JP2003319100A - Internet connection system and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet connection system and an Internet connection method by which users can connect with an Internet easily and service providers can collect the Internet usage fee from users properly and securely. <P>SOLUTION: An Internet connection system 1 comprises a dedicated terminal unit 11 and a billing apparatus 21. The dedicated terminal unit 11 receives a connection request to the Internet and controls connection to the Internet, and it is a terminal unit connectable to an Internet line N. The billing apparatus 21 recognizes the negotiable value of an inputted negotiable medium 31, and collects a negotiable value corresponding to an Internet connection fee according to the negotiable value of the inputted negotiable medium 31. When the dedicated terminal unit 11 receives a connection request to the Internet, it controls so that connection is made to the Internet if the negotiable value of the negotiable medium 31 inputted into the billing apparatus 21 is equal to or more than the negotiable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an Internet connection system and an Internet connection method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Usually, when an individual connects to the Internet, it is done through a provider that provides an Internet connection service, a so-called service provider. In this case, an arrangement procedure is required for information for connecting with the service provider in advance and a payment method of the fee. The information to connect is a login name, password, etc., and the payment method is the use of a credit card, direct debit from a financial institution such as a bank, payment by sending a bill, etc. . Such an arrangement procedure itself is complicated, and it takes a considerable number of days before actually being able to connect to the Internet.

Further, in the Internet connection service by the service provider as described above, the Internet usage charge system is generally a time-based pay-per-use system, and the usage charge is billed, for example, on a monthly basis next month of the usage month. Billing at a later date is commonly made.

[0004]

However, some people who want to use the Internet may want to feel free to use it for a short time when they feel like it at a facility such as a hotel or hospital. From the viewpoint of such people, the Internet connection service by the conventional service provider, which requires the above-mentioned arrangement procedure, cannot meet the user's desire to easily use the Internet.

If the internet usage fee is a time-based pay-per-use fee and is billed at a later date, the current usage fee while using the internet is unknown, and therefore the user is required to spend more time on the usage time. I can't feel free to use the Internet. In addition, when the user forgets the time used, the usage charge (usage time) recognized by the user may not match the usage charge (usage time) billed. May occur.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and enables the user to easily connect to the Internet and to collect the Internet usage fee from the user appropriately and surely. An internet connection system and an internet connection method are provided.

[0007]

An Internet connection system according to the present invention is connectable to the Internet, and an Internet connection terminal device for controlling connection to the Internet in response to a connection request to the Internet,
A billing device for collecting a valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium put in,
When a request for connection to the Internet is received, the internet connection terminal device has an internet connection if the value of the value medium put into the charging device is equal to or more than the value corresponding to the internet connection charge. It is characterized by controlling to connect to.

On the other hand, the Internet connection method according to the present invention is capable of connecting to the Internet and controls the connection to the Internet in response to the connection request to the Internet and the valuable value of the valuable medium put in. And a billing device for collecting a valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge from the internet connection terminal device, when the internet connection terminal device receives a request for connection to the internet, the valuable value of the valuable medium put into the billing device is It is characterized by controlling to connect to the Internet when the value is higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge.

According to each of the internet connection system and the internet connection method of the present invention, when the internet connection terminal device receives a connection request to the internet, the valuable value of the valuable medium put in the billing device is increased. When the value is equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee, the control is performed so as to connect to the Internet. Therefore, the user puts into the charging device a valuable medium having a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee. As a result, the Internet can be used easily and easily without performing the troublesome arrangement procedure required for the Internet connection service by the conventional service provider.

Further, in each of the Internet connection system and the Internet connection method according to the present invention, a valuable medium having a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee is put into the charging device, so that the Internet connection is established. Since the terminal device can connect to the Internet, the user inputs the valuable value to the billing device in advance, and if the valuable value of the inserted valuable medium is equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee, the user can connect to the Internet. It can be used freely. As a result, unlike the time-based pay-as-you-go charges in the Internet connection service provided by conventional service providers, it is possible to easily use the Internet without worrying about the usage charge (usage time). In addition, since it has a billing device, the usage fee of the Internet will be collected at the place where the user is using the Internet, and it is possible to prevent troubles concerning the usage fee from occurring at a later date. Therefore, it is possible to properly and surely collect the internet usage fee from the user.

