Communication providing system, communication providing method, and communication providing program

Abstract

To provide a new technique that enables a provider of a wireless LAN connection environment to voluntarily provide a connection environment and can match a provider and a recipient of the wireless LAN.SOLUTION: A communication providing system matches a user and a provider having an access point for Internet connection. The communication providing system includes a registration unit and a transmission unit. The registration unit receives and registers connection setting information for connecting to the access point from the provider, and the transmission unit transmits the connection setting information of the provider matched based on a request from the user to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication providing system, a communication providing method, and a communication providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in response to the demand for connecting to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) even when away from home, Wi-Fi has been provided at stores in national chains, local governments, public facilities, etc. However, in this case, Wi-Fi spots require terminal equipment to be installed by carriers or stores and facilities to set up their own Wi-Fi routers, and there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the number of spots when considering the installation of equipment, labor costs, and other costs. In order to solve such problems, an example of a technology in which a terminal becomes an access point and provides Wi-fi (wireless LAN (Local Area Network)) is proposed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in a communication system having a first communication terminal functioning as a wireless LAN access point and a second communication terminal functioning as a wireless LAN station, in which the second communication terminal sets connection information (S101), the first communication terminal obtains an instruction to transmit identification information (S102), transmits the identification information wirelessly (S103), the second communication terminal receives the identification information wirelessly (S104), the second communication terminal requests the first communication terminal to connect via wireless LAN (S105), and the first communication terminal connects the second communication terminal to the wireless LAN in response to the request from the second communication terminal (S106). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-150511 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, wireless communication between a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal is established, and the first communication terminal, which is an access point of the wireless LAN, accepts a connection request for the wireless LAN from the second communication terminal, which is a station of the wireless LAN, and the second communication terminal is connected to the wireless LAN via the first communication terminal. In other words, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the first communication terminal passively accepts a connection request from the second communication terminal and connects the second communication terminal to the wireless LAN, and there is a problem in that the user of the second communication terminal cannot actively provide the wireless LAN.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a new technology that enables providers of wireless LAN connection environments to voluntarily provide connection environments and matches wireless LAN providers with users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a communication providing system that matches users with providers having access points for Internet connection, the communication providing system having a registration unit and a transmission unit, the registration unit receiving and registering connection setting information for connecting to the access point from the provider, and the transmission unit transmitting the connection setting information of the provider matched based on a request from the user to the user. With this configuration, providers who wish to provide Internet connections can voluntarily connect to the connection environment, and users who are matched with the providers can then use the Internet.

[0008] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes a display processing unit, which processes a display of a map including the provider based on location information of the provider, and displays a result of the display processing to the user. With this configuration, providers are displayed on the map, so that the user can easily check providers who are potential match-ups and specify the provider.

[0009] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes a display processing unit and a matching unit, the display processing unit displays the request of the user to the provider, and the matching unit matches the user and the provider in response to input from the provider regarding whether or not to approve the request. With this configuration, the provider can confirm the user's request and can provide the Internet to the user within an appropriate range.

[0010] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes an extension unit, wherein the registration unit receives the connection time to an access point from the provider, and the extension unit transmits a notification to the user regarding an extension of the wireless LAN connection based on a request from the user including the connection time to the access point. With this configuration, the user can use the Internet even after the connection time registered by the provider has passed.

[0011] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes a display processing unit, which displays the provider and the user connected to a wireless LAN via the provider based on the connection status of the wireless LAN of the provider and the user. With this configuration, it is possible to display the connection status of a user and a provider connected via a wireless LAN so that the user and the provider can confirm each other's connection status.

[0012] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes an advertisement processing unit, which displays an advertisement to the matched user and stores the matched provider and the advertisement in association with each other. With this configuration, advertisements displayed to users are stored in association with their providers, making it possible to utilize advertisements for each provider.

