Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

This will enable users to smoothly start using the slice network. [Solution] The information processing device 1 has a determination unit 135 that determines whether the application conditions, which are conditions for applying the specified slice network associated with the ticket, which is a specified slice network obtained by virtually dividing the communication network, are met for communication of the wireless terminal 2 used by the user, and include an application unit 133 that, when the determination unit 135 determines that the application conditions are met, applies the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known that users can use slice networks, which are networks that virtually divide a communication network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that applies a slice network to a user's wireless terminal in response to the user's application to use the slice network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7358665 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Slice networks are expected to be used in areas with poor communication environments, such as event venues. When a user attempts to use a slice network for communication with their wireless terminal, if the communication environment in the area where the user is located is poor, a problem occurs in that it takes a long time for communication to start using the slice network.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of these points and aims to enable users to smoothly start using slice networks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention has a determination unit that determines whether application conditions are met, which are conditions for applying a predetermined slice network associated with a ticket, which is a predetermined slice network obtained by virtually dividing a communication network, to communications of a wireless terminal used by a user, and which include an application being executed on the wireless terminal for applying the predetermined slice network, and an application unit that, when the determination unit determines that the application conditions are met, applies the predetermined slice network to communications of the wireless terminal before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed.

[0007] The application unit may apply the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal before the use of the ticket is confirmed, and then cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the use of the ticket is not confirmed within a specified time.

[0008] The ticket is associated with the validity period of the specified slice network, and if the specified slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal before the use of the ticket is confirmed, the validity period may not be consumed from the time the application of the specified slice network begins until the use of the ticket is confirmed, or from the time the application of the specified slice network begins until the specified time has passed without the use of the ticket being confirmed.

[0009] The application conditions may include that the screen displayed on the wireless terminal has transitioned to a specified screen for applying the specified slice network. The application conditions may include displaying a reception screen as the specified screen for accepting a request to purchase the ticket to be applied to the specified slice network, and accepting the request to purchase the ticket on the reception screen.

[0010] The application unit may accept the purchase request from the wireless terminal, apply the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and if the purchase of the ticket is completed within a specified time, maintain the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and may cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the purchase of the ticket is not completed within the specified time.

[0011] The ticket is associated with the right to apply the specified slice network to the wireless terminal's communications for a specified period of time, and the application unit may accept the purchase request from the wireless terminal, apply the specified slice network to the wireless terminal's communications, and then start timing the specified period when the ticket purchase is completed within the specified time.

[0012] The application conditions may include displaying a reception screen as the specified screen for accepting the selection of a ticket to be applied to the specified slice network, and accepting the selection of the ticket on the reception screen.

[0013] The application conditions may include displaying a reception screen as the specified screen for accepting a request to measure the throughput when the specified slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal, and accepting the measurement request on the reception screen.

[0014] The application unit may apply the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal before the use of the ticket is confirmed, and then cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal when the wireless terminal transitions to another specified screen different from the specified screen before the use of the ticket is confirmed.

[0015] The application conditions include displaying a purchase acceptance screen as the specified screen to accept a request to purchase a ticket to apply the specified slice network, and accepting the ticket purchase request on the purchase acceptance screen, or displaying a measurement acceptance screen as the specified screen to accept a request to measure the throughput when the specified slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal, and accepting the measurement request on the measurement acceptance screen, and the application unit may cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the ticket purchase is not completed within a first hour after accepting the purchase request from the wireless terminal and applying the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and may cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the ticket purchase is not completed within a second hour, different from the first time, after accepting the measurement request from the wireless terminal and applying the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal.

[0016] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: executing a computer to determine whether application conditions are met for applying a predetermined slice network associated with a ticket, the predetermined slice network being a virtually divided communication network, to communications of a wireless terminal used by a user; and, if it is determined that the application conditions are met, applying the predetermined slice network to communications of the wireless terminal before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it has the effect of allowing users to smoothly start using a slice network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection receiving screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a purchase reception screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of improvement effect information displayed on a purchase acceptance screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in an information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] [Overview of information processing device 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is a computer that virtually divides a communication network and applies a predetermined slice network, in which a predetermined communication quality is guaranteed, to communication between a wireless terminal 2.

