JP6519124B2 - Information relay system, information relay method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information repeater system, and information relay method and a program.

  When a service provider tries to start a service using a server and a terminal connected via a network, a network may need to be newly established in order to communicate between the server and the terminal. As a method of newly constructing a network, there are a method of constructing a dedicated line, a method of constructing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) via the Internet, and the like. Furthermore, depending on the installation location of the terminal, it is conceivable to increase the flexibility of the installation location of the terminal by using a wireless network instead of a wired network.

  However, in any of the methods, a line contract with a telecommunications company or an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or the like is required, which results in an increase in cost for providing the service. In addition, when connecting with a terminal via a wireless network, it is necessary to install an access point or the like around the installation location of the terminal, which further increases the cost.

  By the way, image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) are installed at many places such as each floor of a building and stores. Also, in order to remotely manage the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is connected to a maintenance line via the Internet.

  As described above, if it is possible to use a service provider who newly provides a service, it is possible to expect a cost reduction related to service provision if a line that has already been established or an apparatus that has already been installed can be used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to enable low-cost provision of services provided via a network.

According to an information relay system of one aspect of the present invention, an information relay device, an information processing device connected to the information relay device via a first network, and the information relay device via the first network And a terminal connected to the information relay device via a second network, and data is transmitted and received between the terminal and the information processing device via the information relay device. An information relay system, wherein the management apparatus receives a request for authentication from the information relay apparatus, a first storage unit for storing information on a service provided by the information processing apparatus, and is included in the authentication request. An authentication unit that generates authentication information when information related to a service is stored in the first storage unit, the information relay apparatus including the terminal, the information It performs data communication with a processing device and the management device, receives notification information transmitted from the terminal to the information processing device, extracts information on a service included in the notification information, and extracts the information from the information processing device Communication means for receiving distribution information to be sent to the terminal and extracting information and authentication information on services contained in the distribution information, terminal information including authentication information and information on services , and data transmission destinations of the terminals A second storage unit for storing destination information indicating the information processing apparatus, and information on a service included in the notification information from the communication unit, the information on the received service exists in the terminal information And, if present, permit the communication means to transmit the notification information based on the destination information, If not, the authentication request is transmitted to the management device, and when the information on the service and the authentication information included in the distribution information are received from the communication unit, the information on the received service and the authentication information is the terminal Check the presence or absence of information in the information, and if present, permit transmission of the distribution information to the communication means, and if not, confirm means for not allowing transmission of the distribution information to the communication means; Terminal information including the authentication information and the information on the service received by the communication unit from the terminal when the communication unit receives the authentication information from the authentication unit. Is generated and stored, and the confirmation means transmits the authentication information and the information on the service to the information processing apparatus .

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide the service provided via the network at low cost.

It is a figure showing an example of the network composition in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a management apparatus and a provider server. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a management apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a provider server. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a terminal. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of a processing procedure of MFP information registration processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an MFP information registration screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of MFP information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of set values of MFP information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of all MFP information. It is a figure which shows an example of a provider information registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of provider information. It is a figure which shows an example of a service information registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of service information. It is a figure which shows an example of a service list screen. It is a figure which shows an example of terminal setting information. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a terminal authentication process. It is a figure which shows an example of terminal information. It is a figure which shows an example of terminal installation information. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of the data relay process from a terminal to a provider server. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of the data relay process from a provider server to a terminal. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a charge information collection process. It is a figure which shows an example of charge information. It is a flow chart for explaining an example of processing procedure of charge information generation processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a fee-charging process. It is a figure which shows an example of the network configuration in 2nd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the network configuration in 3rd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of 3rd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

First Embodiment
(1. Overview)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in the first embodiment. Three MFPs 1, a management apparatus 2, and a provider server 3 are connected via a network A 5. Further, each MFP 1 and each terminal 4 are connected via the network B6.

  The network A5 is, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a dedicated line, an Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN), the Internet, or the like, and may be wired or wireless. When the MFP 1, the management apparatus 2, and the business server 3 are connected via the Internet, security is secured by connecting them using a protocol such as IPSec (Security Architecture For Internet Protocol) or SSL (Secure Socket Layer). It may be done.

  The network B6 is, for example, a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The network B6 is not limited to wireless, and may be wired.

  The network A5 and the network B6 are networks with which devices connected to the network communicate using IP (Internet Protocol). However, the present embodiment can also be applied to devices that communicate using protocols other than IP.

  The MFP 1 connected to the network A5, the management apparatus 2 and the business server 3 have IP addresses including the same network address (10.10.1.0/24).

  For example, the IP address on the network A5 side of each MFP 1 is 10.10.1.10, 10.10.1.20 or 10.10.1.30. The IP address of the management device 2 is 10.10.1.1. The IP address of the business server 3 is 10.10.1.2.

  The MFP 1, the management apparatus 2, and the business server 3 may have an IP address including a network address different from the network address of the network A 5. By connecting the management device 2 or the business server 3 to the network A 5 via the router, the MFP 1, the management device 2 and the business server 3 can communicate with each other.

  Also, the MFP 1 and the terminal 4 connected to each network B 6 have an IP address including the same network address.

  For example, the IP address on the network B6 side of the MFP 1a is 10.10.10.1, and the IP address of the terminal 4a is 10.10.10.101. Also, the IP address on the network B6 side of the MFP 1b is 10.10.20.1, and the IP address of the terminal 4b is 10.10.20.101. Furthermore, the IP address on the network B 6 side of the MFP 1 c is 10.10.30.1, and the IP address of the terminal 4 c is 10.10.30.101.

  The MFP 1 is, for example, an image forming apparatus called one or more multifunction peripherals. However, in the present embodiment, MFP 1 confirms that the data exchanged between provider server 3 and terminal 4 is data sent from provider server 3 or terminal 4 registered in advance. Data sent from the terminal 4 based on the function to be performed, the function to measure the data amount of communication performed between the enterprise server 3 and the terminal 4, and the information received in advance from the It has a function of routing to the provider server 3 of the provider to which the terminal 4 belongs.

  The management device 2 is, for example, one or more computers. The management device 2 has a function of managing the MFP 1, a function of managing a provider who provides a service using the provider server 3 and the terminal 4, a function of managing a service provided by a provider who provides the service, and the service And a function of providing a portal site for displaying a list of the services to a user who is trying to use the service and a function of charging the service provider according to the amount of communication.

  The business server 3 is, for example, one or more computers. The business server 3 provides a service by communicating with the terminal 4 via the MFP 1.

  The terminal 4 is, for example, one or more surveillance cameras, a high-speed charging device, a vending machine, a wireless terminal or the like. The terminal 4 provides a service by communicating with the business server 3 via the MFP 1.

  In the present embodiment, the business entity server 3, the terminal 4a, the terminal 4b and the terminal 4c are owned by a business operator who provides a new service (hereinafter referred to as a "service provider business operator"). The network A5 and the MFP 1a, the MFP 1b, and the MFP 1c are owned by a provider different from the service provider (hereinafter, referred to as "network provider").

  The network A5 may be configured in advance to remotely maintain the MFP 1a, the MFP 1b, and the MFP 1c using the management apparatus 2, for example. In this case, the MFP 1a, the MFP 1b, and the MFP 1c are installed, for example, on each floor of a building, a store, or the like, and notify the management apparatus 2 of the remaining state of consumables or device status such as self-diagnosis results via the network A5.

  Under such circumstances, in the present embodiment, network A5 and MFP 1a, MFP 1b and MFP 1c are used as a network and relay device for connecting operator server 3, terminal 4a, terminal 4b and terminal 4c. Be done.

  First, the operation up to a state in which the business server 3 and the terminal 4a can communicate will be described.

  The service provider accesses the management apparatus 2 using a PC (Personal Computer) etc., and the name of the provider, the method of payment to the network provider, an outline of the service that the service provider intends to provide, a contract The site URL, the IP address (10.10.1.2) of the business server 3, etc. are registered. The registered information is stored in the management device 2. Next, the service provider connects the company server 3 to the network A5.

