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SP334350WO00

Description
Title of Invention
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING
5 APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF
CONTROLLING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS
Technical Field [0001]
10 The present technology relates to a wireless communication apparatus. In
particular, the present technology relates to a wireless communication apparatus connected to a network, an information processing apparatus, a communication system including the wireless communication apparatus and the information processing apparatus, and a method of controlling the wireless communication
15 apparatus.
Background Art [0002]
An expanded functionality is being considered for the 3rd Generation 20 Partnership Project (i.e., 3GPP) that decides the technical specification of public wireless communication networks (see, for example, Non-Patent Literature 1).
[0003] -
Using such an expanded functionality, known as "Machine to Machine Equipment," it will become possible to flexibly use information showing what 25 services can be utilized. Such information may be referred to as a Machine Communication Identity Module (MCIM), which is one example of contact authentication information. As an example, it may possible to download an MCIM from a network, and additionally or alternatively, to temporarily invalidate and then revalidate an MCIM within a network. 30 [0004]
At present, information corresponding to an MCIM needs to be stored in a

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physical device called a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. However, if an MCIM could be handled as software, the method of storage could be made more flexible.
5 Citation List
Non-Patent Literature [0005]
Non-Patent Literature 1:3GPP TR 33.812 V9.2.0(2010-06)
10 Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0006]
By using the expanded functionality described above, it is possible to
conceive new methods of using an MCIM that differ to the past. 15 [0007]
For example, sharing an MCIM among a plurality of wireless
communication apparatuses can be supposed. Thus, it is convenient if relevant data
(for example, an address book or a schedule book) used among a plurality of wireless
communication apparatuses can easily be shared. 20 [0008]
The present technology is produced in view of such circumstances and an
object thereof is to share data used among a plurality of wireless communication
apparatuses easily.
Solution to Problem 25 [0009]
The present technology is produced in order to solve the above-mentioned
problem, and according to a first embodiment the present technology, there are
provided a wireless communication apparatus, a method of controlling the wireless
communication apparatus, and a program causing a computer to execute the method, 30 the wireless communication apparatus including an accepting unit that accepts a
transfer operation to transfer a connection right from a first wireless communication

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apparatus to which the connection right to connect to a predetermined network using wireless communication is set to a second wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right is not set, and a control unit that, when the transfer operation is accepted, transmits a transfer request that requests the connection right 5 to be transferred from the first wireless communication apparatus to the second wireless communication apparatus with information included in the transfer request, the information being used for synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus. Accordingly, if the transfer operation is accepted, an
10 operation of transmitting the transfer request that requests a transfer of the connection rights from the first wireless communication apparatus to the second wireless communication apparatus with information included in the transfer request, the information being used for synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with predetermined data in the first wireless
15 communication apparatus is caused. [0010]
According to the first embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus may be the first wireless communication apparatus. A group sharing the connection right may be constituted of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses
20 including the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus. When the transfer operation is accepted, the control unit may transmit the transfer request and the predetermined data to a management system that manages the group. When the transfer request and the predetermined data are received, the management system may transmit setting information to set the
25 connection right to the second wireless communication apparatus to cause the second wireless communication apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting the transfer
30 request and the predetermined data to a management system if the transfer operation is accepted and the management system causes an operation of setting the connection

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rights to the second wireless communication apparatus and synchronizing the data in
the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data when the
transfer request and the predetermined data are received.
[0011]
5 According to the first embodiment, the control unit may transmit the
transfer request including the predetermined data to the management system as the information for synchronization. The management system may transmit the setting information to the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in the setting information. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting
10 the transfer request including the predetermined data to the management system as the information for synchronization is caused and the management system causes an operation of transmitting the setting information to the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in the setting information.
15 [0012]
According to the first embodiment, the management system may be an RO (Registration Operator). When the predetermined data is received from the first wireless communication apparatus, the RO may hold the predetermined data and transmits the held predetermined data to the second wireless communication
20 apparatus. Accordingly, the RO causes an operation of holding the predetermined data when the predetermined data is received fi^om the first wireless communication apparatus and transmitting the-held predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus. [0013]
25 According to the first embodiment, when the predetermined data is held, the
RO may notify the second wireless communication apparatus that the predetermined data is held. Accordingly, the RO causes an operation of notifying the second wireless communication apparatus that the predetermined data is held when the predetermined data is held.
30 [0014]
According to the first embodiment, the RO may delete the held

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predetermined data after the held predetermined data is transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus. Accordingly, the RO causes an operation of deleting the held predetermined data after transmission thereof to the second wireless communication apparatus. 5 [0015]
According to the first embodiment, when the predetermined data is not transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus for a predetermined time or longer after the predetermined data is held, the RO may delete the predetermined data and does not transmit the predetermined data to the second
10 wireless communication apparatus. Accordingly, the RO causes an operation of deleting the predetermined data and not transmitting the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus if the predetermined data is not transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus for a predetermined time or longer after the predetermined data is held.
15 [0016]
According to the first embodiment, the accepting unit may accept a specifying operation to specify the predetermined time. When the specifying operation is accepted, the control unit may transmit, to the RO, time information about the specified predetermined time in association with the predetermined data.
20 The RO may delete the predetermined data using the predetermined time related to the time information transmitted in association with the predetermined data. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting time information about the specified predetermined time in association with the predetermined data is caused if the specifying operation to specify the predetermined time is accepted and the RO causes
25 an operation of deleting the predetermined data using the predetermined time related to the time information transmitted by being associated with the predetermined data. [0017]
According to the first embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right is set among the plurality of wireless communication
30 apparatuses constituting the group may be connectable to an SHO (Selected Home Operator) based on the connection right. The wireless communication apparatus to

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which the connection right is not set among the plurality of wireless communication apparatuses constituting the group may be connectable only to the RO. Accordingly, an operation of connecting the wireless communication apparatus to which the connection rights are set to the SHO and the wireless communication apparatus to 5 which the connection rights are not set to the RO. [0018]
According to the first embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus may be the second wireless communication apparatus. A group sharing the connection right may be constituted of a plurality of wireless communication
10 apparatuses including the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus. When the transfer operation is accepted, the control unit may transmit the transfer request to a management system that manages the group. When the transfer request is received, the management system may transmit a transfer confirmation request to request permission of transfer concerning
15 the transfer request to the first wireless communication apparatus, and when transfer confirmation information permitting the transfer concerning the transfer confirmation request and the predetermined data are transmitted from the first wireless communication apparatus, the management system may transmit setting information to set the connection right to the second wireless communication apparatus to cause
20 the second wireless communication apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting the transfer request to the management system is caused if the transfer operation is
25 accepted and the management system causes an operation of transmitting a transfer confirmation request to request permission of the transfer concerning the transfer request to the first wireless communication apparatus when the transfer request is received and setting the connection rights to the second wireless communication apparatus and synchronizing the data in Xhe second wireless communication
30 apparatus with the predetermined data when transfer confirmation information permitting the transfer concerning the transfer confirmation request and the

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predetermined data are transmitted and received from the first wireless
communication apparatus.
[0019]
According to the first embodiment, the first wireless communication 5 apparatus may transmit the transfer confirmation information to the management system with the predetermined data included in the transfer confirmation information. The management system may transmit the setting information to the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in the setting information. Accordingly, the first wireless communication apparatus causes an
10 operation of transmitting the transfer confirmation information to the management system with the predetermined data included in the transfer confirmation information and the management system causes an operation of transmitting the setting information to the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in the setting information.
15 [0020]
According to the first embodiment, the predetermined data may be content intended for a data synchronization process between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus. Accordingly, an operation of setting content intended for a data synchronization
20 process between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus as the predetermined data is caused. [0021]
According to the first embodiment, the control unit may transmit the transfer request including the information to synchronize the content in the second
25 wireless communication apparatus with newly updated content in the first wireless communication apparatus. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting the transfer request including the information to synchronize the content in the second wireless communication apparatus with newly updated content in the first wireless communication apparatus is caused.
30 [0022]
According to the first embodiment, the accepting unit may accept the

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transfer operation and a synchronization instruction operation to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data. The control unit may transmit the transfer request when the transfer operation and the synchronization instruction operation are accepted, and the control unit may transmit 5 the transfer request without including the information for synchronization in the transfer request when only the transfer operation is accepted. Accordingly, an operation of transmitting the transfer request if the transfer operation and the synchronization instruction operation are accepted and transmitting the transfer request without including the information for synchronization in the transfer request
10 if only the transfer operation is accepted is caused. [0023]
According to the first embodiment, the connection right may be a right to connect to a base station based on contract authentication information to connect to the base station operated by a communication operator. Accordingly, an operation
15 of setting rights to connect to a base station based on contract authentication information to connect to the base station operated by a communication operator as the connection rights is caused. [0024]
According to a second embodiment of the present technology, there are
20 provided an information processing apparatus, a method of controlling the information processing apparatus, and a program causing a computer to execute the method, the information processing apparatus including a receiving unit that receives a transfer request that requests a connection right to be transferred from a first wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right to connect to a
25 predetermined network using wireless communication is set to a second wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right is not set, the transfer request including information used for synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus, and a control unit that, when the transfer request is
30 received, transmits setting information to set the connection right to the second wireless communication apparatus to cause the second wireless communication

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apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data. Accordingly, an operation of setting the connection rights to the second wireless 5 communication apparatus and synchronizing the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data when the transfer request is received is caused. [0025]
According to a third embodiment of the present technology, there are
10 provided a communication system, a method of controlling the communication system, and a program causing a computer to execute the method, the communication system including a wireless communication apparatus including an accepting unit that accepts a transfer operation to transfer a connection right from a first wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right to connect to a
15 predetermined network using wireless communication is set to a second wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right is not set and a control unit that, when the transfer operation is accepted, transmits a transfer request that requests the connection right to be transferred from the first wireless communication apparatus to the second wireless communication apparatus with information included
20 in the transfer request, the information being used for synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus, and an information processing apparatus that, when the transfer request is received, transmits setting information to set the connection right to the second wireless communication apparatus to cause the second
25 wireless communication apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data. Accordingly, the wireless communication apparatus causes an operation of transmitting the transfer request if the transfer operation is accepted
30 and the information processing apparatus causes an operation of setting the connection rights to the second wireless communication apparatus and synchronizing

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the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data when the transfer request is received.
Advantageous Effects of Invention 5 [0026]
According to the present technology, an excellent effect of being able to easily share data used among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses can be achieved.
10 Brief Description of Drawings
[0027]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing one example usage of a plurality of
wireless communication apparatus (devices) according to a first exemplary
embodiment. 15 [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing transition examples of address books
entered in each wireless communication apparatus, according to the first exemplary
embodiment.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system configuration of a
communication system 100, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 20 [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a schematically diagram of a group management database 220,
according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration
of a fist wireless communication apparatus, according to the first exemplary
embodiment; 25 [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing transfer examples of use rights over
MCIM among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses, according to the
first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary display screen (group list display
screen 500) displayed in a display unit 370 of the first wireless communication 30 apparatus 300, according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary display screen (transfer