[0013] In a more preferred embodiment, the communication providing system further includes a display processing unit which displays the provider when the number of users matching with the provider does not satisfy the number of users capable of simultaneous connection, and does not display the provider when the number satisfies the number of users capable of simultaneous connection. With this configuration, when the number of users who can connect simultaneously is satisfied, providers who cannot connect to the user via wireless LAN are not displayed so that they cannot be selected by the user.

[0014] In a more preferred embodiment, the registration unit receives connection conditions for a wireless LAN connection from the provider, and the transmission unit transmits the connection setting information to the user if the connection conditions match the purpose of use received from the user. With this configuration, when the provider's connection conditions match the user's intended use, connection to the Internet is possible, allowing the provider to provide the Internet with peace of mind. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The present invention can provide a novel technique that enables a provider of a wireless LAN connection environment to voluntarily provide a connection environment and can match wireless LAN providers and recipients of the wireless LAN. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a process flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a provider designation screen displayed on a user screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a screen displayed to a matched provider and a user in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a screen displayed to a matched provider and a user in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a screen displaying a provider and a user in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown, but which may be embodied in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0018] For example, the configuration, operation, etc. of the communication providing system will be described in this embodiment, but a method, device, computer program, etc. with a similar configuration can also achieve the same effects. The program may be stored in a recording medium. By using this recording medium, the program can be installed in, for example, a computer, thereby configuring an information management device and a communication providing system. Here, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0019] The present invention relates to a system that matches users who will become access points (hereinafter referred to as providers) with users who wish to connect to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as users), and connects the users to the access points. In the present invention, users can take the position of either the user or the provider, whichever they prefer, and use the system by specifying the user or the provider.

[0020] In this embodiment, the provider connects users to the Internet by becoming an access point for wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), but may also connect users to the Internet by becoming an access point for short-distance wireless communication (so-called PAN (Personal Area Network)) such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the provider may connect users to the Internet by a wired connection such as a USB cable.

[0021] <1. System configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication providing system 0 includes an information management device 1, a provider terminal device 3, and a user terminal device 4, which are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. The communication providing system 0 may be configured only with the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4. The communication providing system 0 may be configured such that the processes described below are appropriately shared between the information management device 1 and the terminal devices of the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4, and is not limited to the process sharing described below.

[0022] A general-purpose server computer or a personal computer can be used as the information management device 1, and may be configured with a plurality of computers that are capable of transmitting and receiving information via a network NW or another network. In addition, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a wearable device, a mobile Wi-Fi router, a fixed line (wireless LAN), etc. can be used as the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the provider terminal device 3 that is matched with the user terminal device 4 via the information management device 1 becomes an access point itself, thereby connecting the user terminal device 4 to the Internet. On the other hand, the provider terminal device 3 for matching and the provider terminal device 3 that becomes the access point may be separate, and the user terminal device 4 may be configured to be able to connect to the Internet by transmitting information (e.g., SSID and password) required for Internet connection from the matched provider terminal device 3 (e.g., a smartphone) via another provider terminal device 3 (e.g., a mobile Wi-Fi router, a fixed line, etc.) that becomes the access point. Also, in this embodiment, the user terminal device 4 itself is connected to the Internet via the provider terminal device 3 by the user operating the user terminal device 4. On the other hand, the user terminal device 4 for matching and the user terminal device 4 that is connected to the Internet via the provider terminal device 3 may be separate, and the matched user terminal device 4 (e.g., a smartphone) may be operated to specify a user terminal device 4 (e.g., a personal computer) that is connected to the Internet via the provider terminal device 3, thereby allowing the specified user terminal device 4 to connect to the Internet.

[0024] In this embodiment, the network NW is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but there is no restriction on the type of communication protocol, and further, there is no restriction on the type and scale of the network.