[0020] The communication network is, for example, a communication network provided in a 5G (5th Generation) SA (Stand Alone) area. The 5G SA area is, for example, an area where wireless communication is performed between communication equipment dedicated to 5G communication and a 5G base station. The communication network also includes not only a wireless communication network but also a wired core network. The specified slice network includes, for example, a slice network in which a specified bandwidth is guaranteed, and a slice network in which communication is prioritized over best-effort communication.

[0021] The information processing device 1 can apply a predetermined slice network to the communication of a wireless terminal that uses a communication network provided in a 5G SA area by controlling the allocation of resource blocks allocated to the communication of the wireless terminal.

[0022] In this embodiment, a user can apply a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 used by the user by purchasing a ticket for using the specified slice network or by using the ticket that the user already owns. Hereinafter, a ticket for using a specified slice network will also be simply referred to as a ticket. Note that before the specified slice network is applied, a predetermined default slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0023] The information processing device 1 is communicably connected to a wireless terminal 2, such as a smartphone, which is a user terminal used by a user. When the information processing device 1 determines that the application conditions for applying the predetermined slice network, including the execution of a predetermined application for applying the predetermined slice network, are satisfied in the wireless terminal 2, the information processing device 1 applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the use of the ticket is confirmed.

[0024] Here, the predetermined application is, for example, a dedicated application for applying the predetermined slice network that is pre-installed on the wireless terminal 2 and provided by a telecommunications carrier that provides the predetermined slice network, or a third-party app that is provided by a carrier that is affiliated or linked with the telecommunications carrier.In addition, if the telecommunications carrier that provides the predetermined slice network provides a web application, the predetermined application may be a browser that is pre-installed on the wireless terminal 2.

[0025] The application condition is, for example, that a ticket purchase request is accepted on a reception screen that accepts ticket purchase requests. For example, first, the information processing device 1 causes the wireless terminal 2, on which a predetermined application is running, to display a reception screen that accepts ticket purchases or ticket usage ((1) in FIG. 1).

[0026] When the information processing device 1 receives a ticket purchase request or a ticket usage request on the reception screen ((2) in FIG. 1), it determines that the conditions for applying a predetermined slice network are met. Then, the information processing device 1 provisionally applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 ((3) in FIG. 1).

[0027] Here, provisional application refers to applying a specified slice network to the communication of wireless terminal 2 without consuming a ticket before the use of the ticket is confirmed. In contrast, after the use of the ticket is confirmed, consuming a ticket to maintain the application of the specified slice network to the communication of wireless terminal 2, or consuming a ticket to start applying the specified slice network to the communication of wireless terminal 2, is called permanent application of the specified slice network.

[0028] The information processing device 1 causes the wireless terminal 2, on which a predetermined application is running, to display a confirmation screen for accepting the confirmation of the ticket purchase ((4) in FIG. 1). When the information processing device 1 receives a confirmation request for confirming the ticket purchase from the wireless terminal 2 ((5) in FIG. 1), it applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 ((6) in FIG. 1).

[0029] In this way, since the specified slice network is already applied to the communication of wireless terminal 2 at the time the user confirms the purchase of the ticket, the user can start using the specified slice network more smoothly than if the user were to start applying the specified slice network at the time the user confirms the purchase of the ticket.

[0030] [Functional configuration of information processing device 1] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0031] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device such as the wireless terminal 2 or a communication device that manages a communication network. The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores various types of data, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 12 stores a program executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 stores a program that causes the control unit 13 to function as a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, an application unit 133, an output unit 134, and a determination unit 135.

[0032] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 executes a program stored in the storage unit 12, thereby functioning as a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, an application unit 133, an output unit 134, and a determination unit 135.

[0033] The reception unit 131 receives requests to purchase tickets for using a specified slice network and requests to use tickets owned by a user. First, the reception unit 131 acquires a display request for a ticket selection reception screen from a wireless terminal 2 on which a specified application for applying the specified slice network is running. 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 for identifying the user of the wireless terminal 2.

[0034] When the reception unit 131 receives a display request for the selection reception screen, the reception unit 131 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. Note that the display request for the selection reception screen may include a cell ID of a cell covered by a base station of the communication network to which the wireless terminal 2 is connected. Then, the reception unit 131 may identify the communication network corresponding to the cell ID.

