Communication apparatus

Abstract

To give an incentive to a user about use of a communication infrastructure of the user by a service provider.SOLUTION: Acquiring, when a packet is received via a first path through which a service provider pays a fee, information indicating use of the first path and log information, acquiring, when the packet is received via a second path through which a user pays a fee, the log information, identifying a path through which the packet has passed based on presence or absence of the information indicating use of the first path, and identifying whether the packet is related to the service provider or the user based on header information assigned to the packet; When the packet is a packet related to the service provider received via the second path, information indicating an incentive to be given to the user by the service provider is generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are communication devices equipped with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card capable of storing a plurality of communication profiles (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-180105 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device that enables a service provider to give an incentive to a user for using a communication infrastructure for which the user pays a usage fee. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device capable of receiving a packet from a source device via one of a first route, for which a service provider providing a service to a user pays a usage fee, and a second route, for which the user pays a usage fee, the communication device including: a control unit that, when the packet is received via the first route, acquires information indicating the use of the first route and log information related to the transmission of the packet; when the packet is received via the second route, acquires the log information; identifies whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the second route based on whether the information is acquired together with the log information; identifies whether the packet is related to the service provider or the user based on header information attached to the packet; and, when the packet is related to the service provider and received via the second route, generates information indicating an incentive that the service provider will give to the user.

[0006] Other aspects of the present disclosure include an information processing method using the above-mentioned communication device, a program for causing a computer to operate as the above-mentioned communication device, a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and a communication system including the above-mentioned communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide incentives to users regarding the use by service providers of communication infrastructure for which users pay usage fees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the communication device 20. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the control unit 25. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Businesses (e.g., vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and rental companies) involved in vehicles equipped with communication functions, such as connected cars and autonomous vehicles, may wish to collect data related to the vehicles (e.g., data related to vehicle operation and data related to vehicle communications). For this reason, it is considered that the business's communication device (communication equipment) will receive, via a network, predetermined data (IoT data) transmitted from an onboard device installed in the vehicle. Then, as a service provider, the business can provide services to vehicle users based on the analysis results of the IoT data.

[0010] As a network connecting a vehicle and a communication device, for example, a network (called a communication carrier network) of a mobile network operator (MNO: also called a communication carrier) with which a carrier has a contract can be used. However, the vehicle and the communication device can also be connected by tethering using a user's smartphone. The communication device according to the present disclosure enables a carrier (service provider) to provide an incentive to a user when the carrier (service provider) transmits data (packets) using a communication infrastructure available to the user (for which the carrier pays the usage fee).

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes an in-vehicle device 10 (corresponding to a communication device) mounted on a vehicle, and a communication device 20. The in-vehicle device 10 may be a stationary type installed in the vehicle or a portable type.

[0012] The vehicle is a connected vehicle that has the function of communicating with the communication device 20 to provide predetermined services to the vehicle user. The vehicle can provide various services by communicating with a server device (e.g., server 51 or server 52) connected to the communication device 20. Examples of the various services include a navigation service, a remote control service (e.g., remote air conditioning), an in-vehicle Wi-Fi service, and an emergency call service. These services may be provided by the in-vehicle device 10 or by another computer installed in the vehicle.

[0013] The in-vehicle device 10 is connected to multiple ECUs mounted on the vehicle. Each ECU can collect various information, such as information about the vehicle (data related to vehicle operation, such as location and vehicle speed), by executing a predetermined application program. The correspondence between the ECU and the apps is, for example, 1:1. However, two or more ECUs may use the same app, such as n:1, or one ECU may execute two or more types of apps, such as 1:n. The in-vehicle device 10 may also execute apps of the same type as the apps executed by the ECUs. The in-vehicle device 10 may also execute apps other than the above-mentioned apps that collect information about the vehicle, allowing the user to browse the web or enjoy music, images, or videos.

[0014] The data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 is transmitted via an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a communication device 2. 0 to a predetermined destination (a communication partner, for example, server 51 or 52). The destination of the data may be communication device 20. As the IP network, for example, a public network such as the Internet 1 can be used, but the IP network may be other than the Internet 1.

