Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To ensure that the purposes of preferential communication services and communication control do not contradict each other, the application of preferential communication services and communication control can be implemented accordingly. [Solution] The information processing device 1 includes an application unit 132 that applies a communication priority service to the communication of a wireless terminal 2 used by a user, which performs communication control that prioritizes said communication; a communication control unit 133 that, if the communication priority service is not applied to the wireless terminal 2, performs a first communication control that controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold, provided that the amount of data used by the wireless terminal 2 for communication using the communication network in a unit period exceeds the amount of data associated with the user's subscribed rate plan, and controls the communication speed of said communication to be below a second threshold, and if the communication priority service is applied to the wireless terminal 2, it performs the first communication control and controls the system not to perform the second communication control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been known to enable a user to use a slice network, which is a network obtained by virtually partitioning a communication network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that applies a slice network to a user's wireless terminal in response to the user's application for using the slice network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, as control over communication of a wireless terminal related to a communication network, in addition to first communication control for restricting the communication speed when communication exceeding a predetermined data volume defined in a fee plan is performed, second communication control for restricting the communication speed when communication exceeding a predetermined data volume is performed within a certain period is performed for the purpose of restricting excessive use of the communication network by a specific user.

[0005] On the other hand, since a communication preferential service including control of allocation of a slice network and resource blocks allows a user to preferentially use a communication network, it is required to apply, without contradiction, communication control for restricting the use of the user's communication network and the communication preferential service for allowing the user to preferentially use the communication network in correspondence with the purpose of communication control.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and aims to enable the application of preferential communication services and communication control to be implemented in a manner that does not contradict the objectives of preferential communication services and communication control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an application unit that applies a communication preference service to the communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, which performs communication control that prioritizes said communication; a first communication control that controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network by the wireless terminal to a first threshold or less, provided that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data of communication using the communication network by the wireless terminal in a unit period, exceeds the amount of data associated with the rate plan to which the user subscribes, when the application unit has not applied the communication preference service to the wireless terminal; and a second communication control that controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network by the wireless terminal to a second threshold or less, which is different from the first communication control; and when the application unit has applied the communication preference service to the wireless terminal, it executes the first communication control and controls the second communication control not to be executed.

[0008] The second communication control may be a communication control that limits the communication speed of the communication network in the wireless terminal to below the second threshold, on the condition that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data used for communication using the communication network by the wireless terminal in a predetermined period shorter than the unit period, exceeds a predetermined amount of data.

[0009] The communication control unit may, when the application unit applies the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal and the application conditions for the first communication control are met, control the communication speed of the communication network at the wireless terminal to be below the first threshold based on the first communication control, and when the application unit applies the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal and the application conditions for the second communication control are met, control the communication control unit not to perform the communication speed control based on the second communication control.

[0010] When the application unit starts applying the preferential communication service to the communication of the wireless terminal based on the first communication control, the communication control unit may maintain the control of the wireless terminal's communication speed to be below the first threshold, and when the application unit starts applying the preferential communication service to the communication of the wireless terminal based on the second communication control, the application unit may release the control of the wireless terminal's communication speed to be below the second threshold.

[0011] The information processing device may further include a reception unit that accepts the application of the communication preferential service to the communication of the wireless terminal on a reception screen that accepts the application of the communication preferential service to the communication of the wireless terminal, and displays a message on the reception screen prompting the user to add more data available in the unit period when the communication control unit controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal to be below the first threshold based on the first communication control.

[0012] The first threshold and the second threshold may be different values. The first threshold and the second threshold may be the same value.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing method which includes the steps of: applying a communication priority service to the communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, which is performed by a computer, and which performs communication control that prioritizes said communication; if the communication priority service is not applied to the wireless terminal, a first communication control which controls the communication speed of the communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal to a first threshold or less, provided that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data of the communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal during a unit period, exceeds the amount of data associated with the rate plan to which the user subscribes; and a second communication control which is different from the first communication control and controls the communication speed of the communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal to a second threshold or less, and if the communication priority service is applied to the wireless terminal, the first communication control is executed and the second communication control is not executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the application of preferential communication services and communication control can be implemented in a manner that does not contradict the objectives of preferential communication services and communication control. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the communication system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of usage status information for a given period. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of short-term usage information. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a selection screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a purchase confirmation screen. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a warning message displayed on the purchase confirmation screen. [Figure 9]It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to communication control in an information processing apparatus.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [Overview of Information Processing Apparatus 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of a communication system S. The communication system S has an information processing apparatus 1 and a wireless terminal 2, and is a network in which a communication network is virtually divided, and is a system for applying a predetermined slice network with a guaranteed predetermined communication quality to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0017] The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer for applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 and controlling the communication of the wireless terminal 2. The communication network is a communication network provided by a predetermined communication carrier, for example, a communication network provided in a 5G (5th Generation) SA (Stand Alone) area. In the following description, the communication network provided by a predetermined communication carrier is simply referred to as the communication network.

