JP2005303758A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system for performing radio communication between terminals, which can generate account information without complex processing. <P>SOLUTION: A accounting information processing apparatus 4 has a communication unit 41; and a control unit 45 for generating a connection program for setting a terminal device 2 so that the terminal device 2 can perform radio communication with another terminal device 2, or an access point device 3 on the basis of registration information including identification information ID of the terminal device 2 and area information and transmitting the program to the terminal device 2, and generating accounting information corresponding to the number of terminal devices 2 for each area on the basis of the area information included in the registration information. The terminal device 2 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 25 performing radio communication by the communication unit 21 corresponding to the connection program. The access point device 3 has a communication unit for performing radio communication with the terminal device 2 and performing data communication with the apparatus 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system having, for example, a terminal device and an information processing device that perform wireless communication via an ad hoc network.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a communication system that connects to an information processing apparatus that performs a network connection service such as an Internet service provider (ISP) from a terminal apparatus, connects to a communication network such as a so-called Internet, and communicates with a server apparatus that provides various services. It has been known.

  In recent years, so-called ad hoc networks that perform wireless communication between terminal devices are known. This ad hoc network is a network that performs wireless communication between wireless terminal devices such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a mobile phone without requiring an access point device, for example.

In this ad hoc network, a number of terminal devices can be connected without the intervention of an access point device by a communication method defined by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11x used for wireless communication between personal computers. Multi-hop communication connecting devices is also known.
A method of charging for wireless communication in this ad hoc network is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-209802 A

In the ad hoc network charging method described above, it is necessary to perform complicated processing such as management of the data amount for each user and management of the history of the communication path, and the cost of the management and maintenance becomes expensive, and the network is inexpensive. The ad hoc network's advantage of building facilities cannot be fully demonstrated.
Therefore, there is a demand for a communication system that can generate billing information for communication of a terminal device that performs wireless communication such as an ad hoc network without performing complicated processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system capable of generating billing information without performing complicated processing in a communication system that performs wireless communication between terminal devices. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication system of the present invention is a communication system including a charging information processing device, a terminal device, and an access point device, wherein the charging information terminal device includes the access point device. A first communication unit that communicates with the terminal device via the terminal device, and the terminal device wirelessly communicates with another terminal device or the access point device based on registration information including identification information and area information of the terminal device. Generating connection information to be communicable, causing the first communication means to transmit the connection information to the terminal device, and based on the region information included in the registration information, the number of the terminal devices for each region A first control unit that generates charging information according to the identification information storage unit that stores the identification information, the access point device, or Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the terminal device, storage means for storing connection information generated by the billing information processing apparatus, and the wireless communication means according to connection information stored in the storage means, A second control means for performing wireless communication with the access point device or another terminal device, the access point device performing wireless communication with the terminal device, and data communication with the accounting information processing device Second communication means for performing

According to the communication system of the present invention, in the billing information terminal device, the first control means is configured such that, based on the registration information including the identification information of the terminal device and the area information, the terminal device is connected to another terminal device or access. Connection information set to enable wireless communication with the point device is generated, and the first communication unit transmits the connection information to the terminal device.
In addition, the first control unit generates billing information according to the number of the terminal devices for each region based on the region information included in the registration information.

  Further, in the terminal device, the second control means performs wireless communication with the access point device or the other terminal device by the wireless communication means according to the connection information stored in the storage means.

  The access point device performs wireless communication with the terminal device and data communication with the billing information processing device by the second communication means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the communication system which performs radio | wireless communication between terminal devices, the communication system which can produce | generate billing information, without performing a complicated process can be provided.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention.
The communication system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a terminal device 2, an access point (AP) device 3, and a billing information processing device (also referred to as a server device) 4, for example, as shown in FIG.
The access point device 3 and the accounting information processing device 4 are connected via a communication network 100 such as the so-called Internet.

The terminal device 2 has a plurality of terminal devices, for example. For simple explanation, this embodiment includes terminal devices 2-1 to 4 as shown in FIG.
The terminal devices 2-1 to 3 and the access point device 3 perform wireless communication by a communication method defined in IEEE802.11x, for example, to form a so-called ad hoc network.
The terminal device 2 is an information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication, such as a PDA, a mobile phone, and a portable terminal device, and is operated by a user.

  The access point device 3 is an information processing device such as a provider such as an Internet connection service provided free of charge or at a low price such as a hot spot. The access point device 3 communicates with the terminal device 2, the accounting information processing device 4, and the server device that provides various services via the communication network 100.