  On the other hand, the management device 2 provides a portal site for displaying a list of the service outlines registered by the service provider. A person who wants to use the service registered by the service provider (hereinafter referred to as a "service use candidate") can select the service he / she wants to use using the portal site. When the service user selects a service that he / she wants to use at the portal site, the user is redirected to the contract site URL previously registered by the service provider. The service use candidate makes a service use contract on the Web page at the contract site. A person who has made a contract for using the service provided by the service provider is hereinafter referred to as a "service user".

  After the service use candidate makes a service use contract, the service provider installs, for example, the terminal 4a in the vicinity of + MFP 1a. When installing the terminal 4a, the service provider sets information related to the service and the IP address (10.10.10.1) of the MFP 1a to which the terminal 4a is connected.

  Next, an operation when the service is started and data is transmitted from the terminal 4a to the provider server 3 will be described.

  When transmitting data to the business entity server 3, the terminal 4a transmits, to the MFP 1a, information related to a preset service together with data to be transmitted to the business entity server 3. The MFP 1a transfers the information on the service received from the terminal 4a to the management device 2.

  The management device 2 authenticates the terminal 4 by confirming whether the information related to the service received from the MFP 1 a matches the information registered by the service provider. If the authentication is successful (that is, if it is determined that the terminal 4 belongs to the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2), the management apparatus 2 successfully authenticates the terminal 4 to the MFP 1a. Notice. The notification includes the authentication ID 1201 and the IP address (10.10.1.2) of the business server 3.

  Here, the authentication ID 1201 is a number for the management apparatus 2 to pay out to the terminal 4 when the management apparatus 2 succeeds in authenticating the terminal 4. The authentication ID 1201 is a number different for every terminal 4.

  The MFP 1a stores information on services, an authentication ID 1201, an IP address (10.10.1.2) of the business server 3, and an IP address (10.10.10.101) of the terminal 4a.

  The MFP 1a transmits the data received from the terminal 4a to the IP address (10.10.1.2) of the business server 3. Further, the MFP 1 a transmits the authentication ID 1201 received from the management apparatus 2 to the business server 3. Based on the received data, the business server 3 performs processing related to the service to be provided.

  Even when the terminal 4a transmits data to the business server 3 again, the terminal 4a transmits, to the MFP 1a, information on a service set in advance together with data to be transmitted to the business server 3.

  The MFP 1a already stores information on the service and the IP address (10.10.1.2) of the business server 3 and the like. Therefore, if the MFP 1a matches the information on the service stored in the MFP 1a with the information on the service received from the terminal 4a without making an inquiry to the management apparatus 2, the data received from the terminal 4a is used as the provider. Send to server 3

  Next, an operation in the case of transmitting data from the provider server 3 to the terminal 4a will be described.

  When transmitting data to the terminal 4a, the business server 3 transmits, to the MFP 1a, information related to the service and the authentication ID 1201 notified from the MFP 1a together with the data to be transmitted to the terminal 4a.

  The MFP 1a checks whether the information on the service notified from the business server 3 and the authentication ID 1201 match the information on the service held by the MFP 1a and the authentication ID 1201. If they match, the MFP 1a determines that the data received from the provider server 3 is data transmitted from the service provider who owns the terminal authenticated by the management device 2, and the MFP 1a stores the data in the MFP 1a. The IP address (10.10.10.1) of the terminal 4a is retrieved from the stored information, and the data received from the business server 3 is transmitted to the IP address (that is, addressed to the terminal 4a).

  When another user makes a service use contract and the service provider installs the terminal 4b in the vicinity of the MFP 1b or installs the terminal 4c in the vicinity of the MFP 1c, the terminal 4a is installed in the vicinity of the MFP 1a described above. The same operation as in the case of

(2. Hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP. The MFP 1 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, an NVRAM 103, a RAM 104, an operation unit 105, a display unit 106, a printing unit 107, a reading unit 108, a drive device 109, an NIC (Network Interface Card) 111, a wireless communication unit 112, and the like. The MFP 1 is, for example, a multifunction machine having a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a fax function, etc., but it does not have to be a multifunction machine, and is a server or personal computer without the printing unit 107 or the reading unit 108 It is also good.

  The CPU 101 performs processing such as data transfer and data comparison with the ROM 102, the NVRAM 103, the RAM 104, the NIC 111, and the wireless communication unit 112. The ROM 102 stores various programs, data used by the programs, and the like. The NVRAM 203 stores various setting information and the like. The RAM 204 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 receives various inputs from the user. The display unit 106 displays a message or the like to the user.

  The printing unit 107 prints document data on paper. The reading unit 108 is, for example, a scanner, and reads an image from a paper document.

  The drive device 109 reads the program from the storage medium 110 in which the program is recorded. The program read by the drive device 109 is loaded to the RAM 104. The storage medium 110 refers to a non-transitory storage medium 110. Examples of the storage medium 110 include a magnetic storage medium, an optical disc, a magneto-optical storage medium, and a non-volatile memory.

  The NIC 111 is connected to, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), and is used when the MFP 1 communicates with the management apparatus 2 or the business server 3. When the MFP 1 and the terminal 4 are connected by wire, they are also used when the MFP 1 communicates with the terminal 4.

  The wireless communication unit 112 is used, for example, when communicating with the terminal 4 by wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management apparatus and the provider server. The management device 2 and the business server 3 have a CPU 201, a ROM 202, an HDD 203, a RAM 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a drive device 209, and an NIC (Network Interface Card) 211.

  The CPU 201 performs processing such as data exchange and data comparison with the ROM 202, the HDD 203, the RAM 204, the NIC 211, or the wireless communication unit 112. The ROM 202 and the RAM 204 are the same as those of the MFP 1 and thus the description thereof is omitted. The HDD 203 stores various setting information and programs.

  The operation unit 205 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and receives various inputs from the user. The display unit 206 displays a message or the like to the user.

  The drive device 209 reads the program from the storage medium 110 in which the program is recorded. The program read by the drive device 209 is installed, for example, in the HDD 203. The NIC 211 is connected to, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), and is used when communicating with the management apparatus 2, the business server 3, or the MFP 1.

(3. Function)
[MFP]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the MFP. In FIG. 4, the MFP 1 includes a communication unit 301, an MFP information input unit 311, a terminal information storage unit 312, a confirmation unit 313, a measurement unit 314, and a charge information generation unit 315. Each of these means is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the MFP 1 are executed by the CPU 101. The MFP 1 also uses the storage unit 321. The storage unit 321 can be realized using the NVRAM 103, the RAM 104, or a storage device connected to the MFP 1 via a network. The storage unit 321 stores MFP information 1001, terminal information 1003, and the like.

  MFP information 1001 is information on the MFP 1 itself. The terminal information 1003 is information on the terminal 4 connected to the MFP 1, and one record is set for each terminal 4.

  The communication unit 301 performs data communication with the management device 2 and the provider server 3 via the NIC 111. The communication unit 301 also performs data communication with the terminal 4 via the wireless communication unit 112.

  Further, when the communication means 301 receives information to be notified from the terminal 4 to the business server 3 (hereinafter referred to as "notification information 901"), the communication means 301 extracts information etc. related to the service included in the notification information 901 and confirms it. Pass to 313. When the notification indicating that the communication may be permitted is received from the confirmation unit 313, the communication unit 301 transmits the notification information 901 to the provider server 3. When the notification that the communication is not permitted is received from the confirmation unit 313, the communication unit 301 discards the notification information 901 without transmitting it to the provider server 3.

  The communication unit 301 also inquires of the management apparatus 2 whether or not information related to a service or the like included in the notification information 901 is registered in the management apparatus 2 in response to a request from the confirmation unit 313. Send an authentication request to The communication means 301 passes the authentication response from the management device 2 to the confirmation means 313.