[0015] The in-vehicle device 10 can connect to the Internet 1 in various ways and communicate with the communication device 20. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 can connect to the Internet 1 via a cellular network 3 using a communication device 10A such as a smart device or a cellular USB dongle 13. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 10A and the USB dongle 13 are connected to the same cellular network. However, depending on the telecommunications carrier, the cellular network to which the communication device 10A can be connected may differ from the cellular network to which the USB dongle 13 can be connected. Also, the in-vehicle device 10 may be connected to an internet via a wireless LAN (including Wi-Fi) access point. The in-vehicle device 10 can be connected to the Internet 1. The in-vehicle device 10 can also be connected to the Internet via a router of a wired LAN 15. The in-vehicle device 10 can also be connected to the Internet 1 using a USB dongle for wireless LAN or satellite communication.

[0016] The administrator (the person who enters into a line contract and pays the usage fees) of the communication device 10A, the USB dongle 13, the wireless LAN access point, and the wired LAN 15 router may be a business operator (service provider), a user, or a third party other than the business operator or user.

[0017] When communicating with the communication device 20, the in-vehicle device 10 performs mutual authentication using profile information stored in a SIM card 105 included in the in-vehicle device 10. The SIM card 105 is, for example, a SIM card issued by a business operator (service provider). The cellular network 3 may be an MNO (Mobile Network Operator) network or an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) network. The cellular network 3 is, for example, an LTE network or a 5G network, but may also be another network (for example, a 6G network).

[0018] The communication device 10A is, for example, a smart device. The smart device may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal with a SIM card, or the like. The connection between the in-vehicle device 10 and the smart device may be wireless using a wireless LAN (including Wi-Fi), a wireless connection using Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wired connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0019] The communication device 20 is configured by one information processing device (computer) or a collection (cloud) of two or more information processing devices connected via a network. The communication device 20 has an internal network configuration formed by a collection of components (network nodes, called network functions (NFs) in 5G) of a core network of a cellular network according to the use or function of the communication device 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 20 operates as a device including a gateway (GW) 21, an authentication unit 22, a routing unit 23, an accounting unit (log storage unit) 24, a control unit 25, and a storage unit 26.

[0020] The GW21 is connected to the in-vehicle device 10 via an access network and the Internet 1 (IP network). When the internal network configuration of the communication device 20 is a 5G core network (5GC), an N3IWF (non-3GPP Interworking Function) is disposed as the GW21. The N3IWF is a gateway for accommodating untrusted non-3GPP wireless access. When the internal network configuration of the communication device 20 is an LTE or 4G core network (EPC), an ePDG (enhanced Packet Data Gateway) is used as the GW21. An IPsec-based tunnel (called an SWu tunnel) is established between the in-vehicle device 10 and the GW21, and data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 is transmitted to the GW21 through the SWu tunnel.

[0021] When the in-vehicle device 10 accesses the communication device 20, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits SIM profile information stored in the SIM card 105 to the communication device 20 as authentication data (control information). The authentication unit 22 can authenticate the in-vehicle device 10 having the SIM card 105 by using the SIM profile information and the subscriber information stored in the storage unit 26.

[0022] For example, when the internal network configuration of the communication device 20 is 5GC, an AUSF (Authentication Server Function) is used as the authentication unit 22, and a UDM (Unified Data Management Module) is used as the storage unit 26. When the internal network configuration is EPC, the authentication unit 22 may be an AA. A (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) is used, and HS is used as the storage unit 26. A Home Subscriber Server (S) can be used.

[0023] The routing unit 23 performs the following routing. That is, when the routing unit receives a packet storing user data, it determines whether the destination IP address of the packet is registered in the routing table, and if it is not registered, it calculates the shortest route to the destination IP address using SPF or the like, determines information indicating a route (output port) according to the shortest route, and performs a process of registering the destination IP address and output port information in the routing table. Furthermore, the routing unit 23 performs a process of forwarding a packet whose destination IP address is registered in the routing table to the corresponding output port (destination). For example, when the internal network configuration of the communication device 20 is 5GC, a UPF (User Plane Function) is used as the routing unit 23, and when the internal network configuration is EPC, A P-GW (Packet data network Gateway) can be used as the serving unit 23. A GTPu tunnel is formed between GW21 and the routing unit 23 (UPF or P-GW), and GW21 sends the packet obtained by terminating the SWu tunnel to the routing unit 23 through the GTPu tunnel.

