JP2002175483A - Information processor, network system, accounting method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system capable of efficiently providing a service for the use of a resource by smoothly collecting a use fee from a user who uses the resource through a network, and paying value to a setter who sets the resource to be connected to the network. SOLUTION: A storage means 104a stores information related with the setter of a resource 103 (102), information related with users 105-107 of the resource 103, and information related with the used situation of the resource 103. A deciding means 104 decides value to be collected from the users 105-107 of the resource 103 and value to be paid to the setter of the resource 103 based on the storage information of the storage means 104a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a network system, a charging method, and the like, which are used in an apparatus or a system for charging the use of resources such as devices connected to a network. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing computer-readable processing steps for executing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various resources such as graphics, audio, still images, and moving images have been released via the Internet. In addition, various devices are connected as resources on a network, and can be remotely operated.

For example, there is a device called a live camera as a device which is connected to a network and can be remotely controlled. The live camera is capable of providing a photographed image obtained by photographing according to a remote operation from a user via a network to the user via the network. This allows the user to browse images (video) captured by the live camera in real time.

[0004] With the above-described devices that can be remotely controlled via a network, a user can remotely obtain necessary information. In addition, since such an information providing service is performed, a business of collecting a usage fee of a device from a user (a business of collecting a fee from a viewer for browsing an image using a live camera) is performed. It is possible.

[0005] As described above, it is expected that the number of devices that can be remotely controlled via a network and service providers that provide services for using the devices and charge for the use will increase in the future.

[0006]

When installing resources such as devices that can be remotely controlled via a network as described above, it is very difficult to secure the installation locations.

[0007] For example, when a certain service provider installs the above-mentioned live camera as a resource, provides a service for browsing the video to a user, and attempts to conduct a business of collecting a fee from the user (browser), If you try to install a live camera only by a service provider,
There is a problem that the service provider needs to spend a lot of time on selecting a live camera installation location and licensing the location.

[0008] Further, as for the number of resources to be installed, there is a problem that a business cannot be established unless a certain number of resources are installed. For example, in a case where a business of providing a print output service by a network printer to a user and collecting a fee from the user is to be performed, the business cannot be established unless many network printers are installed.

As described above, in order to provide a user with a service of using resources that can be remotely controlled via a network and to establish a business for collecting the usage fee, it is necessary to install many resources. However, there is a problem that a lot of time, cost, and the like are required to always secure the installation locations and the number of installations. In other words, for the installer of a system that provides the use of resources through a network, very large line costs and installation site usage fees are required, and the business provider bears all the costs. Will not hold.

The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and is provided to a person who installs resources such as devices connected to a network (hereinafter, also referred to as “installer customer”). Paying for the frequency of use of resources, and collecting fees from users who use the resources through the network (hereinafter also referred to as "viewer customers") in accordance with the frequency of use of resources. An information processing apparatus, a network system, a billing method, and a method capable of smoothly collecting a usage fee of a viewer customer, paying a fee to an installer customer, and efficiently providing a resource use service. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which processing steps for performing the above are stored in a computer-readable manner.

[0011]

For such a purpose,
A first invention is an information processing apparatus for managing resources used through a network,
Storage means for storing information on the resource installer and information on the resource usage status, and determination means for determining a price to be paid to the resource installer based on the resource usage status stored by the storage means It is characterized by having.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect,
The resource has at least one of an information input function and an information output function.

According to a third aspect, in the first aspect,
It is characterized by comprising authentication means for authenticating a resource to be managed and a user of the resource.

[0014] In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect,
The determining means is obtained from information stored in the storage means, at least information on a user of the resource,
A value unit to be paid to an installer of the resource is determined based on any one of information on a user's connection to the resource and information on a user's operation on the resource.

A fifth invention is a network system in which a plurality of devices including at least an arbitrary resource and a device on a user side of the resource are communicably connected to each other via a network. At least one device has the function of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for charging a system using an arbitrary resource connected to a network, wherein information relating to the installer of the resource and information relating to the use state of the resource are stored in a database. The method includes a holding step and a determining step of determining a price to be paid to an installer of the resource based on the information on the use state of the resource held by the holding step.

