JP2000515282A - Method and system for allocating costs in a distributed processing network - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and system for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with the access between the end user and an Internet site (18) accessed by the end user. A monitoring program module (58) such as a "JAVA" applet resides at an originating station (24) such as a personal computer operated by an end user. The monitoring program module (58) is activated by transmitting the monitoring program module from a point of Internet presence (22) operated by a local access provider to an originating station (24). Instead, a trigger is transmitted from the existing point (22) to the originating station (24) to activate the supervisory program module (58) already resident at the originating station (24). The monitoring program module (58) monitors connection periods with specific Internet sites and transmits messages indicating these connection periods to the existing points (22). The local access provider uses the information received in these messages to determine the costs associated with the access, such as the costs associated with using the telephone network (30), for the end user and for the Internet accessed by the end user. Assign between sites. Unique keys and timestamps are used as security measures. The unique key is a random identification number or code created by the existing point (22). Time stamps are clock readings made by originating stations, existing points or other network components and are used as a security measure.

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a distributed processing network such as the Internet. More specifically, the present invention is a method and system for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with that access between the end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user. . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The information age has arrived. The proliferation of computers has fundamentally changed the way our society lives, works and interacts. For companies, the information age presents huge new opportunities and challenges. Online communication connects geographically dispersed resources and propagates complex information at an ever-increasing rate and efficiency. In this rapidly growing market, known as cyberspace, sending and receiving information in a timely and cost-effective manner is crucial. The Internet is located at the center of the cyber space. The Internet, a little-known resource previously available to only a small number of military societies and academic societies, has become the mainstream of civil communication resources in recent years. The Internet provides a real-time, paper-free, cost-effective mode of communication and the sharing of resources through which merchants of goods and services can reach millions of potential customers. E-mail and remote access to computer servers are currently widely used tools to reach potential customers with computer knowledge. However, the cyber space market is in its infancy. Advances in online conference calls, interactive television, video websites, virtual reality, and countless other technologies will inevitably evolve. Internet participants are a wide variety of machines, organizations, and individuals, all of whom can communicate and share information. Physically, the Internet is an interconnected collection of thousands of computer networks, tens of thousands of computers, and tens of millions of individual stations operated by end users. The Internet operates to allow all of these computers to share compatible communication protocols and addressing schemes that enable email, remote resource access, file transfer, and file sharing across the system. The Internet backbone is a group of networks that form an international grid of high-speed, high-capacity data communication lines that interconnect a number of large-scale computers that serve as large-scale processing points or nodes. These backbone networks are interconnected with one another through a number of interconnection points known as network access points. The backbone nodes are collectively responsible for capturing and sorting incoming information, sending information to its intended destination, and sending data between backbone nodes. The Internet was initially used for academic and government purposes. However, in recent years, the Internet has been open to private traffic-and private traffic has boomed. In the United States, private access to the Internet can be obtained from tens of thousands of hosts located throughout the country. A host is a computer connected to the Internet and configured with Internet routing software. The host may be a large supercomputer, mainframe processing machine, minicomputer, workstation, or personal computer. The host performs three main functions. First, the host sends and receives Internet communication traffic. Second, the host is the gateway between the Internet and the end user. Third, the host provides a web server that acts as a repository of information and resources that can be accessed on the Internet. For example, these web servers provide "home pages" that are queried, files that are read or downloaded, applications that are shared, and the like. Thus, while the physical structure of the Internet is extremely complex, for end users it is as easy as a computer from a private supplier in another city or a computer from a college in another country. It has access to the computers at it, and it actually looks like a seamless network. To access any Internet site, the end user need only transmit the site's Universal Resource Locator (URL) created according to the standardized Domain Name System (DNS). Internet hosts and nodes respond to the URL by connecting the end-user station to the Internet site associated with the requested URL. At present, the operator of each Internet site is responsible for paying the cost of obtaining a communication channel with the Internet. Once the end user has established a communication path with the Internet, a connection to another Internet site may be made by transmitting a URL according to the DNS system. Thus, an Internet site may be established by providing a host and obtaining a communication path between that host and the Internet. Private users currently have to pay to use the Internet, but the Internet is at least partly very cost-effective, and is so popular with private users and individuals. At the moment, each private user usually pays a relatively reasonable monthly Internet connection fee based on the capacity of the connection and, in some cases, the actual data transfer, for the cost of obtaining a physical connection to the Internet. Pay what you add. In general, browsing, email, and resource sharing are not currently charged at all based on connection time, destination, or any other incremental fees. Thus, a dedicated connection to the Internet has effectively served as a flat-rate international browsing, messaging and resource sharing service. Internet sites may be connected to the Internet through a wide range of physical channels that provide varying levels of information propagation capabilities. The minimum service available, which provides Internet site access to a fully-aligned Internet service 24 hours a day, is a single "dial-up" Internet channel that typically costs about $ 15-30 per month. is there. At higher costs, larger capacity channels can be used. For example, from 56 kilobits per second to 1. Fiber optic, wireless, and leased telephone lines in the 544 megabit (TI) range are typical options available to Internet sites. Internet access fees for these channels currently cost approximately $ 500-5,000 per month. In addition to these access fees, Internet site operators must also pay the cost of obtaining a physical communication path with the Internet. Many Internet sites are operated by private suppliers that sell products and services. These private suppliers may use the Internet to economically communicate with existing and future consumers. For a private supplier, the cost of maintaining an Internet site is mostly the cost of doing business such as postage, electricity, and advertising. In fact, the Internet may be one of the most cost-effective marketing resources available to private organizations. Another Internet site exists in that it is operated by a local access provider that provides Internet access to millions of end-user Internet sites. Obtaining access through local access providers is currently the cheapest way for individual end users to access the Internet. Thus, these existing points act as gateways between private suppliers and millions of end users. The local access provider recovers and monetizes the cost of its Internet channel through Internet access fees charged to its customers. For example, one local access provider charges end users a flat rate of $ 25 per month or $ 5 per month plus 5 cents per connection. Communication networks, such as telephone networks, cable television networks, and wireless networks, exist between each end user and the point where the local access provider resides. This communication network is usually operated by a commercial company. Therefore, the end user pays the cost for using the network. In the United States, most homes and businesses are already connected to the telephone network. Thus, these telephone networks are convenient options for end users who want a communication path with the Internet. However, other communication networks may be used as well to provide Internet access. Thus, the economics of using a communication network, especially a telephone network, is an important factor in operating the Internet as a private resource. To the lucky end user whose local access provider is located within the same central office, the Internet is only a remote local telephone. For other less fortunate end-users, long-distance phone charges are incurred. For these end users, even the modest use of the Internet several hours a week can result in significant long-distance telephone charges. These long-distance toll rates provide significant competitive advantages to local access providers whose points reside within a particular central office. To compete effectively within the local exchange area, another local access provider would have to locate a point that exists within the telephone exchange area. However, locating separate existing points within each central office area would avoid economies of scale that would be enjoyed by providing one centralized existing point. In addition, placing one centralized point near the Internet interface can be advantageous to minimize the cost of obtaining a physical communication path between the point and the Internet. is there. Local access providers can address this long-distance telephone billing problem by purchasing nationwide toll-free telephone services from long-distance carriers. The local access provider then places the existing point in an advantageous location from a physical connection point of view, so that the end user can get a free toll-free telephone connection with the existing point. The cost of the toll free phone service is usually included in the local access provider's monthly access fee. Thus, virtually any end user receiving telephone service in the United States can gain Internet access by paying the local access provider a negotiated fee for Internet access. Currently, either the