JP6235432B2 - Wireless communication system, communication capacity transfer method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system , a communication capacity transfer method, and a computer program.

  Conventionally, the communication capacity of data communication using a portable terminal has been limited, for example, on a monthly basis. When the communication capacity previously given in the month is consumed, it is common that data communication cannot be used in that month, or the communication speed can be suppressed to a low speed even though it can be used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that prepays a communication fee, charges according to the use of the communication capacity, and enables use of the communication capacity corresponding to the prepaid fee. Further, in Patent Document 2, a plurality of portable terminals are grouped and a communication capacity (connection frequency) is set for the group. There is a disclosure about the technology to manage each department.

Special table 2001-504299 gazette JP 2003-18333 A

  By the way, there are individual differences in the usage frequency of communication capacity. For example, parents do not communicate so much even within the family, and the regularly granted communication capacity that is given regularly every month is left over, while children are prosperous. It is possible to use up the regularly granted communication capacity by using e-mail or the Internet. In such a case, for example, it is convenient if a part of the communication capacity given to the parent wireless communication line can be transferred to the wireless communication line contracted in the name of a child. However, in the conventional technology described above, for example, the communication capacity assigned to a wireless communication line contracted by a certain user cannot be transferred to the wireless communication line contracted by another user.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. For example, the communication capacity given to a wireless communication line contracted by a certain user can be transferred to the wireless communication line contracted by another user. It is an object to provide a wireless communication system , a communication capacity transfer method, and a computer program.

(1) According to an aspect of the present invention, a remaining capacity management unit that manages a remaining capacity of a communication capacity allocated to each of a first wireless communication line and a second wireless communication line, which are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity A determination unit that determines whether communication capacity can be transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line, and a communication that is assigned to the first wireless communication line based on the determination of the determination unit A communication capacity transfer unit that transfers a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the capacity to the second wireless communication line, and the total of the transferred communication capacity and the number of times of transfer are managed for each wireless communication line When the communication capacity transferred to the wireless communication line managed by the transfer communication capacity management unit or the transfer communication capacity management unit or the number of times of transfer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication capacity of the user using the wireless communication line is reduced. Additional purchase A notification unit that performs a notification prompting, a communication capacity control device comprising, a user data of the first terminal connected to the base station in the first radio communication line via said base station transmission and reception with the first terminal, wherein A gateway for transmitting / receiving user data of a second terminal connected to the base station via a second wireless communication line to / from the second terminal via the base station, and a communication control device for controlling the gateway, The gateway executes transfer of user data of the first terminal and the second terminal according to an instruction from the communication control apparatus, and the communication control apparatus transmits the first wireless communication line and the first communication line from the communication capacity management apparatus. For each of the two wireless communication lines, communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication or restriction of communication speed is received, and the communication permission information relating to the first wireless communication line is received. And instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the first terminal to the gateway based on the communication permission information for the second wireless communication line. The communication capacity management apparatus transmits the communication permission information related to the first terminal to the communication control apparatus based on a remaining capacity of the communication capacity of the first wireless communication line. The communication permission information related to the second terminal is transmitted to the communication control device based on the remaining capacity of the communication capacity of the communication line, and the communication control device is transferred by the gateway by the communication of the first terminal. First transfer data amount information indicating the transfer amount of data, and second transfer data amount indicating the transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway by communication of the second terminal Information is acquired from the gateway, the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device, and the communication capacity management device receives the first information received from the communication control device. The remaining amount of communication capacity assigned to the first wireless communication line is updated based on the transfer data amount information, and the remaining communication capacity assigned to the second wireless communication line is updated based on the second transfer data amount information. The amount is updated and assigned to the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line based on the communication capacity transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line by the communication capacity transfer unit. The wireless communication system updates the remaining communication capacity.
(2) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system according to (1), the determination unit uses attribute information of a first user who uses the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line. Whether the transfer of the communication capacity is possible based on the relationship between the first user and the second user indicated by the acquired attribute information of the first user and the second user. Determine.

(3) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system according to (1) or (2), the determination unit includes billing group information of a first user who uses the first wireless communication line, The billing group information of the second user who uses the second wireless communication line is acquired, and when the acquired billing group information of the first user and the second user is the same, transfer of communication capacity is possible. It is determined that

(4) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system according to any one of (1) to (3), the remaining capacity management unit is assigned a predetermined amount for each predetermined period for each wireless communication line. The periodically granted communication capacity that is the communication capacity with the expiration date and the additional purchase communication capacity that is the additionally purchased communication capacity with the expiration date are managed separately, and the communication capacity transfer unit is configured to control the first wireless communication A desired communication capacity is transferred from the remaining capacity of the periodical communication capacity of the line to the periodical communication capacity of the second wireless communication line.

(5) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system according to any one of (1) to (3), the remaining capacity management unit is provided by a predetermined amount for each predetermined period for each wireless communication line. The periodically granted communication capacity that is the communication capacity with the expiration date and the additional purchase communication capacity that is the additionally purchased communication capacity with the expiration date are managed separately, and the communication capacity transfer unit is configured to control the first wireless communication A desired communication capacity is transferred from the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity of the line to the additional purchased communication capacity of the second wireless communication line.

(6) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system according to any one of (1) to (5), the determination unit further determines whether or not transfer of communication capacity is possible based on a predetermined transfer plan. The communication capacity transfer unit automatically transfers the communication capacity based on the transfer plan.

(7) In one aspect of the present invention, in any one of the wireless communication system of the above (1) (6), the communication capacity management device, the charging processing unit that performs processing to collect charges for transfer of communication capacity, The billing processing unit is a first user who uses the first wireless communication line when the communication capacity transfer unit transfers the communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line. And at least one of the identification information of the second user using the second wireless communication line, and charging processing is performed on the acquired identification information of the user.

(8) One aspect of the present invention, Te wireless communication system odor of the (7), before Symbol accounting processing unit, communication within a predetermined period for a wireless communication line to said transfer transmission capacity managing unit manages capacity When the transfer number or the transferred communication capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the charging process is performed on the identification information of the user who uses the wireless communication line when the wireless communication line is transferred.

(9) In one aspect of the present invention, any of the wireless communication system odor Te, the communication capacity or transfer number before Symbol transfer communication capacity management unit is transferred to the wireless communication network for managing the above (1) to (8) When the value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit determines that the transfer of the communication capacity to the wireless communication line is impossible for a predetermined period.

(10) One aspect of the present invention, the above (1) Te any of the wireless communication system smell (9), the communication capacity or transfer count wireless communication link is transferred to pre-Symbol transfer communication capacity management unit manages When the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the determination unit determines that the transfer of the communication capacity from the wireless communication line to another wireless communication line is impossible for a predetermined period.