  The accounting information processing device 4 communicates with the access point device 3 via the communication network 100. The accounting information processing device 4 communicates with the terminal device 2 via the access point device 3 to generate accounting information regarding the communication of the terminal device 2.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the terminal devices 2-1 to 3 has a wireless communication possible range e 2-1 to 3, and the terminal device 2 capable of wireless communication within the wireless communication possible range e 2-1 to 3. If there is, wireless communication is performed after various authentication processes.
For example, the terminal devices 2-1, 2 and 3 perform wireless communication with each other, and form an ad hoc network by relaying each other's packets.
Further, for example, the access point device 3 provided in the hot spot has a wireless communication range e3 as shown in FIG. 1, and can perform wireless communication with the terminal device 2-1 in the wireless communication range e3. it can.
Each terminal device 2-1 to 3 in the ad hoc network formed by the terminal devices 2-1 to 3 can also communicate with the access point device 3 via the terminal device 2-1 (multi-hop communication). ), The terminal devices 2-1 to 2-3 communicate with the accounting information processing device 4 and a server device (not shown) that provides various services via the access point device 3 and the communication network 100.

  For example, each terminal device 2 has connection information for performing wireless communication, for example, identification information ID (MACA) assigned to each terminal device 2, network ID information (SSID: Service Set Identification), and encryption key (WEP). Wireless communication is performed based on KEY (Wired Equivalent Privacy Key). Wireless communication can be performed between devices only when the connection information matches.

  Similarly, the access point device 3 also has connection information such as SSID and WEP KEY, and performs wireless communication only when the connection information matches the terminal device 2-1 in the wireless communicable range e3.

  Further, each terminal device 2 can communicate with the access point device 3 as long as it has the same connection information as the terminal device 2-1. Communication with various server devices is possible.

For example, when the terminal device 2-4 has connection information different from that of the terminal device 2-3, the terminal device 2-3 cannot perform wireless communication with the terminal device 2-3.
Hereinafter, each component of the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of each component of the communication system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal device 2 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 25.
The communication unit 21, the input unit 22, the output unit 23, the storage unit 24, and the CPU 25 are connected by a bus BS.

The communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with other terminal devices 2 and the access point device 3 under the control of the CPU 25, for example. For example, the communication unit 21 performs wireless communication by a wireless communication method defined in IEEE802.11x or the like.
Moreover, the communication part 21 contains the identification information storage part which memorize | stores identification information ID (MACA: Media access control address) intrinsic | native to each terminal device 2, for example.
This identification information ID (MACA) is transmitted to, for example, the billing information processing apparatus 4 and used when generating a dedicated connection program.
Further, the identification information ID (MACA) is used for authentication processing when performing wireless communication with another terminal device 2 or the access point device 3.
This identification information ID (MACA) may be stored in the storage unit 24, for example.

For example, the input unit 22 outputs a signal corresponding to an operation by the user to the CPU 25. For example, the input unit 22 includes an operation input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
The output unit 23 outputs, for example, image data, character data, audio data, and the like under the control of the CPU 25. The output unit 23 includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT), a sound generation device, or the like.

The storage unit 24 stores, for example, a program PRG and data under the control of the CPU 25, and these are read by the CPU 25 as necessary.
The program PRG includes a connection program PRG for wireless communication generated based on the identification information ID (MACA) by the charging information processing apparatus 4, for example. The program PRG includes a processing procedure according to the present invention, and is executed by the CPU 25 using the storage unit 24 as a work space. The connection program PRG corresponds to an example of connection information according to the present invention.

  The CPU 25 comprehensively controls each component of the terminal device 2. The CPU 25 performs the processing according to the present invention by executing the program PRG stored in the storage unit 24, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the access point device 3 includes a first communication unit 311, a second communication unit 312, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit (CPU) 35.
The first communication unit 311, the second communication unit 312, the input unit 32, the output unit 33, the storage unit 34, and the CPU 35 are connected by a bus BS.
Each component of the access point device 3 has substantially the same function as each component of the terminal device 2. Therefore, only the differences will be described below.

The first communication unit 311 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 2 under the control of the CPU 35, for example.
The second communication unit 312 communicates with the accounting information processing apparatus 4 and a server apparatus that provides various services via the communication network 100 under the control of the CPU 35, for example.
Since the input unit 32 and the output unit 33 have substantially the same functions as the input unit 22 and the output unit 23, description thereof is omitted.
The storage unit 34 stores, for example, a program PRG and connection information, for example, network ID information (SSID), an encryption key (WEP KEY), and the like under the control of the CPU 35, and these are read by the CPU 35 as necessary.

