider bears the communication fee without specifying the vehicle regardless of which vehicle communicates. However, when using general commercial communication means such as a mobile communication network, the ID used for communication is generally associated with information that identifies the terminal or user because it involves a billing process for communication charges. Is used. Therefore, the problem that the connected vehicle and the user can be identified by using the communication line is an example. Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication management device according to the invention of claim 1 is a communication management device that manages communication between a first communication terminal device and a second communication terminal device. The second identification information includes first identification information associated with information relating to the first communication terminal device and second identification information not associated with information relating to the first communication terminal device. The first communication terminal device receives a connection request from the first communication terminal device, and the second identification information included in the connection request received by the reception device. Connecting means for connecting the communication terminal apparatus to the second communication terminal apparatus; and charging means for performing charging processing to the first communication terminal apparatus for connection by the connecting means using the first identification information; It is characterized by providing.

[0007] Further, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 2 includes first identification information associated with information relating to the own device and second identification information not associated with information relating to the own device. A transmission unit that transmits a connection request to another communication terminal device to a communication management device that manages a connection with the other communication terminal device, and a result of transmission of the connection request by the transmission unit as a result of the communication management. And a communication unit configured to communicate with the other communication terminal device using the second identification information when connected to the other communication terminal device by a device.

[0008] The communication management method according to the invention of claim 4 includes the first communication terminal device and the second communication. A communication management method for managing communication with a terminal device, wherein the first identification information associated with information about the first communication terminal device is not associated with information about the first communication terminal device A reception step of receiving from the first communication terminal device a connection request to the second communication terminal device including second identification information; and a second request included in the connection request received in the reception step. A connection step of connecting the first communication terminal device to the second communication terminal device using the identification information, and a billing process to the first communication terminal device for the connection in the connection step. And a charging step performed using the first identification information.

[0009] Further, the communication method according to the invention of claim 5 includes other first identification information associated with information relating to the own device and second identification information not associated with information relating to the own device. A transmission step of transmitting a connection request to a communication terminal device to a communication management device that manages connection with the other communication terminal device, and a result of the connection request being transmitted by the transmission step, the communication management device And a communication step for communicating with the other communication terminal device using the second identification information when connected to the other communication terminal device.

[0010] A communication management program according to the invention of claim 6 causes a computer to execute the communication management method according to claim 4.

[0011] In addition, a communication program according to the invention of claim 7 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 5.

[0012] Further, a recording medium according to the invention of claim 8 is readable by a communication management program according to claim 6 or a computer recording the communication program according to claim 7. .

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management device. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication processing by the first communication terminal device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection processing to the communication line by the navigation device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management server.

Explanation of symbols

[0014] 100 communication system

110 Communication management device

111 Receiver

112 connections

113 Billing Department

120 First communication terminal device

121 generator

122 Transmitter

123 Communications Department

130 Second communication terminal device

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of a communication management device, a communication terminal device, a communication management method, a communication method, a communication management program, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Explained.

[0016] (Embodiment)

First, a functional configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. A communication system 100 according to the embodiment includes a communication management device 110, a first communication terminal device 120, and a second communication terminal device 130.

The communication management device 110 includes a receiving unit 111, a connecting unit 112, and a charging unit 113. Communication between the first communication terminal apparatus 120 and the second communication terminal apparatus 130 is managed. Receiving section 111 includes first identification information associated with information relating to first communication terminal apparatus 120, and second identification information not associated with information relating to first communication terminal apparatus 120. A connection request to the second communication terminal device 130 is received from the first communication terminal device 120.

[0018] The first identification information is information related to the first communication terminal device 120, for example, the terminal unique ID of the first communication terminal device 120, the name and address of the user of the first communication terminal device 120, the bank Associated with information such as account number. The first identification information may be information about the first communication terminal device 120 itself.

