WO2024069873A1

WO2024069873A1 - Borrowing and lending of data communication capacity between terminal devices

Info

Publication number: WO2024069873A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/036507
Authority: WO
Inventors: 仁中里; 紗季田中; 遥堀内; 啓佑高見
Original assignee: 楽天モバイル株式会社
Priority date: 2022-09-29
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

To use data communication capacity efficiently and equalize usage, a communication system according to the present invention includes a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication circuit, including a wireless circuit. A first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices searches the plurality of terminal devices for a second terminal device that can be wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, wirelessly connects to the second terminal device detected by the search, and sends and receives data to and from the network device via the wirelessly connected second terminal device. When wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, the second terminal device establishes with the network device a session associated with the first terminal device, and transfers data between the first terminal device and the network device using the established session.

Description

Lending and borrowing of data communication capacity between terminal devices

This disclosure relates to the lending and borrowing of data communication capacity between terminal devices.

Generally, in a mobile network, a terminal device owned by a user, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, can communicate data volumes according to the contract with the telecommunications carrier. Each user is assigned a data communication capacity per month, for example, that allows high-speed data communication, and the terminal device owned by the user performs high-speed data communication within the range of this data communication capacity (for example, Patent Document 1).

Because communication usage patterns vary from user to user, the data communication capacity specified in the contract does not necessarily match the amount of data actually used for communication. For example, some users' terminal devices may communicate data volumes that exceed the data communication capacity specified in the contract, while other users' terminal devices may only communicate data volumes that do not meet the data communication capacity specified in the contract.

JP 2020-174235 A

However, the above-mentioned mobile network has a problem in that the data communication capacity under the user's contract is not used efficiently and sufficiently. In other words, since not all terminal devices communicate in accordance with the terms of their contract, available data communication capacity may remain unused. This results in waste of communication facilities and wireless resources that are reserved on the assumption that all data communication capacity will be consumed. In addition, some terminal devices consume all of their available data communication capacity and end up with a data communication capacity shortage, resulting in uneven usage of data communication capacity.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a system for lending and borrowing data communication capacity between terminal devices that can efficiently utilize data communication capacity and level out usage conditions.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system includes a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line. A first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices includes one or more first processors. The one or more first processors search the plurality of terminal devices for a second terminal device that can be wirelessly connected to the first terminal device. The one or more first processors wirelessly connect to the second terminal device detected by the search. The one or more first processors transmit and receive data to and from the network device via the wirelessly connected second terminal device. The second terminal device includes one or more second processors. When the one or more second processors are wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, the one or more second processors establish a session associated with the first terminal device with the network device. The one or more second processors transfer data between the first terminal device and the network device using the established session.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is a communication method in a communication system having a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line. The communication method includes a process in which a first terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices searches the plurality of terminal devices for a second terminal device that can be wirelessly connected to the first terminal device. The communication method also includes a process of wirelessly connecting to the second terminal device detected by the search. The communication method also includes a process in which, when the second terminal device is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, a session associated with the first terminal device is established with the network device. The communication method also includes a process in which the first terminal device transmits and receives data to and from the network device via the wirelessly connected second terminal device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the billing control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of switching. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the billing control device.

Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiment described below is an example, and should not be construed as being limited by this description.

(Embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to embodiment 1. The wireless communication system shown in Fig. 1 includes a base station device 10, a user terminal device (User Equipment: UE) 100, a charging control device 200, a charging management device 300, and a lending management device 400.

The base station device 10 is a radio base station located in a RAN (Radio Access Network) and performs wireless communication with UEs 100 within the cell formed by the base station device 10. The base station device 10 may have an RU (Radio Unit) having an antenna, and a DU (Distributed Unit) and CU (Centralized Unit) that control the RU. The DU may be a virtual DU (vDU) constructed on a virtualization platform, and the CU may be a virtual CU (vCU) constructed on a virtualization platform.

