JPWO2008053565A1 - COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE, COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Google Patents

Abstract

The communication management device (110) manages the communication line (130). The determination unit (111) communicates with the communication terminal device (120) of the user based on the connection fee to the communication line (130) paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line (130). The permitted traffic amount that permits communication using the line (130) is determined. The notification unit (112) notifies the user of identification information associated with the permitted traffic. The receiving unit (113) receives from the communication terminal device (120) the current communication amount and the identification information for the connection to the communication line together with the connection request to the communication line (130). The determination unit (114) determines whether or not the current communication amount is smaller than the permitted communication amount based on the identification information. The connection unit (115) connects the user's communication terminal device (120) to the communication line (130) when it is determined that the current communication amount is less than the permitted communication amount.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication management apparatus, a communication management method, a communication management program, and a recording medium that manage connection to a communication line. The present invention also relates to a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium that perform communication using a communication line. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described communication management device, communication terminal device, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium.

  Conventionally, in a road traffic information communication system such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), road traffic information is generated by using vehicle running state information detected by a road side sensor installed on the road side. . In addition, a technique for providing more real-time road traffic information based on data transmitted (uplink) from a vehicle actually traveling on a road has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2005-276209 A

  However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the data uplinked from the vehicle includes information for identifying the uplink-source vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle identification information”). For this reason, it is possible to track a specific vehicle by monitoring data including specific vehicle identification information, and there is a problem that privacy of a vehicle occupant may be infringed. Thus, if privacy is infringed by uplinking data from the vehicle, the user is reluctant to provide the data. For this reason, the number of data used as the basis of road traffic information reduces, and the problem that the precision of road traffic information falls is mentioned as an example.

  In addition, when vehicle identification information is not included in the data uplinked from the vehicle, or when the vehicle identification information having anonymity is used, the transmission source vehicle is specified as the transmission destination of the uplink data. Not. However, there is a problem that a connection fee to a communication line used for data uplink cannot be collected. In general, distribution of road traffic information is performed without specifying a transmission destination using FM multiplex broadcasting, beacons, or the like, and communication costs are not incurred. On the other hand, the uplink of data from a vehicle is performed by specifying a destination via the Internet or the like, so communication costs such as a connection fee to a communication line are generated.

  If the data that is uplinked from the vehicle does not include vehicle identification information or an anonymous ID is used, the communication carrier managing the communication line must use the communication line usage contract. It is impossible to specify whether or not it is a communication terminal device of a contracted contractor, or to specify the contract contents. For this reason, the problem that the connection request from a vehicle is refused by a communication carrier and data cannot be uplinked is an example.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the communication management device according to the invention of claim 1 is based on the connection fee to the communication line paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line. A determination unit that determines a communication amount that permits communication using the communication line to the user's communication terminal device (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), and a permitted communication amount that is determined by the determination unit. A notification means for providing identification information to the user and notifying the communication terminal device of the user, together with a request for connection to the communication line, the identification information notified by the notification means from the communication terminal device of the user. Based on the receiving means for receiving and the identification information received by the receiving means, the amount of communication in the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request (hereinafter referred to as “current amount of communication”) A determination unit that determines whether or not the communication traffic is less than or equal to the permitted traffic, and a connection that connects the user's communication terminal device to the communication line when the determination traffic determines that the current traffic is less than or equal to the permitted traffic And means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication terminal device comprising: acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying payment of the connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line in advance; and a connection request to the communication line A transmission unit that transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to a communication management device that manages the communication line, and when the communication management device permits connection to the communication line, And a communication means for performing communication.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication management method according to the present invention, wherein the communication terminal device of the user is connected to the communication terminal device based on a connection fee paid to the communication line paid by the user prior to connection to the communication line. A determination step of determining a communication amount that permits communication using a communication line (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), and identification information is assigned to the permitted communication amount determined in the determination step; A notification step of notifying the communication terminal device, a reception step of receiving the identification information notified by the notification means together with a request for connection to the communication line from the communication terminal device of the user, and receiving in the reception step A determination step of determining whether or not a communication amount (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) for connection to the communication line in response to the connection request is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount based on the identification information that has been made; If the current traffic is determined to be equal to or less than permitted traffic in the determining step, characterized in that including a connecting step of connecting the communication terminal apparatus of the user to the communication line.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring identification information for identifying payment of the connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line in advance; and a connection request to the communication line. A transmission step of transmitting the identification information acquired in the acquisition step to a communication management device that manages the communication line; and when the connection to the communication line is permitted by the communication management device, the communication line is used. And a communication process for performing communication.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a communication management program causes a computer to execute the communication management method according to the ninth aspect.

  A communication program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the communication method according to the tenth aspect.

  A recording medium according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is readable by a computer that records the communication management program according to the eleventh aspect or the communication program according to the twelfth aspect.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication management process performed by the communication management apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the communication terminal device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of point issue processing by the communication management server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection processing to the communication line by the navigation device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Communication system 110 Communication management apparatus 111 Calculation part 112 Notification part 113 Reception part 114 Determination part 115 Connection part 116 Calculation part 120 Communication terminal device 121 Acquisition part 122 Transmission part 123 Communication part 130 Communication line

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication management device, a communication terminal device, a communication management method, a communication method, a communication management program, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
First, a functional configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 100 according to the embodiment includes a communication management device 110 and a communication terminal device 120. The communication management device 110 includes a determination unit 111, a notification unit 112, a reception unit 113, a determination unit 114, a connection unit 115, and a calculation unit 116, and manages connection of the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  The determination unit 111 permits the communication terminal device 120 of the user to communicate using the communication line 130 based on the connection fee paid to the communication line 130 paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line 130. The amount of communication to be performed (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”) is determined. For example, the determination unit 111 determines the permitted communication amount by multiplying the amount of the connection fee paid by the user and a predetermined unit communication amount. Further, the determination unit 111 determines the permitted communication amount with reference to a table that converts the amount of the connection fee paid by the user into the permitted communication amount.

  Specifically, the permitted communication amount is, for example, the total amount of data permitted to be transmitted / received on the communication line, the period for permitting connection to the communication line, or the like. Further, the connection fee is paid by the user by, for example, transfer to a bank account of a communication line manager, credit card settlement, or cash payment.

  The notification unit 112 assigns identification information to the permitted communication amount determined by the determination unit 111 and notifies the communication terminal device 120 of the user. The identification information is, for example, an arbitrary character string for identifying each permitted communication amount. The notification unit 112 notifies the user of the identification information, for example, by transmitting the identification information to the communication terminal device 120 or sending a recording medium readable by the communication terminal device 120 in which the identification information is written to the user. To do. Further, the notification unit 112 may notify the user of a plurality of pieces of identification information that are respectively associated with the permitted communication amounts divided for each predetermined amount. Specifically, for example, when connection to the communication line 130 is permitted for 1 hour (when the permitted traffic volume is 1 hour), separate identification information is associated every 15 minutes to obtain a total of four pieces of identification information. It is good also as notifying. In addition, the notification unit 112 may transmit the permitted communication amount together with the identification information to the communication terminal device 120.

  The receiving unit 113 receives the identification information notified by the notification unit 112 from the user's communication terminal device 120 together with a connection request to the communication line 130. In addition, the receiving unit 113 may receive, from the communication terminal device 120, information related to the communication amount (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) for connection to the communication line 130 together with the connection request and identification information. The information related to the current traffic volume is, for example, the data volume of data transmitted by the communication terminal device 120 this time, the scheduled connection time to the communication line 130, and the like. In addition, for example, the reception unit 113 may receive transmission information itself in connection with the current communication line 130 from the communication terminal device 120, and may use the data amount of the transmission information as the current communication amount.

  Based on the identification information received by the reception unit 113, the determination unit 114 determines whether or not the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount. For example, when the permitted communication amount determined when the connection fee identified by the identification information is paid is larger than the current communication amount, the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount. Further, the determination unit 114 determines the remaining permitted communication amount (remaining permitted communication amount) at the previous connection calculated by the calculation unit 116 described later as the permitted communication amount when the communication terminal device 120 is connected for the second time or later. Do it.

  For example, when the reception unit 113 receives the information regarding the current traffic along with the connection request from the communication terminal device 120, the determination unit 114 performs the above-described determination using the received information regarding the current traffic.

  Further, for example, during the current communication with communication terminal device 120 (from the start to the end of the current communication connection), determination unit 114 integrates the data amount of the billing target data transmitted from communication terminal device 120 for a predetermined time. For each (very short time unit), the integrated amount at that time may be determined as “current communication amount”. In this case, the determination unit 114 sequentially determines whether or not the current communication amount is smaller than the permitted communication amount every predetermined time. When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount exceeds the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 described later interrupts the transmission of data to the transmission destination at that time, and adds additional identification information to the communication terminal device 120. Request transmission. If additional identification information is transmitted, transmission of data to the transmission destination is resumed, and the permitted communication that the current traffic volume for each predetermined time calculated by integrating the data volume from that point is acquired from the additional identification information Determine if it is less than the amount.

  For example, when the receiving unit 113 receives data to be transmitted in the current communication from the communication terminal device 120 together with the connection request, the determining unit 114 calculates the amount of billing target data (current communication amount). It may be determined whether or not the traffic volume is equal to or less than the permitted traffic volume. When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 transmits the data received from the communication terminal device 120 to the transmission destination.