A seventh invention is a charging method for charging a remote client for using information distributed by a server having arbitrary resources,
Performing the authentication of the server, the step of authenticating the client, and the step of managing the price paid by the client and the price paid to the server according to the connection status of the client to the server. It is characterized by including.

An eighth invention is a charging method for charging for the use of an arbitrary resource connected on a network, wherein information relating to the installer of the resource and information relating to the use state of the resource are stored in a database. And a determining step of determining a price to be paid to the installer of the resource in proportion to a unit of the price to be paid from the client based on the information on the use state of the resource held by the holding step. It is characterized by including.

A ninth invention according to the seventh or eighth invention, further comprising the step of determining a consideration unit price based on at least one of the number of connections, the connection time, and the operation time of the client. It is characterized by.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or the functions of the network system according to claim 5. It is characterized by being recorded on a medium.

An eleventh invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the billing method according to any one of claims 6 to 9 is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Overall Configuration of the Present Embodiment> The present invention is applied to, for example, a network system 100 as shown in FIG. Network system 10 of the present embodiment
0 indicates that the camera server 103, the authentication server 104, and the clients 105 to 107, as shown in FIG.
They are configured to be communicably connected to each other via a network 191 such as the Internet.

In FIG. 1, one camera server 1
03, one authentication server 104, three clients 1
05 to 107 are connected to the network 101, but the number of connected devices is not limited to these.

The network 101 is a TCP / IP network, and a LAN, the Internet, or the like can be applied. Other networks such as an ATM network can be applied as long as the connection devices on the network 101 can realize a communication mode such as one-to-one or one-to-many. Applicable.

The camera server 103 is connected to the network 10
1 is a server that provides a resource that connects to the server 1. In the present embodiment, as an example, a resource called a live camera, which enables viewing of an image of a camera installed far away, is provided. For this reason, the camera server 103
Has a live camera 102 and has a function of digitizing an image obtained by the live camera 102. Further, the camera server 103 has a function of capturing an image of the live camera 102 and performing a compression process and a processing process on the image data so that the image data can be transmitted to a client of a request destination.

Although the live camera 102 is externally connected to the camera server 103 in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this.
03 may have a configuration in which the live camera 102 is incorporated. Further, the connected device may be changed to another device depending on the resource to be serviced. For example, if the service enables remote printing, an output device such as a printer is connected to the server 103.

The authentication server 104 includes a camera server 103
Communicates via the network 101 with the camera server 1
03 and the usage time of the camera server 103 of the client (live camera 1
02, etc.), and finally, a charge for the installer's customer (the side that installs the resources connected to the network 101) and a viewer's customer (the network 101).
The usage fee of the user who uses the resource through the calculation is calculated. Further, the authentication server 104 includes a database 104a for recording and holding the above information.

In FIG. 1, the database 104a is connected to the authentication server 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the database 104a is built in the authentication server 104. Is also good. Further, an external storage device connected to the network 101 may be used as the database 104a.

The clients 105 to 107 respectively
It has a function of performing an arbitrary operation on a resource (here, the live camera 102) via the network 101 and browsing information obtained by the operation, such as a personal computer or a portable terminal device. Is applicable. In the present embodiment, since the service provided by the camera server 103 enables browsing of the video of a camera installed far away, each of the clients 105 to 107 also has a display function for displaying the video. ing.

<Configuration of Camera Server 103> As shown in FIG. 2, the camera server 103 includes an image output unit 201 to which a display unit 209 is connected, an input unit 202 including a keyboard and a mouse, and the like. Central processing unit (CPU) 203 for controlling the operation of
Main storage unit (memory) 204 for storing a processing program and various data for performing the operation control in the camera, an external storage unit 210 such as an HD, CD, or MO, and an operation input to which the live camera 102 is connected. The unit 205 and the network interface 206 of the network 101
They are connected so that they can communicate with each other via a bus 211.

In the camera server 103 as described above, in particular, when the display unit 209 is connected to the image output unit 201, the video from the live camera 102 is displayed, and the internal information of the camera server 103 is displayed. It is possible to do. Further, when the live camera 102 is connected to the moving image input unit 205, it is possible to digitize a video obtained by the live camera 102 and process the video as data. Further, by connecting the network 101 to the network interface 206, it is possible to communicate with devices or systems on the network 101.