  Further, when the communication means 301 receives information to be delivered from the business server 3 to the terminal 4 (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information 902"), the communication means 301 extracts information about the service and authentication ID 1201 etc. included in the delivery information 902. To the confirmation means 313. When the notification indicating that the communication may be permitted is received from the confirmation unit 313, the communication unit 301 transmits the distribution information 902 to the terminal 4. When the notification that the communication is not permitted is received from the confirmation unit 313, the communication unit 301 discards the distribution information 902 without transmitting it to the terminal 4.

  The MFP information input unit 311 stores the MFP information 1001 input by the user via the operation unit 105 in the storage unit 321. When the user inputs the MFP information 1001 to the operation unit 105, the MFP information input unit 311 displays the input MFP information 1001 on the display unit 106. Thus, the user can input the MFP information 1001 while correcting the input content appropriately. The MFP information 1001 may be input from an external device via the communication unit 301, or may be input via the storage medium 110.

  Further, when the MFP information 1001 is input, the MFP information input unit 311 transmits the MFP information 1001 to the management apparatus 2 via the communication unit 301. The timing at which the MFP information input unit 311 transmits the MFP information 1001 to the management apparatus 2 is, for example, when the MFP information 1001 is set or when the MFP information 1001 is changed.

  The terminal information storage unit 312 stores the terminal information 1003 in the storage unit 321.

  The confirmation means 313 searches the terminal information 1003 when receiving information etc. related to the service contained in the notification information 901 from the communication means 301, and confirms whether a record having the received information etc. concerning the service exists in the terminal information 1003. . If the record is present, the confirmation means 313 determines that the terminal 4 belongs to the service provider registered in the management device 2 and passes a notification to the communication means 301 that communication may be permitted. .

  When the record does not exist, the confirmation unit 313 requests the communication unit 301 to authenticate whether the information about the service or the like is registered in the management device 2. As described above, the communication unit 301 transmits an authentication request to the management device 2 and receives an authentication response from the management device 2. When an authentication response indicating that the authentication of the terminal 4 has succeeded is received from the communication unit 301, a notification indicating that communication may be permitted is passed to the communication unit 301. When an authentication response indicating that the authentication has failed is received from the communication unit 301, the confirmation unit 313 sends the communication unit 301 a notification that the communication is not permitted.

  When the confirmation unit 313 receives the information on the service and the authentication ID 1201 and the like included in the distribution information 902, the confirmation unit 313 confirms whether the terminal information 1003 has a record having the received information on the service and the authentication ID 1201 and the like. If the record exists, the confirmation unit 313 determines that the distribution information 902 received by the communication unit is the distribution information 902 transmitted from the service provider who owns the terminal 4 authenticated by the management device 2. , To the communication means 301 that the communication may be permitted. When the record does not exist, the confirmation unit 313 determines that the distribution information 902 received by the communication unit is not the distribution information 902 transmitted from the service provider who holds the terminal 4 authenticated by the management device 2. , And notifies the communication means 301 that the communication is not permitted.

  The measuring unit 314 measures the data size of the data section included in the notification information 901 addressed to the operator server 3 from the terminal 4 and the data size of the data section included in the distribution information 902 addressed to the terminal 4 from the operator server 3 , And update terminal information 1003. In the present embodiment, the terminal information 1003 holds an accumulated value obtained by summing the data sizes of the data addressed to the operator server 3 from the terminal 4 and the data addressed to the terminal 4 from the operator server 3. However, each data may be distinguished and held in the terminal information 1003.

  In response to an instruction from the management device 2, the charge information generation unit 315 transmits, to the management device 2, the accumulated value of the data size transmitted and received by the terminal 4 included in the terminal information 1003.

[Management device]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the management apparatus. In FIG. 5, the management apparatus 2 includes a communication unit 401, an MFP information storage unit 411, an operator information input unit 412, a service information input unit 413, an authentication unit 414, a display unit 415, and a charge information storage unit. And charging means 416. Each of these means is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the management device 2 cause the CPU 201 of the management device 2 to execute. The management device 2 also uses the storage unit 421. The storage unit 421 can be realized using the HDD 203 or the RAM 204 of the management device 2 or a storage device connected to the management device 2 via a network. The storage unit 421 stores all MFP information 1002, business entity information 1004, service information 1005, charging information 1009, and the like.

  The entire MFP information 1002 is information related to all the MFPs 1 managed by the management apparatus 2 and is stored in the management apparatus 2 by being notified from the MFP 1. One record is assigned to all MFP information 1002 for each MFP 1.

  Business information 1004 is information on a service provider, and one record is assigned to each business. The service information 1005 is information representing the content of the service provided by the service provider and the like, and one record is assigned to each service. The charging information 1009 is information on the accumulated value of the data size transmitted and received by the terminal 4, and one record is assigned to each terminal 4.

  The communication unit 401 performs data communication with the MFP 1 via the NIC 211.

  The MFP information storage unit 411 stores the MFP information 1001 notified from the MFP 1 in the storage unit 421.

  The business entity information input unit 412 stores the input business entity information 1004 in the storage unit 421.

  The service information input unit 413 stores the input service information 1005 in the storage unit 421. When the authentication means 414 receives an authentication request from the MFP 1 via the communication means 401 and determines whether the service related information etc. is registered in the management device 2, the record having the service related information included in the received authentication request is The terminal 4 is authenticated by searching for it in the service information 1005. If the record is present, the authentication unit 414 determines that the authentication of the terminal 4 is successful (that is, it is determined that the terminal 4 is of the service provider registered in the management device 2). When the record does not exist, the authentication unit 414 determines that the authentication of the terminal 4 has failed (that is, it is determined that the terminal 4 is not the service provider registered in the management device 2). The authentication unit 414 transmits an authentication response including the authentication ID 1201 to the MFP 1 via the communication unit 401.

  The display unit 415 has a Web server function, and displays a service list screen including a list of services provided by a service provider stored in the service information 1005 as a Web screen.

  The charging unit 416 calculates the charging amount for each service provider based on the accumulated value of the data size transmitted and received by the terminal 4. The charging unit 416 may, for example, charge each service provider according to the payment method 1304 included in the business entity information 1004.

[Operator server]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the provider server.

  The business server 3 includes a communication unit 501, a contract processing unit 511, a terminal installation information storage unit 512, a notification information processing unit 513, a notification information storage unit 514, a distribution information input unit 515, and a distribution unit 516. Have. Each of these means is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the business server 3 cause the CPU 201 of the business server 3 to execute. The business server 3 also uses storage means 521. The storage unit 521 can be realized using the HDD 203 or the RAM 204 of the business server 3 or a storage device connected to the business server 3 via a network. The storage unit 521 stores terminal installation information 1007, service contractor information 1008, notification information 901, distribution information 902, and the like.

  The communication unit 501 performs data communication with the MFP 1 via the NIC 211.

  The contract processing unit 511 has, for example, a web server function, and displays the service contract web site. The service contractor information 1008 input by the service user at the website is stored in the storage unit 521. The service contractor information 1008 is, for example, the name of the service contractor.

  The terminal installation information storage unit 512 receives, from the MFP 1, the terminal installation information 1007 transmitted from the MFP 1 to the provider server 3, and stores the terminal installation information 1007 in the storage unit 521. The terminal installation information 1007 is information on the installation place of the terminal 4 connected to the MFP 1 and the authentication ID 1201 and the like.

  The notification information processing unit 513 analyzes the notification information 901 transmitted from the terminal 4 via the MFP 1. Further, the notification information processing means 513 distributes the distribution information 902 to the terminal 4 through the communication means based on the analysis result.

  The notification information storage unit 514 stores the notification information 901 received from the terminal 4 in the storage unit 521 as needed.

  The distribution information input unit 515 receives an input of distribution information 902 (for example, an advertisement distributed by the service user to the terminal 4) to be distributed to the terminal 4 by using, for example, a Web server function. The distribution information input unit 515 stores the input information in the storage unit 521.

  The distribution unit 516 searches the terminal installation information 1007 for the terminal 4 existing in the specified distribution environment, distribution area, etc. for the distribution information 902 stored in the storage unit 521, and the MFP 4 to which the terminal 4 is connected is searched. Delivery information 902 is sent.