  For example, when a communication price necessary for one communication (data transmission / reception) for a specific service is determined, the unit of the communication price per time is “1 point” and the permitted communication amount is “ The number of permitted communications may be used. Specifically, the determination unit 111 sets the communication line 130 to the communication terminal device 120 of the user based on the connection fee to the communication line 130 paid by the user prior to connection to the communication line 130. The number of communications permitted to be used is determined (hereinafter referred to as “permitted number of communications”). The user can perform communication for the number of times corresponding to the permitted number of times of communication through the communication terminal device 120. Based on the identification information received by the reception unit 113, the determination unit 114 determines whether the current communication can be subtracted from the permitted communication count (that is, whether the permitted communication count is one or more times).

  When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 connects the user's communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  After the communication terminal device 120 is connected to the communication line 130 by the connection unit 115, the calculation unit 116 calculates a remaining permitted communication amount obtained by subtracting the current communication amount from the permitted communication amount. The remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculation unit 116 is used for determination by the determination unit 114 at the next connection request. Further, when the remaining permitted traffic is calculated by the calculation unit 116, the notification unit 112 gives new identification information to the remaining permitted traffic and notifies the communication terminal device 120 of the user of the identification information. It is good as well. In this case, at the next connection request, communication terminal apparatus 120 transmits the identification information given to the remaining permitted communication amount newly notified. Further, instead of newly adding the identification information to the remaining permitted traffic, the remaining permitted traffic may be re-associated with the identification information.

  Next, the functional configuration of the communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. The communication terminal device 120 includes an acquisition unit 121, a transmission unit 122, and a communication unit 123. The acquisition unit 121 acquires identification information for identifying payment of a connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line 130 in advance. That is, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information notified by the notification unit 112 of the communication management device 110. This identification information is associated with the permitted traffic amount in the communication management device 110. The communication terminal device 120 may be notified of the permitted communication amount together with the identification information.

  When a connection request to the communication line 130 is requested, the transmission unit 122 transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 121 to the communication management apparatus 110 that manages the communication line 130. That is, the transmission unit 122 transmits identification information to the reception unit 113 of the communication management device 110. Further, the transmission unit 122 may transmit the transmission information in the connection to the communication line 130 to the communication management apparatus 110 together with the connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the communication management apparatus 110 calculates the amount of billing target data (current communication amount) from the transmission information, and determines whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount. Further, the transmission unit 122 may transmit information regarding the current traffic volume together with a connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the communication management apparatus 110 makes the above-described determination using the received information regarding the current traffic volume.

  The communication unit 123 performs communication using the communication line 130 when connection to the communication line 130 is permitted by the communication management apparatus 110.

  Next, communication processing by the communication system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication management process performed by the communication management apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the communication management device 110 first determines the communication amount (permitted communication) that permits communication to the communication terminal device 120 of the user based on the connection fee paid by the user by the determining unit 111. Amount) is determined (step S201).

  Next, the notification unit 112 assigns identification information to the permitted traffic and notifies the user of the identification information (step S202). Subsequently, the communication management apparatus 110 waits until the reception unit 113 receives a connection request and identification information from the communication terminal apparatus 120 (step S203: No).

  When the connection request and the identification information are received (step S203: Yes), the communication management apparatus 110 determines whether or not the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount by the determination unit 114 (step S204). In the case of the second and subsequent connection requests, the remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculation unit 116 is determined as the permitted communication amount. If the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount (step S204: Yes), the connection unit 115 connects the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130 (step S205), and the processing according to this flowchart ends. Note that after the connection by the connection unit 115, the calculation unit 116 calculates the remaining permitted traffic volume obtained by subtracting the current traffic volume from the permitted traffic volume. Then, the calculated remaining permitted traffic is notified to the communication terminal device 120 or re-associated with the identification information.

  On the other hand, if the current traffic volume is not less than or equal to the permitted traffic volume in step S204 (step S204: No), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated without connecting the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  Next, communication processing by the communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the communication terminal device. First, the acquisition unit 121 acquires identification information for identifying the payment of the connection fee as a result of paying the connection fee to the communication line in advance (step S301). Next, the communication terminal device 120 stands by until a connection request to the communication line is made (step S302: No loop). When making a connection request (step S302: Yes), the communication terminal apparatus 120 transmits the identification information acquired in step S301 to the communication management apparatus 110 together with a connection request to the communication line 130 by the transmission unit 122 (step S303). . At this time, the transmission unit 122 may transmit the transmission information transmitted in the current connection or the information related to the current traffic volume together with the connection request.

  When the connection from the communication management apparatus 110 to the communication line 130 is permitted (step S304: Yes), the communication terminal apparatus 120 performs communication using the communication line 130 by the communication unit 123 (step S305). The process by is terminated. On the other hand, when the connection to the communication line 130 is not permitted (step S304: No), the process according to this flowchart is terminated without performing communication.

  In addition, when transmitting the information regarding the current communication amount in step S303, the communication terminal device 120 may determine whether the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount and then make a connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the notification unit 112 of the communication management apparatus 110 notifies the communication terminal apparatus 120 of the permitted communication amount together with the identification information. When making a connection request to the communication line 130, the communication terminal device 120 determines whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount. Make a connection request. Note that only the communication terminal device 120 may determine whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount.

  Further, the communication management device, communication terminal device, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium according to the present invention function by the communication management device 110 and the communication terminal device 120 shown in FIG. However, a plurality of apparatuses may be used as long as each function unit of the communication management apparatus 110 and the communication terminal apparatus 120 illustrated in FIG. When each functional unit is connected as a different device, the connection between the devices may be established by performing communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, regardless of wired or wireless.

  As described above, according to the communication system 100, the connection to the communication line 130 is managed using the identification information that identifies the payment of the connection fee. As a result, the communication terminal device 120 does not need to use information for identifying the communication terminal device 120 or the user who owns it when connecting to the communication line 130, and can protect personal information.

  In particular, when information is transmitted anonymously from the communication terminal device 120, it is not necessary to use anonymous when it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when a connection to the communication line 130 is requested. In the communication system 100, the communication line 130 does not need to present information for identifying an individual when a connection request to the communication line 130 is requested, so that anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly. In addition, since the accounting process can be performed for anonymous information transmission, the connection fee to the communication line 130 can be collected smoothly. In addition, since anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly, the usage of the communication line 130 can be expanded.

  Next, an example of the communication system 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. The following example demonstrates the case where the communication system 100 concerning embodiment is applied to the communication using the navigation apparatus mounted in the vehicle.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 400 includes an uplink service server 411 of the uplink service provider 410, a navigation device 420 mounted on the vehicle 430, a communication line 440, and a communication management server 451 of the communication provider 450.

  The uplink service provider 410 performs a service using data transmitted (uplink) from the navigation device 420. Specifically, for example, the current position information of the vehicle 430 is periodically uplinked, and the uplink information is statistically processed by the uplink service server 411 to generate road traffic information. Then, the generated road traffic information is distributed (downlink) from the uplink service server 411 to the vehicle 430. The data uplinked from the navigation device 420 is not limited to the position information, and may be, for example, image data, voice data, text data, and the like in the vicinity where the vehicle 430 is traveling.

  The navigation device 420 is mounted on the vehicle 330 traveling on the road L, and performs route search, route guidance, and the like to the destination point. The navigation device 420 searches for the optimum route to the destination point using road traffic information provided from the uplink service provider 410 or a road traffic information distribution center (not shown), and traffic information on the map information. Is displayed.

  Communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed via the communication line 440. The communication line 440 is managed by the communication management server 451 of the communication carrier 450, and in order for the navigation device 420 to communicate via the communication line 440, a connection fee to the communication line 440 is given to the communication carrier 450. Need to pay.

  Here, if the data transmitted from the navigation device 420 includes information that identifies the navigation device 420 or the vehicle 430 (hereinafter referred to as “personal identification information”), the behavior of a specific individual is an uplink service. It becomes traceable by the operator 410. Similarly, when an uplinked data from the navigation device 420 is intercepted by a malicious person, the behavior of a specific individual can be tracked. Here, the personal identification information is, for example, a device ID of the navigation device 420, a user ID issued from the uplink service provider 410, or the like.

  From such a viewpoint of protecting personal information, when connecting to the communication line 440 in order to uplink data from the navigation device 420, anonymity is not used without using information that identifies the navigation device 420 or the vehicle 430. A certain uplink ID is used. The uplink ID is assigned, for example, when the engine of the vehicle 430 is started (when the navigation device 420 is started), and is deleted when the engine is stopped, and becomes invalid. That is, the navigation apparatus 420 transmits uplink data to the uplink service server 411 using an uplink ID that is different for each run. The uplink ID may be assigned by the uplink service provider 410 when the engine of the vehicle 430 is activated, or may be generated using a random number or the like by the navigation device 420.

  The uplink service provider 410 can know the identity of the transmission source of the uplinked data, but cannot identify the navigation device 420, the vehicle 430, or the owner of the transmission source. In this way, by using the uplink ID, data can be collected from the navigation device 420 while protecting personal information.

  On the other hand, the communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed via the communication line 440. As described above, a connection fee is charged for using the communication line 440. For this reason, the navigation device 420 makes a billing contract by notifying the user ID and the like in the billing contract with the communication carrier 450 at the time of a connection request to the communication management server 451 (has authority to connect to the communication line 440). ) Must be shown.

  Thus, even if an uplink ID is used for the uplink service provider 410, personal identification information such as a user ID must be presented when connecting to the communication line 440, and therefore, it is a data transmission source. An individual is identified. It may be possible to delete the personal identification information from the data transmitted to the uplink service provider 410 on the telecommunications carrier 450 side, but in this case, the connection is established by communication using the uplink ID and normal communication. It becomes necessary to change the data to be transmitted first.

