Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

We aim to ensure that users are billed appropriately for their communication charges. [Solution] The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the activation status of the wired line in a router that can communicate with the network through the wired line and the second line; a setting unit that sets a first usage fee condition before the wired line is activated and a second usage fee condition after the wired line is activated for each user of the router; a calculation unit that calculates the communication fee based on the first usage fee condition when the activation status is before activation, and calculates the communication fee based on the second usage fee condition from a predetermined timing after the wired line is activated when the activation status is after activation; and a billing processing unit that performs billing processing for the communication fee to the user based on the calculation result of the communication fee.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for enabling the use of a plurality of communication lines and providing connection to a communication network has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a wired line and a wireless line are available, the priority of the wired line is made higher than that of the wireless line, and the communication line to be used is changed according to the priority.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, since it takes time for a wired line such as an optical line to be opened, it is conceivable to use a wireless line until the wired line is opened as a countermeasure. In this case, the user contracts two lines, a wired line and a wireless line, and pays the respective communication charges for the wired line and the wireless line according to the respective contracts. However, if the user does not appropriately cancel the contract for the wireless line when the wired line is opened, there is a possibility that unnecessary communication charges will occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to appropriately charge the user for communication charges.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the activation status of a wired line in a router capable of communicating with a network through a wired line and a second line different from the wired line; a setting unit that sets a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router; a calculation unit that calculates communication charges based on the first usage fee condition when the activation status is before activation, and calculates communication charges based on the second usage fee condition from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line when the activation status is after activation; and a billing processing unit that performs billing processing for communication charges to the user based on the calculation result of the communication charges by the calculation unit. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which voice data is communicated using the second line. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the acquisition unit further acquires usage start information indicating that the second line has become available, and the calculation unit calculates communication charges based on the usage start information according to the first usage fee conditions or the second usage fee conditions. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the start-of-use information is detection information for communication via the second line. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that further comprises a procedure unit for initiating a contract procedure for the wired line based on the usage commencement information. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the acquisition unit further acquires router location information indicating the installation location of the router specified by the wired line contract procedure and second line location information indicating the communication location of the second line, and the information processing device further comprises a control unit that stops communication of the second line when the communication location of the second line is more than a predetermined distance away from the installation location of the router. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which, in the above-described information processing device, the billing processing unit does not bill the user for communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions if the usage commencement information is not acquired. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the acquisition unit further acquires router location information indicating the installation location of the router specified by the wired line contract procedure and second line location information indicating the communication location via the second line, and the calculation unit calculates communication charges based on the distance between the communication location via the second line and the installation location of the router, according to predetermined third usage charge conditions. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the second line is a wireless line using a SIM, and the SIM is provided in the router. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the calculation unit calculates the usage ratio of the wired line and the second line during the communication charge calculation period, and changes the method of calculating the communication charge according to a predetermined fourth usage charge condition according to the usage ratio. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that further comprises a procedure unit for performing a procedure for canceling the second line when the activation status becomes unavailable. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which, in the above-described information processing device, the acquisition unit further acquires information indicating the reason for the inability to activate the service, and the calculation unit calculates a contract termination fee associated with the cancellation of the second line based on the information indicating the reason for the inability to activate the service. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which, if the activation status becomes unavailable, the calculation unit calculates the communication charges on the condition that the user wishes to continue using the second line. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus further comprising: a user information acquisition unit that acquires the user's subscription status to a service provided by a second business operator that has a predetermined relationship with a first business operator that bills the user for communication charges; and a determination unit that determines the user's refund of communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions, based on the user's subscription status to the service.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring the activation status of a wired line in a router capable of communicating with a network through a wired line and a second line different from the wired line; a setting step of setting a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router; a calculation step of calculating a communication fee based on the first usage fee condition if the activation status is before activation, and calculating a communication fee based on the second usage fee condition from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line if the activation status is after activation; and a billing processing step of performing billing processing for the communication fee to the user based on the calculation result of the communication fee.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring the activation status of a wired line in a router that can communicate with a network via a wired line and a second line different from the wired line; a setting step of setting a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router; a calculation step of calculating communication charges based on the first usage fee condition when the activation status is before activation, and calculating communication charges based on the second usage fee condition from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line when the activation status is after activation; and a billing processing step of performing billing processing for communication charges to the user based on the calculation result of the communication charges. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the effect is obtained that users can be billed appropriately for their communication charges. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating communication charges according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating communication charges according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the procedure for an information processing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment. In Figure 1, Router 1 connects the terminal side and the network side for communication.