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confirmation screen 510) displayed in the display unit 370 of a second wireless
communication apparatus 130, according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing exemplary display screens (transfer result
notification screens 520, 530) displayed in the display unit 370 of the wireless 5 communication apparatus, according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process 10 performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment. 15 [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to 20 the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process 25 performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the first exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by a first wireless communication apparatus 300, according to the first exemplary
embodiment. 30 [FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by a second wireless communication apparatus 130, according to the first exemplary

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embodiment.
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the first wireless communication apparatus 300, according to the first exemplary
embodiment. 5 [FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the second wireless communication apparatus 130, according to the first
exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by a RO 200, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 10 [FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by a wireless communication apparatus, according to the first exemplary
embodiment.
[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the RO 200, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 15 [FIG. 24] FIG. 24 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 25] FIG. 25 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to 20 the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 26] FIG. 26 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 27] FIG. 27 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process 25 performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 28] FIG. 28 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the second exemplary embodiment. 30 [FIG. 29] FIG. 29 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to

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the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 30] FIG. 30 is a sequence chart of an exemplary communication process
performed by various apparatuses of the communication system 100, according to
the second exemplary embodiment. 5 [FIG. 31] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the first wireless communication apparatus 300, according to the second
exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 32] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the second wireless communication apparatus 130, according to the second 10 exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 33] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the first wireless communication apparatus 300, according to the second
exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 34] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed 15 by the second wireless communication apparatus 130, according to the second
exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 35] FIG. 35 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by a RO 200, according to the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 36] FIG. 36 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed 20 by a wireless communication apparatus, according to the second exemplary
embodiment.
[FIG. 37] FIG. 37 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process performed
by the RO 200, according to the second exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 38] FIG 38 is a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication process 25 between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100, according to a
modification of an exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 39] FIG 39 is a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication process
between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100, according to a
modification of an exemplary embodiment. 30 [FIG. 40] FIG. 40 is a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication process
between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100, according to a

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modification of an exemplary embodiment.
[FIG. 41] FIG 41 is a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication process between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100, according to a modification of an exemplary embodiment. 5
Description of Embodiments [0028]
Forms to carry out the present technology (hereinafter, called embodiments)
will be described below. The description will be provided in the following order:
10 1. First embodiment (data synchronization process control: example of
performing a data synchronization process with synchronous data included in transmission data related to a transfer process of MCIM (Machine Communication Identity Module))
2. Second embodiment (data synchronization process control: example of
15 performing a data synchronization process by transmitting synchronous data
separately from transmission data related to a transfer process of MCIM)
3. Modification
[0029]
<1. First embodiment>
20 [Example usage of wireless communication apparatuses]
FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing one example usage of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses (devices) according to the first embodiment of the present technology. More specifically, usage states of three wireless communication apparatuses (a first wireless communication apparatus 300, a second 25 wireless communication apparatus 130, and a third wireless communication apparatus 140) owned by a user 10 are shown. [0030]
FIG. lA shows a state in which the user 10 uses three wireless
communication apparatuses (the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the
30 second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication
apparatus 140). FIG. IB shows a state in which the user 10 uses one wireless

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communication apparatus (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) by holding the apparatus in his (her) hand. Also, a state in which two wireless communication apparatuses (the second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication apparatus 140) are placed in a relatively distant 5 place (a distance indicated by an arrow 30 apart) is shown. For example, a case when the user 10 uses one wireless communication apparatus (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) outside a house 20 and two wireless communication apparatuses (the second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication apparatus 140) are placed in the house 20 is assumed.
10 [0031]
The first wireless communication apparatus 300 is, for example, a mobile phone (a smartphone equipped with a calling function and a data communication function, for example) and the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is, for example, an electronic book display apparatus equipped with a wireless
15 communication fiinction. The third wireless communication apparatus 140 is, for example, an information processing apparatus (a notebook PC) equipped with a wireless communication function. It is also assumed that these three wireless communication apparatuses are equipped with a management function to manage an address book or a schedule book.
20 [0032]
For example, when, as shown in FIG. IB, the user 10 uses the first wireless communication apparatus 300 outside the house 20, a case of entering a new contact address in an address book in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can be assumed. Update examples of the address books in this case are shown in FIG. 2.
25 [0033]
[Update examples of the address books]
FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing transition examples of address books entered in each wireless communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present technology.
30 [0034]
In FIG. 2, a case in which a new contact address (contact address surrounded

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by a frame 304 of a thick broken line) is entered in the address book of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (lower side of FIG. 2) when the address book of the same content is entered in each wireless communication apparatus (upper side of FIG 2) is assumed. 5 [0035]
Also in FIG. 2, the transition of the address book of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is shown in a fi-ame 301, the transition of the address book of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is shown in a frame 131, and the transition of the address book of the third wireless communication apparatus
10 140 is shown in a frame 141. [0036]
In addition, an address book (address book 302) before a new contact address is entered (before the update) in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and an address book (address book 303) after the entry (after the update) are
15 shown in the frame 301. Similarly, address books (an address book 132 and an address book 142) before a new contact address is entered (before the update) in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and address books (an address book 133 and an address book 143) after the entry (after the update) are shown in the frame 131 and the frame 141 respectively. In FIG. 2, examples in which only the name
20 and the phone number are entered in the address book are shown to simplify the description. In addition, simplified characters (KEISUKE, RYOKO and so on) are shown for the name and only simplified numeric values (000000, 111111 and.so on) are shown for the phone number. [0037]
25 In the address book 303, a newly entered contact address is indicated by the
frame (the frame 304) of a thick broken line. [0038]
As shown in the frame 304 of the address book 133, when the user 10 enters a new contact address, the entered contact address is entered in the address book of
30 the wireless communication apparatus (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) on which the entry operation is performed. Here, a case when the new contact

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address entered on the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is entered on the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 is assumed. For example, a case when the user 10 performs an entry operation to enter the new contact address on each of the second wireless 5 communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 can be assumed. In this case, however, it is necessary to perform an entry operation on each wireless communication apparatus and the entry operation becomes complicated. Thus, performing data communication (for example, short-distance wireless communication) between each wireless communication apparatus to
10 perform a data synchronization process for each piece of data of the address book can be considered. [0039]
However, as shown in FIG. IB, such data communication cannot be performed when wireless communication apparatuses are widely apart. Thus,
15 causing each wireless communication apparatus to hold contract authentication information before performing a data synchronization process by data communication via a predetermined network can be considered. In this case, it is necessary to cause each wireless communication apparatus to hold contract authentication information and thus, the cost for the contract is needed. Therefore,
20 in the first embodiment, an example in which a contact address newly entered on the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is easily synchronized (shared) with the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 is shown. [0040]
25 [Example Configuration of Communication System]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system configuration of a communication system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [0041]
30 The communication system 100 includes a public network 110, base stations
121, 122, 206, the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the second wireless

^B

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communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication apparatus 140. The communication system 100 also includes an SHO (Selected Home Operator) 120 and an RO (Registration Operator) 200. Thus, in the first embodiment of the present technology, a network configuration example constituted of the SHO 120 and 5 the RO 200 is shown (see, for example, Non-Patent Literature 1). [0042]
Here, RO and SHO show logical roles and a case in which RO and SHO are operated by different operators can be assumed, but also a case in which RO and SHO are operated by the same operator can be assumed. In addition, a case in
10 which a plurality of RO or a plurality of SHO is present can be assumed. Each of RO and SHO may be configured integrally as an information processing apparatus or constituted of a plurality of apparatuses. Here, RO and SHO mean relative roles when a wireless communication apparatus having a valid MCIM (Machine Communication Identity Module) is used as a reference. Thus, there is a possibility
15 that RO for one wireless communication apparatus corresponds SHO for another wireless communication apparatus. [0043]
For example, a case when the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holds a valid MCIM (use rights over MCIM) and the second wireless communication
20 apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 hold no valid MCIM is assumed. In this case, only the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can connect to the SHO 120. In contrast, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 holding no MCIM can connected to the RO 200 based on PCID (Provisional Connectivity
25 Identity). [0044]
The MCIM is an example of contract authentication information and the contract authentication information is information including subscriber information of the telephone and information of authentication. The MCIM is contract
30 authentication information (so-called soft SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)) that is not limited to a specific communication operator when, for example, a device is

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purchased and allows the user to flexibly set the communication operator after the purchase. A case when no valid MCM is held means, for example a case when MCIM itself is not held or only MCIM invalidated by an invalidation process of MCIM is held. 5 [0045]
PCID is an identifier (for example, terminal identification information 225 in a network shown in FIG. 4) to connect to RO and is attached to all wireless communication apparatuses (devices). [0046]
10 By transferring use rights over MCIM (rights of using an MCIM) between a
plurality of wireless communication apparatuses, MCIM can be shaped among the plurality of wireless communication apparatuses. In this case, the plurality of wireless communication apparatuses related to the sharing can be set as a group. The group can be managed by a group management database 220.
15 [0047]
The public network 110 is a public network such as a telephone network, the Internet and the like. The public network 110 and the SHO 120 are connected via a gateway (not shown). Similarly, the public network 110 and the RO 200 are connected via a gateway (not shown).
20 [0048]
The SHO 120 is a communication control apparatus managed by a wireless operator providing wireless connection services. The SHO 120 provides Internet services and the like and corresponds to, for example, a wireless operator (for example, a mobile phone operator) providing wireless connection services. The
25 SHO 120 includes a control unit 125. [0049]
The control unit 125 carries out authentication control of wireless communication apparatuses connected via the base stations 121, 122. For example, among wireless communication apparatuses connected via the base stations 121, 122,
30 the control unit 125 authenticates wireless communication apparatuses having valid MCIM (contract authentication information) of the SHO 120. Then, the SHO 120

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connects authenticated wireless communication apparatuses to the public network
110 via a gateway (not shown).
[0050]
The control unit 125 is connected to RO 200 to exchange various kinds of 5 information with the RO 200. A wireless communication apparatus holding no valid MCIM (contract authentication information) can be connected (limited connection) to the RO 200 via the SHO 120 based on PCID of the wireless communication apparatus. When a transfer request of MCIM is received from a wireless communication apparatus, the control unit 125 transmits the transfer request
10 to the RO 200. [0051]
The base stations 121, 122 are mobile communication base stations (Node B) that connect the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication apparatus 140,
15 and the SHO 120 via wireless lines 126 to 129. [0052]
For example, in the communication system 100, a wireless communication apparatus holding valid MCIM is connected to the base stations 121, 122 via the wireless lines 126 to 129 before being connected to the SHO 120 via the base
20 stations 121, 122. When a wireless communication apparatus holding a valid MCIM is connected to the RO 200, the wireless communication apparatus is connected to the RO 200 via the SHO 120. [0053]
A wireless communication apparatus holding no valid MCIM can be
25 connected (limited connection) to the RO 200 via a wireless line 207 and the base station 206 based on PCID of the wireless communication apparatus. A wireless communication apparatus holding no valid MCIM can be connected to any of the base stations 121, 122, 206 depending on the position of use and can be connected to the RO 200 via these base stations.
30 [0054]
The RO 200 provides services such as initial connection registration and

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includes a communication unit 205, a control unit 210, and the group management
database 220. The RO 200 is an example of a management system and an
information processing apparatus described in claims.
[0055]
5 The communication unit 205 transmits and receives various kinds of
information based on the control of the control unit 210. The communication unit
205 is connected to the SHO 120 and the base station 206 to transmit and receive
various kinds of information to/from each wireless communication apparatus
connected via these units. 10 [0056]
The control unit 210 carries out control of a wireless communication
apparatus connected via the communication unit 205 (or via the communication unit
205 and the SHO 120). For example, the control unit 210 acquires information
(group information) about a group constituted of a plurality of wireless 15 communication apparatuses sharing an MCIM from the group management database
220 and supplies the group information to the wireless communication apparatuses
via the communication unit 205 and the SHO 120.
[0057]
Here, the above group will be described. The group is a group that shares 20 network connection rights. The network connection rights (connection rights) are
rights to connect to a predetermined network (for example, the public network 110)
using wireless communication and corresponds to, for example, MCIM use rights.
That is, network connection rights are rights to connect to a base station based on
MCIM (contract authentication information) to connect to the base station operated 25 by a communication operator. In addition, presence/absence of network connection
rights corresponds to presence/absence of use rights over MCIM.
[0058]
The group management database 220 is a database to manage groups
constituted of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses sharing MCIM. 30 The group management database 220 will be described in detail with reference to
FIG. 4.