[0024] Furthermore, the routing unit 23 outputs a CDR (Charge Data Record) used as charging information and passes it to the charging unit 24. The CDR is communication log information (log information) that can include packet flow identification information (for example, source / destination TCP port numbers, source / destination IP addresses), the start time and end time of the packet flow, and the amount of data. For example, if the internal network configuration of the communication device 20 is 5GC, a CHF (Charging Function) is used as the charging unit 24, and if the internal network configuration is EPC, a PCRF (Policy and Charging rules Function) is used as the charging unit 24. The charging unit 24 uses the CDR to calculate the packet communication The usage fee is calculated based on, for example, the amount of data per packet and the fee plan.

[0025] When a communication device 10A or a cellular USB dongle 13, for which a service fee is paid by a carrier or a third party (a line contract has been concluded), is used to connect to the Internet 1, and the in-vehicle device 10 is connected to the Internet 1 (communication device 20) via the cellular network 3, the CDR (log information) includes an International Mobile Subscription Identity (IMSI) stored in a SIM card included in the communication device 10A or the cellular USB dongle 13. For example, the cellular network 3 and the communication device 20 share a conversion table between IMSIs and line identifiers (which can be configured as, for example, a string of one or more bits) for carriers and third parties. The line identifier can be represented by, for example, one or more bits. The cellular network 3 converts the IMSI to a line identifier using the conversion table and transmits it to the communication device 20. The line identifier is transmitted separately from a packet transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 to the communication device 20. The communication device 20 converts the line identifier to an IMSI using the conversion table. The IMSI is sent to the routing unit 23, which generates a CDR including the IMSI. The locations where the conversion table and conversion mechanism are implemented in the cellular network 3 and the communication device 20 can be set as appropriate. The line identifier may be transmitted online or offline. The conversion table registers the IMSI (the IMSI of the operator or a third party) stored in a SIM card installed in the communication device 10A or the cellular USB dongle 13 owned by the operator or a third party (who pays the usage fee), but does not register the IMSI stored in a SIM card installed in the communication device 10A or the cellular USB dongle 13 owned by the user (who pays the usage fee). Therefore, when the user's communication device 10A or the cellular USB dongle 13 is used, the line identifier is not transmitted to the communication device 20, and the IMSI is not included in the CDR.

[0026] The control unit 25 uses the CDR (log information) to determine the route (communication route) used for packet transfer. The control unit 25 performs a process of identifying a user of the identified communication infrastructure (packet) by using the header information (port number) of the packet. When the combination of the identified communication infrastructure and user indicates a specific combination, the control unit 25 generates information indicating an incentive to be given to the user in the specific combination (information indicating an action toward the user).

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 includes a control unit (controller) 30 having a CPU 31 and a main memory device 32a, an auxiliary memory device 32b, a SIM card 105 and its card reader 106, a CAN communication module 34, an expansion interface 35, a wireless communication circuit 103, and a network interface card (NIC) 111, all of which are connected to each other via a bus 38.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 32b is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an EEPROM, etc. The auxiliary storage device 32b stores, for example, an operating system (OS) and a variety of application programs (apps). The apps include programs for implementing various functions, such as a communication control program. The main storage device 32a is, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a combination of RAM and ROM. The main storage device and the auxiliary storage device are examples of computer-readable non-transitory recording media. The CPU 31 operates as the in-vehicle device 10 by executing various programs stored in the main storage device 32a or the auxiliary storage device 32b.

[0029] The SIM card 105 is a UICC (universal integrated circuit card) and The SIM card 105 operates as a microcomputer having a PU and a memory. The UICC may be a card type (UICC) or a chip type (eUICC). The SIM card 105 stores profile information used for authentication. The profile information includes an identification number and key information. The identification number is, for example, an International Mobile Subscription Identity (IMSI), a Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), or an Integrated Circuit Card Identity (ICCID). The key information is, for example, a K value, an Operator Code (OPc), and a Sequence Number (SQN) used in AKA authentication. For example, authentication using the SIM card 105 uses profile information including at least the IMSI, the K value, the OPc, and the SQN. Note that the UICC of the SIM card 105 may be a card type (UICC) or a chip type (eUICC). In other words, the SIM card 105 may be a physical SIM card or an eSIM.

