Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To ensure user communication convenience while mitigating traffic congestion. [Solution] The system includes a reception unit 231 that receives terminal identification information from the user's information terminal to identify the purchased terminal purchased by the user, a transmission control unit 233 that transmits an activation code to the information terminal, and a management unit 234 that, upon receiving a service start request corresponding to the activation code and user identification information for identifying the user from the purchased terminal that has received the activation code, assigns the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchased terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Mobile data communication contracts and terminal sales are often carried out together. For example, Patent Document 1 describes selling cellular model terminals for business operators, where the communication fees generated with the use of the communication line for mobile data communication for a certain period are included in the selling price.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When selling cellular model terminals for business operators by the method described in Patent Document 1, since the use of the terminal is limited to business use, it can be assumed that the possibility for users to use the communication capacity without limit is low, and the risk of traffic congestion is small. On the other hand, when selling the same cellular model terminals as personal terminals, there is a risk of traffic congestion due to a large number of users continuously performing high-capacity communication.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information terminal, and an information processing method that can ensure user communication convenience while suppressing traffic congestion when selling cellular model terminals in which communication fees generated with the use of the communication line are included in the selling price.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives terminal identification information from a user's information terminal to identify a purchased terminal purchased by the user; a transmission control unit that transmits an activation code to the information terminal; and a management unit that, upon receiving a service start request corresponding to the activation code and user identification information for identifying the user from the purchased terminal that has received the activation code, assigns to the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchased terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection.

[0007] The transmission control unit may, prior to transmitting the activation code to the information terminal, transmit a campaign code corresponding to the terminal identification information to the information terminal, and the receiving unit may transmit the activation code to the information terminal only if it receives the same campaign code from the information terminal.

[0008] The management unit may receive the service commencement request from the purchased terminal requesting the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the right to use the second wireless communication connection. The management unit may receive the service commencement request from the purchased terminal requesting the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the second wireless communication connection, as well as the user identification information, and store the received user identification information in the storage unit in association with the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the right to use the second wireless communication connection.

[0009] The information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of terminal identification information in association with a plurality of connection permission conditions for a first wireless communication connection, and an identification unit that identifies the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification information received by the reception unit, and the management unit may, if the identification unit identifies that the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection are limited to a predetermined communication capacity in a wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal, assign to the user the right to use the first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit, and the right to use the second wireless communication connection.

[0010] The management unit may allocate to the user the right to use the first wireless communication connection, which is available within a first predetermined period, up to the predetermined communication capacity using the purchased terminal. After the right to use the first wireless communication connection allocated to the user expires due to the expiration of the first predetermined period or because the communication capacity of the first wireless communication connection exceeds the predetermined communication capacity, the management unit may allow the user to use the right to use the second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal.

[0011] When the receiving unit receives request information from the management unit for additional usage rights for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal, the management unit may allocate to the user additional usage rights for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal that are available within the second predetermined period, and may prioritize allowing the user to use either the usage rights for the first wireless communication connection available for the remainder of the first predetermined period or the additional usage rights for wireless communication connections available within the second predetermined period.

[0012] The management unit may allow the user to use the first wireless communication connection in priority over the second wireless communication connection. The transmission control unit may transmit the activation code, which includes information indicating the connection destination for downloading connection information to activate the wireless communication connection by the purchased terminal, and the user identification information, to the information terminal.