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[0059]
For example, the communication unit 205 receives a transfer request of MCIM from the first wireless communication apparatus 300. The transfer request of MCIM requests, for example, the transfer of use rights over MCIM from the first 5 wireless communication apparatus 300 to which use rights over MCIM (connection rights) are set to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to which use rights over MCIM are not set. The transfer request of MCIM includes information to synchronize data (for example, an address book) in the second wireless communication apparatus 130 with predetermined data (for example, an address
10 book) in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 during a transfer process. If, for example, the transmission source of the transfer request of MCIM is the transfer source of use rights over MCIM, the information for synchronization is predetermined data of the transfer source. If the transmission source of the transfer request of MCIM is the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM, the
15 information for synchronization is information to request predetermined data in the transfer source. The RO 200 acquires predetermined data in the transfer source based on the information. The communication unit 205 is an example of a receiving unit described in claims. [0060]
20 When the transfer request of MCIM is received, the control unit 210
transmits setting information to set use rights over MCIM to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to allow the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to set use rights over MCIM. When the transfer request of MCIM is received, the control unit 210 also transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless
25 communication apparatus 130 to carry out control to synchronize data in the second wireless communication apparatus 130 with the predetermined data. Whether use rights over MCIM are set to a wireless communication apparatus can be determined based on content (for example, valid/invalid information 226 shown in FIG. 4) of the group management database 220.
30 [0061]
An example of transferring use rights over MCIM (transfer example of

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network connection rights) in the communication system 100 will be described. For example, each wireless communication apparatus is caused to hold an MCIM. Then, use rights over MCM can be transferred by MCIM held by each wireless communication apparatus being validated/invalidated by the SHO 120 based on 5 instructions from the control unit 210. Incidentally, an MCIM held by each wireless communication apparatus can also be validated/invalidated on the side of the RO 200. Thus, use rights over MCIM may be transferred by an MCIM held by each wireless communication apparatus being validated/invalidated by the control unit 210. [0062]
10 Instead of causing each wireless communication apparatus to hold an
MCIM, use rights over MCIM may be transferred by transferring the MCIM itself For example, a case when use rights over MCIM are transferred from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is assumed. For example, a transfer request of MCIM is transmitted
15 from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the control unit 210. In this case, an MCIM held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is invalidated (deleted) by the SHO 120 based on instructions from the control unit 210. In addition, transfer information (setting information including the MCIM) is transmitted from the SHO 120 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130
20 via the control unit 210. By causing the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to hold the MCIM included in the transfer information, the valid MCIM is set to the second wireless communication apparatus 130. [0063]
[Example Configuration of Group Management Database]
25 FIG. 4 is a schematically diagram of a group management database 220,
according to the first exemplary embodiment. [0064]
FIG. 4 shows a case when the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless
30 communication apparatus 140 are entered in a group AB. [0065]

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In the group management database 220, a group name 221, a group ID 222, a group password 223, a device name 224, terminal identification information 225, valid/invalid information 226, and a synchronous data 227 are stored so as to be associated with one another in group units. Such information is successively 5 updated by the control unit 210 based on requests (group addition requests, group deletion requests) from the respective wireless communication apparatuses, for example. [0066]
A name assigned to a group is stored in the group name 221. Such name is
10 stored for example when a group is generated. [0067]
A group ID assigned to a group is stored in the group ID 222. A password assigned to a group is stored in the group password 223. A group addition request for adding a new wireless communication apparatus to the group is made using such
15 ID and password. The respective wireless communication apparatuses belonging to a group may store in advance the ID and password assigned to such group (for example, storage in a memory 340 shown in Fig. 5). Alternatively, an arrangement may be used where the ID and password are not stored in a wireless communication apparatus and are inputted each time by the user.
20 [0068]
Names assigned to the wireless communication apparatus are stored in the device name 224. As one example, such names are stored when devices are newly added to a group of wireless communication apparatuses. [0069]
25 Terminal identification numbers of wireless communication apparatuses are
stored in the terminal identification information 225. Terminal identification information is identification information for identifying a wireless communication apparatus, and as one example a PCID is stored. In Figs. 4(a) and 4(b), "PCID#1" in the terminal identification information 225 corresponds to the first wireless
30 communication apparatus 300. In the same way, "PCID#2" in the terminal identification information 225 corresponds to the second wireless communication

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apparatus 130 and "PCID#3" in the terminal identification information 225
corresponds to the third wireless communication apparatus 140.
[0070]
Information showing whether the MCIM at the wireless communication 5 apparatus is valid or invalid (or an MCIM is yet to be stored) is stored in the valid/invalid information 226. Note that in Fig. 4(a), for ease of explanation, a wireless communication apparatus where the MCIM is valid is shown as "valid" and a wireless communication apparatus where the MCIM is invalid is shown as "invalid".
10 [0071]
Data (synchronous data) used for a data synchronization process when the data synchronization process is performed between wireless communication apparatuses belonging to the group is temporarily stored in the synchronous data 227. For example, synchronous data transmitted from the transfer source of use rights
15 over MCIM is stored in the synchronous data 227 and the synchronous data stored in the synchronous data 227 is transmitted to the transfer destination of the use rights over MCIM. Regarding synchronous data transmitted to the transfer destination of the use rights over MCIM in this manner, deletion processes are successively performed thereon by the control unit 210.
20 [0072]
In this manner, groups constituted of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses sharing an MCIM are managed in the group management database 220. In the first embodiment of the present technology, the description is provided by assuming that a data synchronization process is performed between wireless
25 communication apparatuses belonging to the same group. [0073]
[Example Configuration of Wireless Communication Apparatus] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment
30 of the present disclosure. Note that since the internal configurations of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication

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apparatus 140 are the same as that of the first wireless communication apparatus 300, description thereof is omitted here. Also, in Fig. 6 onwards, when describing the second wireless communication apparatus 130 or the third wireless communication apparatus 140, names and reference numerals corresponding to the first wireless 5 communication apparatus 300 are used. [0074]
The first wireless communication apparatus 300 includes an antenna 311, an antenna sharing unit 312, a modulating unit 321, a demodulating unit 322, a control unit 330, a memory 340, and the MCM information storage unit 350. The first
10 wireless communication apparatus 300 also includes an operation unit 360, a display unit 370, a location information acquiring unit 380, a microphone 391, and a speaker 392. Such components are connected by a bus 331. As one example, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is realized by a mobile telephone apparatus capable of telephone calls and data communication.
15 [0075]
For example, when a reception process is carried out, radio waves received by the antenna 311 are demodulated via the antenna sharing unit 312 by the demodulating unit 322 and demodulated reception data is supplied to the control unit 330. When the reception process is an incoming call process, the demodulated
20 reception data (audio data) is outputted via the control unit 330 from the speaker 392 as sound. [0076]
When, for example, a transmission process is carried out, the transmission data outputted by the control unit 330 is modulated by the modulating unit 321 and
25 the modulated transmission data is transmitted via the antenna sharing unit 312 from the antenna 311. When the transmission process is an outgoing call process, audio data inputted from the microphone 391 is modulated via the control unit 330 by the modulating unit 321 and modulated transmission data (audio data) is transmitted via the antenna sharing unit 312 from the antenna 311.
30 [0077]
The control unit 330 carries out various control based on a control program

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stored in the memory 340. As one example, the control unit 330 is constructed of a microprocessor. For example, the control unit 330 is connected to the modulating unit 321 and the demodulating unit 322 and transmits and receives various data to and from the SHO 120 connected via the base stations 121, 122. The control unit 5 330 also carries out a connection process that connects to the RO 200 (with a limited connection) via a wireless connection based on the PCID, for example, without using the MCM. [0078]
The memory 340 is a memory storing a control program for enabling the
10 control unit 330 to carry out various controls, in addition to transmission data, reception data, and the like. As examples, the memory 340 is constructed of ROM (Read Only Memory) and/or RAM (Random Access Memory). Terminal identification information (PCID#1) for specifying the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and a device name (for example, the device name 224 shown in Fig.
15 4(a)) of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 are also stored in the memory 340. Such device name is registered for example by a user operation. The ID and password assigned to the group AB to which the first wireless communication apparatus 300 belongs (as one example, the group ID 222 and the group password 223 shown in Fig. 4(a)) are also stored in the memory 340. As one
20 example, such group ID and password are included in a group addition authentication result given in response to a group addition request, transmitted from the RO 200, and stored in the memory 340. [0079]
In addition, content of the address book (for example, the address book 302
25 shown in FIG. 2) and schedule book is recorded in the memory 340. [0080]
The MCIM information storage unit 350 is a memory storing an MCIM (contract authentication information). As the MCIM information storage unit 350, as examples it is possible to use a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit) card or a
30 dedicated memory for securely storing an MCIM. Note that when a UICC card is used as the MCIM information storage unit 350, instead of the MCIM being

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permanently written, a card capable of a validation process and an invalidation process for the MCIM is used. That is, a device that enables the control unit 330 to carry out a validation process and an invalidation process for an MCIM based on transfer information that has been received from the antenna 311 and demodulated is 5 used. Also, a device that allows the MCIM to be rewritten is used. Note that the validation process and invalidation process for the MCIM can be carried out according to the validation process and invalidation process defined by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). Also, by providing a secure region in the memory 340, the MCIM information storage unit 350 may be provided inside the memory
10 340. [0081]
The operation unit 360 is an operation accepting unit accepting operation input operated by the user and outputs a signal to a control unit 330 in accordance with the accepted operation input. The operation unit 360 includes various keys
15 such as numeric keys and alphabetical keys. The operation unit 360 accepts a transfer operation (transfer instruction operation of an MCIM) to transfer use rights over MCIM. The operation unit 360 is an example of an accepting unit described in claims. [0082]
20 The display unit 370 is a display unit displaying various kinds of
information (character information, time information and the like) based on the control of the control unit 330. The display unit 370 displays information (for example, display screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 9) to transfer use rights over MCM. As the display unit 370, for example, a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro
25 Luminescence) panel, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or the like can be used. The operation unit 360 and the display unit 370 can integrally be configured by using a touch panel on which the user can do operation input by touching a display surface with a user's finger or bringing a user's finger closer to the display surface. [0083]
30 When, for example, a transfer instruction operation of MCIM is accepted by
the operation unit 360, the control unit 330 carries out control to transmit a transfer