[0030] The CAN communication module 34 is a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle device 10 to an in-vehicle network (CAN (Controller Area Network)) of the vehicle. The communication module 34 may include, for example, a network interface board that communicates using the CAN protocol. The in-vehicle device 10 can perform data communication with other components (such as ECUs) of the vehicle via the CAN communication module 34.

[0031] The expansion interface 35 is an interface for interconnecting the in-vehicle device 10 and the communication device 10A or the USB dongle 13. The expansion interface 35 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and has a connector to which a USB cable connected to the communication device 10A or the USB dongle 13 can be detached. The communication device 10A can be detached from the expansion interface 35 via a USB cable connected to the connector.

[0032] The wireless communication circuit 103 includes a DCE (Data Circuit terminating Equipment) and The wireless communication circuit 103 can perform wireless communication with an external device according to a wireless communication method such as a cellular network (LTE, 5G, or 6G, etc.), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 series, including Wi-Fi). For example, the wireless communication circuit 103 can be connected to a base station of a cellular network 3A. The wireless communication circuit 103 can also communicate with a communication device by wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The NIC 111 is used to connect the in-vehicle device 10 to the Internet 1 via the wired LAN 15. The in-vehicle device 10 may also include, as optional components, an input device 36 for inputting information and a display 37 for displaying information.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 20A that can be used as the communication device 20. The communication device 20 can be configured with one or more information processing devices 20A. In Fig. 3, the information processing device 20A includes a control unit (controller) 120, an auxiliary storage device 123, a communication interface (communication IF) 124, an input device 125, and a display 126, which are interconnected by a bus 127.

[0034] The control unit 120 includes a CPU 121 and a main memory device 122 connected to the CPU 121. The CPU 121 executes various programs stored in the main memory device 122 or the auxiliary memory device 123, thereby causing the communication device 20 to operate as a device including a GW 21, an authentication unit 22, a routing unit 23, an accounting unit (log memory unit) 24, a control unit 25, and a memory unit 26.

[0035] The communication interface (communication IF) 124 includes a communication interface circuit with the Internet 1 (IP network), and performs transmission and reception of control information and user data (packets), format (protocol) conversion, etc. The input device 125 is a button, key, touch panel, etc. used for inputting and setting information, etc. The display 126 is used to display information. The input device 125 and display 126 are optional.

[0036] The CPU (processor) constituting each of the controllers 30 and 120 described above may be a processor other than a CPU, such as a DSP or GPU, or may be combined with a CPU. Furthermore, the processing or operation performed by each of the controllers 30, 100, and 120 may be implemented using FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC. Semiconductor devices (hardware) such as (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) The control unit (controller), FPGA, ASIC, and SoC are each an example of a "circuitry."

[0037] <Example of operation> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation in a communication system. <0> In the example shown, an app that communicates with the communication device 20 is started in the in-vehicle device 10. An app for the business, an app for the user, and an app for a third party (for example, a vehicle insurance company) are installed in the in-vehicle device 10. These apps may be configured to be started automatically by a pre-setting such as a timer setting, or may be configured to be started by an operator through manual operation. The app may be executed by an ECU provided in the vehicle or the in-vehicle device 10.

[0038] Figure 4 <1> In the example, the controller 30 of the in-vehicle device 10 detects a trigger to start communication. The trigger can be set as appropriate, and may be, for example, the generation of data to be transmitted by the execution of an app, the detection of an instruction to start communication for stored data input from the input device 36, or the detection of the occurrence of some other event.

[0039] Figure 4 <2> In the first operation example, the in-vehicle device 10 connects to the Internet 1. The in-vehicle device 10 can connect to the Internet 1 using the communication device 10A, the USB dongle 13, or the wired LAN 15. In the first operation example, as an example, the communication device 10A and the cellular USB dongle 13 can be those for which the carrier, the user, or a third party pays the usage fees (for which a line contract has been concluded), and the USB dongle for wireless LAN or satellite communication and the wired LAN 15 are those for which the user pays the usage fees. When the communication device 10A or the cellular USB dongle 13 of the carrier or a third party is used, a line identifier converted from the IMSI is transmitted from the cellular network 3 to the communication device 20 (see FIG. 4).