The clients 105 to 107 and the authentication server 104 have the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

<Configuration of Authentication Server 104> Authentication Server 1
For example, various types of information as shown in FIG. 3 are stored in the database 104a of FIG. The hardware configuration of the authentication server is the same as that of the camera server 103 shown in FIG. 2 except that the image output unit 201 and the moving image input unit 205 are omitted.
However, the configuration of FIG. 2 will be described below as the authentication server 104 for convenience.

Here, as an example, the database 104a includes a database 310 for camera server list information, a database 320 for installer customer information,
It includes a database 330 for viewer customer information, a database 340 for camera server access log information, a database 350 for installer customer billing information, and a database 360 for viewer customer billing information. Hereinafter, each of these databases 310 to 360 will be described.

The database 104a may be provided by a server other than the authentication server 104, or may be operated in a distributed manner.

Database 310 for Camera Server List Information FIG. 4 shows a database 310 for camera server list information.
2 shows an example of the storage information in the table. The database 310 stores information on all camera servers that can access the authentication server 104. Accordingly, the camera server not stored (registered) in the database 310 is restricted so as not to be able to access the authentication server 104 without permission.

In the following description, for simplicity,
It is assumed that at least the camera server 103 shown in FIG. 1 is registered in the database 310, and attention is paid to this camera server 103.

Specifically, first, in the database 310, the owner of the camera server 103 is registered as an installer customer ID. Also, a password required for the camera server 103 to access the authentication server 104 is registered in the database 310.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the amount information (unit price information) per unit time when paying or paying is
It is registered in the database 310. In the present embodiment,
As an example, a fee for installer customers per unit time (unit price paid by installers per unit time) and a usage fee for viewer customers per unit time (unit price for viewer payment per unit time) are registered. .

The unit price (charging unit) can be set in various forms, such as the number of times the clients 105 to 107 access the camera server 103 or monthly.

The charge unit for the price of remote operation (the price of resource use) such as the imaging direction of the live camera 102 connected to the camera server 103 is not only based on the unit time but also in accordance with, for example, the total usage time. Change,
Alternatively, various settings such as changing according to the amount of time of the camera operation authority of the live camera 102, or changing at the same time according to the number of clients accessing the camera server 103 and viewing the video, or changing according to the time zone can be performed. It has been made like that. Similarly, the charging unit of the price for viewing the video of the live video 102 can be similarly changed and set according to the total usage time, the number of hours of the camera operation authority, the number of clients used simultaneously, or the time zone. It is possible. Also,
When paying for the resource installer, the payment unit of the fee may be changed in proportion to the charge unit of the usage fee for such a client.

Database 320 for Installer Customer Information FIG. 5 shows an example of information stored in the database 320 for installer customer information. Database 320
Stores information such as the installer name of the camera server 103 (installer customer).

Specifically, the database 320 is a database that links information on installers in order to manage the IDs of installer customers. The installer customer ID is uniquely assigned and defined one-to-one with the customer. In the present embodiment, as the information on the customer, only “name” is treated as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various information such as an address and a telephone number may be used as necessary. May be held.

Database 330 for Viewer Customer Information FIG. 6 shows an example of information stored in the database 330 for viewer customer information. Database 330
Is a database for registering users (users who perform browsing, that is, browsing customers) at the clients 105 to 107.

More specifically, the database 330 is a database for linking information on viewers in order to manage the IDs of the viewer customers. The viewer customer ID is uniquely assigned and defined one-to-one with the customer. In the present embodiment, as the information on the customer, only “name” is treated as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various information such as an address and a telephone number may be used as necessary. May be held.

Database 340 for Camera Server Access Log Information FIG. 7 shows an example of information stored in the database 340 for camera server access log information. The database 340 is a database that records which client has accessed (connected) the camera server 103 when, for how long.