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

[0036] Here, the reception unit 131 displays on the wireless terminal 2 a selection reception screen that accepts the user's selection of a ticket to purchase or use from tickets associated with a specified slice network corresponding to the identified communication network, but this is not limited to this. The reception unit 131 may also identify, based on the user ID, the rate plan to which the user subscribes from among multiple rate plans for use of the communication network provided by the telecommunications carrier that provides the specified slice network. Then, the wireless terminal 2 may display a selection reception screen that accepts the selection of a ticket corresponding to the identified rate plan.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a selection acceptance screen. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that a selection acceptance screen is displayed that accepts the purchase of one of two tickets. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that a purchase procedure button for proceeding with the ticket purchase procedure is displayed for each of the two tickets. Here, the ticket is associated with the right to apply a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal for a specified period (validity period), and in the example shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that for each of the two tickets, purchasing a ticket applies a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal for 30 minutes.

[0038] When the purchase procedure button is pressed, the reception unit 131 receives the selection of the ticket corresponding to the pressed purchase procedure button. Then, the reception unit 131 transmits a purchase reception screen for receiving the purchase of the selected ticket to the wireless terminal 2, and causes the wireless terminal 2 to display the purchase reception screen.

[0039] Note that, while the selection acceptance screen in Figure 3 shows tickets that the user can purchase, it is not limited to this, and may also display one or more tickets held by the user that are associated with a specific slice network applicable to the communication of wireless terminal 2, and a ticket selection button for accepting the selection of the ticket. When a ticket selection button is pressed, the acceptance unit 131 accepts the selection of the ticket corresponding to the pressed ticket selection button. The acceptance unit 131 may then transmit a usage acceptance screen for accepting the usage of the selected ticket to the wireless terminal 2, and cause the wireless terminal 2 to display the usage acceptance screen.

[0040] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase acceptance screen. As shown in Fig. 4, the purchase acceptance screen displays information about the selected ticket, a measurement button for accepting a request to measure the throughput before and after applying (provisionally applying) a predetermined slice network corresponding to the ticket to communication between wireless terminal 2, and a purchase request button for accepting a request to purchase the ticket.

[0041] In Figure 4, it has been explained that the purchase reception screen displays a measurement button and a payment request button, but the usage reception screen that accepts the use of tickets held by the user will display a measurement button that accepts a request to measure throughput and a usage request button that accepts a request to use a ticket selected by the user from the tickets held by the user.

[0042] The reception unit 131 receives a measurement request when the measurement button is pressed on the purchase reception screen or the use reception screen. Here, when the purchase reception screen or the use reception screen is displayed, if a ticket has already been used and a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 (for example, when an additional ticket of the same type is purchased or used due to the expiration of the validity period of the ticket currently being used), the reception screen is controlled so that the measurement request is not accepted. For example, when the purchase reception screen or the use reception screen is displayed, the reception unit 131 determines whether a predetermined slice network corresponding to the selected ticket is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, and if it determines that the predetermined slice network is applied, transmits a purchase reception screen or a use reception screen configured so that the measurement button cannot be pressed to the wireless terminal 2. In this way, when a predetermined slice network has already been applied to the wireless terminal 2 due to the ticket being used and throughput measurement is unnecessary, the information processing device 1 can prevent the measurement from being performed.

[0043] Furthermore, when a purchase request button is pressed on the purchase reception screen, the reception unit 131 receives a purchase request. Then, the reception unit 131 displays a payment screen on the wireless terminal 2 as a confirmation screen for confirming the use of the ticket, and receives a payment confirmation request for confirming the payment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the payment screen. In Fig. 5, it can be seen that the ticket selected by the user, the ticket price, the number of tickets the user wishes to purchase, the total amount, an input field for a PIN number, and a payment confirmation button for accepting confirmation of the payment are displayed.

[0044] When the payment confirmation button is pressed on the payment screen, the reception unit 131 receives a payment confirmation request for the purchase of a ticket. This causes the payment process to be performed, and upon completion of the payment, the use of the ticket is confirmed, and the actual application of a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 begins. When a ticket owned by the user is used, a use confirmation screen that accepts a use confirmation request to confirm the use of the owned ticket is displayed on the wireless terminal 2 instead of the payment screen. Then, upon reception of the use confirmation request by the reception unit 131, the use of the ticket is confirmed, and the actual application of a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 begins.

