System for and a method of providing an online time period reserving service, which can protect an excessive load from being applied to a communication system, in order to provide a stable communication to a user

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for and a method of providing an online time period reserving service. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for and a method of providing an online time period reserving service, which can carry out a communication having a stable quality due to a reservation of a time period provided by an Internet connection dealer.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] An example of a user registration system of a conventional Internet connection dealer is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 9-179905). In this conventional technique, as shown in FIG. 1, a proper access point <b>6</b> is selected from an access point table <b>3</b> noted in a personal computer <b>1</b>. Then, a user information is registered in the access point <b>6</b>. Accordingly, a new user is registered. By the way, in FIG. 1, a symbol <b>2</b> denotes a keyboard, a symbol <b>4</b> denotes a controller, a symbol <b>5</b> denotes a modem, a symbol <b>7</b> denotes a telephone line, and a symbol <b>8</b> denotes a host computer, respectively.

[0005] This registration method is also applied to the Internet connection dealer. So, an icon on a screen of the personal computer <b>1</b> can be clicked to conclude a contract with the Internet connection dealer on an online.

[0006] Also, as a conventional technique for keeping a quality on the Internet, there is RSVP (Resource ReserVation Protocol) defined on September 1997 by RFC 2205 (Request For Comments 2205). This method is the protocol for reserving a necessary band by requiring a necessary communication band from a transmission destination of a transmission source.

[0007] However, the conventional system has the following problems.

[0008] The first problem lies in a fact that it is difficult to keep a communication quality desired by a user.

[0009] This is because many users try to carry out communications at the same time, as compared with a communication facility of the Internet connection dealer. In order to protect such an event from occurring, there are a method of limiting the number of users and a method of employing a communication system for insuring a communication quality.

[0010] For example, the user registration system disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 9-179905) can provide the stable communication, though all of the users request communications at the same time, if the number of subscribers (users) to the Internet connection dealer is limited to the maximum number that can be allowed by the communication system of the dealer.

[0011] However, there is almost no case that all the users request the communications at the same time. Usually, the communications are carried out in only a range less than a power of the communication system. Thus, its efficiency is poor.

[0012] On the other hand, as the communication system for insuring the communication quality, there is the RSVP defined by the RFC 2205. However, as the second problem, there is the problem of the necessity of a facility investment cost to insure the communication quality such as the RSVP and the like.

[0013] This is because the introduction of the communication system corresponding to the RSVP requires all communication apparatuses on a communication route to introduce the devices corresponding to the RSVP.

[0014] By the way, as other conventional technical documents, there are Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-15754), Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-272711) and the like.

[0015] The technique disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-15754) is intended to reduce the number of connections to a provider in such a way that one user carries out a reservation registration for a plurality of communications, and one trial of a connection to the provider enables the plurality of communications to be executed in a batch manner. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to adjust reservations from a plurality of users, and thereby protect the many users from requesting communication services at a time, and accordingly insure the communication quality for users within a range of reservation receptions. Also, Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-15754) is configured such that a module for carrying out a reservation process is installed on a side of a client (a communication terminal apparatus). This is because it is enough to adjust only a reservation from one user. On the other hand, in the present invention, the reservation process is installed in a server (a provider side). This is because it is necessary to install on the server side in order to adjust the reservations from the plurality of users. Also, since a typical Web client (actually, a browser) is assumed to be located on the user side, the mechanism (namely, the reservation process) peculiar to the present invention can not be installed in the client.

[0016] The technique disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-272711) is intended to avoid the occurrence of an excessive communication time because of a user interaction, an unstable communication and a thinness of a dialup line, by reserving a download of large information and collectively downloading it in a batch manner. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to provide a stable communication with a high quality to a user obtaining a reservation. The user obtaining the reservation can interactively download an information, similarly to a typical net surfing. Also, the technique disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-272711) is configured such that a function of reading out an information carries out the download instead of the user. On the other hand, in the present invention, a contract server carries out a control only as to whether an access of a user is filtered or passed, on the basis of a presence or absence of a reservation, and the download of a file is done by the user itself.

[0017] Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A, 2000-59359) discloses the following Internet connection method. In the Internet connection method having a subscriber terminal connected to an IP network, a WWW server for receiving a connection request to the Internet at the subscriber terminal, a customer information manager for storing an information of the subscriber terminal, and an accounting call meter for controlling the connection to the Internet of the subscriber terminal, the Internet connection method sends the connection request to the Internet from the subscriber terminal, and with regard to the connection request, the WWW server receives the information of the subscriber terminal corresponding to an IP address of the subscriber terminal, from the customer information manager, and the WWW server further reports the allowance or rejection of the connection to the Internet of the subscriber terminal, on the basis of the information of the subscriber terminal, to the accounting call meter.

[0018] Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 10-31635) discloses the following portable electronic mail terminal. This is the portable electronic mail terminal that has a scheduling function, and sends and receives an electronic mail by using a radio communication, and then sending and receiving the electronic mail in a two-way, and it is further provided with: a radio communicator for sending and receiving the electronic mail; a schedule manager for managing a schedule of a user; a display for displaying a content of an electronic mail received by the radio communicator and a schedule managed by the schedule manager; a mail command decoder for decoding the electronic mail received by the radio communicator, and prompting the user to carry out an operation for invoking the schedule if a schedule invoking command is included as its content, and commanding the schedule manager to display the schedule of a day specified by the electronic mail on the display if the user carries out the operation of the schedule invoking command; and an input device for receiving the operation of the user and then sending the operational content to the mail command decoder and the schedule manager.

[0019] Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-212995) discloses the following method of transmitting an information reservation. The method of transmitting an information reservation includes the steps of: specifying an information to be obtained, in a user terminal, a timing when the information is obtained, and a transmission destination of the obtained information; transmitting a data indicative of the specified information to be obtained, the timing and the transmission destination, through a communication network to a transmission server; and obtaining the information to be obtained, at the specified timing, on the basis of the sent data, in the transmission server, and then transmitting to the specified transmission destination.

[0020] Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 11-328277) discloses the following reservation reception system. This reservation reception system is provided with: a terminal for inputting and outputting a data with regard to a reservation; a reservation judgment processor that is installed in a destination of a reservation and intended to carry out the processes including a reservation judgment, a transmission/reception and a registration of a data with regard to a reservation in the destination; and a collecting/delivering device for collecting/delivering the data with regard to the reservation between the terminal and the reservation judgment processor.

[0021] Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 9-83678) discloses the following online advertisement system. In an information processing system that is connected to a network and intended to provide an advertisement of a sponsor through an online, in accordance with an access from a user, this online advertisement system is provided with: an advertisement information memory for storing an advertisement information including an access number of a free dial connected to the sponsor; and a communicator for sending the advertisement information to a user terminal when receiving an access request of the advertisement information from the user terminal through the network.

[0022] Japanese Patent No. 2998785 discloses the following user registration system. This is the user registration system for registering in a host computer the information necessary for a user registration at a time of a first setup of an electronic apparatus after a purchase of the electronic apparatus having a communication function, wherein the electronic apparatus has a modem for enabling a communication through a telephone line and an access point table for storing all access points that can be connected to the holt computer through the telephone line, and it also stores therein a program for commanding a built-in controller to execute a predetermined user registration operation at the time of the first setup, wherein when a user enters a user registration information containing at least a name and an address necessary for the user registration at the time of the first setup, the controller searches through the access point table on the basis of the address, and selects one access point, and connect to the host computer through the telephone line via the access point, and then stores the entered user registration information in the host computer through the online, and wherein as the predetermined user registration operation, the controller executes the steps of: judging whether or not the setup of the electronic apparatus is the first setup; prompting the user to enter the user registration information if it is judged as the first setup; searching for the one access point through the access point table on the basis of the entered address; and connecting to the host computer through the telephone line via the searched access point, and then sending the entered user registration information through the online.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention is accomplished in view of the above mentioned problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system for and a method of providing an online time period reserving service, which can protect an excessive load from being applied to a communication system, in order to provide a stable communication to a user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for and a method of providing an online time period reserving service, which can protect an excessive load from being applied to a communication system, in order to provide a stable communication to a user, at a low cost, without any introduction of a new communication quality insurance system.