[0018] The 5G SA area is, for example, an area where wireless communication is performed by communication equipment dedicated to 5G communication and a 5G base station. In addition, the communication network includes not only a wireless communication network but also a wired core network. The predetermined slice network includes, for example, a slice network in which a predetermined bandwidth is guaranteed, and a slice network in which communication is performed preferentially compared to best-effort communication.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 1 can apply a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal by controlling the allocation of resource blocks allocated to the communication of the wireless terminal using the communication network provided in the 5G SA area.

[0020] In this embodiment, a user can have the communication of their wireless terminal 2 applied to a predetermined slice network by purchasing a ticket to use the predetermined slice network or by using a ticket they already possess. Hereinafter, the ticket to use the predetermined slice network will also be simply referred to as a ticket.

[0021] Information processing device 1 is connected to a wireless terminal 2, such as a smartphone, which is a user terminal used by a user, in a communication-enabled manner. When a user of wireless terminal 2 uses a ticket, information processing device 1 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of wireless terminal 2. Prior to applying the predetermined slice network, a predetermined default slice network is applied to the communication of wireless terminal 2.

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 controls whether or not to perform a first communication control and a second communication control, which control the communication of the communication network in the wireless terminal 2, based on whether or not a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0023] The first communication control is a communication control that controls the communication speed of the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold, on the condition that the amount of data used by the wireless terminal 2 for communication using the communication network during a unit period exceeds the amount of data associated with the user's subscribed rate plan. Alternatively, the first communication control may be a communication control that calculates the remaining data amount by subtracting the amount of data used from the amount of data corresponding to the unit period associated with the user's subscribed rate plan, and controls the communication speed of the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below the first threshold, on the condition that the remaining data amount is depleted. Furthermore, in the first communication control, the amount of data used may not include the amount of data used for communication related to browsing specific sites such as disaster bulletin boards or sites for purchasing additional data.

[0024] The second communication control is different from the first communication control. It controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal 2 to be below a second threshold, and is intended to restrict excessive use of the communication network by specific users.

[0025] For example, if the information processing device 1 does not apply a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, it performs a first communication control and a second communication control (Figure 1, (1)). Also, in response to receiving a ticket usage request from the wireless terminal 2, the information processing device 1 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 (Figure 1, (2) and (3)). Then, if the information processing device 1 has applied a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, it performs a first communication control and controls the device not to perform a second communication control (Figure 1, (4)).

[0026] Thus, when a predetermined slice network is applied to prioritize the use of the communication network for the user's wireless terminal 2, the information processing device 1 can apply the second communication control and the application of the predetermined slice network in a consistent manner with the purpose of these communication controls by not executing a second communication control that restricts the user's use of the communication network.

[0027] [Functional configuration of the information processing device 1] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0028] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for sending and receiving data with external devices such as the wireless terminal 2 and communication equipment that manages the communication network. The memory unit 12 is a storage medium for storing various types of data, and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and hard disks. The memory unit 12 stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The memory unit 12 also stores programs that cause the control unit 13 to function as a receiving unit 131, an application unit 132, and a communication control unit 133.

[0029] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores unit period usage information that associates the user ID of a user using a wireless terminal with the unit period usage amount, which is the amount of data used for communication via the communication network by the wireless terminal used by that user during a unit period. The unit period is a billing period set by a designated telecommunications carrier, for example, one month. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of unit period usage information. As shown in Figure 3, it can be confirmed that the user ID and the unit period usage amount are associated. Note that, as described above, when the first communication control is performed based on the remaining data amount, the unit period usage information may be information that associates the user ID with the remaining data amount in the unit period.

[0030] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores short-term usage information that associates the user ID of a user using a wireless terminal with the amount of short-term usage data, which is the amount of data used for communication on the communication network by the wireless terminal used by that user during a predetermined period shorter than a unit period. The predetermined period is a period set by a designated telecommunications carrier, for example, the period from the current time to 72 hours prior. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of short-term usage information. As shown in Figure 4, it can be confirmed that the user ID and the amount of short-term usage data are associated.