[0045] Here, if a specific slice network is applied to the communication of wireless terminal 2 before the use of the ticket is confirmed, the validity period associated with the ticket will not be consumed from the time the application of the specific slice network begins until the use of the ticket is confirmed, or from the time the application of the specific slice network begins until a specific time has passed without the use of the ticket being confirmed. Also, for a specific slice network, timing of the validity period begins when the use of the ticket is confirmed, and the validity period is consumed. This prevents the validity period associated with the ticket from being consumed unintentionally by the user before the user confirms the purchase of the ticket.

[0046] When the reception unit 131 receives a throughput measurement request on the purchase reception screen or the usage reception screen, the acquisition unit 132 acquires a first measurement result, which is a measurement result of the pre-application throughput, which is the throughput of the wireless terminal 2 before applying a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, and a second measurement result, which is a measurement result of the post-application throughput, which is the throughput of the wireless terminal 2 after applying a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed.

[0047] Specifically, first, when the receiving unit 131 receives a measurement request, the acquiring unit 132 causes the wireless terminal 2 to measure the throughput, and acquires the result of the measurement from the wireless terminal 2 as a first measurement result indicating the measurement result of the throughput before application.

[0048] When the acquisition unit 132 acquires the first measurement result, the determination unit 135 (described later) determines that the application condition, which is the condition for applying a predetermined slice network, is satisfied. As a result, the application unit 133 provisionally applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0049] For example, the application unit 133 identifies resources available in a predetermined slice network and determines, based on the identified resources, whether the predetermined slice network is applicable to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. When the application unit 133 determines that the predetermined slice network is applicable, it applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0050] For example, the reception unit 131 acquires a user ID for identifying the user of the wireless terminal 2 in advance, and the application unit 133 provisionally applies the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 by instructing the communication control device that provides the slice network to apply the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 corresponding to the user ID of the user of the wireless terminal 2.

[0051] The acquiring unit 132 acquires a second measurement result when the applying unit 133 applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. For example, after the applying unit 133 provisionally applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, the acquiring unit 132 causes the wireless terminal 2 to measure the throughput, and acquires the result of the measurement from the wireless terminal 2 as a second measurement result indicating the measurement result of the throughput after application.

[0052] The output unit 134 outputs improvement effect information to the wireless terminal 2, which is information indicating whether applying a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 has the effect of improving the quality of the communication, based on the relationship between the pre-application throughput indicated by the first measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the post-application throughput indicated by the second measurement result, and the target throughput, which is the targeted throughput for the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0053] For example, when the throughput before application is less than the target throughput and the throughput after application is equal to or greater than the target throughput, the output unit 134 outputs improvement effect information to the wireless terminal 2 indicating that applying a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 is effective in improving the communication quality of the wireless terminal 2.

[0054] For example, the output unit 134 outputs improvement effect information indicating whether applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 has the effect of improving the quality of the communication to the purchase acceptance screen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of improvement effect information displayed on the purchase acceptance screen. The improvement effect information is, for example, a combination of a symbol such as "◯" indicating that there is an improvement effect or "×" indicating that there is no improvement effect, and a message indicating whether there is an improvement effect. In the example shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the symbol "◯" indicating that there is an improvement effect and a message indicating that the quality of the communication of the wireless terminal 2 will improve by purchasing a ticket are displayed on the purchase acceptance screen.

[0055] The judgment unit 135 judges whether the application conditions, which are conditions for applying a predetermined slice network associated with a ticket, which is a predetermined slice network obtained by virtually dividing a communication network, are satisfied for communication between the wireless terminal 2 used by the user, and include the execution of a predetermined application in the wireless terminal 2 for applying the predetermined slice network.

[0056] The application conditions for applying a specified slice network include, in addition to a specified application being executed on the wireless terminal 2, the screen displayed on the wireless terminal 2 transitioning to a purchase reception screen that accepts a request to purchase a ticket, or a usage reception screen that accepts a request to use a ticket owned by the user, as a specified screen for accepting the application of the specified slice network, or receiving a throughput measurement request from the wireless terminal 2 as described above.