end user or a third party pays the entire cost of providing Internet access to the end user This "full payment or free" option is the only cost-shifting option available . A more flexible allocation methodology for the costs associated with Internet access is not currently available. From the perspective of a private supplier, this Internet access paradigm presents significant drawbacks. That is, at least the Internet cannot be used to reach potential customers who do not want to pay the cost of obtaining Internet access through a local access provider. Thus, many potential customer users remain disconnected, and there is no effective way for private suppliers to use the Internet to reach these unconnected potential customers. This disadvantage limits the effectiveness of the Internet as a marketing tool, as private providers may be willing to pay the full cost of communicating with a particular end user over the Internet. For example, private suppliers are typically responsible for marketing costs associated with commercial television advertising, direct mail advertising, billboard advertising, and the like. The private supplier may be willing to pay the entire cost associated with providing access to the Internet site to a particular end user. However, this private supplier may not be willing to pay for the costs associated with providing its end users with access to other Internet sites, such as sites operated by their competitors. Also, operators of other Internet sites may be reluctant to incur the entire cost of providing certain end users access to certain Internet sites. For example, a city or county may wish to provide free access to a web server that provides residents with information about road closures, weather conditions, emergency services, garbage collection, and the like. Similarly, churches may wish to provide parishioners with free access to web servers that provide information about worship, social events, and the like. Many organizations will also benefit from selective, supplier-paid Internet access schemes. More generally, many advantageous cost allocation methodologies, such as cost split allocation, time-based allocation, and destination-based allocation, require that the cost of the end user's Internet access be varied, including the Internet site being accessed. Will only be possible if they are allocated based on the appropriate allocation parameters. Thus, there is a need for a flexible method and system for allocating costs associated with Internet access. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for providing end users with Internet access and allocating costs associated with that access between the end user and Internet sites accessed by the end user. Meet the needs. More specifically, the present invention provides a monitoring program module resident at an originating station operated by an end user. The monitoring program module monitors connection periods with specific Internet sites and transmits messages indicating these connection periods to points on the Internet. The local access provider uses the information received in these messages and allocates the costs associated with the access between the end user and the Internet site accessed by the end user. A unique key containing a random identification number or code created by an existing point and a timestamp such as a clock reading created by the originating station, existing point or other network element are used as security measures. You. In general, the present invention is a method for providing an originating station, such as a personal computer, with access to a distributed processing network, such as the Internet. Communications, such as telephone calls, including requests for access to a distributed processing network, are received from an originating station over a communications network, such as a telephone network. Communications are sent to provide access to a distributed processing network, including connections between the originating station and a monitored network on a distributed processing network such as an Internet site web server. The duration of the connection between the communication period and the monitored network site is measured, and the cost associated with the communication is allocated between a first account associated with the monitored network site and a second account associated with the originating station. . The assignment is based on the communication period and the connection period between the originating station and the monitored network site. The duration of the connection between the end-user station and the monitored network site is measured by invoking a monitoring program resident at the originating station, such as the "JAVA" applet. The monitoring program module is activated by transmitting the monitoring program module to the originating station. Instead, a trigger transmitted to the originating station activates a supervisor module already resident at the originating station. The monitoring program module operates to transmit a message indicating a connection period. Directories, such as lists of Internet sites in the "free zone", may also be transmitted to the originating station. The directory contains items corresponding to the monitored network sites. The item is displayed on a display screen associated with the originating station, and the originating station is connected to the monitored network site in response to a user command to select the item. A unique key, such as a randomly generated number, may be used as a security device. The key is created and transmitted to the originating station along with the supervisory program module. The costs associated with communication, such as the cost of using the telephone network, are the first account associated with the network site being monitored, and the originating station only if the message transmitted by the monitoring program module includes that key. Assigned to the associated second account. Time stamps, such as clock reads, may also be used to provide additional security measures. The monitoring program module transmits a first message that includes a first start timestamp, indicating a start of a connection between the originating station and the monitored network site. In response to receiving the first message, a second start timestamp is created. A second message is received that includes a first stop timestamp indicating the termination of the connection between the originating station and the monitored network site. In response to receiving the second message, a second stop timestamp is created. A first monitoring period based on the difference between the first stop timestamp and the first start timestamp is calculated. Similarly, a second monitoring period based on the difference between the second stop timestamp and the second start timestamp is calculated. The cost associated with communication is allocated between the first account and the second account only when the first monitoring period is approximately equal to the second monitoring period. The present invention also provides a computer readable medium having stored therein a monitoring program module operable to monitor access to a distributed processing network. The supervisor module includes instructions that may be executed by the originating station. In accordance with these instructions, a directory containing items corresponding to the monitored network sites on the distributed processing network is displayed on a display device coupled to the originating station. A user command to select the item is detected and the duration of the connection between the originating station and the selected network site is measured. Then, a message indicating the connection period is transmitted. The present invention also provides an existing point that includes a receiver for receiving communications from an originating station. A terminal server / router coupled to the receiver sends the communication and provides the originating station with access to the distributed processing network. This access includes a connection between the originating station and a monitored network site on the distributed processing network. An authentication accounting server coupled to the terminal server / router measures the communication period. A credit server coupled to the terminal server / router measures the duration of the connection between the originating station and the monitored network site. A billing system coupled to the authentication accounting server and the credit server assigns costs associated with communication between a first account associated with the monitored network site and a second account associated with the originating station. This cost allocation is based on the communication period and the connection period. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and system for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with that access between the end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user. It will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the claims that the present invention improves over the prior art and provides the advantages described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a distributed processing network representing a working environment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an existing point for providing end users with access to a distributed processing network, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an end-user station for gaining access to a distributed processing network. FIG. 4 illustrates a method for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with that access between the end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram for performing the operation. FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a method for providing Internet access to an end user and monitoring the duration of a connection between the end user and an Internet site in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a method for allocating costs associated with Internet access between an accessing end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention provide Internet access to end users and allocate the costs associated with that access between the end users and Internet sites accessed by the end users. A monitoring program module, such as the "JAVA" applet, resides at an originating station, such as a personal computer operated by an end user. The supervisor module may be activated by transmitting the supervisor module to the originating station from a point of the Internet operated by a local access provider. Alternatively, a trigger may be transmitted to the originating station from an existing point to activate a supervisory program module already resident at the originating station. The monitoring program module monitors connection periods with specific Internet sites and transmits messages indicating these connection periods to existing points. The local access provider may use the information received in these messages to determine the costs associated with access, such as those associated with using the telephone network, with the end user and the Internet sites accessed by that end user. Assign between. Unique keys and timestamps are used as security measures. A unique key is a random identification number or code created by an existing point. The timestamp, or clock reading, is created by the originating station, point of presence, or other network component and is