[0024] In order to achieve an aspect of the present invention, a system of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, includes: a reservation table in which a state with regard to a reservation for a connecting service to the internet at a time period is stored; and a contract unit inputting a reserving demand to reserve the connecting service to the internet at a certain time period from a user to judge whether the reserving demand is permitted with reference to the reservation table.

[0025] In this case, the contract unit permits the reserving demand when the number of users connecting to the internet at a same time as the time period included in the reserving demand is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0026] Also in this case, the system of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, further includes: a discount data storing unit storing a discount data to determine an accounting fee for the connecting service for a time period, and wherein the contract unit finds out a discountable time period with respect to the accounting fee of the connecting service with reference to the reservation table and the discount data to give a user a discount frame data showing the discountable time period and the accounting fee of the discountable time period.

[0027] Further in this case, the accounting fee is determined based on a remaining period until a starting time of a time period at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, as the discount data.

[0028] In this case, the accounting fee is determined based on the state with regard to the reservation, as the discount data.

[0029] Also in this case, the accounting fee is determined based on a condition of a day of a time period at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, of the week, as the discount data.

[0030] Further in this case, the accounting fee is determined such that a discount rate of the accounting fee is defined as being higher, the shorter the remaining period and the smaller the number of the reservations.

[0031] In this case, the system of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, further includes: a penalty data storing unit storing a penalty data to determine a penalty if the user cancels the reservation, and wherein the contract unit gives the user a penalty information showing the penalty based on the penalty data.

[0032] Also in this case, the penalty is determined based on a remaining period until a starting time of a time period, included in the permitted reserving demand, at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, as the penalty data.

[0033] In order to achieve another object of the present invention, a method of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, includes: storing a reservation data indicating a state of a reservation for a connecting service to the internet at a time period; inputting a reserving demand to reserve the connecting service to the internet at a certain time period from a user; and judging whether the reserving demand is permitted based on the reservation data.

[0034] In this case, the reserving demand is permitted when the number of users connecting to the internet at a same time as the time period included in the reserving demand is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0035] Also in this case, the method of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, further includes: storing a discount data to determine an accounting fee for the connecting service for a time period; finding out a discountable time period with respect to the accounting fee of the connecting service based on the reservation data and the discount data; and giving a user a discount frame data showing the discountable time period and the accounting fee of the discountable time period.

[0036] Further in this case, the accounting fee is determined based on a remaining period until a starting time of a time period at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, as the discount data.

[0037] In this case, the accounting fee is determined based on the state of the reservation, as the discount data.

[0038] Also in this case, the accounting fee is determined based on a condition of a day of a time period at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, of the week, as the discount data.

[0039] Further in this case, the accounting fee is determined such that a discount rate of the accounting fee is defined as being higher, the shorter the remaining period and the smaller the number of the reservations.

[0040] In this case, the method of reserving a connecting service to the internet at a time period, further includes: storing a penalty data to determine a penalty if the user cancels the reservation; and giving the user a penalty information showing the penalty based on the penalty data.

[0041] Also in this case, the penalty is determined based on a remaining period until a starting time of a time period, included in the permitted reserving demand, at which the user wants the connecting service to the internet, as the penalty data.

[0042] In order to achieve still another aspect of the present invention, a contract server to reserve a connecting service to the internet at a time period, includes: an input unit inputting a reserving demand to reserve a connecting service to the internet at a certain time period from a user; and a judging unit judging whether the reserving demand is permitted based on a state with regard to a reservation for a connecting service to the internet at a same time period as a time period at which the user wants the connecting service in the reserving demand.

[0043] In this case, the contract server permits the reserving demand when the number of users connecting to the internet at the same time as the time period at which the user wants the connecting service in the reserving demand is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional technique;

[0045]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 3 is a part of a flowchart showing a connection process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 4 is another part of the flowchart showing a connection process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0048]FIG. 5 is a part of a flowchart showing a service menu process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0049]FIG. 6 is another part of the flowchart showing a service menu process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0050]FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing a former part of a reserving process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0051]FIG. 8 is another part of the flowchart showing a former part of a reserving process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0052]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a latter part of the reserving process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0053]FIG. 10 is a part of a flowchart showing a reporting process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 11 is another part of the flowchart showing a reporting process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0055]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a charging process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0056]FIG. 13 is a view showing a login page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0057]FIG. 14 is a view showing a service menu page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0058]FIG. 15 is a view showing a reservation page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 16 is a view showing a reservation confirmation page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0060]FIG. 17 is a view showing a reservation determination page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 18 is a view showing a reservation list page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0062]FIG. 19 is a view showing a cancel confirmation page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0063]FIG. 20 is a view showing a bill page that is an actual example of the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the first embodiment;

[0064]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0065]FIG. 22 is a part of a flowchart showing a connection process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the second embodiment;

[0066]FIG. 23 is another part of the flowchart showing a connection process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the second embodiment;

[0067]FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0068]FIG. 25 is a part of a flowchart showing a service menu process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the third embodiment;

[0069]FIG. 26 is another part of a flowchart showing a service menu process among operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the third embodiment;

[0070]FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a timeout process among the operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to the third embodiment;

[0071]FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0072]FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0073]FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0074]FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

[0075]FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0077]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for providing an online time period reserving service, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to this embodiment, its main body is provided with a Web client <b>100</b>, a Web server <b>110</b>, an authentication server <b>120</b>, an authentication database <b>130</b>, a reservation table <b>140</b>, a contract server <b>150</b>, a network management server <b>160</b>, a router <b>170</b>, an Internet <b>180</b>, a discount rule <b>190</b>, a penalty rule <b>200</b>, a user database <b>210</b>, an edge router <b>220</b>, a timer <b>230</b>, a communicator <b>240</b> and an ISP LAN <b>250</b>.

[0078] The Web client <b>100</b> displays a page data sent by the Web server <b>110</b> and provides to a user. Also, it sends a data to the Web server <b>110</b> in accordance with the fact that the user actuates the Web client <b>100</b>.

[0079] The communicator <b>240</b> mediates a communication from a user to an Internet connection dealer, and sends a communication data (packet) of the user to the Internet connection dealer, or sends a data from the Internet connection dealer to the user.

[0080] The edge router <b>220</b> receives the data from the communicator <b>240</b> and sends the data to the Internet <b>180</b> through the router <b>170</b> or the ISP LAN <b>250</b> that is a local area network within the Internet connection dealer.

[0081] The authentication server <b>120</b> receives a password and a user ID from the contract server <b>150</b> or the edge router <b>220</b>, encrypts the password, and then judges whether or not an entry in coincidence with the encrypted password and the user ID exists on the authentication database <b>130</b>. If the entry exists, it sends to the edge router <b>220</b> or the contract server <b>150</b> a fact that a legal authentication can be done. If the entry does not exist, it sends a fact that the authentication is failed.

[0082] The authentication database <b>130</b> manages the user ID and the encrypted password. If the password in which the entry represented by the user ID is encrypted coincides with an element in which a password given by the user is encrypted, this coincidence implies the successful authentication.