[0019] Also, the second identification information is not associated with information related to the first communication terminal apparatus 120, and the first communication terminal apparatus 120 cannot be uniquely specified by itself. The second identification information is, for example, an arbitrary character string generated by the first communication terminal device 120. Further, for example, the second identification information is an arbitrary character string or the like generated by the second communication terminal apparatus 130 and may be acquired by the first communication terminal apparatus 120 in advance. Good. The second identification information may be different each time the first communication terminal apparatus 120 performs communication.

The connection unit 112 connects the first communication terminal device 120 and the second communication terminal device 130 using the second identification information included in the connection request received by the reception unit 111. For example, connection unit 112 replaces the transmission source of data transmitted from first communication terminal apparatus 120 to second communication terminal apparatus 130 with the second identification information. Further, for example, when the transmission destination of data transmitted from second communication terminal apparatus 130 is the second identification information, the data is transmitted to first communication terminal apparatus 120.

[0021] In addition, for example, when the payment of the connection fee from the first communication terminal device 120 is delayed as a result of the charging process by the charging unit 113 described later, the connection unit 112 receives the second communication terminal device. Don't make a connection to 130.

Billing unit 113 performs billing processing to first communication terminal device 120 for connection by connection unit 112 using the first identification information. Billing unit 113, for example, sets the connection fee for connection with second communication terminal device 130 as the first communication identified by the first identification information. The user of the communication terminal device 120 is charged. Further, the charging unit 113 may charge together the connection fee to the communication terminal device other than the second communication terminal device 130 by the first communication terminal device 120. For example, the charging unit 113 may charge a connection fee according to the connection time and the communication amount between the first communication terminal device 120 and the second communication terminal device 130, or may be fixed every predetermined period. A connection fee may be charged.

Next, a functional configuration of first communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. The first communication terminal device 120 includes a generation unit 121, a transmission unit 122, and a communication unit 123. The generation unit 121 generates second identification information. For example, the generation unit 121 generates second identification information every time the first communication terminal device 120 performs communication. The generation unit 121 may newly generate the second identification information for every predetermined event (for example, turning on or off the vehicle engine) or every predetermined period, for example. The first communication terminal device 120 is replaced with the generation unit 121 or together with the generation unit 121 from the plurality of second identification information generated in advance by the generation unit 121 or the communication management device 100. A selection unit for selecting the second identification information used for the communication request may be provided.

[0024] The transmitting unit 122 is associated with the first identification information associated with the information related to the own device and the information related to the own device, and includes other communication terminal devices (seconds) including the second identification information. For example, a connection request to the second communication terminal apparatus 130) is transmitted to the communication management apparatus 110 that manages connections with other communication terminal apparatuses. Details of the first identification information and the second identification information are as described for the communication management apparatus 110. For example, the transmission unit 122 transmits a connection request including the second identification information generated by the generation unit 121 to the communication management apparatus 110. In addition, the transmission unit 122 transmits a connection request including the second identification information selected by the selection unit in the current connection request.

[0025] When the communication unit 123 is connected to another communication terminal device by the communication management device 110 as a result of the transmission of the connection request transmitted by the transmission unit 122, the communication unit 123 uses the second identification information to transmit the other communication terminal device. Communicate with. For example, the communication unit 123 performs communication using the transmission source of data to be transmitted to another communication terminal device as the second identification information.

[0026] Next, processing by the communication system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management apparatus 110. In the flowchart of Figure 2 In the communication management apparatus 110, first, the reception unit 111 receives a connection request to the second communication terminal apparatus 130 from the first communication terminal apparatus 120 (step S201). This connection request includes the first identification information and the second identification information.

Next, the connection unit 112 connects the first communication terminal device 120 to the second communication terminal device 130 using the second identification information (step S202). Then, the billing unit 113 performs the billing process for the first communication terminal device 120 using the first identification information (step S203), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated. Note that a step for authenticating the first communication terminal device 120 using the first identification information may be added after step S201.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure by the first communication terminal apparatus.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first communication terminal apparatus 120 first generates second identification information used for the current connection by generation unit 121 (step S301). Next, the transmission unit 122 transmits a connection request to the second communication terminal apparatus 130 including the first identification information and the second identification information to the communication management apparatus 110 (step S302).