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request of MCIM to the RO 200. The transfer request of MCIM requests the transfer of use rights over MCIM from the transfer source to the transfer destination. In addition, as described above, the transfer request of MCIM includes information to synchronize data in the transfer destination with predetermined data in the transfer 5 source during a transfer process. [0084]
If, for example, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holds use rights over MCIM, the control unit 330 transmits predetermined data (synchronous data for the data synchronization process) stored in the memory 340 to the RO 200 as
10 the information for synchronization. The predetermined data is, for example, content (for example, an address book and a schedule book) for a data synchronization process between the transfer source and the transfer destination of MCIM. That is, the transfer request of MCIM includes information to synchronize content in the transfer destination of MCIM with content newly updated in the
15 transfer source of MCIM. [0085]
A synchronization instruction operation to perform a data synchronization process between the transfer source and the transfer destination of MCIM may be separated from a synchronization instruction operation of MCIM. In this case,
20 when a synchronization instruction operation of MCIM and a synchronization instruction operation are accepted, the control unit 330 transmits a transfer request of the MCIM and predetermined data to the RO 200. On the other hand, only a synchronization instruction operation of MCIM is received, the control unit 330 does not transmit predetermined data and transmits only a transfer request to transfer use
25 rights over MCM. [0086]
When, for example, predetermined data (synchronous data) is received from the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the RO 200 holds the predetermined data in the group management database 220. The RO 200 transmits the
30 predetermined data held in the group management database 220 to the transfer destination of the MCIM. After the predetermined data is transmitted to the transfer

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destination of the MCIM, the RO 200 deletes the predetennined data held in the group management database 220. If the predetermined data is not transmitted to the transfer destination of MCIM after being held in a predetermined time (for example, 10 min) or longer, the RO 200 may delete the predetermined data without 5 transmitting the data. The predetermined time can be made changeable by a user operation. That is, the user performs a transfer instruction operation of MCIM and also a specification operation to specify the predetermined time through the operation unit 360. If the specification operation is accepted, the control unit 330 transmits time information of the specified predetermined time (for example, 5 min) to the RO
10 200 in association with the predetermined data. The RO 200 also deletes the predetermined data using the predetermined time (for example, 5 min) related to the time information transmitted in association with the predetermined data. [0087]
When, for example, predetermined data (synchronous data) from the first
15 wireless communication apparatus 300 is held by the group management database 220, the RO 200 may notify the transfer destination of MCIM of the above information. In this case, the information is displayed in the display unit 370 of the transfer destination. [0088]
20 If the first wireless communication apparatus 300 does not hold use rights
over MCIM, the control unit 330 transmits only a transfer request of MCIM without transmitting predetermined data (sjmchronous data for the data synchronization process) stored in the memory 340 to the RO 200. That is, the transfer request of MCIM includes information to synchronize data in the transfer destination with
25 predetermined data in the transfer source (for example, information to request predetermined data from the transfer source), but does not include the predetermined data. In this case, when a transfer request of MCIM is received from the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the RO 200 transmits a transfer confirmation request to request permission of the transfer related to the transfer request to the
30 wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source. Then, if transfer confirmation information permitting the transfer related to the transfer confirmation

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request and the predetermined data are transmitted from the transfer source, the RO 200 transmits setting information to set use rights over MCIM to the transfer destination to cause the transfer destination to set use rights over MClM. The RO 200 also transmits predetermined data to the transfer destination to carry out control 5 to synchronize data in the transfer destination with the predetermined data. [0089]
The location information acquiring unit 380 acquires location information showing the location where the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is present and outputs the acquired location information to the control unit 330. As one
10 example, the location information acquiring unit 380 can be realized by a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit that calculates the location information using GPS signals received by a GPS signal reception antenna (not shown). The calculated location information includes various data relating to location, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude, at the time the GPS signals were received. It is also
15 possible to use a location information acquiring apparatus acquiring location information according to a different method of acquiring location information. For example, it is possible to derive location information using access point information according to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) present in the periphery and to use a location information acquiring apparatus that acquires such location
20 information. [0090]
[Transfer examples of use rights over MCIM]
FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing transfer examples of use rights over MCIM among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses according to the
25 first embodiment of the present technology. [0091]
FIG. 6A shows a transfer example when use rights over MCIM are transferred from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding MCIM use rights to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 by the first wireless
30 communication apparatus 300 being operated by the user 10. The first wireless communication apparatus 300 (transfer source) holds use rights over MCIM in a

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state before the fransfer of use rights over MCIM and so the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is connected to the SHO 120. On the other hand, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (fransfer destination) does not hold use rights over MCIM and so the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is 5 connected to the RO 200. The data synchronization process when the fransfer process shovra in FIG 6A is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10,11, 24, and 25. [0092]
FIG. 6B shows a fransfer example when use rights over MCIM are
10 fransferred from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no MCIM use rights by the second wireless communication apparatus 130 being operated by the user 10. In a state before the transfer of use rights over MCIM, like in FIG 6A, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (fransfer source) is connected to the SHO 120 and the
15 second wireless communication apparatus 130 (transfer destination) is connected to the RO 200. Data sharing when the transfer process shown in FIG 6B is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 26, and 27. [0093]
FIG 6C shows a fransfer example when use rights over MCIM are
20 fransferred from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 by the third wireless communication apparatus 140 holding no MCIM use rights being operated by the user 10. That is, in FIG 6C, an example in which use rights over MCIM are fransferred by a wireless communication apparatus (the third wireless communication apparatus 140) other
25 than the transfer source and the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM being operated by the user 10. In a state before the transfer of use rights over MCIM, like in FIG 6A, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (transfer source) is connected to the SHO 120 and the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (transfer destination) is connected to the RO 200. The third wireless
30 communication apparatus 140 used for a transfer instruction operation of MCIM holds no use rights over MCIM and so the third wireless communication apparatus

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140 is not connected to the RO 200. Data sharing when the transfer process shown
in FIG 6C is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16
and 28 to 30.
[0094]
5 [Display example of the group list display screen]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary display screen (the group list display screen 500) displayed in the display unit 370 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the present technology.
10 [0095]
The group list display screen 500 is a display screen to list information (group information) about each wireless communication apparatus belonging to a group and a display screen to allow the transfer of use rights over MCIM. The group list display screen 500 is displayed, for example, in accordance with a
15 selection operation in a display screen (for example, a menu screen) to select the fiinction the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is caused to execute. The group list display screen 500 is also displayed based on content of the group management database 220 of the RO 200. [0096]
20 More specifically, a transfer destination selection area 501, a
presence/absence selection area 502 of data synchronization, a device name display area 503, a terminal identification information display area 504, and an MCIM valid/invalid information display area 505 are provided in the group list display screen 500. In addition, a confirm button 506 and a back button 507 are provided in
25 the group list display screen 500. [0097]
In the transfer destination selection area 501, a check box to select the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination when use rights over MCIM are transferred between each wireless communication apparatus belonging to
30 a group is displayed. For example, when a selection operation of the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination is performed, a "V" mark is

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attached to the transfer destination selection area 501 corresponding to the selected
wireless communication apparatus.
[0098]
In the presence/absence selection area 502 of data synchronization, a check 5 box to select whether to perform a data synchronization process between the transfer
source and the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM is displayed.
Incidentally, only if the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination
is selected from the transfer destination selection area 501, the presence/absence
selection area 502 of data synchronization corresponding to the selected wireless 10 communication apparatus is made selectable. If, for example, a selection operation
(synchronization instruction operation) selecting to perform a data synchronization
process between the transfer source and transfer destination of use rights over MCIM
is performed, a "V" mark is attached to the presence/absence selection area 502 of
data synchronization corresponding to the selected wireless communication 15 apparatus. That is, a "V" mark is attached to the same wireless communication
apparatus in the transfer destination selection area 501 and the presence/absence
selection area 502 of data synchronization.
[0099]
In the device name display area 503, the name (device name) representing 20 each wireless communication apparatus belonging to a group is displayed. For
example, the device name (device name 224 shown in FIG. 4) stored in the group
management database 220 is displayed.
[0100]
In the terminal identification information display area 504, terminal 25 identification information representing each wireless communication apparatus
belonging to a group is displayed. For example, terminal identification information
(terminal identification information 225 shown in FIG. 4) stored in the group
management database 220 is displayed.
[0101]
30 In the MCIM valid/invalid information display area 505, valid/invalid
information of MCIM of each wireless communication apparatus belonging to a

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group is displayed. For example, valid/invalid information (valid/invalid
information 226 shown in FIG 4) stored in the group management database 220 is
displayed. That is, the user can grasp wireless communication apparatuses holding
valid MCM visually and easily by viewing "valid" and "invalid" displayed in the 5 MCM valid/invalid information display area 505. To enable the user to grasp
wireless communication apparatuses holding valid MCM more easily, information
about wireless communication apparatuses holding valid MCM is surrounded by a
rectangle 508 of a dotted line and displayed.
[0102]
10 The confirm button 506 is a button pressed to determine an operation after
the operation to transfer use rights over MCM is performed on the group list display
screen 500.
[0103]
The back button 507 is a button pressed to, for example, return to the 15 display screen displayed immediately before.
[0104]
A time specification area to perform a specification operation to specify the
time (predetermined time) between the storage and deletion of synchronous data in
the group management database 220 of RO 200 may be provided in the group list 20 display screen 500. If a time is specified in the time specification area, the control
unit 330 transmits time information of the specified predetermined time (for example,
5 min) to the RO 200 in association with the synchronous data.
[0105]
In addition, a target content selection area to select content (for example, an 25 address book and a schedule book) intended for a data synchronization process may
be provided in the group list display screen 500. In this case, the data
synchronization process can be performed on only content selected in the target
content selection area.
[0106]
30 [Display example of the transfer confirmation screen]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary display screen (transfer

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confirmation screen 510) displayed in the display unit 370 of the second wireless
communication apparatus 130 according to the first embodiment of the present
technology.
[0107]
5 The transfer confirmation screen 510 is a display screen causing the user to
confirm the transfer of use rights over MCIM. The transfer confirmation screen 510 is a display screen for the user to confirm the transfer of use rights over MCIM by displaying information to identify the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source or transfer destination of use rights over MCIM. More specifically,
10 the transfer confirmation screen 510 is provided with a remote device display field 511, an OK button 512, and an NG button 513. [0108]
In the remote device display field 511, information about the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source or transfer destination of use rights
15 over MCIM. As information about the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source or transfer destination, for example, the device name and terminal identification information are displayed. [0109]
In this example, the device name and terminal identification information are
20 displayed as information about the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source or transfer destination to notify the user of the wireless communication apparatus. Incidentally, the transfer confirmation screen 510 may be caused to display other information (for example, an image (device icon) in which a wireless communication apparatus is depicted as a graphic) included in a transfer
25 confirmation request (shown, for example, in FIG. 10) transmitted from the control unit 210 of the RO 200. In addition, the transfer confirmation screen may be caused to display other information (for example, a device icon) about the remote wireless communication apparatus based on, for example, registration information (for example, device icon information) held by the second wireless communication
30 apparatus 130 together with the device name and terminal identification information. [0110]