[0083] The Web server <b>110</b> sends a page data to the Web client <b>100</b> through the communicator <b>240</b> and the edge router <b>220</b>, or receives a data from the Web client <b>100</b>. The contract server <b>150</b> is connected to the Web server <b>110</b>. The page data sent by the Web server <b>110</b> is prepared by the contract server <b>150</b>.

[0084] The reservation table <b>140</b> is a list table of the reservations received by the Internet connection dealer. Only a certain number of users can carry out the reservations in the same time period. The reservation table <b>140</b> can be used to confirm a presence or absence of a reservation, a registration of a reservation and a tentative determination of a reservation.

[0085] The contract server <b>150</b>, which is actuated by the Web server <b>110</b>, carries out an authentication of a user, an access to the reservation table <b>140</b>, an access to the user database <b>210</b> and a set of a reservation end time to the timer <b>230</b>, and also prepares the page data to be displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, and then sends to the Web server <b>110</b>. The contract server <b>150</b> controls a routing in accordance with the network management server <b>160</b>. Moreover, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the discount rule <b>190</b> and thereby calculates an accounting fee for each time period. Furthermore, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the penalty rule <b>200</b> and thereby calculates a penalty in a case of a cancel of the reservation.

[0086] The network management server <b>160</b> controls the edge router <b>220</b> and the router <b>170</b>. For example, the network management server <b>160</b> can limit a routing destination of the data prepared from a particular IP (Internet protocol) address, to the Internet <b>180</b> or the ISP LAN <b>250</b>.

[0087] The discount rule <b>190</b> is the rule to determine an accounting fee for each time period. It provides the rule to calculate an accounting fee by using a reservation state and a remaining period until a contract validity date as parameters. That is, the discount rule <b>190</b> can use a remaining time until a connection start, a current achievement rate of a reservation and the like as the parameters and then calculate the accounting fee in the time period. The discount rule <b>190</b> also contains a calendar. Thus, the calculation of the accounting fee can be changed depending on a condition of a day of the week, a festival or the like.

[0088] The penalty rule <b>200</b> is the rule to determine a penalty if a user cancels a reservation. This is the rule to calculate the penalty on the basis of the information of a remaining period of a contract period and the like. That is, the penalty rule <b>200</b> is an calculation equation in which a remaining time until a reservation time period and the like are used as the parameters.

[0089] The user database <b>210</b> is the database for managing the user attributes, such as a user ID, an accounting fee, a payment date, a user name and the like. The accounting fee, the user attribute and the like can be retrieved or set with the user ID as a key.

[0090] The router <b>170</b> carries out a connection to the Internet <b>180</b>. The router <b>170</b> can cooperate with the edge router <b>220</b> and then transfer a communication data of a user to the Internet <b>180</b>, or filter it so as not to send.

[0091] The Internet <b>180</b> is the communication network through which computers over the world are connected.

[0092] The ISP LAN <b>250</b> is the local network within the Internet connection dealer. The edge router <b>220</b> and the Web server <b>110</b> are connected to the ISP LAN <b>250</b>.

[0093] At a time of a lapse of the set reservation end time, the timer <b>230</b> reports the set user ID to the contract server <b>150</b>. The reservation end time to the timer <b>230</b> and the user ID are set by the contract server <b>150</b>.

[0094] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and <b>4</b>.

[0095]FIGS. 3 and 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure until a user is connected to an Internet connection dealer.

[0096] The user gets access to the edge router <b>220</b> through the communicator <b>240</b> from the Web client <b>100</b>, and sends a user ID and a password to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step A<b>100</b>).

[0097] The edge router <b>220</b> passes the user ID and the password, which are received from the user, to the authentication server <b>120</b>, and then requests the authentication (Step A<b>110</b>).

[0098] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password. On the other hand, it obtains an encrypted password from the authentication database <b>130</b> with the user ID as a key. Then, it compares an element in which the password given by the user is encrypted, with the encryption password obtained from the authentication database <b>130</b>. If they coincide with each other, it determines that the authentication is successful, and if they do not coincide with each other, it determines that the authentication is unsuccessful (Step A<b>120</b>).

[0099] The processes on and after the step A<b>130</b> are executed in the case of the successful authentication, and a process at a step A<b>300</b> is executed in the case of the unsuccessful authentication (Step A<b>125</b>).

[0100] In the case of the unsuccessful authentication, the edge router <b>220</b> rejects the communication with the user (Step A<b>300</b>). The process is ended.

[0101] On the other hand, in the case of the successful authentication, the authentication server <b>120</b> inquires of the contract server <b>150</b> about a reservation state of a time period carried out by the user (Step A<b>130</b>).

[0102] The contract server <b>150</b> investigates a reservation state of a time period containing a current time of the reservation table <b>140</b> with the user ID as the key, and then judges whether or not this user reserves the time period containing the current time (Step A<b>140</b>).

[0103] If there is already a reservation, the processes on and after a step A<b>150</b> are executed, and if there is no reservation, the processes on and after a step A<b>210</b> are executed (Step A<b>145</b>).

[0104] If there is no reservation, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and specifies the ISP LAN <b>250</b> as a routing destination of a communication data from the user to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step A<b>210</b>). Thus, the user can get access to the Web server <b>110</b> and use a reservation set service and a reservation confirmation service. However, it can not get access to the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0105] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the end of the reservation confirmation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step A<b>220</b>).

[0106] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the completion of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b>. If the authentication is successful, the edge router <b>220</b> starts the routing to the ISP LAN <b>250</b> (Step A<b>230</b>).

[0107] Processes after this step will be described in a service menu process procedure (on and after a step B<b>100</b>).

[0108] On the other hand, if there is already the reservation, the contract server <b>150</b> sets the reservation end time and the user ID for the timer <b>230</b> (Step A<b>150</b>).

[0109] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and specifies to the edge router <b>220</b> the Internet <b>180</b> as a routing destination of a communication data from the Web client <b>100</b> (Step A<b>160</b>).

[0110] In succession, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the end of the reservation confirmation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step A<b>170</b>).

[0111] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the completion of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step A<b>180</b>).

[0112] The edge router <b>220</b> starts the communication (Step A<b>185</b>). That is, the edge router <b>220</b> routes the communication data of the user through the router <b>170</b> to the Internet <b>180</b>. Since the edge router <b>220</b> routes the communication data of the user to the Internet <b>180</b>, the user can be connected to the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0113] The timer <b>230</b> sends the report including the user ID to the contract server <b>150</b> after the lapse of the reservation end time set by the contract server <b>150</b> (Step A<b>190</b>).

[0114] The contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and commands the edge router <b>220</b> to stop routing to the Internet <b>180</b> and switch the routing destination to the ISP LAN <b>250</b> (Step A<b>200</b>). Thus, the user can not get access to the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0115] After the completion of the switching operation of the edge router <b>220</b>, the processes on and after the step B<b>100</b> are executed similarly to the processes after a step A<b>230</b>.

[0116] The operations of the reservation reception will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and <b>6</b>.

[0117] The user is getting access to the Web server <b>110</b> through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> from the Web client <b>100</b>. At first, the user uses the Web client <b>100</b>, and gets access to a home page of a time period reservation service (Step B<b>100</b>).

[0118] The Web server <b>110</b> sends a login page data of the time period reservation service, for the access to the home page of the time period reservation service from the Web client <b>100</b> (Step B<b>110</b>).

[0119] When a login page of the time period reservation service is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user enters a user ID and a password, in the displayed login page of the time period reservation service. The Web client <b>100</b> sends the user ID and the password to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step B<b>120</b>).