[0057] In addition, the application conditions for applying a specified slice network may include accepting a ticket purchase request on a purchase reception screen as a specified screen, and accepting a ticket use request on a use reception screen.

[0058] As a result, the determination unit 135 determines that the application conditions for applying the specified slice network are met when a specified application for applying the specified slice network is being executed in the wireless terminal 2 and the reception unit 131 receives a ticket purchase request on the purchase reception screen or a ticket usage request on the usage reception screen. In this way, when a user makes a ticket purchase request or usage request and is highly likely to use the specified slice network, the information processing device 1 can apply the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 in advance before the use of the specified slice network is confirmed.

[0059] The application conditions include, but are not limited to, displaying a purchase acceptance screen that accepts a ticket purchase request as a predetermined screen and accepting the ticket purchase request on the purchase acceptance screen. For example, the application conditions may include displaying a selection acceptance screen that accepts the selection of a ticket to be applied to a predetermined slice network as a predetermined screen and accepting the selection of the ticket on the selection acceptance screen instead of accepting a ticket purchase request or a ticket usage request.

[0060] By doing this, when a user is likely to use a specified slice network, similar to when making a ticket purchase or usage request, the information processing device 1 can apply the specified slice network to communication of the wireless terminal 2 in advance before the use of the specified slice network is confirmed.

[0061] When the determination unit 135 determines that the application conditions for applying a predetermined slice network are satisfied, the application unit 133 applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed. Specifically, when the determination unit 135 determines that the application conditions for applying a predetermined slice network are satisfied, the application unit 133 provisionally applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 as described above.

[0062] The application unit 133 receives a throughput measurement request, purchase request, or usage request from the wireless terminal 2, and provisionally applies a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the ticket usage is confirmed, and when the ticket purchase or usage is confirmed within a specified time, the application unit 133 maintains the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 and starts timing the application time of the specified slice network, thereby starting the actual application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0063] On the other hand, if the ticket purchase is not completed within a predetermined time and the ticket usage is not confirmed after provisionally applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the ticket usage is confirmed, the application unit 133 cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. Similarly, if the ticket usage is not confirmed and a ticket usage confirmation request is not made within a predetermined time and the ticket usage is not confirmed after provisionally applying a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the ticket usage is confirmed, the application unit 133 cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0064] In addition, the application unit 133 may provisionally apply a specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the use of the ticket is confirmed, and then cancel the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 when the wireless terminal 2 transitions to another specified screen different from the specified screen before the use of the ticket is confirmed.

[0065] Here, the other predetermined screen is, for example, a screen different from the multiple screens defined as screens for applying a predetermined slice network. For example, when multiple screens are displayed on the wireless terminal 2, a connection is maintained between the wireless terminal 2 and the information processing device 1, and when the application unit 133 determines that the connection has been disconnected while the predetermined slice network is temporarily applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, it cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0066] By doing this, the information processing device 1 can prevent a specified slice network from being provisionally applied to a wireless terminal 2 for a long period of time when there is a high probability that the user is not requesting application of the specified slice network and is performing other tasks.

[0067] In the above description, the predetermined time is the time from when a predetermined slice network is applied to when the application of the predetermined slice network is cancelled. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the application unit 133 may cancel the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 if the ticket purchase is not completed within a first hour after receiving a ticket purchase request from the wireless terminal 2 and applying the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, or may cancel the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 if the ticket purchase is not completed within a second hour, which is different from the first time, after receiving a throughput measurement request from the wireless terminal 2 and applying the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. In this case, the second time may be longer than the first time.

[0068] By doing this, when a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 upon receiving a throughput measurement request from the wireless terminal 2, it takes longer for the predetermined slice network to be released than when a predetermined slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 upon receiving a purchase request. By doing this, the information processing device 1 can prevent the user from taking time to check and consider the throughput measurement results, and the application of the predetermined slice network being released while the ticket purchase is in progress.