used as a security measure. The following detailed description is presented as a process and symbolic representation of the manipulation of the data bits manipulated by the processing unit and maintained within a data structure provided by one or more memory storage devices. Such a data structure imposes a physical organization on the collection of data bits stored in the computer memory and represents a particular electrical or magnetic element. The descriptions and symbolic notation of these algorithms are the means used by those skilled in computer programming and construction to communicate teachings and discoveries most effectively to others skilled in the art. For the purpose of this description, a method or process will generally be considered to be a series of computer-executed steps leading to a desired result. The steps implemented by these machines, which can be maintained in the form of program modules, usually require a physical amount of physical manipulation. Usually, but not necessarily, these quantities represent a form of electrical, magnetic or optical signal that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. take. Those of ordinary skill in the art typically refer to these signals as bit values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, records, files, or the like. However, these and similar terms are related to the physical quantities used in computing, and these terms are used in the conventional art as applied to these physical quantities that exist in a computer. Keep in mind that this is just a label. Furthermore, it should be understood that the programs, processes, methods, etc., described herein are not related or limited to any particular computer, single chip processor or equipment. Rather, various types of general purpose machines may be used with programs constructed in accordance with the teachings described herein. Similarly, specialized equipment may be constructed to perform the method steps described herein with a dedicated computer system having programs stored in non-volatile memory, such as hard-wired logic or read-only memory. Will prove to be advantageous. Description of operating environment Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the Internet 10, a distributed processing network that provides an operating environment for a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The Internet 10 includes a plurality of backbone networks 12a to 12n. These backbone networks form an international grid of high-speed, high-capacity data communication lines interconnecting a number of large-scale computers that serve as large-scale processing points or nodes. The backbone network 12 is interconnected with each other through a plurality of network access points 14a to 14n. These network access points are interfaces that communicate information from one backbone network to another backbone network. The construction and operation of the Internet backbone is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein. The participants of the Internet 10 are a wide variety of machines, organizations, and individuals who can all communicate and share information. For example, the Internet 10 includes a plurality of Internet sites 18a through 18n. These Internet sites are typically operated by businesses, universities, and government agencies. Each Internet site may include a repository of one or more information and resources accessible on the Internet. Each internet, as represented by internet site 18a, may include multiple web servers 20a-20n. Each of these web servers may provide queried "home pages", read or downloaded files, shared applications, and the like. The Internet 10 also includes a plurality of existing points 22a to 22n operated by a local access provider. These local access providers are engaged in the business of providing Internet access to end-user stations. As shown in FIG. 1, existing point 22a provides Internet access to end user stations 24a through 24n, and existing point 22b provides Internet access to end user stations 24a 'through 24n' and so on. All together, point 22 can provide Internet access to multiple end-user stations 24. Each existing point 22 and each end user 24 can, but need not, provide a home page to be accessed by others on the Internet 10. Embodiment FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an existing point 22 for providing an end user 24 with access to the Internet 10. End user 24, Telephone network, Cable TV network, It communicates with the existing point 22 via a communication network 30 such as a wireless communication network. End user 24, Normal, Pay the cost for using the communication network 30. Embodiments of the present invention include: A flexible method and system for allocating this cost is provided. In particular, The costs associated with using communication network 30 to provide a connection between end user 24 and Internet site 18 are: A first account associated with the end user station 24; Assigned between the accessed Internet site 18 and the associated second account. To calculate this quota, Information about the connection between the end user station 24 and the Internet site 18 is needed. A wide variety of factors may be used in this assignment, Preferred assignment parameters are: The connection time between the end user station 24 and the Internet site 18. Therefore, It is necessary to measure the duration of the connection between the end user station 24 and the Internet site 18. The operator of the accessed internet site Costs associated with the use of communication network 30; Assignment is based on the connection period between the accessing end user station 24 and the Internet site 18. Currently paid for by the end user 24 or the operator of the existing point 22 on behalf of the end user 24, This fee for using the communication network 30 is: "Returned" to the operator of the accessed Internet site 18. The disclosed embodiments of the present invention operate as described above, It should be understood that many other embodiments may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, The equivalent of the supervisor module described here is Electrically located between the end user station 24 and the existing point 22; It may reside on a platform such as a proxy server. Therefore, The present invention Based at least in part on network sites accessed by end users, It is broadly understood as a method and system for allocating the costs associated with providing a particular originating station with access to a distributed processing network. The originating station is Any device operable to access the distributed processing network. A distributed processing network Any network that can access the originating station can be used. The assigned cost is May be any cost associated with that access, The assignment is It may be based on any combination of assignment parameters. In particular, It should be understood that costs other than the costs associated with using communication network 30 may be allocated. For example, The operator of the accessed Internet site 18 In the access end user station 24, Fees for accessing the Internet site 18 may be required. This cost is Assigned to the account associated with the end user station 24, Collected by the operator of the existing point 22, The operator of the Internet site 18 may be paid. Instead, The operator of the accessed Internet site 18 There is a possibility of selling goods or services to the operator of the end user station 24 (or vice versa). The cost of these goods or services is Assigned to the account (or accessed internet site 18) linked to the end user station 24, Collected by the operator of existing points, It may be paid to the operator of Internet site 18 (or end user station 24). further, The assignment methodology is The distance between the originating station and the site being accessed, The time of the day, Data transfer volume, Resources used, Applicable membership status, Also consider other allocation parameters, such as or any other measurable parameters. For example, Another embodiment of the present invention provides: Time-based rates, Price based on capacity, Fees based on distance, Rates based on frequency of use, More detailed cost allocation methodologies, such as content-based rates, may be used. As an alternative, The operator of the accessed site 18 Assigned the cost of the first 5 minutes of access, The accessing end user 24 may be assigned the rest. Another alternative is: The operator of the accessed site 18 To encourage efficient use patterns of its Internet resources, During peak usage hours, you can be assigned a relatively low cost, Use of off-peak hours may be assigned higher costs. further, Third parties, You may be assigned some of the costs associated with providing access to certain Internet sites to certain end users. For example, A third party, such as a parent, As a gift, While your child is away from school at school, May pay for child internet access. To do that, Parents Establish an account with the child's local access provider, To the local access provider, Provide a list of Internet sites for which parents accept "returned" Internet access fees. Internet sites on the list, And the cost of providing children with access to only those on the list is Assigned to parent account. Therefore, A wide variety of Internet-based commercial transactions It will be appreciated that this is facilitated in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Still referring to FIG. The point 22 where the local access provider exists is as follows. Preferably, Modem pool 32, Terminal server / router 34, And a local computing network 35. The local network 35 Web server 36, An authentication accounting server 38 including a start / stop log 40, A credit server 42 including a credit log 44; And a billing system 46. The web server 36 maintained by the local access provider Provide a generally accessible Internet site similar to Internet site 18. The start / stop log 40 is Document the connection time of each end user with the modem pool 32. Credit log 44 Assignment parameters for each end user, Preferably, the connection time with a predefined list of free internet sites is documented. The start / stop log 40 and the credit log 44 It is downloaded to the billing system 46 periodically. The billing system 46 The costs associated with each end-user's communication Assign according to appropriate assignment methodology, Submit the resulting invoice. The disclosed embodiments of the present invention include: 2 includes a separate device corresponding to each enumerated component of the existing points 22 illustrated in FIG. Whether each component is equivalently combined with the other components so as to form one single device, It should be understood that it is distributed among multiple devices. in this way, Any configuration of the device that performs the functions described herein may include: It must be considered within the scope of the present invention. In a disclosed embodiment of the invention, The local network 35 Local area network (LAN), Wide area network (WAN), Ethernet, Any of a variety of commercial network architectures such as AppleTalk. The computing stations of the local network 35 It can be any of a variety of commercial computing stations. For example, Web server 36, Authentication accounting server 38, Credit server 42, And each of the billing systems 46 "Sun" Spark, "HP" series K, Alternatively, it may be an IBM