[0120] When receiving the password and the user ID through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> from the Web client <b>100</b>, the Web server <b>110</b> passes the received user ID and password through <b>10</b> the contract server <b>150</b> to the authentication server <b>120</b>, and then requests the authentication (Step B<b>130</b>).

[0121] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password. On the other hand, it obtains an encrypted password from the authentication database <b>130</b> with the user ID as a key. Then, the authentication server <b>120</b> compares an element in which the password given by the user is encrypted, with the encryption password obtained from the authentication database <b>130</b> (Step B<b>140</b>.

[0122] If they coincide with each other, the authentication is successful, and if they do not coincide with each other, the authentication is unsuccessful (Step B<b>150</b>). A process at a step B<b>250</b> is executed in the case of the unsuccessful authentication, and the processes on and after a step B<b>160</b> are executed in the case of the successful authentication.

[0123] In the case of the unsuccessful authentication, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a page data of a login failure, and sends through the Web server <b>110</b>, the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step B<b>250</b>). Then, the process is ended.

[0124] In the case of the successful authentication, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a service menu page data, and sends through the Web server <b>110</b>, the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step B<b>160</b>).

[0125] When a service menu page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user selects a service menu on the service menu page. The Web client <b>100</b> sends the menu selection result through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step B<b>170</b>).

[0126] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the menu selection result to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step B<b>180</b>).

[0127] The contract server <b>150</b> branches it to a charging process (Step B<b>210</b>), a reporting process (Step B<b>220</b>) or a reserving process (Step B<b>230</b>), on the basis of the menu selection result (Steps B<b>190</b>, B<b>200</b>). Or, a logout is selected to then end the process.

[0128] The reserving process B<b>230</b> will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, <b>8</b> and <b>9</b>.

[0129] The Web server <b>110</b> requests the contract server <b>150</b> to prepare a reservation page data (Step C<b>110</b>).

[0130] The contract server <b>150</b> refers to the reservation table <b>140</b>, refers to a current reservation state, and generates a reservation state frame in which the time periods that are not filled up with reservations are gathered (Step C<b>120</b>).

[0131] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> collates the reservation state obtained from the reservation table <b>140</b> with the discount rule <b>190</b> to find out a discountable time period and calculate an accounting fee of the discountable time period, and write a time period having an very high discount rate to a discount frame (Step C<b>130</b>).

[0132] In succession, the contract server <b>150</b> integrates the reservation state frame and the discount frame into a reservation page data, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>140</b>).

[0133] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the reservation page data obtained from the contract server <b>150</b>, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>150</b>).

[0134] When the reservation page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user refers to a discount information and the reservation state represented on the reservation page, and reserves the time period. The Web client <b>100</b> sends a time period reservation request, which is the reservation result, through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>160</b>).

[0135] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the time period reservation request from the Web client <b>100</b> to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step C<b>170</b>).

[0136] The contract server <b>150</b>, after locking the reservation table <b>140</b> and stopping another access to the reservation table <b>140</b>, refers to the reservation table <b>140</b>, investigates the number of reservations in the time period on which the user performs the reservation request, and confirms whether or not it exceeds the acceptable number of reservations (Step C<b>180</b>).

[0137] If the reservation is acceptable, the processes on and after a step C<b>220</b> are executed, and if the reservation is acceptable, the processes on and after a step C<b>200</b> are executed (Step C<b>190</b>).

[0138] If the reservation is inacceptable, since it is filled up with the receivable number of reservations, the contract server <b>150</b> releases the lock of the reservation table <b>140</b>, and sends a page data indicating that the reservation is impossible, to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>200</b>).

[0139] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the page data, which is sent from the contract server <b>150</b> and indicates that the reservation is inacceptable, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>210</b>). Thus, the user can know the fact that the reservation is not accepted. Then, the reserving process B<b>230</b> is ended, and the operational flow returns back to the step B<b>160</b>.

[0140] If the reservation can be received because of a small number of reservations, the contract server <b>150</b> writes [Reservation Request] to the corresponding time period of the reservation table <b>140</b>, and releases the lock of the reservation table <b>140</b> (Step C<b>220</b>).

[0141] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a reservation confirmation page data, and sends it to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>230</b>). A reservation confirmation page is a page to provide the time period reserved by the user and an accounting fee and require the user to confirm the content.

[0142] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the reservation confirmation page data sent by the contract server <b>150</b>, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>240</b>).

[0143] When the reservation confirmation page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user views the reservation confirmation page on the Web client <b>100</b>, and confirms the reservation. Then, the Web client <b>100</b> sends a reservation confirmation information indicative of a reservation confirmation or a reservation cancel through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>250</b>).

[0144] The Web server <b>110</b> receives the reservation confirmation information from the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>260</b>).

[0145] Next, the Web server <b>110</b> transfers the reservation confirmation information to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step C<b>270</b>).

[0146] If the user already confirms the reservation from the reservation confirmation information, the processes on and after a step C<b>290</b> are executed, and if the user cancels the reservation, the processes on and after a step C<b>310</b> are executed (Step C<b>280</b>).

[0147] If the user already confirms the reservation, the contract server <b>150</b>, the contract server <b>150</b> changes a mark of [Reservation Request] into a mark of [Reservation], and indicates that the reservation is determined. Also, the contract server <b>150</b> adds an accounting fee of a current reservation to an accounting fee of the user database <b>210</b>, and rewrites it (Step C<b>290</b>).

[0148] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a reservation determination page data, and sends it to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>300</b>). In succession, it executes a process at a step C<b>330</b>.

[0149] On the other hand, if the user cancels the reservation in the reservation confirmation, the contract server <b>150</b> erases the mark of [Reservation Request] from the reservation table <b>140</b> (Step C<b>310</b>).

[0150] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a reservation cancel page data and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>320</b>) . In succession, it executes a process at a step C<b>330</b>.

[0151] At the step C<b>330</b>, the Web server <b>110</b> transfers the reservation determination page data or the reservation cancel page data obtained from the contract server <b>150</b>, to the Web client <b>100</b>. Then, the reserving process B<b>230</b> is ended, and the operational flow returns back to the step B<b>160</b>.

[0152] The reporting process B<b>220</b> will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 10 and <b>11</b>.

[0153] At first, the contract server <b>150</b> investigates the reservation table <b>140</b> and obtains all reservation states of the user. At that time, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the penalty rule <b>200</b>, and calculates a penalty when a cancel is done for each reservation state. Next, the contract server <b>150</b> gets access to the user database <b>210</b>, and obtains an accounting fee of the user until now. Then, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a reservation list page data in which all the reservation states of the user, their penalties and their accounting fees are noted, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>110</b>).

[0154] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the reservation list page data received from the contract server <b>150</b>, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step D<b>120</b>).

[0155] When a reservation list page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user views the reservation list page, and confirms whether or not there is a reservation to be canceled. If there is a reservation to be canceled, it uses the Web client <b>100</b>, and specifies one or a plurality of reservations to be canceled (Step D<b>130</b>).

[0156] The Web client <b>100</b> sends the cancel indication done by the user, through the communicator <b>240</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the ISP LAN <b>250</b> to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>140</b>)

[0157] When the cancel specification is sent, the Web server <b>110</b> investigates whether or not the user pushes a return button to return back to the service menu page (Step D<b>145</b>). If the return button is pushed, the reporting process B<b>220</b> is ended, and the operational flow returns back to the step B<b>160</b>. Or, the operational flow executes the processes on and after a step D<b>150</b> (Step D<b>147</b>).

[0158] If the return button is not pushed, the Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel indication to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step D<b>150</b>).

[0159] The contract server <b>150</b> confirms whether or not there is a reservation to be canceled in the cancel indication (Step D<b>155</b>). If there is no reservation to be canceled, the reporting process B<b>220</b> is ended, and the operational flow returns back to the step B<b>160</b>.