[0012] Router 1 communicates with wireless terminals 201 such as smartphones via a wireless communication interface LB11 such as "Wi-Fi (registered trademark)" on the terminal side. Router 1 also communicates with wired terminals 202 such as personal computers (PCs) via a wired communication interface LB12 such as RJ45 on the terminal side. Router 1 also communicates with analog telephones 203 via an analog communication interface LB13 such as RJ11 on the terminal side.

[0013] The wireless terminal 201, the wired terminal 202, and the analog telephone 203 can communicate with the network side such as the Internet NW via the router 1. Note that, in addition to via the router 1, the wireless terminal 201 can communicate and connect with the base station BS2 of the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G system) by the wireless line LB2, and can communicate with the network side such as the Internet NW via the wireless line LB2.

[0014] On the network side, the router 1 is communicatively connected to the optical line termination device (ONU-OLT) 101 by the wired communication interface LA1, and can communicate with the network side such as the Internet NW by the optical line (hereinafter referred to as the optical line L101) via the ONU-OLT 101. The optical line L101 is an example of a wired line. Also, on the network side, the router 1 can communicate and connect with the base station BS1 of the 5G system, for example, by the wireless line LA2, and can communicate with the network side such as the Internet NW by the wireless line LA2. The wireless line LA2 is a wireless line using a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module). The SIM of the wireless line LA2 is provided in the router 1. Note that when the optical line L101 is unavailable, such as before the optical line L101 is opened, the router 1 can communicate with the network side only by the wireless line LA2.

[0015] The router 1 can access the communication carrier facility 300 via the wireless line LA2 or the optical line L101.

[0016] The communication carrier facility 300 manages information such as the contract, opening status, and usage status of the communication line, and information about the user of the router 1. For example, the communication carrier facility 300 manages information (optical line management information) about the contract, opening status, and usage status of the optical line L101, and information (wireless line management information) about the contract, opening status, and usage status of the wireless line LA2. For example, the communication carrier facility 300 manages information (user subscription service management information) about the subscription status of the user of the router 1 to various services.

[0017] Router 1 acquires optical line management information and wireless line management information from the communication carrier facility 300. Based on information such as optical line management information and wireless line management information, Router 1 selects whether to perform network-side communication using the optical line L101 or to perform network-side communication using the wireless line LA2.

[0018] For example, before the optical line L101 is opened, Router 1 performs network-side communication using the wireless line LA2. For example, after the optical line L101 is opened, Router 1 switches the communication line used for network-side communication from the wireless line LA2 to the optical line L101. For example, after the optical line L101 is opened, Router 1 selects either the wireless line LA2 or the optical line L101 as the communication line used for network-side communication. For example, after the optical line L101 is opened, Router 1 preferentially selects the optical line L101 from the wireless line LA2 and the optical line L101 as the communication line used for network-side communication. For example, after the optical line L101 is opened, Router 1 preferentially selects the optical line L101 from the wireless line LA2 and the optical line L101 as the communication line used for network-side communication, and selects the wireless line LA2 when the optical line L101 is abnormal. For example, Router 1 performs voice data communication using the wireless line LA2. For example, Router 1 performs voice data communication using the wireless line LA2 by VoLTE (Voice over LTE (Long Term Evolution)).

[0019] The information processing device 10 executes a billing process for communication charges related to Router 1. The information processing device 10 can access the communication carrier facility 300 via the Internet NW. The information processing device 10 acquires information such as optical line management information, wireless line management information, and user subscription service management information from the communication carrier facility 300.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, a setting unit 13, a calculation unit 14, a billing processing unit 15, a procedure unit 16, a control unit 17, a user information acquisition unit 18, a determination unit 19, and a storage unit 30.

[0021] Each function of the information processing device 10 is realized by the information processing device 10 being equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and the CPU executing a computer program stored in memory. The information processing device 10 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or it may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the information processing device 10 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the information processing device 10 may be realized through cloud computing. Also, the information processing device 10 may be implemented by a single computer, or its functions may be distributed across multiple computers. Additionally, the information processing device 10 may be configured to launch a website using, for example, a WWW system.

[0022] The storage unit 30 stores various types of data. For example, the storage unit 30 stores first usage fee condition data 131, second usage fee condition data 132, third usage fee condition data 133, fourth usage fee condition data 134, user billing data 135, user refund data 136, and so on. The storage unit 30 is composed of non-volatile memory such as hard disk drives, magneto-optical disk drives, and flash memory, read-only recording media such as CD-ROMs, volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a combination thereof.