RS6000 computing system. The modem pool 32 Operable to maintain multiple communications simultaneously with end-user stations 24 via communication network 30. The modem pool 32 It may be any of a variety of commercially available modem pools, such as those from "US ROBOTICS" or "CISCO" with about 48 input lines. The authentication accounting server 38 Each time the end user 24 successfully logs to the terminal server / router 34, he receives a "start_log" message. The authentication accounting server 38 Each time the user disconnects from point 22 where the end user 24 is located, A “stop_log” message is also received. These start_log and stop_log messages are An Internet Protocol (IP) address; Contains the user name associated with the end user station logging in or logging out. The authentication accounting server 38 The contents of the start_log message and the stop_log message are stored in the start / stop log 40, A record of the connection time of each end user with the point 22 is provided. The modem pool 32 Receiving an incoming communication signal from the end user 24, The communication signal is provided to the terminal server / router 34. The terminal server / router 34 In order to connect to various Internet sites 18 according to the URL input by the end user 24, Send these communications. All end users connected to the terminal server / router 34 Normal, It has unrestricted access to the Internet 10. Therefore, Authorized end users-usually A person who has entered a valid user account and personal password or identification (ID) number is connected to the terminal server / router 34. Unauthorized end users connecting to the modem pool 32 Receive screen display of information, It is then preferably cut off. In another embodiment of the present invention, Unauthorized end-users You are given limited access to the web server 36 and certain Internet sites. The terminal server / router 34 It may be any of a variety of commercially available terminal servers / routers manufactured by Ascend or Cisco SCI. These devices are at present, It does not have the ability to monitor the actual duration of a connection between a particular end user 24 and a particular Internet site 18. Rather, The actual connection time with the existing point 22, And only the total number of bytes transferred during the session Current, Monitored by terminal server / router 34. further, The web server 36 The time required to respond to each URL request; Monitor the time required to download data to end user station 24. However, The end user reads the information, The portion of the actual connection time spent performing other tasks is Currently, Not monitored by site. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an end user station 24 for gaining access to a distributed processing network such as the Internet 10. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, The end user station 24 "Apple", "IBM", Or any of a variety of commercially available computing stations, such as an IBM compatible personal computer. The end user station 24 To communicate with the existing point 22 via the communication network 30, Memory storage device 50, Clock 51, And a modem 52. The memory storage device 50 of the end user station 24 Internet browser software 54 such as "NETSCAPE" browser software or its equivalent. Internet browser software 54 in memory storage device 50 Supports cookies 56 that maintain data at the end user station 24. When the end user station first connects to the modem pool 32, The end user is prompted for a valid user account number and ID number. Once you have a valid login, Credit server 42 A valid user account number and ID number are transmitted to end user station 24 for storage in cookie 56. then, Credit server 42 When the modem pool 32 receives further communications from the end user station 24, it automatically checks the cookie 56. If cookie 56 contains a valid account number and ID number, The monitoring program module 58 is engaged, The communication is sent to the terminal server / router. If cookie 56 does not contain a valid account number and ID number, The end user is again prompted to enter a valid user account and ID number. The site-based monitoring operation of the preferred embodiment includes: It is executed by the monitoring program module 58 resident in the end user station 24. The monitoring program module 58 It may be a software module such as a "JAVA" applet. "JAVA" is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. The "JAVA" applet Object-oriented architecture is a portable capsule of neutral software codes and related data. The "JAVA" applet It is a flexible tool that can be programmed to perform a wide variety of functions. "JAVA" applet made by customer It may be maintained for each end user station 24, It does not have to be done. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Leverage a single "JAVA" applet or a smaller set of "JA VA" applets, By providing services to tens of thousands of end-user stations, Management complexity is minimized. The monitoring program module 58 It preferably operates with a frame 59 displayed on a display screen 60 associated with the end user station 24. What is a frame? Like a "netscape" browser, This is a standard function of the Internet browser software 54 that allows the display screen to be divided into a plurality of sections. The preferred frame 59 is It has the following three sections. That is, A free directory 62 containing "hot links 64" corresponding to Internet sites in the "free zone"; A toolbar 66 including a free button 68, And a free page 70 including a "hot link" 72 corresponding to an Internet site in the "paid zone" or in the free zone. Hot links 64 and 72 Items displayed on the screen 60 such as text or icons related to “hypertext”. These "hypertext" items It may be selected by an end user to access an Internet site. When you select a hotlink, The URL request associated with the Internet site is automatically transmitted from the end user station 24 to the existing point 22. The terminal server / router 34 By sending the communication to the Internet site associated with the requested URL, Respond to URL requests. When you select a series of these hotlinks, End users can easily "surf" the Internet. In this way, The frame 59 is The world of Internet sites in two zones, In other words, it is divided into a free zone and a paid zone. The cost of accessing the free zone Internet site is Assigned to the account associated with the operator of the Internet site accessed, The cost of accessing internet sites in the paid zone is allocated to the account associated with the end user. In a preferred embodiment, The free directory 62 is displayed in a column on the left side of the display screen 60, A toolbar 66 is displayed along the top or bottom of the display screen, Free page 70 occupies the remaining area of the display screen. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed frame 59. There are at least two ways for end users to enter the free zone. First, The end user may select the free button 68 in the toolbar 66. In response, The free directory 62 is displayed in the left column of the display screen 60, The home page of the web server 36 is displayed in the free page section 70 of the frame 59. then, When the end user selects hotlink 64 in free directory 62, The homepage of the selected internet site is displayed in the free pages section 70, On the other hand, the free directory 62 continues to be displayed on the left side of the display screen 60. The frame 59 is In this way, End user, Selecting a hot link 64 in the free directory 62 allows surfing between Internet sites in the free zone. The scope of the present invention, It should be understood that execution is not limited to entering the disclosed free zone. Instead, End users By directly transmitting URLs related to Internet sites in the free zone, The user may access an Internet site in the free zone without first accessing the home page of the web server 36. in this case, The homepage of the selected internet site is displayed in the free pages section 70, The free directory 62 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 60. then, End users Select the hot link 64 in the free directory 62, You may surf between internet sites in the free zone. End users Direct transmission of URLs related to Internet sites in the paid zone, Alternatively, by selecting one of the hot links 72 associated with an internet site in the paid zone, You may access Internet sites in the paid zone. In response, The free directory 62 has been deleted, The home page of the selected Internet site is displayed on the display screen 60. The toolbar 66 It remains on the display screen 60. End users Choose the free button 68 or Alternatively, you can return to the free zone by surfing directly to one of the internet sites in the free zone. The monitoring program module 58 Monitor Internet activity performed by end user stations 24, The message is transmitted to the credit server 42. More specifically, The monitoring program module 58 When the end user station 24 transmits a URL request to the Internet site 18, By transmitting a "start_free" message to the credit server 42, Monitor end users' access to Internet sites 18 in the free zone. The monitoring program module 58 After certain events, Usually, a “stop_free” message is transmitted when a URL request to another Internet site occurs. Each of these start_free and stop_free messages is An IP address and username associated with the end user station 24; Along with the URL or IP address of the accessed Internet site 18, "Time stamp", That is, it includes a clock reading created by the supervisory program module 58 based on the clock 51 controlled by the end user station 24. Credit server 42 storing the start_free message and the stop_free message in the credit log 44, A record of the connection time of the end user with the Internet site 18 is provided. When the credit log 44 is downloaded to the billing system 46, The connection time of the end user with the Internet site 18 The difference is calculated by subtracting the time stamp of the start_free message from the time stamp of the stop_free message. There are many options for monitoring the end user's Internet activity. For example, The monitoring program module 58 monitors the free zone, You may not monitor each Internet site in the free zone individually. in this case, The monitoring program module 58 It transmits a start_free message or a stop_free message only when the end user enters or leaves the free zone. This option For example, the operator of each Internet site in the free zone, To avoid having to assign site-based connection time-based costs, May be used if you are charged a flat rate. Instead, The monitoring program module 58 The connection time between each end user station and each free internet site may be monitored individually. in this case, The monitoring program module 58 When end users enter or leave each free Internet site, Transmit a start_free message or a stop_free message. With this option, Costs can be allocated based on connection time for each site. In another alternative, The monitoring program module 58 Each free internet site and each paid internet site may be monitored individually. As previously mentioned, The individual commands entered, Accessed files, Resources used, Transferred files, Many allocation parameters other than connection time, such as purchased or sold goods or