JP2023173238A - Method, information processing device, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a user to obtain an estimate of communication charges in units desired by the user.SOLUTION: A method performed by a processor includes the steps of: obtaining a user's request for estimation for communication charges; and obtaining an estimated amount of the communication charges calculated in response to the request for estimation when personal authentication of the user is successful, in which the estimated amount is calculated based on at least one of the usage period of a communication service and communication capacity specified by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method, an information processing device, and a system. In particular, the present invention relates to a method, an information processing device, and a system that enable communication on a user's terminal device in units desired by the user.

In recent years, the rate plans of mobile communication carriers have been diversifying, and it has become mainstream to include free call charges and data communication charges in the basic usage charge. For example, for a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, the basic usage fee for one month is ○○ yen, which includes □□ minutes of free calls and □□ minutes of data communication amount.

Furthermore, there is a technique that allows the user to be notified of how long the user can talk to the other party at a desired rate before starting the call (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-009982

However, in the system of Patent Document 1, although the user can grasp the available call time within the call limit before making a call, the user does not know in advance the data communication charges in units desired by the user, for example, in units of days. It is not possible. Further, in the system of Patent Document 1, the user cannot use communication services in units desired by the user.

One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to obtain an estimated amount of communication charges in units desired by the user.

Another object of the present disclosure is to enable communication services to be provided to a user's terminal device in units desired by the user.

Furthermore, communication charges are generally paid by monthly debit from a bank account specified by a credit card. Users use a credit card or the like to pay monthly fees determined for each rate plan set by a mobile communication carrier. On the other hand, in today's networked payments, remittances using digital currency, which represents currency electronically, have become common, instead of physical currency such as coins, banknotes, and checks.

A further object of the present invention is to enable communication charges to be settled with digital currency.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a method executed by a processor, which includes the steps of obtaining a user's request for an estimate of communication charges, and when personal authentication for the user is successful. the step of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request, the estimated amount being based on at least one of a usage period of the communication service specified by the user and communication capacity; A method is provided, comprising the step of: obtaining the calculated value.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method executed by a processor, the step of displaying on a display a first screen that accepts input of a user identifier, user authentication information, and a communication charge estimate request; displaying on the display a second screen that accepts input of the period of use of the communication service and the communication capacity; and, if the personal authentication of the user is successful, at least one of the period of use and the communication capacity. The present invention provides a method including the step of displaying, on a display, a third screen that displays an estimated amount of communication charges calculated based on the above-mentioned information.

Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing device including a storage unit that stores instructions, and a processor, wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the storage unit,
obtaining a user's request for a quote for communication charges;
a step of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request when the personal authentication of the user is successful; the estimated amount is based on the usage period of the communication service specified by the user; and communication capacity, which are calculated based on at least one of the following:
Provided is an information processing device that executes.

Another aspect of the present invention is a first information processing device including a first storage unit that stores a first instruction, a first processor, and a second storage unit that stores a second instruction. , a second information processing device including a second processor,
The first processor executes the first instruction stored in the first storage unit, thereby
Obtaining a communication fee quote request by the user;
calculating an estimated amount in response to the estimate request if the personal authentication of the user is successful;
calculating a billing amount to the user based on the estimated amount;
when the bill is settled in digital currency, transmitting an activation instruction for a profile associated with the user's identifier to a gateway server;
The second processor executes the second instruction stored in the second storage unit, thereby
A system is provided, which executes the step of starting to use a communication service when the profile is validated in the gateway server based on the profile validation instruction.

1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a registration system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a customer management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device, an authentication server, and a customer management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a database of user authentication information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a database of user management information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reception information database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment information database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a series of procedures from receiving a quote request to enabling use of a communication service in a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 illustrates an ID input reception screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 illustrates an example of a quotation request reception screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 illustrates an example of a display screen for displaying estimated amounts, etc., according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 illustrates an example screen prompting a user to pay, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 illustrates a screen for refunding a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure in the customer management server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure in the customer management server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[Description of embodiments of the present invention]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and explained. One embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration.
[Configuration 1]
A method performed by a processor, the method comprising:
obtaining a user's request for an estimate of communication charges (S4, S8);
If the personal authentication for the user is successful, a step (S8, S14) of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request, wherein the estimated amount is the amount specified by the user. a step of obtaining the information calculated based on at least one of the period of use of the communication service and the communication capacity;
including methods.

[Configuration 2]
The method according to configuration 1, wherein the usage period can be specified continuously or discontinuously.

[Configuration 3]
The method according to configuration 1, further comprising a step (S10) of calculating a billing amount to the user who uses the communication service based on the calculated estimated amount and the user's account balance.

[Configuration 4]
Based on the billed amount, 1. Make a payment request in digital currency, or 2. 3. Make a refund in digital currency; or 3. The method according to configuration 3, further comprising a step (S106) of determining whether neither the payment request nor the refund is to be made.

[Configuration 5]
According to configuration 3, the method further comprises a step (S18, S120) of outputting a profile activation instruction or a profile change instruction associated with the user's identifier when the billed amount is settled in digital currency. the method of.

[Configuration 6]
The method according to configuration 5, further comprising: when determining that the use of the communication service by the user does not satisfy the usage conditions, outputting an instruction to invalidate the profile associated with the user's identifier (S124). .

[Configuration 7]
The method according to configuration 6, wherein the usage condition is that usage of the communication service by the user does not exceed the usage period and does not exceed the communication capacity.

[Configuration 8]
The method according to configuration 6, wherein the usage condition is that usage of the communication service by the user does not exceed an upper limit number of user terminal devices (100) that can communicate within the usage period.

[Configuration 9]
Configuration 1 further comprising the step of settling the billed amount with digital currency when the billed amount calculated based on the estimated amount is in the charge balance of the digital currency account of the user (S16, S110). 7. The method according to any one of 7.