  The CPU 35 comprehensively controls each component of the access point device 3. The CPU 35 performs the processing according to the present invention, for example, by executing the program PRG stored in the storage unit 34.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the accounting information processing device 4 includes a communication unit 41, an input unit 42, an output unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit (CPU) 45.
The communication unit 41, the input unit 42, the output unit 43, the storage unit 44, and the CPU 45 are connected by a bus BS, for example.
The function of each component of the accounting information processing device 4 is substantially the same as that of the terminal device 2. Therefore, only the differences will be described below.

  The communication unit 41 communicates with the access point device 3 via the communication network 100 under the control of the CPU 45, for example. In addition, the communication unit 41 communicates with the terminal device 2 via the communication network 100 and the access point device 3.

The input unit 42 outputs a signal to the CPU 45 according to, for example, an operation by the administrator of the billing information processing apparatus 4. For example, the input unit 42 outputs information for generating billing information to the CPU 45.
Since the output unit 43 has substantially the same function as the output unit 23, the description thereof is omitted.

  The storage unit 44 stores, for example, a program PRG and data under the control of the CPU 45, and these are read by the CPU 45 as necessary. The program PRG includes, for example, a processing procedure according to the present invention, and is executed by the CPU 45 using the storage unit 44 as a work space.

The CPU 45 comprehensively controls each component of the accounting information processing apparatus 4. The CPU 45 performs the processing according to the present invention, for example, by executing the program PRG stored in the storage unit 44.
For example, the CPU 45 sets the terminal device 2 so that the terminal device 2 can wirelessly communicate with the other terminal device 2 or the access point device 3 based on the registration information including the identification information ID (MACA) of the terminal device 2 and the area information. A program PRG is generated, the communication unit 41 transmits the connection program to the terminal device 2, and charging information corresponding to the number of terminal devices 2 for each region is generated based on the region information included in the registration information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of terminal device 2 and billing information processing device 4 shown in FIG.
When a user who operates the terminal device 2 wants to use the communication system 1 according to the present invention, the identification information ID (MACA) of the terminal device 2 or information indicating the region where the user is present (the region where the terminal device 2 exists) ), Identification information and information for certifying payment ability are transmitted as registration information to the information processing apparatus 4 for charging.
The accounting information processing device 4 performs user registration based on the registration information, generates a connection program PRG dedicated to the terminal device 2, and transmits the connection program PRG to the terminal device 2.
Hereinafter, a specific example of registration information will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In step ST <b> 21, the terminal device 2 transmits the identification information ID (MACA) stored in the communication unit 21 and the storage unit 24 and various types of registration information to the accounting information processing device 4 via the communication network 100.

  In step ST41, when the registration information such as the identification information ID (MACA) transmitted from the terminal device 2 is received by the communication unit 41, the CPU 45 of the accounting information processing apparatus 4 stores the information such as the identification information ID (MACA). Store in the unit 44.

In step ST42, the CPU 45 of the billing information processing apparatus 4 generates a connection program PRG dedicated to the terminal apparatus 2 based on the identification information ID (MACA).
This connection program PRG is generated based on the registration information of each terminal device, specifically, the identification information ID (MACA), and performs wireless communication only with the terminal device 2 and the access point device 3 registered in this communication system. And has a function of preventing communication with other terminal devices 2 and access point devices 3 that are not registered in the communication service.
Further, the connection program PRG includes, for example, network ID information SSID, an encryption key WEP KEY, and the like as connection information.

  In step ST43, the CPU 45 of the accounting information processing device 4 causes the communication unit 41 to transmit the connection program PRG to the requesting terminal device 2.

  In step ST22, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2 stores the connection program PRG received by the communication unit 21 in the storage unit 24, and executes the connection program PRG (ST23), whereby another terminal device 2 or an access point device. 3 and wireless communication.

  Transmission / reception of identification information ID (MACA), registration information, connection program PRG, and the like is not limited to the above-described form. For example, you may carry out by mail.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation at the time of wireless communication between the terminal devices shown in FIG. 2 and at the time of wireless communication between the terminal device and the access point device.
For example, an operation at the time of wireless communication between terminal devices will be described with reference to FIG. The operation during wireless communication between the terminal device 2 and the access point device 3 is also substantially the same.

  In step ST101, when the terminal device 2-2 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 2-1, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-2 sends a probe request including the identification information ID (MACA) via the communication unit 21. Is transmitted to the terminal device 2-1.