[0029] When the communication management device 110 is connected to the second communication terminal device 130 (step S303: Yes), the communication unit 123 communicates with the second communication terminal device 130 (step S304). Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, when the power is not connected to the second communication terminal device 130 (step S303: No), communication is not performed and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0030] As described above, according to the communication management apparatus 110, the first identification information associated with the information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus 120, the information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus 120, The connection between the first communication terminal device 120 and the second communication terminal device 130 is managed using the second identification information that is not associated. Specifically, the first communication terminal device 120 is charged using the first identification information, and the first communication terminal device 120 and the second communication terminal device 130 are used using the second identification information. Connect with. As a result, the first communication terminal device 120 that does not transmit the information associated with the information identifying the first communication terminal device 120 or its owner to the second communication terminal device 130 is Personal information of the owner of the first communication terminal device 120 that can communicate with the communication terminal device 130 Can be protected.

[0031] Also, the first communication terminal device 120 newly generates the second identification information or selects a plurality of second identification information powers to be used for the current transmission request. I can do it. For this reason, it is possible to connect to the second communication terminal apparatus 130 using the second identification information that is different for each connection. From the identity of the second identification information, the first communication terminal apparatus 120 It can be prevented from being specified.

[0032] In particular, when information is transmitted anonymously from the first communication terminal device 120, anonymity is used when it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when connecting to the second communication terminal device 130. The meaning is lost. In the communication system 100, since it is not necessary to present information for identifying an individual to the second communication terminal apparatus 130, anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly. In addition, since the accounting process can be performed for anonymous information transmission, connection charges to other communication terminal devices can be collected smoothly. In addition, since anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly, the usage of the communication system 100 can be widened.

[0033] Note that the communication management apparatus, communication terminal apparatus, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium of the present invention are the communication management apparatus 110 and the first communication shown in FIG. The function is realized by the terminal device 120. However, the function is not limited to the communication management device 110 and the first communication terminal device 120. May be. When connecting each functional unit as a different device, the connection between the devices may be, for example, wired (wireless) or wireless, for example, connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Example

Next, an example of the communication system 100 that works on the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following example, a case will be described in which the communication system 100 according to the embodiment is applied to communication using a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. Communication system 400 includes uplink service server 411 of uplink service provider 410, navigation device 420 mounted on vehicle 430, communication line 440, and communication management of communication provider 450. Composed of Sano 451.

[0036] Uplink service provider 410 provides a service using data transmitted (uplink) from navigation device 420. Specifically, for example, the current position information of the vehicle 430 is periodically uplinked, and the uplink information is statistically processed by the uplink service server 411 to generate road traffic information. Then, the generated road traffic information is distributed (downlink) from the uplink service server 411 to the vehicle 430. The data uplinked from the navigation device 420 is not limited to position information, and may be, for example, image data, voice data, text data, and the like in the vicinity of the vehicle 430 traveling.

[0037] The navigation device 420 is mounted on a vehicle 430 traveling on the road L, and performs route search, route guidance, and the like to a destination point. The navigation device 420 searches for the optimum route to the destination using the uplink service provider 410 and road traffic information provided by the road traffic information distribution center (not shown). , Traffic information is displayed on the map information.

[0038] Communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed via a communication line 440. The communication line 440 is managed by the communication management server 451 of the communication carrier 450. In order for the navigation device 420 to communicate via the communication line 440, the connection fee to the communication line 440 is given to the communication carrier 450. You need to pay for it.

[0039] Here, if the data to be transmitted includes information that identifies the navigation device 420 or the vehicle 430 (hereinafter referred to as "personal identification information"), Can be tracked by the uplink service provider 410. Similarly, when the data uplinked from the navigation device 420 is intercepted by a malicious person, the behavior of a specific individual can be tracked. Here, the personal identification information is, for example, a device ID of the navigation device 420, identification information associated with user information of the navigation device 420, or the like.