[0013] An information terminal according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an operation receiving unit that receives user operations to input terminal identification information that identifies a purchased terminal purchased by the user; a transmission control unit that transmits the terminal identification information to an information processing device; and a receiving control unit that receives a campaign code from the information processing device after the transmission control unit has transmitted the terminal identification information, wherein the transmission control unit transmits the campaign code and user identification information for identifying the user to the information processing device, and the receiving control unit further includes a display control unit that receives an activation code from the information processing device after the transmission control unit has transmitted the campaign code and user identification information, and displays code information corresponding to the activation code on a display unit.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, comprising the steps of: receiving terminal identification information from a user's information terminal to identify a purchase terminal purchased by the user; transmitting an activation code to the information terminal; and, upon receiving a service start request corresponding to the activation code and user identification information for identifying the user from the purchase terminal that has received the activation code via the information terminal, assigning to the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchase terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchase terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the effect is to ensure user communication convenience while suppressing traffic congestion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This outlines the information processing system. [Figure 2] This outlines the information processing system. [Figure 3] This shows the configuration of the information terminal. [Figure 4] Shows the configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 5] Shows an example of the information received by the reception unit from the information terminal. [Figure 6] Shows how the reception unit receives the use right of an additional wireless communication connection. [Figure 7] Shows an example of the activation code transmitted by the transmission control unit. [Figure 8] Shows the processing procedure for allocating the use right of the wireless communication connection by the information processing device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [Overview of the Information Processing System] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an overview of the information processing system S. The information processing system S includes an information terminal 100, an information processing device 200, and a purchase terminal 300. The information terminal 100 communicates with the information processing device 200 via a network. The information terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone of a user who purchased the purchase terminal 300. In FIG. 1, an example where the information terminal 100 is a different device from the purchase terminal 300 is shown, but the information terminal 100 may be the same device as the purchase terminal 300.

[0018] The purchase terminal 300 is a personal computer purchased by the user. In the example of FIG. 1, the purchase terminal 300 is a notebook personal computer purchased by the same user as the user of the information terminal 100. The purchase terminal 300 is in a state where the eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) for connecting to the mobile network is not activated.

[0019] The information processing device 200 communicates with the information terminal 100 and the purchase terminal 300 via a network. The information processing device 200 is a server managed by a communications carrier that provides a service for connecting to the mobile network. The information processing device 200 assigns the use right of the wireless communication connection to the user.

[0020] The following describes the overall processing flow of the information processing system S. First, the information terminal 100 transmits a terminal ID (corresponding to terminal identification information) to the information processing device 200 to identify the purchased terminal 300 that the user has purchased (Figure 1 (1)). If the conditions described later are met, the information processing device 200 transmits code information containing an activation code corresponding to the received terminal ID to the information terminal 100 (Figure 1 (2)). The code information is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The activation code is information necessary for the purchased terminal 300 to download the eSIM. The information terminal 100 displays the received code information on its display unit.

[0021] The purchased terminal 300 reads the code information displayed by the information terminal 100 with its built-in camera (Figure 1, (3)), and downloads the eSIM from the information processing device 200 by accessing the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) contained in this code information (Figure 1, (4)). The purchased terminal 300 sends a service start request to the information processing device 200 requesting the start of a wireless communication connection corresponding to the activation code, and a user ID (corresponding to user identification information) to identify the user (Figure 1, (5)).

[0022] When the information processing device 200 receives a service commencement request and a user ID, it assigns the user the right to use a wireless communication connection. Figure 2 shows an example of the right to use a wireless communication connection. The purchased terminal 300 connects to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) service via a mobile network including the core network. The purchased terminal 300 connects to the internet from the ISP's service via an Internet Gateway (IGW) 400. The information processing device 200 assigns the user the right to use a wireless communication connection that utilizes the mobile network and the ISP's service.

[0023] For example, the information processing device 200 assigns to a user who has purchased a terminal 300 the right to use a first wireless communication connection using the terminal 300, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection. The right to use the first wireless communication connection is limited to a predetermined communication capacity and a predetermined data transmission capacity per unit time. The right to use the second wireless communication connection has a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection.

[0024] The information processing device 200, based on the user's request, allocates to the user the right to use an additional wireless communication connection, in addition to the right to use the first and second wireless communication connections. Figure 2 schematically shows the right to use the first wireless communication connection, the right to use the second wireless communication connection, and the right to use the additional wireless communication connection. In this way, the information processing device 200 sets an upper limit on the communication capacity available to the user who has purchased the terminal 300, and after this limit is exceeded, it permits the second wireless communication connection, which has a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection, thereby ensuring the user's communication convenience while suppressing traffic congestion.

[0025] [Configuration of information terminal 100] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the information terminal 100. The information terminal 100 comprises a touch panel 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15. The control unit 15 comprises an operation reception unit 151, a transmission control unit 152, a reception control unit 153, and a display control unit 154.

[0026] The touch panel 11 receives user input on the display surface of the display unit 13. The touch panel 11 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the received user input to the operation reception unit 151.