[0031] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 functions as a reception unit 131, an application unit 132, and a communication control unit 133 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0032] [Applying a specified slice network] The reception unit 131 and the application unit 132 work together to apply a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. First, the process by which the reception unit 131 and the application unit 132 apply a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 will be explained.

[0033] The reception unit 131 receives requests to purchase tickets for using a predetermined slice network and requests to use tickets owned by the user. First, the reception unit 131 receives a request from the wireless terminal 2 to display the ticket selection screen. The display request includes, for example, terminal location information indicating the location of the wireless terminal 2, measured by the wireless terminal 2, and a user ID to identify the user of the wireless terminal 2.

[0034] When the reception unit 131 receives a request to display the selection reception screen, it identifies the terminal location of the wireless terminal 2 based on the terminal location information included in the display request, and identifies the communication network provided at the terminal location as the communication network to which the wireless terminal 2 is connected. The request to display the selection reception screen may also include the cell ID of the cell covered by the base station of the communication network to which the wireless terminal 2 is connected. The reception unit 131 may then identify the communication network corresponding to that cell ID.

[0035] The reception unit 131 identifies one or more predetermined slice networks that correspond to the identified communication network and have available resources. Each of the one or more predetermined slice networks has a ticket associated with it. The reception unit 131 transmits a selection screen to the wireless terminal 2, which accepts the user's selection of a ticket to purchase or use from among the tickets associated with each of the one or more predetermined slice networks identified, and displays the selection screen on the wireless terminal 2.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of a selection screen. Figure 5 shows a selection screen where the user can choose from two tickets. In the example shown in Figure 5, a purchase button is displayed for each of the two tickets, allowing the user to proceed with the purchase. Each ticket is associated with the right to apply a specified slice network to the wireless terminal's communication for a predetermined period (validity period). In the example shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that purchasing each of the two tickets applies the specified slice network to the wireless terminal's communication for 30 minutes.

[0037] When the purchase procedure button is pressed, the reception unit 131 accepts the selection of the ticket corresponding to the pressed purchase procedure button. The reception unit 131 then transmits a purchase acceptance screen, which accepts the application of a predetermined slice network, to the wireless terminal 2, and displays the purchase acceptance screen on the wireless terminal 2.

[0038] In addition, while the selection screen in Figure 5 shows tickets that the user can purchase, it is not limited to these. The screen may also display one or more tickets held by the user that are associated with a predetermined slice network applicable to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, along with a ticket selection button for accepting the selection of such tickets. When a ticket selection button is pressed, the reception unit 131 accepts the selection of the ticket corresponding to the pressed ticket selection button. The reception unit 131 may also transmit a usage acceptance screen to the wireless terminal 2, which accepts the use of the selected ticket and serves as a reception screen for accepting the application of the predetermined slice network, and display this usage acceptance screen on the wireless terminal 2.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of a purchase acceptance screen. As shown in Figure 6, the purchase acceptance screen displays information about the selected ticket, a measurement button that accepts requests to measure the throughput before and after applying (temporarily applying) a predetermined slice network corresponding to the ticket to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, and a payment request button that accepts a purchase request for the ticket.

[0040] In Figure 6, we explained that the purchase acceptance screen shows a measurement button and a payment request button. However, the usage acceptance screen, which accepts the use of tickets held by the user, will display a measurement button that accepts a throughput measurement request and a usage request button that accepts a usage request for a ticket selected by the user from among the tickets held by the user.

[0041] The reception unit 131 accepts a measurement request when the measurement button is pressed on the purchase acceptance screen or the usage acceptance screen. The reception unit 131 also accepts a payment request when the payment request button is pressed on the purchase acceptance screen. The reception unit 131 then displays a payment screen on the wireless terminal 2 as a confirmation screen for confirming the use of the ticket, and accepts a payment confirmation request to confirm the payment. Figure 7 shows an example of a payment screen. In Figure 7, it can be seen that the ticket selected by the user, the unit price of the ticket, the number of tickets to be purchased by the user, the total amount, a PIN input field, and a payment confirmation button to accept confirmation of the payment.

[0042] When the payment confirmation button is pressed on the payment screen, the reception unit 131 receives a payment confirmation request for the ticket purchase. This initiates the payment process, and the ticket usage is confirmed upon completion of the payment. If the user is using a ticket they already own, instead of the payment screen, a usage confirmation screen is displayed on the wireless terminal 2, which accepts a usage confirmation request for the existing ticket. The reception unit 131 then confirms the ticket usage upon receiving the usage confirmation request.