More specifically, the database 340 holds information on clients who have accessed the camera server 103 and their browsing customers. In the present embodiment, as an example, the billing for the client accessed in the unit of use time and the consideration for the installer of the live camera 102 are calculated.
In the record, the access start time (connection start time) to the camera server 103, the access end time (connection end time), and the ID of the browsing customer who is the user are recorded. Therefore, based on the information in the database 340, the price for the installer customer and the fee for the viewer customer are calculated.

Note that the information recorded in the database 340 is not limited to the various types of information described above. For example, in the case of billing based on the number of times, monthly billing, or the like, information necessary for calculating the amount of money, such as the number of times, can be recorded in addition to the information on the connection start time and the connection end time.

Database 3 for installer customer billing information
FIG. 8 shows an example of information stored in the database 350 for installer customer billing information. Database 3
Reference numeral 50 stores amount information for paying a fee corresponding to the amount of access to the camera server 103 to the installer customer who has installed the camera server 103.

For example, the database 350 is a usage history of the camera server 103 owned by the installer customer created by the storage information of the database 340 for camera server access log information (a client operates the camera 102 or browses an image. Usage time and its price information).

Database 3 for billing information for viewer customers
FIG. 9 shows an example of information stored in the database 360 for the visitor customer billing information. Database 3
Reference numeral 60 stores information on the usage fee of the camera server 103 which should be paid by a client-side user who uses the camera server 103 (views or remotely operates a live image of the camera 102).

For example, the database 360 records the usage history of the camera server 103 (the usage time and its fee information) created from the storage information of the camera server access log information database 340.

Databases 310 to 360 as described above
The authentication server 104 has a database 104a that includes a database 104a, so that a usage fee of the camera server 103 can be charged to a viewer customer, and an access to the camera server 103 is provided to an installer customer. Various necessary information can be held so that the price can be paid according to the amount.

<Authentication Server 104 and Camera Server 103
Protocol Between Authentication> Authentication Server 104 and Camera Server 10
For example, a protocol as shown in FIG. 10 is defined between the three.

In the protocol shown in FIG. 10, for example, “connect” and “password”
Is a protocol used to determine the validity of the camera server 103 when the camera server 103 connects to the authentication server 104.

After the validity of the camera server 103 is confirmed by the above-described protocols “connect” and “password”, if any of the clients 105 to 107 is connected to the camera server 103, the camera server 102 executes, via the authentication server 104, confirmation of whether or not the browsing customer of the connection client is valid. At this time, "user
The "connect" and "userpassword" protocols are used.

<Camera Server 103 and Client 10
Protocol between 5 and 107> For example, a protocol as shown in FIG. 11 is defined between the camera server 103 and the clients 105 to 107.

In the protocol shown in FIG. 11, for example, “connect” and “password”
Is a protocol used to determine the validity of the client itself when connecting to the camera server 103.

“Getpicture” is defined by the protocols “connect” and “password”.
This is a protocol for acquiring image data after the validity of the client is confirmed. Thereby, the client can acquire and display the video of the live camera 102 of the camera server 103.

In the present embodiment, the live camera 102 is used as a target resource (network resource). For example, when the target resource is a printer (network printer), a Data for printing (PostS
, etc.) to be printed out by a printer. In this case, it is necessary to define a packet for communicating printer-specific information, but the configuration of the present embodiment can be used as it is for authentication of a client or a user thereof (corresponding to a visitor customer). Therefore, it is possible to grasp the consideration amount and the usage amount.

<Operation of Camera Server 103> FIGS. 12 to 14 show the operation of the camera server 103. FIG. For example, in the camera server 103 (see FIG. 2 described above), the CPU 203 reads out and executes a processing program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. Will be implemented.

First, in the camera server 103, the CP
After the camera server 103 is activated by U203 (step S401), an initialization process is executed (step S40).
2). The initialization process includes processes such as initialization of necessary variables, securing of resources, and initialization of peripheral devices.

Next, the CPU 203 executes a process for connecting to the authentication server 104 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 (step S).
403).

Next, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 to the authentication server 104 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 (steps S404 to S408). .

Next, the CPU 203 proceeds to step S404.
Based on the transmission / reception result in step S408, it is determined whether the authentication server 104 has authenticated the camera server 103 itself (whether or not the connection is valid) (step S409).