[Terminal]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block of a terminal. In FIG. 7, the terminal 4 includes a communication unit 601, an information collection unit 611, an information notification unit 612, and a storage unit 621. Each of these means is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the terminal 4 are executed by the CPU of the terminal 4. The terminal 4 also uses storage means 621. The storage means 621 can be realized using an auxiliary storage device or the like that the terminal 4 has. Terminal setting information 1006 and the like are stored in the storage unit 621. The terminal setting information 1006 is information for the terminal 4 to operate.

  The communication unit 601 performs data communication with the MFP 1.

  The information collection unit 611 collects information on the periphery of the terminal 4 using a sensor of the terminal 4 or an external device connected to the terminal 4, and passes the information to the communication unit 601. The collected information is transmitted to the business server 3 via the MFP 1.

  The information notification means 612 displays the distribution information 902 received from the communication means 601, for example, on the display of the terminal 4. The information may be notified to an external device connected to the terminal 4.

(4. Processing flow)
[MFP Information Registration Flow]
When the network installation company installs the MFP 1 on each floor of a building, a store, etc., it registers MFP information 1001 in the management apparatus 2 in order to enable the management apparatus 2 and the MFP 1 to communicate with each other.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the MFP information registration processing.

  In step S 2101, MFP information input unit 311 of MFP 1 receives an input of MFP information 1001 from a user belonging to the network installation operator using MFP information registration screen 6000, and stores MFP information 1001 input by the user in storage unit 321. Store.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the MFP information registration screen. The MFP information registration screen 6000 is configured of a screen 6001 and a screen 6002 and the like. First, a screen 6001 is displayed. The screen 6001 has a box for receiving the input of the MFP number 1101 and a pull-down menu for receiving the input environment of the MFP 1 and the installation area of the MFP 1. When the “next” button 6011 is pressed, a screen 6002 is displayed. The screen 6002 has a box for receiving inputs of an MFP address (server side) 1109, a subnet mask (server side), an MFP address (terminal side) 1110, a subnet mask (terminal side), a building name, latitude and longitude. Finally, when the “registration” button 6012 is pressed, the MFP information 1001 is stored in the storage unit 321.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of MFP information. MFP information 1001 includes MFP number 1101, MFP installation environment code 1102, MFP installation area code 1103, model code 1104, option information 1105, building name 1106, building latitude 1107, building longitude 1108, MFP An address (server side) 1109, an MFP address (terminal side) 1110, and a management apparatus address 1111 are included.

  The MFP number 1101 is a number by which the management apparatus 2 identifies the MFP 1, and is a unique number for each MFP 1, for example. A model code 1104 is a code indicating the model of the MFP 1.

  The MFP installation environment code 1102 is a code indicating an environment in which the MFP 1 is installed. The MFP installation area code 1103 is a code indicating the area where the MFP 1 is installed.

  The option information 1105 is information indicating an optional device connected to the MFP 1. The option information 1105 is composed of 8 bits, and when the optional device is connected to the MFP 1, the bit corresponding to the connected optional device is set to 1.

  The building name 1106 is a name of a building in which the MFP 1 is installed. The building latitude 1107 and the building longitude 1108 are the latitude and longitude of the building in which the MFP 1 is installed.

  An MFP address (server side) 1109 is an IP address and a subnet mask for communicating with the management apparatus 2 and the business server 3, and is set in the NIC 111 connected to the network A5. An MFP address (terminal side) 1110 is an IP address and a subnet mask for communicating with the terminal 4, and is set in the wireless communication unit 112 connected to the network B6. The management device address 1111 is the IP address of the management device 2.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the code number of the MFP installation environment code 1102, an example of the code number of the MFP installation area code 1103, and an example of the optional device corresponding to each bit of the option information 1105. Specific code numbers and explanations of each bit are omitted.

  Subsequently, the MFP information input unit 311 transmits the MFP information 1001 to the management apparatus 2 (S2102). Subsequently, the MFP information storage unit 411 of the management device 2 generates a new record of all the MFP information 1002 in the storage unit 421, and stores the MFP information 1001 received from the MFP 1 in the record (S2103).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of all MFP information. The total MFP information 1002 includes a record number and MFP information 1001 for each MFP 1. The record number is a number starting from 0, and is incremented by one each time a record is created (that is, each time MFP information 1001 is notified from a new MFP 1).

[Company Information Registration]
Before connecting the provider server 3 and the terminal 4 to the network A5 or the network A6, the service provider registers the information of the service provider itself in the management device 2 managed by the network provider in advance.

  The business operator information input unit 412 of the management device 2 receives the input of the business operator information 1004 from the user belonging to the service provider using the business operator information registration screen 6100, and stores the business operator information 1004 input by the user. Store in 421.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the business entity information registration screen. The provider information registration screen 6100 is configured of a screen 6101, a screen 6102, and the like. The user belonging to the service provider can display the business information registration screen 6100 on the screen of the PC, for example, by accessing the management apparatus 2 from the PC. First, the screen 6101 is displayed. The screen 6101 has a box for accepting inputs of a business name 1302, a settlement method 1304, a card / account number 1305, and a password 1303. When the “registration” button 6111 is pressed and the registration of the business entity information 1004 is completed, a screen 6102 indicating that the registration is completed is displayed. The screen 6102 has a box displaying the business number 1301.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of business entity information. The business information 1004 includes a record number, a business number 1301, a business name 1302, a password 1303, a settlement method 1304, and card / account information 1305. The record number is a number starting from 0, and is incremented by one each time a record is created (that is, each time new business entity information 1004 is registered).

  The business operator number 1301 is a number for identifying a service provider, and for example, a unique number is assigned to each service provider in the management device 2. The business provider number 1301 may be automatically paid out by the management device 2, for example, or an arbitrary number may be input by the service provider to be a unique number for each service provider. It is also good.

  The business name 1302 is the name of a service provider. The password 1303 is used by the service provider to log in to the service information registration screen 6200.

  The settlement method 1304 determines how the service provider pays the network provider a fee using the network, and specifies, for example, credit card payment or direct debit. The card / account information 1305 is a credit card number or account information 1305 corresponding to the payment method 1304.

[Service Information Registration]
After the provider information registration is performed, the service provider registers the outline of the service to be provided in the management device 2. After the registration is completed, the service provider connects the business server 3 to the network A5.

  The service information input unit 413 of the management device 2 receives an input of the service information 1005 from a user belonging to the service provider using the service information registration screen 6200, and stores the service information 1005 input by the user in the storage unit 421. .

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the service information registration screen. The service information registration screen is composed of a screen 6201, a screen 6202, a screen 6203 and the like. The user belonging to the service provider can display the service information registration screen 6200 on the screen of the PC, for example, by accessing the management apparatus 2 from the PC. First, a screen 6201 is displayed. The screen 6201 has a box for receiving inputs of the business number 1301 and the password 1303. When the “authentication” button 6211 is pressed, a screen 6202 is displayed. The screen 6202 has a box for inputting a service name 1402, a service outline 1403, a contract site URL 1405, a banner image 1404, and an operator server address 1406. When the “registration” button 6212 is pressed and the registration of the service information 1005 is completed, a screen 6203 indicating that the registration is completed is displayed. The screen 6203 has a service name 1402 and a service number 1401.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of service information. The service information 1005 includes a record number, an operator number 1301, a service number 1401, a service name 1402, a service outline 1403, a banner image 1404, a contract site URL 1405, and an enterprise server address 1406.

  The record number is a number starting from 0, and is incremented by one each time a record is created (that is, each time the service information 1005 is registered).

  The service number 1401 is a number for identifying a service provided by the service provider, and for example, a unique number is assigned to each service in the management device 2. The management device 2 may automatically determine the service number 1401.

  The service name 1402 is the name of a service provided by the service provider.

  The service outline 1403 is an outline of the service provided by the service provider.

  The banner image 1404 is a banner image of a service provided by the service provider.