  In the communication system 400, in order to solve such a problem, the connection fee for performing the uplink communication is prepaid, and an ID for the payment is issued, so that personal identification information is not presented. However, the communication line 440 can be connected. Thereby, it is possible to uplink information without specifying the transmission source. In particular, it is not necessary to separate data to be transmitted to the connection destination by communication using the uplink ID and normal communication, and the burden on the communication carrier 450 can be reduced.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)
Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 420 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM (memory) 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and an audio I / F (interface) 508. , Microphone 509, speaker 510, input device 511, video I / F 512, camera 513, display 514, communication I / F 515, GPS unit 516, various sensors 517, external connection I / F 518 And. In addition, the components 501 to 518 are connected by a bus 520, respectively.

  First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 420. The ROM 502 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

  The magnetic disk drive 504 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 505 according to control of CPU501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 506 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to control of CPU501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 506. As the optical disc 507, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 507, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  Another example of information recorded in the magnetic disk drive 504 or the optical disk drive 506 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map data is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 514. Drawn. When the navigation device 420 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 516 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio I / F 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 509 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Note that the sound input from the microphone 509 can be recorded as sound data on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507.

  Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the input device 511 can be connected to another information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

  The video I / F 512 is connected to a camera 513 for video input and a display 514 for video output. Specifically, the video I / F 512 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 514, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 514 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The camera 513 captures images inside and outside the vehicle 430 and outputs them as image data. An image captured by the camera 513 can be recorded as image data on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507. The display 514 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 514, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 515 can be connected to the communication line 440 via radio, and functions as an interface between the communication line 440 and the CPU 501. Specifically, the communication line 440 is, for example, a LAN, a WAN, a public line network, a mobile phone network, or the like.

  The GPS unit 516 receives radio waves from GPS satellites, and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 420). The output information of the GPS unit 516 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 501 together with output values of various sensors 517 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  Various sensors 517 output information such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 517 are used for the calculation of the current location by the CPU 501 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  The external connection I / F 518 is an interface for connecting to an external device such as an infrared port, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication port, or a USB port. The external connection I / F 518 is used, for example, for connection with a mobile phone terminal. For example, it is used for connection with a portable music player.

  Although not shown, the communication management server 451 includes at least a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM (memory) 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and a communication I / F 515. And composed of

  Further, in the configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment, the communication management apparatus 110 corresponds to the communication management server 451. The determination unit 111, the determination unit 114, and the calculation unit 116 of the communication management apparatus 110 are configured by the CPU 501, the notification unit 112, the connection unit 115 is configured by the CPU 501, and the communication I / F 515, and the reception unit 113 is configured by the communication I / F 515. Realize.

  Further, in the configuration of the communication system 100, the communication terminal device 120 corresponds to the navigation device 420. The acquisition unit 121, the transmission unit 122, and the communication unit 123 realize respective functions by the CPU 501 and the communication I / F 515.

(Uplink communication processing by communication system 400)
Next, uplink communication processing by the communication system 400 will be described. As described above, in the communication system 400, when data is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the uplink service server 411 (during uplink communication), normal communication is performed so that personal information of the transmission source cannot be specified. Connect to the communication line 440 by different methods. In other words, the connection fee is paid in advance, and points (hereinafter referred to as “points”) and IDs (point issue IDs) for the payment are issued to connect to the communication line 440 without presenting information for identifying an individual. To do.

  Here, the point is, for example, a minimum unit for calculating traffic, and for example, “packet” in communication using a mobile phone can be cited as an example. If 100 bytes is the minimum calculation unit, 1 point = 100 bytes, and 100 bytes of communication is permitted at 1 point. If the user's payment amount is divided by the 100-byte communication unit price, the number of points given to the user can be calculated.

  In addition, if the communication unit price for one communication is fixed, a point of payment is permitted as one point, and the user's payment amount is divided by the communication unit cost for one communication. The number of points given to the user may be calculated.

  Hereinafter, each process in the uplink communication will be described. First, point issue processing by the communication management server 451 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of point issue processing by the communication management server. Note that “user” refers to the user of the navigation device 420 unless otherwise specified in the following description. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the communication management server 451 waits until the connection fee to the communication line 440 is paid by the user (step S601: No loop). The payment of the connection fee may be, for example, credit card settlement, payment to the bank account of the communication carrier 450 or payment by cash.

  When the connection fee is paid (step S601: Yes), the communication management server 451 calculates the number of points to be issued this time (step S602). The number of points is calculated based on the paid connection fee. For example, the amount of payment is equivalently converted as “100 yen = 1 point”. Further, for example, the number of points issued for the same amount may be varied according to the communication speed of the navigation device 420.

  Next, the communication management server 451 generates a point issuance ID for points to be issued for the current payment (step S603). The point issuance ID is, for example, a character string that combines numbers, alphabetic characters, and the like. Further, the point issuance ID generated in step S603 is not limited to one. For example, the point number calculated in step S602 may be divided to generate point IDs corresponding to the divided points.

  Specifically, for example, when the number of points calculated in step S602 is 200 points, it may be divided into 50 points × 4 to generate four point issuance IDs. This is so that when the navigation device 420 communicates using the uplink ID, a different point issuance ID can be used for each traveling corresponding to the use of a different uplink ID for each traveling. It is a thing. As described above, if the points are divided into four points, the four point issuance IDs can be used in order, and it is possible to prevent individuals from being identified by tracking the point issuance ID. Can do.

  Note that the unit for dividing points is based on the number of points that can be communicated with the amount of communication during one run (that is, when one uplink ID is used), for example. For example, when 50 points of communication is performed for each run, the communication is divided into 50 points or 100 points. Also, when paying the advance connection fee, the user may be able to specify whether or not points are to be divided and the point division unit. Further, the processing of step S603 is omitted, and when communication is performed using the uplink ID, the communication management server 451 is connected in advance with the normal ID, and the point management ID is issued from the communication management server 451. May be.

  Then, the number of points calculated in step S602 and the point issuance ID generated in step S603 are associated with each other and registered in the point database (step S604). Here, the communication management server 451 has a point database for managing points issued for the prepaid connection fee on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 of its own apparatus. The communication management server 451 associates and registers in the point database the number of points issued for the current payment and the point issuance ID corresponding to the point issued this time. Note that the point database does not include information related to the navigation device 420 to which the points are issued or the user. Personal information may be included in the point database, but only the communication management server 451 can access the personal information and the uplink service provider 410 cannot access the personal information.

  Then, the communication management server 451 transmits the number of points and the point issuance ID to the user navigation device 420 (step S605), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. At this time, only the point issue ID may be transmitted. The navigation apparatus 420 that has received the transmission of the point number and the point issue ID records the point number and the point issue ID on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 of the own apparatus.

  In step S605, instead of transmitting the point number and point issue ID, a prepaid card in which the point number and point issue ID are written may be issued and sent to the user. In this case, the user causes the navigation device 420 to read the sent prepaid card and records the number of points and the point issuance ID.

  Next, connection processing to the communication line 440 by the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection processing to the communication line by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the navigation apparatus 420 first determines whether or not the uplink ID is used in the current communication (step S701). Whether or not the uplink ID is used is determined by an instruction operation from the user, for example. Further, when the data transmission destination is the uplink service server 411, it may be determined that the uplink ID is automatically used.

  When the uplink ID is not used (step S701: No), that is, in the case of normal data communication, the navigation device 420 communicates with the communication management server 451 using the connection ID used for normal connection. A request is made (step S702), and the process proceeds to step S706. The communication by the normal connection ID is performed by connecting a normal connection contract by a pay-as-you-go system or a flat-rate system with the communication management server 451 separately from the point by the advance payment of the connection fee. In addition, even in the case of normal data communication, connection may be made using points purchased in advance. Further, as an option of a normal connection contract, the communication amount permitted in the normal connection contract may be transferred to points.

  On the other hand, when the uplink ID is used (step S701: Yes), the navigation apparatus 420 acquires data amount information of data to be communicated this time (step S703). Here, the data amount information may include the data content, the communication method, and the like in addition to the number of bytes of data to be communicated this time. Then, the navigation apparatus 420 attaches the point issuance ID (see FIG. 6) received from the communication management server 451 and the data amount information acquired in step S703, and sends a connection request to the communication management server 451. Perform (step S704).

  The point issuance ID attached at this time is preferably an ID different from the point issuance ID used in the previous uplink communication. This is because if the point issuance ID used in the previous uplink communication is the same as the point issuance ID used in the current uplink communication, it is known that the source of the uplink data is the same. For this reason, in the navigation apparatus 420, it is preferable to be able to always use a plurality of point issue IDs and to manage the use history of the point issue IDs.

  As a result of making a connection request to the communication management server 451 in step S704, if the connection to the communication line 440 is permitted (step S705: Yes), the navigation device 420 connects to the communication line 440 and performs data communication. This is done (step S706), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, when the connection is not permitted (step S705: No), a point purchase request is made to the communication management server 451 (step S707), the process returns to step S704, and the subsequent processing is continued. The point purchase request may be automatically made by the navigation device 420 or may be made after waiting for the user to purchase a point and perform a point purchase operation. Upon receiving the point purchase request, the communication management server 451 performs the point issuing process shown in FIG.

  Next, communication management processing by the communication management server 451 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management server. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the communication management server 451 first waits until it receives a connection request from the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 (step S801: No loop). When the connection request is received (step S801: Yes), the communication management server 451 determines whether or not the connection request received in step S901 is a connection request from a contract terminal (step S802).

  Here, the contract terminal is a communication terminal device (navigation device 420) of a user who has a connection contract in normal communication. Whether or not it is a connection request from the contract terminal is received in step S801, for example, the connection ID assigned to the contractor who has a connection contract for the communication line 440 with the communication carrier 450. Judgment is made based on whether or not it is included in the connection request. When the connection request is from the contract terminal (step S802: Yes), the communication management server 451 proceeds to step S808.