[0160] If there is a reservation to be canceled in the cancel indication, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a cancel confirmation page data in accordance with the cancel indication. A list of cancel schedules indicated by the user is noted in the cancel confirmation page. Then, the contract server <b>150</b> sends the cancel confirmation page data to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>160</b>).

[0161] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel confirmation page data through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step D<b>170</b>).

[0162] When a cancel confirmation page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user views it and confirms the cancel. The Web client <b>100</b> sends it to the Web server <b>110</b> the cancel confirmation information indicating whether the cancel is confirmed or withdrawn (Step D<b>180</b>).

[0163] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel confirmation information to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step D<b>190</b>).

[0164] The contract server <b>150</b> confirms whether the user confirms the cancel of the reservation or withdraws the cancel of the reservation (Step D<b>200</b>).

[0165] If the user withdraws the cancel, the control is returned back to the step D<b>110</b>, and if the cancel is confirmed, the processes on and after a step D<b>220</b> are executed (Step D<b>210</b>).

[0166] If the user confirms the cancel, the contract server <b>150</b> removes the reservation from the reservation table <b>140</b>, and also adds a penalty corresponding to the canceled reservation to the accounting fee of the user database <b>210</b> (Step D<b>220</b>). Then, the operational flow returns back to the step D<b>110</b>.

[0167] The charging process B<b>210</b> will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 12.

[0168] The contract server <b>150</b> refers to the user database <b>210</b>, obtains the current accounting fee of the user and the payment date, prepares a bill page data having those information, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step E<b>110</b>).

[0169] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the bill page data through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step E<b>120</b>).

[0170] When a bill page is displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, the user views the bill page, pushes a confirmation button and confirms the charged content (Step E<b>130</b>). Then, the user commands to return back to the menu on the Web client <b>100</b>. So, the charging process B<b>210</b> is ended.

[0171] The reserving process B<b>230</b> will be described below with reference to an actual example.

[0172] Mr. Tanaka, who is a user, gets access to a home page of a time period reservation service through the communicator <b>240</b> by using Tanaka's user ID, “tanaka”, and his password, “hogehoge”, (Step A<b>100</b>). By the way, it is assumed that a current time is not included in any of time periods reserved by Mr. Tanaka.

[0173] The edge router <b>220</b> sends the user ID, “tanaka”, and the password, “hogehoge”, to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step A<b>110</b>).

[0174] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password, “hogehoge”, and, for example, obtains “a1b2c3d4e5”. Next, the authentication server <b>120</b> retrieves an entry of the user ID, “tanaka”, from the authentication database <b>130</b>, and obtains the encrypted password, “a1b2c3d4e5”. The data, “a1b2c3d4e5”, in which the password given by Mr. Tanaka is encrypted coincides with the encryption password, “a1b2c3d4e5”, within the authentication database <b>130</b>. Thus, this coincidence implies that Mr. Tanaka' login is authenticated (Step A<b>120</b>).

[0175] Next, the authentication server <b>120</b> inquires of the contract server <b>150</b> about the reservation state of the time period requested by Mr. Tanaka (Step A<b>310</b>).

[0176] The contract server <b>150</b> investigates the reservation state of the time period containing the current time (for example, 18:55 on Feb. 24, 2000) of the reservation table <b>140</b>, and confirms that there is no reservation of the user ID, “tanaka”, in the reservation table <b>140</b> (Step A<b>140</b>).

[0177] Since Mr. Tanaka's reservation is not present, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, specifies the ISP LAN <b>250</b> as the routing destination of the authentication server <b>120</b>, and limits an access to the Internet <b>180</b> (Step A<b>210</b>). Thus, Mr. Tanaka can get access to the ISP LAN <b>250</b>. However, it can not get access to the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0178] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the end of the reservation confirmation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step A<b>220</b>).

[0179] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the completion of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b>. The edge router <b>220</b> starts routing Mr. Tanaka's communication data to the ISP LAN <b>250</b> (Step A<b>230</b>).

[0180] Next, Mr. Tanaka uses the Web client <b>100</b>, and gets access to the home page of the time period reservation service (Step B<b>100</b>).

[0181] The Web server <b>110</b> sends a login page data of the time period reservation service, in response to the access from the Web client <b>100</b> (Step B<b>110</b>).

[0182] The Web client <b>100</b> displays a login page shown in FIG. 13. Mr. Tanaka writes “tanaka”to a column of a user ID, writes “hogehoge” to a column of a password, and pushes a [Login] button (Step B<b>120</b>). The Web client <b>100</b> sends the user ID, “tanaka”, and the password, “hogehoge”, to the Web server <b>110</b>.

[0183] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the user ID, “tanaka”, and the password, “hogehoge”, through the contract server <b>150</b> to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step B<b>130</b>).

[0184] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password, “hogehoge”, and obtains “a1b2c3d4e5”. On the other hand, it retrieves the entry of the user ID, “tanaka”, from the authentication database <b>130</b> and obtains the encrypted password, “a1b2c3d4e5”. The data, “a1b2c3d4e5”, in which the password given by Mr. Tanaka is encrypted coincides with the encryption password, “a1b2c3d4e5”, within the authentication database <b>130</b>. Thus, this coincidence implies that Mr. Tanaka' login is authenticated (Step B<b>140</b>). Then, the authentication server <b>120</b> reports the authentication result to the contract server <b>150</b>.

[0185] Since the authentication is successful, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a service menu page data shown in FIG. 14, and sends through the Web server <b>110</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step B<b>160</b>).

[0186] Mr. Tanaka specifies [Reservation Reception] by using a radio button of a service menu page shown in FIG. 14 displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, and pushes an [OK] button. The Web client <b>100</b> reports to the Web server <b>110</b> the fact that the user selects [Reservation Reception] (Step B<b>170</b>).

[0187] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers to the contract server <b>150</b> the fact that Mr. Tanaka selects [Reservation Reception] (Step B<b>180</b>).

[0188] The contract server <b>150</b> executes the reserving process B<b>230</b>.

[0189] In detail, the Web server <b>110</b> requests the contract server <b>150</b> to prepare a reservation page data with regard to Mr. Tanaka (Step C<b>110</b>).

[0190] The contract server <b>150</b> refers to the reservation table <b>140</b>, confirms a current reservation state, and generates a reservation state frame (Step C<b>120</b>).

[0191] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> collates the reservation state obtained from the reservation table <b>140</b> with the discount rule <b>190</b>, and retrieves a discountable time period. For example, let us suppose that the current time is Mar. 24, 2000 and only one reservation is scheduled for the time period from 4:00 to 10:00 on March 25. According to the discount rule <b>190</b>, the discount rate is defined as being higher, the shorter the remaining period and the smaller the number of reservations of a time period.

[0192] The contract server <b>150</b> writes the time period to the discount frame, since the time period from 4:00 to 10:00 has the high discount rate, as the result of the collation with the discount rule <b>190</b> (Step C<b>130</b>).

[0193] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> integrates the reservation state frame and the discount frame into the reservation page data, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>140</b>).

[0194] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the reservation page data through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>150</b>).

[0195] The Web client <b>100</b> displays a reservation page shown in FIG. 15. It is a discount frame that is located at a central portion of FIG. 15, and it is a reservation state frame that is located at a lower portion of FIG. 15. The reservation state frame indicates a reservation state in a particular time period, in which a horizontal axis denotes a date and a vertical axis denotes a time. Mr. Tanaka views the reservation page, and writes a time period from 10:00 to 17:00 on Mar. 26, 2000 as a desirable reservation time period composed of a start date and an end date, to an upper portion of the reservation page, and pushes a [Reservation] button, and then sends a time period reservation request to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>160</b>). By the way, it is possible to push an [Addition] button and thereby register a plurality of reservation requests and then send them by using the [Reservation] button.