[0027] The communication unit 12 is a wireless communication module for communicating with the information processing device 200 via a network. The communication unit 12 inputs information received from the information processing device 200 to the receiving control unit 153. The communication unit 12 transmits information output by the transmission control unit 152 to the information processing device 200. The display unit 13 is a display for displaying various types of information. For example, the display unit 13 displays code information containing an activation code.

[0028] The memory unit 14 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 14 stores the program to be executed by the control unit 15. The control unit 15 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing the program stored in the memory unit 14, the control unit 15 functions as an operation reception unit 151, a transmission control unit 152, a reception control unit 153, and a display control unit 154.

[0029] The operation reception unit 151 receives user input via the touch panel 11. The operation reception unit 151 receives user input for the terminal ID that identifies the purchased terminal 300. The terminal ID is, for example, included with the purchased terminal 300. The operation reception unit 151 receives user input for the user ID. The user ID is the user's mobile phone number or email address. The operation reception unit 151 receives user input for the campaign code. The campaign code is a benefit granted to the user who purchased the purchased terminal 300. The campaign code is used to grant the right to use wireless communication connectivity with the purchased terminal 300.

[0030] The operation reception unit 151 receives an operation from a user to specify the right to use an additional wireless communication connection. The right to use an additional wireless communication connection may, for example, be to use a wireless communication connection with no upper limit on communication capacity and a period of one day during which the connection to the first wireless communication connection is permitted. The operation reception unit 151 outputs the received terminal identification information, user ID, and campaign code to the transmission control unit 152. The operation reception unit 151 also outputs information indicating the specified right to use an additional wireless communication connection to the transmission control unit 152.

[0031] The transmission control unit 152 transmits various information to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 21. The transmission control unit 152 transmits the terminal ID received by the operation reception unit 151. The transmission control unit 152 transmits the campaign code and user ID received by the operation reception unit 151. The transmission control unit 152 transmits request information requesting the right to use an additional wireless communication connection specified by the user.

[0032] The receiving control unit 153 receives various types of information from the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 21. The receiving control unit 153 receives the campaign code after the transmission control unit 152 has transmitted the terminal ID to the information processing device 200. The receiving control unit 153 receives the activation code after the transmission control unit 152 has transmitted the campaign code and user ID to the information processing device 200. For example, the receiving control unit 153 receives code information corresponding to the activation code. For example, the receiving control unit 153 receives code information in which the activation code is stored. The receiving control unit 153 outputs the received code information to the display control unit 154.

[0033] The display control unit 154 displays various images on the display unit 13. The display control unit 154 displays the campaign code received by the receiving control unit 153. The display control unit 154 displays the code information received by the receiving control unit 153.

[0034] [Configuration of the information processing device 200] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The control unit 23 comprises a receiving unit 231, a specification unit 232, a transmission control unit 233, and a management unit 234.

[0035] The communication unit 21 is an interface for communicating with the information terminal 100 and the purchased terminal 300. The storage unit 22 is a storage medium including ROM and RAM. The storage unit 22 stores the program to be executed by the control unit 23.

[0036] The memory unit 22 stores first connection condition data, which associates each of the multiple terminal IDs with the connection permission conditions for multiple first wireless communication connections. The terminal IDs are notified in advance by the business operator that sells the purchased terminal 300. Some or all of the connection permission conditions for multiple first wireless communication connections may be the same. For example, the connection permission condition for a first wireless communication connection is to limit the communication capacity in a wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal. The predetermined communication capacity is, for example, several hundred gigabytes. The connection permission condition for a first wireless communication connection may specify the upper limit of the communication capacity and the period for which the connection of the first wireless communication connection is permitted. The connection permission condition for a first wireless communication connection may specify the upper limit of the communication capacity, the period for which the connection of the first wireless communication connection is permitted, and a predetermined upper limit of the data transmission capacity per unit time.

[0037] The storage unit 22 stores second connection condition data, which associates a terminal ID with the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection. Some or all of the connection permission conditions for multiple second wireless communication connections may be the same. For example, the connection permission condition for the second wireless communication connection indicates that the data transmission capacity per unit time in a wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal is less than the standard capacity. The standard capacity is, for example, the upper limit of the data transmission capacity per unit time defined in the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection associated with the same terminal ID in the first connection condition data stored in the storage unit 22. The first connection condition data and the second connection condition data are referenced by the identification unit 232 to set the connection permission conditions for the wireless communication connection to be granted to the user as a benefit for purchasing the purchased terminal 300.