The term "valuable medium" used in the present specification includes not only currency but also a recording medium such as a prepaid card in which information capable of specifying a valuable value is recorded.

Further, in the internet connection system according to the present invention, the billing device, based on the billing instruction information sent from the internet connection terminal device, calculates the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium put in. And charging start information indicating that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee has begun to be collected, and the Internet connection terminal device, based on the charging start information sent from the charging device, , It is preferable to control to connect to the Internet.

On the other hand, in the internet connection method according to the present invention, the charging device, based on the charging instruction information sent from the internet connection terminal device, calculates the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge from the valuable value of the input valuable medium. And charging start information indicating that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee has begun to be collected to the Internet connection terminal device, and the Internet connection terminal device, based on the charging start information sent from the charging device, , Preferably connected to the internet.

In such a configuration, in each case, the internet connection terminal device can connect to the internet after the billing device starts to collect the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge from the valuable value of the charged medium. Therefore, it is possible to collect the Internet usage fee before the user actually uses the Internet, and it is possible to collect the Internet usage fee more appropriately and surely.

Further, in the internet connection system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the internet connection terminal device stores information on a billing start time based on the billing start information sent from the billing device.

On the other hand, in the internet connection method according to the present invention, the billing start time is based on the information that the internet connection terminal device can collect the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge sent from the billing device. It is preferable to store information.

With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably manage whether or not the internet connection terminal device collects the internet usage charge in each case.

In addition, in the internet connection system according to the present invention, the internet connection terminal device stores information regarding the time when the internet can be connected, and when it is outside the time when the internet can be connected based on the information. It is preferable to control so that the connection to the Internet is prohibited.

On the other hand, in the internet connection method according to the present invention, the internet connection terminal device stores information about the time when the internet can be connected,
Based on the information, it is preferable to control the connection to the Internet to be prohibited when it is outside the time when the Internet can be connected.

In the case of such a configuration, each can be connected to the Internet only during the time when the Internet can be connected.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of an internet connection system and an internet connection method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the Internet connection system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The internet connection system 1 includes a dedicated terminal unit 11 for internet / intranet connection and a billing device 21. This dedicated terminal unit 11 is an Ethernet (registered trademark)
Etc. are connected to the switching hub 5 via the LAN 3. This switching hub 5 is a firewall 7
And the Internet line N via the router 9 and the like. The dedicated terminal unit 11 is provided, for example, for each guest room of a hotel, each hospital room, or each bed, and a plurality of dedicated terminal units 11 are connected to the switching hub 5.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 receives a connection request to the Internet and controls the connection to the Internet, and is a terminal device connectable to the Internet line N (for example, iBOX manufactured by Nippon Computer Co., Ltd.).
Is. The dedicated terminal unit 11 stores a browser program for connecting to the Internet line N, an access button display program for displaying an access button on the image display unit 15 described later, and the like. Can be read and executed.

Further, the dedicated terminal unit 11 is connected with an input unit 13, an image display unit 15, a billing device 21 and the like. The input unit 13 can input a signal or the like for causing the dedicated terminal unit 11 to execute various processes. As the input unit 13, for example, a keyboard or a remote control pad is used. The image display unit 15
It is possible to display image information obtained by various processes in the dedicated terminal unit 11 or image information provided via the Internet line N on the display screen. As the image display unit 15, for example, a liquid crystal display or a television monitor is used. Here, the dedicated terminal unit 11, the input unit 13, and the image display unit 15 are
It constitutes the Internet connection terminal device in each claim. It should be noted that the image display unit 15 includes the charging device 21
May include a TV tuner connected to.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 collects (charges) a valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge by the charging device 21 when a connection request to the intranet is made by the user operating the input unit 13. The billing instruction information is transmitted to the billing device 21. Note that RS-23 is used to connect the dedicated terminal unit 11 and the charging device 21.
A communication standard such as 2C can be used.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 stores service time information as information about the time when it can be connected to the Internet. This service time information includes a service start time, a service end time, and a service time. For example, if "8" is stored as the service start time, it means that the Internet connection service is started at 8:00 am. If "2" is stored as the service end time, it means that the Internet connection service is ended at 2:00 am. If "18" is stored as the service time, the Internet connection service time is 18
It represents time.