UE100 is a terminal device owned by a user, and performs wireless communication with base station device 10. By making a contract with a communication carrier, the user is allocated a data communication capacity, which is the capacity for data communication using UE100, and UE100 performs high-speed data communication within the range of this data communication capacity. Furthermore, if there is a surplus in the data communication capacity under the contract, UE100 lends the remaining data communication capacity to another UE100. Furthermore, if there is a shortage in the data communication capacity under the contract, UE100 borrows the data communication capacity of another UE100. In other words, UE100 lends and borrows data communication capacity depending on whether there is remaining data communication capacity under the contract. The configuration and operation of UE100 will be described in detail later.

The charging control device 200 is connected to a RAN including the base station device 10, and controls charging according to the communication volume of the UE 100. That is, the charging control device 200 monitors the data communication performed by each UE 100, and controls charging according to the communication volume for communication performed by lending and borrowing data communication capacity between the UEs 100. The configuration and operation of the charging control device 200 will be described in detail later.

The charging management device 300 is connected to the charging control device 200 and the rental management device 400, and manages the charging for the UE 100. That is, the charging management device 300 holds charging information including information such as the amount charged for the communication performed by each UE 100, and updates the charging information for each UE 100 as necessary.

The lease management device 400 is connected to a RAN including the base station device 10, and manages the lease of data communication capacity between the UEs 100. In other words, the lease management device 400 accepts registration of a UE 100 that lends data communication capacity to another UE 100, and manages refunds such as reductions or exemptions from the charges for the UE 100 according to the data communication capacity lent.

The charging control device 200, charging management device 300, and rental management device 400 are network devices located in a core network or other external network connected to the RAN, and communicate with the UE 100 via a communication line including a wireless line between the base station device 10 and the UE 100. The charging control device 200, charging management device 300, and rental management device 400 may each be provided separately, or some or all of them may be provided as an integrated unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of UE 100 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of UE 100a that borrows data communication capacity (hereinafter referred to as "renter UE") and UE 100b that lends data communication capacity (hereinafter referred to as "renter UE"). For the sake of explanation, renter UE 100a and lender UE 100b are shown separately, but UE 100 may have the configuration of both renter UE 100a and lender UE 100b.

Both the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b can perform data communication up to the data communication capacity set forth in the contract. When performing data communication using the data communication capacity set forth in the contract, the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b communicate with a network device located in a core network or other external network via a communication line including a wireless line with the base station device 10. The rented UE 100a is a UE 100 whose communication volume with a network device has reached the data communication capacity set forth in the contract and whose data communication capacity is insufficient. On the other hand, the rented UE 100b is a UE 100 whose communication volume with a network device has not reached the data communication capacity set forth in the contract and whose data communication capacity is insufficient.

The borrowed UE 100a has a wireless communication unit 110, a borrowed UE search unit 120, a session control unit 130, and a transmission/reception control unit 140.

The wireless communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with the base station device 10 or the rented UE 100b. Specifically, when performing data communication using the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a, the wireless communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with the base station device 10, and when borrowing the data communication capacity of the rented UE 100b, the wireless communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with the rented UE 100b.

When the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a is insufficient, the rented UE search unit 120 searches for a rented UE that can be wirelessly connected to the rented UE 100a. Specifically, when the remaining data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a falls below a predetermined amount, the rented UE search unit 120 detects as a rented UE a UE 100 whose radio wave strength between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100a is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the explanation will continue assuming that the rented UE search unit 120 detects the rented UE 100b by searching.

The lending UE search unit 120 may allow the user to select whether or not to use the data communication capacity of another UE 100, and may search for a lending UE if use is selected.

The session control unit 130 wirelessly connects to the rented UE 100b detected by the search, and establishes a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b. At this time, the session control unit 130 executes an authentication process to establish the session, for example by causing the wireless communication unit 110 to transmit authentication information. The session control unit 130 may also establish a session, for example a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection, between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b.