[Configuration 10]
9. The method according to configuration 8, further comprising the step of outputting a digital currency charge request when the charge amount calculated based on the estimated amount is not in the charge balance of the digital currency account of the user.

[Configuration 11]
After completion of the payment in the digital currency, starting the use of the communication service in response to activation of the profile associated with the user identifier associated with the quotation request (S22); The method according to configuration 9, further comprising:

[Configuration 12]
A method performed by a processor, the method comprising:
a step (S2) of displaying on the display a first screen (42) that accepts input of a user identifier, user authentication information, and a communication charge estimate request;
a step (S4) of displaying on the display a second screen (42) that accepts input of the period of use of the communication service and the communication capacity;
If the personal authentication of the user is successful, displaying on the display a third screen (43) that displays an estimated amount of communication charges calculated based on at least one of the usage period and the communication capacity; (S14) and
including methods.

[Configuration 13]
According to configuration 12, the method further includes a step (S16) of displaying a fourth screen (44) on the display that displays a billing amount calculated from the estimated amount and the account balance associated with the user's identifier. Method.

[Configuration 14]
An information processing device comprising a storage unit that stores instructions, and a processor, wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the storage unit to:
obtaining a user's request for an estimate of communication charges (S4, S10);
If the personal authentication for the user is successful, a step (S8, S14) of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request, wherein the estimated amount is the amount specified by the user. Calculated based on at least one of the usage period of the communication service and the communication capacity,
An information processing device that executes.

[Configuration 15]
A first information processing device (300) comprising a first storage section that stores a first instruction, a first processor, a second storage section that stores a second instruction, and a second processor. A system comprising: a second information processing device (100) comprising:
The first processor executes the first instruction stored in the first storage unit, thereby
a step (S8) of obtaining a communication charge estimate request from the user;
If the personal authentication of the user is successful, calculating an estimated amount in response to the estimate request (S8);
a step (S10) of calculating a billing amount to the user based on the estimated amount;
When the bill is settled in digital currency, transmitting an activation instruction for a profile associated with the user's identifier to the gateway server (400) (S18);
The second processor executes the second instruction stored in the second storage unit, thereby
A system that executes a step (S22) of starting to use a communication service when the profile is validated in the gateway server (400) based on the profile validation instruction.
[Configuration 16]
The system further includes a third information processing device (200) including a third storage unit that stores a third instruction, and a third processor,
The third processor executes the third instruction stored in the third storage unit, thereby
a step (S6) of determining whether the combination of the user identifier and user authentication information is correct;
16. The system according to configuration 15, wherein the system executes the step (S12) of transmitting the user's authentication result to the second information processing device (100).

[Details of embodiments of the present invention]
Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following examples, but is indicated by the claims, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included in the present disclosure. Ru. In the following description, the same elements are given the same reference numerals in each drawing, and overlapping description will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a registration system 10 for pre-registering users according to the present disclosure. The registration system 10 uses a terminal device 100, which is an information processing device, to transmit user information acquired by the terminal device 100 via a communication network (not shown) to an authentication server 200, which is an information processing device, and the information processing device. This is a system for registering with the customer management server 300. Note that the terminal device 100 may communicate with the authentication server 200, which is an external device, via a network such as the Internet, or may communicate with the authentication server 200, which is an external device, via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) or short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Communication with external devices may be performed using technology or the like.

In the registration system 10 of the present embodiment, (1) the user information is sent from the terminal device 100 to the authentication server 200 together with a request to register the user information to the registration system 10, and (2) the authentication server 200 receives the information included in the user information. Register user authentication information. Further, the authentication server 200 requests the customer management server 300 to register user information. (3) After registering user information for each user identifier (ID), the customer management server 300 transmits a user information registration completion notification to the authentication server 200. (4) The authentication server 200 transmits a user information registration completion notification to the terminal device 100.

The user information includes a user ID uniquely determined for each user and user authentication information. The user information may further include at least one of the user's name, date of birth, user address, telephone number, email address, driver's license number, and information regarding identification information of the terminal device 100 owned by the user. The user ID may be a My Number card number.

The user authentication information includes user authentication information associated with the user ID, for example, a password arbitrarily designated by the user. The authentication information may include biometric information of the user such as fingerprint authentication information and iris authentication information.

When the registration system 10 completes registration of user information to the authentication server 200 and customer management server 300, the provision system 20 shown in FIG. 2 can perform communication charge estimation processing and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a providing system 20 that "estimates communication charges" and "provides communication services" to the terminal device 100 of the present disclosure. The provision system 20 according to this embodiment includes a terminal device 100, an authentication server 200, a customer management server 300, a gateway server (GW) 400 that is an information processing device, and a digital currency server 500 that is an information processing device. , are connected to each other via a network (not shown). The terminal device 100, authentication server 200, and customer management server 300 in FIG. 2 correspond to the terminal device 100, authentication server 200, and customer management server 300 in FIG. 1, respectively. Communication services may include data communication services and voice communication services. In the following example, it is assumed that the communication service is a data communication service.

According to the providing system 20 of the present embodiment, (1) the terminal device 100 transmits a communication charge estimate request based on the unit desired by the user and user authentication information to the authentication server 200; (2) The authentication server 200 performs personal authentication for the user. Further, the authentication server 200 notifies the customer management server 300 of the received quotation request. (3) The customer management server 300 calculates the estimated amount based on the estimate request. The calculated estimated amount is transmitted to the authentication server 200. (4) The terminal device 100 notifies the user of the estimated amount received from the authentication server 200 together with the authentication result.

The provision system 20 of this embodiment authenticates the user's terminal device 100 through the processes (1) to (4) shown in FIG. 2, and can estimate the communication fee based on the unit desired by the user. can.