[0196] The Web server <b>110</b> receives the time period reservation request from the Web client <b>100</b> and transfers to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step C<b>170</b>).

[0197] The contract server <b>150</b> locks the reservation table <b>140</b> so that another time period reservation request can not be written. Then, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the reservation table <b>140</b> and confirms whether or not the time period reservation request can be accepted (Step C<b>180</b>).

[0198] If the maximum number of reservations is not exceeded in the time period indicated by the reservation request, the contract server <b>150</b> determines that the reservation is acceptable (Step C<b>190</b>).

[0199] Then, the contract server <b>150</b> writes to the reservation table <b>140</b> the mark [Reservation Request] indicative of the fact of the time period reservation request from the user ID, “tanaka”, and releases the lock of the reservation table <b>140</b> (Step C<b>220</b>).

[0200] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a page data of a reservation confirmation page shown in FIG. 16, in accordance with the reservation request. At that time, it refers to the discount rule <b>190</b> and calculates an accounting fee. So, it is reflected in a reservation confirmation page data. Then, the contract server <b>150</b> sends the reservation confirmation page data to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>230</b>).

[0201] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the reservation confirmation page data sent by the contract server <b>150</b>, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>240</b>).

[0202] Mr. Tanaka views the reservation confirmation page shown in FIG. 16 displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>. With reference to FIG. 16, the reservation confirmation page represents the start time, the end time and the accounting fee with regard to the reservation requested by Mr. Tanaka. Thus, Mr. Tanaka confirms that the reservation request is received without any error, and then pushes a [Reservation Determination] button (Step C<b>250</b>).

[0203] The Web server <b>110</b> receives a reservation confirmation information from the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>260</b>), and transfers to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step C<b>270</b>)

[0204] It confirms the determination of the reservation (Step C<b>280</b>) and changes the mark of [Reservation Request] written to the reservation table <b>140</b>, into the mark of [Reservation] indicating that the user ID, “tanaka”, is already reserved. Thus, the reservation is determined. Also, the contract server <b>150</b> adds an accounting fee of a current reservation to Mr. Tanaka's accounting fee in the user database <b>210</b>, and rewrites it (Step C<b>290</b>).

[0205] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a page data of a reservation determination page shown in FIG. 17 and sends it to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step C<b>300</b>).

[0206] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the reservation determination page data obtained from the contract server <b>150</b>, through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step C<b>330</b>).

[0207] Mr. Tanaka checks [To Menu] from radio buttons on the reservation determination page shown in FIG. 17, pushes the [OK] button, and indicates the service menu page shown in FIG. 14.

[0208] The reporting process B<b>220</b> will be described below with reference to an actual example.

[0209] Mr. Tanaka gets access to the home page of the time period reservation service in order to correct the reservation. At that time, the processes from the steps A<b>100</b> to A<b>230</b> and the processes from the steps B<b>100</b> to B<b>160</b> are equal to those of the case in the reserving process B<b>230</b>. Thus, the detailed explanations are omitted, and the reporting process B<b>220</b> is centrally described.

[0210] Mr. Tanaka selects [Reservation Confirmation And Correction] from the radio buttons of the service menu page shown in FIG. 14, and pushes the [OK] button. So, the Web client <b>100</b> sends the menu selection result after the selection of [Reservation Confirmation And Correction] to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step B<b>170</b>).

[0211] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the menu selection result after the selection of [Reservation Confirmation And Correction] to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step B<b>180</b>).

[0212] The contract server <b>150</b> executes the reporting process B<b>220</b> (Step B<b>200</b>).

[0213] In detail, the contract server <b>150</b> investigates the reservation table <b>140</b> and gathers all reservation states reserved under Mr. Tanaka's user ID, “tanaka”,. With regard to Mr. Tanaka's penalties, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the penalty rule <b>200</b> and calculates a penalty for each reservation when Mr. Tanaka cancels the reservation state. In succession, the contract server <b>150</b> gets access to the user database <b>210</b> and obtains Mr. Tanaka's accounting fee until now. Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a page data of a reservation list page shown in FIG. 18 from Mr. Tanaka's all reservation states, their penalties and the accounting fee, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>110</b>).

[0214] The Web server <b>110</b> sends the reservation list page data through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step D<b>120</b>).

[0215] Let us suppose that Mr. Tanaka views a reservation list page shown in FIG. 18 displayed on the Web client <b>100</b> and that he tries to cancel a reservation specified in a time period from 10:00 to 17:00 on Mar. 30, 2000. Mr. Tanaka checks a cancel button of the reservation in the time period from 10:00 to 17:00 on Mar. 30, 2000, and pushes a [Confirmation] button (Step D<b>130</b>).

[0216] The Web client <b>100</b> sends Mr. Tanaka's cancel indication to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>140</b>).

[0217] Mr. Tanaka's indication is not the [To Menu] button, and it is the [Confirmation] button. So, the Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel indication to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step D<b>150</b>).

[0218] The contract server <b>150</b> confirms that the cancel indication includes at least one reservation to be canceled (Step D<b>155</b>).

[0219] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> prepares a page data of a cancel confirmation page shown in FIG. 19, and sends to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>160</b>).

[0220] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel confirmation page data through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the edge router <b>220</b> and the communicator <b>240</b> to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step D<b>170</b>).

[0221] Mr. Tanaka views the cancel confirmation page shown in FIG. 19 displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, and pushes the [Confirmation] button, and then confirms the cancel. The Web client <b>100</b> sends Mr. Tanaka's cancel confirmation information to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step D<b>180</b>).

[0222] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the cancel confirmation information to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step D <b>190</b>).

[0223] The contract server <b>150</b> confirms that the user canceled the reservation (Step D<b>200</b>).

[0224] If Mr. Tanaka confirms the cancel (Step D<b>210</b>), the contract server <b>150</b> removes Mr. Tanaka's user ID, “tanaka”, from the reservation for [10:00 to 17:00 on Mar. 30, 2000] in the reservation table <b>140</b>, and also adds the penalty corresponding to the canceled reservation to the accounting fee of the user database <b>210</b> (Step D<b>210</b>). Then, the operational flow returns back to the step D<b>110</b>. So, the reservation list page data is again prepared.

[0225] The charging process B<b>210</b> will be described below with reference to an actual example.

[0226] Mr. Tanaka gets access to the home page of the time period reservation service in order to confirm the reservation state. At that time, the processes from the steps A<b>100</b> to A<b>230</b> and the processes from the steps B<b>100</b> to B<b>160</b> are equal to those of the case in the reserving process B<b>230</b>. Thus, the detailed explanations are omitted, and the charging process B<b>210</b> is centrally described.

[0227] Mr. Tanaka selects [Accounting Confirmation] from the radio buttons of the service menu page shown in FIG. 14, and pushes the [OK] button. So, the Web client <b>100</b> sends the menu selection result after the selection of [Accounting Confirmation] to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step B<b>170</b>).

[0228] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the menu selection result after the selection of [Accounting Confirmation] to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step B<b>180</b>).

[0229] The contract server <b>150</b> executes the charging process B<b>210</b> (Step B<b>200</b>).

[0230] In detail, the contract server <b>150</b> refers to the user database <b>210</b>, obtains Mr. Tanaka's current accounting fee and its payment date, and prepares a page data of a bill page shown in FIG. 20 from their information, and then sends it to the Web server <b>110</b> (Step E<b>110</b>).

[0231] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the bill page data to the Web client <b>100</b> (Step E<b>120</b>).