( 11 ) One aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication system according to any one of (1) to ( 10 ), wherein the communication capacity management device communicates from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line. A transfer request receiving unit for receiving a request for transfer of capacity, wherein the transfer request receiving unit is a communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line by a user who uses the second wireless communication line; When an operation for requesting the transfer is received and an approval operation for the request by the user using the first wireless communication line is received, the communication capacity transfer unit is instructed to transfer based on the request.

( 12 ) In one aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication system according to ( 11 ) includes a first terminal using the first wireless communication line and a second terminal using the second wireless communication line, transfer request receiving unit was performed by infrared communication between the pre-Symbol first terminal and the pre-Symbol second terminal, a request for transfer of the communication capacity from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication channel Accept.

( 13 ) One aspect of the present invention is a communication capacity management device that manages a remaining capacity of a communication capacity allocated to each of a first wireless communication line and a second wireless communication line that are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity. And second user data transmitted to and received from the first terminal via the base station and connected to the base station via the second radio communication line. A communication capacity transfer method in a wireless communication system, comprising: a gateway that transmits / receives user data of a terminal to / from the second terminal via the base station; and a communication control device that controls the gateway. Transfer of user data of the first terminal and the second terminal is executed in accordance with an instruction from the communication control device, and the communication control device receives the first non-transmission from the communication capacity management device. For each of the communication line and the second wireless communication line, communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication or restriction of a communication speed is received, and the communication permission information relating to the first wireless communication line is received based on the communication permission information. Instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the first terminal, and instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the second terminal to the gateway based on the communication permission information related to the second wireless communication line. The communication capacity management device transmits the communication permission information related to the first terminal to the communication control device based on a remaining communication capacity of the first wireless communication line, and The communication permission information related to the second terminal is transmitted to the communication control device based on the remaining capacity of the communication capacity, and the communication control device communicates with the first terminal through the communication of the first terminal. First gateway data amount information indicating a transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway and second transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway in communication with the second terminal. And the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device, and the communication capacity management device includes the first transfer data amount information received from the communication control device. Updating the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line based on, updating the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the second wireless communication line based on the second transfer data amount information, Further, when the communication capacity is transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line, it is determined whether the transfer is possible, and the transfer is performed based on the determination. In this case, a desired communication capacity is transferred to the second wireless communication line from the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line, and the first wireless communication line is transferred based on the desired communication capacity. The remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the communication line and the second wireless communication line is updated , the total of the transferred communication capacity and the number of times of transfer are managed for each wireless communication line, and the wireless to be managed This is a communication capacity transfer method in which when the communication capacity transferred to a communication line or the number of times of transfer exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a user who uses the wireless communication line is notified to urge additional purchase of the communication capacity.

( 14 ) One aspect of the present invention is a communication capacity management device that manages a remaining capacity of a communication capacity allocated to each of a first wireless communication line and a second wireless communication line that are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity. And second user data transmitted to and received from the first terminal via the base station and connected to the base station via the second radio communication line. A gateway that transmits / receives user data of the terminal to / from the second terminal via the base station, and a communication control device that controls the gateway, wherein the gateway is a user of the first terminal and the second terminal. Data transfer is executed in accordance with an instruction from the communication control device, and the communication control device transmits each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line from the communication capacity management device. Receiving communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication, or restriction of communication speed, and transferring user data of the first terminal to the gateway based on the communication permission information related to the first wireless communication line The instruction for transferring user data of the second terminal to the gateway based on the communication permission information related to the second wireless communication line, and the communication control device further includes: First transfer data amount information indicating the transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway in terminal communication, and second transfer data amount indicating the transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway in communication of the second terminal Information is acquired from the gateway, and the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device. In the wireless communication system, a computer included in the communication capacity management device transmits the communication permission information related to the first terminal to the communication control device based on a remaining communication capacity of the first wireless communication line. , Means for transmitting the communication permission information related to the second terminal to the communication control device based on a remaining communication capacity of the second wireless communication line, and the first transfer data amount information received from the communication control device The remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line is updated based on the information, and the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the second wireless communication line is updated based on the second transfer data amount information. Means for determining whether or not communication capacity can be transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line; based on the determination, communication assigned to the first wireless communication line Means for transferring a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the amount to the second wireless communication line, assigned to the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line based on the desired communication capacity Means for updating the remaining capacity of the communication capacity, means for managing the total of the transferred communication capacity and the number of times of transfer for each wireless communication line, transferred to the wireless communication line managed by the managing means When the communication capacity or the number of times of transfer exceeds a predetermined threshold value, this is a computer program for functioning as a means for notifying a user who uses the wireless communication line to urge further purchase of the communication capacity .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the convenience of the user by transferring the communication capacity between the wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication capacity management apparatus 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the hardware which implement | achieves the communication capacity management apparatus 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communications system using the communication capacity management apparatus 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table used for management of the communication capacity concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen used for transfer of the communication capacity | capacitance which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table used for determination of the propriety of transfer of the communication capacity | capacitance which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the flowchart of the transfer process of the communication capacity | capacitance which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transfer history log data table which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transfer performance management data table which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen used for the automatic transfer of the communication capacity | capacitance which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the transfer request | requirement process of the communication capacity which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication capacity management device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the communication capacity management device 1 includes a remaining capacity management unit 11, a determination unit 12, a communication capacity transfer unit 13, a charging processing unit 14, a transfer request reception unit 15, and a transfer communication capacity management unit 16. , A notification unit 17, a communication unit 18, a management data storage unit 19, and an automatic transfer management unit 20.

  The remaining capacity management unit 11 manages the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line, which are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity. Furthermore, the remaining capacity management unit 11 manages the remaining capacity of the communication capacity by distinguishing between the regularly assigned communication capacity and the additional purchased communication capacity. The regularly granted communication capacity is a communication capacity with an expiration date assigned by a predetermined amount every predetermined period. Further, the additional purchased communication capacity is a communication capacity that is additionally purchased and has an expiration date, and is provided when the user purchases the communication capacity when the communication capacity is not sufficient only by the regularly granted communication capacity. .

The determination unit 12 determines whether the communication capacity can be transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line. Here, the transfer is to replace part or all of the communication capacity that can be used in the first wireless communication line as the communication capacity that can be used in the second wireless communication line. At this time, the communication capacity of the transfer source (first wireless communication line) decreases by the amount transferred, and the communication capacity of the transfer destination (second wireless communication line) increases by the amount transferred.
For example, the determination unit 12 determines the relationship between the first user and the second user indicated by the attribute information of the first user who uses the first wireless communication line and the attribute information of the second user who uses the second wireless communication line. Based on this, it is determined whether or not transfer from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line is possible. For example, the determination unit 12 determines that the communication capacity can be transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line when the billing group information of the first user and the second user is the same. To do. A user who uses a wireless communication line indicates that the user has a contract for the wireless communication line.