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The OK button 512 is a button pressed after the user confirms that a transfer
process of use rights over MCIM is performed to/from the wireless communication
apparatus displayed in the remote device display field 511.
[0111]
5 The NG button 513 is a button pressed when the user does not approve of a
transfer process of use rights over MCIM being performed to/from the wireless communication apparatus displayed in the remote device display field 511. [0112]
This example shows an example of determining that the user confirms that a
10 transfer process of MCIM user rights is performed if the OK button 512 is pressed on the transfer confirmation screen 510. However, in addition to pressing of the OK button 512, for example, a determination that the user confirms that a transfer process of MCIM user rights is performed may be made on condition that a predetermined password (for example, a group password) is input.
15 [0113]
[Display example of the transfer resuh notification screen] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing exemplary display screens (transfer result notification screens 520, 530) displayed in the display unit 370 of the wireless communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
20 technology. The transfer result notification screens 520, 530 are display screens displayed in the wireless communication apparatuses of the transfer destination and the transfer source after the transfer process of use rights over MCIM is performed respectively. [0114]
25 In FIG. 9A, the transfer result notification screen 520 displayed in the
wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source (for example, the first wireless communication apparatus 300) after the transfer process of use rights over MCM is performed is shown. In the transfer result notification screen 520, a notification that the transfer process of use rights over MCIM has been performed
30 and a notification that data held by the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination has been synchronized with data of the transfer source are

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displayed and also a transfer destination device display area 521 and a confirm
button 522 are displayed.
[0115]
In the transfer destination device display area 521, information about the 5 wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination to which use rights over
MCIM have been transferred. As information about the wireless communication
apparatus of the transfer destination, for example, the device name and terminal
identification information are displayed.
[0116]
10 The confirm button 522 is a button pressed when a transition to another
display screen (for example, an initial screen) occurs after content of the transfer
result notification screen 520 is confirmed.
[0117]
In FIG. 9B, the transfer result notification screen 530 displayed in the 15 wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination (for example, the
second wireless communication apparatus 130) after the transfer process of use rights
over MCIM is performed is shown. In the transfer result notification screen 530, a
notification that the use rights over MCIM have been transferred and a notification
that data held by the wireless communication apparatus of has been synchronized 20 with data of the transfer source are displayed and also a transfer source device
display area 531 and a confirm button 532 are displayed.
[0118]
The transfer source device display area 531 is an area where information
about the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source when use rights 25 over MCIM have been transferred. As information about the wireless
communication apparatus of the transfer source, for example, the device name and
terminal identification information are displayed.
[0119]
The confirm button 532 is a button pressed when a transition to another 30 display screen (for example, an initial screen) occurs after content of the transfer
result notification screen 530 is confirmed.

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[0120]
FIGS. 7 to 9 show only display screen examples displayed in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the second wireless communication apparatus 130, but display screens displayed in other wireless communication 5 apparatuses are assumed to be substantially the same. [0121]
[Communication example when a data synchronization process is performed during a transfer process of use rights over MCIM]
FIGS. 10 and 11 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication
10 process between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. [0122]
In FIGS. 10 and 11, it is assumed that the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holds use rights over MCIM when the group AB is constituted of the
15 first wireless communication apparatus 300, the second wireless communication apparatus 130, and the third wireless communication apparatus 140. FIGS. 10 and 11 show a communication process example when use rights over MCIM are transferred from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 by operating the first wireless communication
20 apparatus 300. It is assumed in FIGS. 10 and 11 that the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is in a connected state (601) to the SHO 120 and the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the third wireless communication apparatus 140 are in connected states (602, 603) to the RO 200. [0123]
25 First, the display unit 370 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300
is caused to display the display screen to perform an operation to transfer use rights over MCIM (transfer instruction operation of MCIM) by a user operation (604). For example, the group list display screen 500 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in the display unit 370 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300.
30 [0124]
The control unit 330 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can

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acquire, for example, group information from the group management database 220 of the RO 200 via the SHO 120 periodically or non-periodically and store the acquired group information in the memory 340. The control unit 330 can, as described above, cause the display unit 370 to display the group list display screen 500 shown 5 in FIG. 7 based on group information stored in the memory 340. The control unit 330 may also acquire group information from the RO 200 via the SHO 120 each time a user operation for the display of the group list display screen 500 is accepted. In this case, the control unit 330 can cause the display unit 370 to display the group list display screen 500 based on the acquired group information.
10 [0125]
When the group list display screen 500 shown in FIG 7 is displayed in the display unit 370 as described above (604), a "V" mark is attached to the check box (the transfer destination selection area 501) of the transfer destination to which use rights over MCIM are transferred (605). In this example, a data synchronization
15 process is performed between the transfer source and transfer destination of use rights over MCIM and so a "V" mark is attached also to the presence/absence selection area 502 of data synchronization (605). [0126]
As shown, for example, FIG. 7, the second wireless communication
20 apparatus 130 is set as the transfer destination and so a "V" mark is attached to the check box (the transfer destination selection area 501) thereof In addition, a data synchronization process is performed between the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) and the transfer destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) and so a "V" mark is attached to the check box (the
25 presence/absence selection area 502 of data synchronization) thereof. After "V" marks are attached to the check boxes (the transfer destination selection area 501, the presence/absence selection area 502 of data synchronization) as described above, the confirm button 506 is pressed (605). When a transfer instruction operation of MCIM is received by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (605), a
30 transfer request of MCIM is transmitted from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 to the RO 200 (606 to 609). In this case, the first wireless

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communication apparatus 300 and the SHO 120 are in a connected state (601) and
thus, the transfer request of MCIM is transmitted from the first wireless
communication apparatus 300 to the RO 200 via the SHO 120 (606 to 609).
[0127]
5 The transfer request of MCM includes terminal identification information
(PCID#1, PCID#2) of the transfer source and transfer destination and synchronous data. As the terminal identification information (PCID#1) of the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300), for example, terminal identification information (for example, the terminal identification information 225
10 shown in FIG. 4) stored in the memory 340 can be used. As the terminal identification information (PCID#2) of the transfer destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130), for example, terminal identification information (for example, the terminal identification information 225 shown in FIG. 4) included in group information can be used.
15 [0128]
The synchronous data (predetermined data) is data (for example, each piece of data of the address book 303 shown in FIG 2) used for a data synchronization process. All data intended for a data synchronization process may be included in a transfer request of MCIM as synchronous data or a portion (for example, differential
20 data) of data intended for a data synchronization process may be included in a transfer request of MCIM as synchronous data. The differential data is, for example, data (update data) as a difference from the data used for the data synchronization process immediately before. A case when, for example, the data used for the data synchronization process immediately before is the address book 302 shown in FIG. 2
25 and the data is changed to the address book 303 shown in FIG 2 by the update of the address book is assumed. The differential data in this case is data (data shown in the frame 304) added by the update. Incidentally, the group ID and password may be included in a transfer request of MCIM so as to be used for an authentication process by the RO 200.
30 [0129]
When the RO 200 receives the transfer request of MCIM (609), the control

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unit 210 of the RO 200 extracts the group to which the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM belongs based on terminal identification information of the transfer source included in the received transfer request of MCIM. That is, terminal identification information matching the 5 terminal identification information of the transfer source included in the received transfer request of MCIM is extracted from the group management database 220 and the group related to the extracted terminal identification information is extracted. When, for example, a transfer request of MCIM is transmitted from the first wireless communication apparatus 300, the "group AB (shown in FIG. 4)" is extracted as a
10 group to which the first wireless communication apparatus 300 belongs. [0130]
Then, the control unit 210 of the RO 200 causes the group management database 220 to hold synchronous data included in the received transfer request of MCIM in association with the extracted group (610). For example, as shown in FIG.
15 4, synchronous data (YUDAI and so on) included in the received transfer request of MCIM is recorded in the synchronous data 227 related to the group AB of the group management database 220 (610). [0131]
The control unit 210 of the RO 200 checks whether, for example, the
20 wireless communication apparatus identified based on terminal identification information of the transfer source included in the received transfer request of MCIM holds use rights over MCIM by using the group management database 220. In addition, the control unit 210 acquires information (the device name, terminal identification information and the like) about the transfer source (the first wireless
25 communication apparatus 300) the transfer destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) is caused to display from the group management database 220. [0132]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 of the RO 200 transmits a transfer
30 confirmation request including various kinds of acquired information about the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) to the wireless

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communication apparatus identified based on terminal identification information of the transfer destination included in the received transfer request of MCIM (611,612). [0133]
When the second wireless communication apparatus 130 receives the 5 transfer confirmation request (612), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 causes the display unit 370 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to display a transfer confirmation screen to cause the user to confirm the transfer of use rights over MCIM (613). For example, the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the display unit 370.
10 [0134]
It is assumed here that the OK button 512 is pressed on the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG 8 (614). If the OK button 512 is pressed after the transfer of use rights over MCIM is confirmed as described above (614), transfer confirmation information that permits the transfer of use rights over MCIM
15 is transmitted from the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to the RO 200 (615, 616). If the NG button 513 is pressed (614), transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of use rights over MCIM is transmitted from the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to the RO 200 (615, 616). If the NG button 513 is pressed as described above, the subsequent transfer process of use
20 rights over MCIM is not performed. In addition, a notification of disapproval is displayed in the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300).
[0135] -
Here, an example in which the transfer of use rights over MCIM is permitted by a pressing operation of the OK button 512 in the transfer confirmation
25 screen 510 is shown. However, for example, after the pressing operation of the OK button 512, the transfer of use rights over MCIM may be permitted if, after an input operation of a password or the like is prompted, the input is correct. [0136]
Subsequently, when the transfer confirmation information is received (616),
30 the control unit 210 of the RO 200 transmits invalidation information of MCIM to invalidate the MCIM of the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted

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the transfer request of MCIM to the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (617 to 620). The invalidation information of MCIM is information to invalidate the MCIM when the wireless communication apparatus holds use rights over MCIM. The invalidation information of MCIM may include a confirmation result 5 notification to notify the transfer source (operation source of the transfer request) of a result of the transfer confirmation by the transfer destination. [0137]
When the first wireless communication apparatus 300 receives the invalidation information of MCIM (620), the control unit 330 of the first wireless
10 communication apparatus 300 performs an invalidation process of the MCIM stored in an MCIM information storage unit 350 (621). Accordingly, the MCIM held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is invalidated and the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can no longer establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM. Thus, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is in a
15 connected state connected to the RO 200 by a limited connection based on PCDD (622). [0138]
When the invalidation process of MCIM in the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) is performed (621) and the connection
20 between the transfer source and the SHO 120 is cut, the disconnection is detected by the control unit 210 of the RO 200 (623). For example, the control unit 210 can detect the disconnection by information about the disconnection being transmitted from the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) to the RO 200 after the invalidation process of MCIM is performed (623). Alternatively, the
25 control unit 210 can detect the disconnection by a state (connected state) in which the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) is connected to the RO 200 by a limited connection based on PCID being detected by the control unit 210(623). [0139]
30 When the control unit 210 detects the disconnection between the transfer
source and the SHO 120 as described above (623), the control unit 210 updates