In step ST <b> 201, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-1 determines whether the communication partner is appropriate based on the identification information ID (MACA) included in the probe request received by the communication unit 21. For example, since the manufacturer that manufactured the terminal device 2 can manage the identification information ID (MACA), the CPU 25 refers to a portion common to each terminal device in the identification information ID (MACA) (ST202), By determining whether or not to respond to the connection request, wireless communication from other inappropriate terminal devices can be eliminated.
Further, the CPU 25 determines that the communication partner is appropriate when it matches the identification information ID (MACA) registered in the storage unit 24 in advance, and rejects the connection when it does not match.

  In step ST203, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-1 transmits a signal (probe response) indicating the determination result to the terminal device 2-2 via the communication unit 21.

  In step ST103, when the communication unit 21 receives the signal indicating the probe response in step ST103, the CPU 25 transmits network ID information SSID to the terminal device 2-1 via the communication unit 21.

  In step ST204, when receiving the network ID information SSID in the communication unit 21, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-2 determines whether or not it matches the network ID information SSID included in the connection program PRG (ST205). If not, the connection is rejected, and if it is determined that they match, a signal indicating that is transmitted to the terminal device 2-2 via the communication unit 21 (ST206).

  In step ST104, when the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-2 receives the signal through the communication unit 21, the CPU 25 transmits an authentication request signal including the encryption key WEP KEY to the terminal device 2-1 via the communication unit 21 (ST105). .

  In step ST207, when the communication unit 21 receives the authentication request signal in step ST207, the CPU 25 determines whether or not it matches the encryption key WEP KEY included in the connection program PRG (ST208). As a result, if they do not match, the connection is rejected. If it is determined that they match, an authentication response signal indicating connection permission is transmitted to the terminal device 2-2 via the communication unit 21 (ST208). ).

In step ST <b> 106, when the communication response is received by the communication unit 21, the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2-2 determines that it is appropriate as a connection partner.
As described above, by performing the authentication process according to the connection information between the terminal devices 2, when the authentication is properly performed, the connection is established between the terminal devices and wireless communication can be performed. . On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the authentication process that communication is inappropriate, wireless communication cannot be performed between the terminal devices.

Further, for example, the above-described authentication processing is performed based on the encryption key WEP KEY by a predetermined encryption processing such as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Further, the connection program PRG may improve security by generating different encryption keys WEP KEY according to the date / time / minute / second information. In addition, security may be further improved by combining a plurality of authentication processes.
By doing so, the terminal device 2 operated by an unauthorized user can be prevented from connecting to the ad hoc network.
The same operation as described above is also performed during wireless communication between the terminal device 2 and the access point device 3.

Further, at the time of cancellation, the terminal apparatus 2 transmits a cancellation request signal including the identification information ID (MACA) to the accounting information processing apparatus 4 in substantially the same manner as the operation shown in FIG.
When the communication unit 41 receives the cancellation request information, the CPU 45 of the charging information processing apparatus 4 cancels the wireless communication by the terminal device 2 according to the identification information ID (MACA) included in the cancellation request information. Is transmitted to the requesting terminal device 2 via the communication unit 41.
In addition, when the terminal unit 2 receives the cancellation program at the communication unit 21, the terminal device 2 executes the cancellation program, and cancels the connection information, for example, by changing or deleting the network ID information SSID, the encryption key WEP KEY, and the like.

  The billing information processing device 4 finally cancels the user and the terminal device 2 by confirming that the function of connection to the ad hoc network is turned off.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of generating billing information of billing information processing apparatus 4 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a database stored in the storage unit 44 of the billing information processing apparatus 4 shown in FIG.
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of generating the billing information of the billing information processing apparatus 4 will be described focusing on the operation of the CPU 45.

In step ST401, CPU45 memorize | stores the registration information transmitted from the terminal device 2 received by the communication part 41 in the memory | storage part 44, and produces | generates registration database DB.
Further, the CPU 45 may store the registration information input from the input unit 42 in the storage unit 44 and generate the registration database DB.

For example, in an ad hoc network, the larger the number (density) of terminal devices 2 in a service area, the higher the communication quality (reliability of connection through a plurality of connection routes), and the number (density) of terminal devices 2 in the service area. ) Is smaller, the communication quality is lower.
The accounting information processing apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment sets a fee based on, for example, the number of terminal apparatuses 2 for each area, the number of accesses for each area, and the like.