  The contract site URL 1405 is a URL of a web server for contracting a service provided by the service provider online. The destination indicated by the contract site URL 1405 may be, for example, the provider server 3 or a Web server different from the provider server 3.

  The provider server address 1406 is the IP address of the provider server 3 that provides the service.

[Service Contract]
The network provider provides the service requester with a service list screen 6301 that displays a summary of the services registered by the user belonging to the service provider. The service user wants to use the service by selecting the service he / she wants to use from the service list screen.

  The display means 415 of the management device 2 displays a service list screen 6301 when receiving an access from a service use candidate.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the service list screen. The service use candidate can display the service list screen 6301 on the screen of the PC, for example, by accessing the management apparatus 2 from the PC. The service list screen 6301 arranges and displays the service name 1402, the service outline 1403, and the banner image 1404 included in the service information 1005 for each service. For example, when the service use candidate clicks the banner image 1404, the user is redirected to the Web page indicated by the contract site URL 1405 corresponding to the banner image 1404.

  The contract processing unit 511 of the business server 3 may display the Web site indicated by the contract site URL 1405 and receive the service contract of the service use candidate.

[Terminal setting]
When the service use contract is concluded, a user belonging to the service provider installs, for example, the terminal 4 in the vicinity of the MFP 1 and sets information, etc. for connecting the MFP 1 to the terminal 4. By completing the setting of the information and the like, provision of the service to the service user is started.

  The storage means 621 of the terminal 4 stores terminal setting information 1006 set by a user belonging to the service provider.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of terminal setting information. The terminal setting information 1006 includes a provider number 1301, a service number 1401, a terminal address 1203, a terminal ID 1202, and an MFP address (terminal side) 1110.

  The terminal address 1203 is the IP address of the terminal 4. In FIG. 18, the IP address of the terminal 4a is shown.

  The terminal ID 1202 is an ID assigned to the terminal 4 and, for example, different numbers are assigned to the terminals 4 connected to the same MFP 1. The terminal IDs may overlap between the terminals 4 connected to different MFPs.

[Terminal authentication flow]
Next, provision of the service is started, and when the notification information 901 is transmitted from the terminal 4 to the MFP 1 for the first time, terminal authentication processing is performed by the MFP 1 and the management apparatus 2. When the terminal 4 transmits the notification information 901 to the MFP 1 again, the MFP 1 and the management apparatus 2 may not perform the terminal authentication process.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the terminal authentication processing.

  In step S2201, the confirmation unit 313 of the MFP 1 transmits an authentication request to the management apparatus 2. The authentication request includes an MFP number 1101, an operator number 1301, a service number 1401, and a terminal ID 1202.

  Subsequently, the authentication unit 414 of the management device 2 checks whether a record including the service number 1401 and the business operator number 1301 included in the authentication request exists in the service information 1005 (S2202). If the record is present, the authentication unit 414 determines that the terminal 4 belongs to the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2 and the process proceeds to step S2204. If the record does not exist, the authentication unit 414 determines that the terminal 4 is not the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2 and the process proceeds to step S2203.

  In step S 2203, the authentication unit 414 transmits an authentication response to the MFP 1. At this time, the authentication unit 414 sets zero indicating authentication failure in the authentication ID 1201 included in the authentication response. Note that the value indicating the authentication failure does not necessarily have to be zero, and another value may be set.

  In step S2204, the authentication unit 414 generates an authentication ID 1201. For example, the number obtained by combining the MFP number 1101 and the terminal ID 1202 received in step S2201 may be used as the authentication ID 1201. The MFP number 1101 is, for example, a unique number in the management apparatus 2, and the terminal ID 1202 is, for example, a unique number in the MFP 1. Therefore, the number obtained by combining the MFP number 1101 and the terminal ID 1202 becomes a unique number for all the terminals 4. For example, assuming that the MFP number 1101 is 0001 and the terminal ID 1202 is 01, since the combined number of the MFP number 1101 and the terminal ID 1202 is 000101, the authentication ID 1201 is 000101.

  Alternatively, for example, a hash value may be calculated for a combination of the MFP number 1101 and the terminal ID 1202, and the calculated value may be set as the authentication ID 1201. Even if the MFP number 1101 and the terminal ID 1202 are known to the third party, it is difficult for the third party to calculate the authentication ID 1201 unless the third party knows the specific hash value calculation method. It is.

  In step S 2205, the authentication unit 414 transmits an authentication response including the generated authentication ID 1201 and the business server server address 1406 to the MFP 1. The provider server address 1406 is the provider server address 1406 included in the record searched in step S2202.

Subsequently, the terminal information storage unit 312 of the MFP 1 generates a new record of the terminal information 1003 in the storage unit 321, and in the record, the provider number 1301 and the service number 1401 received from the terminal 4 in step S2301. The address 1203 and the terminal ID 1202 and the authentication ID 1201 and the provider server address 1406 received in step S2205 are stored (S2206).
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of terminal information. The terminal information 1003 includes a record number, an authentication ID 1201, a terminal ID 1202, a provider number 1301, a service number 1401, a terminal address 1203, a provider server address 1406, and a charge data amount 1701. The record number is a number starting from 0. For example, each time a record is created (that is, each time the terminal 4 is connected), a number incremented by one is assigned. The charging data amount 1701 indicates the data amount of data transmitted to and received from the business server 3, which is measured for each of the terminals 4 by the measuring unit 314.

  Subsequently, the confirmation unit 313 receives the service number 1401, the terminal ID 1202, the MFP address (server side) 1109, the MFP installation environment code 1102, the MFP installation area code 1103, and the step S2205, which are included in the record stored in step S2206. The authentication ID 1201 is transmitted to the business server 3 (S2207).

Subsequently, the terminal installation information storage unit 512 of the business server 3 generates a new record of the terminal installation information 1007 in the storage unit 521, and the service number 1401, the terminal ID 1202, and the MFP address received in step S2207 are stored in the record. (Server side) 1109, MFP installation environment code 1102, MFP installation area code 1103, and authentication ID 1201 are stored (S2208).
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of terminal installation information. The terminal installation information 1007 includes a record number, an authentication ID 1201, a service number 1401, a terminal ID 1202, an operator number 1301, an MFP address (server side) 1109, an MFP installation environment code 1102, and an MFP installation area code 1103. And. The terminal installation information 1007 is generated as one record for each terminal 4 installed by the service provider. The record number is a number starting from 0, and for example, a number incremented by one is assigned each time a record is created.

[Data relay flow (from terminal to operator server)]
Next, a series of processing procedures until the notification information 901 is transmitted from the terminal 4 to the provider server 3 via the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure of data relay processing from a terminal to an operator server.

  In step S 2301, the information notification unit 612 of the terminal 4 transmits notification information 901 to the MFP 1. The notification information 901 includes a provider number 1301, a service number 1401, a terminal address 1203, a terminal ID 1202, a data unit, and the like. The data part includes data that the terminal 4 transmits to the provider server 3.

  Subsequently, the confirmation unit 313 of the MFP 1 confirms whether or not a record having the provider number 1301 and the service number 1401 included in the notification information 901 received in step S2301 exists in the terminal information 1003 (S2302). When the record exists in the terminal information 1003 (that is, when the notification information 901 is transmitted again from the terminal 4 to the MFP 1), the confirmation unit 313 indicates that the service providing business operator whose terminal 4 is registered in the management apparatus 2 It judges that it is a thing and progresses to step S2303.

  If the record does not exist in the terminal information 1003 (that is, when the terminal 4 transmits the notification information 901 for the first time to the MFP 1), the process proceeds to the terminal authentication process (S2305) illustrated in FIG.

  If the authentication is successful by the terminal authentication process (S2305), the confirmation unit 313 determines that the terminal 4 is that of the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2, and the process proceeds to step S2306. If the authentication fails, the confirmation unit 313 determines that the terminal 4 is not that of the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2, and the process advances to step S2308.