[0043] The application unit 132 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 used by the user. For example, when the reception unit 131 receives a ticket purchase request or usage request, and the use of the ticket is confirmed, the application unit 132 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. When the application unit 132 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, it stores the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2 as the user ID of the user to whom the predetermined slice network is applied.

[0044] [First communication control and second communication control] The communication control unit 133 controls whether or not to execute a first communication control and a second communication control, which control the communication of the communication network in the wireless terminal 2, based on whether or not a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. The processing of the communication control unit 133 will be described below.

[0045] First, the first and second communication controls will be explained. The first communication control is a control that restricts the communication speed of a wireless terminal using the communication network to below a first threshold, on the condition that the amount of data used by the wireless terminal, which is the amount of data used for communication using the communication network in a unit period, exceeds the amount of data associated with the user's subscribed rate plan.

[0046] When the communication control unit 133 performs the first communication control on the wireless terminal 2, it identifies the rate plan corresponding to the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2. The communication control unit 133 also refers to the unit period usage information stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies the unit period usage amount associated with the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2. The communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold, provided that the unit period usage amount exceeds the upper limit of the data amount associated with the identified rate plan.

[0047] The second communication control differs from the first communication control in that it controls the communication speed of communications using the communication network at wireless terminals to be below a second threshold, and is intended to restrict excessive use of the communication network by specific users. Specifically, the second communication control is a communication control that limits the communication speed of the communication network at wireless terminals to be below a second threshold on the condition that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data used for communications using the communication network by wireless terminals in a predetermined period shorter than a unit period, exceeds a predetermined amount of data.

[0048] When the communication control unit 133 performs a second communication control on the wireless terminal 2, it refers to the short-term usage information stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies the amount of short-term usage data associated with the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2. The communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below a second threshold, provided that the amount of short-term usage data exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0049] Furthermore, while the second communication control is defined as a communication control aimed at restricting excessive use of the communication network by a specific user, it is not limited to this. The second communication control may, for example, be a communication control that limits the communication speed of the communication network on a user's wireless terminal to below a second threshold, provided that the user is subscribed to a relatively inexpensive rate plan among several rate plans offered by a designated telecommunications carrier.

[0050] Here, the first threshold used in the first communication control and the second threshold used in the second communication control are assumed to be different values, but are not limited to this; they may be the same value.

[0051] The communication control unit 133 executes a first communication control and a second communication control if the application unit 132 has not applied a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, and executes the first communication control and does not execute the second communication control if the application unit 132 has applied a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2.

[0052] For example, when the communication control unit 133 executes the first and second communication controls on the wireless terminal 2, it refers to the storage unit 12 and determines whether the user ID of the wireless terminal 2 is stored as the user ID of a user to whom a predetermined slice network is applied. If the communication control unit 133 determines that the user ID of the wireless terminal 2 is not stored as the user ID of a user to whom a predetermined slice network is applied, it executes the first and second communication controls. If the communication control unit 133 determines that the user ID of the wireless terminal 2 is stored as the user ID of a user to whom a predetermined slice network is applied, it executes the first communication control and controls the system not to execute the second communication control.

[0053] Here, when the application condition for the first communication control is met, the communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed of the communication network in the wireless terminal 2 to a first threshold or less based on the first communication control, when the application condition for the first communication control is met, when the application condition for the first communication control is met. Furthermore, when the communication control unit 133 is controlling the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to a first threshold or less based on the first communication control, and the application condition for the application condition for the communication of the wireless terminal 2 is met, the communication control unit 133 maintains the control of the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to a first threshold or less.

[0054] For example, the communication control unit 133 identifies the rate plan corresponding to the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2, regardless of whether the application unit 132 has applied a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal, and identifies the amount of data used per unit period associated with the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2 in the unit period usage status information stored in the storage unit 12. Then, the communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold, provided that the amount of data used per unit period exceeds the upper limit of the data amount associated with the identified rate plan.

[0055] On the other hand, when the application conditions for the second communication control are met while the application unit 132 is applying a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, the communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed control based on the second communication control so as not to be executed. Furthermore, when the application unit 132 starts applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 while the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 is being controlled to be below the second threshold based on the second communication control, the communication control unit 133 releases the control to keep the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 below the second threshold.