[0025] <1.1. Hardware configuration> 2 is a hardware configuration diagram, as shown in FIG 2(a), the information management device 1 includes a processing unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0026] The processing unit 101 has a processor such as a CPU capable of executing an instruction set, and controls the overall operation and processing of the information management device 1 by executing the communication providing program according to the present invention, the OS, and other applications. The storage unit 102 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM capable of storing an instruction set, and a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD or SSD capable of recording an OS, a communication providing program, and the like. The communication unit 103 has a communication interface device for connecting to the network NW, and executes communication control with the network NW to input and output information.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the terminal device 9 (the provider terminal device 3 , the user terminal device 4 ) has a processing unit 91 , a storage unit 92 , a communication unit 93 , an input unit 94 , and a display unit 95 .

[0028] The processing unit 91 has a processor such as a CPU capable of executing an instruction set, and controls the overall operation and processing of the terminal device 9 by executing an information management device utilization program for communicating with the information management device 1, an OS, and other applications. The storage unit 92 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM capable of storing an instruction set, and a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD or SSD capable of recording an OS and the like. The communication unit 93 has a communication interface device for connecting to a network, and executes communication control with the network NW to input and output information. In addition, the communication unit 93 of the provider terminal device 3 connects the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4 via the wireless LAN by receiving an input of connection setting information (described later) related to connection to the wireless LAN from the user terminal device 4. The input unit 94 has an input device capable of input processing, such as a keyboard or a touch panel. The display unit 95 has a display device capable of performing display processing such as a display.

[0029] <1.2. Functional configuration of communication system 0> Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication providing system 0. As shown in Fig. 3, the information management device 1 includes a registration unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a matching unit 13, an advertisement processing unit 14, a remuneration determination unit 15, a contact unit 16, an extension unit 17, and a database 2. The provider terminal device 3 (user terminal device 4) includes a display processing unit 31 (41) and a location information transmission unit 32 (42). This is a specific realization of information processing by software (stored in the storage unit 102) by hardware (processing unit 101).

[0030] In addition, a part or all of each functional component (unit) of the information management device 1 may be provided in the provider terminal device 3 (user terminal device 4) which is a client. For example, the provider terminal device 3 (user terminal device 4) may be provided with a registration unit 11, a matching unit 13, an advertisement processing unit 14, a reward determination unit 15, a contact unit 16, and an extension unit 17, and the information management device 1 may be a cloud storage that records and manages various data such as the provider's connection information described below and the location information of the provider and the user. In this embodiment, the communication providing system 0 is used via the provider terminal device 3 (user terminal device 4) which executes the information management device utilization program, but a communication providing device (server) may be configured by installing the communication providing program in the provider terminal device 3 (user terminal device 4). In addition, the device may be configured by multiple computers that are capable of transmitting and receiving information via the network NW or another network.

[0031] <1.3.Database 2> The database 2 stores user information 21 , connection information 22 , connection matching information 23 , advertisement information 24 , and provider advertisement information 25 .

[0032] <1.3.1. Registration of user information 21> The registration unit 11 registers user information 21 relating to providers and users who use this system. The user information 21 includes a user ID that uniquely identifies the user, a user name, an image, an email address, gender, language used, an evaluation, and an upper limit on the number of connections. Here, the evaluation is the average of evaluation points received from one or more users, but the average of evaluation points received from each user may be linked to each user. The evaluation may also be the sum of the evaluation points. Furthermore, the upper limit on connections is the number of users that the provider can connect to the wireless LAN at one time.

[0033] <1.3.2. Registration of connection information 22> The registration unit 11 registers connection information 22, which is information input by a provider and relates to a user's Internet connection. The connection information 22 includes a connection ID that uniquely identifies the connection information, a terminal type, a time when the connection can be provided, connection conditions, connection setting information, provider attributes, and a purpose of providing the connection, and is stored in association with the provider (for example, in association with the user ID of the provider).