  In step S2303, the measuring unit 314 calculates the data size of the data part received in step S2301. The measuring unit 314 reads the charge data amount 1701 included in the record searched in step S2302, adds the read charge data amount 1701 and the data size, and updates the charge data amount 1701 of the record with the sum. Do.

  Subsequently, the communication unit 301 transmits the notification information 901 to the business server 3 (S2304). The notification information 901 includes a terminal ID 1202, a service number 1401, and a data unit. The communication unit 301 transmits the notification information 901 to the business server address 1406 included in the record searched in step S2302.

  Here, since the present embodiment is communication by IP, the notification information 901 includes the IP address on the server side of the MFP 1 which is the transmission source address of the notification information 901. The notification information 901 also includes a terminal ID 1202. Since the MFP address (server side) 1109 and the terminal ID 1202 are stored in the terminal installation information 1007 stored in the provider server 3, the provider server 3 uniquely identifies the terminal 4 that has transmitted the notification information 901. Can be identified.

  In step S2306, the same process as step S2303 is performed. In step S2307, the same process as step S2304 is performed.

  In step S2308, the communication unit 301 discards the notification information 901 received from the terminal 4 in step S2301.

  The processing procedure of the data relay processing from the terminal to the business server has been described above, but in step S 2302, it can not be determined by the MFP 1 that the terminal 4 is of the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2. The terminal authentication process (S2305) shown in FIG. 19 may be performed periodically. As a result, the authentication ID 1201 can be updated periodically, and the security strength can be enhanced.

[Data relay flow (from operator server to terminal)]
Next, a series of processing procedures until the distribution information 902 is transmitted from the business server 3 to the terminal 4 via the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure of data relay processing from the provider server to the terminal.

  In step S 2401, the distribution unit 516 of the business server 3 transmits the distribution information 902 to the MFP 1. The distribution information 902 includes an authentication ID 1201, a terminal ID 1202, an operator number 1301, and a data section.

  Subsequently, the confirmation unit 313 of the MFP 1 confirms whether or not the record having the business operator number 1301, the terminal ID 1202, and the authentication ID 1201 included in the distribution information 902 received in step S2401 exists in the terminal information 1003 (S2402) . When the record is present in the terminal information 1003, the confirmation unit 313 determines that the received distribution information 902 is the distribution information 902 transmitted from the service provider who owns the terminal 4 authenticated by the management device 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S2403.

  If the record does not exist in the terminal information 1003, the confirmation unit 313 determines that the received distribution information 902 is not the distribution information 902 transmitted from the service provider who holds the terminal 4 authenticated by the management device 2. And go to step S2406.

  In step S 2403, the measuring unit 314 calculates the data size of the data part received in step S 2401. The measuring unit 314 reads the charge data amount 1701 included in the record searched in step S2402, adds the read charge data amount 1701 and the data size, and updates the charge data amount 1701 of the record with the sum. Do.

  Subsequently, the communication unit 301 transmits the distribution information 902 to the terminal 4 (S2404). The terminal information 1003 includes an authentication ID 1201, a terminal ID 1202, an operator number 1301, and a data unit. The communication unit 301 transmits the notification information 901 to the terminal address 1203 included in the record searched in step S2402.

  Subsequently, the information notification unit 612 of the terminal 4 processes the distribution information 902 received from the MFP 1 (S2405).

  On the other hand, in step S2406, the communication means 301 discards the distribution information 902 received from the business server 3 in step S2401.

[Billing processing flow]
Next, a process in which the network provider charges the service provider according to the communication amount will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the charging information collection process.

  In step S2501, the charging unit 416 of the management device 2 starts charging processing. The charging process is periodically started, for example, at the end of the month.

  Subsequently, the charging unit 416 transmits a charging information request to the MFP 1 (S2502). The charge information request includes the business number 1301 of the charge target business.

  Subsequently, the charging information generation unit 315 of the MFP 1 searches the terminal information 1003 for a record having the business number 1301 notified in step S2502 and generates charging information 1009 (S2503).

  FIG. 25 shows an example of the charging information. The charging information 1009 includes a record number, a service number 1401, a terminal ID 1202, and a charging data amount 1701. The record number is a number starting from 0, and is incremented by 1 each time a record is created (that is, for each terminal 4).

  Subsequently, the charging information generation unit 315 transmits all the records of the charging information 1009 created in step S2503 to the management device 2 (S2504).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 continues charging processing based on the charging information 1009 received from the MFP 1 (S2505).

[Flow chart of charge information generation]
Next, the process (step S 2503 in FIG. 24) when the MFP 1 that has received the charging information request from the management device 2 generates the charging information 1009 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the charging information generation processing.

  In step S3001, the charging information generation unit 315 generates a search record number, which is a variable, and sets the value to zero.

  Subsequently, the charging information generation unit 315 searches the terminal information 1003 for a record having the same record number as the search record number (S3002).

  Subsequently, the charge information generation unit 315 determines whether the business number 1301 included in the record searched in step S3002 matches the business number 1301 received in step S2502 (S3003). If they match, the process proceeds to step S3004, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S3006.

  In step S3004, the charging information generation unit 315 extracts the service number 1401, the terminal ID 1202, and the charging data amount 1701 included in the record searched in step S3003, and creates a record in which the search record number is the record number in the charging information 1009. Do.

  Here, a specific example of the process of step S3004 will be described using FIG. 25 and FIG. It is assumed that the search record number is zero, and the business number 1301 notified in step S2502 is 20130001. As shown in FIG. 20, the service number 1401 included in the record of the terminal information 1003 whose provider number 1301 is 20130001 is 20140123, the terminal ID 1202 is 01, and the charge data amount 1701 is 34928. Therefore, a record having a record number of zero, a service number 1401 of 20140123, a terminal ID 1202 of 01, and a charging data amount 1701 of 34928 is generated in the record of the charging information 1009.

  In step S3005, the charging information generation unit 315 sets zero to the charging data amount 1701 included in the record of the terminal information 1003 searched in step S3003. This is because it is necessary to clear the billing data amount 1701 in order to prevent double billing.

  Subsequently, the charging information generation unit 315 adds 1 to the search record number (S3006). Subsequently, if the search record number is equal to or less than the maximum value of the record numbers included in the terminal information 1003 (YES in S3007), the charging information generation unit 315 returns to Step S3003. On the other hand, if the search record number is larger than the record number included in the terminal information 1003 (NO in S3007), the charging information generation unit 315 transmits the generated charging information to the management device 2 (S3008), and ends the processing. .

"Flowchart of charging process"
Next, the charging process in the management device 2 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the charging process. Steps S3101 to S3105 are processes in which step S2501 in FIG. 24 is embodied, and steps S3107 to S3117 are processes in which step S2505 in FIG. 24 is embodied. Also, in step S3106, steps S2502 to S2504 in FIG. 24 are performed.

  In step S3101, the management device 2 generates a business entity search record number which is a variable, and sets the value to zero.

  Subsequently, the management apparatus 2 searches the company information 1004 for a record having the same record number as the company search record number, and the company number 1301 included in the searched record, the settlement method 1304, and the card / account number. 1305 is stored (S3102).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 generates a total charge data amount which is a variable, and sets the value to zero (S3103).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 generates an MFP search record number which is a variable, and sets the value to zero (S3104).

  Subsequently, the management apparatus 2 searches the all MFP information 1002 for a record having the same record number as the MFP search record number, and stores the MFP address (server side) 1109 included in the searched record (S3105).

  Subsequently, the management apparatus 2 transmits a charging information request to the MFP address (server side) 1109 stored in step S3105, and acquires charging information 1009 from the MFP 1 (S3106). In the charging information request, the business operator number 1301 stored in step S3102 is set.

  Subsequently, the management device 2 generates a billing search record number which is a variable, and sets the value to zero (S3107).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 determines whether the billing search record number is less than or equal to the maximum value of the record numbers included in the billing information 1009 (S3108). If the billing search record number is less than or equal to the maximum value (YES in S3108), the process advances to step S3109. If the charging search record number exceeds the maximum value (NO in S3108), the process proceeds to step S3112.