[0056] For example, when the application unit 132 applies a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, the communication control unit 133 does not refer to the short-term usage status information stored in the storage unit 12, thereby preventing the control of the communication speed based on the second communication control.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, even when the application unit 132 is applying a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, the communication control unit 133 performs the first communication control. Therefore, it is preferable to issue a warning when a user is attempting to apply a predetermined slice network using a ticket.

[0058] In response to this, the reception unit 131 may, when the communication control unit 133 controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold based on the first communication control, display a warning message on the purchase reception screen or the usage reception screen prompting the user to add more data for a unit period, and may also enable transitions from these screens to a screen for adding more data.

[0059] Furthermore, if the reception unit 131 controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold based on the first communication control by the communication control unit 133, it may prevent the user from pressing the payment request button on the purchase reception screen or the usage request button on the usage reception screen, thereby preventing the use of the ticket.

[0060] Figure 8 shows an example where a warning message is displayed on the purchase confirmation screen. As shown in Figure 8, the display of the warning message allows the user to understand that even if they purchase a ticket, there will be restrictions on communication on the wireless terminal 2.

[0061] [Operation Flow] Next, we will explain the processing flow related to communication control in the information processing device 1. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to communication control in the information processing device 1.

[0062] First, the communication control unit 133 determines whether a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 (S1). If the communication control unit 133 determines that the predetermined slice network is applied (YES in S1), it moves to S5; if it determines that the predetermined slice network is not applied (NO in S1), it moves to S2.

[0063] In steps S2 through S6, the communication control unit 133 performs a second communication control. Specifically, the communication control unit 133 refers to the short-term usage information stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies the amount of short-term usage data associated with the user ID of the wireless terminal 2 (S2).

[0064] Next, the communication control unit 133 determines whether the amount of data used for a short period exceeds a predetermined amount (S3). If the communication control unit 133 determines that the amount of data used for a short period exceeds a predetermined amount (YES in S3), it moves to S4 and controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to below a second threshold. If the communication control unit 133 determines that the amount of data used for a short period is below a predetermined amount (NO in S3), it moves to S5.

[0065] In S5, the communication control unit 133 determines whether it is performing the second communication control, that is, whether it is controlling the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to be below the second threshold. If the communication control unit 133 determines that it is performing the second communication control (YES in S5), it moves to S6 and cancels the execution of the second communication control. If the communication control unit 133 determines that it is not performing the second communication control (NO in S5), it moves to S7.

[0066] In steps S7 to S12, the communication control unit 133 performs the first communication control. Specifically, the communication control unit 133 identifies the user's rate plan for the wireless terminal 2 and determines the upper limit of the data volume corresponding to that rate plan (S7). Subsequently, the communication control unit 133 refers to the unit period usage information stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies the unit period data usage amount associated with the user ID of the wireless terminal 2 (S8).

[0067] Next, the communication control unit 133 determines whether the amount of data used per unit period exceeds a specified upper limit (S9). If the communication control unit 133 determines that the amount of data used per unit period exceeds the upper limit (YES in S9), it moves to S10 and controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to be below the first threshold. If the communication control unit 133 determines that the amount of data used per unit period is below the upper limit (NO in S9), it moves to S11.

[0068] In S11, the communication control unit 133 determines whether it is currently performing the first communication control, that is, whether it is controlling the communication speed of the wireless terminal 2 to be below the first threshold. If the communication control unit 133 determines that it is currently performing the first communication control (YES in S11), it proceeds to S12 and cancels the execution of the first communication control. If the communication control unit 133 determines that it is not performing the first communication control (NO in S11), it terminates the process related to this flowchart.

[0069] [Example 1] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the application unit 132 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 by applying a ticket, but it is not limited to this, and a communication preference service may also be applied by applying a ticket. In this case, the communication preference service may include communication control that prioritizes the communication of the wireless terminal 2 using the communication preference service over the communication of wireless terminals of users who are not using the communication preference service in a 5G SA area or a 5G NSA (Non-Stand Alone) area. A 5G NSA area is, for example, an area where wireless communication is performed using communication equipment dedicated to 4G (4th Generation) communication, 4G base stations, and 5G base stations. Also, when applying a communication preference service to a wireless terminal in a 5G SA area, the communication preference service may include applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal. The information processing device 1 can prioritize communication over communication terminals that are not using the communication preference service by controlling the allocation of resource blocks allocated to the communication of wireless terminals that use the communication network provided in a 5G SA area or a 5G NSA area.