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content of the group management database 220 (624). For example, in the valid/invalid information 226 shown in FIG. 4, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (the terminal identification information 225 "PCID#1") is changed from "valid" to "invalid". On the other hand, the second wireless communication 5 apparatus 130 (the terminal identification information 225 "PCID#2") is changed from "invalid" to "valid". [0140]
Also when the control unit 210 of the RO 200 detects the disconnection between the transfer source and the SHO 120 (623), the control unit 210 transmits
10 validation information of MCM to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (625, 626). The validation information of MCIM is information (setting information) to set use rights over MCIM to the wireless communication apparatus. The validation information of MCIM includes synchronous data (data stored in the synchronous data 227 related to the group AB) held in the group management
15 database 220. Because the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the RO 200 are in a connected state (602), the validation information of MCM is directly transmitted from the RO 200 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (625, 626). [0141]
20 When the validation information of MCM is received by the second
wireless communication apparatus 130 (626), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation information reception notification to notify that the validation information of MCM has been received to the RO 200 (627, 628).
25 [0142]
When the RO 200 receives the validation information reception notification (628), the control unit 210 of the RO 200 deletes the synchronous data (synchronous data transmitted by being included in the validation information of MCM) transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 from the group
30 management database 220 (629). [0143]

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Also when the second wireless communication apparatus 130 receives the validation information of MCIM (626), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 performs a validation process of the MCIM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 (630). Use rights over MCIM are thereby 5 set to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and thus, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 can establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM. Therefore, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is in a connected state connected to the SHO 120 by a connection based on the MCIM(631).
10 [0144]
The control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 performs a data synchronization process to synchronize data in the second wireless communication apparatus 130 with data in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (632). In the data synchronization process, for example, a data
15 synchronization process to synchronize update data generated by an update in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 with the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is performed. [0145]
For example, a case when all data intended for a data synchronization
20 process is transmitted as synchronous data is assumed. In this case, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 compares data (data intended for the data synchronization process) stored in the memory 340 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 with the received synchronous data. Then, based on the comparison resuh, the control unit 330 of the second wireless
25 communication apparatus 130 extracts update data (differential data) generated by the update in the first wireless communication apparatus 300. For example, a newly entered contact address in the address book (for example, the contact address in the frame 304 shown in FIG. 2) is extracted as update data. Based on the differential data extracted as described above, the data synchronization process is performed by
30 data (for example, the address book) intended for the data synchronization process being updated by the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication

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apparatus 130 (632). [0146]
For example, a case when a portion (for example, differential data only) of data intended for the data synchronization process is transmitted as synchronous data 5 is assumed. In this case, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 performs the data synchronization process by updating (for example, additionally entering) data (for example, the address book) intended for the data synchronization process based on the received synchronous data (differential data) (632).
10 [0147]
In this example, an example in which use rights over MCIM are transferred by validating/invalidating the MCIM is shown, but use rights over MCIM may be transferred by transferring the MCIM itself In this case, when invalidation information of MCIM is transmitted to the first wireless communication apparatus
15 300, the MCIM held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is invalidated (deleted). On the other hand, when validation information (including setting information to set the MCIM) of MCIM is transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus 130, the valid MCIM is recorded in the MCIM information storage unit 350 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 based on the
20 setting information. Accordingly, use rights over MCIM are set to the second wireless communication apparatus 130. [0148]
FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example in which a transfer request of MCIM is made by using the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights
25 over MCIM is shown, but such a request may also be made from a wireless communication apparatus holding no use rights over MCIM. Such an example is shown in FIGS. 12 to 16. [0149]
In FIGS. 10 and 11, an example in which the user manually performs a
30 confirmation process of the transfer of use rights over MCIM from the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is shown (614). However, when the transfer

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confirmation request is received (612), for example, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 may automatically transmit transfer confirmation information (615). Alternatively, for example, the RO 200 may automatically perform a transfer process of MCIM after confirming content of the group 5 management database 220 without transmitting a transfer confirmation request to the second wireless communication apparatus 130. When each process is performed automatically as described above, it is assumed that, for example, the user makes such settings in advance. By performing each process automatically as described above, even if, for example, the wireless communication apparatus used for
10 operation and the wireless communication apparatus intended for a data synchronization process are relatively apart, data can be shared relatively easily among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses sharing the MCIM. [0150]
[Communication example when a transfer request is made irom the transfer
15 destination of use rights over MCIM]
FIGS. 12 and 13 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication process between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. The sequence chart shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a modification of the sequence chart
20 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and thus, a portion of the description common to that of FIGS. 10 and 11 is omitted. In FIGS. 12 and 13, an example in which a transfer request is made by using the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM will be described. [0151]
25 Each process (641 to 644) shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to each process
(604 to 609) shown in FIG. 10. However, as described above, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 is in a connected state (602) to the RO 200. Thus, the present example is different in that information exchange between the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the RO 200 is not made by going through
30 the SHO 150 and is made directly between the second wireless communication apparatus 130 and the RO 200. The present example is also different in that a

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transfer request of MCIM transmitted from the second wireless communication
apparatus 130 includes no synchronous data.
[0152]
Each process (645 to 654) shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to each process 5 (611 to 616) shown in FIG. 10. However, as described above, the first wireless
communication apparatus 300 is in a connected state (601) to the SHO 120. Thus,
the present example is different in that information exchange between the first
wireless communication apparatus 300 and the RO 200 is made via the SHO 150.
The present example is also different in that transfer confirmation information 10 transmitted from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 includes
synchronous data.
[0153]
That is, when, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a transfer request is made by
using the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM, 15 the transfer request of MCIM is transmitted to the RO 200 with synchronous data
included in the transfer request of MCM (606 to 609). When a transfer request is
made by using the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use
rights over MCIM, by contrast, transfer confirmation information is transmitted to
the RO 200 with synchronous data included in the transfer confirmation information 20 (651 to 654).
[0154]
When the RO 200 receives the transfer confirmation information (.654), the
control unit 210 extracts the group to which the wireless communication apparatus
that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM belongs based on terminal 25 identification information of the transfer source included in the received transfer
confirmation information. Then, the control unit 210 causes the group management
database 220 to hold synchronous data included in the received transfer confirmation
information in association with the extracted group (655).
[0155]
30 Each process (656 to 671) shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to each process
(617 to 632) shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

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[0156]
[Communication example when a transfer request is made from a wireless
communication apparatus other and the transfer source and the transfer destination of
use rights over MCIM]
5 FIGS. 14 and 16 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary
communication process between each apparatus constituting the communication
system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. The
sequence chart shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is a modification of the sequence chart
shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and thus, a portion of the description common to that of 10 FIGS. 12 and 13 is omitted. In FIGS. 14 to 16, an example in which a transfer
request is made by using the third wireless communication apparatus 140 other than
the transfer source and transfer destination of use rights over MCIM will be
described.
[0157]
15 Each process (675 to 678) shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to each process
(641 to 644) shown in FIG 12.
[0158]
Each process (679 to 684, 685 to 694) shown in FIGS. 14 and 15
corresponds to each process (645 to 654) shown in FIG. 12. A transfer request is 20 made by using the third wireless communication apparatus 140 other than the
transfer source and transfer destination of use rights over MCIM and thus, the
present example is different in that a transfer confirmation request and transfer
confirmation information are exchanged between both of the transfer source and
transfer destination and the RO 200. In this case, synchronous data is included only 25 in transfer confirmation information transmitted from the first wireless
communication apparatus 300 (691 to 694).
[0159]
When the RO 200 receives the transfer confirmation information (694), the
control unit 210 causes the group management database 220 to hold synchronous 30 data included in the received transfer confirmation information in association with
the extracted group (695). Subsequently, the control unit 210 transmits transfer

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approval information indicating that approval of the transfer of use rights over MCIM has been obtained from both of the transfer source and transfer destination to the third wireless communication apparatus 140 that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM (696, 697). When the transfer approval information is received 5 (697), the third wireless communication apparatus 140 may cause the display unit 370 to display that the transfer approval information has been received. [0160]
If transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of use rights over MCIM is received from at least one of the transfer source and transfer
10 destination of use rights over MCIM, the subsequent transfer process of use rights over MCIM is not performed. In addition, a notification of disapproval is displayed in the transfer source (the third wireless communication apparatus 140). [0161]
Each process (698 to 713) shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 corresponds to each
15 process (656 to 671) shown in FIG 13. [0162]
Thus, in FIGS. 14 to 16, an example in which after a transfer confirmation request is transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus 130, a transfer confirmation request is transmitted to the first wireless communication apparatus 300
20 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, it is more efficient to first transmit a transfer confirmation request to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM. For example, a case in which a transfer confirmation request is first transmitted to the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is assumed. In this case, when transfer confirmation information permitting the
25 transfer of use rights over MCIM is transmitted from the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM to the RO 200, an invalidation process of the MCIM of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is performed. If, after the invalidation process, for example, transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of use rights over MCIM is transmitted from
30 the second wireless communication apparatus 130 to the RO 200, approval is not obtained from both of the transfer source and transfer destination of use rights over

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MCIM. In this case, the transfer process of use rights over MCIM cannot be performed. Thus, a validation process of the MCIM needs to be performed to validate the MCIM for the first wireless communication apparatus 300 whose MCIM has been invalidated. Therefore, it is more efficient to transmit a transfer 5 confirmation request first to the second wireless communication apparatus 130. [0163]
However, after a transfer confirmation request being transmitted to the first wireless communication apparatus 300, a transfer confirmation request may be transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus 130. Alternatively, a
10 transfer confirmation request may be transmitted to simultaneously to the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the second wireless communication apparatus 130. [0164]
Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present technology,
15 when use rights over MCIM (connection rights) are transferred among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses, a data synchronization process can be performed between the transfer source and the transfer destination. That is, when a transfer process of use rights over MCIM is performed, transmission information concerning the transfer process (transfer request of MCIM, transfer confirmation
20 information) can be transmitted from the transfer source to the RO with synchronous data included in the transmission information. In addition, MCIM validation information concerning the transfer process can be transmitted from the RO to the transfer destination with synchronous data included in the MCIM validation information. Therefore, even if, for example, at least one wireless communication
25 apparatus of the transfer source and transfer destination does not hold use rights over MCIM, a data synchronization process between the transfer source and transfer destination can easily be performed. Even if, as shown in FIG IB, the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the second wireless communication apparatus 130 are relatively apart, a data synchronization process can easily be performed when, for
30 example, use rights over MCIM are transferred. That is, data used among a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses can easily be shared.