The service time information stored in the dedicated terminal unit 11 does not necessarily include the service start time, the service end time, and the service time, but includes only the service start time and the service end time. It may also include only service hours. Further, the service time information does not necessarily have to be stored in the dedicated terminal unit 11, and the LAN
The information may be stored in a server (not shown) connected via 3 or the like, and read by the dedicated terminal unit 11 as necessary to obtain the information.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 also stores information on the charging start time. The information on the charging start time includes the date and time when charging is started by the charging device 21. For example, when “2002/3/158 8:32” is stored as the information regarding the charging start time, the date and time when charging is started by the charging device 21 is 20.
This means that the charging has started at 8:32 am on March 15, 2002.

The charging device 21 is constructed so that a valuable medium 31 such as a prepaid card can be inserted therein, recognizes the valuable value of the inserted valuable medium 31 and inserts the valuable medium 3 into it.
It is for collecting (billing) a valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee from the valuable value of 1. The charging device 21 starts to collect a valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 that has been input, based on the charging instruction information transmitted from the dedicated terminal unit 11. Then, when the charging device 21 starts to collect the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge, the charging device 21 transmits to the dedicated terminal unit 11 the charging start information indicating that the collection of the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge has started.

Next, the operation of the Internet connection system 1 (Internet connection method) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the charging processing operation, and FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the service time end processing operation, which are executed independently.

As shown in FIG. 2, first, when a user activates an intranet / Internet browser program in the dedicated terminal unit 11, the dedicated terminal unit 11 controls to connect to the intranet and displays an image. The front page (initial screen) of the intranet is displayed on the section 15 (S101). This allows the user to use the intranet free of charge using the dedicated terminal unit 11.

Then, in the dedicated terminal unit 11, the connection URL designated by the user is a U other than the intranet.
Based on whether or not it is RL, it is confirmed whether or not a connection request to the Internet has been issued (S103). In addition,
Connection U that does not require charging in the Internet connection URL
When the RL exists, a connection URL that requires charging is set in advance, and the connection URL is compared with the connection URL specified by the user, and the connection URL that requires charging
You may make it further judge whether it is. The connection URL that requires charging is stored in the dedicated terminal unit 11,
It may be stored, or may be stored and stored in a server (not shown) connected via the LAN 3 or the like.

When the dedicated terminal unit 11 confirms that the connection URL designated by the user is a URL other than the intranet and a connection request to the Internet has been issued ("YES" in S103), The stored service time information and information regarding the charging start time are read (S105). And the dedicated terminal unit 11 is
Based on the read service time information, it is determined whether or not it is within the time when the Internet can be connected (S10).
7). If it is outside the time when it is possible to connect to the Internet (“NO” in S107), the dedicated terminal unit 11
Controls the connection to the Internet to make the intranet available for free (return to S101).

If it is within the time when it is possible to connect to the Internet ("YES" in S107), the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not the charging is in progress based on the read information on the charging start time. (S109). If the charging is in progress (“YES” in S109), it is assumed that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee has already been collected from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 input by the charging device 21, and the dedicated terminal unit Reference numeral 11 controls to connect to the Internet line N. This allows
The user can continue to use the Internet by using the dedicated terminal unit 11 (S111).

If the billing is not in progress (in S109, "N
O ”), the dedicated terminal unit 11 responds to the charging device 21 that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge has not been collected, and the charging terminal 21 will correspond to the Internet connection charge in the valuable medium 31. It is confirmed whether or not there remains a valuable value equal to or greater than the valuable value (S11).
3). At this time, the billing device 21 transmits to the dedicated terminal unit 11 a signal indicating whether or not a valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee remains in the valuable medium 31 that has been input.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 receives the charged valuable medium 31 based on the signal transmitted from the billing device 21.
Then, it is judged whether or not there remains a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge (S115). If a valuable value that is equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee remains in the input valuable medium 31 (S
(YES at 115), the dedicated terminal unit 11 controls the image display unit 15 to display the collection confirmation screen of the Internet connection fee (S117). The Internet connection fee collection confirmation screen is a display for confirming that the user intends to use the Internet for a fee, that is, the user is willing to pay the Internet connection fee (for example, "pay A display such as "Are you sure?" And clickable "Ye
s "/" No "button).