[0034] Here, the terminal type is information indicating the type of terminal that becomes an access point, and includes, for example, a smartphone, a mobile Wi-Fi router, and a fixed line (wireless LAN). The available time is information indicating the upper limit of the available time for a user to connect to an access point, and is set in minutes (hours) or an end time. The connection conditions are information regarding the conditions that the provider requires of the user, and include, for example, payment of remuneration (cash or points) and provision of services such as help. In this embodiment, the connection setting information is information for connecting to an access point, and includes an SSID (wireless LAN name) and a password. The provider attributes are information indicating the nature of the provider's provision of the Internet, and include, for example, whether or not it is movable, and whether or not it is extendable. The purpose of connection provision is information indicating the type of purpose for which the provider provides an access point to a user, and includes a remuneration type for the purpose of getting a remuneration by having the user display advertising information, or receiving services such as work or help in return for providing an access point, and a free type for the purpose of providing an access point free of charge.

[0035] <1.3.3. Connection Matching Information 23> The connection matching information 23 is information about a combination of a provider and a user connected via a wireless LAN. The connection matching information 23 includes a matching ID assigned to each combination of a provider and a user, a user ID of the provider, a user ID of the user, and a wireless LAN connection start time, connection end time, and status (not connected, connecting, or connection ended).

[0036] <1.3.4. Advertising Information 24> The advertisement information 24 is information related to advertisements that is stored in advance in the database 2. The advertisement information 24 includes an advertisement ID that uniquely identifies the advertisement, and advertisement content, and is stored in association with advertiser information and a remuneration amount. Here, the advertisement content is information related to the advertisement to be displayed to the user, and includes one or more pieces of information such as images, videos, text, documents such as HTML, and URLs.

[0037] <1.3.5. Provider Advertising Information25> The provider advertising information 25 is aggregate information of advertisements displayed to users by a provider being connected to the user via wireless LAN. The provider advertising information 25 includes a provider advertising ID that uniquely identifies the provider advertising information, a provider ID, an advertisement ID, and the date and time when the advertisement was displayed to the user, and is stored in association with the connection matching information 23 (for example, in association with a matching ID).

[0038] <1.4. Transmitter 12> The transmission unit 12 distributes various information stored in the database 2 and various information acquired from the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4 to the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4. The display processing unit 31 performs display processing on the distributed various information and transmits the display processing results to the display units 95 of the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4.

[0039] In addition, the information management device 1 may perform display processing of various information stored in the database 2, and the user terminal device 4 may receive the transmitted display processing results and display various screens on the display unit 95.

[0040] <1.5. Matching section 13> The matching unit 13 matches providers with users. The matching unit 13 matches users and providers in response to an input from the provider regarding whether or not to approve a request from the user. The matching unit 13 then registers connection matching information 23 having a combination of the user and the provider in the database 2.

[0041] <1.6. Advertising Processing Unit 14> The advertisement processing unit 14 displays advertisements to users. The advertisement processing unit 14 displays advertisements to users who match with the provider. The advertisement processing unit 14 also registers provider advertisement information 25. The advertisement processing unit 14 registers the matched provider and the advertisement displayed to the user in association with each other. The advertisement processing unit 14 may display a fixed advertisement on the user terminal device 4, or may display an advertisement selected based on a known advertisement distribution algorithm on the user terminal device 4.

[0042] <1.7. Remuneration Determination Unit 15> The reward determination unit 15 determines rewards for providers. The reward determination unit 15 determines rewards for each provider based on the provider advertisement information 25.

[0043] <1.8. Location information transmission unit 32> The location information transmission unit 32 transmits the identification information of the provider and the location information of the provider. In this embodiment, the location information transmission unit 32 acquires the location information of the provider using a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Then, the location information transmission unit 32 transmits the location information of the provider and a user ID as the identification information of the provider to the information management device 1. Note that the location information transmission unit 32 may transmit an application ID or the ID of the provider terminal device 3 as the identification information of the provider. Furthermore, when the provider uses Wi-Fi, the location information transmission unit 32 may acquire the location information of the provider acquired from a Wi-Fi access point.