Further, according to the providing system 20 of the present embodiment, (5) the terminal device 100 pays the amount necessary for using the communication service to the customer management server 300 in digital currency based on the estimated amount of communication charges. . When the customer management server 300 accepts payment processing in digital currency, it can convert the digital currency into legal currency. (6) The customer management server 300 accepts payment in digital currency, and when the payment in digital currency is completed, sends a payment completion notification to the terminal device 100. (7) The customer management server 300 also instructs the gateway server 400 to activate the subscriber profile corresponding to the user identifier associated with the quotation request. (8) The gateway server 400 validates the subscriber profile based on the subscriber profile validation instruction from the customer management server 300. Thereafter, the terminal device 100 can start using the communication service once the subscriber profile is activated.

The providing system 20 of this embodiment can provide communication services to the terminal device 100 of a user who has been successfully authenticated through the processes (5) to (8) shown in FIG.

The digital currency to be used in this disclosure is a nationally backed currency that is issued and managed in electronic form by a central bank or the like. In other words, digital currency is a currency that is guaranteed to be converted into legal currency, and does not include currencies such as virtual currencies where there is no issuer of coins or banknotes. Digital currency can include electronic money and the like.

In the provision system 20 according to the present disclosure, the user can complete payment of communication charges using digital currency without going through a credit card company or the like. By using the prepaid method, in which an arbitrary amount of digital currency is charged to a specific recording medium in advance, or by directly withdrawing money from the bank account associated with the digital currency account, users can make payments when they need to pay. It becomes possible to pay communication charges immediately.

Further, according to the present disclosure, there is no need for the mobile communication carrier to develop or set a communication service menu. The mobile communication carrier can provide communication services to the terminal device 100 based on the unit specified by the user.

Note that the providing system 20 can manage the series of processes (1) to (8) shown in FIG. 2 as one session. For example, if the terminal device 100 cannot receive the estimated amount even after a certain period of time has passed even though the terminal device 100 has sent a quotation request to the authentication server 200, the terminal device 100 resends the quotation request to the authentication server 200. be able to.

The terminal device 100 includes a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile communication terminal, and the like. The terminal device 100 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel, and display devices such as a display, and is capable of transmitting information input by the user to the authentication server 200, customer management server 300, and digital currency server 500. I can do it. Further, the terminal device 100 is a terminal that can use digital currency, and can send and receive various information regarding digital currency to and from the customer management server 300 and the digital currency server 500. The user of the terminal device 100 can use various communication services provided by communication carriers in units desired by the user.

The authentication server 200 registers user authentication information received from the terminal device 100. Further, the authentication server 200 determines whether the user authentication information received from the terminal device 100 is correct based on the user authentication information registered in advance. Furthermore, the authentication server 200 is capable of transmitting a communication charge estimate request from the terminal device 100 to the customer management server 300 and transmitting an estimated communication charge amount calculated by the customer management server 300 to the terminal device 100. can.

The customer management server 300 calculates an estimated amount in response to an estimate request from the terminal device 100. Further, the customer management server 300 performs digital currency payments with the terminal device 100. Further, the customer management server 300 manages (enables/disables/changes) subscriber profiles associated with user IDs. The customer management server 300 can instruct the gateway server 400 to activate the subscriber profile when the terminal device 100 completes payment of the communication fee. Alternatively, the customer management server 300 can instruct the gateway server 400 to invalidate the subscriber profile when the terminal device 100 does not satisfy the communication service usage conditions.

The gateway server 400 is a device that functions as a gateway for the terminal device 100 to connect to the external Internet. If the network is 4G, the gateway server 400 is a packet data network gateway (P-GW). The main functions of the P-GW include a packet filtering function based on the terminal device 100, an Internet protocol (IP) address assignment function for the terminal device 100, and control of uplink and downlink rates based on services. There is. When the network is 5G, the gateway server 400 is an entity equivalent to a UPF (User Plane Function), and includes functions related to P-GW in the 4G network architecture.

The digital currency server 500 is managed and operated by a digital currency issuer directly or through another company, and constitutes a digital currency platform. Digital currency server 500 manages digital currency information and ensures that the digital currency used is valid currency. The digital currency server 500 processes a digital currency payout in response to a request to pay out a predetermined amount from the terminal device 100, and adds digital currency to the digital currency balance in response to a request to charge digital currency from the terminal device 100. Performs charge processing.

<Hardware configuration of customer management server 300>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the customer management server 300 (FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that FIG. 3 does not limit the customer management server 300 of the present disclosure to a specific configuration. The various components shown in FIG. 3 may be combined, subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

As shown in FIG. 3, the customer management server 300 includes a processor 302, a memory 304, a storage 306, and a communication interface (IF) 308. These components included in the customer management server 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 314.

Processor 302 controls the overall operation of customer management server 300. The processor 302 is implemented as a device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Processor 302 reads a program from storage 306, which will be described later. The processors 302 then load each read program into a memory 304, which will be described later. Processor 302 executes the developed program. As an example, the processor 302 executes a series of instructions included in a program loaded in the memory 304 based on a signal given to the customer management server 300 or based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

Memory 304 is a main storage device. Memory 304 temporarily stores programs and data. The memory 304 is implemented as a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). As an example, the memory 304 provides a work area for the processor 302 by temporarily storing programs and various data that the processor 302 reads from a storage 306, which will be described later. Memory 304 stores at least an operating system. The operating system is a computer program for controlling the overall operation of customer management server 300.

Storage 306 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 306 permanently holds programs and data. The storage 306 includes, for example, a device with only a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, and a flash memory, a device with only a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or both. It is realized as a recording device equipped with the following. The storage 306 stores, for example, programs for realizing communication with other computers and the like.

The communication IF 308 controls the transmission and reception of various data between the customer management server 300 and various devices that can communicate with each other according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication IF 308 supports communication on a wireless/wired network with various devices (terminal device 100, authentication server 200, gateway server 400, etc.).