[0023] The communication unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from external devices of the information processing device 10 via the Internet network. The information processing device 10 communicates with external devices via the communication unit 11. For example, the information processing device 10 communicates with telecommunications carrier equipment 300 via the communication unit 11. Hereafter, all communication between the information processing device 10 and external devices is performed by the communication unit 11.

[0024] The acquisition unit 12 acquires the activation status of the optical line L101 in router 1. Router 1 is a router that can communicate with the network through both the optical line L101 and the wireless line LA2. The optical line L101 is an example of a wired line. The wireless line LA2 corresponds to a second line different from the optical line L101. The acquisition unit 12 acquires optical line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300. The optical line management information includes information indicating the activation status of the optical line L101.

[0025] The configuration unit 13 sets a first usage fee condition before the activation of the optical fiber line L101 and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the optical fiber line L101 for each user of router 1. The first and second usage fee conditions are conditions for calculating communication charges related to router 1. For example, the first and second usage fee conditions are the monthly communication charges related to router 1. The first usage fee condition data 131 is data showing the first usage fee condition for each user. The second usage fee condition data 132 is data showing the second usage fee condition for each user.

[0026] The calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions when the optical fiber line L101 is not yet activated, and calculates the communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the optical fiber line L101 is activated when the optical fiber line L101 is activated.

[0027] The billing processing unit 15 performs billing processing for communication charges for users of router 1 based on the calculation results of communication charges by the calculation unit 14. The billing processing unit 15 records the results of the billing processing for each user's communication charges in user billing data 135. User billing data 135 is data that shows billing information such as the amount of communication charges billed for each user.

[0028] The procedure unit 16 performs contract procedures related to the users of router 1. The control unit 17 controls router 1.

[0029] The user information acquisition unit 18 acquires user subscription service management information regarding users of router 1 from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300. The user subscription service management information is information indicating the subscription status of router 1 users to various services. The decision unit 19 determines the amount of rebate to the user for communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions, based on the subscription status of router 1 users to various services. The decision unit 19 records the result of the decision on the rebate for each user's communication charges in user rebate data 136. The user rebate data 136 is data indicating rebate information such as the discount conditions for communication charges for each user.

[0030] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the communication charges according to this embodiment.

[0031] [Case 1] In the example in Figure 3 (Case 1), the user applies to use Router 1 (T0), and before the activation of the optical fiber line L101, the user powers on Router 1 and establishes a communication connection (5G connection) to the 5G system base station BS1 via the wireless line LA2 (T1). Subsequently, the installation work for the optical fiber line L101 is completed and the optical fiber line L101 is activated (T2). In this Case 1, before the activation of the optical fiber line L101 (until T2), communication charges are calculated based on the first usage fee conditions. For example, from the time of 5G connection (T1) until the activation of the optical fiber line L101 (T2), communication charges are calculated based on the first usage fee conditions. After the activation of the optical fiber line L101 (from T2 onward), communication charges are calculated based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the optical fiber line L101. The predetermined timing after the activation of optical fiber line L101 may be the time of activation of optical fiber line L101, or it may be a certain period of time after the activation of optical fiber line L101. If the predetermined timing after the activation of optical fiber line L101 is a certain period of time after the activation of optical fiber line L101, communication charges will be calculated based on the first usage fee conditions until that predetermined timing, and from that predetermined timing onward, communication charges will be calculated based on the second usage fee conditions.

[0032] [Case 2] In the example in Figure 4 (Case 2), the user applies to use Router 1 (T0), and does not use Router 1 (does not power on Router 1) until the optical fiber line L101 is activated (until T2). In this case, when the optical fiber line L101 is activated (T2), Router 1 is powered on and connects to the 5G system base station BS1 via the wireless line LA2 (5G connection) (T1=T2). In this Case 2, after the optical fiber line L101 is activated (from T1=T2 onwards), communication charges are calculated based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the optical fiber line L101. The predetermined timing after the activation of the optical fiber line L101 may be the time of activation of the optical fiber line L101, or it may be a certain period of time after the activation of the optical fiber line L101.

[0033] Furthermore, if the purpose of the wireless line LA2 is to serve as a supplementary line until the optical line L101 is activated, then communication charges for user communication via the wireless line LA2 may be waived or discounted until the optical line L101 is activated. This would provide convenience to users during the waiting period until the optical line L101 is activated.