Based on the determination by the determination unit 12, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 transfers a desired communication capacity from the remaining communication capacity of the wireless communication line assigned to the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line. To do.
The billing processing unit 14 performs a process of collecting a transfer fee for transferring the communication capacity.
The transfer request receiving unit 15 receives a transfer request when the communication capacity is transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line.
The transfer communication capacity management unit 16 manages the total transfer capacity and the number of times of transfer for each wireless communication line.

When the communication capacity transferred to a certain wireless communication line or the number of times of transfer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the notification unit 17 notifies the terminal used by the user who uses the wireless communication line to urge additional purchase of the communication capacity. Do.
The communication unit 18 communicates with a user contract information management device 114, a settlement device 116, a communication control device 112, and the like which will be described later.
The management data storage unit 19 stores the remaining capacity of the communication capacity for each wireless communication line, the record of the transfer, and the like.
The automatic transfer management unit 20 starts the transfer process based on the set transfer plan.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware for realizing the communication capacity management apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the communication capacity management device 1 includes a CPU unit 21, a communication unit 18, and a storage unit 22. Each of these units is configured to exchange data. The CPU unit 21 controls the communication capacity management device 1. This control function is realized by the CPU unit 21 executing a computer program. The communication unit 18 communicates with other devices. The storage unit 22 stores a computer program executed by the CPU unit 21 and various data. The storage unit 22 stores a communication capacity management program 24.

  Each of the remaining capacity management unit 11, the determination unit 12, the communication capacity transfer unit 13, the accounting processing unit 14, the transfer request reception unit 15, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16, the notification unit 17, and the automatic transfer management unit 20 illustrated in FIG. The function is realized by the CPU unit 21 shown in FIG. 2 executing the communication capacity management program 24 stored in the management data storage unit 19. Further, the management data storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the storage unit 22 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system using the communication capacity management device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a terminal 102 is connected to a base station 104 through a wireless communication line 106. The wireless communication line 106 has a limited communication capacity. User data transmitted from the terminal 102 to the base station 104 using the wireless communication line 106 is transferred from the base station 104 to the gateway 108. If the communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 is permitted, the gateway 108 outputs the user data of the terminal 102 transferred from the base station 104 to the Internet 110. Similarly, the gateway 108 transfers user data input from the Internet 110 and destined for the terminal 102 to the terminal 102 via the base station 104 if the communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 is permitted. .

  If the communication capacity of the wireless communication line 106 is within the limit, communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 is permitted. On the other hand, when the communication capacity of the wireless communication line 106 is not limited, communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 is not permitted. Or, even if communication is permitted, the communication speed decreases. Thus, the terminal 102 can communicate with other communication devices connected to the Internet 110 using the wireless communication line 106 as long as the communication capacity of the wireless communication line 106 is within the limit. it can. On the other hand, when the communication capacity of the wireless communication line 106 is not limited, the terminal 102 communicates with another communication device connected to the Internet 110 using the wireless communication line 106. I can't. Or, even if communication is possible, the communication speed decreases.

  The communication control device 112 instructs the gateway 108 whether to permit (non-permitted) communication of the terminal 102 that uses the wireless communication line 106 or the communication speed. The communication permission or non-permission or communication speed of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 is based on the communication permission information of the wireless communication line 106 from the communication capacity management device 1. Further, the communication control apparatus 112 acquires transfer data amount information indicating the transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway 108 through communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 from the gateway 108. This transfer data amount information is transmitted from the communication control device 112 to the communication capacity management device 1.

  The communication capacity management apparatus 1 updates the remaining capacity of the communication capacity for the wireless communication line 106 based on the transfer data amount information received from the communication control apparatus 112. Further, the communication capacity management device 1 transmits the communication permission information of the wireless communication line 106 to the communication control device 112 based on the remaining communication capacity of the wireless communication line 106. This communication permission information is information on permission or non-permission of communication of the terminal 102 using the wireless communication line 106 and restriction on the communication speed.

  The user contract information management device 114 manages information (user contract information) of users who have contracted with the wireless communication line 106. As the user contract information, there is information indicating a user identifier (user ID), an identification number (line number) of the wireless communication line 106, a contract content for communication capacity, and the like. The communication capacity management apparatus 1 inquires of the user contract information management apparatus 114 about user contract information as necessary.

  The payment device 116 performs payment processing for payment by the user. The communication capacity management device 1 inquires of the payment device 116 about the payment status of the payment by the user, if necessary.

  The terminal 102 can access the communication capacity management device 1 by communication. Communication between the terminal 102 and the communication capacity management apparatus 1 may be communication via the wireless communication line 106 or may be communication not via the wireless communication line 106. The communication capacity management device 1 performs a corresponding process in response to a request from the terminal 102.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the communication capacity that can be used for data communication by the user is assigned to each wireless communication line 106 with which the user has contracted. The types of communication capacity include the above-mentioned regular grant communication capacity and additional purchase communication capacity. As an example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the regularly granted communication capacity is assigned 7 GB each month for the wireless communication line 106 that has contracted to periodically grant the communication capacity, and the expiration date is one month. Further, it is assumed that the additional purchased communication capacity can be purchased in units of 500 MB or 1 GB, and the expiration date is 62 days from the date of purchase. In addition, it is assumed that, among these two types of communication capacity, it is determined that the additional purchase communication capacity is used preferentially. The user can contract and use a plurality of wireless communication lines 106.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data table used for communication capacity management according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The data table illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a data table used by the remaining capacity management unit 11 to manage the remaining capacity of the communication capacity for each wireless communication line. In the first row of the data table illustrated in FIG. 4, the user “001” contracts and uses the wireless communication line “090-1234-5678”, and is assigned to the wireless communication line “090-1234-5678”. Of the remaining capacity of the received communication capacity, the remaining capacity of the regularly granted communication capacity is 7 GB, and the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity is 500 MB. In the second line, the user “001” contracts and uses the second wireless communication line “080-1234-5678” and is assigned to the wireless communication line “080-1234-5678”. Of the remaining capacity of the communication capacity, the remaining capacity of the regularly assigned communication capacity is 5 GB, and the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity is 200 MB. In the third line, the user “002” contracts and uses the wireless communication line “090-1234-5679”, and among the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to this wireless communication line, the periodical grant is made. The remaining capacity of the communication capacity is 1 GB, and the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity is 1 GB.