CPU45 produces | generates registration database DB based on the registration information containing the area information transmitted from the terminal device 2, and the area information which shows the use area of the terminal device 2, for example.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 45 has a regional database DB1, an area information DB2, a shipping terminal device number information DB3, a density information DB4, a connection program number DB5, an access number DB6, and billing information (charge information) as a registration database DB. ) DB7 is stored in association.

  The regional information DB 1 is information indicating a predetermined area set in advance, such as a prefecture, a ward, and a municipality.

  The area information DB2 is information indicating the area of each area indicated in the area information DB1.

  The shipped terminal device number information DB3 is information indicating the number of shipped terminal devices 2 for each area information DB1.

The density information DB4 is information indicating, for example, the density of the terminal device for each area, and can be obtained by dividing the shipping terminal device number information DB3 by the area information DB2 in detail.
The density information DB 4 is, for example, information indicating the density of the terminal device subscribing to the connection service for each area, specifically, information indicating the density of the terminal device executing the connection program PRG for each area. Also good. This density information DB4 is obtained, for example, by dividing the number of connected programs DB5 for each area by the area information DB2. By doing so, it is possible to generate the billing information DB 7 reflecting the density of the terminal devices that use the connection service more accurately. At this time, the number of terminal devices subscribing to the connection service is the same or less than the actual number of shipped terminal devices.

The connection program number DB 5 is information indicating the number of connection programs PRG transmitted to the terminal device 2 for each area and the number of connection programs PRG distributed to the terminal device 2.
Further, for example, the connection program number DB5 is information indicating the number of effective terminal devices that use the connection service by executing the connection program PRG. For example, the number of terminal devices 2 that have canceled this connection service is excluded.
For example, the terminal device 2 executes the connection program PRG and communicates with the billing information processing device 4 at the start of communication, and the billing information processing device 4 responds to the communication from the terminal device 2 by the terminal device 2. Get region information. Specifically, the billing information processing device 4 executes the connection program PRG described above by obtaining the use region information of the terminal device 2 from the SSID and the region information of the access point device 3 to which the terminal device 2 is connected. It is possible to obtain the connection program number DB 5 for each area of the terminal device 2 that is present and the use area information.
That is, the information indicating the area information (area) of the terminal device 2 is substantially the same area as the area where the access point device 3 being used is present, so that the accounting information processing device 4 is in wireless communication with the terminal device 2. By obtaining the SSID, it is possible to obtain the use area information of the terminal device 2 based on information indicating a predetermined SSID used in a predetermined area.
This usage area information may or may not match the area information of the terminal device 2 at the time of registration.
By reflecting the connection program number DB 5 according to the use area information in the density information and the billing information, the billing information according to the number of terminal devices in each area using the connection service can be obtained more accurately. it can.

  The access number DB 6 is information indicating the number of accesses to the billing information processing device 4 by the CPU 25 of the terminal device 2 executing the connection program PRG. As described above, for example, the terminal device 2 executes the connection program PRG to communicate with the billing information processing device 4 at the start of communication. Since communication between the terminal device 2 and the billing information processing device 4 consumes a communication band if it is frequently performed, it is preferably performed at a predetermined timing, for example, every hour.

The charging information DB 7 is information indicating a connection fee. As described above, in the ad hoc network, the communication quality changes according to the number (density) of effective terminal devices 2 that execute the connection program PRG in the service area, so the CPU 45 is based on the density information DB 4 for each area. The billing information DB 7 is generated.
Specifically, the CPU 45 sets the first billing information DB 7 for the terminal device 2 in the area where the density information DB 4 is smaller than the first set value.
Further, the CPU 45 can provide a high-quality communication service when the density information DB 4 is between the first set value and the second set value that is larger than the first set value. The second billing information DB 7 larger than the billing information is generated.
In addition, when the density information DB 4 is larger than the second set value, the CPU 45 determines that the number of terminals increases and the communication quality often decreases, and the third smaller than the second billing information. The charging information DB 7 is generated.
Billing is performed on the user u, for example, as a fixed fee every predetermined unit, for example, every month.