services, may be monitored. In addition to these alternatives, The disclosed embodiments of the present invention include: Various methods for activating the supervisor program module 58 are included. In a first embodiment, The monitoring program module 58, which remains resident at the end user station 24, Triggered by a trigger transmitted from existing point 22. What is a trigger? This is a command sequence for starting the monitoring program module 58 resident in the end user station 24. Trigger and The frame 59 including the free directory 62 End users can access Internet sites in the free zone, Each time you select the free button on the toolbar 66, It is transmitted to the end user station 24. Each time an end user visits an internet site in the paid zone, Or When communication is lost, The frame 59 containing the free directory 62 has been deleted, The monitoring program module 58 is closed. However, The monitoring program module 58 It is not deleted from the memory storage device 50 of the end user station 24. In a second embodiment, The monitoring program module 58 Only while the end user is connected to the web server 36 or an internet site in the free zone, It remains resident at the end user station 24. In this embodiment, The monitoring program module 58 In response to a URL request or selection of a free button 68 for an Internet site in the free zone, It is activated by transmitting a monitoring program module 58 from the web server 36 to the end user station 24. The monitoring program module 58 Embedded in a frame 59 containing a free directory 62, It is preferably transmitted therewith. The frame 59 and the monitoring program module 58 Each time an end user visits an internet site in the paid zone, Or if communication is cut off, It is deleted from the memory storage device 50 of the end user station 24. The disclosed embodiments of the present invention include: Various methods for providing security and authentication messages received by the credit server 42 are also included. The first security measure is Includes a “key” created by web server 36. The key is This is a unique identification number or code assigned to the communication received from the end user station 24. The key is transmitted to the end user station 24, It is stored in association with the monitoring program module 58. The monitoring program module 58 The key is included in subsequent messages returned to the credit server 42. If the message does not contain the correct key, End users may be assigned costs associated with communications. The key is A certain connection between the end user station 24 and the Internet site 18; Certain messages, Alternatively, it may be specified equivalently to some other parameter according to the assignment method being executed. Another security measure is In addition to the one created by the monitoring program module 58 described above, Contains a timestamp. For example, The authentication accounting server 38 Each time a start_log or stop_log message is received, Create a timestamp. The time stamp of these authentication accounting servers is It is recorded in the start / stop log 40. Credit server 42 also A timestamp is created each time a start_free message or a stop_free message is received. The time stamp of these credit servers is This is recorded in the credit log 44. When the start / stop log 40 and the credit log 44 are downloaded to the billing system 46, The credit server time stamp is Compared to the authentication accounting server timestamp, The message received by the credit server 42 from a particular end user station 24 is Verify that the end user station 24 was received at the time it was logged to the authentication accounting server 38. As a further security measure, Credit server 42 Create a timestamp to track the end-user station timestamp. The end user's timestamp is Included in a message received from end user station 24, Includes reading clock 51 controlled by end user station 24. The credit server time stamp is Dedicated clock 48, That is, A clock controlled by an existing point 22; Clock readings. To define a unique signature that identifies a particular end-user station, Since the relationship between two sets of timestamps may be used, A dual time stamp containing a clock reading made by both the end user station 24 and the existing point 22 is preferred. For example, The monitoring program module 58 The time stamp of the end user station is transmitted together with each start_free message and the stop_free message. The monitoring program module 58 While connected to the point 22 where the end user station 24 is located, The time stamp of the end user station may be transmitted periodically in the status message. Upon receiving a message from the end user station 24, Credit server 42 A second time stamp is created based on a dedicated clock 48 controlled by the existing point 22. These dual timestamps created by end user station 24 and credit server 42 are: Authenticate the message, It is subsequently analyzed to detect tampering by end users. In particular, (1) For example, Turn off the power, By dropping the line, Disconnect end users who do not log out, (2) simultaneous operation of a plurality of monitoring program modules by an end user, (3) a planned time stamp, Key, URL, Or an end-user message containing an IP address, (4) Entries displayed in the credit log without a valid end-user station and credit server time stamp; (5) operation of the clock 51 or the dedicated clock 48 of the end user station, Multiple types of potentially fraudulent events may be detected. Many other potentially malicious events are It will be appreciated that it can be detected by analyzing the keys and timestamps described herein. Description of the operation of the disclosed embodiment FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a method for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with the access between the end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user. Referring first to FIG. 4, and also to FIGS. 2 and 3, in step 402, a communication originating at the end user station 24 is received at the modem pool 32 of the existing point 22 operated by a local access provider. . Communications received from the end user station 24 are maintained in the modem pool 32 while the end user attempts to log into the authentication accounting server 38. The end user logs at step 404 to the authentication accounting server 38. At decision step 406, it is determined whether the end user has completed a valid login. If the end user has not completed a valid login, a "no" branch is taken from step 406 to step 408 where the informational frame is transmitted to the end user station 24 for display on the display screen 60. . The informational frame explains that Internet access is not available because the end user did not complete a valid login. Other information may be displayed or limited access may be provided to web server 36 or certain Internet sites. Finally, the communication between the end user station 24 and the modem pool 32 is disconnected at step 410. If step 406 determines that the end user has completed a valid login, then a "yes" branch continues from step 406 to step 412 where the authentication accounting server 38 creates a start_log message. The contents of the start_log message are stored in the start / stop log 40 together with the time stamp created by the authentication accounting server 38. The communication is then sent from the modem pool 32 to the terminal server / router 34. In routine 414, end user station 24 is provided with access to Internet 10. Routine 414 is described more specifically with respect to FIG. 5 below. At decision step 416, it is determined whether the communication between end user station 24 and existing point 22 has been disconnected. If not, the "no" branch loops back to step 414 and the end user station 24 is provided access to the Internet 10 until the communication is broken, as determined in decision step 416. You. Upon disconnection, a "yes" branch is taken from step 416 to step 418 where authentication accounting server 38 creates a stop_log message. The contents of the stop_log message are stored in the start / stop log 40 together with the time stamp created by the authentication accounting server 38. The costs associated with communication between end user station 24 and modem pool 32 are subsequently allocated within routine 420. Routine 420 is described more specifically with respect to FIG. 6 below. FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a method for providing Internet access to an end user and monitoring the duration of a connection between the end user and an Internet site. The logic flow diagram of FIG. 5 further describes the routine 414 illustrated in FIG. The process illustrated by FIG. 5 is terminated when the communication between the end-user station 24 and the existing point 22 is broken, as indicated by the “yes” branch from step 416 of FIG. It should be understood that communication may be disconnected at any point during the operation of the routine described by FIG. Referring first to FIG. 5, and referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, in step 502, the terminal server / router 34 terminates a request or URL request for the free directory 62 (ie, selection of the free button 68 in the toolbar 66). Received from the user station 24. At step 504, it is determined whether the request is for a free directory. If so, a "yes" branch is taken from step 504 to step 510. If the request is not for the directory 62, a "no" branch is taken from step 504 to a decision step 506 where it is determined whether the request is for a URL corresponding to an Internet site in the free zone. If the URL is for an internet site in the free zone, a "yes" branch is taken to step 508, where the terminal server / router 34 sends a communication to the free internet site indicated by the URL request. In step 510, the credit server 42 creates a key. In step 512, the key and the frame 59 containing the free directory 62 are transmitted to the end user station 24. Further, the monitoring program module 58 is activated on the end user station 24. The supervisory program module 58 either transmits the supervisory program module 58 to the end user station 24 or transmits a trigger to the end user station to activate the supervisory program module already resident at the end user station 24. Is activated. In step 514, the monitoring program module 58 transmits a start_free message from the end user station 24 to the credit server 42. The s start_free message includes a key previously created by credit server 42 and a time stamp based on a clock controlled by end user station 24. The credit server 42 creates a second time stamp based on a dedicated clock 48 controlled by the existing point 22. The credit server 42 stores the contents of the start_free message and the second time stamp in the credit log 44. The monitoring program module 58 also periodically transmits status messages, the contents of which are also stored in the credit log 44. In step 516, the terminal server / router 34 receives the URL request from the end user station 24. At decision step 518, it is determined whether the requested URL is associated with an Internet site in the free zone. If the requested URL is associated with an Internet site in the free zone, a "yes" branch is taken from step 518 to step 520 where the terminal server / router 34 sends a communication