The transmission/reception control unit 140 controls the transmission and reception of data by the wireless communication unit 110. Specifically, when the data communication capacity according to the contract of the rented UE 100a is not insufficient, the transmission/reception control unit 140 controls the wireless communication between the rented UE 100a and the base station device 10. The communication via the communication line including the wireless line between the rented UE 100a and the base station device 10 is performed by consuming the data communication capacity according to the contract of the rented UE 100a. Then, when the data communication capacity according to the contract of the rented UE 100a is insufficient, the transmission/reception control unit 140 controls the wireless communication between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b using the session established by the session control unit 130. The wireless communication between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b using the session established by the session control unit 130 is performed without consuming the data communication capacity according to the contract of the rented UE 100a.

The rented UE 100b has a wireless communication unit 150, a rented registration unit 160, an authentication processing unit 170, a session control unit 180, and a data transfer unit 190.

The wireless communication unit 150 performs wireless communication between the base station device 10 and the rented UE 100a. Specifically, when performing data communication using the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b, the wireless communication unit 150 performs wireless communication with the base station device 10, and when renting data communication capacity to the rented UE 100a, the wireless communication unit 150 performs wireless communication with the rented UE 100a.

The lending registration unit 160 registers, in accordance with user operations, that the data communication capacity under the contract of the lending UE 100b is to be lent to another UE 100. Specifically, the lending registration unit 160 generates registration information including identification information for identifying the lending UE 100b, and transmits the registration information to the lending management device 400 via the wireless communication unit 150 and the base station device 10. In addition to the identification information of the lending UE 100b, the registration information may also include information such as the size of the data communication capacity that can be lent.

The authentication processing unit 170 performs authentication processing of the rented UE 100a when the rented UE 100b is wirelessly connected from the rented UE 100a. That is, the authentication processing unit 170 performs authentication processing to determine whether or not to permit establishment of a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b, for example, using authentication information received from the rented UE 100a by the wireless communication unit 150. If the authentication processing unit 170 permits establishment of a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b, a session for lending data communication capacity is established between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b.

When a session is established between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b, the session control unit 180 establishes a session between the rented UE 100b and the charging control device 200 via the wireless communication unit 150 and the base station device 10. That is, the session control unit 180 establishes a session between the rented UE 100b and the charging control device 200 for lending data communication capacity to the rented UE 100a. Communication using the session established in this manner between the rented UE 100b and the charging control device 200 is performed by consuming the data communication capacity according to the contract of the rented UE 100b.

The data transfer unit 190 transfers data between the rented UE 100a and the base station device 10. Specifically, the data transfer unit 190 transmits data transmitted from the rented UE 100a and received by the wireless communication unit 150 from the wireless communication unit 150 to the base station device 10. The data transfer unit 190 also transmits data addressed to the rented UE 100a transmitted from the base station device 10 and received by the wireless communication unit 150 from the wireless communication unit 150 to the rented UE 100a. Between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b, the data transfer unit 190 transmits and receives data using a session established between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b. Between the rented UE 100b and the base station device 10, the data transfer unit 190 transmits and receives data using a session established between the rented UE 100b and the charging control device 200.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the billing control device 200 according to the first embodiment. The billing control device 200 shown in FIG. 3 has a communication interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as "communication I/F unit") 210, a communication control unit 220, a communication traffic monitoring unit 230, and a communication traffic notification unit 240.

The communication I/F unit 210 is communicatively connected to the base station device 10 and communicates with the UE 100 via the base station device 10. That is, the communication I/F unit 210 performs data communication between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b.

The communication control unit 220 controls the communication by the communication I/F unit 210. Specifically, the communication control unit 220 establishes a session with each UE 100 and controls the data communication performed using each session.

The communication volume monitoring unit 230 monitors the communication volume in each session controlled by the communication control unit 220. Specifically, the communication volume monitoring unit 230 monitors the communication volume in a session for lending data communication capacity by the lending UE 100b. In other words, the communication volume monitoring unit 230 monitors the communication volume in a session established by the lending UE 100b for lending data communication capacity to the borrowing UE 100a, among the sessions established by each UE 100.

The communication volume notification unit 240 notifies the billing management device 300 of the communication volume in the session monitored by the communication volume monitoring unit 230. In other words, the communication volume notification unit 240 notifies the billing management device 300 of the communication volume in the session for which the lending UE 100b lends out data communication capacity.