  For example, when the remaining capacity management unit 11 receives information indicating that data communication for 100 MB has been performed on the wireless communication line “090-1234-5679” (line 3) from the communication control device 112, FIG. 1GB, which is the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity of the wireless communication line "090-1234-5679", is read with reference to the data table illustrated in Fig. 1, and the additional purchase is made by subtracting 100 MB from the read 1 GB (0.9 GB) Overwrite and update the communication capacity value. The reason for updating the value of the additional purchased communication capacity is that the additional purchased communication capacity is preferentially used as described above. When the next month comes, the remaining capacity management unit 11 acquires the contract information of the wireless communication line “090-1234-5679” from the user contract information management apparatus 114. Is overwritten with 7 GB for the next month and updated based on this contract. The data table illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the management data storage unit 19, and the remaining capacity management unit 11 uses the data table to determine the periodical communication capacity and the additional purchased communication capacity and communication capacity for each wireless communication line. The remaining capacity is managed separately.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen used for transfer of communication capacity according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The screen illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example of a screen on which the user performs a setting for transferring a part of the communication capacity assigned to the wireless communication line with which the user has a contract to another wireless communication line. This screen is a user provided by a communication service entity that is used, for example, for confirming the contract information of the wireless communication line that the user subscribes to or confirming the usage status of the communication capacity allocated to the wireless communication line. It is provided on a dedicated portal site.
Reference numeral 41 denotes an area in which a list of wireless communication lines with which the user has a contract is displayed. In the area 41, the remaining capacity is displayed for each wireless communication line as a transfer source, divided into a periodical communication capacity and an additional purchase communication capacity. The user selects a transfer source wireless communication line from these. Reference numeral 42 denotes a selection field for selecting whether to transfer the communication capacity from the regularly assigned communication capacity or to transfer the communication capacity from the additional purchased communication capacity. Reference numeral 43 denotes an input field for an identification number of a wireless communication line that is a transfer destination of the communication capacity. The transfer source user inputs, for example, the identification number “090-XXXX-XXXX” of the wireless communication line contracted by someone in his / her family in the input field 43. Reference numeral 44 denotes an input field for inputting the name and ID of the user who has contracted the wireless communication line input in the input field 43. The value input in the input field 44 is used, for example, for checking whether or not the wireless communication line input in the input field 43 is a wireless communication line contracted by the user input in the input field 44. In addition, when the transfer destination is limited to the same billing group, the input field 43 displays a list of identification numbers of wireless communication lines belonging to the same billing group in a pull-down list so that they can be selected from the list. In the input field 44, names or the like of users belonging to the same billing group may be displayed in a pull-down menu and selected from the pull-down menu. If a wireless communication line has already been selected in the input field 43, the name of the user who contracts the wireless communication line may be automatically displayed in the input field 44. Reference numeral 45 is an input field for inputting the communication capacity to be transferred. When the user inputs these items and presses the registration button 46, the input information is written in the management data storage unit 19, and the transfer processing of the communication capacity is executed. Specifically, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives this transfer request, the determination unit 12 determines whether transfer is possible, and if it is determined that transfer is possible, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 performs transfer processing. Details of the transfer process will be described later.
In addition to these items, this screen may display the number of transfers in the current month, the transferred communication capacity, the accumulation of transferred communication capacity, or the transfer history. Further, regarding the number of times of transfer, the accumulation of communication capacity related to transfer, the transfer history, etc., a separate management screen may be provided and displayed on the management screen.

When the information necessary for the transfer of the communication capacity is registered on the screen illustrated in FIG. 5, the transfer of the communication capacity is performed based on the registered information. At this time, the transfer process is performed only when some conditions are satisfied. Run. An example of what conditions can be used to transfer the communication capacity will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data table used for determining whether or not the communication capacity can be transferred according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the transferability determination data table illustrated in FIG. 6, the “transfer service contract” column indicates whether or not the wireless communication line has a contract for transfer service of communication capacity. In this embodiment, in order to transfer the communication capacity, it is assumed that both the transfer-source wireless communication line and the transfer-destination wireless communication line must make this contract. “Family ID” is attribute information indicating a family to which a user who contracts a certain wireless communication line belongs. For example, when the user “001” and the user “002” are parents and children, the same value is set for the family ID. “Billing group ID” is an ID indicating a unit for paying a fee such as a communication fee for a wireless communication line. For example, when a father pays in a family, the same value is set in the billing group ID for the wireless communication line contracted by the family. The “transfer group ID” is attribute information indicating a transfer group to which a user who contracts a certain wireless communication line belongs. A transfer group is a group in which wireless communication lines contracted by a user can transfer communication capacity to each other. For example, if you form a group with friends and you want to transfer the communication capacity between friends when the remaining capacity is insufficient, register the group as a transfer group and you will be a member of that group. The same value is set in the transfer group ID of the wireless communication line with which the contract is made, and the transfer of the communication capacity between the members of the group becomes possible.

  This transfer possibility determination data table is stored in, for example, a storage unit included in the user contract information management apparatus 114. The determination unit 12 of the communication capacity management device 1 acquires information set in the transfer permission determination data table for the transfer source wireless communication line and the transfer destination wireless communication line from the user contract information management device 114, and is transfer possible? Determine whether or not. For example, if the value of “transfer service contract” of the wireless communication line of either the transfer source or the transfer destination is “none”, the determination unit 12 determines that transfer processing is not possible. If the family IDs of the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines are not the same, the determination unit 12 determines that transfer processing is not possible. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may determine that the transfer process is not possible unless the charge group IDs of the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines are the same, and if the transfer group IDs are not the same, the transfer process is performed. You may determine that it is impossible. The determination based on the family ID, the billing group ID, and the transfer group ID may be performed based on only one of them, or when the same value is obtained for at least one of these IDs, the determination unit 12 May determine that the transfer of the communication capacity between the transfer source wireless communication line and the transfer destination wireless communication line is possible.

Next, communication capacity transfer processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart of a communication capacity transfer process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transfer of communication capacity can be performed free of charge, but the communication service entity may collect a transfer fee. In FIG. 7, a case where a charging process for collecting a transfer fee is performed will be described as an example.
First, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives a transfer request from the transfer source user (step S1). Specifically, the transfer source user inputs information necessary for transfer (transfer request information) such as the transfer source and transfer destination communication lines and the transfer communication capacity on the screen illustrated in FIG. Press. Then, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives the input information, writes it in the management data storage unit 19 and stores it, and instructs the communication capacity transfer unit 13 to execute the transfer process.