to the requested Internet site. Step 520 is followed by 516 where the end user requests another URL. The process illustrated by FIG. 5 loops from step 516 to 520 as long as the end user surfs between Internet sites in the free zone. Referring again to decision step 518, if the requested URL does not relate to an Internet site in the free zone, the end user surfs to the paid zone. Accordingly, a “no” branch is taken from step 518 to step 522 where the monitoring program module 58 transmits a stop_free message to the credit server 42. The stop_free message includes a key previously created by the credit server 42 and a timestamp based on a clock 51 controlled by the end user station 24. The credit server 42 creates a second time stamp based on a dedicated clock 48 controlled by the existing point 22. The credit server 42 stores the content of the stop_free message and the second time stamp in the credit log 44. In step 524, the free directory 62 is deleted, and the monitoring program module 58 is stopped. Returning again to decision step 506, if the requested URL is not associated with an internet site in the free zone, the end user may first access the free directory 62 or the internet site in the free zone without accessing the free zone internet site. Surf directly to the site. Accordingly, a "no" branch is taken from step 506 to step 526 where the terminal server / router 34 sends the communication to the requested Internet site in the pay zone. Similarly, step 524 continues to step 526. Step 526 is followed by step 502 where the end user requests free directory 62 by selecting free button 68 or the end user transmits another URL request. The process shown in FIG. 5 loops through steps 502 through 526 until the communication is broken (FIG. 4, step 416). FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a method for allocating costs associated with Internet access between an accessing end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user. The logic flow diagram of FIG. 6 further describes the routine 420 shown in FIG. Referring now to FIG. 6, and referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, at step 602, the credit server 42 receives a start_free message or a stop_free message from the monitoring program module 58 resident at the end user station 24. In decision step 604, credit server 42 verifies that the received message contains the correct key in step 604. If the received message does not contain the correct key, a "no" branch is taken to step 605 where existing point 22 responds to a potentially incorrect message. For example, communication may be disconnected, the end user may be assigned the full cost of the communication, additional security measures may be activated, information may be stored for the message, the message transmitted to the end user station 24, notifying authorities, or other Measures may be taken. The action taken at step 605 depends on many factors, such as past communication records from end user station 24. Thus, step 605 may be followed by an "end" step illustrated in FIG. 6, or another step such as step 606. If the key is verified in step 604, a "yes" branch follows step 606, which creates a second timestamp based on the dedicated clock 48 controlled by the point 22 where the credit server 42 is located. The credit server 42 stores the contents of the message and the second time stamp in the credit log 44. In step 608, the time stamp received in the message and the time stamp created by credit server 42 are verified against each other. It will be appreciated that these timestamps are also verified against other timestamps associated with the communication or end-user station 24, such as those created by the authentication accounting server 38 at login. At decision step 609, it is determined whether the time stamp is valid. If the analysis reveals a tampering, a "no" branch is taken from step 609 to step 605, as described above, where the existing point 22 responds to a potentially incorrect message. If the time stamp is verified in step 609, a "yes" branch is taken to steps 610 and 612, where the start / stop log 40 and credit log 44 are downloaded to billing system 46, respectively. The time stamp of the authentication accounting server and the time stamp of the credit server are then verified in step 614. At decision step 615, it is determined whether the time stamp is valid. Again, if this analysis reveals a tampering, a "no" branch is taken from step 615 to step 605 where the existing point 22 responds to a potentially incorrect message, as described above. Further data analysis is performed to verify that the data in the log is genuine. If the timestamp is verified in step 615, a "yes" branch is taken to step 616 where costs are assigned and step 618 where invoices are submitted. The procedures involved in performing the assignment methodology and submitting the invoice are familiar to those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein. In the manner described above, the present invention provides a method and system for providing Internet access to an end user and allocating costs associated with that access between the end user and an Internet site accessed by the end user. I do. It should be understood that the foregoing refers only to particular embodiments of the invention, and that numerous changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[Procedure for Amendment] Article 184-8, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act [Date of Submission] October 27, 1999 (1999.10.27) [Contents of Amendment] (1) Amend claims as shown in the attached sheet . (2) As described on page 4, line 15 of the specification, "Other Internet sites exist in that they are operated by local access providers that provide Internet access to millions of end-user Internet sites. "Other Internet sites are POPs (Points of Presence: governing areas accessible by local calls in wide area networks) operated by local access providers, and millions of end points from these POPs. Providing Internet access to user Internet sites. " (3) page 4, line 17, line 23; page 5, line 4, line 13, line 20, line 21; page 7, line 10, line 13, line 14, Page 9, line 29, specification page 10, line 21, line 24, line 26; page 11, line 2, line 3; page 12, page 12, line 28, line 29; Page 13, line 2, line 3, line 10, line 24; page 14, line 2, line 15; page 16, line 20, line 26; page 17, line 14, line 24 Page 19, Line 8; Page 22, Lines 3-4; Page 23, Line 23; Page 24, Lines 2-3, Line 5; Page 26, Lines 3-4; Page 1, line 21; page 28, lines 17 and 26, “existing points” are corrected to “POP”. (4) As described on page 9, lines 8 to 9 of the specification, "The present invention also provides an existing point including a receiver for receiving communication from a transmitting station." To provide an area jurisdiction that has a receiver for receiving communications from the originating station and is accessible by local call . " (5) Correct FIG. 1 as shown in the separate sheet. Claims 1. Receiving (402) a communication including a request for access to the distributed processing network (18a to 18n) from an originating station (24); determining (412, 418) a communication connection time; Providing access to the distributed processing network (steps 414) (FIGS. 4-6), wherein the access request is monitored by the originating station and a first on the distributed processing network. A second connection between the originating station and a second network site monitored on the distributed processing network (508), wherein the connection time of the first connection comprises: Determining the connection time of the second connection (514, 516, 610); and the communication connection time and the connection time of the first connection. Assigning a first cost that is a part of the communication cost to the first account of the first network site based on the communication connection time and the connection time of the second connection. Assigning a second cost that is part of the communication cost to a second account at the second network site (616). 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning a third cost that is part of the communication cost to a third account that is an account of the originating station. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the third cost, which is a part of the communication cost, includes a time charge connection fee for a connection to an unmonitored site on the distributed processing network. 4. A third cost, which is part of the communication cost, includes an amount to be paid to an operator at a first site on the network as a consideration for goods or services purchased during the first connection; Debiting the consideration in a third account of the originating station (616); and crediting the consideration in a first account of a first site monitored on the network (616). The method of claim 2, comprising: 5. The step of calculating the first connection time and the second connection time includes a step (512) of activating a monitoring program module (58) in the transmitting station, and the monitoring program module executes the first connection time and the second connection time. The method of claim 1, wherein a message indicating a time is transmitted (514, 522). 6. The method of claim 5, wherein activating the monitoring program module (58) comprises transmitting the monitoring program module to an originating station. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the supervisory program module (58) includes a portable capsule of neutral software code and associated data for a targeted architecture. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein activating the supervisory program module (58) comprises transmitting a trigger to activate the supervisory program module to the originating station (512). 9. Transmitting a directory (62) containing items (64) corresponding to sites monitored on the network to the originating station (512); and receiving a command from the originating station selecting the items (516). The method of claim 5, further comprising: 10. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying the item (64) on a display screen (60) of the originating station; and receiving a user command from the originating station selecting the item (516). 9. The method according to 9. 11. Receiving a command requesting connection with the distributed processing network from the originating station (502); assigning an identification key for identifying the communication in response to the command (510); Transmitting (512) to a transmitting station; activating a monitoring program module of the transmitting station; and transmitting a message from the monitoring program module, the message including the identification key and indicating the first connection time and the second connection time. Receiving (514, 522). 12. The method of claim 11, wherein assigning the identification key comprises generating a random number to be used as a unique identifier for the communication. 13. When a command requesting connection to the distribution processing network is received from the originating station (502), a first item (64) corresponding to a first site monitored on the network and a second item (64) are transmitted to the second site. Transmitting a directory (62) including the corresponding second item (64) to the transmitting station (512); and displaying the first and second items on the display screen (60) of the transmitting station (24). 