[0040] From the viewpoint of protecting personal information, the navigation device 420 and the vehicle 430 are specified when using a service for uploading data from the navigation device 420. An anonymous ID for the uplink is used without using such information. The uplink ID is assigned, for example, when the engine of the vehicle 430 is started (when the navigation device 420 is started), and is deleted when the engine is stopped, and becomes invalid. That is, the navigation device 420 transmits data to be updated to the uplink service server 411 by using an uplink ID that is different for each traveling. The uplink ID may be assigned by the uplink service provider 410 when the engine of the vehicle 430 is activated, or may be generated by the navigation device 420 using a random number or the like.

[0041] Uplink service provider 410 can know the identity of the source of the uplinked data, but it cannot identify the navigation device 420, vehicle 430, or owner of the source. . In this way, by using the uplink ID, it is possible to collect data from the navigation device 420 while taking personal information protection into consideration.

[0042] On the other hand, the communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed through the communication line 440. As described above, a connection fee is required for using the communication line 440. . For this reason, the navigation device 420 makes a billing contract by notifying the user ID in the billing contract with the communication carrier 450 when a connection request is made to the communication management server 451 (right to connect to the communication line 440). Must be shown). The user ID used at this time is also generally used as a communication ID that is transmitted to the uplink service server 411 that is a communication connection destination in order to specify the transmission source.

[0043] In this way, even if the uplink ID is used for the uplink service provider 410, the communication source is set to V when using the communication line 440 and the uplink service server 411 is connected. Since personal identification information such as a user ID must be presented to the uplink service server 411 for the purpose of identification, the individual who is the data transmission source is identified.

[0044] In order to solve such a problem in the communication system 400, an ID (billing ID) used for charging the connection fee and an ID (communication ID) used when connecting to the communication line are provided separately. . The billing ID is a personal identification used for billing by carrier 450 This information includes information and is not disclosed to the communication partner (for example, uplink service provider 410). On the other hand, the communication ID is information that does not include personal identification information that is used when connecting to the communication line 440 (for example, when communicating with the uplink service provider 410). As a result, communication can be performed without presenting personal identification information to the communication destination, and data can be uplinked without specifying the transmission source terminal.

[0045] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)

Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 420 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM (memory) 503, magnetic disk drive 504, magnetic disk 505, optical disk drive 506, optical disk 507, and audio IZF (interface) 508. A microphone 509, a speaker 510, an input device 511, a video IZF 512, a camera 513, a display 514, a communication IZF 515, a GPS unit 516, various sensors 517, and an external connection IZF 518. The components 501 to 518 are connected by a bus 520, respectively.

First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 420. The ROM 502 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

The magnetic disk drive 504 controls data reading Z writing on the magnetic disk 505 according to the control of the CPU 501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

The optical disk drive 506 controls reading and writing of data to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 506. The optical disk 507 can also use a writable recording medium. Further, the removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 507, a memory card, or the like. Another example of information recorded in the magnetic disk drive 504 and the optical disk drive 506 is map data used for route search and route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The display screen of the display 514 is 2D or 3D. Drawn on. When the navigation device 420 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 516 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

The voice IZF 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for voice input and a speaker 510 for voice output. Audio received by the microphone 509 is AZD converted in the audio IZF508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Note that audio input from the microphone 509 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 as audio data.

[0051] Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. Further, the input device 511 can connect other information processing terminals such as a digital camera and a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

[0052] The video IZF 512 is connected to a camera 513 for video input and a display 514 for video output. Specifically, the video IZF512 is output from, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 514, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the image data to be displayed, it is configured by a control IC that controls display of the display 514.