[0034] Next, the overall flow of the information processing method according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure of the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0035] (Step S1) The setting unit 13 sets the first usage fee conditions before the activation of the optical line L101 and the second usage fee conditions after the activation of the optical line L101 for each user of the router 1. As a result, the first usage fee condition data 131 and the second usage fee condition data 132 are stored in the storage unit 30.

[0036] (Step S2) The acquisition unit 12 acquires optical line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300. The optical line management information includes information indicating the activation status of optical line L101. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the activation status of optical line L101 at router 1 from the optical line management information.

[0037] (Step S3) If the fiber optic line L101 has not yet been activated, proceed to Step S4. On the other hand, if the fiber optic line L101 has already been activated, proceed to Step S5.

[0038] (Step S4) The calculation unit 14 refers to the first usage fee condition data 131 in the storage unit 30 and calculates the communication fee based on the first usage fee condition.

[0039] (Step S5) The calculation unit 14 refers to the second usage fee condition data 132 in the storage unit 30 and calculates the communication fee based on the second usage fee condition.

[0040] (Step S6) The billing processing unit 15 performs billing processing for communication charges for users of Router 1 based on the calculation result of the communication charges by the calculation unit 14. This billing processing generates billing information such as the amount of communication charges for each user. The billing processing unit 15 records the billing information, which is the result of the billing processing for each user's communication charges, in user billing data 135. User billing data 135 is used to bill each user for communication charges. For example, the amount of communication charges for each user recorded in user billing data 135 is used to deduct the amount of communication charges from each user's bank account.

[0041] The following describes an example of the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0042] (Example of information processing method 1) The acquisition unit 12 acquires activation information indicating that the wireless line LA2 has become available. For example, the activation information is detection information for communication via the wireless line LA2. For example, the activation information is information indicating that the home gateway connected to router 1 has connected to the 5G system via the wireless line LA2. The activation information regarding the wireless line LA2 is included in the wireless line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the wireless line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300.

[0043] The calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the usage commencement information for the wireless line LA2, according to either the first or second usage fee conditions. For example, in Case 1 of Figure 3, the calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions from the time of 5G connection (T1). Then, the calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the optical line L101 (T2 or later). For example, in Case 2 of Figure 4, the calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the 5G connection time (T1, i.e., the activation time of the optical line L101 (T2)).

[0044] The user can decide when to start using Router 1 (when to power on Router 1). Therefore, the start date for incurring communication charges related to Router 1 can be adjusted depending on when the user starts using Router 1 (when they power on Router 1).

[0045] (Example of information processing method 2) The procedure unit 16 initiates the contract procedure for the optical line L101 based on the usage commencement information for the wireless line LA2. For example, the procedure unit 16 initiates the contract procedure for the optical line L101 when the router 1 is started to be used. This eliminates the need for the user to initiate the contract procedure during the waiting period between when the user starts using the router 1 via the wireless line LA2 and when the optical line L101 is activated, as shown in Case 1 of Figure 3. The contract procedure for the optical line L101 is, for example, a change of telephone number.

[0046] (Example 3 of information processing methods) The acquisition unit 12 acquires router location information indicating the installation location of router 1 (such as the user's address) as specified by the contract procedure for the optical line L101, and second line location information indicating the communication location via the wireless line LA2. The router location information is included in the optical line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the optical line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300. The second line location information is included in the wireless line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the wireless line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300.

[0047] The control unit 17 stops communication via the wireless line LA2 if the communication location via the wireless line LA2 is more than a predetermined distance away from the installation location of the router 1. This restricts the use of the SIM for the wireless line LA2 to appropriate use. For example, it prevents the SIM for the wireless line LA2 installed in the router 1 from being removed from the router 1 and used in violation of the router 1 usage agreement. The SIM may be fixed inside the router 1 to prevent it from being removed.

[0048] Furthermore, if Router 1 is used appropriately, the communication charges for the wireless line LA2 and the communication charges for the optical line L101 may be combined into a single fee structure, and this combined fee structure may be cheaper than a fee structure where the two lines are charged separately. For example, this combined fee structure will be reflected in the second set of usage fee conditions.

[0049] (Example of information processing method 4) The billing processing unit 15 will not bill the user for communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions if the acquisition unit 12 does not acquire the start-up information. If the acquisition unit 12 does not acquire the start-up information, the billing processing unit 15 will not bill the user for communication charges, taking into consideration that the user may have mistakenly turned on the power to Router 1 at a location other than the official installation location of Router 1 (such as the user's address).