The charging management device 300 updates the charging information of the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b according to the communication volume notified by the charging control device 200. Specifically, the charging management device 300 charges an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100b in the charging information of the rented UE 100a. This makes it possible to charge the rented UE 100a an amount corresponding to the data communication volume of the rented UE 100b used by the rented UE 100a.

The billing management device 300 may also deduct an amount corresponding to the amount of data communication via the rented UE 100b from the billing information for the rented UE 100b. This allows an amount corresponding to the data communication capacity that the rented UE 100b has allowed the rented UE 100a to use to be deducted from the billing amount for the rented UE 100b.

The billing management device 300 may provide a refund other than a discount on the amount in the billing information for the rented UE 100b, such as by awarding a certain number of points according to the amount of data communication via the rented UE 100b. By providing a refund to the rented UE 100b, it is possible to encourage the UE 100 to register the rental of data communication capacity. The details of the refund to the rented UE 100b are notified to the billing management device 300 from the rental management device 400.

Next, the lending and borrowing of data communication capacity in the wireless communication system configured as described above will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 4.

A lending UE 100b that has remaining data communication capacity under the contract transmits a lending registration indicating that lending of the data communication capacity to other UEs 100 is permitted to the lending management device 400 via the base station device 10 in advance (step S101). By receiving the lending registration, the lending management device 400 identifies the lending UEs 100b that are available to lend data communication capacity to other UEs 100. The lending management device 400 then notifies the billing management device 300 of rebate information for each lending UE, including the lending UE 100b (step S102). The rebate information includes identification information of the lending UE and the content of the rebate, such as a discount on the billing amount or the granting of a specified number of points, and the lending UE that has lent its data communication capacity to other UEs 100 is rebated in accordance with the rebate information.

The billing management device 300, which has been notified of the refund information, sends a monitoring request to the billing control device 200 to request monitoring of the session that the rented UE establishes for the rental of data communication capacity (step S103). The monitoring request includes identification information of the rented UE, including the rented UE 100b. This enables the billing control device 200 to monitor the amount of data communication performed using the data communication capacity rented by the rented UE.

Meanwhile, the rented UE 100a, which has insufficient data communication capacity under the contract, searches for a rented UE located nearby (step S104). Specifically, when the remaining data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a falls below a predetermined amount, the rented UE search unit 120 detects as the rented UE a UE 100 whose radio wave strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and which is registered for rental in the rental management device 400. In this way, by searching for a rented UE when the remaining data communication capacity under the contract falls below a predetermined amount, it becomes possible to rent or borrow data communication capacity to resolve the shortage of data communication capacity. Here, the explanation will continue assuming that the rented UE 100b is detected by the search.

When the rented UE 100b is detected, authentication processing is performed between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b (step S105), and a session is established (step S106). That is, authentication information is sent and received by the session control unit 130 of the rented UE 100a and the authentication processing unit 170 of the rented UE 100b, and a session is established in which the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b can communicate with each other. Communication between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b using this session does not consume the data communication capacity of either UE 100 under its contract. An example of such a session is a session of a wireless LAN connection such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection.

When a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b is established, the rented UE 100b establishes a session with the charging control device 200 to lend data communication capacity to the rented UE 100a (step S107). That is, the session control unit 180 of the rented UE 100b establishes a session between the rented UE 100b and the charging control device 200 to perform data communication by consuming the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b. This enables the rented UE 100a to borrow the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b and perform data communication via the rented UE 100b.

Then, the rented UE 100a executes data communication via the rented UE 100b (step S108). That is, the rented UE 100a transmits data using the session established with the rented UE 100b, and the rented UE 100b, which receives the data, transfers this data to the charging control device 200. The rented UE 100b also receives data addressed to the rented UE 100a from the charging control device 200 and transfers the received data to the rented UE 100a. In this data communication, data is transmitted and received between the rented UE 100a and the charging control device 200 via the rented UE 100b, but the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a is not consumed, and the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b is consumed. In this way, data communication by the rented UE 100a, which has a shortage of data communication capacity under its contract, is performed by consuming the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b, making it possible to efficiently use data communication capacity and level out usage.