If the result of the determination in step S 409 is that the camera server 103 itself has not been authenticated, the CPU 203
Executes an end process (step S412).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S 409 is that the camera server 103 itself has been authenticated,
03 executes a client connection waiting process (step S410) and waits for a client connection. When any of the clients 105 to 107 is connected, the CPU 203 executes a process for creating a thread for client communication (step S411), and starts up the process for the thread (for client communication) (step S411). S413: See FIG. 13). Note that, here, for the sake of simplicity, the connected client is referred to as a client 105.

When the processing for client communication starts, the CPU 203 sets the network interface 2
06, the client 1 on the network 101
The packet transmission / reception process is performed on the client 05 (connected client) using the protocol as shown in FIG. 11 (steps S414 to S417).

Next, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the authentication server 104 on the network 101 via the network interface 206, thereby executing steps S414 to S414. From the authentication information of the client 105 acquired in S417, it is confirmed whether or not the client browsing the client is a valid connection (steps S418 to S423).

Next, steps S418 to S42
Based on the transmission / reception result in step 3, the authentication server 104 transmits to the camera server 103 the result of the determination of the validity of the connection of the client 105 based on the information in the database 104a. Thus, the CPU 203
It is determined whether the client 105 is authenticated (whether the connection is valid or not) (step S42).
4).

If the result of the determination in step S424 is that the client 105 has not been authenticated, the CPU 203
By executing a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 11 to the client 105 on the network 101 via the network interface 206, the communication with the client 105 is disconnected (steps S425 to S427). ), And the process ends (step S428).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S 424 is that the client 105 has been authenticated,
Executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 11 to the client 105 on the network 101 via the network interface 206, and notifies the client 105 that the packet transmission is permitted. It is in a state of waiting for reception of a packet from the client 105 (step S429, step S430: refer to FIG. 14).

The client 105 sends the camera server 10
3, an image information acquisition request (a request using the “getpicture” protocol) via the network 101 using the protocol shown in FIG.
Also, a disconnection request (a request using the “disconnect” protocol) is issued.

For this reason, in the camera server 103,
The CPU 203 determines whether the request from the client 105 is an image information acquisition request (a request using the “getpicture” protocol) (step S431) or a disconnection request (a request using the “disconnect” protocol) (step S436). Determine.

If the request from the client 105 is an image information acquisition request (a request using the “getpicture” protocol), the CPU 203
02, a video processing (image obtaining) process, an image processing process on the video data, and a compression process are performed on the video data, and the processed image data is transmitted to the client 105 on the network 101 via the network interface 206. (Steps S433 to S435). Thereafter, the CPU 203 returns to step S430 again, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps.

On the other hand, the request from the client 105 is
If the request is a disconnection request (a request using the “disconnect” protocol), the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 to the authentication server 104 on the network 101 via the network interface 206. By doing so, the user of the client 105 is notified that the connection is cut off when the use of the customer is completed, and the authentication server 10
4 and after disconnection from the client 105 (step S
437 to step S441), and end processing is executed (step S442).

With the configuration and operation as described above, while recording the usage status of the camera server 103 and the usage status of the camera server 103 of the viewer client on the client 105 side, the live video resource from the live camera 102 is transmitted to the client 105. 105.

<Operation of Authentication Server 104> FIG. 15 shows the operation of the authentication server 104. For example, in the authentication server 104 (see FIG. 2 above), the CPU 20
3 reads and executes a processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 15 previously stored in the memory 204, whereby the operation described below is performed.

First, in the authentication server 104, the CPU
203 after the activation of the authentication server 104 (step S5
01), an initialization process is performed (step S502).
The initialization processing includes processing for initializing necessary variables, securing resources, and initializing the database 104a.

Next, the CPU 203
The process waits for a connection from the camera server 103 via the server 1 (step S503). When a connection request is made from the camera server 103, the CPU 203
Then, a process of creating a thread for communication with No. 3 is executed (step S504). Then, the CPU 203 starts the processing of the thread (step S507).

When the processing of the camera server communication thread starts, the CPU 203 executes the packet transmission / reception processing for the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 according to the protocol shown in FIG. As a result, authentication information is received from the camera server 103 (step S50).
8 to Step S511).