Note that the hardware configurations of the terminal device 100, the authentication server 200, the gateway server 400, and the digital currency server 500 are basically the same as that of the customer management server 300, so a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 100, authentication server 200, and customer management server 300 that constitute the registration system 10 of FIG. 1 and the provision system 20 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram.

<Functional configuration of terminal device 100>
The terminal device 100 has a function of accepting input operations from a user, a function of transmitting and receiving information to and from the authentication server 200 and the customer management server 300, and a function of proceeding with various processes by executing applications. The terminal device 100 includes a control section 130 and a storage section 150 as main components. The control unit 130 executes a series of instructions included in various applications stored in the storage unit 150 based on a signal given to the terminal device 100 or based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. . The terminal device 100 functions as a control unit 130 and a storage unit 150 through cooperation of a processor, memory, storage, and communication IF.

The control unit 130 functions as an operation reception unit 131, an acquisition/transmission unit 132, and a progress unit 133 according to the description of a program (not shown). The control unit 330 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) depending on the nature of the application (AP) to be executed.

The operation reception unit 131 receives user operation inputs that are input according to various application screens displayed on the display (not shown) of the terminal device 100. The operation reception unit 131 receives input of authentication information and the like from the user. If the authentication information is a password, it is input using a physical button, keyboard, touch panel, etc. of the terminal device 100. If the authentication information is fingerprint authentication information, it is input by the fingerprint reading sensor of the terminal device 100.

The acquisition/transmission unit 132 transmits user input to the authentication server 200 or receives an authentication result from the authentication server 200. The acquisition/transmission unit 132 also acquires various data such as the estimated amount of communication charges calculated by the customer management server 300 via the authentication server 200.

When the application stored in the storage unit 150 is activated, the progress unit 133 progresses various processes such as displaying a notification screen to the user on the display of the terminal device 100 according to a procedure determined for this application. The application includes an estimate presentation application 151. Details of this estimate presentation application 151 will be described later.

<Functional configuration of authentication server 200>
The authentication server 200 has a function of registering user authentication information and a function of personally authenticating a target user based on the user authentication information acquired from the terminal device 100. Authentication server 200 includes a control section 230 and a storage section 250 as main components. The control unit 230 executes a series of instructions included in the application stored in the storage unit 250 based on a signal given to the control unit 230 or based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. The authentication server 200 functions as a control unit 230 and a storage unit 250 through cooperation of a processor, memory, storage, and communication IF.

The control unit 230 functions as a registration unit 231 and an authentication unit 232 according to the description of a program (not shown). The control unit 230 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) depending on the nature of the application (AP) to be executed.

The registration unit 231 stores user authentication information among the user information acquired from the terminal device 100 in the storage unit 250.

The authentication unit 232 compares the user authentication information (for example, a password) acquired from the terminal device 100 with information in the user authentication information database 251 stored in the storage unit 250 to determine whether or not it is correct. . When the user authentication information is correct, that is, when personal authentication is successful, the authentication section 232 transmits the authentication result to the terminal device 100.

<Functional configuration of customer management server 300>
The customer management server 300 has a function of estimating communication charges, a function of calculating a billed amount of communication charges, and a function of managing subscriber profiles of users. Further, the customer management server 300 can have a function of managing the transfer of digital currency to and from the terminal device 100 and a function of requesting the digital currency server 500 to convert digital currency into cash. The customer management server 300 includes a control section 330 and a storage section 350 as main components. The control unit 330 executes a series of instructions included in the application stored in the storage unit 350 based on a signal given to the customer management server 300 or based on the fulfillment of a predetermined condition. . The customer management server 300 functions as a control unit 330 and a storage unit 350 through cooperation of a processor, memory, storage, and communication IF.

The control unit 330 functions as an estimation unit 331, a billing unit 332, or a profile management unit 333 depending on the description of a program (not shown). The control unit 330 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) depending on the nature of the application (AP) to be executed.

The estimation unit 331 calculates the estimated amount of communication charges based on the unit desired by the user, specifically, based on at least one of the usage period and data communication capacity specified by the user. The estimation unit 331 stores the calculated estimated amount in the payment information database 353.

The billing unit 332 calculates the amount to be billed for communication charges to the user. In addition, the billing unit 332 checks the account balance of previously paid amounts associated with the user ID, and requests the user for payment, provides a refund, or determines that neither refund nor payment is required. It is possible to determine whether For example, if the estimated amount calculated based on the usage period and communication capacity specified by the user is greater than the account balance, the billing unit 332 refunds the account corresponding to the user ID in digital currency.

The profile management unit 333 transmits a subscriber profile validation instruction, invalidation instruction, and change instruction to the gateway server 400.

For example, when the profile management unit 333 confirms that the calculated bill amount has been paid in digital currency, it transmits a subscriber profile validation instruction to the gateway server 400. Further, when the profile management unit 333 refers to the reception information database 352 and determines that the terminal device 100 does not satisfy the communication service usage conditions, the profile management unit 333 instructs the gateway server 400 to disable the subscriber profile corresponding to the user ID. can be sent to.

(Data stored in the storage unit of each device)
Further, FIG. 4 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit 150 of the terminal device 100, an example of data stored in the storage unit 250 of the authentication server 200, and an example of data stored in the storage unit 350 of the customer management server 300. Give an example. The storage units 150, 250, and 350 can store other data (not shown) depending on the nature of the application (AP) to be executed.

The storage unit 150 of the terminal device 100 stores an estimate presentation application 151 (hereinafter referred to as "estimate presentation application") that can present an estimated amount of communication charges in units desired by the user. The quotation presentation application 151 has a function of transmitting user authentication information to the authentication server 200, a function of accepting input of a quotation request for usage units of communication services desired by the user, and transmitting this quotation request to the authorization server 200. , the terminal device 100 may have a function of displaying the estimated amount of communication charges calculated based on the unit desired by the user on the display of the terminal device 100.