  On the other hand, if it is not a connection request from the contract terminal (step S802: No), the communication management server 451 determines whether or not a point issue ID is attached to the connection request received in step S801 (step S803). When the point issuance ID is attached (step S803: Yes), the communication management server 451 refers to the point database and acquires the number of remaining points corresponding to the point issuance ID (step S804). At this time, when a plurality of point issue IDs are attached to the connection request, the remaining points corresponding to the respective point issue IDs are acquired.

  Further, the communication management server 451 extracts the data amount information of the data communicated in the current connection from the connection request received in step S801 (step S805), and the number of points necessary for communicating the data amount (necessary this time) (Number of points) is calculated (step S806). Then, the communication management server 451 compares the remaining point number extracted in step S804 with the current necessary point number calculated in step S806, and determines whether or not the present necessary point number is smaller than the remaining point number. (Step S807). When a plurality of point issuance IDs are attached to the connection request, the total of the remaining points of each point issuance ID is compared with the necessary points this time to determine whether the required number of points is equal to or less than the remaining points. .

  If the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points (step S807: Yes), the communication management server 451 permits connection of the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 (step S808). Then, the communication management server 451 calculates the remaining number of points after the current connection (step S809), updates the point database (step S810), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. If connection is permitted in response to a connection request from the contract terminal, the processes in steps S809 and S810 are omitted.

  Alternatively, the remaining number of points calculated in step S809 may be notified to the navigation device 420. In this case, the navigation device 420 may delete the point issuance ID when the remaining points are zero or less than a predetermined point, or may issue a new point issuance request.

  On the other hand, when the required number of points is greater than the remaining number of points this time (step S807: No), or when the point issue ID is not attached to the connection request at step S803 (step S803: No), the communication management server 451 The connection of the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 is rejected (step S811), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. If the number of points required this time is equal to or greater than the number of remaining points, the navigation device 420 may be notified of the insufficient number of points.

  In the above description, the data amount information of the data to be communicated this time is attached to the connection request transmitted by the navigation device 420 (see steps S703 and S704 in FIG. 7 and S805 in FIG. 8). The data amount information may not be attached.

  For example, in the communication management server 451, during the current communication with the navigation device 420 (from the start to the end of the current communication connection), the amount of billing target data transmitted from the navigation device 420 is integrated, and a predetermined time (very short) For each time unit, it may be determined whether or not the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points using the accumulated communication amount at that time (see step S807 in FIG. 8). In this case, the communication management server 451 sequentially determines whether or not the current required point number is equal to or less than the remaining point number at predetermined time intervals. If it is determined that the required number of points has exceeded the remaining number of points this time, the communication management server 451 interrupts transmission of data to the transmission destination at that time and requests the navigation device 420 to transmit an additional point issue ID. . When an additional point issuance ID is transmitted, the transmission of data to the transmission destination is resumed, and the communication amount per predetermined time calculated by integrating the amount of data from that point is the remaining corresponding to the additional point issuance ID. Determine whether the number of points is less than or equal to.

  Further, for example, when a connection request is made from the navigation device 420 (see step S704 in FIG. 7), data to be transmitted in the current communication may be attached to the communication management server 451. In this case, the communication management server 451 calculates the number of points required this time from the amount of data attached to the connection request (current communication amount), and determines whether the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points.

  For example, when the number of points (charge) necessary for one communication (data transmission / reception) for a specific service is fixed, the number of communication may be counted. Specifically, the communication management server 451 allows the navigation device 420 to perform communication using the communication line 440 instead of or together with the points based on the connection fee paid by the user ( (Hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication count”) is calculated and associated with the point issuance ID. Based on the point issuance ID, the communication management server 451 determines whether the current communication can be subtracted from the permitted communication count (that is, whether the permitted communication count is 1 or more).

  Furthermore, in the above description, the communication management server 451 determines whether or not the required number of points this time is smaller than the number of remaining points, but the navigation device 420 may determine. In this case, for example, the point issue ID is transmitted to the communication management server 451 before the connection request is made by the navigation device 420. The communication management server 451 returns the remaining point number corresponding to the point issuance ID to the navigation device 420. Then, the navigation device 420 determines whether or not the number of points required this time is smaller than the number of remaining points.

  As another method, for example, the navigation device 420 holds the number of points sent at the time of point purchase and the point issuance ID (see FIG. 6: step S605) in association with each other. When the connection using the uplink ID is selected, the navigation device 420 acquires the number of points issued to the own device, and sets the number of points necessary for this connection (the number of points required this time). Determine whether it is enough. If the required number of points is not sufficient at this time, a point purchase request is made to the communication management server 451. Alternatively, the user is prompted to purchase points.

  If the necessary number of points is sufficient at this time, a connection request is made to the communication management server 451 with a point subtraction certificate attached. Here, the point subtraction proof includes the point issuance ID and the number of points used in the current connection. Further, the subtraction proof may include the number of points before and after the point use, the subtraction date and time, and the like. The communication management server 451 extracts the point issuance ID from the point subtraction certificate, and checks with the point database to determine whether or not the necessary number of points remains. At this time, it may be determined whether the point subtraction history matches between the navigation device 420 and the communication management server 451. Then, the communication management server 451 permits connection to the communication line 440 when the necessary number of points remains, and rejects connection to the communication line 440 when the necessary number of points does not remain.

  When the points associated with a plurality of point issue IDs are totaled and used for the current connection, the subtraction certificate includes information on each point issue ID. Further, the subtraction certificate does not include information for specifying the navigation device 420 or the individual user, or such information is not known to anyone other than the communication management server 451 (the communication carrier 450).

  As described above, according to the communication system 400, the connection to the communication line 440 is managed using the point issue ID that identifies the payment of the connection fee that has been paid in advance. As a result, the navigation device 420 need not use information for identifying the navigation device 420 or the user who owns it when connecting to the communication line 440, and can protect personal information.

  In particular, when data is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the uplink service provider 410, the uplink ID is used when it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when requesting connection to the communication line 440. The meaning disappears. In the communication system 400, by using the point issuance ID as an ID, there is no need to present information for identifying an individual when a connection request to the communication line 440 is made, so that data transmission to the uplink service provider 410 is performed smoothly. Can do. In addition, since the charging process can be performed for the connection using the uplink ID, the communication carrier 450 can smoothly collect the connection fee to the communication line 440.

  The communication management method and communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0002]
[0005]
In addition, when vehicle identification information is not included in the data uplinked from the vehicle, or when the vehicle identification information having anonymity is used, the transmission source vehicle is specified as the transmission destination of the uplink data. Not. However, there is a problem that a connection fee to a communication line used for data uplink cannot be collected. In general, distribution of road traffic information is performed without specifying a transmission destination using FM multiplex broadcasting, beacons, or the like, and communication costs are not incurred. On the other hand, the uplink of data from a vehicle is performed by specifying a destination via the Internet or the like, so communication costs such as a connection fee to a communication line are generated.
[0006]
If the data that is uplinked from the vehicle does not include vehicle identification information or an anonymous ID is used, the communication carrier managing the communication line must use the communication line usage contract. It is impossible to specify whether or not it is a communication terminal device of a contracted contractor, or to specify the contract contents. For this reason, the problem that the connection request from a vehicle is refused by a communication carrier and data cannot be uplinked is an example.
Means for Solving the Problems [0007]
In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the communication management device according to the invention of claim 1 is based on the connection fee to the communication line paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line. A determination unit that determines a communication amount that permits communication using the communication line (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), and a data that indicates the permitted communication amount determined by the determination unit. A notification unit that gives identification information for identification and notifies the user; a reception unit that receives the identification information notified by the notification unit together with a connection request to the communication line; and the reception Based on the identification information received by the means, the amount of communication in the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) is linked to the identification information. A determination unit that determines whether or not the communication traffic amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount indicated by the data, and when the determination unit determines that the current communication traffic amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication traffic amount, connection to the communication line in response to the connection request is performed. Connecting means.
[0008]
In addition, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 6 does not charge a connection fee to the communication line.

[0003]
The payment of the connection fee is identified as a result of the initial payment, and is associated with data indicating the amount of communication permitted for communication using the communication line (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”). An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identification; a transmission means for transmitting the identification information acquired by the acquisition means to a communication management apparatus that manages the communication line when a connection request to the communication line is requested; and the communication And a communication unit configured to perform communication using the communication line when connection to the communication line is permitted by the management apparatus.
[0009]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication management method for permitting communication using a communication line based on a connection fee to the communication line paid by a user prior to connection to the communication line. A determination step for determining the amount (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), the identification information for identifying the data is attached in association with the data indicating the permitted communication amount determined in the determination step, and Based on the notification step of notifying the user, the reception step of receiving the identification information notified by the notification step together with the connection request to the communication line, and the identification information received in the reception step And determining whether or not the traffic volume (hereinafter referred to as “current traffic volume”) in the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request is equal to or smaller than the permitted traffic volume indicated by the data associated with the identification information. A determining step, when the current traffic in the determining step is determined to be equal to or less than allowed traffic, characterized in that it contains a connecting step for connecting to the communication line for the connection request.
[0010]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for identifying payment of the connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line in advance, and for allowing communication using the communication line (hereinafter referred to as communication amount). Acquisition process for acquiring identification information for identifying the data, and the identification information acquired in the acquisition process when requesting connection to the communication line Transmitting to a communication management device that manages the communication line, and a communication step of performing communication using the communication line when connection to the communication line is permitted by the communication management device. It is characterized by that.
[0011]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a communication management program causes a computer to execute the communication management method according to the ninth aspect.
[0012]
A communication program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the communication method according to the tenth aspect.
[0013]
A recording medium according to the invention of claim 13 is a communication management program according to claim 11.