The CPU 203 executes processing for confirming the validity of the camera server 103 based on information in the database 310 (see FIG. 4) for camera server list information in the database 104 a and authentication information received from the camera server 103. (Step S512), and as a result,
It is determined whether the connection of the camera server 103 is valid (step S513).

If the result of determination in step S 513 is that the connection of the camera server 103 is not valid, the CPU 203
Through the network interface 206, the camera server 103 on the network 101 is notified that the connection is illegal by executing the packet transmission / reception processing according to the protocol shown in FIG. 10 (step S505). Then, an end process is executed (step S506).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S 513 is that the connection of the camera server 103 is valid, the CPU 20
3 via the network interface 206
For the camera server 103 on the network 101,
By executing the packet transmission / reception processing according to the protocol as shown in FIG. 10, the connection is notified of being valid (step S535), and a state of waiting for a packet from the camera server 103 is entered (step S514).

[0086] From the camera server 103 to the authentication server 104
, "Userconn" via the network 101 by the protocol as shown in FIG.
ect "protocol or" userdi "
A packet according to the “connect” protocol, a packet according to the “disconnect”, or the like is transmitted.

For this reason, in the authentication server 104, C
The PU 203 transmits the packet from the camera server 103 to
Whether the packet is based on the “userconnect” protocol (step S515),
It is determined whether the packet is a packet according to the “nconnect” protocol (step S516) or a packet according to the “disconnect” (step S517).

The packet from the camera server 103 is
If the packet is a packet according to the “userconnect” protocol, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206, The client connected to the camera server 103 (here,
The client 105) executes a process of receiving the authentication information of the browsing customer (steps S518 to S52).
0). The CPU 203 determines whether the connection by the viewer customer is valid depending on whether the information corresponding to the authentication information of the viewer customer is registered in the database 330 (see FIG. 6) for the viewer customer information of the database 104a. Is performed (step S521).

According to the result of the processing in step S521, C
The PU 203 determines whether the client of the client 105 connected to the camera server 103 is legitimate (step S522).

If the result of the determination in step S 522 is that the client of the client of the client 105 connected to the camera server 103 is not valid, the CPU 203 sends the above-described diagram to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206. By executing the packet transmission / reception processing according to the protocol shown in FIG. 10, it is notified that the viewer customer is not valid (step S5).
23), this processing ends (step S524).

If the result of the determination in step S522 is that the client of the client 105 connected to the camera server 103 is legitimate, the CPU 203 sends the above-mentioned message to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206. By executing the packet transmission / reception processing according to the protocol as shown in FIG. 10, it is notified that the browsing customer is legitimate (step S5).
25) In the database 104a, the database server 340 for the camera server access log information, the database 350 for the installer customer billing information, and the database 360 for the visitor customer billing information are updated to execute the update processing of the camera server 103. Keep usage record (Step S
526 to step S528). After that, the CPU 203
Returns to step S514 again, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps.

A packet from the camera server 103 is
If the packet is a packet according to the “user disconnect” protocol, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206, Information about the browsing customer of the client (here, the client 105) that has disconnected from the camera server 103 and information about the disconnected camera server 103 are acquired, and the camera server is stored in the database 104a based on the acquired information. The camera server 10 is updated by executing a process of updating the database 340 for access log information, the database 350 for installer customer billing information, and the database 360 for viewer customer billing information.
3 (Steps S529 to S5)
32). Thereafter, the CPU 203 returns to step S51.
4 and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

A packet from the camera server 103 is
If the packet is a packet according to the “disconnect” protocol, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 10 to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206. The connection with the camera server 103 is terminated (step S53).
3), end processing is executed (step S534).

<Operation of Clients 105 to 107> Here, for simplicity of explanation, the operation of the client 105 will be described focusing on the client 105.
The hardware configuration of the client 105 is shown in FIG.
The image output unit 201 is added to the configuration of the camera server 103 shown in FIG.
Is the same as that of FIG.
Will be described as a client 105. FIG.
Shows the operation of the client 105.