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[0165]
It is assumed that when, for example, the user holding a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses uses data (for example, an address book) intended for a data synchronization process, the data is frequently used by a wireless 5 communication apparatus holding a valid MCIM. Therefore, a data synchronization process is performed between the transfer source and transfer destination simultaneously with the transfer process of use rights over MCIM (cormection rights). Accordingly, the wireless communication apparatus assumed to be mainly used by the user (that is, the wireless communication apparatus holding 10 a valid MCIM) can use the latest data (for example, an address book). [0166]
Synchronous data held by the RO 200 can be deleted after a fixed time passes (that is, the timing to validate the MCIM of the second wireless communication apparatus 130). Thus, there is no need to hold the synchronous data 15 in the RO 200 for a long time. [0167]
[Operation example of the communication system]
Next, the operation of the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to drawings. 20 [0168]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer source) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source)]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the 25 present technology. FIG. 17 shows an operation example of the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) when the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 17 shows an operation example of only the first wireless communication apparatus 300, but similarly applies to other wireless communication 30 apparatuses. [0169]

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First, the control unit 330 determines whether any display instruction operation of group information is performed (step S901) and if no display instruction operation is performed, monitoring continues. If the display instruction operation has been performed (step S901), the control unit 330 causes the display unit 370 to 5 display group information (for example, the group list display screen 500 shown in FIG. 7) (step S902). [0170]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether any transfer instruction operation of MCIM is performed on the display screen displayed in the
10 display unit 370 (step S903) and if no transfer instruction operation is performed, monitoring continues. If the transfer instruction operation has been performed (step S903), the control unit 330 transmits a transfer request of MCFM (including terminal identification information of the transfer source and transfer destination and synchronous data) to the RO 200 (step S904). In this case, the first wireless
15 communication apparatus 300 holds use rights over MCIM and thus, the transfer request of MCIM is transmitted to the RO 200 via the SHO 120. Incidentally, step S903 is an example of an acceptance procedure described in claims. Step S904 is an example of a transmission procedure described in claims. [0171]
20 Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether invalidation
information of MCIM is received (step S905) and if no invalidation information of MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the invalidation information of MCIM has been received (step S905), the control unit 330 performs an invalidation process of the MCM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 (step S906).
25 Accordingly, the MCIM held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is invalidated and the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can no longer establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM. [0172]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer
30 destination) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source)]

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FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the second wireless communication apparatus 130 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 18 shows an operation example of the transfer destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) when the first 5 wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG 18 shows an operation example of only the second wireless communication apparatus 130, but similarly applies to other wireless communication apparatuses. [0173]
10 The control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130
determines whether any transfer confirmation request is received (step S911) and if no transfer confirmation request is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation request has been received (step S911), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 causes the display unit 370 to display
15 a transfer confirmation screen to cause the user to confirm the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S912). For example, the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the display unit 370. [0174]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication
20 apparatus 130 determines whether any transfer confirmation operation of MCIM is performed (step S913) and if no transfer confirmation operation of MCM is performed, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation operation has been performed (step S913), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 determines whether the transfer confirmation operation is an operation
25 to permit the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S914). [0175]
If, for example, the OK button 512 is pressed on the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8, the transfer confirmation operation is determined to be an operation to permit the transfer of use rights over MCIM. On the other hand, if
30 the NG button 513 is pressed on the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8, the transfer confirmation operation is determined to be an operation to disapprove

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the transfer of use rights over MCIM.
[0176]
If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to permit the transfer
of use rights over MCIM (step S914), the control unit 330 of the second wireless 5 communication apparatus 130 transmits transfer confirmation information permitting
the transfer of MCIM use rights to the RO 200 (step S915). In this case, the second
wireless communication apparatus 130 holds no use rights over MCIM and thus, the
transfer confirmation information is directly transmitted to the RO 200.
[0177]
10 Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication
apparatus 130 determines whether validation information of MCIM is received (step
S916) and if no validation information of MCIM is received, monitoring continues.
If the validation information of MCIM has been received (step S916), the control
unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation 15 information reception notification to notify that validation information of MCIM has
been received to the RO 200 (step S917).
[0178]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication
apparatus 130 performs a validation process of the MCIM stored in the MCIM 20 information storage unit 350 based on the received validation information of MCIM
(step S918). Use rights over MCIM are thereby set to the second wireless
communication apparatus 130 and thus, the second wireless communication
apparatus 130 can establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM.
[0179]
25 Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication
apparatus 130 performs a data synchronization process to synchronize data in the
second wireless communication apparatus 130 with data in the first wireless
communication apparatus 300 (step S919).
[0180]
30 If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to disapprove the
transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S914), the control unit 330 of the second

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wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of MCIM use rights to the RO 200 (step S920). In this case, the subsequent transfer process of use rights over MCIM is not performed and thus, the operation of the communication process ends. 5 [0181]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer source) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer destination)]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the first
10 wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 19 shows an operation example of the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) when the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 19 shows an operation example of only the
15 first wireless communication apparatus 300, but similarly applies to other wireless communication apparatuses. [0182]
The control unit 330 determines whether any transfer confirmation request is received (step S921) and if no transfer confirmation request is received,
20 monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation request has been received (step S921), the control unit 330 causes the display unit 370 to display a transfer confirmation screen to cause the user to confirm the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S922). For example, the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the display unit 370.
25 [0183]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether any transfer confirmation operation of MCIM is performed (step S923) and if no transfer confirmation operation of MCIM is performed, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation operation has been performed (step S923), the control unit 330
30 determines whether the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to permit the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S924).

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[0184]
If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to permit the transfer
of use rights over MCIM (step S924), the control unit 330 transmits transfer
confirmation information (including synchronous data) permitting the transfer of 5 MCIM use rights to the RO 200 (step S925). hi this case, the first wireless
communication apparatus 300 holds use rights over MCIM and thus, the transfer
confirmation information is transmitted to the RO 200 via the SHO 120.
[0185]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether invalidation 10 information of MCIM is received (step S926) and if no invalidation information of
MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the invalidation information of MCIM
has been received (step S926), the control unit 330 performs an invalidation process
of the MCIM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 (step S927).
Accordingly, the MCIM held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is 15 invalidated and the first wireless communication apparatus 300 can no longer
establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM.
[0186]
If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to disapprove the
transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S924), the control unit 330 transmits transfer 20 confirmation information disapproving the transfer of MCIM use rights to the RO
200 (step S928). In this case, the subsequent transfer process of use rights over
MCIM is not performed and thus, the operation of the communication process ends.
[0187]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer 25 destination) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer
destination)]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the
second wireless communication apparatus 130 according to the first embodiment of
the present technology. FIG. 20 shows an operation example of the transfer 30 destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) when the second
wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM makes a

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transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG 20 shows an operation example of
only the second wireless communication apparatus 130, but similarly applies to other
wireless communication apparatuses.
[0188]
5 First, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus
130 determines whether any display instruction operation of group information is performed (step S931) and if no display instruction operation is performed, monitoring continues. If the display instruction operation has been performed (step S931), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130
10 causes the display unit 370 to display group information (for example, the group list display screen 500 shown in FIG. 7) (step S932). [0189]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 determines whether any transfer instruction operation of MCIM is
15 performed on the display screen displayed in the display unit 370 (step S933) and if no transfer instruction operation is performed, monitoring continues. If the transfer instruction operation has been performed (step S933), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a transfer request of MCIM (including terminal identification information of the transfer source and transfer
20 destination) to the RO 200 (step S934). In this case, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 holds no use rights over MCIM and thus, the transfer request of MCIM is directly transmitted to the RO 200. [0190]
Subsequently, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 determines
25 whether validation information of MCM is received (step S935) and if no validation information of MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the validation information of MCIM has been received (step S935), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation information reception notification to notify that validation information of MCIM has been
30 received to the RO 200 (step S936). [0191]

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Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 performs a validation process of the MCIM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 based on the received validation information of MCIM (step S937). Use rights over MCIM are thereby set to the second wireless 5 communication apparatus 130 and thus, the second wireless communication apparatus 130 can establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM. [0192]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 performs a data synchronization process to synchronize data in the
10 second wireless communication apparatus 130 with data in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 (step S938). [0193]
[Operation example of RO (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source or transfer destination)]
15 FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the RO
200 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. In FIG 21, an operation example of the RO 200 when a wireless communication apparatus (the transfer source or transfer destination) belonging to a group makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM is shown.
20 [0194]
The control unit 210 determines whether any transfer request of MCIM is received (step S941) and if no transfer request of MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer request of MCIM has been received (step S941), the control unit 210 determines whether the received transfer request of MCIM includes
25 synchronous data (step S942). That is, when a transfer request is received from the transfer source of use rights over MCIM, the transfer request includes synchronous data, but when a transfer request is received from the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM, the transfer request does not include synchronous data. [0195]
30 If the transfer request of MCIM includes synchronous data (step S942), the
control unit 210 causes the group management database 220 to hold the synchronous

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data in association with the group to which the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM belongs (step S943). If the transfer request of MCIM does not include synchronous data (step S942), the process proceeds to step S944. 5 [0196]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 transmits a transfer confirmation request to the wireless communication apparatus identified based on terminal identification information of the remote party (the transfer source or transfer destination) included in the received transfer request of MCIM (step S944).
10 [0197]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether transfer confirmation information is received (step S945) and if no transfer confirmation information is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation information has been received (step S945), the control unit 210 determines whether the received transfer
15 confirmation information includes synchronous data (step S946). That is, when transfer confirmation information is received from the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM, the transfer confirmation information includes synchronous data, but when transfer confirmation information is received from the transfer source of use rights over MCIM, the transfer confirmation information does not include
20 synchronous data. [0198]
In this example, it is assumed that whether transfer confirmation information permitting the transfer of use rights over MCIM is received is determined (step S945). If transfer confirmation information disapproving the
25 transfer of use rights over MCIM is received (step S945), a notification of disapproval is transmitted to the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer request of MCM before the operation of the communication process being terminated. In this case, it is assumed that synchronous data held in the group management database 220 is deleted.
30 [0199]
If the transfer confirmation information includes synchronous data (step

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S946), the control unit 210 causes the group management database 220 to hold the synchronous data in association with the group to which the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer confirmation information belongs (step S947). If the transfer confirmation information does not include synchronous data 5 (step S946), the process proceeds to step S948. [0200]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 transmits invalidation information of MCIM to invalidate the MCIM of the transfer source (wireless communication apparatus) to the transfer source (step S948).
10 [0201]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether disconnection between the transfer source where an invalidation process of MCIM has been performed and the SHO 120 is detected (step S949) and if no disconnection is detected, monitoring continues. If the disconnection is detected (step S949), the
15 control unit 210 updates content of the group management database 220 (step S950). That is, the content of the group management database 220 is updated so as to be content after the transfer process of use rights over MCIM. [0202]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 transmits validation information
20 (including synchronous data) of MCIM to the transfer destination (wireless communication apparatus) (step S951). [0203]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether any validation information reception notification is received (step S952) and if no validation
25 information reception notification is received, monitoring continues. If the validation information reception notification has been received (step S952), the control unit 210 deletes the synchronous data (synchronous data transmitted by being included in the validation information of MCIM) transmitted to the transfer destination from the group management database 220 (step S953).
30 [0204]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (the transfer