[0038] The memory unit 22 stores campaign data that associates the terminal ID, the campaign code, the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection, and the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection. The transmission control unit 233 refers to the campaign data in order to set the connection permission conditions for the wireless communication connection to be granted to the user of the information terminal 100 to which the campaign code is sent.

[0039] The storage unit 22 stores activation data that associates the user ID, activation code, campaign code, connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection, and connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection. In the activation data stored in the storage unit 22, the user ID may be further associated with additional connection permission conditions for wireless communication connections. The activation data is referenced by the management unit 234 to identify the connection conditions for the right to use the wireless communication connection to be assigned to the user.

[0040] The memory unit 22 stores connection management data that associates the user ID with the connection conditions for the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the connection permission conditions for the right to use the second wireless communication connection. In the connection management data stored in the memory unit 22, the user ID may also be further associated with connection conditions for additional rights to use wireless communication connections. The connection management data is referenced by the management unit 234 to determine whether or not to permit wireless communication connection by the purchased terminal 300.

[0041] The control unit 23 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 23 functions as a receiving unit 231, a specific unit 232, a transmission control unit 233, and a management unit 234 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 22.

[0042] [Receiving information from information terminal 100] The reception unit 231 communicates with the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 21. The reception unit 231 receives a terminal ID from the user's information terminal 100 that identifies the purchased terminal purchased by the user. The reception unit 231 receives a user ID from the information terminal 100. After the transmission control unit 233, which will be described later, sends a campaign code to the information terminal 100, the reception unit 231 receives the same campaign code from the information terminal 100 that was sent. The campaign code is intended to grant the user the right to use wireless communication connectivity via the purchased terminal 300 as a benefit for purchasing the purchased terminal 300.

[0043] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show examples of information received by the reception unit 231 from the information terminal 100. Figure 5(a) shows how the reception unit 231 receives a user ID. For example, the display screen in Figure 5(a) is displayed on the display unit 13 of the information terminal 100 by the display control unit 154 after the reception unit 231 has received the terminal ID. In the example in Figure 5(a), the reception unit 231 receives the email address "Z1Y2X3W4" as the user ID.

[0044] Figure 5(b) shows how the reception unit 231 receives a campaign code. For example, the display screen in Figure 5(b) is displayed by the display control unit 154 after the reception unit 231 receives the user ID in Figure 5(a), and after receiving the user's telephone number, name, date of birth, and address. The campaign code is transmitted to the information terminal 100 by the transmission control unit 233, which will be described later, and the user refers to the transmitted campaign code and enters it in the designated field. The reception unit 231 receives the campaign code entered in the field by the user. In the example in Figure 5(b), the reception unit 231 receives the campaign code "ABCD".

[0045] The reception unit 231 receives request information from the user requesting the right to use additional wireless communication connections. Figure 6 shows how the reception unit 231 receives a request for the right to use additional wireless communication connections. For example, the display screen in Figure 6 is shown after the reception unit 231 receives the campaign code. In the example in Figure 6, there are several buttons 501 to 503 for the user to specify the right to use additional wireless communication connections.

[0046] For example, button 501 is for the user to specify the right to use an additional wireless communication connection with no upper limit on communication capacity and a period of 1 day during which the connection to the first wireless communication connection is permitted. Button 502 is for the user to specify the right to use an additional wireless communication connection with a upper limit on communication capacity of 10GB and a period of 1 week during which the connection to the first wireless communication connection is permitted.

[0047] When button 502 is selected by the user, the reception unit 231 receives request information requesting the right to use an additional wireless communication connection, with a communication capacity limit of 10GB and a period of one week during which the connection to the first wireless communication connection is permitted. The reception unit 231 outputs the received terminal ID to the identification unit 232. The reception unit 231 outputs the received user ID and campaign code to the transmission control unit 233. The reception unit 231 outputs the received request information to the transmission control unit 233.