[0040] Figure 4 <3> In this example, the in-vehicle device 10 establishes an encrypted communication path (IKE SA) called a security association (SA) with the GW 21 of the communication device 20. The IP address of the GW 21 is known to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0041] Figure 4 <4> In this case, an authentication process (for example, authentication using AKA) is performed between the in-vehicle device 10 and the communication device 20 using the profile information (authentication data) stored in the SIM card 105.

[0042] Figure 4 <5> In this example, a tunnel based on IPsec is established between the in-vehicle device 10 and the GW 21, and a GTPu tunnel is established between the GW 21 and the routing unit 23.

[0043] Figure 4 <6> In this case, the in-vehicle device 10 generates a packet storing the data to be transmitted and transmits it to the GW 21 of the communication device 20 through the SWu tunnel (see FIG. 4). <7> The SWu tunnel is terminated at the GW 21, the SWu header is removed, and the original packet is obtained. The GW 21 adds a new header (referred to as a GTPu header) to the packet in order to transmit the packet through the GTPu tunnel established between the GW 21 and the routing unit 23.

[0044] The routing unit 23 performs termination processing of the GTPu tunnel (removal of the GTPu header, etc.) on the packet received from the GW 21, and obtains the original packet. The routing unit 23 performs routing on the original packet (see FIG. 4). <8> ) The packet is sent to the destination by routing (see Figure 4). <9> ).

[0045] The routing unit 23 generates a CDR (Charging Data Record) including packet flow information including the source and destination IP addresses of the original packet, the source and destination TCP port numbers, the start and end times of the packet flow, the amount of data of the packet, etc. (see FIG. 4). <10> At this time, if the routing unit 23 has received a line identifier from the GW 21 or the like, it uses a conversion table to convert the line identifier into an IMSI (the IMSI stored in the SIM card 105) and includes the IMSI in the CDR. The CDR is passed to the billing unit 24, which uses the CDR to calculate the usage fee.

[0046] The control unit 25 acquires the CDR from the accounting unit 24 and identifies the route through which the packet has been transferred and the user of the packet (see FIG. 4). <11> The control unit 25 generates incentive information (information indicating an action for a user) when a combination of a route and a user of a packet is a specific combination (see FIG. 4). <12> ).

[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 25. <11> and <12> In step S01, the control unit 25 acquires the CDR passed from the routing unit 23 to the accounting unit 24. However, the CDR may be passed directly from the routing unit 23 to the control unit 25.

[0048] In step S02, if the CDR contains the IMSI of the SIM card, control unit 25 proceeds to step S03; otherwise, control unit 25 proceeds to step S04. The inclusion of the IMSI of the SIM card in the CDR means that the packet was received via a route using communication device 10A or cellular USB dongle 13 owned by the carrier or a third party. In contrast, the absence of the IMSI of the SIM card in the CDR means that the packet was received via a route for which the user pays the fee.

[0049] In step S03, the control unit 25 refers to the subscriber information (contract information of at least one of the carrier and a third party) stored in the storage unit 26, and determines whether the IMSI included in the CDR is that of the carrier or that of a third party, thereby identifying the subscriber of the cellular network 3. If the IMSI is that of the carrier, it means that the packet has been received via a route for which the carrier pays the usage fee; if not, it means that the packet has been received via a route for which a third party pays the usage fee.

[0050] In this way, steps S02 and S03 make it possible to determine (identify) whether the route taken by the packet is a route for which the operator pays the usage fee (first route), a route for which the user pays the usage fee (second route), or a route for which a third party pays the usage fee (third route).

[0051] In step S04, the control unit 25 identifies the user of the packet from the port number included in the CDR. That is, if the packet is a packet for a business operator (a packet related to a business operator), the control unit 25 determines that the user of the packet is the business operator, if the packet is a packet for a user (a packet related to a user), the control unit 25 determines that the user of the packet is the user, and if the packet is a packet for a third party (a packet related to a third party), the control unit 25 determines that the user of the packet is the third party.