[0044] <1.9. Location information transmission unit 42> The location information transmission unit 42 transmits the identification information of the user and the location information of the user. In this embodiment, the location information transmission unit 42 acquires the location information of the user using a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), etc. Then, the location information transmission unit 32 transmits the location information of the user and a user ID as the identification information of the user to the information management device 1. Note that the location information transmission unit 32 may transmit an application ID or the ID of the user terminal device 4 as the identification information of the user.

[0045] <2. Processing sequence diagram> The communication providing method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 8. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a process of matching a provider and a user. In the following, the process is executed with two different users as a user and a provider, and the process after the registration of user information 21 from each user is accepted will be described. On the other hand, one user may treat his / her own terminal device 9 as a provider terminal device 3 serving as an access point, and another terminal device 9 that wishes to connect to the Internet as a user terminal device 4, and execute the following process.

[0046] <2.1. Registration of connection information 22> First, in step S1 (hereinafter, "step SXX" is referred to as "SXX"), the user accesses the system as a provider. In this embodiment, the user operates the terminal device 9 and selects "Provide Wi-Fi" on a home screen (not shown) to access the system as a provider.

[0047] Next, in S2, the location information transmission unit 32 transmits the location information of the provider terminal device 3 and the user ID of the provider to the information management device 1. Also, in S3, the registration unit 11 accepts the input of the connection information 22 from the provider. In this embodiment, the provider terminal device 3 accepts the input of the terminal type, available time, connection conditions, connection setting information, provider attributes, and purpose of connection provision from the provider as the connection information 22. Specifically, the registration unit 11 accepts the input of, for example, a smartphone as the terminal type; 30 minutes as the available time; payment of a cash reward as the connection condition; SSID and password as the connection setting information; movable and extendable as the provider attributes; and reward type as the purpose of connection provision. Then, in S4, the registration unit 11 registers the accepted connection information 22 in the database 2.

[0048] <2.2. Matching providers and users> Next, in S5, the user accesses the system as a user. In this embodiment, the user operates the terminal device 9 to select "Use Wi-Fi" on a home screen (not shown), thereby accessing the system as a user.

[0049] Next, in S6, the location information transmission unit 42 transmits the location information of the user terminal device 4 and the user ID of the user. Then, in S7, the user transmits an instruction to display the provider to the information management device 1. In this embodiment, the user terminal device 4 accepts access from the user and transmits an instruction to display the provider to the information management device 1. Then, in S8, the information management device 1 displays a map including the location information of the provider to the user.

[0050] 5 is an example of a provider display screen that displays a provider and is displayed on the user terminal device 4. The provider display screen W1 includes a provider display map W11 and a narrowing down section W12. The provider display map W11 displays the user (USER in the illustrated example) at the center of the map based on the location information and user ID of the user and the provider, and further displays the provider (PROVIDER in the illustrated example) included in a predetermined area centered on the user. In this embodiment, the provider display map W11 displays the icon of the provider based on the purpose of connection provision registered by the provider as the connection information 22 (in the illustrated example, advertising, work, and help are displayed as the remuneration type; free is displayed as the non-remunerated type).

[0051] In this embodiment, a provider is displayed on the provider display map W11 according to the number of users who match with the provider. Specifically, the display processing unit 41 performs display processing of the provider when the number of users who are matched with the provider does not satisfy the number of users who can be simultaneously connected based on the provider's connection upper limit number and the number of users who match with the provider, and does not perform display processing of the provider when the number of users who are matched with the provider satisfies the number of users who can be simultaneously connected.

[0052] In a more preferred embodiment, the display processing unit 41 performs display processing on the provider display map W11 including the providers based on the user's evaluation, and displays it to the user. Specifically, when the number of providers included in a predetermined area centered on the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the display processing unit 41 displays to the user the providers whose evaluations linked to the providers are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. On the other hand, when the number of providers included in a predetermined area centered on the user is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the display processing unit 41 displays to the user the providers regardless of the evaluations linked to the providers.