When the collection confirmation screen of the internet connection fee is displayed, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not the internet connection fee may be collected (S).
119). When the user clicks the “Yes” button on the confirmation screen for collecting the Internet connection fee, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines that the user intends to use the Internet for a fee and pays the Internet connection fee. It is determined that it may be collected ("YES" in S119).

When the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines that the Internet connection fee may be collected (“YES” in S119), the Internet is determined from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 that has been put into the charging device 21. Charging instruction information is transmitted so as to collect a valuable value corresponding to the connection fee (S121). The billing device 21 receives the billing instruction information transmitted from the dedicated terminal unit 11, and operates so as to start collecting the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 that has been put in. The charging device 21 also transmits charging start information to the dedicated terminal unit 11.

The dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not the collection of the internet connection fee has started based on the charging start information transmitted from the charging device 21 (S12).
3). At this time, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not the charging device 21 has started collecting the Internet connection fee, based on whether or not the charging start information is received within a predetermined time from the transmission of the charging instruction information. That is, if the dedicated terminal unit 11 receives the charging start information within the predetermined time from the transmission of the charging instruction information, it is determined that the collection of the Internet connection fee has started (“YE” in S123).
S ").

When it is determined that the collection of the internet connection fee has started ("YES" in S123), the dedicated terminal unit 11 updates the stored information on the charging start time (S125). As a result, the date and time when the billing device 21 newly starts billing is stored as the information regarding the billing start time. Then, the dedicated terminal unit 11 is provided with the valuable medium 3 inserted by the charging device 21.
Assuming that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee has begun to be collected from the valuable value of 1, control is performed to connect to the Internet line N. As a result, the user can continue to use the Internet by using the dedicated terminal unit 11 (S111).

On the other hand, when there is no valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge in the entered valuable medium 31 (“NO” in S115), the dedicated terminal unit 11 causes the image display unit 15 to operate. It is controlled so as to display an internet connection charge non-collection screen (S127). In the non-collection screen of the Internet connection fee, the valuable medium 31 is not inserted in the charging device 21,
Alternatively, an indication that the valuable value of the entered valuable medium 31 is lower than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge (for example, "There is not enough remaining amount or the card is not inserted"), clickable " O
"K" button, etc.).

Then, when the user clicks the "OK" button on the non-collection screen for the Internet connection fee, the dedicated terminal unit 11 confirms that the user cannot collect the Internet connection fee and checks the Internet. It is determined that he / she does not have the intention to use for a fee (“YES” in S129), control is performed to prohibit the connection to the Internet, and the intranet can be used for free ( Return to S101).
When the user clicks the “No” button in the collection confirmation screen of the Internet connection fee, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines that the user does not have the intention to use the Internet for a fee. (“NO” in S119), control is performed to prohibit connection to the Internet, and the intranet is made available for free (return to S101).

If it is determined that the charging start information could not be received within the predetermined time from the transmission of the charging instruction information, that is, the collection of the internet connection fee could not be started ("NO" in S123), the dedicated terminal unit. 11
Controls the image display unit 15 to display an internet connection charge non-chargeable screen (S131), and controls to prohibit the connection to the Internet, so that the intranet can be used for free. Yes (S10
Return to 1.) The Internet connection fee non-chargeable screen shows that the Internet connection fee could not be collected (charged) by the charging apparatus 21 for some reason (such as a failure of the charging apparatus 21) (for example, "Could not be charged"). Display etc.) are included.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, when the user activates the intranet / Internet browser program in the dedicated terminal unit 11, does the dedicated terminal unit 11 pass a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes)? It is determined whether or not (S201). When the predetermined time has elapsed (“YES” in S201), the dedicated terminal unit 1
1 reads service time information (S203). Here, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. If the processing shown in FIG. 3 is always executed, the load for the processing becomes large and the dedicated terminal unit 11 This is because there is a possibility of adversely affecting other processing executed in 1. and to reduce the load of arithmetic processing in the dedicated terminal unit 11.

Based on the read service time information, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines whether or not it is within the time connectable to the Internet (S205). If it is outside the time when it is possible to connect to the Internet (“NO” in S205), the dedicated terminal unit 11 displays the image display unit 1
It is controlled to display the connection completion screen to the Internet 5 (S207). The screen for ending the connection to the Internet indicates that the connection to the Internet is not possible or will be terminated because it is outside the service hours (for example, "Out of service hours. The Internet will be closed.""OK" button).