[0053] The camera 513 captures images inside and outside the vehicle 430 and outputs them as image data. The image captured by the camera 513 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 as image data. The display 514 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 514, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

Communication IZF 515 can be connected to communication line 440 via radio, and functions as an interface between communication line 440 and CPU 501. Specifically, the communication line 440 For example, LAN, WAN, public network and mobile phone network.

The GPS unit 516 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current location of the vehicle 430 (current location of the navigation device 420). The output information of the GPS unit 516 is used when the current position of the vehicle 430 is calculated by the CPU 501 together with output values of various sensors 517 described later. The information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map data, such as latitude'longitude and altitude.

[0056] Various sensors 517 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 517 are used for calculation of the current point by the CCU 501 and measurement of change in speed and direction.

[0057] The IZF 518 for external connection is an interface for connecting to an external device such as an infrared port, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication port, or a USB port. The external connection IZ F518 is used, for example, for connection with a mobile phone terminal. For example, it is used for connection with a portable music player.

Although not shown, the communication management server 451 includes at least a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM (memory) 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, Communication I / F515.

[0059] In addition, in the configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment, the communication management device 110 corresponds to the communication management server 451. The reception unit 111 of the communication management apparatus 110 realizes the respective functions by the communication IZF 515, the connection unit 112 by the CPU 501 and the communication I / F 515, and the charging unit 113 by the CPU 5001.

Also, in the configuration of the communication system 100, the first communication terminal device 120 corresponds to the navigation device 420. The selection unit 121 realizes the respective functions by the CPU 501 and the transmission unit 122 and the communication unit 123 by the CPU 501 and the communication IZF 515.

[0061] (Communication processing by communication system 400)

Next, communication processing by the communication system 400 will be described. As described above, in the communication system 400, when the communication line 440 is connected by the navigation device 420, the charging ID including the personal identification information and the communication ID not identifying the individual are used. As a result, the navigation device 420 sends an individual to the uplink service provider 410. Data can be transmitted without presenting information to be identified. In the following description, the communication device when the navigation device 420 uploads data to the uplink service server 411 will be described. Communication terminal devices other than the uplink service server 411, for example, other navigation devices 420 The same process can be used for communication with the.

First, connection processing to the communication line 440 by the navigation device 420 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for connection processing to the communication line by the navigation device. Note that “user” refers to the user of the navigation device 420 unless otherwise specified in the following description.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the navigation apparatus 420 registers a charging ID used for charging a connection fee (step S601). The charging ID stores, for example, the charging ID issued by the communication carrier 450 when the connection agreement with the communication line 440 with the communication carrier 450 is made. Further, for example, the terminal unique ID of the navigation device 420 may be used as the charging ID. The charging ID is associated with personal identification information such as the name and address of the user of the navigation device 420 and the bank account number in the communication carrier 450. The billing ID registration process is performed prior to communication using the communication line 440, and need not be performed at the next and subsequent connections.

Next, the navigation apparatus 420 waits until it communicates with the uplink service server 411 (step S602: No loop). Whether or not to perform communication is determined by, for example, whether or not data transmission to the uplink service server 411 is instructed via the input device 511 and whether or not an application using the uplink service is activated. To do.

When communication is performed (step S602: Yes), the navigation device 420 determines a communication ID used for the current communication (step S603). The communication ID is an arbitrary character string or the like without specifying the navigation device 420 or its user. The communication ID may be automatically determined by the navigation device 420 or may be determined by the user. For example, the communication ID may be the one entered by the user each time communication is instructed, or the one generated by the navigation device 420 may be used. . When the communication ID is generated by the navigation device 300, it may be newly generated every predetermined event (for example, when the vehicle engine is turned on or off) or every predetermined period. In addition, the generation timing and generation method may be determined based on the communication destination and communication application.

[0066] As the communication ID, a communication ID registered in the navigation apparatus 420 may be used. In this case, a plurality of communication IDs may be registered, or only one communication ID may be registered. If multiple communication IDs are registered, the communication ID to be used for the current communication may be selected based on the communication destination and the communication application.