  In step S3109, the management device 2 searches the charge information 1009 for a record having the same record number as the charge search record number, and acquires the charge data amount 1701 included in the retrieved record.

  Subsequently, the management device 2 adds the charging data amount 1701 acquired in step S3109 to the total charging data amount (S3110).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 adds 1 to the charge search record number (S3111), and returns to step S3108.

  On the other hand, in step S3112, the management device 2 adds 1 to the MFP search record number. Subsequently, the management apparatus 2 determines whether the MFP search record number is equal to or less than the maximum value of the record numbers included in the all MFP information 1002 (S3113). If the MFP search record number is less than or equal to the maximum value (Yes in S3113), the process returns to step S3105. If the MFP search record number exceeds the maximum value (NO in step S3113), the process advances to step S3114.

  In step S3114, the management device 2 calculates the billing amount from the total billing data amount. For example, a value obtained by multiplying the total charge data amount by a fixed value may be used as the charge amount.

  Subsequently, in accordance with the settlement method 1304 and the card / account information 1305 stored in step S3102, the management device 2 settles the charge amount obtained in step S3114 to the service provider (S3115). That is, the network provider can charge the service provider a usage fee according to the amount of data that has passed through the MFP 1 in the corresponding month.

  Subsequently, the management device 2 adds 1 to the business entity search record number (S3116).

  Subsequently, the management device 2 determines whether the provider search record number is less than or equal to the maximum value of the record numbers included in the provider information 1004 (S3117). If the business operator search record number is less than or equal to the maximum value (YES in S3117), the process returns to step S3102. If the MFP search record number exceeds the maximum value (NO in S3117), the process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the business server 3 and the terminal 4 are connected to the network A5 and the MFP 1 installed in advance, and the business server 3 and the terminal 4 perform data communication via the network A5 and the MFP 1 By doing so, it is possible to provide the service provided via the network at low cost.

  Further, when the MFP 1 confirms the notification information 901 received from the terminal 4 and determines that the terminal 4 that has transmitted the notification information 901 is that of the service provider registered in the management apparatus 2, the notification information 901. Is sent to the business server 3. Further, the MFP 1 confirms the distribution information 902 received from the management apparatus 2, and the received distribution information 902 is the distribution information 902 transmitted from the service provider who owns the terminal 4 authenticated by the management apparatus 2. If it is determined, the distribution information 902 is transmitted to the terminal 4. As a result, the illegal terminal 4 is connected to the MFP 1 and the data is transmitted to the business server 3, or the illegal carrier server 3 is connected to the MFP 1 and the data is transmitted to the terminal 4. It can increase the possibility of discovering.

  In step S 2301, the authentication ID 1201 is included in the notification information 901 transmitted from the terminal 4 to the MFP 1, and in step S 2302, the MFP 1 records the provider number 1301, the service number 1401, and the authentication ID 1201 included in the notification information 901. May be confirmed in the terminal information 1003. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm that the terminal 4 that sends the notification information 901 to the MFP 1 is the terminal 4 that has been authenticated by the management device 2, and connects the unauthorized terminal 4 to the MFP 1. The possibility of discovering fraudulent acts such as sending data to

  Further, the MFP 1 transmits the notification information 901 received from the terminal 4 to the provider server address 1406 notified from the management device 2. That is, the provider server address 1406 may not be set in the terminal 4. Thereby, when the provider server address 1406 is changed due to a failure, maintenance, etc. of the provider server 3, notification is given to the changed provider server 3 without rewriting the information held on the terminal side. Information 901 can be sent.

  Also, by providing the management apparatus 2 with a web screen that allows the service provider to register the service information 1005, the service provider can easily start the service using the network of the network relay provider. .

  In addition, the service user easily selects a service provided by the service provider by providing the service list screen in which the management device 2 has the web server function and displays the service list to the service user. You can do it. In addition, the information to be posted on the service list screen is limited to the service outline, etc., and is redirected to the Web page indicated by the URL of the server provided by the service provider according to the operation of the service user. The service information 1005 registered in 2 can be minimized.

  Further, in step 2402, the confirmation unit 313 may confirm, for example, whether or not a record having the provider number 1301 and the terminal ID 1202 exists in the terminal information 1003 without using the authentication ID 1201. As a result, the processing load on the MFP 1 can be reduced. In addition, the confirmation unit 313 may confirm, for example, whether a record having the provider number 1301 and the service number 1401 exists in the terminal information 1003.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described based on the drawings. In the second embodiment, a simple security service, which is an example of a service provided by a service provider, will be described. The service provider will be described on the assumption that the surveillance camera has been installed in the office of the service user who has made a contract for using the service. The description of the same components as in the first embodiment is omitted. Also, points that are not particularly mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in the second embodiment.

  The terminal 4 is a surveillance camera having a buzzer.

  The business server 3 is an image analysis server having a function of automatically analyzing an image from a monitoring camera. When an abnormality is found in the image from the surveillance camera, the anomaly is notified to the surveillance terminal connected to the image analysis server, and a warning is issued from the buzzer connected to the surveillance camera to the surveillance camera according to the instruction of the remote administrator. To tell.

  FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the second embodiment. The same steps as in FIG. 22, FIG. 23 or FIG. 19 carry the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

  In step S4001, the terminal 4 transmits the image captured by the camera to the MFP 1.

  In step S4002, the MFP 1 transmits an image to the business entity server 3. Subsequently, the business entity server 3 analyzes the image transmitted in step S4002 (S4003). Since no abnormality is detected in the image, the business entity server 3 stands by until the next image is transmitted from the terminal 4.

  In step S 4004, the terminal 4 transmits the image captured by the camera to the MFP 1. Subsequently, the MFP 1 transmits an image to the business server 3 (S4005). Subsequently, the business entity server 3 analyzes the image transmitted in step S4005 (S4006). Here, since the abnormality is detected in the image, the abnormality is displayed on the connected monitoring terminal. It is assumed that the remote manager instructed to issue a warning from the buzzer connected to the monitoring camera.

  In step S4007, the business server 3 transmits the distribution information 902 to the MFP 1. Delivery information 902 includes information indicating that an abnormality has been detected.

  In step S4008, the MFP 1 transmits the distribution information 902 to the terminal 4. Subsequently, the terminal 4 sounds a buzzer connected to the terminal 4 (S4009).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the service provider can easily provide the simple security service.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described based on the drawings. In the third embodiment, a mobile charging service, which is a service provided by a service provider, will be described. The service provider will be described on the premise that the high-speed charging device has been installed in the convenience store of the service user who has made a contract for using the service. Description of the same components as those of the embodiment already described is omitted. Also, points that are not particularly mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in the third embodiment.

  The terminal 4 provides a charging service to the mobile device, and has a function of displaying an advertisement on a display of the high-speed charging device while charging.

  The business server 3 is an advertisement server, and an advertisement to be displayed on a display included in the high-speed charging device is accumulated.

  FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the third embodiment. The same steps as in FIG. 22, FIG. 23 or FIG. 19 carry the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

  In step S5001, the mobile device is set in the high-speed charging device, and charging is started. Subsequently, the high-speed charging device transmits an advertisement transmission request to the MFP 1 (S5002).

  In step S <b> 5003, the MFP 1 transmits an advertisement transmission request to the business server 3. Since the advertisement transmission request corresponds to notification information transmission (step S2306) in FIG. 22, the advertisement transmission request includes the terminal ID 1202 and the service number 1401.

  Subsequently, the business server 3 searches the terminal installation information 1007 for the record having the terminal ID 1202 and the service number 1401 received in step S5003, and uses the MFP installation environment code 1102 and the MFP installation area code 1103 contained in the record. Select an advertisement to be sent to the high-speed charging device (S5004).

  Subsequently, the business server 3 transmits the advertisement information to the MFP 1 (S5005).

  In step S5006, the MFP 1 transmits the advertisement information to the high-speed charging device. Subsequently, the high-speed charging device displays the advertisement information received in step S5006 on the display of the high-speed charging device (S5007).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the service provider can easily provide the mobile charging service.