When the user clicks the "No" button in the connection end screen of the Internet connection fee, the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines that the user has confirmed the end of the connection to the Internet (in S209, " YE
S "), control is performed so as to prohibit connection to the Internet, and the intranet is made available for free (S211). Even if the user does not click the “No” button in the connection end screen of the Internet connection fee, the dedicated terminal unit 11 will not be able to operate the user if the predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed from the display of the connection end screen. Has no intention of connecting to the Internet and confirms that the connection has been completed (“YES” in S213),
Control to prohibit connection to the Internet,
Make the intranet available for free (S2
11).

On the other hand, if it is within the time when it is possible to connect to the Internet (“YES” in S205), the dedicated terminal unit 11 determines that the connection to the Internet is possible and returns to the processing of S201. To do.

As described above, the internet connection system 1 (internet connection method) according to this embodiment has the dedicated terminal unit 11 and the billing device 21, and the dedicated terminal unit 11 makes a connection request to the internet. When receiving, it is under billing, or billing device 2
When the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 put into the charging device 21 is equal to or more than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee, such as the start of the collection of the internet connection fee in 1, the control is performed to connect to the internet.
For this reason, the user throws into the billing device 21 a valuable medium 31 having a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee, which is troublesome as required for the internet connection service by the conventional service provider. You can easily and easily use the Internet without having to go through an arrangement procedure.

Further, in the internet connection system 1 (internet connection method) according to the present embodiment,
Since the dedicated terminal unit 11 can be connected to the Internet by inserting the valuable medium 31 having a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee into the charging device 21, the user needs to charge the charging device 21 in advance. It is possible to freely use the Internet when the valuable value of the entered valuable medium 31 is equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge. As a result, unlike the time-based pay-as-you-go charges in the Internet connection service provided by conventional service providers, it is possible to easily use the Internet without worrying about the usage charge (usage time). Further, since the user has the charging device 21, the usage fee of the Internet will be collected on the spot where the user is using the Internet, so that troubles concerning the usage fee can be prevented from occurring at a later date. Therefore, it is possible to properly and surely collect the Internet usage fee from the user.

Further, in the internet connection system 1 (internet connection method) according to the present embodiment,
Since the dedicated terminal unit 11 itself controls to connect to the Internet when the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 put into the billing device 21 is equal to or more than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge, the dedicated terminal unit 11 is controlled. A server or the like for controlling the connection to the Internet is unnecessary, the configuration of the Internet connection system 1 is simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the internet connection system 1 (internet connection method) according to this embodiment,
The charging device 21 collects a valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge from the valuable value of the input valuable medium 31 based on the charging instruction information sent from the dedicated terminal unit 11, and the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge is collected. The charging start information indicating that the value has started to be collected is sent to the dedicated terminal unit 11. And the dedicated terminal unit 11
Based on the charging start information sent from the charging device 21, it controls to connect to the Internet. As a result, the dedicated terminal unit 11 can be connected to the Internet after the charging device 21 starts collecting the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 into which the charging device 21 has been put in. The Internet usage fee can be collected before the Internet is used, and the Internet usage fee can be collected more appropriately and surely.

Further, in the Internet connection system 1 (Internet connection method) according to the present embodiment,
The dedicated terminal unit 11 stores information on the charging start time based on the charging start information sent from the charging device 21. As a result, the dedicated terminal unit 11 can surely manage whether or not the Internet usage fee is collected.

Further, in the Internet connection system 1 (Internet connection method) according to the present embodiment,
The dedicated terminal unit 11 stores information about the time when it can be connected to the Internet, and based on the information, controls to prohibit the connection to the Internet when it is outside the time when the Internet can be connected. This makes it possible to connect to the Internet only during the time when the Internet can be connected.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the charging device 21 may be a recording medium other than the prepaid card, or one configured so that money or the like can be inserted. In addition, the image display unit 15
When a television tuner is included as, the existing billing device introduced in hotels, hospitals, etc. can be used as the billing device 21. In this case, the charging device 21
It is also possible to collect the TV usage charge from the value of the valuable medium 31 put into the Internet, and the TV usage charge system will be collected in minutes, and the Internet usage charge (connection charge) system will be the unit. It is also possible to make the respective charge systems different as fixed charges per time (for example, per day, until the check-out time, until the light-off time, etc.).