While the data communication is being performed, the charging control device 200 monitors the communication volume in the session established by the lending UE 100b to lend data communication capacity to the borrowing UE 100a (step S109). That is, the communication volume monitoring unit 230 of the charging control device 200 monitors the communication volume of the data communication performed by the borrowing UE 100a via the lending UE 100b, distinguishing it from data communication in other sessions. In this way, by monitoring the communication volume in the session established by the lending UE 100b to lend data communication capacity, it becomes possible to charge the borrowing UE 100a according to the data communication capacity borrowed from the lending UE 100b.

Then, when the data communication by the rented UE 100a via the rented UE 100b ends, the charging control device 200 notifies the charging management device 300 of the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100b (step S110). That is, the communication volume notification unit 240 of the charging control device 200 transmits communication volume information indicating the communication volume in the session established by the rented UE 100b to lend out data communication capacity to the charging management device 300.

The billing management device 300, which receives the communication volume information, updates the billing information of the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b (step S111). Specifically, the billing management device 300 charges an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100b in the billing information of the rented UE 100a. Also, the billing management device 300 discounts an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100b in the billing information of the rented UE 100b, or grants a specified point. The content of these refunds for the billing information of the rented UE 100b follows the refund information received from the lending management device 400.

The billing management device 300 transmits report information to the rental management device 400 reporting that data communication capacity has been rented between the renter UE 100a and the renter UE 100b, that the renter UE 100a has been charged, and that the amount has been returned to the renter UE 100b (step S112). This enables the rental management device 400 to manage the rental status of data communication capacity under the contract.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a rented UE that has insufficient data communication capacity under its contract searches for a rented UE in the vicinity that has surplus data communication capacity under its contract, and establishes a session with the rented UE detected by the search. The rented UE establishes a session with a network device to lend data communication capacity to the rented UE. The rented UE then performs data communication with the network device via the rented UE while using the data communication capacity of the rented UE. This makes it possible to efficiently use data communication capacity and level out usage.

(Embodiment 2)
In the above embodiment 1, a case where the rented UE performs data communication via one rented UE is described, but the rented UE may detect multiple rented UEs by searching. Therefore, in embodiment 2, a case where the rented UE performs data communication via multiple rented UEs is described.

The configuration of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the configurations of the UE 100 and the charging control device 200 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3), and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that data communication capacity is lent between a renter UE and multiple renter UEs.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the lending and borrowing of data communication capacity in embodiment 2. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5 shows the operation when a borrower UE 100a borrows data communication capacity under the contract of two

lender UEs

100b, 100b to perform data communication. In FIG. 5, the same parts as in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

The lending UE 100b transmits a lending registration indicating that it is willing to lend its data communication capacity to other UEs 100 to the lending management device 400 via the base station device 10 (step S101). Similarly, the lending UE 100c, which has remaining data communication capacity under the contract, transmits a lending registration indicating that it is willing to lend its data communication capacity to other UEs 100 to the lending management device 400 via the base station device 10 (step S201). By receiving the lending registration, the lending management device 400 knows which

lending UEs

100b and 100c are able to lend their data communication capacity to other UEs 100. The lending management device 400 then notifies the charging management device 300 of the rebate information for each of the lending UEs, including the

lending UEs

100b and 100c (step S102).

The billing management device 300, which has been notified of the refund information, sends a monitoring request to the billing control device 200 to request monitoring of the session for lending data communication capacity (step S103).

On the other hand, the rented UE 100a, which has insufficient data communication capacity under the contract, searches for rented UEs located nearby (step S104). Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the rented

UEs

100b and 100c are detected by the search.

When the rented

UEs

100b and 100c are detected, authentication processing is performed between the rented UE 100a and the rented

UEs

100b and 100c (steps S105 and S202), and a session is established between the rented UE 100a and the rented

UEs

100b and 100c (steps S106 and S203). That is, authentication processing of the rented UE 100a is performed by the authentication processing unit 170 of each of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c, and a session is established between the rented

UEs

100b and 100c by the session control unit 130 of the rented UE 100a. Communication between the rented UE 100a and the rented

UEs

100b and 100c using this session does not consume the data communication capacity of the contract of any of the UEs 100.