[0053] The narrowing down unit W12 also displays, in a specifiable manner, gender and language as user information 21, and information on available time, whether extension is possible, whether movement is possible, and terminal type as connection information 22. Then, by receiving an input of desired information from the user in the narrowing down unit W12, the display processing unit 31 performs display processing of providers that are included in a predetermined area centered on the user and whose user information 21 and connection information 22 include the input information, and displays to the user a provider display map W11 including the providers.

[0054] Next, in S9, the matching unit 13 accepts the designation of a provider and accepts a request from a user. In this embodiment, the user terminal device 4 accepts the designation of a provider from a user via the provider display map W11, and transmits a connection request including a connection time and a connection purpose to an access point as a request, and the matching unit 13 accepts the user ID of the provider and the connection request.

[0055] Then, in S10, the matching unit 13 transmits the connection request accepted in S9 to the specified provider, and in S11 accepts an input related to approval of the connection request from the provider terminal device 3. Then, in S12, the matching unit 13 registers in the database 2 connection matching information 23 that combines the user who transmitted the connection request and the provider who approved the connection request.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows examples of screens displayed on the terminal devices 9 of the provider and the user who performs matching. Fig. 6(a) is an example of a provision request screen W2 displayed on the user terminal device 4 for sending a connection request to the provider. The provision request screen W2 displays the user information 21 of the provider specified by the user in the provider display map W11, the connection conditions (in the illustrated example, advertisement display) and the available time of the connection information 22, and displays the connection time to the user's access point and the purpose of the connection so that they can be input.

[0057] 6(b) is an example of a provision permission screen W3 that is displayed on the provider terminal device 3 of a provider designated by a user and displays a connection request from the user. The provision permission screen W3 displays the user information 21 of the user who is the sender of the connection request, and the connection request received from the user, including the connection time and connection purpose.

[0058] In this embodiment, the matching unit 13 accepts an input from a provider who has confirmed a connection request (connection time and connection purpose) from a user to approve (permit in the illustrated example) or not approve (reject in the illustrated example) the connection request. Then, when the matching unit 13 accepts an input related to approval of the connection request, connection matching information 23 having a combination of the user and the provider is registered.

[0059] <2.3. User's connection to the Internet> In S13, the transmission unit 12 transmits the connection setting information of the matched provider to the user who is paired with the provider. Fig. 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device 9 of the matched provider and user.

[0060] 7(a) is an example of a post-user authorization screen W4 that is displayed on the user terminal device 4 and displays the connection setting information of a matched provider. The post-user authorization screen W4 displays the SSID and password of the connection setting information, the connection time and purpose of the user's connection request, and the connection conditions of the provider's connection information 22.

[0061] 7(b) is an example of a post-provider permission screen W5 displayed on the provider terminal device 3 and displaying information about the matched user. The post-provider permission screen W5 displays the user information 21 of the matched user, the connection time and purpose of the connection request of the user, and the connection conditions preset by the user. Here, for example, the user's connection conditions include whether or not to permit advertisement display, etc.

[0062] Then, in S14, the provider terminal device 3 accepts input of connection setting information from the user terminal device 4, and in S15 connects the user terminal device 4 to the wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the user terminal device 4 transmits to the provider terminal device 3 a password manually input by the user as connection information.

[0063] Next, in S16, the advertisement processing unit 14 receives a notification from the provider terminal device 3 indicating that the matched provider and user have been connected via wireless LAN. In this embodiment, when the information management device 1 receives a notification indicating that the provider and user have been connected via wireless LAN, the connection start time and connection end time are registered in the connection matching information 23 based on the time when the notification was received and the connection time entered by the user. Then, in S17, the advertisement processing unit 14 displays an advertisement to the user who matches with the provider who sent the notification in S16, based on the advertisement information 24. In this embodiment, when "advertisement display" is registered as the remuneration type for the provider's connection provision purpose, the advertisement processing unit 14 displays the advertisement information 24 to the user at regular intervals.