The storage unit 250 of the authentication server 200 stores a database 251 of user authentication information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a database 251 of user authentication information stored in the authentication server 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the user authentication information database 251 includes items such as a user ID that uniquely identifies a user and user authentication information for each user ID. The authentication information may include at least one of a password arbitrarily set by the user, face authentication information, fingerprint authentication information, and iris authentication information of the user. In the following, it is assumed that the user authentication information is a password specified by the user. These items are generated in the registration system 10 (FIG. 1) for each registration application by a user, and are added to the user authentication information database 251 by the authentication server 200 when a new user registration application is accepted.

Returning to FIG. 4, the storage unit 350 of the customer management server 300 stores a database 351 of user management information, a database 352 of reception information, and a database 353 of payment information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user management information database 351 (FIG. 4) stored in the customer management server 300. The user management information database 351 stores subscriber profiles for each user ID, as shown in FIG. The subscriber profile is composed of items for each user ID, such as user address, telephone number, e-mail address, password arbitrarily set by the user, and driver's license number.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reception information database 352 (FIG. 4) stored in the customer management server 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the reception information database 352 is made up of items such as reception date and time, user ID, usage time specified by the user, and communication capacity in the order of reception numbers of quotation requests from a plurality of users.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment information database 353 (FIG. 4) stored in the customer management server 300. As shown in FIG. 8, the payment information database 353 is created for each user ID, and can record the history of payment information in digital currency, etc. for one user ID. In the example of FIG. 8, the history of all payment information associated with user ID: 00001 is recorded. Items such as the calculated estimated amount, the account balance associated with the user account corresponding to the user ID, the billed amount calculated based on the estimated amount and the account balance, and payment status in the order in which the request for estimate by user ID: 00001 is received. is associated. The customer management server 300 can manage the account balance, estimated amount, billed amount, etc. of the account corresponding to the user ID using the payment information database 353.

The "estimated amount" is calculated based on at least one of the input usage period and communication capacity. The details of calculating the estimated amount will be described later.

The "account balance" is associated with the user account corresponding to the user ID, and is the balance remaining in the account when the estimate request is accepted. If the user has paid an amount for using communication services in the past, the "account balance" is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the used amount from the amount paid in the past. In the example of FIG. 8, the balance of the account with reception number 00001 is "0" yen. When user ID 00001 starts using the communication service for the first time, the balance of the account corresponding to the user ID is "0" yen. On the other hand, when a quotation request is accepted, a portion of the payment amount paid in the past may remain in the account as a balance. For example, the "account balance" remains in the account when the usage period of a previously contracted communication service has not been exceeded or the communication capacity has not been exhausted. In the example of FIG. 8, the balance of the account with reception number 00005 is "800" yen.

The "billing amount" is the amount that the customer management server 300 charges the terminal device 100, and is determined based on the account balance and the estimated amount. If the account balance is "0", the estimated amount will be the billed amount as is. If there is a balance in your account, the billing amount will be the remaining amount after subtracting your account balance from the estimated amount. When the billed amount is positive, the user is billed for the shortfall, and when the billed amount is negative, the overpaid amount is refunded to the user.

“Payment status” indicates the status of whether digital currency payment has been executed between the terminal device 100 and the customer management server 300. When the customer management server 300 requests payment from the terminal device 100 and confirms that the amount of the invoiced amount has been paid in digital currency by the terminal device 100, the payment status is changed from "unfinished" to "finished".

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating a series of procedures in the providing system 20 from receiving an estimate request from the terminal device 100 to enabling the terminal device 100 to use the communication service. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the estimated amount is larger than the account balance and payment in digital currency occurs from the user's terminal device 100 to the customer management server 300.

First, in step S2, the terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) receives a user's operation to launch the estimate presentation application 151 (FIG. 4) on the terminal device 100.

When the estimate presentation application 151 is launched, the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) causes the ID input reception screen 41, which is the first screen, to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 100 in step S4. FIG. 10A illustrates the ID input reception screen 41. The ID input reception screen 41 displays input items for a user ID and password by the user. The terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) can receive input of a user ID and password by the user via the ID input reception screen 41 shown in FIG. 10A.

Further, in step S4, the terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) receives a selection input of the "proceed to estimate" icon from the user via the ID input reception screen 41 shown in FIG. 10A. Next, the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) causes the second screen, the quotation request reception screen 42, to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 100. FIG. 10B illustrates an example of the quotation request reception screen 42. The quotation request reception screen 42 displays input items in units desired by the user (for example, usage period of data communication service and data communication capacity). The terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) can receive input from the user of the usage period and communication capacity for which the user wishes to use the communication service via the estimate request reception screen 42 shown in FIG. 10B.

The period of use can be arbitrarily specified in any desired time unit specified by the user, such as yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hour and minute units. Further, the usage period can be specified continuously or discontinuously. The communication capacity can be arbitrarily specified in units of data communication capacity desired by the user, such as in giga units or mega units. These data (user ID, password, usage period, communication capacity) input in step S4 are transmitted to the authentication server 200 ((1) in FIG. 2).

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S6, the authentication server 200 (authentication unit 232) selects the user ID and password combination registered in the user authentication information database 251 and the user ID and password input in step S4. Compare the combinations. When the authentication server 200 (authentication unit 232) determines that the input user ID and password combination is correct, that is, when the user's personal authentication is successful, the authentication server 200 (authentication unit 232) sends a quote request and the user ID to the customer management server 300. At the same time, the usage period and communication capacity acquired in step S4 are transmitted ((2) in FIG. 2). Next, the process proceeds to step S8.