[0067] When the communication destination is the uplink service server 411, the uplink ID may be used as the communication ID. In this case, if a valid uplink ID has already been allocated (or generated), that uplink ID is selected as the communication ID. When a valid uplink ID is not allocated (or has not been generated), an uplink ID acquisition request (or generation) is made.

[0068] Next, the navigation device 420 manages the connection request to the uplink service server 411 including the charging ID registered in step S601 and the communication ID determined in step S603. The data is transmitted to the server 451 (step S604). The navigation device 420 waits until the connection from the communication management server 451 to the uplink service server 411 is permitted (step S605: No loop). Whether the connection is permitted is determined based on, for example, whether a connection permission notification is received from the communication management server 451.

[0069] When the connection to the uplink service server 411 is permitted (step S605: Yes), the navigation apparatus 420 communicates with the uplink service server 411 via the communication line 440 (step S606). At this time, only the communication ID is transmitted to the uplink service server 411, and the charging ID is not transmitted. In addition to the communication ID, an uplink ID may be attached to the data to be transmitted. Further, the navigation device 420 may be permitted to transmit data by allowing connection to the communication line 440, or may include data to be transmitted in the connection request transmitted in step S604. .

[0070] Until the communication with the uplink service server 411 is completed (step S607: No), the process returns to step S606 to continue the communication. To end communication (Step S607: Yes ), A request for disconnecting the connection with the uplink service server 411 is transmitted to the communication management server 51 (step S608), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. Whether or not to end the connection is determined by, for example, whether or not the connection is instructed via the input device 511, or whether or not the application using the uplink service has ended. .

Next, communication management processing by the communication management server 451 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management server. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the communication management server 451 first registers a charging ID used for charging a connection fee (step S701). The billing ID is issued by the communication carrier 450 when, for example, a connection contract to the communication line 440 by the navigation device 420 is made. Further, for example, the terminal unique ID of the navigation device 420 may be used as the charging ID. The charging ID is associated with personal identification information such as the name and address of the user of the navigation device 420 and the bank account number in the communication management server 451. Note that step S701 (accounting ID registration process) is performed prior to communication using the communication line 440, and need not be performed during normal connection.

Next, the communication management server 451 waits until a connection request to the uplink service server 411 is received from the navigation device 420 (step S702: No loop). When the connection request is received from the navigation device 420 (step S702: Yes), the communication management server 451 extracts the billing ID for the connection request power (step S703), and the contract with the navigation device 420 that transmitted the connection request is made. It is determined whether or not the force is effective (step S704). Whether or not the contract with the navigation device 420 is valid is determined based on, for example, whether or not there is a contract with the navigation device 420 and whether or not the connection fee is paid without delay.

[0073] When the contract is valid (step S704: Yes), the communication management server 451 extracts the communication request ID for the connection request received in step S702 (step S705), and uses the extracted communication ID. Then, the navigation device 420 is connected to the uplink service server 411 (step S706). Specifically, the communication management server 451, for example, uses the transmission source of the data transmitted from the navigation device 420 as a communication ID, and performs an uplink service service. To the server 411. At this time, the billing ID extracted in step S703 is not transmitted to the uplink service server 411 !.

Note that before connecting the navigation device 420 to the uplink service server 411 in step S706, the communication ID is also obtained from the uplink service server 411 that is the connection destination, and the connection destination is a valid connection destination. You may authenticate that. This authentication may be performed by the communication management server 451 or the navigation device 420.

In addition, the communication management server 451 counts the connection fee using the charging ID (step S707). The communication management server 451 is connected based on, for example, the amount of data transmitted and received between the navigation device 420 and the uplink service server 411 and the connection time between the navigation device 420 and the uplink service server 411. Calculate the fee. The connection fee may be fixed every predetermined period (flat rate system). Then, the user charges the connection fee accumulated every predetermined period to the user of the navigation device 420 specified by the charging ID. Since the billing ID dedicated to billing is registered, even if the navigation device 420 uses a different communication ID for each connection, the communication management server 451 can count the connection charges cumulatively.