When a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100b is established, the rented UE 100b establishes a session with the charging control device 200 to lend data communication capacity to the rented UE 100a (step S107). Similarly, when a session between the rented UE 100a and the rented UE 100c is established, the rented UE 100c establishes a session with the charging control device 200 to lend data communication capacity to the rented UE 100a (step S204). These sessions are sessions for performing data communication by consuming the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c. Therefore, the rented UE 100a can borrow the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c and perform data communication via the rented UE 100b or the rented UE 100c.

The rented UE 100a performs data communication via the rented UE 100b or the rented UE 100c (step S205). That is, the rented UE 100a transmits data using a session established with one of the rented

UEs

100b, 100c, and the rented UE that receives the data transfers the data to the charging control device 200. In addition, the rented

UEs

100b, 100c connected to the rented UE 100a receive data addressed to the rented UE 100a from the charging control device 200 and transfer the received data to the rented UE 100a.

At this time, the rented UE 100a performs data communication via one of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c while switching between the rented

UEs

100b and 100c. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the data communication capacity of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c may be used at a usage ratio according to the ratio of the remaining capacity in the data communication capacity of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c. That is, for example, consider a case where the remaining capacity of the data communication capacity of the rented UE 100b is XGB (gigabytes) and the remaining capacity of the data communication capacity of the rented UE 100c is YGB (gigabytes). In such a case, the rented UE 100a switches the connected rented

UEs

100b and 100c so that the ratio of the amount of data transferred via the rented

UEs

100b and 100c is X:Y. As a result, the larger the remaining capacity of the rented UE, the more data communication capacity it will lend to the rented UE 100a, which promotes efficient use of data communication capacity.

In this data communication, data is transmitted and received between the rented UE 100a and the charging control device 200 via the rented UE 100b or the rented UE 100c, but the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100a is not consumed. In other words, the data communication capacity of the rented UE 100a connected to the rented UE 100b or the rented UE 100c is not consumed, but the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented UE 100b and the rented UE 100c that wirelessly communicate with the base station device 10 is consumed. In this way, the data communication of the rented UE 100a, which has a shortage of data communication capacity under its contract, is performed by consuming the data communication capacity under the contract of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c, so that the data communication capacity can be used efficiently and the usage situation can be leveled out.

While data communication is being performed, the charging control device 200 monitors the communication volume in the sessions established by each of the

lending UEs

100b and 100c to lend data communication capacity to the borrowing UE 100a (step S109). That is, the communication volume monitoring unit 230 of the charging control device 200 monitors the communication volume of the data communication performed by the borrowing UE 100a via the

lending UEs

100b and 100c, distinguishing it from data communication in other sessions. In this way, by monitoring the communication volume in the session for lending data communication capacity, it becomes possible to charge the borrowing UE 100a according to the data communication capacity borrowed from the

lending UEs

100b and 100c.

Then, when the data communication by the rented UE 100a via the rented

UEs

100b and 100c ends, the charging control device 200 notifies the charging management device 300 of the communication volume of the data communication via the rented

UEs

100b and 100c (step S110). That is, the communication volume notification unit 240 of the charging control device 200 transmits communication volume information indicating the communication volume in the session established by the rented UE 100b and the communication volume in the session established by the rented UE 100c to the charging management device 300.

The billing management device 300, which receives the communication volume information, updates the billing information of the rented UE 100a and the rented

UEs

100b and 100c (step S111). Specifically, the billing management device 300 charges an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented

UEs

100b and 100c in the billing information of the rented UE 100a. In addition, the billing management device 300 discounts an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100b in the billing information of the rented UE 100b, or grants a predetermined point. In addition, the billing management device 300 discounts an amount according to the communication volume of the data communication via the rented UE 100c in the billing information of the rented UE 100c, or grants a predetermined point. The content of these refunds for the billing information of the rented

UEs

100b and 100c follows the refund information received from the lending management device 400.