[0052] In step S05, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the route and the packet user are a specific combination. Here, the combinations of the route (communication infrastructure provider) and the packet user include the following. Route (communication infrastructure provider) / packet user: (1) operator / operator, (2) operator / user, (3) operator / third party, (4) user / user, (5) user / operator, (6) user / third party, (7) third party / third party, (8) third party / operator, (9) third party / user

[0053] In this embodiment, the specific combination is a combination of (5) and (8). That is, the specific combination is a case where the carrier's packets are forwarded via a user or third party's route (communication infrastructure) (the user is responsible for the packet charges). However, the combination of (8) is optional. Also, a combination other than the above-mentioned (5) and (8) may be set as a specific combination.

[0054] In step S06, the control unit 25 generates incentive information (the content of which changes depending on the data volume) according to the data volume of the packets included in the CDR. For example, when calculating the data volume for which the user will be charged for use, the communication device 20, after completing packet transmission, queries the cellular network 3 for the number of packets (data volume) using the line identifier as an argument, and obtains the data volume as a response. The communication device 20 can then reflect this data volume in the content of the incentive. However, the content of the incentive information may be fixed regardless of the data volume. The content of the incentive is arbitrary and may be points, coupons, gift certificates, cashback, or some kind of preferential treatment that can be used to purchase products or receive services, but is not limited to these examples. Alternatively, instead of incentive information, an incentive may be provided. It is possible that information indicating actions other than the giving of a sentiment may be generated.

[0055] The generated incentive information is stored in, for example, the storage unit 26 and is used as information indicating the basis for the business to give some kind of incentive to the user. For example, data such as a coupon based on the incentive information may be transmitted to the in-vehicle device 10 (see FIG. 4). <13> ). The method of granting the incentive is arbitrary. In the embodiment, the control unit 25 acquires a CDR including an IMSI (the IMSI is included in the CDR), but the control unit 25 may acquire the CDR and the IMSI separately. Also, in the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the communication device 20 converts a line identifier into an IMSI using a conversion table, but if the line identifier indicates whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the third route, conversion into an IMSI is not necessary.

[0056] The communication device 20 in the embodiment can receive a packet from a transmission source device (in-vehicle device 10) via one of a first route, the usage fee of which is paid by a service provider (carrier) providing a service to a user, and a second route, the usage fee of which is paid by the user. When a packet is received via the first route, the control unit 25 of the communication device 20 acquires information indicating that the packet used the first route (IMSI) and log information related to the transmission of the packet (CDR). When a packet is received via the second route, the control unit 25 acquires the log information (CDR) (without acquiring the IMSI). The control unit 25 can identify whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the second route, depending on whether the IMSI is acquired together with the log information. The control unit 25 can identify whether the packet is a packet related to the service provider or a packet related to the user, based on header information (port number) assigned to the packet. When the packet is a packet related to the service provider received via the second route, the control unit 25 can generate information indicating an incentive to be given to the user by the service provider. In this way, the communication device 20 generates information indicating an incentive that the service provider will give to the user when a packet carrying data for the service provider is transmitted using a communication infrastructure for which the user pays. This makes it possible to give an incentive to the user regarding the service provider's use of the user's communication infrastructure.

[0057] Furthermore, the communication device 20 according to the embodiment may be capable of receiving packets from the in-vehicle device 10 via a third route, the usage fee of which is paid by a third party different from the service provider (business operator) and the user. In this case, when the IMSI is acquired along with the log information, the control unit 25 can determine whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the third route. Furthermore, based on the IMSI, the control unit 25 can identify whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the third route. Furthermore, based on the port number of the packet, the control unit 25 can identify whether the packet is related to the service provider, the user, or the third party. Then, when the packet is related to the service provider and received via the third route, the control unit 25 can generate information indicating an incentive to be given by the service provider to the third party. In this way, the business operator, which is the service provider, can give an incentive to a third party, such as an insurance company.

[0058] <Modification> The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows: In the modified example, a business operator, a user, and a third party can connect to the Internet 1 (communication device 20) using a communication device 10A, a USB dongle (for cellular, wireless LAN, and satellite communication), and a wired LAN 15, for which the business operator, the user, and a third party pay the usage fees.