[0050] (Example of information processing method 5) The acquisition unit 12 acquires router location information indicating the installation location of router 1 (such as the user's address) as specified by the contract procedure for the optical line L101, and second line location information indicating the communication location via the wireless line LA2. The router location information is included in the optical line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the optical line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300. The second line location information is included in the wireless line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the wireless line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300.

[0051] The calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges based on the distance between the communication location via the wireless line LA2 and the installation location of the router 1, according to a predetermined third usage charge condition. The third usage charge condition is shown in the third usage charge condition data 133 of the storage unit 30. The third usage charge condition data 133 is stored in the storage unit 30 in advance.

[0052] For example, if communication using the SIM card installed in Router 1 (communication via wireless line LA2) takes place at a distance greater than a predetermined distance from the installation location of Router 1, an additional fee will be charged to the user according to the third usage fee condition (amount of additional charge), in addition to the first and second usage fee conditions. This prevents the SIM card installed in Router 1 from being used in violation of the Router 1 usage agreement.

[0053] (Example 6 of information processing methods) The calculation unit 14 calculates the usage ratio of the optical line L101 and the wireless line LA2 during the communication charge calculation period, and changes the method of calculating communication charges according to the predetermined fourth usage charge conditions based on the usage ratio. The fourth usage charge conditions are shown in the fourth usage charge condition data 134 of the storage unit 30. The fourth usage charge condition data 134 is stored in the storage unit 30 in advance.

[0054] For example, if the purpose of wireless line LA2 is to serve as a supplementary line until optical line L101 is activated, it is undesirable from the standpoint of efficient use of line equipment if, after optical line L101 is activated and available, the utilization rate of wireless line LA2 is higher than that of optical line L101. Therefore, if the utilization rate of wireless line LA2 is higher than that of optical line L101, the calculation unit 14 applies a surcharge to the communication charges based on the second usage charge condition, according to the fourth usage charge condition (surcharge rate).

[0055] (Example 7 of information processing methods) The procedure unit 16 executes the cancellation procedure for the wireless line LA2 when the activation status of the optical line L101, based on the optical line management information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, indicates that activation is not possible. The acquisition unit 12 also acquires activation failure reason information indicating the reason why the optical line L101 cannot be activated. This activation failure reason information is included in the optical line management information. The calculation unit 14 calculates the contract termination fee associated with the cancellation of the wireless line LA2 based on this activation failure reason information. For example, if the reason for the inability to activate the optical line L101, as indicated in the activation failure reason information, is "user's fault," the calculation unit 14 calculates the contract termination fee associated with the cancellation of the wireless line LA2. This contract termination fee is included in the communication charges and billed to the user.

[0056] (Example of information processing method 8) The calculation unit 14 calculates the communication charges on the condition that the user wishes to continue using the wireless line LA2 if the optical line management information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 indicates that the optical line L101 is unavailable. Whether or not the user wishes to continue using the wireless line LA2 is included in the wireless line management information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the wireless line management information from the telecommunications carrier equipment 300.

[0057] If the fiber optic line L101 is unavailable and the user wishes to continue using the wireless line LA2, Router 1 will allow a usage mode in which network communication is performed solely through the wireless line LA2, and will calculate and bill the user for the communication charges under this usage mode. This is intended to improve user convenience.

[0058] (Example of information processing method 9) The user information acquisition unit 18 acquires the user's subscription status to a service (referred to as the target service) provided by a second carrier that has a predetermined relationship with the first carrier that bills the router 1's users for communication charges. The user's subscription status to the target service is shown in the user subscription service management information. The user information acquisition unit 18 acquires the user subscription service management information concerning the router 1's users from the communication carrier equipment 300. As a result, the acquisition unit 12 acquires the user's subscription status to the target service.

[0059] The decision unit 19 determines the amount of the communication charges to be refunded to the user based on the second usage fee conditions, based on the user's subscription status to the target service of Router 1. The decision unit 19 records the result of the decision on the refund for each user's communication charges in the user refund data 136. The user refund data 136 is data that shows refund information such as the discount conditions for each user's communication charges.

[0060] For example, the target services are financial services provided by financial institutions (example of a second provider) that are affiliates or collaborating partners of a telecommunications carrier (example of a first provider) that bills users of Router 1 for communication charges. User subscription status to financial services is, for example, whether or not the user has opened an account. User rewards for communication charges include, for example, discounts on communication charges, cashback, and the awarding of reward points.