[0048] [Identifying connection permission conditions] The identification unit 232 refers to the first connection condition data stored in the storage unit 22 and identifies the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection associated with the terminal ID received by the reception unit 231 in the first connection condition data. For example, the identification unit 232 identifies that, as a connection permission condition for the first wireless communication connection, the communication capacity is limited to a predetermined limit in the wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal 300. The predetermined communication capacity is several hundred gigabytes. The identification unit 232 further identifies that, as a connection permission condition for the first wireless communication connection, the data transmission capacity per unit time in the wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal 300 is limited to a predetermined upper limit.

[0049] The identification unit 232 refers to the second connection condition data stored in the storage unit 22 and identifies the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection associated with the terminal ID received by the reception unit 231 in the second connection condition data. For example, the identification unit 232 identifies that the data transmission capacity per unit time for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal 300 is less than the standard capacity as a connection permission condition for the second wireless communication connection. The standard capacity is, for example, the upper limit of the data transmission capacity per unit time in the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection associated with the same terminal ID in the first connection condition data stored in the storage unit 22. The identification unit 232 outputs information indicating the identified connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection and the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection to the transmission control unit 233.

[0050] [Sending campaign code and activation code] The transmission control unit 233 communicates with the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 21. The transmission control unit 233 transmits an activation code to the information terminal 100. First, prior to transmitting the activation code to the information terminal 100, the transmission control unit 233 transmits a campaign code corresponding to the terminal ID to the information terminal 100. At this time, the transmission control unit 233 stores campaign data in the storage unit 22, which associates the terminal ID, the transmitted campaign code, the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection identified by the identification unit 232, and the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection identified by the identification unit 232.

[0051] The transmission control unit 233 transmits an activation code to the information terminal 100, provided that the receiving unit 231 receives the same campaign code as the one transmitted from the information terminal 100. The transmission control unit 233 transmits an activation code to the information terminal 100 that includes information indicating the connection destination for downloading connection information to activate the wireless communication connection by the purchased terminal 300, and the user ID. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 231 does not receive the same campaign code as the one transmitted from the information terminal 100, the transmission control unit 233 does not transmit an activation code to the information terminal 100.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of an activation code transmitted by the transmission control unit 233. For example, the display screen in Figure 7 is displayed by the display control unit 154 after the reception unit 231 has received the campaign code and before the display screen for selecting the right to use additional wireless communication connections in Figure 6 is displayed. In Figure 7, a QR code is displayed as code information. Below the QR code in Figure 7, the activation code "XXXXYYYY..." is displayed. In Figure 7, part of the activation code is omitted. This activation code includes information indicating the URL to which connection information for downloading connection information to activate the wireless communication connection by the purchased terminal 300 is to be downloaded, and the user ID.

[0053] The activation code is information necessary for the purchased terminal 300 to begin downloading the eSIM. The transmission control unit 233 refers to the campaign data stored in the storage unit 22 to identify the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection and the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection associated with the campaign code received by the reception unit 231. The transmission control unit 233 stores activation data in the storage unit 22 that associates the user ID, the transmitted activation code, the campaign code received by the reception unit 231, the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection identified by the identification unit 232, and the identified connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection. If the reception unit 231 receives request information requesting the right to use an additional wireless communication connection, the transmission control unit 233 further associates the connection permission conditions for the additional wireless communication connection with the user ID in the activation data stored in the storage unit 22.

[0054] [Assignment of rights to use wireless communication connections] The management unit 234 communicates with the purchased terminal 300 via the communication unit 21. The management unit 234 receives a service activation request corresponding to the activation code from the purchased terminal 300, which has received the activation code. The service activation request requests the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the right to use the second wireless communication connection. The management unit 234 receives the user ID along with the service activation request.

[0055] When the management unit 234 receives a service start request and a user ID, it assigns the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchased terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection. For example, the management unit 234 refers to the activation data stored in the storage unit 22 to identify the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection associated with the received user ID and the connection permission conditions for the identified second wireless communication connection.

[0056] The management unit 234 assigns the right to use the first wireless communication connection to the user based on the connection permission conditions for the identified first wireless communication connection. For example, if the identification unit 232 identifies that the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection are limited to a predetermined communication capacity when using the purchased terminal 300, the management unit 234 assigns the right to use the first wireless communication connection, limited to the predetermined communication capacity, to the user. If the identification unit 232 identifies that the connection is limited to a predetermined communication capacity when using the purchased terminal 300 and is available within a predetermined period, the management unit 234 assigns the right to use the first wireless communication connection, limited to the predetermined communication capacity and available within a predetermined period, to the user.