[0076] The communication management server 451 returns to step S706 and continues the subsequent processing until it receives a disconnection request with the uplink service server 411 (step S708: No). When a disconnection request is received from the navigation device 420 (step S708: Yes), the connection between the navigation device 420 and the uplink service server 411 is disconnected (step S709), and the processing according to this flowchart ends.

[0077] In the above description, the communication ID and the charging ID are provided separately. During normal communication, the communication ID and the charging ID are set the same, and the communication is performed anonymously. In other cases, for example, when transmitting uplink data, another communication ID may be used.

In this case, the communication management server 51 and the navigation device 420 register the communication ID instead of the charging ID at the time of the connection contract. The communication management server 451 associates the communication ID with personal identification information such as the name and address of the user of the navigation device 420 and the bank account number. The communication ID is, for example, the communication with the carrier 450. The terminal ID of the navigation device 420 may be used as the communication ID, even if it is issued by the communication carrier 450 when the connection contract to the communication line 440 is made. Multiple communication IDs may be registered.

[0079] When data is transmitted from navigation device 420, the user selects an ID used for the current communication. When the communication ID used for normal communication, that is, the communication ID registered between the communication management server 451 and the navigation device 420 is selected as the ID used for this communication, the navigation device 420 The connection request including the communication ID is transmitted to the communication management server 451. The communication management server 451 extracts the communication ID from the received connection request, determines whether or not the connection contract is valid, and if the contract is valid, the communication management server 451 places the navigation device 420 at the requested connection destination. Connect.

[0080] Then, the communication management server 451 performs a billing process for the connection by the navigation device 420 using the communication ID. Communication between the navigation device 420 and the connection destination is also performed using the communication ID. The details of these processes are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

On the other hand, when an ID other than the communication ID (for example, an uplink ID) is selected as the ID used for communication, the navigation device 420 uses the communication ID and the selected ID. The included connection request is sent to the communication management server 451. The communication management server 451 also extracts the communication ID for the received connection request power, determines whether or not the connection contract is valid, and if the contract is valid, places the navigation device 420 at the requested connection destination. Connect.

[0082] Then, the communication management server 451 performs a billing process for the connection by the navigation device 420 using the communication ID. On the other hand, communication between the navigation device 420 and the connection destination is performed using the selected ID.

Further, in the above description, the communication ID is a power that does not specify the navigation device 420 or its user, and is an arbitrary character string or the like. During normal communication, the navigation device 420 or its user If you want to communicate anonymously using a communication ID that identifies the device (hereinafter referred to as a normal communication ID), for example, when transmitting uplink data, another navigation device 420 or its A communication ID that does not specify a user (hereinafter referred to as an anonymous communication ID) may be used. In that case, navigation The device 420 may be able to select a communication ID according to the communication purpose or communication destination. Further, there may be a plurality of normal communication IDs and anonymous communication IDs depending on the communication purpose and communication destination.

[0084] In this case, the communication management server 51 and the navigation device 420 each register a charging ID at the time of a connection contract. The communication management server 451 associates the communication ID with personal identification information such as the name and address of the user of the navigation device 420 and the bank account number.

When data is transmitted from navigation device 420, the user selects an ID to be used for the current communication. When an ID for normal communication, that is, a communication ID registered in the communication management Sano 51 and the navigation device 420 is selected as the ID used for this communication, the navigation device 420 A connection request including the selected normal communication ID is transmitted to the communication management server 451. The communication management server 451 also extracts the charging ID for the received connection request power, determines whether or not the connection contract is valid, and if the contract is valid, the navigation device 420 moves to the requested connection destination. Connect.

