Internet connection service system

• US 20010034761A1
• Filed: 04/24/2001
• Published: 10/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Matsui, Hitoshi
• Application Number:
  US09/840,031
• Publication Number:
  US 20010034761A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/203
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/00 Wireless channel access

Abstract

An Internet connection service system allowing users to easily access the Internet at a low cost is disclosed. A parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces arranged therein. Plural communication devices are installed in respective ones of the plurality of parking spaces. Each of the communication devices is allowed to communicate with a user terminal provided in a car parked in a corresponding parking space. A switching device is connected to the communication devices and allows the user terminal to be connected to the Internet in response to an Internet connection request received from the user terminal.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces arranged therein;

a plurality of communication devices Installed in respective ones of the plurality of parking spaces, wherein each of the communication devices is allowed to communicate with a user terminal provided in a car parked in a corresponding parking space; and

a switching device connected to the communication devices, wherein the switching device allows the user terminal to be connected to the Internet in response to an Internet connection request received from the user terminal.

2. The system according to

claim 1

, wherein the switching device is connected to the Internet through a high-speed data communication line.

3. The system according to

claim 1

, wherein the switching device is connected to a network system provided in a store, wherein the network system is connected to the Internet through a high-speed data communication line.

4. The system according to

claim 1

, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices is provided with a directional antenna directed to the car to allow wireless communication using a small-power or weak radio wave,

5. The system according to

claim 1

, wherein the parking lot is an open-air parking lot, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices is provided at a tip of a pole having a predetermined height.

6. The system according to

claim 1

, wherein the parking lot is an indoor parking lot, wherein each of the plurality of communication devices is provided on a ceiling of the indoor parking lot.

7. A method for connecting a user terminal to the Internet, comprising the steps of:

a) preparing a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces arranged therein;

b) preparing a plurality of communication devices installed in respective ones of the plurality of parking spaces, wherein each of the communication devices is allowed to communicate with a user terminal provided in a car parked in a corresponding parking space;

c) receiving an Internet connection request from the user terminal provided in the car parked in the corresponding parking space; and

d) connecting the user terminal to the Internet depending on the Internet connection request.

8. The method according to

claim 7

, wherein the Internet connection request includes an identification number that has been uniquely assigned to a user of the user terminal,

wherein the step d) comprises the steps of:

determining whether the identification number is authenticated;

when the identification number is authenticated, connecting the user terminal to the Internet.

9. The method according to

claim 7

, wherein the plurality of communication devices are connected to the Internet through a high-speed data communication line.

10. The method according to

claim 7

, wherein the plurality of communication devices are connected to a network system provided in a store, wherein the network system is connected to the Internet through a high-speed data communication line.

11. An Internet connection service device comprising:

a plurality of wireless communication devices, each of which communicates with a user terminal provided in a car parked within an area at a predetermined distance from the wireless communication device; and

a switching device connected to the communication devices, wherein the switching device allows the user terminal to communicate with a desired site on the Internet in response to an Internet connection request received from the user terminal.