[0061] According to the embodiment described above, the first usage fee conditions before the activation of the optical fiber line L101 and the second usage fee conditions after the activation of the optical fiber line L101 are used to calculate the communication charges before the activation of the optical fiber line L101 and the communication charges after the activation of the optical fiber line L101. This has the effect of appropriately billing users for their communication charges.

[0062] The type of wireless connection used by Router 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the wireless connection may be any generation of mobile communication system, such as 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), or 6th generation (6G).

[0063] Furthermore, although a wireless line was used as the second line in the above embodiment, the second line may be a wired line different from the optical line L101.

[0064] Furthermore, this will enable improvements in overall service quality, such as in communication systems, and will contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): "Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0066] Alternatively, computer programs for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" shall also include the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is being used. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems.

[0067] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1...Router, 10...Information processing device, 11...Communication unit, 12...Acquisition unit, 13...Setting unit, 14...Calculation unit, 15...Billing processing unit, 16...Procedure unit, 17...Control unit, 18...User information acquisition unit, 19...Decision unit, 30...Storage unit, 101...ONU-OLT, LA2...Wireless line, 300...Communication carrier equipment, NW...Internet

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the activation status of the wired line in a router that can communicate with the network via the wired line and a second line different from the wired line, A setting unit for the router that sets a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router, A calculation unit that calculates communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions when the activation status is before activation, and calculates communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line when the activation status is after activation, A billing processing unit that performs billing processing for the communication charges to the user based on the calculation result of the calculation unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. Voice data is transmitted using the second line. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit further acquires information indicating that the second line has become available, The calculation unit calculates the communication charges based on the usage start information according to the first usage fee conditions or the second usage fee conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned commencement information is the detection information for communication via the second line. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a procedure unit that initiates the contract procedure for the wired line based on the aforementioned usage commencement information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The acquisition unit further acquires router location information indicating the installation location of the router, which is identified by the contract procedure for the wired line, and second line location information indicating the communication location via the second line. The information processing device further includes a control unit that stops communication on the second line when the communication location on the second line is located more than a predetermined distance away from the router's installation location. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The billing processing unit shall not charge the user for communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions if the usage commencement information is not obtained. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The acquisition unit further acquires router location information indicating the installation location of the router, which is identified by the contract procedure for the wired line, and second line location information indicating the communication location via the second line. The calculation unit calculates the communication charges based on the distance between the communication location via the second line and the installation location of the router, according to predetermined third usage fee conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

9. The second line is a wireless line using a SIM card. The aforementioned SIM is provided in the router. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

10. The calculation unit calculates the usage ratio of the wired line and the second line during the communication charge calculation period, and changes the method of calculating communication charges according to the usage ratio and a predetermined fourth usage charge condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

11. The system further includes a procedure unit for executing the cancellation procedure for the second line if the aforementioned activation status becomes unavailable. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The acquisition unit further acquires information indicating the reason why the connection cannot be opened, The calculation unit calculates the contract termination fee associated with the cancellation of the second line based on the information regarding the reason for inability to activate the line. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The calculation unit calculates the communication charges if the activation status becomes unavailable, on the condition that the user wishes to continue using the second line. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. A user information acquisition unit that acquires the user's subscription status to a service provided by a second business operator that has a predetermined relationship with the first business operator that bills the user for communication charges, A decision unit that determines the user's subscription status to the service and determines the refund to the user for communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

15. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A step to obtain the activation status of the wired line in a router that can communicate with the network via the wired line and a second line different from the wired line, A setting step to set a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router, A calculation step which involves calculating communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions when the activation status is before activation, and calculating communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line when the activation status is after activation, A billing process step which performs billing for the communication charges to the user based on the calculation result of the aforementioned communication charges, Information processing methods including

16. On the computer, A step to obtain the activation status of the wired line in a router that can communicate with the network via the wired line and a second line different from the wired line, A setting step to set a first usage fee condition before the activation of the wired line and a second usage fee condition after the activation of the wired line for each user of the router, A calculation step which involves calculating communication charges based on the first usage fee conditions when the activation status is before activation, and calculating communication charges based on the second usage fee conditions from a predetermined timing after the activation of the wired line when the activation status is after activation, A billing process step which performs billing for the communication charges to the user based on the calculation result of the aforementioned communication charges, A computer program designed to execute something.

Images