Note that in step S6, if the input user authentication information does not match the stored authentication information, the authentication server 200 does not proceed to step S8 and sends the authentication result indicating that the authentication has failed to the terminal. It may also be transmitted to the device 100.

In step S8, upon acquiring the quotation request, the customer management server 300 (estimation unit 331) inputs the usage period, communication capacity, and user ID acquired from the authentication server 200 in the reception information along with the reception number and reception date and time. The information is stored in the database 352 of .

Further, in step S8, the customer management server 300 (estimation unit 331) calculates the estimated amount of communication charges based on the usage period and communication capacity obtained from the authentication server 200. The customer management server 300 (estimation unit 331) stores the calculated estimated amount in the payment information database 353 created for each user ID. The estimated amount is calculated using the following formula, for example.

Estimated amount = communication capacity x usage period x unit hourly charge

Here, the communication capacity and usage period are the communication capacity and usage period acquired in step S4. The unit hourly charge is determined in advance by the communication carrier. For example, if the unit hourly charge is 1 yen when 1 Mbps is used in 1 hour, and the communication capacity input by the user is 1 Gbps and the usage time is 24 hours, the estimated amount is 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) x 24 hours x 1 yen = 24 yen.

Next, in step S10, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) refers to the payment information database 353 corresponding to the user ID and obtains the account balance. Based on the estimated amount and the account balance, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) calculates the remaining amount after subtracting the account balance from the estimated amount as a billed amount, and stores it in the payment information database 353. Next, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) transmits at least one of the estimated amount, the account balance, and the billed amount to the authentication server 200 ((3) in FIG. 2).

Next, in step S12, the authentication server 200 transmits at least one of the user's authentication result, the estimated amount obtained from the customer management server 300, the account balance, and the billed amount to the terminal device 100 ( (4) in Figure 2).

In step S14, upon receiving the estimated amount, etc., the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) causes the display of the terminal device 100 to display a third screen, a screen 43, which displays the estimated amount, etc., shown in FIG. 10C. The screen 43 displays at least the estimated amount of communication charges calculated in step S8. The terminal device 100 may display different information on the screen 43.

If the amount equivalent to the estimated amount is in the account balance, the terminal device 100 may display the estimated amount and the account balance associated with the user ID. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount equivalent to the estimated amount is not in the account balance, the billed amount may be displayed on the screen 43 in addition to the estimated amount and the account remaining amount. In the example of FIG. 10C, the estimated amount is 2,500 yen, the account balance is 1,700 yen, and a shortfall (billed amount) of 800 yen is displayed on the screen 43.

In the example below, we will explain a case where the account balance does not have the amount equivalent to the estimated amount and is insufficient.

When the "Next" button is selected on the screen 43 (FIG. 10C), the process advances to step S16. In step S16, the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) displays a screen 44, which is a fourth screen prompting the user to pay, as shown in FIG. 10D. Screen 44 displays the amount billed to the user.

Further, in step S16, the terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) receives a selection for payment approval on the screen 44. The terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) accesses the digital currency server 500 and checks the charge balance of the user's digital currency managed by the digital currency server 500. The user uses the terminal device 100 to pay an amount equivalent to the billed amount in digital currency ((5) in FIG. 2).

If there is an amount equivalent to the billed amount in the charge balance, the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) can pay the billed amount in digital currency to the customer management server 300 from the digital currency charge balance.

On the other hand, if the amount equivalent to the billed amount is not in the user's digital currency charge balance managed by the digital currency server 500, the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) requests the digital currency server 500 to charge the digital currency. Output. When the digital currency server 500 receives a charge request for digital currency from the terminal device 100, it can issue digital currency to the digital currency account of the terminal device 100 based on this charge request. When the terminal device 100 (proceeding unit 133) confirms that the digital currency has been charged, it pays the billed amount to the customer management server 300 in digital currency from the digital currency charge balance.

The digital currency server 500 records the usage history and purchase history of digital currency for each user (for each digital currency account) who uses digital currency. Digital currency may be issued directly from a bank account registered by the user, or may be issued from a dedicated terminal that provides a digital currency deposit service. When digital currency is purchased, digital currency server 500 associates the digital currency purchase history with the digital currency account of the user who uses the digital currency.

Next, in step S18, when the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) confirms the payment in digital currency from the terminal device 100, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) confirms the payment in digital currency from the terminal device 100. When confirming that the transfer has been made to the server 300, an instruction to activate the profile associated with the user ID is sent to the gateway server 400 ((7) in FIG. 2).

In step S20, the gateway server 400 validates the profile corresponding to the user ID based on the profile validation instruction from the customer management server 300.

When the profile is validated, in step S22, the terminal device 100 can use the communication service in the desired unit for which the estimate was requested in step S4.

Note that if "Cancel" is selected on screen 42 (FIG. 10B), screen 43 (FIG. 10C), or screen 44 (FIG. 10D), the screen returns to the quotation request reception screen 42, and a different usage period and communication capacity are selected. It may also be possible to accept input of .

Further, the process shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example, and the process may be added or changed. In the example of FIG. 9, the quotation request is accepted in step S4, and then the user's personal authentication is performed in step S6, but the quotation request may be accepted after the user's personal authentication is successful. Further, the usage period and communication capacity of the communication service input by the user in step S4 may be directly transmitted to the customer management server 300 without going through the authentication server 200 if the user's personal authentication is successful. .

In the example of FIG. 9, a case has been described where the estimated amount is larger than the account balance and the user makes a payment to the customer management server 300, that is, the case where the billed amount is "positive". However, the estimated amount may be less than the account balance. If the billed amount obtained by subtracting the account balance from the estimated amount is "negative," the customer management server 300 needs to refund the user. If the billed amount is "0", the user does not need to pay or receive a refund.