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: 14． Receiving a command requesting a directory including a first item corresponding to a first site monitored on the network and a second item corresponding to a second site (502); Assigning a key to the communication; transmitting the key to a transmitting station (512); activating a monitoring program module of the transmitting station (512); Displaying on the display device (60) of the transmitting station (24); receiving a command to select one of the first items (516); and selecting one of the second items. Receiving a command; and monitoring a message including the key and indicating the first and second connection times. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step (514,522) for receiving from the ram module. 15. Activating the monitoring program module of the originating station (512); receiving a first message including a first start time stamp indicating the start of the first connection from the monitoring program module (514); Receiving (522) a second message including a first end time stamp indicating the end of one connection from the monitoring program module; and transmitting a third message including a second start time stamp indicating the start of the second connection. Receiving (606) from the monitoring program module; receiving (606) a fourth message including a second end time stamp indicating the end of the second connection from the monitoring program module; A first monitor time based on the difference between And calculation steps (610), said second end time stamp and on the basis of the difference between the second start time stamp method of claim 1 including the step (612) for calculating a second monitoring time. 16. The first start time stamp includes a start time determined by a clock (51) controlled by the originating station, wherein the first start time stamp can be used to confirm the authenticity of the message. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that: 17． 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating a proprietary timestamp based on a proprietary (proprietary) clock (48), wherein the proprietary timestamp can be used to verify the authenticity of the message. Method. 18. A plurality of network sites (18a-n), an area authority (22a) accessible by local call, and a backbone communication network (12a-n) interconnected with the plurality of network sites and the area authority. In order to provide the originating station with access to the distributed processing network including the above, a communication including an access request from the originating station (24) is received at the area control station (402), and a communication connection time is obtained ( 412, 418), upon receiving a user command (502) requesting a directory (62) containing an item (64) corresponding to a network site (18a-n) monitored on the distributed processing network, (510) assigning the key and directory (62) to the local access Transmitting from the provider to the transmitting station (512); activating a monitoring program module of the transmitting station (512); and displaying the item (64) on a display device (60) of the transmitting station. Forwarding the communication across the backbone network in response to a user command to select the item (516), providing access to a distributed processing network including a connection between an originating station and a network site ( 520) receiving a first message from the monitoring program module that includes a first start time stamp and indicating the start of a connection (514); and starting proprietary (proprietary) in response to receiving the first message. Generating a time stamp (606); a first end time stamp Receiving a second message indicating termination of connection (522); generating a proprietary (proprietary) end time stamp in response to receiving the second message (606); Calculating a monitored first connection time based on a difference between the time stamp and the first start time stamp (610); a difference between the proprietary (proprietary) end time stamp and the proprietary (proprietary) start time stamp; Calculating (612) a monitored second connection time based on: the monitored first connection time and the second connection time are substantially equal and the first and second messages include the key A first account of the network site based on the communication connection time and the connection time to the network site. Doo and access method for supplying to the distributed processing network, characterized in that it comprises a step (61 4,616) assigning the communication cost between the second account of the originating station. 19. A receiver (32) for receiving a communication from an originating station (24); connected to the receiver for transferring the communication to enable the originating station to access the distributed processing network (18a-n), wherein the access comprises: A first connection between an originating station and a first network site monitored on the distributed processing network; and a second connection between the originating station and a second network site monitored on the distributed processing network. A terminal server / router (34) including: an authentication accounting server (38) connected to the terminal server / router and determining a communication connection time; and a first network site connected to the terminal server / router. A credit server (42) for determining a first connection time with a second network site and a second connection time with the second network site; A first communication cost, which is a part of the communication cost, based on the communication connection time and the first and second connection times. A billing system (46) for allocating to the account at the first network site and allocating a second communication cost, which is part of the communication cost, to the account at the second network site. . 20. Means (38) for transmitting a monitoring program module (58) to the transmitting station via a communication network (30), wherein the monitoring program module sends a message indicating the first connection time and the second connection time. 20. The area jurisdiction according to claim 19, wherein the transmission is performed from the transmitting station to the wide area network. 21. Means for transmitting, via a communication network (30), a trigger for activating the monitoring program module of the transmitting station, the monitoring program module transmitting the message indicating the first connection and the second connection to the transmitting station; 20. The area authority of claim 19, wherein the station transmits to the local access provider. 22. Means for transmitting a directory (62) containing items (64) corresponding to network sites monitored on the network to the originating station and receiving from the originating station a command to select the items. The area jurisdiction according to claim 19, wherein: 23. Means (38) for assigning a key to the communication, transmitting the key to the originating station, and determining whether a message indicating a communication connection time received from the originating station includes the key. 20. The area jurisdiction station according to claim 19, wherein 24. Means for receiving a first time stamp in the message, generating a proprietary time stamp with a proprietary clock, and determining whether the first time stamp corresponds to the proprietary time stamp. The area jurisdiction according to claim 19, further comprising (40, 44). 25. The billing system may further allocate a third cost that forms part of the communication cost, wherein the third cost is a time charge for a connection to a site that is not monitored on the distributed processing network. 19. Area jurisdiction station described in 19. 26. The billing system further allocates a third cost that forms part of the communication cost, wherein the third cost is paid to an operator of the first network site as a price for goods or services purchased during the first connection time. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the billing system debits the consideration into a third account at the originating station and credits the consideration into a first account at the first network site. Area jurisdiction listed. FIG.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 3/00 H04L 11/08 11/00 303 15/00 (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH) , DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML) , MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, HU, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ , PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW. The costs associated with accessing the Internet between end users and Internet sites accessed by the end users. Unique keys and timestamps are used as security measures. The unique key is a random identification number or code created by the existing point (22). Time stamps are clock readings made by originating stations, existing points or other network components and are used as a security measure.

Claims (1)

[Claims]   1. Communication including a request for access from a source station to a distributed processing network Receiving the   Determining a communication period;   Network communication on a distributed processing network that sends communications and is monitored with the originating station Providing network access including a connection to the site;   Determining a connection duration;   Associated with the first account associated with the monitored network site and the originating station The cost associated with communicating with the second account that was Assigning Providing an originating station with access to a distributed processing network.   2. The connection between the originating station and the monitored network site is the first connection Sending said communication and providing network access further comprises: The method of claim 1, comprising a second connection between the station and a second network site.   3. The step of determining the connection period comprises the step of monitoring a monitoring program resident at the transmitting station. The supervisor module indicates the duration of the connection, including activating the module The method of claim 1, operable to transmit a message.   4. The step of activating the monitoring program module includes the step of: 4. The method of claim 3, comprising transmitting a gram module.   5. The monitoring program module is in an object-oriented architecture 5. The method of claim 4, including a portable capsule of the software code and associated data. The method described.   6. Activating the monitoring program module may include triggering the originating station. 4. The method of claim 3 including transmitting and activating a supervisory program module. Method.   7. In addition, the directory is transmitted to the originating station, and A step including an item corresponding to the network site;   Receiving a command from an originating station to select an item. The method of claim 3.   8. Displaying the item on a display screen coupled to the originating station;   Receiving a user command from an originating station to select an item. The method of claim 7.   