  The present invention relates to a communication management apparatus, a communication management method, a communication management program, and a recording medium that manage connection to a communication line. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described communication management apparatus, communication management method, communication management program, and recording medium.

  Conventionally, in a road traffic information communication system such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), road traffic information is generated by using vehicle running state information detected by a road side sensor installed on the road side. . In addition, a technique for providing more real-time road traffic information based on data transmitted (uplink) from a vehicle actually traveling on a road has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2005-276209 A

  However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the data uplinked from the vehicle includes information for identifying the uplink-source vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle identification information”). For this reason, it is possible to track a specific vehicle by monitoring data including specific vehicle identification information, and there is a problem that privacy of a vehicle occupant may be infringed. Thus, if privacy is infringed by uplinking data from the vehicle, the user is reluctant to provide the data. For this reason, the number of data used as the basis of road traffic information reduces, and the problem that the precision of road traffic information falls is mentioned as an example.

  In addition, when vehicle identification information is not included in the data uplinked from the vehicle, or when the vehicle identification information having anonymity is used, the transmission source vehicle is specified as the transmission destination of the uplink data. Not. However, there is a problem that a connection fee to a communication line used for data uplink cannot be collected. In general, distribution of road traffic information is performed without specifying a transmission destination using FM multiplex broadcasting, beacons, or the like, and communication costs are not incurred. On the other hand, the uplink of data from a vehicle is performed by specifying a destination via the Internet or the like, so communication costs such as a connection fee to a communication line are generated.

  If the data that is uplinked from the vehicle does not include vehicle identification information or an anonymous ID is used, the communication carrier managing the communication line must use the communication line usage contract. It is impossible to specify whether or not it is a communication terminal device of a contracted contractor, or to specify the contract contents. For this reason, the problem that the connection request from a vehicle is refused by a communication carrier and data cannot be uplinked is an example.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the communication management device according to the invention of claim 1 is based on the connection fee to the communication line paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line. A determination unit that determines a communication amount that permits communication using the communication line (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), and a data that indicates the permitted communication amount determined by the determination unit. A notification unit that gives identification information for identification and notifies the user; a reception unit that receives the identification information notified by the notification unit together with a connection request to the communication line; and the reception Based on the identification information received by the means, the amount of communication in the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) is linked to the identification information. A determination unit that determines whether or not the communication traffic amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount indicated by the data, and when the determination unit determines that the current communication traffic amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication traffic amount, the connection to the communication line for the connection request is performed A connection means; and a calculation means for calculating a remaining permitted traffic volume obtained by subtracting the current traffic volume from the permitted traffic volume after connection by the connection means, and the determination means at the time of receiving the next connection request, The remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculating unit is determined as the permitted communication amount, and the notification unit is data indicating the remaining permitted communication amount with respect to the remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculating unit. New identification information associated with the user ID is given, and the identification information is notified to the user.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication management method for permitting communication using the communication line based on a connection fee to the communication line paid by a user prior to connection to the communication line. A determination step for determining the amount (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”), the identification information for identifying the data is attached in association with the data indicating the permitted communication amount determined in the determination step, and Based on the notification step of notifying the user, the reception step of receiving the identification information notified by the notification step together with the connection request to the communication line, and the identification information received in the reception step And determining whether or not the traffic volume (hereinafter referred to as “current traffic volume”) for the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request is equal to or smaller than the permitted traffic volume indicated by the data associated with the identification information. A determination step, a connection step for connecting to a communication line in response to the connection request, and a connection in the connection step after the connection in the determination step. Calculating a remaining permitted traffic amount obtained by subtracting the current communication amount from the current communication amount, and in the determination step, when the next connection request is received, the remaining permitted traffic amount calculated in the calculation step is Judgment is made as the traffic volume, and in the notification step, new identification information associated with data indicating the remaining permitted traffic volume is given to the remaining permitted traffic volume calculated in the calculation step, and the identification information Is notified to the user.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a communication management program causes a computer to execute the communication management method according to the fourth aspect.

  A recording medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is readable by a computer that records the communication management program according to the fifth aspect.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the communication system concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication management process by a communication management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication process by a communication terminal device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the communication system concerning an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the point issue process by a communication management server. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the connection process to the communication line by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication management process by a communication management server.

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication management device, a communication management method, a communication management program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
First, a functional configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 100 according to the embodiment includes a communication management device 110 and a communication terminal device 120. The communication management device 110 includes a determination unit 111, a notification unit 112, a reception unit 113, a determination unit 114, a connection unit 115, and a calculation unit 116, and manages connection of the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  The determination unit 111 permits the communication terminal device 120 of the user to communicate using the communication line 130 based on the connection fee paid to the communication line 130 paid by the user prior to the connection to the communication line 130. The amount of communication to be performed (hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication amount”) is determined. For example, the determination unit 111 determines the permitted communication amount by multiplying the amount of the connection fee paid by the user and a predetermined unit communication amount. Further, the determination unit 111 determines the permitted communication amount with reference to a table that converts the amount of the connection fee paid by the user into the permitted communication amount.

  Specifically, the permitted communication amount is, for example, the total amount of data permitted to be transmitted / received on the communication line, the period for permitting connection to the communication line, or the like. Further, the connection fee is paid by the user by, for example, transfer to a bank account of a communication line manager, credit card settlement, or cash payment.

  The notification unit 112 assigns identification information to the permitted communication amount determined by the determination unit 111 and notifies the communication terminal device 120 of the user. The identification information is, for example, an arbitrary character string for identifying each permitted communication amount. The notification unit 112 notifies the user of the identification information, for example, by transmitting the identification information to the communication terminal device 120 or sending a recording medium readable by the communication terminal device 120 in which the identification information is written to the user. To do. Further, the notification unit 112 may notify the user of a plurality of pieces of identification information that are respectively associated with the permitted communication amounts divided for each predetermined amount. Specifically, for example, when connection to the communication line 130 is permitted for 1 hour (when the permitted traffic volume is 1 hour), separate identification information is associated every 15 minutes to obtain a total of four pieces of identification information. It is good also as notifying. In addition, the notification unit 112 may transmit the permitted communication amount together with the identification information to the communication terminal device 120.

  The receiving unit 113 receives the identification information notified by the notification unit 112 from the user's communication terminal device 120 together with a connection request to the communication line 130. In addition, the receiving unit 113 may receive, from the communication terminal device 120, information related to the communication amount (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) for connection to the communication line 130 together with the connection request and identification information. The information related to the current traffic volume is, for example, the data volume of data transmitted by the communication terminal device 120 this time, the scheduled connection time to the communication line 130, and the like. In addition, for example, the reception unit 113 may receive transmission information itself in connection with the current communication line 130 from the communication terminal device 120, and may use the data amount of the transmission information as the current communication amount.

  Based on the identification information received by the reception unit 113, the determination unit 114 determines whether or not the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount. For example, when the permitted communication amount determined when the connection fee identified by the identification information is paid is larger than the current communication amount, the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount. Further, the determination unit 114 determines the remaining permitted communication amount (remaining permitted communication amount) at the previous connection calculated by the calculation unit 116 described later as the permitted communication amount when the communication terminal device 120 is connected for the second time or later. Do it.

  For example, when the reception unit 113 receives the information regarding the current traffic along with the connection request from the communication terminal device 120, the determination unit 114 performs the above-described determination using the received information regarding the current traffic.

  Further, for example, during the current communication with communication terminal device 120 (from the start to the end of the current communication connection), determination unit 114 integrates the data amount of the billing target data transmitted from communication terminal device 120 for a predetermined time. For each (very short time unit), the integrated amount at that time may be determined as “current communication amount”. In this case, the determination unit 114 sequentially determines whether or not the current communication amount is smaller than the permitted communication amount every predetermined time. When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount exceeds the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 described later interrupts the transmission of data to the transmission destination at that time, and adds additional identification information to the communication terminal device 120. Request transmission. If additional identification information is transmitted, transmission of data to the transmission destination is resumed, and the permitted communication that the current traffic volume for each predetermined time calculated by integrating the data volume from that point is acquired from the additional identification information Determine if it is less than the amount.

  For example, when the receiving unit 113 receives data to be transmitted in the current communication from the communication terminal device 120 together with the connection request, the determining unit 114 calculates the amount of billing target data (current communication amount). It may be determined whether or not the traffic volume is equal to or less than the permitted traffic volume. When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 transmits the data received from the communication terminal device 120 to the transmission destination.

  For example, when a communication price necessary for one communication (data transmission / reception) for a specific service is determined, the unit of the communication price per time is “1 point” and the permitted communication amount is “ The number of permitted communications may be used. Specifically, the determination unit 111 sets the communication line 130 to the communication terminal device 120 of the user based on the connection fee to the communication line 130 paid by the user prior to connection to the communication line 130. The number of communications permitted to be used is determined (hereinafter referred to as “permitted number of communications”). The user can perform communication for the number of times corresponding to the permitted number of times of communication through the communication terminal device 120. Based on the identification information received by the reception unit 113, the determination unit 114 determines whether the current communication can be subtracted from the permitted communication count (that is, whether the permitted communication count is one or more times).