The billing management device 300 bills the renter UE 100a for data communication capacity being rented between the renter UE 100a and the rented

UEs

100b and 100c, and transmits report information to the rental management device 400 reporting that the capacity has been refunded to the rented

UEs

100b and 100c (step S112).

As described above, according to this embodiment, a rented UE that has insufficient data communication capacity under its contract searches for rented UEs in the vicinity that have surplus data communication capacity under their contract, and establishes sessions with the multiple rented UEs detected by the search. Each of the multiple rented UEs establishes a session with the network device to lend data communication capacity to the rented UE. The rented UE then performs data communication with the network device via the rented UEs while switching between and using the data communication capacities of the multiple rented UEs. This makes it possible to efficiently use data communication capacity and level out usage. In addition, the data communication capacities of the multiple rented UEs can be used at a usage ratio according to the ratio of remaining capacity, promoting efficient use of data communication capacity.

The UE 100 according to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments can be configured using a processor and a memory. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the UE 100 according to the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the UE 100 has a processor 101, a memory 102, an input/output unit 103, and a wireless communication unit 104. The borrower UE 100a and the

lending UEs

100b and 100c may each have a hardware configuration similar to that of the UE 100 shown in FIG. 7.

The processor 101 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the entire UE 100 and performs various types of information processing.

Memory 102 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores information used in the information processing performed by processor 101.

The input/output unit 103 is an interface through which the user inputs information and through which information is output to the user. The input/output unit 103 may include, for example, a keyboard, a display, a touch panel, a microphone, or a speaker.

The wireless communication unit 104 wirelessly communicates with other UEs 100 or base station devices 10 via an antenna.

Note that UE100 may also have other components not shown, such as storage and operation switches.

The billing control device 200 according to the first and second embodiments can be configured using a processor and a memory. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the billing control device 200 according to the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8, the billing control device 200 has a processor 201, a memory 202, an input/output unit 203, and a communication unit 204.

The processor 201 has, for example, a CPU, FPGA, or DSP, and controls the entire billing control device 200 and performs various types of information processing.

The memory 202 includes, for example, a RAM or a ROM, and stores information used in the information processing performed by the processor 201.

The input/output unit 203 is an interface through which the user inputs information and through which information is output to the user. The input/output unit 203 may include, for example, a keyboard, a display, a touch panel, a microphone, or a speaker.

The communication unit 204 communicates with the billing management device 300 or the base station device 10. The communication unit 204 may also communicate with other devices located in the core network or an external network.

The billing control device 200 may also have other components not shown, such as storage and operation switches.

In each of the above embodiments, the billing control device 200, billing management device 300, and rental management device 400 are each separate network devices, but some or all of these billing control device 200, billing management device 300, and rental management device 400 may be configured as an integrated device.

Furthermore, the processes performed by the UE 100 and the charging control device 200 described in each of the above embodiments can each be written as a computer-executable program. In this case, this program can be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium and installed on the computer. Examples of such recording media include portable recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVD disks, and USB memory, as well as semiconductor memories such as flash memories.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes various modifications in which components are added, deleted, or converted from the above-described configuration.

The present disclosure described above includes the following [1] to [8].

[1] A communication system having a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line,
A first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices,
one or more first processors;
The one or more first processors:
searching for a second terminal device capable of wireless connection with the first terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices;
wirelessly connecting to the second terminal device detected by the search;
executing a process of transmitting and receiving data to and from the network device via the second terminal device that is wirelessly connected;
The second terminal device is
one or more second processors;
The one or more second processors:
When the first terminal device is wirelessly connected to the network device, a session associated with the first terminal device is established between the network device and the first terminal device;
A communication system that performs a process of transferring data between the first terminal device and the network device using the established session.

[2] The network device comprises:
one or more third processors;
The first or multiple third processors,
monitoring traffic in the session established by the second terminal device;
The communication system according to [1], further comprising: a process for controlling billing for the first terminal device in accordance with the monitored communication volume.