For example, in the client 105 (see FIG. 2), the CPU 203 reads out and executes a processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. Is done.

First, in the client 105, the CP
After activation of the client 105 by U203 (step S601), an initialization process is executed (step S60).
2). The initialization processing includes processing for initializing necessary variables and securing resources.

Next, the CPU 203 executes a process of connecting to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 (step S603).

Next, the CPU 203 executes a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 11 to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 (steps S604 to S608). .

Next, the CPU 203 proceeds to step S604.
-Transmission / reception result in step S608 (camera server 10
3 is a result of authentication of a viewer customer executed via the authentication server 104), whether the client 105 itself (viewer customer) is authenticated by the camera server 103 (whether the connection is valid or not). ) (Step S6)
09).

As a result of the determination in step S609, if the viewer customer is not authenticated by the camera server 103 (if the connection is determined to be incorrect by the camera server 103), the CPU 203 executes an end process (step S609). S610).

On the other hand, as a result of the discrimination in step S609, if the browsing customer is authenticated by the camera server 103 (if the connection is determined to be valid by the camera server 103), the CPU 203 transmits the image from the camera server 103. Execute a loop process for acquiring (step S61)
1 to step S614).

Specifically, in the above loop processing, first,
The CPU 203 sends the client 105
It is determined whether or not an instruction to stop the connection has been issued (step S611).

As a result of the determination in step S 611, when the browsing customer gives an instruction to stop the connection, the CPU 203
Notifies the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206 that the connection has been completed by executing a packet transmission / reception process using the protocol shown in FIG. 11 (step S615, In step S616, an end process is executed (step S617).

If the result of determination in step S 611 is that there has been no instruction to stop the connection from the browsing customer, the CPU 2
03 requests video distribution by executing packet transmission / reception processing according to the protocol shown in FIG. 11 to the camera server 103 on the network 101 via the network interface 206,
The video is received from the camera server 103 and is displayed on the display unit 2
09 or the like (step S612 to step S612).
614). Thereafter, the CPU 203 returns to step S6
11 (the beginning of the loop processing), and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed. Thereby, client 1
In 05, it is possible to acquire the video obtained by the live camera 102 of the camera server 103 and display it on the screen.

With the configuration and operation as described above, while recording the usage status of the camera server 103 and the usage status of the camera server 103 of the client on the client 105 side, the resource of live video by the live camera 102 is allocated. It can be provided to the client 105.

In the present embodiment, the target resource is the live camera 102, but various devices and the like can be applied as the target resource. For example, if the target resource is a printer, remote printer output is possible.

<Transfer of Money in the Present Embodiment> FIG. 17
Shows the transfer of money in the network system 100 shown in FIG. In FIG. 17 above,
“701” indicates a resource installer customer and “70”
"2" indicates a service provider, "703" indicates a browsing customer, and "704" and "705" indicate money to be transferred.

The service provider 702 operates in the authentication server 10
And provides a system such as a live camera (here, the camera server 103 provided with the live camera 102) to the installer customer 701, and provides the viewer customer 703 with images and the like from the camera server 103. Service provider.

Therefore, the service provider 702 uses the authentication server 104 to execute a database 360 (see FIG. 9 described above) for the visitor customer billing information included in the database 104.
7) to be charged to the viewer customer 703
05 is determined. At this time, it is also possible to increase profit by including a fee and the like in the billed amount. It is also possible to provide only services by making them completely free of charge. Furthermore, it is also possible to make revenue from advertisements and the like posted on the homepage as revenue.

Through the above-described process, the service provider 702 sends a request from the browsing customer 703 to the network 10.
It is possible to collect the usage fee 705 of the resource (the camera server 103 provided with the live camera 102) installed on the server 1.

Then, the service provider 702 uses the authentication server 104 to set up the database 350 for installer customer billing information included in the database 104 (see FIG. 8 described above).
Based on the usage fee 705 collected from the browsing customer 703, a consideration 704 to be paid to the installer customer 701 is determined, and the determined amount is paid to the installer customer 701. At this time, the service provider 702 can also request the installer customer 701 to pay a fee as a service providing fee.