  When the determination unit 114 determines that the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount, the connection unit 115 connects the user's communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  After the communication terminal device 120 is connected to the communication line 130 by the connection unit 115, the calculation unit 116 calculates a remaining permitted communication amount obtained by subtracting the current communication amount from the permitted communication amount. The remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculation unit 116 is used for determination by the determination unit 114 at the next connection request. Further, when the remaining permitted traffic is calculated by the calculation unit 116, the notification unit 112 gives new identification information to the remaining permitted traffic and notifies the communication terminal device 120 of the user of the identification information. It is good as well. In this case, at the next connection request, communication terminal apparatus 120 transmits the identification information given to the remaining permitted communication amount newly notified. Further, instead of newly adding the identification information to the remaining permitted traffic, the remaining permitted traffic may be re-associated with the identification information.

  Next, the functional configuration of the communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. The communication terminal device 120 includes an acquisition unit 121, a transmission unit 122, and a communication unit 123. The acquisition unit 121 acquires identification information for identifying payment of a connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line 130 in advance. That is, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information notified by the notification unit 112 of the communication management device 110. This identification information is associated with the permitted traffic amount in the communication management device 110. The communication terminal device 120 may be notified of the permitted communication amount together with the identification information.

  When a connection request to the communication line 130 is requested, the transmission unit 122 transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 121 to the communication management apparatus 110 that manages the communication line 130. That is, the transmission unit 122 transmits identification information to the reception unit 113 of the communication management device 110. Further, the transmission unit 122 may transmit the transmission information in the connection to the communication line 130 to the communication management apparatus 110 together with the connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the communication management apparatus 110 calculates the amount of billing target data (current communication amount) from the transmission information, and determines whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount. Further, the transmission unit 122 may transmit information regarding the current traffic volume together with a connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the communication management apparatus 110 makes the above-described determination using the received information regarding the current traffic volume.

  The communication unit 123 performs communication using the communication line 130 when connection to the communication line 130 is permitted by the communication management apparatus 110.

  Next, communication processing by the communication system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication management process performed by the communication management apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the communication management device 110 first determines the communication amount (permitted communication) that permits communication to the communication terminal device 120 of the user based on the connection fee paid by the user by the determining unit 111. Amount) is determined (step S201).

  Next, the notification unit 112 assigns identification information to the permitted traffic and notifies the user of the identification information (step S202). Subsequently, the communication management apparatus 110 waits until the reception unit 113 receives a connection request and identification information from the communication terminal apparatus 120 (step S203: No).

  When the connection request and the identification information are received (step S203: Yes), the communication management apparatus 110 determines whether or not the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount by the determination unit 114 (step S204). In the case of the second and subsequent connection requests, the remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculation unit 116 is determined as the permitted communication amount. If the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount (step S204: Yes), the connection unit 115 connects the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130 (step S205), and the processing according to this flowchart ends. Note that after the connection by the connection unit 115, the calculation unit 116 calculates the remaining permitted traffic volume obtained by subtracting the current traffic volume from the permitted traffic volume. Then, the calculated remaining permitted traffic is notified to the communication terminal device 120 or re-associated with the identification information.

  On the other hand, if the current traffic volume is not less than or equal to the permitted traffic volume in step S204 (step S204: No), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated without connecting the communication terminal device 120 to the communication line 130.

  Next, communication processing by the communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the communication terminal device. First, the acquisition unit 121 acquires identification information for identifying the payment of the connection fee as a result of paying the connection fee to the communication line in advance (step S301). Next, the communication terminal device 120 stands by until a connection request to the communication line is made (step S302: No loop). When making a connection request (step S302: Yes), the communication terminal apparatus 120 transmits the identification information acquired in step S301 to the communication management apparatus 110 together with a connection request to the communication line 130 by the transmission unit 122 (step S303). . At this time, the transmission unit 122 may transmit the transmission information transmitted in the current connection or the information related to the current traffic volume together with the connection request.

  When the connection from the communication management apparatus 110 to the communication line 130 is permitted (step S304: Yes), the communication terminal apparatus 120 performs communication using the communication line 130 by the communication unit 123 (step S305). The process by is terminated. On the other hand, when the connection to the communication line 130 is not permitted (step S304: No), the process according to this flowchart is terminated without performing communication.

  In addition, when transmitting the information regarding the current communication amount in step S303, the communication terminal device 120 may determine whether the current communication amount is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount and then make a connection request to the communication line 130. In this case, the notification unit 112 of the communication management apparatus 110 notifies the communication terminal apparatus 120 of the permitted communication amount together with the identification information. When making a connection request to the communication line 130, the communication terminal device 120 determines whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount. Make a connection request. Note that only the communication terminal device 120 may determine whether or not the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount.

  Further, the communication management device, communication terminal device, communication management method, communication method, communication management program, communication program, and recording medium according to the present invention function by the communication management device 110 and the communication terminal device 120 shown in FIG. However, a plurality of apparatuses may be used as long as each function unit of the communication management apparatus 110 and the communication terminal apparatus 120 illustrated in FIG. When each functional unit is connected as a different device, the connection between the devices may be established by performing communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, regardless of wired or wireless.

  As described above, according to the communication system 100, the connection to the communication line 130 is managed using the identification information that identifies the payment of the connection fee. As a result, the communication terminal device 120 does not need to use information for identifying the communication terminal device 120 or the user who owns it when connecting to the communication line 130, and can protect personal information.

  In particular, when information is transmitted anonymously from the communication terminal device 120, it is not necessary to use anonymous when it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when a connection to the communication line 130 is requested. In the communication system 100, the communication line 130 does not need to present information for identifying an individual when a connection request to the communication line 130 is requested, so that anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly. In addition, since the accounting process can be performed for anonymous information transmission, the connection fee to the communication line 130 can be collected smoothly. In addition, since anonymous information transmission can be performed smoothly, the usage of the communication line 130 can be expanded.

  Next, an example of the communication system 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. The following example demonstrates the case where the communication system 100 concerning embodiment is applied to the communication using the navigation apparatus mounted in the vehicle.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 400 includes an uplink service server 411 of the uplink service provider 410, a navigation device 420 mounted on the vehicle 430, a communication line 440, and a communication management server 451 of the communication provider 450.

  The uplink service provider 410 performs a service using data transmitted (uplink) from the navigation device 420. Specifically, for example, the current position information of the vehicle 430 is periodically uplinked, and the uplink information is statistically processed by the uplink service server 411 to generate road traffic information. Then, the generated road traffic information is distributed (downlink) from the uplink service server 411 to the vehicle 430. The data uplinked from the navigation device 420 is not limited to the position information, and may be, for example, image data, voice data, text data, and the like in the vicinity where the vehicle 430 is traveling.

  The navigation device 420 is mounted on the vehicle 330 traveling on the road L, and performs route search, route guidance, and the like to the destination point. The navigation device 420 searches for the optimum route to the destination point using road traffic information provided from the uplink service provider 410 or a road traffic information distribution center (not shown), and traffic information on the map information. Is displayed.

  Communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed via the communication line 440. The communication line 440 is managed by the communication management server 451 of the communication carrier 450, and in order for the navigation device 420 to communicate via the communication line 440, a connection fee to the communication line 440 is given to the communication carrier 450. Need to pay.

  Here, if the data transmitted from the navigation device 420 includes information that identifies the navigation device 420 or the vehicle 430 (hereinafter referred to as “personal identification information”), the behavior of a specific individual is an uplink service. It becomes traceable by the operator 410. Similarly, when an uplinked data from the navigation device 420 is intercepted by a malicious person, the behavior of a specific individual can be tracked. Here, the personal identification information is, for example, a device ID of the navigation device 420, a user ID issued from the uplink service provider 410, or the like.

  From such a viewpoint of protecting personal information, when connecting to the communication line 440 in order to uplink data from the navigation device 420, anonymity is not used without using information that identifies the navigation device 420 or the vehicle 430. A certain uplink ID is used. The uplink ID is assigned, for example, when the engine of the vehicle 430 is started (when the navigation device 420 is started), and is deleted when the engine is stopped, and becomes invalid. That is, the navigation apparatus 420 transmits uplink data to the uplink service server 411 using an uplink ID that is different for each run. The uplink ID may be assigned by the uplink service provider 410 when the engine of the vehicle 430 is activated, or may be generated using a random number or the like by the navigation device 420.

  The uplink service provider 410 can know the identity of the transmission source of the uplinked data, but cannot identify the navigation device 420, the vehicle 430, or the owner of the transmission source. In this way, by using the uplink ID, data can be collected from the navigation device 420 while protecting personal information.

  On the other hand, the communication between the uplink service server 411 and the navigation device 420 is performed via the communication line 440. As described above, a connection fee is charged for using the communication line 440. For this reason, the navigation device 420 makes a billing contract by notifying the user ID and the like in the billing contract with the communication carrier 450 at the time of a connection request to the communication management server 451 (has authority to connect to the communication line 440). ) Must be shown.

  Thus, even if an uplink ID is used for the uplink service provider 410, personal identification information such as a user ID must be presented when connecting to the communication line 440, and therefore, it is a data transmission source. An individual is identified. It may be possible to delete the personal identification information from the data transmitted to the uplink service provider 410 on the telecommunications carrier 450 side, but in this case, the connection is established by communication using the uplink ID and normal communication. It becomes necessary to change the data to be transmitted first.

  In the communication system 400, in order to solve such a problem, the connection fee for performing the uplink communication is prepaid, and an ID for the payment is issued, so that personal identification information is not presented. However, the communication line 440 can be connected. Thereby, it is possible to uplink information without specifying the transmission source. In particular, it is not necessary to separate data to be transmitted to the connection destination by communication using the uplink ID and normal communication, and the burden on the communication carrier 450 can be reduced.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)
Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 420 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM (memory) 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and an audio I / F (interface) 508. , Microphone 509, speaker 510, input device 511, video I / F 512, camera 513, display 514, communication I / F 515, GPS unit 516, various sensors 517, external connection I / F 518 And. In addition, the components 501 to 518 are connected by a bus 520, respectively.