[0057] The management unit 234 assigns the right to use the second wireless communication connection to the user based on the connection permission conditions for the identified second wireless communication connection. The management unit 234 stores connection management data in the storage unit 22, which associates the received user ID, the connection conditions for the right to use the first wireless communication connection to be assigned to the user, and the connection permission conditions for the right to use the second wireless communication connection to be assigned to the user.

[0058] When the receiving unit 231 receives request information requesting additional usage rights for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal 300, the management unit 234 assigns additional usage rights for wireless communication connections to the user. The additional usage rights for wireless communication connections are granted, for example, with the connection permission condition that they be available within a second predetermined period using the purchased terminal 300. In this case, the management unit 234 stores connection management data in the storage unit 22 that associates the received user ID with the connection conditions for the first wireless communication connection usage rights assigned to the user, the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection usage rights assigned to the user, and the connection permission conditions for the additional wireless communication connection usage rights.

[0059] [Manage wireless communication connections] The management unit 234 refers to the connection management data stored in the memory unit 22 and permits or prohibits wireless communication connections by the purchased terminal 300. The management unit 234 prioritizes the use of the first wireless communication connection over the use of the second wireless communication connection for the user. First, the management unit 234 permits wireless communication connections by the purchased terminal 300 within the scope of the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection assigned to the user of the purchased terminal 300.

[0060] When the management unit 234 has allocated to a user the right to use the first wireless communication connection, which is available within a first predetermined period and is limited to a predetermined communication capacity, it determines that the right to use the first wireless communication connection allocated to the user has expired when the first predetermined period has elapsed or when the communication capacity of the first wireless communication connection exceeds the predetermined communication capacity.

[0061] The management unit 234 allows the user to use the second wireless communication connection via the purchased terminal 300 after the user's right to use the first wireless communication connection assigned to the user has expired. In this case, the management unit 234 permits or prohibits wireless communication connection via the purchased terminal 300 within the scope of the connection permission conditions for the second wireless communication connection assigned to the user. In this way, the user can use the right to use the second wireless communication connection even after the right to use the first wireless communication connection has expired, and can use the right to use the second wireless communication connection to purchase additional wireless communication connection rights.

[0062] When the management unit 234 assigns a user (1) the right to use a first wireless communication connection, which is limited to a predetermined communication capacity and available within the first predetermined period, (2) the right to use a second wireless communication connection, and (3) an additional right to use a wireless communication connection using a purchased terminal 300, which is available within the second predetermined period, it prioritizes allowing the user to use either the right to use the first wireless communication connection, which is available for the remainder of the first predetermined period, or the additional right to use a wireless communication connection, which is available within the second predetermined period.

[0063] For example, the management unit 234 prioritizes allowing the user to use the right to use the wireless communication connection that is available for the shorter of the two periods: the right to use the first wireless communication connection that is available for the remainder of the first predetermined period, and the right to use the additional wireless communication connection that is available for the second predetermined period. In this way, the management unit 234 prioritizes allowing the user to use the right to use the wireless communication connection with the shorter remaining period, thereby preventing the user from exceeding the period during which they can use up their wireless communication connection rights.

[0064] [Processing procedure for assigning the right to use wireless communication connections by the information processing device 200] Figure 8 shows the processing procedure for assigning the right to use a wireless communication connection by the information processing device 200. This processing procedure starts, for example, when the information terminal 100 can communicate with the information processing device 200. First, the transmission control unit 152 of the information terminal 100 transmits a terminal ID to the information processing device 200 to identify the purchased terminal 300 (S101). The transmission control unit 233 of the information processing device 200 transmits a campaign code corresponding to the received terminal ID to the information terminal 100 (S102). If the operation reception unit 151 receives the same campaign code as the received campaign code, the transmission control unit 152 of the information terminal 100 transmits this campaign code, the user ID, and request information requesting the right to use an additional wireless communication connection specified by the user to the information processing device 200 (S103). The transmission control unit 233 of the information processing device 200 transmits code information containing the activation code to the information terminal 100 (S104).