  Next, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 requests the determination unit 12 to determine whether transfer is possible. The determination unit 12 reads the transfer request information received by the transfer request receiving unit 15 from the management data storage unit 19, and determines whether transfer processing is possible based on the determination criteria described in FIG. 6 (step S2). For example, when the transfer source or transfer destination wireless communication line has not made a transfer service contract, the determination unit 12 determines that transfer is not possible and outputs the determination result to the communication capacity transfer unit 13. When the determination unit 12 determines that the transfer process is not possible (step S2; impossible), the process flow ends. On the other hand, if the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines have contracts for transfer service, and the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines have the same family, the determination unit 12 can transfer And the determination result is output to the communication capacity transfer unit 13.

  Note that the following conditions may be added in the determination of step S2. For example, the determination unit 12 acquires the transfer destination and transfer source contract information from the user contract information management device 114, and one or both of the transfer destination user and the transfer source user start a wireless communication line contract. It is determined that the transfer is possible only when the predetermined period has elapsed. Further, based on the acquired contract information, the determination unit 12 can transfer only when one or both of the transfer destination user and the transfer source user have contracted a plurality of terminals for the wireless communication line related to the transfer. judge. In addition, the determination unit 12 transfers the number of times of transfer during the most recent predetermined period (for example, the month) and the transferred communication capacity or the transfer of one or both of the transfer destination wireless communication line and the transfer source wireless communication line. If the communication capacity is within the predetermined number of times or less than the predetermined capacity, it is determined that the transfer is possible.

  When the determination unit 12 determines that the transfer is possible (step S2; possible), the communication capacity transfer unit 13 performs a transfer process (step S13). Specifically, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 communicates from any one of the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines received by the transfer request receiving unit 15, the transfer communication capacity, the regularly assigned communication capacity, and the additional purchase communication capacity. Information on whether to transfer the capacity is acquired from the management data storage unit 19. Then, based on the acquired information, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 selects the transfer source user from among the regularly assigned communication capacity and the additional purchase communication capacity of the record of the wireless communication line as the transfer source of the data table illustrated in FIG. The communication capacity to be transferred is subtracted from the communication capacity selected by. Next, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 transfers the communication capacity to the remaining capacity that is the same as the communication capacity selected by the transfer source, out of the regularly assigned communication capacity and the additional purchase communication capacity of the record of the transfer destination wireless communication line. Is added. In other words, when transferring from the regularly granted communication capacity at the transfer source, add the communication capacity to be transferred to the regularly assigned communication capacity at the transfer destination, and when transferring from the additional purchased communication capacity, add to the additional purchased communication capacity at the transfer destination. Add the communication capacity to be transferred.

  Next, the billing processing unit 14 executes billing processing for collecting a transfer fee (step S4). Specifically, when the transfer processing succeeds, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 performs accounting processing on the ID (identification information) of the user who has contracted with the transfer destination and the transfer source wireless communication line, information on the communication capacity to be transferred, and the like. Output to the unit 14 and instruct the billing unit 14 to execute billing processing. The billing processing unit 14 reads the fee stored in the management data storage unit 19, transmits the user ID and the fee to be billed to the settlement apparatus 116, and requests billing processing. As for the fee, it is assumed that the management data storage unit 19 stores a fee per transfer process, or a fee set according to the communication capacity and the number of times of transfer. The accounting processing unit 14 requests the settlement apparatus 116 to perform accounting processing for at least one of the ID of the user who uses the transfer destination wireless communication line and the ID of the user who uses the transfer source wireless communication line. It is assumed that whether the fee is collected from the transfer destination user and the transfer source user or whether the fee is collected only from one of them is stored in the management data storage unit 19 in advance. Also, the user can determine whether to collect the fee from either the transfer source user or the transfer destination user. For example, you may provide the item which can select the side which bears a commission on the screen illustrated in FIG. In addition, it is necessary to obtain the consent of the burdening party when collecting the fee. For example, whether to accept the burden of the transfer fee on the display screen of the terminal used by the burdening user when the transfer process is performed. A screen that allows the user to select whether or not is displayed, and the transfer process is performed only when the user consents. In addition, the transfer fee can be collected not only by money but also by collecting a certain amount from the remaining capacity of the wireless communication line that bears the fee. For example, a certain ratio of capacity may be collected with respect to the communication capacity to be transferred.

  According to the present embodiment, the surplus capacity among the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line can be transferred to the second wireless communication line that requires the communication capacity, and the convenience for the user is improved.

[Restrictions on transfer processing]
Next, a function for restricting the transfer will be described based on the number of times of transfer and the record of the transferred communication capacity.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a transfer history log data table according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the transfer processing is performed, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 writes the date and time of transfer processing, the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines, and information on the transfer communication capacity to the transfer history log data table illustrated in FIG. It is assumed that the transfer history log data table is stored in the management data storage unit 19. For example, on the transfer history management screen (not shown) or the like, based on the information recorded in the data table, the transfer record for each wireless communication line with which the user has a contract may be displayed.

The transfer communication capacity management unit 16 manages the total transferred communication capacity and the number of times of transfer for each wireless communication line based on the transfer history log data table of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a transfer record management data table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transfer communication capacity management unit 16 transfers the number of transfers from the transfer processing history written in the transfer history log data table illustrated in FIG. 8 for each wireless communication line and every predetermined period (for example, one month). Each of the number of times transferred, the transferred communication capacity, and the transferred communication capacity are totaled, and written and stored in the transfer result management data table illustrated in FIG. Note that the transfer data management data table is stored in the management data storage unit 19.

When the user requests transfer processing, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 reads the transfer result management data table from the management data storage unit 19 and sets the communication capacity within a predetermined period for the wireless communication line designated as the transfer destination. The information of the total value of the transferred communication capacity and the number of times is transferred. Then, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 compares at least one of the transferred number of times or the transferred communication capacity total value with a predetermined threshold value for each, and the number of times or the total communication capacity value exceeds the threshold value. For example, during the month, control is performed so that the wireless communication line designated as the transfer destination cannot receive the transfer of the communication capacity. Specifically, when the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives a transfer request, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 outputs instruction information to the determination unit 12 so as to determine that transfer is not possible, and acquires the instruction information. The determination unit 12 determines that transfer is not possible for the transfer process. It is assumed that the management data storage unit 19 stores the number of times of transfer and the threshold value of the transferred communication capacity.
In addition, when the number of times of transfer and the total value of the transferred communication capacity exceed a predetermined threshold, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 does not perform the charging process to the charging processing unit 14 instead of restricting the transfer. May be indicated. For example, if the number of transfer processes is less than or equal to a threshold, the fee is free, and if the number is greater than or equal to the threshold, charging may be performed according to the number of transfers or the communication capacity to be transferred. Further, when a fee is collected even if the number of transfers is equal to or less than a threshold, a higher fee may be collected when the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold.