[0232] Mr. Tanaka views a bill page shown in FIG. 20 displayed on the Web client <b>100</b>, and pushes the [Menu] button (Step E<b>130</b>). So, the Web client <b>100</b> sends the fact that the [Menu] button is pushed to the Web server <b>110</b>.

[0233] The Web server <b>110</b> transfers the fact that the [Menu] button is pushed to the contract server <b>150</b>. Then, the operational flow proceeds to the step B<b>160</b>.

[0234] The connecting process will be described below with reference to an actual example.

[0235] Mr. Tanaka gets access to the edge router <b>220</b> by using the user ID, “tanaka”, and the password, “hogehoge”, through the communicator <b>240</b> from the Web client <b>100</b>, at 10:01 on Mar. 26, 2000 included in the reserved time period (Step A<b>100</b>).

[0236] The edge router <b>220</b> passes the user ID and the password, which are received from the user, to the authentication server <b>120</b>, and then requests the authentication (Step A<b>110</b>).

[0237] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password, “hogehoge”, and obtains “a1b2c3d4e5”. On the other hand, it searches for an entry of the user ID, “tanaka”, through the authentication database <b>130</b>, and obtains its encrypted password, “a1b2c3d4e5”,. The data, “a1b2c3d4e5”, in which the password given by Mr. Tanaka is encrypted coincides with the encryption password, “a1b2c3d4e5”, within the authentication database <b>130</b>. Thus, this coincidence implies that Mr. Tanaka' login is authenticated (Step A<b>120</b>).

[0238] Next, the authentication server <b>120</b> inquires of the contract server <b>150</b> about Mr. Tanaka's reservation state (Step A<b>130</b>) The contract server <b>150</b> investigates a reservation state of a time period containing a current time, “10:01 on Mar. 26, 2000”, of the reservation table <b>140</b> with the user ID, “tanaka”, as the key (Step A<b>140</b>), and confirms that it is already reserved as the user ID, “tanaka”, in the reservation table <b>140</b> (Step A<b>145</b>).

[0239] The contract server <b>150</b> sets Mr. Tanaka's reservation end time, “17:00 on Mar. 26, 2000”, and the user ID, “tanaka”, for the timer <b>230</b>. A report to the contract server <b>150</b> is generated at the reservation end time (Step A<b>150</b>).

[0240] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and sets the Internet <b>180</b> as the routing destination for the edge router <b>220</b>. Accordingly, Mr. Tanaka establishes the connection to the Internet <b>180</b> (Step A<b>160</b>).

[0241] In succession, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the end of the reservation confirmation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step A<b>170</b>).

[0242] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the completion of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step A<b>180</b>).

[0243] The edge router <b>220</b> starts the communication (Step A<b>185</b>).

[0244] At 17:00 on Mar. 26, 2000, the timer <b>230</b> reports the lapse of Mr. Tanaka's reservation end time to the contract server <b>150</b> (Step A<b>190</b>).

[0245] The contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and cuts away the connection to Mr. Tanaka's Internet <b>180</b> from the edge router <b>220</b> (Step A<b>200</b>).

[0246] Then, the processes on and after the step B<b>100</b> are executed.

(2) Second Embodiment

[0247] With reference to FIG. 21, in a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the ISP LAN <b>250</b> is further connected to the network management server <b>160</b> and the router <b>170</b> and connected through the router <b>170</b> to the Internet <b>180</b>, although in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the ISP LAN <b>250</b> is connected only to the edge router <b>220</b> and the Web server <b>110</b> and separated from the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0248] The Web server <b>110</b> does not communicate with the Web client <b>100</b> through the edge router <b>220</b>. It is connected through the ISP LAN <b>250</b>, the router <b>170</b> and the Internet <b>180</b> to the Web client <b>100</b>.

[0249] Accordingly, the user can use the time period reservation if the user is located at a place where the user can get access to the Internet <b>180</b> without any usage of the edge router <b>220</b>.

[0250] Also, the edge router <b>220</b> is designed such that all components are connected to the Internet <b>180</b> if the connection request from the user is authenticated.

[0251] By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. Thus, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts. So, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0252] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below.

[0253] At first, a service menu process of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment is described.

[0254] The user uses any device so that the Web client <b>100</b> can get access to the Internet <b>180</b>. The user gets access to the Web server <b>110</b> in the Web client <b>100</b>, and reads the home page of the time period reservation service (Step B<b>100</b>).

[0255] The operations on and after the step B<b>110</b> are equal to those of the case of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. Thus, their explanations are omitted.

[0256] The connecting process of the time period reservation service in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0257] With reference to FIGS. 22, 23, the user gets access to the edge router <b>220</b> through the communicator <b>240</b> from the Web client <b>100</b>, and sends a user ID and a password (Step F<b>100</b>).

[0258] The edge router <b>220</b> requests the authentication server <b>120</b> to confirm whether or not the user ID and the password are normal (Step F<b>110</b>).

[0259] The authentication server <b>120</b> encrypts the password. On the other hand, it obtains a password encrypted from the authentication database <b>130</b> with the user ID as a key. Then, it compares an element in which the password given by the user is encrypted, with the encrypted password in the authentication database <b>130</b>. If they coincide with each other, this coincidence implies that the authentication is successful, and if they do not coincide with each other, this inconsistency implies that the authentication is unsuccessful (Step F<b>120</b>).

[0260] The processes on and after a step F<b>130</b> are executed in the case of the successful authentication, and the processes on and after the step F<b>300</b> are executed in the case of the unsuccessful authentication (Step F<b>125</b>).

[0261] In the case of the unsuccessful authentication, the authentication server <b>120</b> reports the failure of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step F<b>300</b>). The edge router <b>220</b> rejects the communication with the Web client <b>100</b> (Step A<b>310</b>). The process is ended.

[0262] In the case of the successful authentication, the authentication server <b>120</b> inquires of the contract server <b>150</b> about a reservation state of a time period carried out by the user (Step F<b>130</b>).

[0263] The contract server <b>150</b> investigates a reservation state of a time period containing a current time of the reservation table <b>140</b> with the user ID as the key, and then judges whether or not this user reserves the time period containing the current time (Step F<b>140</b>).

[0264] If there is already a reservation, the operational flow proceeds to a step F<b>150</b>, and if there is no reservation, the operational flow proceeds to a step F<b>320</b> (Step F<b>145</b>).

[0265] If there is no reservation, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the absence of the reservation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step F<b>320</b>).

[0266] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the failure of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step F<b>330</b>). The edge router <b>220</b> rejects the communication with the user (Step F<b>340</b>). Then, the process is ended.

[0267] On the other hand, if there is already a reservation, the contract server <b>150</b> sets a reservation end time and a user ID for the timer <b>230</b> (Step F<b>150</b>).

[0268] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and specifies the Internet <b>180</b> as a routing destination to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step F<b>160</b>).

[0269] In succession, the contract server <b>150</b> reports the end of the reservation confirmation to the authentication server <b>120</b> (Step F<b>170</b>).

[0270] The authentication server <b>120</b> reports the completion of the authentication to the edge router <b>220</b> (Step F<b>180</b>).

[0271] The edge router <b>220</b> starts the communication (Step F<b>185</b>). That is, the edge router <b>220</b> routes the communication data of the user through the router <b>170</b> to the Internet <b>180</b>. Since the edge router <b>220</b> sends the communication data of the user to the Internet <b>180</b>, the user can be connected to the Internet <b>180</b>.

[0272] The timer <b>230</b> sends the report including the user ID to the contract server <b>150</b> after the lapse of the reservation end time set by the contract server <b>150</b> (Step F<b>190</b>).