[0064] In S18, the advertisement processing unit 14 registers in the database 2 the advertisement displayed to the user in S17 and the provider advertising information 25 that associates the user with the provider who matches the advertisement. In this embodiment, the advertisement processing unit 14 registers the provider advertising information 25 when a condition for determining that the advertisement has been distributed is satisfied. Specifically, for example, the advertisement processing unit 14 registers the provider advertising information 25 when the display time of the advertisement displayed to the user satisfies a predetermined time (e.g., the distribution time for each advertisement, etc.) or when a predetermined input (e.g., an answer to a multiple-choice questionnaire displayed in the advertisement, etc.) is received from the user. Then, in S19, the remuneration determination unit 15 determines a remuneration to be paid to the provider based on the provider advertising information 25. In this embodiment, the remuneration determination unit 15 determines a remuneration for each provider based on the remuneration amount of the advertisement information 24 included in the provider advertising information 25.

[0065] In S20, the registration unit 11 accepts an evaluation from the provider to the user, and in S21, accepts an evaluation from the user to the provider. In this embodiment, the registration unit 11 accepts evaluation points from either the provider or the user to the other, determines a new evaluation based on the respective evaluation points and the evaluations linked to each user, and registers the new evaluation as an evaluation of each user by linking it to the user information 21.

[0066] Through the above processes of S1 to S19, the user can connect to the Internet via the provider that serves as the access point. In addition, in this embodiment, various processes can be executed between the matched provider and user.

[0067] <3. Contact part 16> The contact unit 16 can enable contact between the provider and the user. When the provider and the user are matched, the contact unit 16 enables chat and / or phone calls between the provider and the user, and when the wireless LAN connection between the provider and the user is terminated, disables chat and / or phone calls between the provider and the user. This enables communication between users and providers in cases where the wireless LAN connection does not work well or is poorly connected, thereby enabling smooth use and provision of the wireless LAN.

[0068] <4. Extension part 17> The extension unit 17 performs a process of extending the connection time. The extension unit 17 transmits a notification of wireless LAN connection extension to the user based on the connection end time of the connection matching information 23. Then, when the extension unit 17 receives an input of an extension request including the extension time from the user, it transmits the extension request to the matching provider. Then, the extension unit 17 receives an input of approval of the extension request from the provider, and extends the connection end time to the access point based on the connection end time at the time of registration of the connection matching information 23. Specifically, the extension unit 17 registers the connection matching information 23 in which the time obtained by adding the extension time from the user to the connection end time at the time of registration of the connection matching information 23 is set as a new connection end time corresponding to the combination of the user and the provider. Then, the extension unit 17 transmits a notification of wireless LAN connection extension to the user based on the registered connection end time. This allows users to request an extension of their usage time even if the usage time is likely to exceed the initially anticipated connection time, and allows them to connect to the wireless LAN without having to go through the trouble of submitting another connection request.

[0069] <5. Display of location information of matching providers and users> In this embodiment, the matched provider and user can be displayed according to the connection state of the wireless LAN. FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displaying the location information of the matched provider and user. The display processing unit 31 of the provider terminal device 3 and the display processing unit 41 of the user terminal device 4 transmit and receive the location information of the user and the provider via the wireless LAN, and display the location information of each other. This allows the users to adjust their locations while looking at the display screen when the wireless LAN connection is poor. Then, when the wireless LAN connection between the user and the provider is terminated, the display processing unit 31 and the display processing unit 41 each terminate the display processing of the location information of the user and the provider.

[0070] As described above, a provider registers connection information, and a user can connect to an access point by checking the provider's connection information, specifying a provider that matches the user's purpose of use, and sending a connection request to the provider. In addition, a provider can select whether to approve or reject a connection request from a user, which allows for appropriate matching in the provision of wireless LAN. As a result, as the number of providers who provide access points for the purpose of receiving rewards increases, there is no longer a need to set up wireless LAN in facilities, etc., and costs such as the cost of setting up access points and labor costs can be reduced. In addition, as the number of providers who become access points increases, the range in which access points can be connected expands, making it easier for users to use wireless LAN.