[0059] In a modified example, a line identifier obtained by converting the IMSI of a carrier, a user, or a third party using a conversion table is transmitted to the communication device 20 from a cellular network or a satellite communication network through which the packet passes. Furthermore, a communication device constituting the wired LAN 15 or an information processing device that manages (controls) the wired LAN 15 monitors packets transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10, and when a corresponding packet is detected, the line identifier is transmitted to the communication device 20. Furthermore, a communication device (access point) constituting the wireless LAN or an information processing device that manages (controls) the wireless LAN monitors packets transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10, and when a corresponding packet is detected, the line identifier is transmitted to the communication device 20.

[0060] The line identifier in the modified example is information indicating whether the packet has passed through the first route, the second route, or the third route described in the embodiment, and no conversion is performed using a conversion table in the communication device 20.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the second operation example, in which step S02A is provided instead of steps S02 and S03 shown in Fig. 5. In step S01 of Fig. 6, the communication device 20 (controller 30 thereof) acquires a CDR including a line identifier. However, the CDR and the line identifier may be acquired separately.

[0062] In step S02A, the communication device 20 (controller 30 thereof) refers to the value of the line identifier and identifies (identifies) whether the route taken by the packet is the first route, the second route, or the third route. Steps from step S04 onwards are the same as those in FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] In a modified example, a line identifier indicating whether the line taken by the packet is the first line, the second line, or the third line is transmitted from a communication device on the line taken by the packet or a management device (control device) of the communication device to communication device 20. This makes it possible to identify the line of the packet. A line identifier indicating that the line taken by the packet is the first line is an example of first information, a line identifier indicating that the line taken by the packet is the second line is an example of second information, and a line identifier indicating that the line taken by the packet is the third line is an example of third information.

[0064] The processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradictions arise. Furthermore, processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration for implementing each function can be flexibly changed. The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus, or via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Internet, 3 Cellular network, 10 In-vehicle device, 20 Communication device, 15 Wired LAN, 21 Gateway, 22 Authentication unit, 23 Routing unit, 24 Accounting unit, 25 Control unit, 26 Memory unit, 30, 120 Control unit

Claims

1. A communication device capable of receiving a packet from a source device via one of a first route for which a service provider providing a service to a user bears a usage fee and a second route for which the user bears a usage fee, When the packet is received via the first route, acquiring information indicating the use of the first route and log information related to the transmission of the packet; acquiring the log information when the packet is received via the second route; Identifying whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the second route depending on whether the information is acquired together with the log information; Identifying whether the packet is related to the service provider or the user based on header information added to the packet; a control unit that generates information indicating an incentive to be given to the user by the service provider when the packet is a packet related to the service provider received via the second route; A communication device comprising:

2. the communication device is capable of receiving packets from the transmission source device via a third path, the usage fee of which is borne by a third party different from the service provider and the user; The control unit When the information is acquired together with the log information, determining that the route taken by the packet is the first route or the third route, and identifying whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the third route based on the information; Identifying whether the packet is related to the service provider, the user, or the third party based on header information of the packet; generating information indicating an incentive to be given by the service provider to the third party when the packet is a packet related to the service provider received via the third route; The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates information indicating an incentive according to a data amount of the packet.

4. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies whether the packet is for the service provider or the user based on a port number included in header information of the packet.

5. The control unit identifies whether the packet is related to the service provider, the user, or the third party based on a port number included in header information of the packet. The communication device according to claim 2 .

6. A communication device capable of receiving a packet from a source device via one of a first route for which a service provider providing a service to a user bears a usage fee and a second route for which the user bears a usage fee, When the packet is received via the first route, acquiring first information indicating use of the first route and log information related to transmission of the packet; When the packet is received via the second route, acquiring second information indicating the use of the second route and the log information; Identifying whether the route taken by the packet is the first route or the second route depending on whether the first information or the second information is acquired; Identifying whether the packet is related to the service provider or the user based on header information added to the packet; a control unit that generates information indicating an incentive to be given to the user by the service provider when the packet is a packet related to the service provider received via the second route; A communication device comprising:

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