According to the present embodiment as described above, the browsing customer 703 can use the Internet resources for free or for a fee. In the case of this embodiment,
By applying this system to network resources such as live camera video information and printer usage rights,
It will be possible to collect fees. In addition, the service provider 702 has an advantage that it is possible to collect resources such as a resource usage fee, a commission, or an advertisement income from the browsing customer 703. Further, the installer customer 701 can earn an income as a resource providing fee on the installed network 101.

Therefore, for the installer of the target resource (here, the live camera 102), calculation of the usage fee, which is the price of the target resource, calculation of the usage fee for the customer who uses the resource, and understanding of the usage fee are performed. It can be performed very smoothly. In addition, by configuring such that the value can be guaranteed to the installer of the target resource, it is possible to encourage the introduction of the resource connected on the network 101, and to provide the customer as a network service. Will be possible.

It is to be noted that an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the present embodiment to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or a computer) of the system or the apparatus. C
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by a PU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the present embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, a ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. it can. In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the function of the present embodiment is realized, but also based on the instruction of the program code,
It goes without saying that the OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the present embodiment are realized by the processing.
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extension function board inserted into the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. C provided on board and function expansion unit
It goes without saying that a PU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the present embodiment.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention, information on a resource (live camera, printer, etc.) installer, information on a resource user, and information on a resource use situation are stored in a database. It is configured to determine the price to be collected from the resource user and the price to be paid to the resource installer based on the held information. Can smoothly pay payment to installers, provide efficient resource use services, and promote introduction of resource use on networks.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera server, an authentication server, and a client in the network system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a database of the authentication server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a database for camera server list information in the database.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a database for installer customer information of the database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a database for viewer customer information in the database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a database for camera server access log information in the database.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a database for installer customer billing information of the database.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a database for viewer customer billing information in the database.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a protocol between the authentication server and the camera server.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a protocol between the camera server and the client.

FIG. 12 shows the operation of the camera server (S401 to S41).
It is a flowchart for demonstrating 2).

FIG. 13 shows the operation of the camera server (S413 to S42).
It is a flowchart for demonstrating 9).

FIG. 14 shows the operation of the camera server (S430 to S44).
It is a flowchart for demonstrating 2).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the authentication server.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the client.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a business mode in the network system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 network system 101 network 102 live camera 103 camera server 104 authentication server 104a database 105 to 107 client 201 image output unit 202 input unit 203 central processing unit 204 main storage unit 205 video input unit 206 network interface 209 display unit 210 external storage unit 211 bus

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for managing resources used via a network, comprising: storage means for storing information on an installer of the resources and information on a use state of the resources; An information processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines a price to be paid to an installer of the resource based on a use state of the resource stored by the unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource has at least one of an information input function and an information output function. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit for authenticating a resource to be managed and a user of the resource. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit obtains at least information on a user of the resource, information on a connection of the user to the resource, and information on an operation of the user on the resource. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a consideration unit to be paid to the resource installer is determined based on any of the information. 5. A network system in which a plurality of devices including at least an arbitrary resource and a device on a user side of the resource are communicably connected to each other via a network, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is provided. A network system, wherein the one device has the function of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A method for charging a system using an arbitrary resource connected on a network, comprising: a holding step of holding information on an installer of the resource and information on a use state of the resource in a database, A charging method, comprising: a determining step of determining a price to be paid to an installer of the resource based on the information on the use status of the resource held in the holding step. 7. A charging method for charging a remote client for using information distributed by a server provided with an arbitrary resource, comprising the steps of: authenticating the server; Performing, and according to the connection status of the client to the server,
Managing the consideration paid by the client and the consideration paid to the server. 8. A charging method for charging for use of an arbitrary resource connected on a network, wherein the information relating to the installer of the resource and the information relating to the use state of the resource are stored in a database and retained. And determining a price to be paid to an installer of the resource in proportion to a unit of the price to be paid from the client based on the information on the usage status of the resource held by the holding step. Billing method. 9. The connection number, connection time, and connection time of the client
9. The charging method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of determining a consideration unit price based on at least one of information on the operation time. 10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or the function of the network system according to claim 5. 11. A computer-readable storage medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the billing method according to claim 6 is recorded.