[0071] In this embodiment, the matching unit 13 receives an input from a provider regarding approval of a connection request, thereby registering the connection matching information 23. On the other hand, when the connection condition of the connection information 22 of the provider and the connection purpose of the user match, the matching unit 13 may register the connection matching information 23 having a combination of the provider and the user.

[0072] In this embodiment, the user is connected to the wireless LAN by manually inputting the password corresponding to the SSID of the Wi-Fi provided by the provider. On the other hand, the connection control units of the provider terminal device 3 and the user terminal device 4 (not shown) may automatically connect the user to the wireless LAN by accepting the SSID and password of the matched provider transmitted from the transmission unit 12 of the information management device 1.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the connection time has elapsed, an alert to disconnect the wireless LAN is displayed to the user, and the user who has confirmed the alert manually disconnects the wireless LAN. Alternatively, the connection control unit may automatically disconnect the wireless LAN when the connection time has elapsed. In this case, if the connection time has been extended, the connection control unit disconnects the wireless LAN using the connection time input at the time of the connection request plus the extension time as the connection time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 0: Communication provision system 1: Information management device 2: Database 3: Provider terminal device 4: User terminal device 10: Server 101: Processing section 102: Storage section 103: Communications Department 9: Terminal device 91: Processing section 92: Storage section 93: Communications Department 94: Input section 95: Output section NW: Communication network 11: Registration section 12: Transmitter 13: Matching section 14: Advertising processing section 15: Remuneration Determination Department 16: Contact section 17 :Extension part 31: Display processing section 32: Location information transmission unit 41: Display processing section 42: Location information transmission unit W1: Provider display screen W11: Provider Display Map W12: Narrowing section W2: Request screen W3: Provision permission screen W4: Screen after user permission W5: Screen after provider permission

Claims

1. A communication providing system that matches users with providers having access points for internet connection, comprising: The communication providing system includes a registration unit and a transmission unit, the registration unit receives and registers connection setting information for connecting to the access point from the provider; A communication providing system, wherein the transmission unit transmits to the user the connection setting information of the provider that has been matched based on a request from the user.

2. The communication providing system further includes a display processing unit, The communication providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the display processing unit performs display processing of a map including the provider based on location information of the provider, and displays a display processing result to the user.

3. The communication providing system further includes a display processing unit and a matching unit, the display processing unit causes the provider to display the request of the user; 2. The communication providing system according to claim 1, wherein the matching unit matches the user and the provider in response to an input from the provider regarding whether or not to approve the request.

4. The communication providing system further includes an extension unit, The communication providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the extension unit transmits a notification regarding an extension of a connection of the wireless LAN to the user based on a request from the user including a connection time to an access point.

5. The communication providing system further includes a display processing unit, 2. The communication providing system according to claim 1, wherein the display processing unit displays the provider and the user connected to a wireless LAN via the provider based on a connection state of the wireless LAN of the provider and the user.

6. The communication providing system further includes an advertisement processing unit, The communication providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the advertisement processing unit displays an advertisement to the matched user, and registers the matched provider and the advertisement in association with each other.

7. The communication providing system further includes a display processing unit, The communication providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the display processing unit displays the provider when the number of users matching with the provider does not satisfy the number of users that can be connected simultaneously, and does not display the provider when the number satisfies the number.

8. The registration unit receives connection conditions for a wireless LAN connection from the provider, The communication providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the connection setting information to the user when the purpose of use accepted from the user matches the connection conditions.

9. A method for providing communications that matches users with providers having access points for Internet connection, comprising the steps of: The computer receiving and registering connection setting information for connecting to the access point from the provider; transmitting to the user the connection setting information of the provider that has been matched based on a request from the user.

10. A communication providing program that matches users with providers having access points for Internet connection, The communication providing program causes a computer to function as a registration unit and a transmission unit, the registration unit receives and registers connection setting information for connecting to the access point from the provider; The transmission unit transmits to the user the connection setting information of the provider that has been matched based on a request from the user.

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