[0065] The purchased terminal 300 accepts the activation code by reading the code information displayed on the display unit 13 of the information terminal 100 with its built-in camera (S105). The purchased terminal 300 starts downloading the eSIM from the information processing device 200 (S106). The purchased terminal 300 sends a service start request and user ID corresponding to the activation code to the information processing device 200 (S107). The management unit 234 assigns the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchased terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection (S108), and then terminates the process.

[0066] [Effects of information processing equipment] When selling a cellular model terminal in which communication fees incurred with the use of a communication line are included in the sales price, the information processing device 200 sets an upper limit on the communication capacity available to the user who purchased the terminal 300. After this upper limit is exceeded, it allows a second wireless communication connection with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time, thereby ensuring the user's communication convenience while suppressing traffic congestion.

[0067] 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."

[0068] 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]

[0069] 11 Touch panel 12 Communications Department 13 Display section 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 100 Information Terminals 151 Operation Reception Section 152 Transmission Control Unit 153 Receiving Control Unit 154 Display Control Unit 200 Information Processing Devices 231 Reception Department 232 Specific part 233 Transmission Control Unit 234 Management Department 300 purchased devices 400 Internet Gateways

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives terminal identification information from the user's information terminal to identify the purchased terminal purchased by the user, A transmission control unit that transmits an activation code to the aforementioned information terminal, A management unit, upon receiving a service commencement request corresponding to the activation code and user identification information for identifying the user from the purchased terminal that has received the activation code, assigns to the user the right to use a first wireless communication connection with a predetermined communication capacity limit using the purchased terminal, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The transmission control unit, Prior to transmitting the activation code to the information terminal, the transmission control unit transmits a campaign code corresponding to the terminal identification information to the information terminal. The reception unit transmits an activation code to the information terminal, provided that it receives the same campaign code as the campaign code from the information terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The management unit receives the service commencement request from the purchased terminal, which requests the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the right to use the second wireless communication connection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The management unit receives the service commencement request from the purchased terminal requesting the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the second wireless communication connection, and the user identification information, and stores the received user identification information in the storage unit in association with the right to use the first wireless communication connection and the right to use the second wireless communication connection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A storage unit that stores multiple terminal identification information and multiple connection permission conditions for first wireless communication connections in association with each of them, The system further comprises: an identification unit that identifies the connection permission conditions for the first wireless communication connection stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification information received by the reception unit, The management unit, when the identification unit has determined that the wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal should be limited to a predetermined communication capacity as a connection permission condition for the first wireless communication connection, assigns to the user the right to use the first wireless communication connection limited to the predetermined communication capacity, and the right to use the second wireless communication connection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The management unit allocates to the user the right to use the first wireless communication connection, which is available within a first predetermined period, up to the predetermined communication capacity using the purchased terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The management unit, after the right to use the first wireless communication connection assigned to the user has expired due to the expiration of a first predetermined period or the communication capacity of the first wireless communication connection exceeding the predetermined communication capacity, allows the user to use the right to use the second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. When the receiving unit receives request information from the management unit for additional usage rights for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal, the management unit allocates to the user additional usage rights for wireless communication connections using the purchased terminal that are available within the second predetermined period, and prioritizes allowing the user to use either the usage rights for the first wireless communication connection available for the remainder of the first predetermined period or the additional usage rights for wireless communication connections available within the second predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The management unit shall allow the user to use the first wireless communication connection in priority over the second wireless communication connection. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The transmission control unit transmits to the information terminal the activation code, which includes information indicating the connection destination for downloading connection information to enable wireless communication connection by the purchased terminal, and the user identification information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A computer executes The steps include receiving terminal identification information from the user's information terminal to identify the purchased terminal purchased by the user, The steps include sending an activation code to the aforementioned information terminal, Steps include: when the purchased terminal, which has received the activation code via the information terminal, receives a service start request corresponding to the activation code and user identification information for identifying the user, the user is assigned the right to use a first wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a predetermined communication capacity limit, and the right to use a second wireless communication connection using the purchased terminal with a smaller data transmission capacity per unit time than the first wireless communication connection; An information processing method having

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