  First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 420. The ROM 502 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

  The magnetic disk drive 504 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 505 according to control of CPU501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 506 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to control of CPU501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 506. As the optical disc 507, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 507, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  Another example of information recorded in the magnetic disk drive 504 or the optical disk drive 506 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map data is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 514. Drawn. When the navigation device 420 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 516 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio I / F 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 509 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Note that the sound input from the microphone 509 can be recorded as sound data on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507.

  Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the input device 511 can be connected to another information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

  The video I / F 512 is connected to a camera 513 for video input and a display 514 for video output. Specifically, the video I / F 512 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 514, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 514 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The camera 513 captures images inside and outside the vehicle 430 and outputs them as image data. An image captured by the camera 513 can be recorded as image data on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507. The display 514 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 514, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 515 can be connected to the communication line 440 via radio, and functions as an interface between the communication line 440 and the CPU 501. Specifically, the communication line 440 is, for example, a LAN, a WAN, a public line network, a mobile phone network, or the like.

  The GPS unit 516 receives radio waves from GPS satellites, and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 420). The output information of the GPS unit 516 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 501 together with output values of various sensors 517 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  Various sensors 517 output information such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 517 are used for the calculation of the current location by the CPU 501 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  The external connection I / F 518 is an interface for connecting to an external device such as an infrared port, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication port, or a USB port. The external connection I / F 518 is used, for example, for connection with a mobile phone terminal. For example, it is used for connection with a portable music player.

  Although not shown, the communication management server 451 includes at least a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM (memory) 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and a communication I / F 515. And composed of

  Further, in the configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment, the communication management apparatus 110 corresponds to the communication management server 451. The determination unit 111, the determination unit 114, and the calculation unit 116 of the communication management apparatus 110 are configured by the CPU 501, the notification unit 112, the connection unit 115 is configured by the CPU 501, and the communication I / F 515, and the reception unit 113 is configured by the communication I / F 515. Realize.

  Further, in the configuration of the communication system 100, the communication terminal device 120 corresponds to the navigation device 420. The acquisition unit 121, the transmission unit 122, and the communication unit 123 realize respective functions by the CPU 501 and the communication I / F 515.

(Uplink communication processing by communication system 400)
Next, uplink communication processing by the communication system 400 will be described. As described above, in the communication system 400, when data is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the uplink service server 411 (during uplink communication), normal communication is performed so that personal information of the transmission source cannot be specified. Connect to the communication line 440 by different methods. In other words, the connection fee is paid in advance, and points (hereinafter referred to as “points”) and IDs (point issue IDs) for the payment are issued to connect to the communication line 440 without presenting information for identifying an individual. To do.

  Here, the point is, for example, a minimum unit for calculating traffic, and for example, “packet” in communication using a mobile phone can be cited as an example. If 100 bytes is the minimum calculation unit, 1 point = 100 bytes, and 100 bytes of communication is permitted at 1 point. If the user's payment amount is divided by the 100-byte communication unit price, the number of points given to the user can be calculated.

  In addition, if the communication unit price for one communication is fixed, a point of payment is permitted as one point, and the user's payment amount is divided by the communication unit cost for one communication. The number of points given to the user may be calculated.

  Hereinafter, each process in the uplink communication will be described. First, point issue processing by the communication management server 451 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of point issue processing by the communication management server. Note that “user” refers to the user of the navigation device 420 unless otherwise specified in the following description. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the communication management server 451 waits until the connection fee to the communication line 440 is paid by the user (step S601: No loop). The payment of the connection fee may be, for example, credit card settlement, payment to the bank account of the communication carrier 450 or payment by cash.

  When the connection fee is paid (step S601: Yes), the communication management server 451 calculates the number of points to be issued this time (step S602). The number of points is calculated based on the paid connection fee. For example, the amount of payment is equivalently converted as “100 yen = 1 point”. Further, for example, the number of points issued for the same amount may be varied according to the communication speed of the navigation device 420.

  Next, the communication management server 451 generates a point issuance ID for points to be issued for the current payment (step S603). The point issuance ID is, for example, a character string that combines numbers, alphabetic characters, and the like. Further, the point issuance ID generated in step S603 is not limited to one. For example, the point number calculated in step S602 may be divided to generate point IDs corresponding to the divided points.

  Specifically, for example, when the number of points calculated in step S602 is 200 points, it may be divided into 50 points × 4 to generate four point issuance IDs. This is so that when the navigation device 420 communicates using the uplink ID, a different point issuance ID can be used for each traveling corresponding to the use of a different uplink ID for each traveling. It is a thing. As described above, if the points are divided into four points, the four point issuance IDs can be used in order, and it is possible to prevent individuals from being identified by tracking the point issuance ID. Can do.

  Note that the unit for dividing points is based on the number of points that can be communicated with the amount of communication during one run (that is, when one uplink ID is used), for example. For example, when 50 points of communication is performed for each run, the communication is divided into 50 points or 100 points. Also, when paying the advance connection fee, the user may be able to specify whether or not points are to be divided and the point division unit. Further, the processing of step S603 is omitted, and when communication is performed using the uplink ID, the communication management server 451 is connected in advance with the normal ID, and the point management ID is issued from the communication management server 451. May be.

  Then, the number of points calculated in step S602 and the point issuance ID generated in step S603 are associated with each other and registered in the point database (step S604). Here, the communication management server 451 has a point database for managing points issued for the prepaid connection fee on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 of its own apparatus. The communication management server 451 associates and registers in the point database the number of points issued for the current payment and the point issuance ID corresponding to the point issued this time. Note that the point database does not include information related to the navigation device 420 to which the points are issued or the user. Personal information may be included in the point database, but only the communication management server 451 can access the personal information and the uplink service provider 410 cannot access the personal information.

  Then, the communication management server 451 transmits the number of points and the point issuance ID to the user navigation device 420 (step S605), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. At this time, only the point issue ID may be transmitted. The navigation apparatus 420 that has received the transmission of the point number and the point issue ID records the point number and the point issue ID on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 of the own apparatus.

  In step S605, instead of transmitting the point number and point issue ID, a prepaid card in which the point number and point issue ID are written may be issued and sent to the user. In this case, the user causes the navigation device 420 to read the sent prepaid card and records the number of points and the point issuance ID.

  Next, connection processing to the communication line 440 by the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection processing to the communication line by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the navigation apparatus 420 first determines whether or not the uplink ID is used in the current communication (step S701). Whether or not the uplink ID is used is determined by an instruction operation from the user, for example. Further, when the data transmission destination is the uplink service server 411, it may be determined that the uplink ID is automatically used.

  When the uplink ID is not used (step S701: No), that is, in the case of normal data communication, the navigation device 420 communicates with the communication management server 451 using the connection ID used for normal connection. A request is made (step S702), and the process proceeds to step S706. The communication by the normal connection ID is performed by connecting a normal connection contract by a pay-as-you-go system or a flat-rate system with the communication management server 451 separately from the point by the advance payment of the connection fee. In addition, even in the case of normal data communication, connection may be made using points purchased in advance. Further, as an option of a normal connection contract, the communication amount permitted in the normal connection contract may be transferred to points.

  On the other hand, when the uplink ID is used (step S701: Yes), the navigation apparatus 420 acquires data amount information of data to be communicated this time (step S703). Here, the data amount information may include the data content, the communication method, and the like in addition to the number of bytes of data to be communicated this time. Then, the navigation apparatus 420 attaches the point issuance ID (see FIG. 6) received from the communication management server 451 and the data amount information acquired in step S703, and sends a connection request to the communication management server 451. Perform (step S704).

  The point issuance ID attached at this time is preferably an ID different from the point issuance ID used in the previous uplink communication. This is because if the point issuance ID used in the previous uplink communication is the same as the point issuance ID used in the current uplink communication, it is known that the source of the uplink data is the same. For this reason, in the navigation apparatus 420, it is preferable to be able to always use a plurality of point issue IDs and to manage the use history of the point issue IDs.

  As a result of making a connection request to the communication management server 451 in step S704, if the connection to the communication line 440 is permitted (step S705: Yes), the navigation device 420 connects to the communication line 440 and performs data communication. This is done (step S706), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, when the connection is not permitted (step S705: No), a point purchase request is made to the communication management server 451 (step S707), the process returns to step S704, and the subsequent processing is continued. The point purchase request may be automatically made by the navigation device 420 or may be made after waiting for the user to purchase a point and perform a point purchase operation. Upon receiving the point purchase request, the communication management server 451 performs the point issuing process shown in FIG.

  Next, communication management processing by the communication management server 451 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication management processing by the communication management server. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the communication management server 451 first waits until it receives a connection request from the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 (step S801: No loop). When the connection request is received (step S801: Yes), the communication management server 451 determines whether or not the connection request received in step S901 is a connection request from a contract terminal (step S802).

  Here, the contract terminal is a communication terminal device (navigation device 420) of a user who has a connection contract in normal communication. Whether or not it is a connection request from the contract terminal is received in step S801, for example, the connection ID assigned to the contractor who has a connection contract for the communication line 440 with the communication carrier 450. Judgment is made based on whether or not it is included in the connection request. When the connection request is from the contract terminal (step S802: Yes), the communication management server 451 proceeds to step S808.

  On the other hand, if it is not a connection request from the contract terminal (step S802: No), the communication management server 451 determines whether or not a point issue ID is attached to the connection request received in step S801 (step S803). When the point issuance ID is attached (step S803: Yes), the communication management server 451 refers to the point database and acquires the number of remaining points corresponding to the point issuance ID (step S804). At this time, when a plurality of point issue IDs are attached to the connection request, the remaining points corresponding to the respective point issue IDs are acquired.