Instead of charging according to the amount of data communication or the history of the communication path as in the past, the information processing apparatus 4 for charging according to the present embodiment, as described above, the area of the terminal device 2 included in the registration information The charging information DB 7 is generated according to the information, that is, according to the area-specific shipping terminal device number information DB 3, specifically according to the density information DB 4, so that the charging information DB 7 can be easily generated.
In addition, as described above, the billing information processing apparatus 4 uses the density information DB 4 as information indicating the density of the terminal apparatus 2 subscribing to the connection service for each area, specifically, a terminal executing the connection program PRG. If the billing information DB 7 is generated according to the information indicating the density of the device 2, billing information reflecting the number (density) of terminal devices that use the connection service can be generated more accurately.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the services and charges of the communication system shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, a terminal manufacturer m that manufactures the terminal device 2 provides the user u with the terminal device 2. Further, the terminal manufacturer m manages the billing information processing device 4 and requests the user u to pay a fee according to the billing information DB 7 by the billing information processing device 4 as a connection fee for the communication system 1.
The user u pays the terminal manufacturer m for the purchase price of the terminal device 2 and pays the connection fee for the communication system 1.
Further, the terminal manufacturer m pays a usage fee of the access point device 3 to the service provider H that manages the access point device 3 installed in a hot spot or the like.
The service provider H provides a service that allows the user u to use the access point device 3 installed in a hot spot or the like.

FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of the second embodiment of the communication system according to the present invention.
The communication system 1a according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of terminal devices 2, a plurality of access point devices 3, a billing information processing device 4, a mail server device 5, and a call control server device 6, as shown in FIG. Have.

  Access point device 3, billing information processing device 4, mail server device 5, and call control server device 6 are connected by communication network 100.

For the sake of simplicity, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 2 includes terminal devices 2-1 to 3 and terminal devices 2-5 and 6, and the access point device 3 includes access point devices 3-1 and 2. .
Since each component has substantially the same function as that of the first embodiment, only differences will be described.

  A major difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that a mail server device 5 and a call control server device 6 are added.

The mail server device 5 provides a service related to so-called electronic mail via the communication network 100.
The call control server device 6 provides a service such as a so-called IP (Internet Protocol) telephone service via the communication network 100.

  The terminal devices 2-1 to 2-3 perform wireless communication between the devices of the terminal device 2 to form an ad hoc network. Via the access point device 3-1 and the communication network 100, the mail server device 5 and the call control server device 6. Communicate with a server device that provides various services such as.

  The terminal device 2 is connected to the terminal device 2-5 installed in a general household or another access point device 3-2 by using the mail server device 5 and the call control server device 6 via an ad hoc network, for example. The terminal device 2-6 can transmit / receive an e-mail, an IP phone or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between services and charges of the communication system shown in FIG. Only differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

For example, a server device manager Sa that provides various services such as the mail server device 5 and the call control server device 6 is added.
For example, the user u who wants to use a communication service such as e-mail / phone pays the service fee to the terminal manufacturer m.

  The terminal maker m pays a part of the service fee as a maintenance / management fee to the management company Sa entrusted with management of the mail server, call control server, and the like. Thereby, the user can receive services such as mail / phone using each server device.

  In addition, in the case of a service capable of exchanging messages without going through a server device, such as an Internet messenger, no server usage fee is required. However, the ad hoc network included in the communication system according to the present invention has relatively low reliability. Since there is a high possibility of being a connection service, it is preferable for the user u to use the mail server device 5 because it is possible to communicate more reliably by sending a message via a mail server or the like.

  Further, the accounting information processing device 4 receives information related to connection from a server device managed by the manager Sa, for example, the mail server device 5 or the call control server device 6, and reflects the information in the accounting information.

FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of the third embodiment of the communication system according to the present invention.
The communication system 1b according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 2, a plurality of access point devices 3, and a billing information processing device 4, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The components of the third embodiment and the first embodiment have substantially the same function, and only the differences will be described.

  In a network infrastructure using an ad hoc network, since the number (density) of terminal devices 2 determines service quality, the number of terminal manufacturers m that manufacture the terminal devices 2 should be as large as possible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the terminal devices 2-1 to 2-3 manufactured by the terminal maker mA perform wireless communication to form an ad hoc network.
For example, when terminal devices 2-10 to 11 manufactured by other terminal manufacturers mB try to connect to this ad hoc network, wireless communication is permitted.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the terminal devices 2-10 and 11 make the authentication process at the time of connection the same as the authentication process of the terminal manufacturer mA.
In this way, wireless communication can be performed between ad hoc networks formed by the terminal devices 2 manufactured by different terminal manufacturers m. The terminal devices 2-10 and 11 can communicate with the access point device 3 via the terminal devices 2-1 to 3 and further communicate with a server device that provides various services via the communication network 100. It can be carried out.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the services and charges of the communication system shown in FIG. Only differences between the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, the terminal manufacturer mA that manufactures the terminal devices 2-1 to 3 provides the terminal devices 2-1 to 3 to the user uA. The terminal manufacturer mB that manufactures the terminal devices 2-10 to 11 provides the terminal devices 2-10 to the user uB.