  As mentioned above, although the information relay system which concerns on several Example was demonstrated, this form does not limit the scope of the present invention, and various modification and improvement are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the MFP 1 may have the function of the management device 2 or the function of the business server 3, or the management device 2 may have the function of the MFP 1 or the business server 3. Also, the business server 3 may have the function of the management device 2 or the MFP 1. Further, the management apparatus 2, the MFP 1, the business server 3, and the terminal 4 which constitute the system may be one or plural respectively.

  The sequences and flowcharts described in the plurality of embodiments above may be rearranged as long as there is no contradiction.

  As described above, all or part of the plurality of embodiments may be implemented by a program. This program can be stored in a storage medium.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the MFP 1 is an example of an information relay apparatus, and the business server 3 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The provider server address 1406 is an example of transmission destination information, and the authentication ID 1201 is an example of authentication information. Also, the notification information 901 is an example of first data, and the distribution information 902 is an example of second data. Also, the business operator number 1301 is an example of an identifier of a service provider. The contract site URL 1405 is an example of an identifier of the information processing apparatus.

1 MFP
2 Management device 3 Operator server 4 Terminal 301, 401, 501 Communication means 313 Confirmation means 314 Measurement means 321, 421, 521 Storage means 412 Business information input means 413 Service information input means 414 Authentication means 415 Display means 901 Notification information 902 Delivery information 1003 Terminal information 1202 Authentication ID
1301 Company information 1304 Settlement method 1402 Service name 1405 Contract site URL
1406 Business server address

JP 2008-205655 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-0747467 JP, 2005-151340, A JP, 2004-152233, A JP 2001-285955 A

Claims (7)

An information relay apparatus, an information processing apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via a first network, a management apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via the first network, and the information relay apparatus An information relay system including a terminal connected via a second network, wherein data is transmitted and received between the terminal and the information processing apparatus via the information relay apparatus,
The management device is
A first storage unit that stores information related to a service provided by the information processing apparatus;
An authentication unit that receives an authentication request from the information relay device and generates authentication information when information on a service included in the authentication request is stored in the first storage unit;
Have
The information relay apparatus
Data communication is performed with the terminal, the information processing apparatus, and the management apparatus, notification information transmitted from the terminal to the information processing apparatus is received, and information on a service included in the notification information is extracted, A communication unit that receives distribution information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the terminal and extracts information related to a service and authentication information included in the distribution information;
Second storage means for storing terminal information including authentication information and information on a service, and transmission destination information indicating the information processing apparatus which is a data transmission destination of the terminal;
When the information on the service included in the notification information is received from the communication unit, it is confirmed whether the information on the received service exists in the terminal information, and if it is present, the communication unit is based on the transmission destination information. The transmission of the notification information is permitted, and if it does not exist, the authentication request is transmitted to the management device, and when information and authentication information related to the service included in the distribution information is received from the communication means, reception is performed. It is checked whether the information related to the service and the authentication information are present in the terminal information, and if it is present, the transmission of the distribution information is permitted to the communication means, and if it is not present, the communication means is sent to the communication means. Confirmation means not permitting transmission of distribution information;
Have
When the communication unit receives the authentication information from the authentication unit, the second storage unit generates and stores terminal information including the authentication information and information on the service received by the communication unit from the terminal. An information relay system for transmitting the authentication information and information on the service to the information processing apparatus . The information processing apparatus is
Third storage means for storing the distribution information to be transmitted to the terminal and terminal installation information indicating a location where the terminal is installed;
  Distribution means for searching for the installation place of the terminal from the terminal installation information when distributing the distribution information to the terminal, selecting the distribution information according to the installation place, and distributing the information to the terminal;
The information relay system according to claim 1, comprising: It has an input means for receiving an input of information related to the service via a screen of a device connected via the first network,
Said first storage means stores information related to the service which is input from said input means, the information relaying system according to claim 1 or 2. The first storage unit stores information related to the service including an identifier of the information processing apparatus,
And display means for displaying information on the one or more services on the screen,
The information relay system according to claim 3, wherein the display means causes the device to access the information processing apparatus indicated by the identifier of the information processing apparatus in response to an operation on the screen. The second storage means stores the terminal information including the identifier of the service provider.
A measuring unit that measures an accumulated value of the data amount of the notification information or the distribution information transmitted and received by the communication unit for each of the terminals, and stores the accumulated value in the terminal information;
Charging means for charging the provider by adding up the accumulated value for each terminal for each provider using an identifier of the provider;
The information relay system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: An information relay apparatus, an information processing apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via a first network, a management apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via the first network, and the information relay apparatus An information relay method comprising: a terminal connected via a second network; and data being transmitted and received between the terminal and the information processing apparatus via the information relay apparatus;
The management device is
A first storage step in which a first storage means stores information on a service provided by the information processing apparatus;
An authentication step of generating authentication information when the authentication means receives an authentication request from the information relay device and the information on the service included in the authentication request is stored in the first storage means;
Run
The information relay apparatus
A communication unit performs data communication with the terminal, the information processing apparatus, and the management apparatus, receives notification information transmitted from the terminal to the information processing apparatus, and extracts information on a service included in the notification information. A communication step of receiving distribution information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the terminal and extracting information and authentication information related to a service included in the distribution information;
A second storage step in which second storage means stores terminal information including authentication information and information on a service, and transmission destination information indicating the information processing apparatus which is a data transmission destination of the terminal;
When confirmation means receives information on the service included in the notification information from the communication means, it confirms whether or not the information on the received service exists in the terminal information, and if it exists, the transmission means transmits the information to the communication means The transmission of the notification information based on the destination information is permitted, and if not present, the authentication request is transmitted to the management device, and the information on the service included in the distribution information and the authentication information are transmitted from the communication means. When it is received, it checks whether or not the information on the received service and the authentication information exist in the terminal information, and if it exists, it permits the communication means to transmit the distribution information, and if it does not exist, it will A confirmation step of not permitting transmission of the distribution information to the communication means;
Run
When the communication unit receives the authentication information from the authentication unit, the second storage unit generates and stores terminal information including the authentication information and information on the service received by the communication unit from the terminal. And the confirmation means transmits the authentication information and information on the service to the information processing apparatus . An information relay apparatus, an information processing apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via a first network, a management apparatus connected to the information relay apparatus via the first network, and the information relay apparatus A program for an information relay system, including a terminal connected via a second network, wherein data is transmitted and received between the terminal and the information processing apparatus via the information relay apparatus,
In the management device,
A first storage step in which a first storage means stores information on a service provided by the information processing apparatus;
An authentication step of generating authentication information when the authentication means receives an authentication request from the information relay device and the information on the service included in the authentication request is stored in the first storage means;
To run
In the information relay device,
A communication unit performs data communication with the terminal, the information processing apparatus, and the management apparatus, receives notification information transmitted from the terminal to the information processing apparatus, and extracts information on a service included in the notification information. A communication step of receiving distribution information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the terminal and extracting information and authentication information related to a service included in the distribution information;
A second storage step in which second storage means stores terminal information including authentication information and information on a service, and transmission destination information indicating the information processing apparatus which is a data transmission destination of the terminal;
When confirmation means receives information on the service included in the notification information from the communication means, it confirms whether or not the information on the received service exists in the terminal information, and if it exists, the transmission means transmits the information to the communication means The transmission of the notification information based on the destination information is permitted, and if not present, the authentication request is transmitted to the management device, and the information on the service included in the distribution information and the authentication information are transmitted from the communication means. When it is received, it checks whether or not the information on the received service and the authentication information exist in the terminal information, and if it exists, it permits the communication means to transmit the distribution information, and if it does not exist, it will A confirmation step of not permitting transmission of the distribution information to the communication means;
To run
When the communication unit receives the authentication information from the authentication unit, the second storage unit generates terminal information including the authentication information and information on the service received by the communication unit from the terminal and stores the terminal information A program of an information relay system for causing the information processing apparatus to transmit the authentication information and information on the service .

Images