Below, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing procedure in the customer management server 300 when the billed amount is "positive", "negative", or "0" will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 for explaining the processing procedure in the customer management server 300 from calculating the estimated amount to managing the profile.

First, in step S102, the customer management server 300 (estimation unit 331) calculates the estimated amount of communication charges based on at least one of the usage period and communication capacity specified by the user (step S8 in FIG. 9). ). Furthermore, the estimation unit 331 records the usage period and communication capacity specified by the user in the reception information database 352 (FIG. 7).

In step S104, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) obtains the account balance corresponding to the user ID, and calculates the billed amount by subtracting the account balance from the estimated amount (corresponding to step S10 in FIG. 9). do).

In step S106, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) calculates 1. Make a “payment request” or 2. Either “refund” or 3. It is determined whether "no refund or payment is required". Specifically, the billing unit 332 performs 1. when the billing amount obtained by subtracting the remaining amount from the estimated amount is positive. “Payment request”, when the amount requested is negative 2. "Refund", when the billed amount is "0" 3. It is determined that "no refund or payment is required."

In step S106, the billing unit 332 performs 1. If it is determined that the request is a “payment request,” in step S108, the requesting unit 332 transmits the estimated amount, the (positive) amount charged, and the account balance to the terminal device 100 via the authentication server 200.

For example, when a user uses a communication service for the first time, the account balance is "0 yen" and the entire estimated amount is the billed amount. In reception number 00001 in FIG. 8, the remaining amount is "0 yen", so the difference between the estimated amount and the account balance is "800 yen", and the full amount of the estimated amount is the billed amount. In other cases, even if there is an account balance equivalent to the unused period or data communication capacity, if the user changes the terms of use while using the communication service, the new estimated amount will be higher than the account balance. If this happens, the user will be billed an additional amount for the difference between the estimated amount and the account balance. In reception number 00007 in FIG. 8, the estimated amount is "600 yen" and the unused account balance is "300 yen," so the billed amount is the difference between the estimated amount and the account balance, which is "300 yen."

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S110, when the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) confirms the payment in digital currency by the terminal device 100, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) changes the payment status to "unfinished" in the payment information database 353 (FIG. 8). ” to “Done”.

In step S120, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) confirms that the payment status is "completed" in the payment information database 353. The profile management unit 333 validates the subscriber profile corresponding to the user ID whose payment status is "completed".

On the other hand, in step S106, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) performs 2. If it is determined that it is a "refund", the process advances to step S112. In step S112, the billing unit 332 transmits the estimated amount, the (negative) billed amount, and the account balance to the terminal device 100 via the authentication server 200.

For example, while using a communication service, a user may wish to change the terms of use or cancel the communication service. In such a case, the user has not used up the usage period or communication capacity corresponding to the communication fee paid when starting to use the communication service. According to the present disclosure, of the amount paid in the past, part or all of the amount corresponding to the unused period or communication capacity can be refunded. In one example, when the account balance is greater than the estimated amount, "2. Refund" is given to the user. For reception number 00005 in Figure 8, the remaining amount is 800 yen, the estimated amount is 550 yen, and the difference is "-250" yen, so the difference of 250 yen (billed amount is -250 yen) will be refunded to the user. Ru.

FIG. 10E illustrates a fifth screen, a refund screen 45 for the user. The refund screen 45 displays the refund amount to the user. The terminal device 100 (operation reception unit 131) can receive input from the user for approval of the refund process via the refund screen 45 shown in FIG. 10E.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S114, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) receives approval for refund processing from the terminal device 100. The profile management unit 333 processes the refund of the billed amount in digital currency to the user account of the digital currency server 500 corresponding to the user ID. When the profile management unit 333 confirms that the refund in digital currency has been made, it changes the payment status from "unfinished" to "completed" in the payment information database 353 (FIG. 8).

On the other hand, in step S106, the billing unit 332 performs 3. If it is determined that "no refund or payment is necessary," in step S116, the billing unit 332 transmits a notification to the terminal device 100 that no additional payment is necessary, along with the estimated amount.

If the user has already used the communication service and the remaining amount after subtracting the usage amount from the amount paid in the past is the same as the estimated amount, the user is told "3. We will not request payment or refund." For reception number 00015 in FIG. 8, the remaining amount is 600 yen and the estimated amount is 600 yen, so there is no need to request payment or refund, and the billed amount is 0 yen.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S118, when the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) receives the approval for the payment-unnecessary notification from the terminal device 100, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) changes the payment status to "Unfinished" in the payment information database 353 (FIG. 8). ” to “Done”.

Next, in step S120, when the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) confirms that the payment status in the payment information database 353 (FIG. 8) is "completed", the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) sets the usage period specified by the user. Based on the communication capacity, a subscriber profile validation or change instruction is given (corresponding to step S20 in FIG. 9). The customer management server 300 can allocate a plurality of terminal devices 100 to one user ID using an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier), which is a unique identifier of the terminal device 100. When there are multiple terminal devices 100 whose payment status is "completed" for one user ID, the customer management server 300 enables or changes the subscriber profile corresponding to these multiple terminal devices 100. can do. Furthermore, the customer management server 300 can set an upper limit on the number of terminal devices 100 that can use the communication service for one user ID.

Next, in step S122, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit 333) monitors the communication service usage status of the terminal device 100 and determines whether the terminal device 100 satisfies the communication service usage conditions. When the usage conditions are met, the status of the subscriber profile is not changed and the terminal device 100 can continue to use the communication service. The usage conditions are that the usage of the communication service by the terminal device 100 does not exceed the usage period specified by the user and does not exceed the communication capacity specified by the user. Further, the usage condition is that the upper limit number of user terminal devices 100 that can use the communication service is not exceeded within the usage period specified by the user. The profile management unit 333 handles at least one of the following cases when the user exceeds the communication capacity, exceeds the available usage period, or exceeds the upper limit number of terminal devices 100 that the user can use within the usage period. When one is satisfied, the process advances to step S124.