Further, the present invention can be applied to an internet connection system and an internet connection method introduced into facilities such as hospitals and hotels, but in addition to this, it can be applied to many unspecified things such as internet cafes. On the other hand, the present invention can be applied to an internet connection system and an internet connection method that are introduced into a facility that enables easy internet use.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the dedicated terminal unit 11 is connected to the Internet after collecting the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 into which the charging device 21 is inserted. Although it is controlled, the timing of collecting the internet connection fee is not limited to this.
For example, after confirming that the valuable medium 31 having a valuable value equal to or higher than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge has been put into the charging device 21, the dedicated terminal unit 11
May be controlled to connect to the Internet, and after connecting to the Internet, a valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee may be collected from the valuable value of the valuable medium 31 into which the charging device 21 is inserted.

[0057]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible for the user to easily connect to the Internet, and the usage fee of the Internet is collected from the user appropriately and surely. It is possible to provide an internet connection system and an internet connection method capable of performing the same.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an internet connection system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation (Internet connection method) of the Internet connection system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation (Internet connection method) of the Internet connection system according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Internet connection system, 11 ... Dedicated terminal unit, 13 ... Input part, 15 ... Image display part, 21 ... Billing device, 31 ... Valuable medium, N ... Internet line.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5K025 AA05 BB03 CC01 EE02 FF17                       FF26 FF40 GG04 GG24 GG29                       HH02 HH04 HH06 HH07 HH17                       JJ03 JJ12                 5K030 GA19 HA08 HC01 JA07 KA06                       LB05                 5K033 CB00 CC01 DB12 DB16

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An internet connection terminal device which is connectable to the internet and which controls the connection to the internet in response to a connection request to the internet, and a valuable value corresponding to an internet connection fee based on a valuable value of a valuable medium put in. A billing device for collecting value,
The internet connection terminal device, when the connection request to the internet is received, the valuable value of the valuable medium inserted into the billing device is equal to or more than the valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee. In some cases, the Internet connection system is controlled so as to connect to the Internet. 2. The billing device collects a valuable value corresponding to the internet connection charge from the valuable value of the valuable medium that has been input, based on the billing instruction information sent from the internet connection terminal device, Sending charging start information indicating that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee has started to be collected to the Internet connection terminal device, the Internet connection terminal device is based on the charging start information sent from the charging device, The internet connection system according to claim 1, wherein the internet connection system is controlled to connect to the internet. 3. The internet connection terminal device, based on the billing start information sent from the billing device,
The internet connection system according to claim 2, wherein information about a charging start time is stored. 4. The Internet-connected terminal device stores information regarding a time when the Internet can be connected, and based on the information, when it is outside the time when the Internet can be connected, the Internet connection terminal device is connected to the Internet. The internet connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection is controlled so as to be prohibited. 5. An internet connection terminal device that is connectable to the internet and controls the connection to the internet in response to a connection request to the internet, and a valuable value corresponding to an internet connection fee based on the valuable value of a valuable medium that is input. A billing device for collecting value,
When the Internet connection terminal device receives a connection request to the Internet, and the valuable value of the valuable medium put into the billing device is equal to or more than the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection fee. A method for connecting to the Internet, characterized by controlling to connect to the Internet. 6. The billing device collects a valuable value corresponding to the internet connection fee from the valuable value of the valuable medium that has been input, based on the charging instruction information sent from the internet connection terminal device, Sending charging start information indicating that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge has started to be collected to the Internet connection terminal device, and the Internet connection terminal device is based on the charging start information sent from the charging device, The internet connection method according to claim 5, further comprising controlling to connect to the internet. 7. The Internet connection terminal device stores information on a charging start time based on the information indicating that the valuable value corresponding to the Internet connection charge can be collected from the charging device. The internet connection method according to claim 6, wherein 8. The Internet connection terminal device stores information regarding a time when the Internet can be connected, and based on the information, when it is outside the time when the Internet can be connected, the Internet connection terminal device is connected to the Internet. The Internet connection method according to claim 5, wherein the connection is controlled so as to be prohibited.