  When the number of transfers is equal to or greater than the threshold, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 sends message transmission destination information such as a mail address and a telephone number of the terminal that uses the transfer destination wireless communication line from the user contract information management device 114. Obtaining and instructing the notification unit 17 to notify the additional purchase of the communication capacity may be performed. The notification unit 17 added additional purchases such as “The maximum number of times the communication capacity can be transferred within the current month (communication capacity) has been exceeded. If the communication capacity is required, please purchase additional communication capacity.” A message prompting the purchase of the communication capacity is notified to the message transmission destination acquired from the user contract information management apparatus 114.

  Further, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 may perform control to limit the transfer-source wireless communication line. Specifically, when the user makes a transfer processing request, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 reads the transfer result management data table and transfers the communication capacity within a predetermined period for the wireless communication line designated as the transfer source. The information of the total value of the transferred communication capacity is acquired. The transfer communication capacity management unit 16 compares at least one of the number of times of transfer or the transferred communication capacity total value with a predetermined threshold value determined for each, and the number of times or the communication capacity total value sets the threshold value. If it exceeds, for example, control is performed so that the communication capacity cannot be transferred from the wireless communication line designated as the transfer source during the month. Specifically, when the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives a transfer request, the transfer communication capacity management unit 16 outputs instruction information to the determination unit 12 to determine whether transfer is possible, and acquires the instruction information. The determination unit 12 determines that transfer is not possible for the transfer process.

  This prevents the unlimited transfer of the transferred communication capacity and encourages additional purchase of the communication capacity for users who need more communication capacity, while maintaining the convenience of the user while maintaining the convenience of the user. The body can secure income.

[Automatic transfer process]
Next, the automatic transfer process will be described. The automatic transfer process is a function that automatically performs a transfer process with a predetermined condition being satisfied. According to this function, for example, in a situation where the transfer of communication capacity from a parent to a child is performed on a fixed date every month in a certain family, it is decided every month without having to input information necessary for the transfer every time. When the day comes, the transfer will be done automatically.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen used for automatic transfer of communication capacity according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10, the area 51, the selection field 52, and the input fields 53 to 55 are the same as the screen illustrated in FIG. That is, the area 51 displays the wireless communication line with which the user has a contract and the remaining capacity. The selection column 52 is an item for selecting which of the regular additional communication capacity and the additional purchase communication capacity to transfer the communication capacity. In the input field 53, the transfer destination wireless communication line is input. In the input field 54, the user name contracted with the transfer destination line is entered. If the transfer destination is limited to the same billing group, the input field 53 and the input field 54 list the identification numbers and user names of the wireless communication lines belonging to the same billing group in a pull-down list. It may be possible to select from among them. In the input field 55, the communication capacity to be transferred in one transfer process is input.

Reference numerals 56 to 59 are input fields for inputting automatic transfer conditions. In the input field 56, the number of times of transfer is input. The number of transfers indicates how many times the transfer process is automatically performed when the automatic transfer conditions are met. For example, if the number of times of transfer is “2”, it means that when the transfer process is automatically executed twice, automatic transfer is not performed thereafter. In the input field 57, the transfer timing is input. The transfer timing can be selected from, for example, “remaining capacity designation”, “transfer date designation”, and “remaining capacity designation or transfer date designation”. The “remaining capacity designation” is a condition for performing automatic transfer when the communication capacity input in the input field 53 reaches a designated value. The communication capacity as a condition is entered in the input field 58. “Designation of transfer date” is a condition for performing automatic transfer on the date designated every month. The date for automatic transfer is entered in the input field 59. In addition, when “remaining capacity designation or transfer date designation” is selected, the transfer process is automatically executed when the condition of the communication capacity or the designated automatic transfer date is satisfied.
When the user presses the registration button 60, the transfer request receiving unit 15 writes and stores the information (transfer plan) input on this screen in the management data storage unit 19.

When the transfer plan is registered, the automatic transfer management unit 20 starts the transfer process based on the transfer plan. Further, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the communication capacity can be transferred based on the transfer plan.
For example, when the automatic transfer date is set, the automatic transfer management unit 20 reads the transfer plan from the management data storage unit 19 and outputs the read information to the communication capacity transfer unit 13 when the automatic transfer date is monthly. Instruct the execution of the transfer process. The communication capacity transfer unit 13 requests the determination unit 12 to determine whether transfer is possible. The determination unit 12 acquires the contract information and user attribute information of the transfer source and transfer destination wireless communication lines from the user contract information management device 114, and determines whether transfer is possible or not, whether the transfer service contract exists, the transfer source and transfer destination Judgment is made based on whether or not the user who is contracted with the wireless communication line belongs to the same family. Further, the determination unit 12 acquires information on the remaining capacity of the transfer source wireless communication line from the remaining capacity management unit 11, and determines whether or not there is a remaining communication capacity equal to or greater than the transfer capacity set in the transfer plan. To do. If the result of determination by the determination unit 12 is that transfer processing is possible, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 executes transfer processing based on the transfer plan.

  When the remaining capacity is specified in the transfer plan, the automatic transfer management unit 20 acquires information on the remaining capacity of the transfer destination wireless communication line from the remaining capacity management unit 11, and the remaining capacity of the transfer destination wireless communication line is transferred. Detects whether the communication capacity is less than the automatic transfer condition set in the plan. When the communication capacity is equal to or less than the communication capacity set in the transfer plan, the automatic transfer management unit 20 instructs the communication capacity transfer unit 13 to execute a transfer process based on the transfer plan. The following processing is the same as when the automatic transfer date is set.

  When the transfer conditions for automatic transfer are satisfied, if the transfer source wireless communication line does not have sufficient remaining capacity and the communication capacity set in the transfer plan cannot be transferred, the notification unit 17 notifies the transfer source user. Notification is made to encourage additional purchase of communication capacity. In this case, when the transfer source user can additionally purchase the communication capacity and transfer the communication capacity set in the transfer plan, the transfer process is performed.

  Thereby, the user can save the trouble of performing the transfer process, and can prevent the user from forgetting to execute the transfer process.