  Each of the users uA and uB pays the purchase price of the terminal device to the terminal manufacturers mA and mB and pays the connection fee of the communication system 1.

Further, the terminal manufacturers mA and mB request the users uA and uB to pay a fee according to the billing information DB 7 by the billing information processing device 4 as a connection fee for the communication system 1b.
Further, the terminal manufacturers mA and mB pay the usage fee of the access point device 3 to the service provider H that manages the access point device 3 installed in a hot spot or the like.

Here, from the viewpoint that the service quality of the ad hoc network depends on the number of terminal devices 2, specifically the density of the terminal devices 2 for each area,
(Number of terminals shipped by each manufacturer or terminal density) = (capital investment in network infrastructure)
Therefore, in order for each terminal maker m to use the network infrastructure equally, it is necessary to pay a reasonable price. For example,
(Number of terminals shipped or terminal density of terminal manufacturer mA): (Number of terminals shipped or terminal density of terminal manufacturer mB) = 5: 1
In this case, since the terminal maker mB provides a wide-area service using the network infrastructure of the terminal maker mA, the amount is paid to the maker mA as the capital investment cost.

By adopting such a business model, each manufacturer can enter the business fairly, and the user can receive high-quality (wide service area, high reliability) service.
In addition, even when a terminal manufacturer mC that newly manufactures a terminal device 2 having a wireless communication function joins, charging can be performed by making the authentication processing or the like the same processing.
That is, by providing the connection program PRG to the terminal device 2 manufactured by the terminal manufacturer mB, the terminal manufacturer mC, or the like, billing information can be generated by a simple process as in the first embodiment.

As described above, an ad hoc network is formed by a plurality of terminal devices 2 performing wireless communication using a wireless communication method defined by, for example, 802.11x, and various types of communication are performed via the access point device 3 and the communication network 100. It is possible to communicate with a server device that provides services.
The accounting information processing device 4 generates a connection program PRG corresponding to the identification information ID (MACA) included in the registration information and transmits it to the terminal device 2, and uses the area information DB 2 for each region and the shipping terminal device number information DB 3. Since the density information DB 4 is generated and the charging information DB 7 corresponding to the density information DB 4 is generated, the charging information can be generated by a simple process.

  In addition, for example, the terminal manufacturer m distributes the connection program PRG, manages the number of shipped terminals by region, and manages the density of terminal devices by region in the area where the connection program is actually executed. By using the management and billing method, it is possible to provide users with a low-cost service utilizing the characteristics of an inexpensive network infrastructure such as an ad hoc network.

  In addition, for example, when charging information is generated only according to the number of terminals shipped by region, a bandwidth for control communication such as charging is not required on the communication network, so the communication service quality provided to the user is reduced. Management and billing.

  Moreover, since the terminal manufacturer m can build a network infrastructure at the same time by selling and shipping the terminal device 2, there is no risk of requiring a large capital investment cost at first, unlike a conventional carrier operator, Easy business entry.

  In addition, the service provider H such as a hot spot can increase the number of customers at a stretch by collaborating with the terminal maker m, and the customer collecting power can be enhanced.

  In addition, when the terminal device 2 is connected to a hot spot or when adjoining terminals form an ad hoc network, a hot spot can be used if the same technology as the existing technology such as SSID and WEP is used as much as possible. There is no need to change / add new facilities to the existing network infrastructure.

  In addition, as a security technology when forming an ad hoc network, the existing MAC address filtering and a method similar to WEP can be used to maintain the interconnectivity when other manufacturers enter. As a result, it becomes easier for other manufacturers to enter the business and the number of subscriber terminals increases, so that a higher quality service can be provided.

  In addition, the quality of connection services using ad hoc networks (the size of the service area, the reliability of connections through multiple connection routes, etc.) depends on the number of terminals. The service charge can be reduced. If the number of terminals increases too much, service quality (connection speed or the like) may decrease due to network congestion or the like, and similarly, customer satisfaction can be handled by changing the service fee according to the number of terminals.

  Also, when multiple terminal manufacturers enter the business, the service quality of the ad hoc network depends on the number of terminals (density). By sharing the investment costs, manufacturers can enter the business fairly.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and any suitable modification can be made.
For example, the billing information processing apparatus 4 generates the connection program PRG, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, another information processing apparatus may generate the connection program PRG.