[0069] [Operation flow] Next, the processing flow in the information processing device 1 will be explained. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the information processing device 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 explains the processing flow when the information processing device 1 accepts a ticket purchase request or usage request and applies a specified slice network. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 7 starts in response to the information processing device 1 receiving a request to display a selection acceptance screen from the wireless terminal 2.

[0070] First, the reception unit 131 transmits a selection reception screen to the wireless terminal 2 in response to receiving a request to display the selection reception screen from the wireless terminal 2 (S1). Next, the reception unit 131 determines whether or not a ticket selection has been accepted on the selection acceptance screen (S2). If the reception unit 131 determines that a ticket selection has been accepted (YES in S2), it proceeds to S3, and if it determines that a ticket selection has not been accepted (NO in S2), it executes S2 again.

[0071] In S3, the reception unit 131 transmits a purchase reception screen or a use reception screen corresponding to the selected ticket to the wireless terminal 2. Specifically, if a ticket that is on sale is selected, the reception unit 131 transmits a purchase reception screen for that ticket to the wireless terminal 2, and if a ticket that the user owns is selected, the reception unit 131 transmits a use reception screen for that ticket.

[0072] Next, the reception unit 131 determines whether a ticket purchase request has been received on the purchase reception screen or a ticket usage request has been received on the usage reception screen (S4). If the reception unit 131 determines that a ticket purchase request or usage request has been received (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S5. If the reception unit 131 determines that neither a ticket purchase request nor a ticket usage request has been received (NO in S4), the process re-executes S4.

[0073] If the result of S4 is YES, the determination unit 135 determines that the application condition for applying the predetermined slice network associated with the ticket is satisfied. In this case, the application unit 133 provisionally applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 (S5).

[0074] Next, the reception unit 131 transmits a payment screen or a use confirmation screen to the wireless terminal 2 (S6). Specifically, when the reception unit 131 receives a ticket purchase request in S4, it performs payment for the ticket and transmits a payment screen for confirming the use of the ticket to the wireless terminal 2, and when the reception unit 131 receives a ticket use request in S4, it transmits a use confirmation screen for confirming the use of the ticket to the wireless terminal 2.

[0075] Next, the application unit 133 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of provisional application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 (S7). If the application unit 133 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of provisional application of the predetermined slice network (YES in S7), it proceeds to S8 and cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. If the application unit 133 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of provisional application of the predetermined slice network (NO in S7), it proceeds to S9.

[0076] Next, the application unit 133 determines whether the use of the ticket has been confirmed (S9). For example, if the reception unit 131 receives a payment request on the payment screen and completes the payment, or if the reception unit 131 receives a ticket use confirmation request on the use confirmation screen, the application unit 133 determines that the use of the ticket has been confirmed (YES in S9) and proceeds to S10. If the reception unit 131 has not received either a payment request or a use confirmation request (NO in S9), the application unit 133 proceeds to S7.

[0077] In S10, the application unit 133 permanently applies a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2. Specifically, if the predetermined slice network is provisionally applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, the application unit 133 switches the application state of the predetermined slice network from provisional application to permanent application. If the predetermined slice network is not provisionally applied to the communication of the wireless terminal 2, the application unit 133 permanently applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2.

[0078] [Variations] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a predetermined slice network is applied by applying a ticket. However, this is not limiting. Alternatively, a preferential communication service may be applied by applying a ticket. In this case, the preferential communication service may include communication control that prioritizes communication of a wireless terminal 2 using the preferential communication service over communication of a wireless terminal of a user not using the preferential communication 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, a 4G base station, and a 5G base station. Furthermore, when the preferential communication service is applied to a wireless terminal in a 5G SA area, the preferential communication service may include application of a predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal. The information processing device 1 controls the allocation of resource blocks allocated to communication of a wireless terminal using a communication network provided in a 5G SA area or a 5G NSA area, thereby allowing the wireless terminal to perform communication with priority over communication terminals not using the preferential communication service.

[0079] Then, the determination unit 135 determines whether application conditions, which are conditions for applying the preferential communication service associated with the ticket to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 used by the user, are satisfied, including the application conditions including the fact that an application for receiving the preferential communication service is being executed on the wireless terminal 2. The application conditions may be the same as the application conditions of the predetermined slice network described above. Then, when the determination unit 135 determines that the application conditions are satisfied, the application unit 133 applies the preferential communication service to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed. In this way, the user of the wireless terminal 2 can smoothly start using the preferential communication service.