[Other transfer request acceptance processing]
5 and 10, an example in which the transfer source user sets transfer processing on the portal site screen or the like has been described. However, a transfer capacity request is made from the transfer destination user to the transfer source user, and the transfer is performed accordingly. If the former user approves, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives the approval operation, and the communication capacity transfer unit 13 can transfer the communication capacity based on the request information from the transfer destination user.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication capacity transfer request process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11A shows an example of a transfer request mail transmission setting screen. This screen is, for example, a screen displayed by an application program for a communication capacity transfer service provided in a portal site of a requesting user who makes a transfer request or a terminal owned by the requesting user.
The requesting user who has run out of communication capacity inputs the transfer source wireless communication line in the input column 61, the transfer source user name in the input column 62, and the transfer destination wireless communication line on the screen illustrated in FIG. In the column 63, the communication capacity to be transferred is input in the input column 64, and the mail transmission button 65 is pressed. Then, the transfer request reception unit 15 receives a request mail creation operation by the requesting user, acquires the information, outputs the information to the determination unit 12, and determines whether transfer processing based on the acquired information is possible. Request. When the determination unit 12 determines that the transfer is possible, the transfer request reception unit 15 instructs the notification unit 17 to transmit a request mail to the mail address of the user who has contracted the transfer source line. The notification unit 17 acquires the mail address of the transfer source user from the user contract information management apparatus 114 and transmits a transfer request mail. Further, the transfer request receiving unit 15 writes the information set on the transfer request mail setting screen in the management data storage unit 19.

  FIG. 11B is an example of a transfer request mail transmitted by the notification unit 17. The transfer source user who has received the transfer request mail accesses the Web page indicated by the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) described in the request mail, for example, and is provided on the Web page of the access destination illustrated in FIG. Press the “Approve” button. Then, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives an approval operation of the transfer source user and instructs the communication capacity transfer unit 13 to execute the transfer process. The communication capacity transfer unit 13 reads information set on the transfer request mail setting screen from the management data storage unit 19 and performs transfer processing based on this information. At this time, the management data storage unit 19 stores the contents set in advance by the transfer source user as to which transfer capacity is to be transferred from among the regularly assigned communication capacity and the additional purchase communication capacity. The capacity transfer unit 13 reads out this setting and performs the transfer process. Alternatively, a selection field may be provided in FIG. 11C so that the transfer source user can select on the approval screen.

  The method of notifying the transfer source is not limited to request mail. The application program for the transfer service provided in the terminal used by the transfer source user who sent the message by means such as SMS (Short Message Service) and received the message displays the same screen as in FIG. In another embodiment, when the transfer source user presses the approval button, information indicating that the application program has approved the transfer request is transmitted to the communication capacity management apparatus 1.

  Further, the transfer request may be made as follows. For example, the requesting user A inputs information necessary for the transfer process by using a transfer application program provided in the terminal A (second terminal) owned by the request source user A. Then, the terminal A of the requesting user A performs short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication and NFC with the terminal B (first terminal) used by the transferring user B, and transfers the input transfer request information to the transferring source. Transmit to terminal B of user B. In the terminal B of the transfer source user B, the transfer application program provided in the own apparatus is activated and the information is received. Then, the transfer application program displays a screen for requesting approval for the received transfer request information on the display unit of the terminal. When the transfer source user B performs the approval process, the transfer application program operating on the terminal B of the transfer source user B sends the transfer request information and information indicating that the request has been approved to the communication capacity management device 1. Send to. In the communication capacity management device 1, the transfer request receiving unit 15 receives the transfer request information and the approval information, and the transfer request receiving unit 15 instructs the communication capacity transfer unit 13 to execute transfer processing based on the received transfer request information. To do. The determination unit 12 determines whether transfer is possible, and if it is determined that transfer is possible, the communication capacity transfer unit 13 performs transfer processing. When the transfer is completed, the transfer application program of terminal A and terminal B displays the completion of the transfer process and the remaining capacity of the communication capacity after the transfer.

  Thereby, a user who needs the communication capacity can receive the transfer of the communication capacity more easily.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

Further, a computer program for realizing the functions of the communication capacity management device 1 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed. Also good. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
“Computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a built-in computer system. A storage device such as a hard disk.

Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (DRAM)) in a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a wireless communication line such as a telephone line. Dynamic Random Access Memory)), etc., which hold programs for a certain period of time.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a wireless communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication capacity management apparatus, 11 ... Remaining capacity management part, 12 ... Determination part, 13 ... Communication capacity transfer part, 14 ... Charge processing part, 15 ... Transfer request reception part, 16 ... Transfer communication capacity management part, 17 ... Notification , 18 ... Communication unit, 19 ... Management data storage unit, 20 ... Automatic transfer management unit, 21 ... CPU unit, 22 ... Storage unit, 24 ... Communication capacity management program, 102 ... Terminal, 104 ... Base station, 106 ... Wireless Communication line 108 ... Gateway 112 ... Communication control device 114 ... User contract information management device 116 ... Settlement device

Claims (14)