9. Communication including a request for access to a distributed processing network from an originating station Receiving the   Determining a communication period;   Sending a communication and providing network access;   Between the originating station and the monitored network site on the distributed processing network In response to receiving a command requesting a connection,     Specifying a key and identifying the communication;     Transmitting the key to the originating station;     Activating a supervisory program module resident at the originating station;     Sends communications and provides a connection between the originating station and the monitored network site Steps to     Step for receiving a message indicating the connection period from the monitoring program module And   If the message contains a key, it is related to the monitored network site. Associated with the communication between the first account and the second account associated with the originating station. Allocating a cost based on a communication period and a connection period. A method for providing stations with access to a distributed processing network.   10. The step of designating the key is used as a unique identifier for communication. The method of claim 9, wherein a random number is generated for use.   11. Also requires a connection between the originating station and the monitored network site In response to receiving a user command to   Send the directory to the originating station and check the network site where the directory is monitored. A step including an item corresponding to the   Displaying the item on a display screen associated with the originating station; The method of claim 10, comprising:   12. Receiving a communication including a request for access from an originating station;   Determining a communication period;   Items corresponding to monitored network sites on the distributed processing network In response to receiving a user command requesting the directory containing the Assigning a key to the message;     Transmitting the key to the originating station;     Activating a monitoring program resident at the originating station;     Displaying the item on a display device coupled to the originating station; ,   In response to receiving a user command to select one of the items,     Sends the communication, the originating station and the monitored net corresponding to the selected item Providing access including connection to one of the worksites;     Step to receive a message indicating the connection period from the monitoring program module And     Monitor corresponding to the selected item if the message contains a key A first account associated with the originating network and a second account associated with the originating station. Costs associated with communication to and from the client based on the duration of the communication and the duration of the connection Providing the originating station with access to the distributed processing network. Way.   13. Receiving a communication including a request for access from an originating station;   Determining a communication period;   Activating a supervisory program module resident at the originating station;   Sends communications and monitors network sources on the distributed processing network with the originating station. Providing access, including a connection to the site;   First start timestamp from supervisor module indicating the start of connection Receiving a first message including a   Creating a second start timestamp in response to receiving the first message Steps   Receive a second message including a first stop timestamp indicating the end of the connection Steps and   Creating a second stop timestamp in response to receiving the second message Steps   Based on the difference between the first stop timestamp and the first start timestamp, Calculating one monitor period;   Based on the difference between the second stop timestamp and the second start timestamp, Calculating a second monitoring period;   If the first monitor period is approximately equal to the second monitor period, the monitored network Between the first account associated with the site and the second account associated with the originating station Allocating costs associated with the communication based on the communication period and the connection period And providing the originating station with access to the distributed processing network.   14． The first start timestamp is determined by a clock controlled by the originating station. Contains a defined start time, where the first start timestamp is the message is authentic 14. The method of claim 13, which may be used to verify that.   15. The second start time stamp is the start time defined by the dedicated clock And the second start timestamp to verify that the message is genuine 15. The method according to claim 14, which may be used for:   16. Receive a communication containing a request for access at an existing point from an originating station Steps and   Determining a communication period;   Items corresponding to monitored network sites on the distributed processing network In response to receiving a user command requesting the directory containing the   Specifying a key for the communication;     Transmitting the key and directory from the point of existence to the originating station;     Activating a supervisory program module resident at the originating station;     Displaying the item on a display device coupled to the originating station; In response to a user command to select Providing access, including the connection between the trust station and the monitored network site Steps and   Receiving a first message from a supervisor module indicating the start of a connection Wherein the first message includes a first start timestamp;   Creating a second start timestamp in response to receiving the first message Steps   A second message indicating the end of the connection is received, and the second message is the first stop time. Including a time stamp;   Generating a second stop timestamp in response to receiving the second message Steps   Based on the difference between the first stop timestamp and the first start timestamp, Calculating a first monitoring period;   Based on the difference between the second stop timestamp and the second start timestamp, Calculating a second monitoring period;   The first monitor period is substantially equal to the second monitor period, and the first message and the second message Primary account associated with the network site being monitored if the Costs associated with communication between the und and a second account associated with the originating station. Allocating based on communication periods and connection periods. Network site, one existing point, and a network site and one existing point. In a distributed processing network with an interconnected backbone network, To provide access to distributed processing networks.   17． The connection between the originating station and the monitored network site is the first connection. Sending the communication over the backbone network and providing access 17. The method of claim 16, including a second connection between the station and a second network site. .   18. A monitoring program that operates to monitor access to the distributed processing network. A computer readable medium storing a program module, The supervisory program module is transmitted by an originating station coupled to the distributed processing network. When executed   Items corresponding to monitored network sites on the distributed processing network Displaying the directory containing the system;   Detecting a command to select an item;   Step to determine the duration of the connection between the originating station and the monitored network site And   Transmitting a message indicating a connection period; A computer readable medium containing instructions for performing the following.   19. The supervisory program module transmits the supervisory program module to the transmitting station. After being sent, a contract operable to reside in the originating station's memory storage. A computer-readable medium according to claim 18.   20. A supervisory program module resides in the originating station's memory storage and 19. The computer of claim 18, activating in response to a trigger transmitted to a trust station. Media readable by.   21. When the supervisor module is executed by the originating station,   The unique identity of the communication specified by the points that exist to authenticate the message Receiving a key including the bespoke;   Including a key in the message; The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising instructions for performing Media.   22. When the supervisor module is executed by the originating station,   In response to user commands to select items, clicks controlled by the originating station Task to verify that the message is authentic, including reading the lock Creating an imstamp;   Including a timestamp in the message; The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising instructions for performing Media.   23. A receiver for receiving communication from the transmitting station,   Sends a communication to the originating station and the originating station and the monitored network on the distributed processing network. Provides access to distributed processing networks, including connections to network sites A terminal server / router coupled to the receiver for performing   Authentication account, coupled to the terminal server / router, to determine the communication period Server,   Terminal server for determining the duration of the connection with the monitored network site / A credit server coupled to the router;   The first account associated with the network site being monitored and the originating station The cost associated with communicating with the second account, based on the communication period and the connection period. Access to the authentication accounting server and credit server A combined billing system, An existing point for accessing a distributed processing network, comprising:   24. Further, the monitoring program module is transmitted to the transmitting station via the communication network. The monitoring program module at the point where it is present from the originating station. 24. The method of claim 23, operable to transmit a message indicating a duration. Points that exist.   25. Furthermore, in order to start the monitoring program module resident at the transmitting station, A monitoring program module comprising means for transmitting a trigger via a communication network; Is operable to transmit a message indicating the duration of the connection from the originating station to the existing point 24. The point of claim 23, wherein the point is a function.   26. In addition, data containing items corresponding to the network sites being monitored Directory to the originating station and receive commands from the originating station to select items. 24. The point of claim 23, comprising means for:   27. Means for specifying the key for communication, means for transmitting the key to the originating station , And whether the message indicating the communication period received from the calling station contains a key An existing point according to claim 23, comprising means for determining.   28. Further, means for receiving the first time stamp in the message, dedicated Means for creating a second time stamp based on a clock, and a first time Means for determining whether the stamp corresponds to a second time stamp An existing point according to claim 27.