[0070] Furthermore, the communication control unit 133 may execute the first communication control and the second communication control if the application unit 132 has not applied the communication preferential service to the wireless terminal 2, and execute the first communication control and not execute the second communication control if the application unit 132 has applied the communication preferential service to the wireless terminal 2. In this way, the user of the wireless terminal 2 can apply the communication preferential service and implement communication control in a manner that does not contradict the objectives of the communication preferential service and communication control.

[0071] [Differentiation 2] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the second communication control is set to control the communication speed of communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal 2 to a second threshold or less, on the condition that the amount of data used in a short period of time exceeds a predetermined amount of data. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The second communication control may also be set to control the communication speed of communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal 2 to a second threshold or less, on the condition that the amount of data used in a short period of time exceeds a predetermined amount of data and that the communication interval is mechanical, such as at regular intervals.

[0072] Furthermore, the second communication control may control the communication speed of communication using the communication network at the wireless terminal 2 to a second threshold or less when the amount of data used in a short period exceeds a predetermined amount of data, when it is determined that communication is performed over the first period and the device is connected to the communication network for a long period, or when it is determined that the device is continuously connected to the communication network over a second period that is shorter than the first period.

[0073] [Effects of Information Processing Device 1] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, when a predetermined slice network is not applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 used by the user, executes a first communication control that controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal 2 to be below a first threshold, provided that the amount of data used by the wireless terminal 2 for communication using the communication network in a unit period exceeds the amount of data associated with the user's subscribed rate plan, and a second communication control that controls the communication speed of said communication to be below a second threshold. When a predetermined slice network is applied to the wireless terminal 2, the information processing device 1 executes the first communication control and does not execute the second communication control. In this way, the information processing device 1 can apply the slice network and implement communication control in a manner that does not contradict the objectives of the slice network and communication control.

[0074] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0075] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Information Processing Device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Application section 133 Communication Control Unit 2 Wireless terminals

Claims

1. An application unit that applies a communication priority service to the communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, which performs communication control to prioritize said communication, If the application unit does not apply the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal, it performs a first communication control that controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal to a first threshold or less, provided that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal during a unit period, exceeds the amount of data associated with the rate plan to which the user is subscribed. It also performs a second communication control that is different from the first communication control and controls the communication speed of communication using the communication network on the wireless terminal to a second threshold or less. If the application unit does apply the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal, it performs the first communication control and controls the system not to perform the second communication control. An information processing device having

2. The second communication control is a communication control that limits the communication speed of the communication network in the wireless terminal to below the second threshold, on the condition that the amount of data used, which is the amount of data used for communication using the communication network by the wireless terminal in a predetermined period shorter than the unit period, exceeds a predetermined amount of data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. When the application unit applies the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal, the communication control unit controls the communication speed of the communication network in the wireless terminal to be below the first threshold based on the first communication control when the application conditions for the first communication control are met, and when the application unit applies the preferential communication service to the wireless terminal, the communication control unit controls the communication speed control based on the second communication control not to be performed when the application conditions for the second communication control are met. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When the application unit starts applying the preferential communication service to the communication of the wireless terminal based on the first communication control, the communication control unit maintains the control of the wireless terminal's communication speed to be below the first threshold, and when the application unit starts applying the preferential communication service to the communication of the wireless terminal based on the second communication control, the application unit releases the control of the wireless terminal's communication speed to be below the second threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The receiving screen for accepting the application of the communication preferential service to the communication of the wireless terminal accepts the application of the communication preferential service, and if the communication control unit controls the communication speed of the wireless terminal to be below the first threshold based on the first communication control, the receiving unit further includes a receiving unit that displays a message on the receiving screen prompting the user to add more data available for the unit period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first threshold and the second threshold are different values. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first threshold and the second threshold are the same value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A computer executes The steps include: applying a communication priority service to the communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, which performs communication control to prioritize said communication; If the preferential communication service is not applied to the wireless terminal, the system performs a first communication control that controls the communication speed of communications using the communication network on the wireless terminal to a first threshold or less, provided that the amount of data used by the wireless terminal, which is the amount of data used for communications using the communication network during a unit period, exceeds the amount of data associated with the user's subscribed rate plan; and a second communication control, which is different from the first communication control, controls the communication speed of communications using the communication network on the wireless terminal to a second threshold or less. If the preferential communication service is applied to the wireless terminal, the system performs the first communication control and controls the system not to perform the second communication control. An information processing method having

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