Then, the communication management server 451 performs a billing process for the connection by the navigation device 420 using the billing ID. In addition, communication between the navigation device 420 and the connection destination is normally performed using a communication ID. The details of these processes are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0087] On the other hand, when an ID for anonymous communication (for example, an ID for uplink) is selected as the ID used for communication, navigation device 420 includes the ID for charging and the selected ID for anonymous communication. A connection request including “” is transmitted to the communication management server 451. The communication management server 451 extracts the billing ID from the received connection request, determines whether the connection contract is valid, and if the contract is valid, navigates to the requested connection destination. Connect device 420.

[0088] Then, the communication management server 451 performs a billing process for the connection by the navigation device 420 using the billing ID. On the other hand, communication between the navigation device 420 and the connection destination is performed using the selected ID for anonymous communication.

[0089] As described above, according to the communication system 400, the charging information associated with the information related to the navigation device 420 and the information related to the information related to the navigation device 420 are related. Then, using the communication ID, the navigation device 420 and the uplink service server 411 are connected. Specifically, charging processing is performed for the navigation device 420 using the charging ID, and communication between the navigation device 420 and the printer service server 411 is performed using the communication ID. As a result, the navigation device 420 does not need to use information associated with the personal identification information that identifies the device or its owner when connecting to the uplink service server 411. Can protect personal information.

In addition, the navigation apparatus 420 can select a communication ID to be used for the current transmission request even with a plurality of communication ID capabilities. Therefore, a different communication ID can be used for each connection to the uplink service server 411, and the identification of the navigation device 420 can be prevented from the identity of the communication ID.

[0091] In particular, when data is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the uplink service provider 410, it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when connecting to the uplink service server 411. It makes sense to use a link ID. In the communication system 400, it is not necessary to present information for identifying an individual to the printer service server 411 by separately providing the charging ID and the communication ID. Therefore, data transmission to the uplink service provider 410 can be performed smoothly. In addition, since the accounting process can be performed for the connection using the communication ID (uplink ID), the communication carrier 450 can smoothly collect the connection fee.

Note that the communication management method and communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A communication management device for managing communication between the first communication terminal device and the second communication terminal device,

To the second communication terminal apparatus including first identification information associated with information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus and second identification information not associated with information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus Receiving means for receiving the connection request from the first communication terminal device;

Using the second identification information included in the connection request received by the receiving means, connecting means for connecting the first communication terminal apparatus to the second communication terminal apparatus, and the connection to the connection by the connecting means Billing means for performing billing processing to the first communication terminal device using the first identification information;

A communication management device comprising:

[2] A connection request to another communication terminal device including first identification information associated with information about the own device and second identification information not associated with the information about the own device, and the other communication A transmission unit that transmits to a communication management device that manages a connection with a terminal device; and a connection request is transmitted by the transmission unit, so that when the communication management device is connected to the other communication terminal device, the second Communication means for communicating with the other communication terminal device using the identification information of

A communication terminal device comprising:

[3] comprising a generating means for generating the second identification information,

3. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the transmission request including the second identification information generated by the generation unit.

[4] A communication management method for managing communication between a first communication terminal device and a second communication terminal device,

To the second communication terminal apparatus including first identification information associated with information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus and second identification information not associated with information regarding the first communication terminal apparatus Receiving a connection request from the first communication terminal device. Trust process,

A connection step of connecting the first communication terminal device to the second communication terminal device using second identification information included in the connection request received in the reception step;

A billing step of performing billing processing to the first communication terminal device for connection in the connection step using the first identification information;

A communication management method comprising:

[5] A connection request to another communication terminal device including first identification information associated with information about the own device and second identification information not associated with the information about the own device, A transmission step of transmitting to a communication management device that manages connection with a terminal device; and a result of transmission of a connection request in the transmission step, when the communication management device is connected to the other communication terminal device, the second A communication step of communicating with the other communication terminal device using the identification information of

The communication method characterized by including.

6. A communication management program for causing a computer to execute the communication management method according to claim 4.

[7] A communication program that causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 5.

[8] A communication management program according to claim 6 or a computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 7 is recorded.