A remaining capacity management unit for managing the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line, which are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity;
A determination unit for determining whether or not transfer of communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line is possible;
Based on the determination by the determination unit, a communication capacity transfer unit that transfers a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line;
A transfer communication capacity management unit for managing the total transfer capacity and the number of times of transfer for each wireless communication line;
When the communication capacity transferred to the wireless communication line managed by the transfer communication capacity management unit or the number of times of transfer exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification that prompts the user who uses the wireless communication line to purchase additional communication capacity A notification unit to perform,
A communication capacity management device comprising:
User data of a first terminal connected to a base station via the first wireless communication line is transmitted to and received from the first terminal via the base station, and a second terminal connected to the base station via the second wireless communication line A gateway for transmitting and receiving user data to and from the second terminal via the base station;
A communication control device for controlling the gateway,
The gateway executes transfer of user data of the first terminal and the second terminal according to an instruction from the communication control device,
The communication control device receives communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication or restriction of communication speed for each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line from the communication capacity management device, Based on the communication permission information related to the first wireless communication line, the gateway is instructed to transfer user data of the first terminal, and based on the communication permission information related to the second wireless communication line Instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the second terminal;
The communication capacity management device transmits the communication permission information related to the first terminal to the communication control device based on a remaining communication capacity of the first wireless communication line, and a communication capacity of the second wireless communication line. Transmitting the communication permission information related to the second terminal to the communication control device based on the remaining amount of
The communication control device includes: first transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway by communication of the first terminal; and user data transferred by the gateway by communication of the second terminal. Second transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount is acquired from the gateway, and the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device;
The communication capacity management device updates a remaining amount of communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line based on the first transfer data amount information received from the communication control device, and the second transfer data amount information Based on the communication capacity transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line by the communication capacity transfer unit. Updating the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line;
Wireless communication system. The determination unit acquires attribute information of a first user who uses the first wireless communication line and attribute information of a second user who uses the second wireless communication line, and acquires the acquired first user and the The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not communication capacity can be transferred based on a relationship between the first user and the second user indicated by attribute information of the second user. The determination unit acquires billing group information of a first user who uses the first wireless communication line and billing group information of a second user who uses the second wireless communication line, and acquires the first user The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication capacity is determined to be transferable when the second user billing group information is the same as the second user billing group information. The remaining capacity management unit is a periodical communication capacity that is a communication capacity with an expiration date given for each wireless communication line by a predetermined amount, and a communication capacity with an expiration date that is additionally purchased. Manage separately from additional purchased communication capacity,
The communication capacity transfer unit transfers a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the periodical communication capacity of the first wireless communication line to the periodical communication capacity of the second radio communication line. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The remaining capacity management unit is a periodical communication capacity that is a communication capacity with an expiration date given for each wireless communication line by a predetermined amount, and a communication capacity with an expiration date that is additionally purchased. Manage separately from additional purchased communication capacity,
The communication capacity transfer unit transfers a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the additional purchased communication capacity of the first wireless communication line to the additional purchased communication capacity of the second wireless communication line. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The determination unit further determines whether the transfer of communication capacity is possible based on a predetermined transfer plan,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the communication capacity transfer unit automatically transfers the communication capacity based on the transfer plan. A billing processing unit that performs processing for collecting a charge for transfer of communication capacity by the communication capacity management device;
Further comprising
When the communication capacity transfer unit transfers the communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line, the charging processing unit includes identification information of a first user who uses the first wireless communication line; 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of identification information of a second user using the second wireless communication line is acquired, and charging processing is performed on the acquired identification information of the user. Wireless communication system. Prior Symbol accounting processing unit, the transfer number or transfer communication capacity of the communication capacity within a predetermined period for a wireless communication line to said transfer transmission capacity managing unit manages exceeds a predetermined threshold, the wireless communication network The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein the charging process is performed on identification information of a user who uses the wireless communication line at the time of transfer. When the communication capacity or transfer number before Symbol transfer communication capacity management unit was transferred to a radio communication network for managing it exceeds a predetermined threshold value,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination unit determines that transfer of communication capacity to the wireless communication line is impossible for a predetermined period. When the communication capacity or transfer count wireless communication line has been transferred to the previous SL transfer communication capacity management unit manages exceeds a predetermined threshold value,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the determination unit determines that transfer of a communication capacity from the wireless communication line to another wireless communication line is impossible for a predetermined period. The communication capacity management device further includes a transfer request receiving unit that receives a request for transfer of communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line,
The transfer request receiving unit receives an operation for requesting transfer of communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line by a user using the second wireless communication line, and further, the first wireless communication line The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein when a user who uses a communication line receives an approval operation for the request, the communication capacity transfer unit is instructed to transfer based on the request. . The wireless communication system includes a first terminal using the first wireless communication line and a second terminal using the second wireless communication line,
The transfer request receiving unit was performed by infrared communication between the pre-Symbol first terminal and the pre-Symbol second terminal, a request from the first wireless communication line transfer of communication capacity to said second wireless communication link The wireless communication system according to claim 11 . A communication capacity management device for managing the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line, which are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity;
User data of a first terminal connected to a base station via the first wireless communication line is transmitted to and received from the first terminal via the base station, and a second terminal connected to the base station via the second wireless communication line A gateway for transmitting and receiving user data to and from the second terminal via the base station;
A communication capacity transfer method in a wireless communication system comprising a communication control device for controlling the gateway,
The gateway executes transfer of user data of the first terminal and the second terminal according to an instruction from the communication control device,
The communication control device receives communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication or restriction of communication speed for each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line from the communication capacity management device, Based on the communication permission information related to the first wireless communication line, the gateway is instructed to transfer user data of the first terminal, and based on the communication permission information related to the second wireless communication line Instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the second terminal;
The communication capacity management device transmits the communication permission information related to the first terminal to the communication control device based on a remaining communication capacity of the first wireless communication line, and a communication capacity of the second wireless communication line. Transmitting the communication permission information related to the second terminal to the communication control device based on the remaining amount of
The communication control device includes: first transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway by communication of the first terminal; and user data transferred by the gateway by communication of the second terminal. Second transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount is acquired from the gateway, and the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device;
The communication capacity management device updates a remaining amount of communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line based on the first transfer data amount information received from the communication control device, and the second transfer data amount information The remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the second wireless communication line is updated based on the above, and when the communication capacity is transferred from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line, the transfer is possible If the transfer is performed based on the determination, the desired communication capacity is transferred to the second wireless communication line from the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line. , Based on the desired communication capacity, update the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line, and the total of the transferred communication capacity and the number of times of transfer The If the communication capacity or the number of times of transfer transferred to the managed wireless communication line exceeds a predetermined threshold, the user who uses the wireless communication line is urged to purchase additional communication capacity. Give notifications,
Communication capacity transfer method. A communication capacity management device for managing the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line, which are wireless communication lines with limited communication capacity;
User data of a first terminal connected to a base station via the first wireless communication line is transmitted to and received from the first terminal via the base station, and a second terminal connected to the base station via the second wireless communication line A gateway for transmitting and receiving user data to and from the second terminal via the base station;
A communication control device for controlling the gateway,
The gateway executes transfer of user data of the first terminal and the second terminal according to an instruction from the communication control device,
The communication control device receives communication permission information indicating permission or non-permission of communication or restriction of communication speed for each of the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line from the communication capacity management device, Based on the communication permission information related to the first wireless communication line, the gateway is instructed to transfer user data of the first terminal, and based on the communication permission information related to the second wireless communication line Instructing the gateway to transfer the user data of the second terminal;
Further, the communication control device includes first transfer data amount information indicating a transfer amount of user data transferred by the gateway in the communication of the first terminal, and user data transferred by the gateway in the communication of the second terminal. In the wireless communication system, the second transfer data amount information indicating the transfer amount of the first transfer information is acquired from the gateway, and the first transfer data amount information and the second transfer data amount information are transmitted to the communication capacity management device. A computer provided in the capacity management device,
The communication permission information related to the first terminal is transmitted to the communication control device based on a remaining amount of communication capacity of the first wireless communication line, and based on the remaining amount of communication capacity of the second wireless communication line Means for transmitting the communication permission information relating to the second terminal to the communication control device;
The remaining amount of communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line is updated based on the first transfer data amount information received from the communication control device, and the second wireless communication is updated based on the second transfer data amount information. Means for updating the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the communication line;
Means for determining whether or not transfer of communication capacity from the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line is possible;
Means for transferring a desired communication capacity from the remaining capacity of the communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line to the second wireless communication line based on the determination;
Means for updating the remaining amount of communication capacity allocated to the first wireless communication line and the second wireless communication line based on the desired communication capacity;
Means for managing the total communication capacity transferred and the number of times of transfer for each wireless communication line;
Means for notifying a user who uses the wireless communication line to purchase additional communication capacity when the communication capacity or the number of times of transfer transferred to the wireless communication line managed by the managing means exceeds a predetermined threshold ,
Computer program to function as.

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