[3] The searching process includes:
The communication system according to [1], further comprising a process of searching for the second terminal device when a remaining data communication capacity under a contract of the first terminal device falls below a predetermined amount.

[4] The transmission and reception process includes:
The communication system according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a process of transmitting and receiving data between the network device and the second terminal device by switching between the second terminal devices when the second terminal devices are detected by a search.

[5] The transmission and reception process includes:
The communication system according to [4], further comprising a process of switching the second terminal device through which communication is to be performed depending on remaining data communication capacity under a contract for each of the plurality of second terminal devices.

[6] The one or more second processors:
The communication system according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a process of registering that the second terminal device is permitted to use the data communication capacity under the contract of the second terminal device by another terminal device.

[7] The first or multiple third processors:
The communication system according to [2] or [3], further comprising: a process of controlling billing for the second terminal device according to the monitored communication volume.

[8] A communication method in a communication system having a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line, comprising:
a first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices searches for a second terminal device that is capable of wireless connection with the first terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices;
wirelessly connecting to the second terminal device detected by the search;
When the second terminal device is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, a session associated with the first terminal device is established between the second terminal device and the network device;
A communication method comprising a process in which the first terminal device transmits and receives data to and from the network device via the second terminal device that is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device.

100a Rented UE
100b, 100c Loan UE
101, 201

Processor

102, 202

Memory

103, 203 Input/

Output Unit

104, 110, 150 Wireless Communication Unit 120 Rented

UE Search Unit

130, 180 Session Control Unit 140 Transmission/Reception Control Unit 160 Rented Registration Unit 170 Authentication Processing Unit 190 Data Transfer Unit 200 Charging Control Device 204 Communication Unit 210 Communication I/F Unit 220 Communication Control Unit 230 Communication Traffic Monitoring Unit 240 Communication Traffic Notification Unit 300 Charging Management Device 400 Rental Management Device

Claims

A communication system having a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line,
A first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices,
one or more first processors;
The one or more first processors:
searching for a second terminal device capable of wireless connection with the first terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices;
wirelessly connecting to the second terminal device detected by the search;
executing a process of transmitting and receiving data to and from the network device via the second terminal device that is wirelessly connected;
The second terminal device is
one or more second processors;
The one or more second processors:
When the first terminal device is wirelessly connected to the network device, a session associated with the first terminal device is established between the network device and the first terminal device;
A communication system that performs a process of transferring data between the first terminal device and the network device using the established session.
The network device comprises:
one or more third processors;
The first or multiple third processors,
monitoring traffic in the session established by the second terminal device;
The communication system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a process for controlling billing for the first terminal device in accordance with the monitored communication volume.
The searching process includes:
The communication system according to claim 1 , further comprising a process of searching for said second terminal device when a remaining data communication capacity under a contract of said first terminal device falls below a predetermined amount.
The transmission and reception process includes:
The communication system according to claim 1 , further comprising a process of transmitting and receiving data to and from the network device by switching between the second terminal devices when a plurality of the second terminal devices are detected by the search.
The transmission and reception process includes:
The communication system according to claim 4 , further comprising a process of switching the second terminal device through which the communication is to be performed in accordance with remaining data communication capacity under a contract for each of the second terminal devices.
The one or more second processors:
The communication system according to claim 1 , further comprising a process of registering that the second terminal device is permitted to use the data communication capacity of the contract for the second terminal device by another terminal device.
The first or multiple third processors,
The communication system according to claim 2 , further comprising a process of controlling billing for the second terminal device in accordance with the monitored communication volume.
A communication method in a communication system having a plurality of terminal devices and a network device that communicates with the plurality of terminal devices via a communication line including a wireless line, comprising:
a first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices searches for a second terminal device that is capable of wireless connection with the first terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices;
wirelessly connecting to the second terminal device detected by the search;
When the second terminal device is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device, a session associated with the first terminal device is established between the second terminal device and the network device;
A communication method comprising a process in which the first terminal device transmits and receives data to and from the network device via the second terminal device that is wirelessly connected to the first terminal device.