In step S124, the profile management unit 333 transmits an instruction to invalidate the subscriber profile corresponding to the user ID to the gateway server 400. When there are multiple terminal devices 100 that do not satisfy the usage conditions for one user ID, the profile management unit 333 sends an instruction to invalidate the subscriber profile corresponding to all these terminal devices 100 to the gateway server 400. can do.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the customer management server 300 makes a determination as to whether to invalidate the subscriber profile in step S124. However, the gateway server 400 may determine whether to invalidate a subscriber profile. For example, the gateway server 400 may invalidate the subscriber profile for the terminal device 100 when the data communication capacity used by the terminal device 100 exceeds the paid available data communication capacity.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 for explaining the processing procedure in the customer management server 300 when canceling a communication service to which a user has already subscribed.

Prior to the process, it is assumed that the user has selected the "Proceed to Cancellation" icon on the ID input reception screen 41 shown in FIG. 10A. When the icon for proceeding to cancellation is selected, a cancellation request is sent to the authentication server 200 along with the user ID and password. When the authentication server 200 determines that the combination of user ID and password is correct, it transmits a cancellation request to the customer management server 300 together with the user ID.

In step S202, the customer management server 300 receives the user ID and the cancellation request from the authentication server 200.

In step S204, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) refers to the payment information database 353, obtains the account balance corresponding to the user ID, and transmits the account balance to the terminal device 100 as the refund amount.

In step S206, upon receiving the refund approval from the terminal device 100, the customer management server 300 (billing unit 332) pays out the account balance to the terminal device 100 in digital currency. Further, when the customer management server 300 completes the refund in digital currency, the customer management server 300 changes the payment status from "unfinished" to "completed" in the payment information database 353 (FIG. 8).

In step S208, the customer management server 300 (profile management unit) transmits an instruction to invalidate the subscriber profile corresponding to the user ID to the gateway server 400.

[Modification 1]
The unit of communication service that can be specified by the user is not limited to the period of use of the communication service and the communication capacity. The unit of communication service that can be specified by the user may include free call time in addition to the usage period and communication capacity of the communication service. Free call time can be specified continuously or discontinuously.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

10: Registration system 20: Providing system 100: Terminal device 151: Estimate presentation application 200: Authentication server 251: User authentication information database 300: Customer management server 351: User management information database 352: Reception information database 353: Payment information database 400: Gateway server 500: Digital currency server

Claims (16)

A method performed by a processor, the method comprising:
obtaining a user's request for a quote for communication charges;
a step of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request when the personal authentication of the user is successful; the estimated amount is based on the usage period of the communication service specified by the user; and the communication capacity.
including methods. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage period can be specified continuously or discontinuously. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of calculating a billing amount to the user who uses the communication service based on the calculated estimated amount and the user's account balance. Based on the billed amount, 1. Make a payment request in digital currency, or 2. 3. Make a refund in digital currency; or 3. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining whether to issue neither the payment request nor the refund. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: outputting a profile activation instruction or profile modification instruction associated with the user's identifier when the bill is settled in digital currency. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of outputting an instruction to disable the profile associated with the user's identifier when it is determined that the user's use of the communication service does not satisfy usage conditions. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the usage condition is that usage of the communication service by the user does not exceed the usage period and does not exceed the communication capacity. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the usage condition is that usage of the communication service by the user does not exceed an upper limit number of user terminal devices that can communicate within the usage period. Any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the step of settling the billed amount with digital currency when the billed amount calculated based on the estimated amount is in the charge balance of the digital currency account of the user. or the method described in paragraph 1. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of outputting a digital currency charge request when the charge amount calculated based on the estimated amount is not in the charge balance of the digital currency account of the user. The method further comprises the step of starting to use a communication service in response to activation of a profile associated with an identifier of the user associated with the quote request after completion of payment in the digital currency. 10. The method according to claim 9. A method performed by a processor, the method comprising:
displaying on the display a first screen that accepts input of a user identifier, user authentication information, and a communication charge estimate request;
displaying on the display a second screen that accepts input of the period of use of the communication service and the communication capacity;
If the personal authentication of the user is successful, displaying on the display a third screen that displays an estimated amount of communication charges calculated based on at least one of the usage period and the communication capacity;
including methods. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of causing a display to display a fourth screen that displays a billing amount calculated from the estimated amount and an account balance associated with the user's identifier. An information processing device comprising a storage unit that stores instructions, and a processor, wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the storage unit to:
obtaining a user's request for a quote for communication charges;
a step of obtaining an estimated amount of communication charges calculated in response to the estimate request when the personal authentication of the user is successful; the estimated amount is based on the usage period of the communication service specified by the user; and communication capacity, which are calculated based on at least one of the following:
An information processing device that executes. A first information processing device including a first storage unit that stores a first instruction and a first processor; a second storage unit that stores a second instruction; and a second processor. A system comprising a second information processing device,
The first processor executes the first instruction stored in the first storage unit, thereby
Obtaining a communication fee quote request by the user;
calculating an estimated amount in response to the estimate request if the personal authentication of the user is successful;
calculating a billing amount to the user based on the estimated amount;
when the bill is settled in digital currency, transmitting an activation instruction for a profile associated with the user's identifier to a gateway server;
The second processor executes the second instruction stored in the second storage unit, thereby
A system that executes a step of starting to use a communication service when the profile is validated in the gateway server based on the profile validation instruction. The system further includes a third information processing device including a third storage unit that stores a third instruction, and a third processor,
The third processor executes the third instruction stored in the third storage unit, thereby
determining whether the combination of the user identifier and user authentication information is correct;
16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising transmitting the user's authentication result to the second information processing device.