  Further, the communication management server 451 extracts the data amount information of the data communicated in the current connection from the connection request received in step S801 (step S805), and the number of points necessary for communicating the data amount (necessary this time) (Number of points) is calculated (step S806). Then, the communication management server 451 compares the remaining point number extracted in step S804 with the current necessary point number calculated in step S806, and determines whether or not the present necessary point number is smaller than the remaining point number. (Step S807). When a plurality of point issuance IDs are attached to the connection request, the total of the remaining points of each point issuance ID is compared with the necessary points this time to determine whether the required number of points is equal to or less than the remaining points. .

  If the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points (step S807: Yes), the communication management server 451 permits connection of the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 (step S808). Then, the communication management server 451 calculates the remaining number of points after the current connection (step S809), updates the point database (step S810), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. If connection is permitted in response to a connection request from the contract terminal, the processes in steps S809 and S810 are omitted.

  Alternatively, the remaining number of points calculated in step S809 may be notified to the navigation device 420. In this case, the navigation device 420 may delete the point issuance ID when the remaining points are zero or less than a predetermined point, or may issue a new point issuance request.

  On the other hand, when the required number of points is greater than the remaining number of points this time (step S807: No), or when the point issue ID is not attached to the connection request at step S803 (step S803: No), the communication management server 451 The connection of the navigation device 420 to the communication line 440 is rejected (step S811), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. If the number of points required this time is equal to or greater than the number of remaining points, the navigation device 420 may be notified of the insufficient number of points.

  In the above description, the data amount information of the data to be communicated this time is attached to the connection request transmitted by the navigation device 420 (see steps S703 and S704 in FIG. 7 and S805 in FIG. 8). The data amount information may not be attached.

  For example, in the communication management server 451, during the current communication with the navigation device 420 (from the start to the end of the current communication connection), the amount of billing target data transmitted from the navigation device 420 is integrated, and a predetermined time (very short) For each time unit, it may be determined whether or not the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points using the accumulated communication amount at that time (see step S807 in FIG. 8). In this case, the communication management server 451 sequentially determines whether or not the current required point number is equal to or less than the remaining point number at predetermined time intervals. If it is determined that the required number of points has exceeded the remaining number of points this time, the communication management server 451 interrupts transmission of data to the transmission destination at that time and requests the navigation device 420 to transmit an additional point issue ID. . When an additional point issuance ID is transmitted, the transmission of data to the transmission destination is resumed, and the communication amount per predetermined time calculated by integrating the amount of data from that point is the remaining corresponding to the additional point issuance ID. Determine whether the number of points is less than or equal to.

  Further, for example, when a connection request is made from the navigation device 420 (see step S704 in FIG. 7), data to be transmitted in the current communication may be attached to the communication management server 451. In this case, the communication management server 451 calculates the number of points required this time from the amount of data attached to the connection request (current communication amount), and determines whether the number of points required this time is equal to or less than the number of remaining points.

  For example, when the number of points (charge) necessary for one communication (data transmission / reception) for a specific service is fixed, the number of communication may be counted. Specifically, the communication management server 451 allows the navigation device 420 to perform communication using the communication line 440 instead of or together with the points based on the connection fee paid by the user ( (Hereinafter referred to as “permitted communication count”) is calculated and associated with the point issuance ID. Based on the point issuance ID, the communication management server 451 determines whether the current communication can be subtracted from the permitted communication count (that is, whether the permitted communication count is 1 or more).

  Furthermore, in the above description, the communication management server 451 determines whether or not the required number of points this time is smaller than the number of remaining points, but the navigation device 420 may determine. In this case, for example, the point issue ID is transmitted to the communication management server 451 before the connection request is made by the navigation device 420. The communication management server 451 returns the remaining point number corresponding to the point issuance ID to the navigation device 420. Then, the navigation device 420 determines whether or not the number of points required this time is smaller than the number of remaining points.

  As another method, for example, the navigation device 420 holds the number of points sent at the time of point purchase and the point issuance ID (see FIG. 6: step S605) in association with each other. When the connection using the uplink ID is selected, the navigation device 420 acquires the number of points issued to the own device, and sets the number of points necessary for this connection (the number of points required this time). Determine whether it is enough. If the required number of points is not sufficient at this time, a point purchase request is made to the communication management server 451. Alternatively, the user is prompted to purchase points.

  If the necessary number of points is sufficient at this time, a connection request is made to the communication management server 451 with a point subtraction certificate attached. Here, the point subtraction proof includes the point issuance ID and the number of points used in the current connection. Further, the subtraction proof may include the number of points before and after the point use, the subtraction date and time, and the like. The communication management server 451 extracts the point issuance ID from the point subtraction certificate, and checks with the point database to determine whether or not the necessary number of points remains. At this time, it may be determined whether the point subtraction history matches between the navigation device 420 and the communication management server 451. Then, the communication management server 451 permits connection to the communication line 440 when the necessary number of points remains, and rejects connection to the communication line 440 when the necessary number of points does not remain.

  When the points associated with a plurality of point issue IDs are totaled and used for the current connection, the subtraction certificate includes information on each point issue ID. Further, the subtraction certificate does not include information for specifying the navigation device 420 or the individual user, or such information is not known to anyone other than the communication management server 451 (the communication carrier 450).

  As described above, according to the communication system 400, the connection to the communication line 440 is managed using the point issue ID that identifies the payment of the connection fee that has been paid in advance. As a result, the navigation device 420 need not use information for identifying the navigation device 420 or the user who owns it when connecting to the communication line 440, and can protect personal information.

  In particular, when data is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the uplink service provider 410, the uplink ID is used when it is necessary to present information for identifying an individual when requesting connection to the communication line 440. The meaning disappears. In the communication system 400, by using the point issuance ID as an ID, there is no need to present information for identifying an individual when a connection request to the communication line 440 is made, so that data transmission to the uplink service provider 410 is performed smoothly. Can do. In addition, since the charging process can be performed for the connection using the uplink ID, the communication carrier 450 can smoothly collect the connection fee to the communication line 440.

  The communication management method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Communication system 110 Communication management apparatus 111 Calculation part 112 Notification part 113 Reception part 114 Determination part 115 Connection part 116 Calculation part 120 Communication terminal device 121 Acquisition part 122 Transmission part 123 Communication part 130 Communication line

Claims (13)

Based on the connection fee paid to the communication line paid by the user prior to connection to the communication line, the communication volume that permits communication using the communication line to the communication terminal device of the user (hereinafter, A determination means for determining "permitted traffic");
A notification unit that gives identification information to the permitted communication amount determined by the determination unit, and notifies the communication terminal device of the user;
A receiving unit that receives the identification information notified by the notification unit together with a connection request to the communication line from the communication terminal device of the user;
Based on the identification information received by the receiving means, it is determined whether or not the traffic volume (hereinafter referred to as “current traffic volume”) for the current connection to the communication line in response to the connection request is less than or equal to the permitted traffic volume. A means to determine,
When the determination means determines that the current communication amount is less than or equal to the permitted communication amount, connection means for connecting the communication terminal device of the user to the communication line;
A communication management device comprising: The receiving means receives information on the current traffic volume from the communication terminal device together with the connection request and the identification information,
The communication management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs the determination using information related to a current communication amount received by the reception unit. The notification means includes
The communication management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user is notified of a plurality of pieces of the identification information respectively associated with the permitted communication amount divided for each predetermined amount. After connection by the connection means, comprising a calculation means for calculating a remaining permitted traffic volume obtained by subtracting the current traffic volume from the permitted traffic volume,
The determination means includes
The communication management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the next connection request is received, the remaining permitted communication amount calculated by the calculating unit is determined as the permitted communication amount.   The said notification means gives the new identification information with respect to the said remaining permission communication amount calculated by the said calculation means, and notifies the said identification information to the said communication terminal device of the user. Communication management device. Acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying payment of the connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line in advance;
Transmitting means for transmitting the identification information acquired by the acquiring means at the time of a connection request to the communication line to a communication management device that manages the communication line;
When connection to the communication line is permitted by the communication management device, communication means for performing communication using the communication line;
A communication terminal device comprising:   The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transmission unit transmits transmission information in connection to the communication line at this time together with a connection request to the communication line.   The transmission means transmits information related to a communication amount (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) in connection to the communication line at this time together with a connection request to the communication line. Communication terminal device. Based on the connection fee paid to the communication line paid by the user prior to connection to the communication line, the communication volume that permits communication using the communication line to the communication terminal device of the user (hereinafter, A determination process for determining “permitted traffic”);
A notification step of giving identification information to the permitted communication amount determined in the determination step and notifying the communication terminal device of the user;
A receiving step of receiving the identification information notified by the notification means together with a connection request to the communication line from the communication terminal device of the user;
Based on the identification information received in the receiving step, it is determined whether or not a communication amount (hereinafter referred to as “current communication amount”) in connection to the communication line for the connection request is equal to or less than the permitted communication amount. A decision process to
A connection step of connecting the communication terminal device of the user to the communication line when the current communication amount is determined to be equal to or less than the permitted communication amount in the determination step;
A communication management method comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring identification information for identifying payment of the connection fee as a result of paying a connection fee to the communication line in advance;
A transmission step of transmitting the identification information acquired in the acquisition step at the time of a connection request to the communication line to a communication management device that manages the communication line;
When connection to the communication line is permitted by the communication management device, a communication step for performing communication using the communication line;
The communication method characterized by including.   A communication management program for causing a computer to execute the communication management method according to claim 9.   A communication program for causing a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 10.   A communication management program according to claim 11 or a computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 12 is recorded.

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