[0080] [Effects of information processing device 1] As described above, when the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment determines that the application conditions for applying a predetermined slice network to the wireless terminal 2, including that an application for applying the predetermined slice network is being executed, are satisfied, the information processing device 1 applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal 2 before the user's use of a ticket for applying the predetermined slice network is confirmed. In this way, the user of the wireless terminal 2 can smoothly start using the slice network.

[0081] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience."

[0082] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but 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 the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating 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 combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Information processing equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Reception 132 Acquisition Department 133 Application section 134 Output section 135 Judgment section 2. Wireless terminals

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines whether the application conditions are met, including a predetermined slice network obtained by virtually dividing a communication network for communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, the predetermined slice network being a condition for applying the predetermined slice network associated with a ticket for applying the predetermined slice network, and an application for applying the predetermined slice network being executed on the wireless terminal. an application unit that, when the determination unit determines that the application conditions are met, applies the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal without consuming the ticket before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed, cancels the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the use of the ticket is not confirmed within a specified time after applying the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and consumes the ticket to maintain the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the use of the ticket is confirmed within the specified time; An information processing device having the above.

2. The ticket is associated with a validity period for the given slice network, If the specified slice network is applied to the communication of the wireless terminal before the use of the ticket is confirmed, the validity period will not be consumed from the time the application of the specified slice network begins until the use of the ticket is confirmed, or from the time the application of the specified slice network begins until the specified time has elapsed without the use of the ticket being confirmed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The application conditions include that the screen displayed on the wireless terminal has transitioned to a predetermined screen for applying the predetermined slice network. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The application conditions include that a reception screen for accepting a ticket purchase request is displayed as the predetermined screen, and the ticket purchase request is accepted on the reception screen. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The application unit accepts the purchase request from the wireless terminal, applies the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and if the purchase of the ticket is completed within a predetermined time, consumes the ticket to maintain the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and if the purchase of the ticket is not completed within the predetermined time, cancels the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The ticket is associated with a right to apply the specified slice network to communication of the wireless terminal for a specified period of time, The application unit receives the purchase request from the wireless terminal, applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and starts timing the predetermined period at a timing when the purchase of the ticket is completed within the predetermined time. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The application conditions include that a reception screen for accepting the selection of the ticket is displayed as the predetermined screen, and the selection of the ticket is accepted on the reception screen. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

8. The application conditions include displaying a reception screen for receiving a request to measure throughput when the specified slice network is applied to communication of the wireless terminal as the specified screen, and receiving the measurement request on the reception screen. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

9. The application unit applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal before the use of the ticket is confirmed, and then, when the wireless terminal transitions to another predetermined screen different from the predetermined screen before the use of the ticket is confirmed, cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

10. The application conditions include: a purchase acceptance screen for accepting a ticket purchase request is displayed as the specified screen, and the ticket purchase request is accepted on the purchase acceptance screen; or a measurement acceptance screen for accepting a throughput measurement request when the specified slice network is applied to communication of the wireless terminal is displayed as the specified screen, and the measurement request is accepted on the measurement acceptance screen; The application unit receives the purchase request from the wireless terminal, applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the purchase of the ticket is not completed within a first hour; and receives the measurement request from the wireless terminal, applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and cancels the application of the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal if the purchase of the ticket is not completed within a second hour, different from the first time, after receiving the measurement request from the wireless terminal and applies the predetermined slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

11. The computer executes A step of determining whether an application condition is satisfied for communication of a wireless terminal used by a user, the application condition being a condition for provisionally applying a predetermined slice network that is a virtually divided communication network and is associated with a ticket for applying the predetermined slice network, the application condition including an application for applying the predetermined slice network being executed on the wireless terminal; When it is determined that the application conditions are met, applying the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal without consuming the ticket before the user's use of the ticket is confirmed, and if the use of the ticket is not confirmed within a specified time after applying the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, canceling the provisional application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal, and if the use of the ticket is confirmed within the specified time, consuming the ticket and maintaining the application of the specified slice network to the communication of the wireless terminal; An information processing method comprising:

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