For example, the method for generating the billing information DB 7 is not limited to the one described above.
The accounting information processing device 4 may generate the accounting information based on the area information of the terminal device 2 included in the registration information for each area as described above, that is, based on the density information of the terminal device, The charging information may be generated based on the use area information of the terminal device 2 executing the connection program PRG for each area, that is, based on the effective density information of the terminal device 2.
Further, as described above, the accounting information processing apparatus 4 may generate accounting information based solely on density information, or generate accounting information according to information such as the number of connected programs and the number of accesses. May be. In this way, billing information corresponding to communication can be generated.

Further, the wireless communication between the terminal devices 2 and between the terminal device 2 and the access point device 3 is not limited to the above-described form.
For example, when wireless communication is performed between the terminal devices 2 or between the terminal device 2 and the access point device 3 using a wireless communication method defined in IEEE802.11x, the signal indicating the probe request frame includes: Network ID information (SSID) or broadcast SSID (information for searching for all detectable networks) is included, and the access point device 3 or terminal device 2 having the SSID returns a signal indicating a probe response. At this time, the MAC address is included in the frame (packet).
For this reason, for example, both the MAC address and the SSID may be confirmed by the probe request and response shown in FIG. In this way, the communication system according to the present invention can be realized by using a wireless communication method defined in IEEE802.11x or the like.

  Further, the connection information is not limited to the connection program PRG as described above. For example, when a password or setting information is set in advance, a connection program having a function according to the present invention is distributed, and the accounting information processing apparatus 4 uses the password as connection information in accordance with the registration information of the terminal device 2. Or setting information may be generated and transmitted to the requesting terminal device 2.

  In the present embodiment, the MAC address is used as the identification information ID, but the present invention is not limited to this form. The identification information ID may be information unique to the other terminal device 2, and may be identification information unique to the terminal device 2, such as a manufacturing number or an e-mail address.

  The present invention can be applied to a communication system that performs wireless communication using a portable communication device such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention. It is a whole block diagram of each component of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement with the terminal device 2 and the information processing apparatus 4 for charging shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the radio | wireless communication between the terminal devices shown in FIG. 2, and the radio | wireless communication of a terminal device and an access point apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement which produces | generates the accounting information of the information processing apparatus 4 for accounting shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the database which the memory | storage part 44 of the information processing apparatus 4 for charging shown in FIG. 2 memorize | stores. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship of the service of a communication system shown in FIG. 1, and a charge. It is a whole block diagram of 2nd Embodiment of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship of the service and charge of a communication system shown in FIG. It is a whole block diagram of 3rd Embodiment of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship of the service and charge of a communication system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 2 ... Terminal device, 3 ... Access point (AP) apparatus, 4 ... Information processing apparatus for accounting, 21 ... Communication part, 22 ... Input part, 23 ... Output part, 24 ... Memory | storage part, 25 ... CPU 32 ... Input unit 33 ... Output unit 34 ... Storage unit 35 ... CPU 41 ... Communication unit 42 ... Input unit 43 ... Output unit 45 ... CPU 311 ... First communication unit 312 ... Second Communication department.

Claims (4)

A communication system having a billing information processing device, a terminal device, and an access point device,
The charging information terminal device includes a first communication unit that communicates with the terminal device via the access point device;
Based on the registration information including the identification information of the terminal device and the area information, the terminal device generates connection information that is set to be wirelessly communicable with the other terminal device or the access point device, and the first communication Means for transmitting the connection information to the terminal device, and based on the area information included in the registration information, the first control means for generating charging information according to the number of the terminal device for each area,
The terminal device includes identification information storage means for storing the identification information;
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the access point device or another terminal device;
Storage means for storing connection information generated by the billing information processing apparatus;
A second control unit that performs wireless communication with the access point device or the other terminal device by the wireless communication unit according to connection information stored in the storage unit;
The access point device includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication with the terminal device and performs data communication with the accounting information processing device. The first control unit generates density information of the terminal device based on the number of the terminal devices for each region and the area of the region based on the region information included in the registration information, and the density The communication system according to claim 1, wherein billing information corresponding to the information is generated. The first control means sets first billing information when the density information is smaller than a first set value, and sets the first billing information when the density information is larger than a first set value. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein second billing information that is larger than the first billing information is generated. The first control unit generates connection information including one of network identification information and an encryption key when the terminal device performs wireless communication based on the identification information of the terminal device,
The second control means, when the network identification information assigned to the access point device or another terminal device and an encryption key match based on the connection information, the wireless communication means The communication system according to claim 1, wherein wireless communication is performed.

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