[0273] The contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and commands the edge router <b>220</b> to stop routing to the Internet <b>180</b> (Step F<b>200</b>). Thus, the user can not get access to the Internet <b>180</b>.

(3) Third Embodiment

[0274] With reference to FIG. 24, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a third embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a timeout meter <b>410</b> is added so as to be connected to the contract server <b>150</b>, in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0275] In a case of a lapse of a timeout period set by the contract server <b>150</b>, the timeout meter <b>410</b> reports the fact of the lapse to the contract server <b>150</b>. Thus, the contract server <b>150</b> can stop the process if the user does not continue the process.

[0276] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0277] At first, a service menu process of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment is described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIGS. 25, 26.

[0278] The processes from the steps B<b>100</b> to B<b>150</b> are equal to those of the case of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. Thus, their explanations are omitted.

[0279] The contract server <b>150</b>, after the completion of the authentication of the user ID and the password (Step B<b>150</b>), sets a timeout period for the timeout meter <b>410</b> (Step G<b>150</b>).

[0280] The processes from the steps B<b>160</b> to B<b>230</b> are similar to those of the case of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. Thus, their explanations are omitted.

[0281] After the end of the charging process B<b>210</b>, the reporting process B<b>220</b> or the reserving process B<b>230</b>, the contract server <b>150</b> releases the timeout period of the timeout meter <b>410</b> (Step G<b>250</b>). Then, the operational flow returns back to the step G<b>150</b>.

[0282]FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process when the timeout meter <b>410</b> reports the fact of the lapse of the set timeout period.

[0283] In a case of an occurrence of the timeout report, the contract server <b>150</b> releases the timeout set of the timeout meter <b>410</b> (Step H<b>110</b>).

[0284] Next, the contract server <b>150</b> uses the network management server <b>160</b>, and commands the edge router <b>220</b> to stop the communication of the user (Step H<b>120</b>). Then, the process is ended.

(4) Fourth Embodiment

[0285] With reference to FIG. 28, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a timeout meter <b>410</b> is added so as to be connected to the contract server <b>150</b>, in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 21. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0286] In a case of a lapse of a timeout period set by the contract server <b>150</b>, the timeout meter <b>410</b> reports the fact of the lapse to the contract server <b>150</b>. Thus, the contract server <b>150</b> can stop the process if the user does not continue the process.

[0287] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fourth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are designed such that the flowchart of FIGS. 5, 6 showing the service menu process of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment is substituted for the flowchart of FIGS. 25, 26 in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment, and the flowchart of FIG. 27 showing the timeout process is further added. So, each of them carries out the operations similar to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment. Thus, the detailed explanation is omitted.

(5) Fifth Embodiment

[0288] With reference to FIG. 29, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a user database <b>510</b> into which the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> are integrated is installed instead of the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0289] The user database <b>510</b> can obtain a password encrypted from a user ID, obtain an accounting fee from the user ID, obtain a user attribute from the user ID and obtain a payment date of a user from the user ID.

[0290] The authentication server <b>120</b> can refer to the user database <b>510</b> to thereby carry out an authentication, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0291] The contract server <b>150</b> can refer to the user database <b>510</b> to thereby carry out an accounting fee of a user, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0292] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fifth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are similar to those of the cases shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. <b>3</b> to <b>12</b> in the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the first embodiment. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

(6) Sixth Embodiment

[0293] With reference to FIG. 28, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a user database <b>510</b> into which the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> are integrated is installed instead of the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 21. The user database <b>510</b> is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. So, its detailed explanation is omitted. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0294] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the sixth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are similar to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the second embodiment. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

(7) Seventh Embodiment

[0295] With reference to FIG. 29, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a user database <b>510</b> into which the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> are integrated is installed instead of the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 28. The user database <b>510</b> is similar to that of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment. So, its detailed explanation is omitted. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0296] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the seventh embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are similar to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the third embodiment. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

(8) Eighth Embodiment

[0297] With reference to FIG. 32, a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is designed such that a user database <b>510</b> into which the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> are integrated is installed instead of the authentication database <b>130</b> and the user database <b>210</b> of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 28. The user database <b>510</b> is similar to that of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fourth embodiment. So, its detailed explanation is omitted. By the way, the other members are configured perfectly similarly to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fourth embodiment. So, the same symbols are given to the corresponding parts. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0298] The operations of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the eighth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are similar to those of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the fourth embodiment. Thus, their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0299] As mentioned above, the present invention can provide the following effects.

[0300] As the first effect, the Internet connection dealer can provide the service having the stable quality to the user.

[0301] This is because it is possible to protect many users from getting accesses at the same time since the maximum number of users to be connected to the Internet is managed for each time period in accordance with the reservation table.

[0302] As the second effect, the Internet connection dealer can smooth the demands from the users to thereby attain the effective usage of the communication resources.

[0303] This reason is as follows. That is, the communication usage state can be expected from the reservation table. So, a cost of a time period in which a communication demand is small is dropped to then provide to the user. Thus, it is possible to introduce the user to the empty communication time period.

[0304] The first feature of a system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the present invention lies in the configuration that a contract server (<b>150</b> of FIG. 2) for exchanging an information of a reservation table of a user in order to enable a reservation of a connection service as well as a registration, a user database (<b>210</b> of FIG. 2) for managing an accounting information of a user and the like, and a reservation table (<b>140</b> of FIG. 2) for storing a reservation state of a time period are installed in a portion of an application on an online in a portion where a user makes an application to an Internet connection dealer. The user preliminarily reserves a time period. In the system for providing an online time period reserving service, the preliminary reservation of a time period to a user for each time can protect a transient occurrence of a huge communication amount and thereby prevent an occurrence of a congestion. Thus, this is useful for a provision of a stable communication. The Internet connection dealer can specify an empty time period by referring to the reservation table (<b>140</b> of FIG. 2) and also provide a discount information to the user. Hence, it is possible to introduce the user to the empty time period.

[0305] The second feature of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the present invention lies in the configuration that in an ISP (Internet Service Provider) LAN (Local Area Network) (<b>250</b> of FIG. 21) portion connected to an edge router (<b>220</b> of FIG. 21) and a Web server (<b>110</b> of FIG. 21), the ISP LAN (<b>250</b> of FIG. 21) is connected through a router (<b>170</b> of FIG. 21) to an Internet (<b>180</b> of FIG. 21). So, the Web server (<b>110</b> of FIG. 21) can be accessed from the Internet (<b>180</b> of FIG. 21). Thus, this provides the convenience that the user can use a time period reservation service without any intervention of an edge router (<b>220</b> of FIG. 21) in a case of a state connectable to the Internet (<b>180</b> of FIG. 21).

[0306] Moreover, the third feature of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the present invention lies in the configuration that a timeout meter (<b>410</b> of FIG. 24) is mounted in a portion of a contract server (<b>150</b> of FIG. 24) in the system for providing an online time period reserving service having the first or second feature. Thus, the process of the system can be stopped if the user stops the reservation process or the like in the course of the process. Hence, this can provide a merit that a transaction with the user can be normally ended even if the user stops the reservation process.

[0307] Furthermore, the fourth feature of the system for providing an online time period reserving service according to the present invention lies in the configuration that a user database (<b>510</b> of FIG. 29) having both functions of searching for an encryption password and searching for a user information are installed in the portions of an authentication database (<b>130</b> of FIG. 2) and the user database (<b>210</b> of FIG. 2) in the system for providing an online time period reserving service having the first, second or third feature, instead of both the databases. The combination of the user database and the authentication database can reduce the data of the user database and the authentication database. Thus, this can provide an effect of reducing a necessary memory capacity of the system.