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source or transfer destination) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in a wireless communication apparatus other than the transfer source and transfer destination)]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by a wireless 5 communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 22 shows an operation example of a wireless communication apparatus when a transfer operation is performed by the wireless communication apparatus other than the transfer source and transfer destination. [0205]
10 The control unit 330 determines whether any transfer confirmation request
is received (step S961) and if no transfer confirmation request is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation request has been received (step S961), the control unit 330 causes the display unit 370 to display a transfer confirmation screen to cause the user to confirm the transfer of use rights over
15 MCIM (step S962). For example, the transfer confirmation screen 510 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the display unit 370. [0206]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether any transfer confirmation operation of MCIM is performed (step S963) and if no transfer
20 confirmation operation of MCIM is performed, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation operation has been performed (step S963), the control unit 330 determines whether the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to permit the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S964). [0207]
25 If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to permit the transfer
of use rights over MCIM (step S964), the control unit 330 determines whether the local machine is the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM (step S965). If the local machine is the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM (step S965), the control unit 330 transmits transfer confirmation information permitting the transfer
30 of use rights over MCIM to the RO 200 (step S966). In this case, the wireless communication apparatus holds no use rights over MCIM and thus, the transfer

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confirmation information is directly transmitted to the RO 200. [0208]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether validation information of MCIM is received (step S967) and if no validation information of 5 MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the validation information of MCIM has been received (step S967), the control unit 330 transmits a validation information reception notification to notify that validation information of MCIM has been received to the RO 200 (step S968). [0209]
10 Subsequently, the control unit 330 performs a validation process of the
MCIM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 based on the received validation information of MCIM (step S969). Use rights over MCIM are thereby set to the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer destination and thus, the wireless communication apparatus can establish connection with the SHO 120 based
15 on the MCIM. [0210]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 performs a data synchronization process to synchronize data on the local machine (transfer destination) with data in the wireless communication apparatus of the transfer source (step S970).
20 [0211]
If the local machine is not the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM (step S965), the control unit 330 transmits transfer confirmation information (including synchronous data) permitting the transfer of use rights over MCIM to the RO 200 (step S971). In this case, the wireless communication apparatus holds use
25 rights over MCIM and thus, the transfer confirmation information is transmitted to the RO 200 via the SHO 120. [0212]
Subsequently, the control unit 330 determines whether invalidation information of MCIM is received (step S972) and if no invalidation information of
30 MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the invalidation information of MCIM has been received (step S972), the control unit 330 performs an invalidation process

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of the MCM stored in the MCIM information storage unit 350 (step S973). Accordingly, the MCIM held by the wireless communication apparatus is invalidated and the wireless communication apparatus can no longer establish connection with the SHO 120 based on the MCIM. 5 [0213]
If the transfer confirmation operation is an operation to disapprove the transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S964), the control unit 330 transmits transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of MCIM use rights to the RO 200 (step S974). In this case, the subsequent transfer process of use rights over
10 MCIM is not performed and thus, the operation of the communication process ends. [0214]
[Operation example of RO (example in which a transfer operation is performed in a wireless communication apparatus other than the transfer source and the transfer destination)]
15 FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the RO
200 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. In FIG 23, an operation example of the RO 200 when a wireless communication apparatus (other than the transfer source and transfer destination) belonging to a group makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM is shown.
20 [0215]
The control unit 210 determines whether any transfer request of MCM is received (step S981) and if no transfer request of MCIM is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer request of MCIM has been received (step S981), the control unit 210 transmits a transfer confirmation request to the wireless
25 communication apparatus (the transfer source or transfer destination) identified based on terminal identification information included in the received transfer request of MCM (step S982). [0216]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether transfer confirmation
30 information is received (step S983) and if no transfer confirmation information is received, monitoring continues. If the transfer confirmation information has been

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received (step S983), the control unit 210 determines whether the received transfer confirmation information includes synchronous data (step S984). That is, when transfer confirmation information is received from the transfer destination of use rights over MCIM, the transfer confirmation information includes synchronous data, 5 but when transfer confirmation information is received Irom the transfer source of use rights over MCIM, the transfer confirmation information does not include synchronous data. [0217]
If the transfer confirmation information includes S3Tichronous data (step
10 S983), the control unit 210 causes the group management database 220 to hold the synchronous data in association with the group to which the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer confirmation information belongs (step S985). If the transfer confirmation information does not include synchronous data (step S984), the process proceeds to step S986.
15 [0218]
Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether transfer confirmation information is received from both of the transfer source and transfer destination (step S986) and if transfer confirmation information is not received one of both, the process returns to step S983. If the transfer confirmation information has been
20 received from both of the transfer source and transfer destination (step S986), the control unit 210 transmits transfer approval information to the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM (step S987). [0219]
25 In this example, it is assumed that whether transfer confirmation
information permitting the transfer of use rights over MCIM is received from both of the transfer source and transfer destination is determined (step S986). If transfer confirmation information disapproving the transfer of use rights over MCIM is received from at least one of the transfer source and transfer destination (step S986),
30 a notification of disapproval is transmitted to the wireless communication apparatus that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM before the operation of the

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communication process being terminated. In this case, it is assumed that
synchronous data held in the group management database 220 is deleted.
[0220]
Each process (step S988 to step S993) shown in FIG. 23 corresponds to each 5 process (step S948 to step S953) shown in FIG 21. Thus, the description thereof is omitted here. [0221]
<2. Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present technology, examples in which a 10 transfer request of MCIM or transfer confirmation information is transmitted to RO with synchronous data of the transfer source included in the transfer request of MCIM or the transfer confirmation information and validation information of MCIM is transmitted to the transfer destination with the synchronous data included in the validation information of MCIM are shown. However, synchronous data of the 15 transfer source may separately be transmitted without being included in transmission information related to the transfer process of MCIM (transfer request of MCIM, transfer confirmation information, and validation information of MCIM). [0222]
Thus, in the second embodiment of the present technology, an example in 20 which synchronous data of the transfer source is transmitted separately from transmission information related to the transfer process of MCIM is shown. The configuration of a communication system according-to the second embodiment of the present technology is substantially the same as the example shown in FIG 3. Thus, a portion of the description common to that in the first embodiment of the present 25 technology is omitted. [0223]
[Communication example when a data synchronization process is performed during a transfer process of use rights over MCIM]
FIGS. 24 and 25 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary
30 communication process between each apparatus constituting the communication
system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present technology. The

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sequence chart shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is a modification of the sequence chart shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and thus, a portion of the description common to that of FIGS. 10 and 11 is omitted. In FIGS. 24 and 25, an example in which synchronous data of the transfer source is transmitted separately without being included in a 5 transfer request of MCIM will be described. [0224]
Each process (721 to 726) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 corresponds to each process (604 to 609) shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. However, the present example is different in that a transfer request of MCIM is transmitted without including
10 synchronous data (723) (606). [0225]
Each process (727 to 740) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 corresponds to each process (611 to 624) shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. [0226]
15 In this example, the transfer request of MCIM is transmitted without
including synchronous data (723) and thus, synchronous data held by the first wireless communication apparatus 300 needs to be transmitted to the RO 200 separately from the transfer request of MCIM. Thus, after an invalidation process of the MCIM ends in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the first
20 wireless communication apparatus 300 is in a connected state (738) to the RO 200, the control unit 330 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 transmits the synchronous data to the RO 200 (741, J42). In this case, terminal identification information of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is transmitted to the RO 200 together with the synchronous data.
25 [0227]
When the RO 200 receives the synchronous data (742), the control unit 210 extracts the group to which the wireless communication apparatus (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) that has transmitted the synchronous data belongs. That is, terminal identification information matching the terminal identification
30 information transmitted together with the synchronous data is extracted from the group management database 220 and the group related to the extracted terminal

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identification information is extracted. Then, the control unit 210 causes the group
management database 220 to hold the received synchronous data in association with
the extracted group (743).
[0228]
5 Subsequently, the control unit 210 transmits validation information of
MCM to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (744, 745). In addition, the control unit 210 transmits the synchronous data held in the group management database 220 to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 (746, 747). [0229]
10 When the second wireless communication apparatus 130 receives the
validation information of MCIM (745), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation information reception notification to notify that validation information of MCM has been received to the RO 200 (748, 749). When the second wireless communication apparatus 130
15 receives the synchronous data (747), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a synchronous data reception notification to notify that synchronous data has been received to the RO 200 (750, 751). [0230]
When the RO 200 receives the synchronous data reception notification
20 (751), the control unit 210 of the RO 200 deletes the synchronous data transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus 130 from the group management database 220 (752). [0231]
Each process (753 to 755) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 corresponds to each
25 process (630 to 632) shovwi in FIGS. 10 and 11. [0232]
FIGS. 24 and 25 show an example in which a transfer request of MCIM is made by using the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCEM is shown, but such a request may also be made from a wireless
30 communication apparatus holding no use rights over MCIM. Such an example is shown in FIGS. 26 to 30.

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[0233]
[Communication example when a transfer request is made from the transfer
destination of use rights over MCIM]
FIGS. 26 and 27 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary 5 communication process between each apparatus constituting the communication
system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present technology.
[0234]
The sequence chart shown in FIGS. 26 to 27 is a modification of the
sequence charts shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and FIGS. 24 and 25 and thus, a portion 10 of the description common to those of FIGS. 12 and 13 and FIGS. 24 and 25 is
omitted. In FIGS. 26 and 27, an example in which synchronous data of the transfer
source is transmitted separately without being included in transfer confirmation
information will be described.
[0235]
15 Each process (761 to 774) shown in FIG. 26 corresponds to each process
(641 to 654) shown in FIG. 12. However, the present example is different in that
transfer confirmation information is transmitted without including synchronous data
(771) (651).
[0236]
20 When the RO 200 receives the transfer confirmation information (774), the
control unit 210 transmits transfer approval information indicating that the transfer
has-been approved to the wireless communication apparatus-(the second wireless.
communication apparatus 130) that has transmitted the transfer request of MCIM
(775, 776). 25 [0237]
Each process (777 to 784) shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to each process
(656 to 663) shown in FIG. 13.
[0238]
In this example, the transfer confirmation information is transmitted without 30 including synchronous data (771) and thus, the synchronous data held by the first
wireless communication apparatus 300 needs to be transmitted to the RO 200

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separately from the transfer confirmation information. Thus, after an invalidation
process of the MCIM ends in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the
first wireless communication apparatus 300 is in a connected state (782) to the RO
200, the control unit 330 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 transmits 5 the synchronous data to the RO 200 (785, 786). In this case, terminal identification
information of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is transmitted to the
RO 200 together with the synchronous data.
[0239]
Each process (785 to 799) shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to each process 10 (741 to 755) shown in FIG 25.
[0240]
[Communication example when a transfer request is made from a wireless
communication apparatus other and the transfer source and the transfer destination of
use rights over MCIM]
15 FIGS. 28 to 30 are a sequence chart showing an exemplary communication
process between each apparatus constituting the communication system 100
according to the second embodiment of the present technology.
[0241]
The sequence chart shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 is a modification of the 20 sequence charts shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 and FIGS. 26 and 27 and thus, a portion of
the description common to those of FIGS. 14 to 16 and FIGS. 26 and 27 is omitted.
In FIGS. 28 to 30, an example in which synchronous data of the transfer source is
transmitted separately without being included in transfer confirmation information
will be described. 25 [0242]
Each process (801 to 820) shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 corresponds to each
process (675 to 694) shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. However, the present example is
different in that transfer confirmation information is transmitted without including
synchronous data (817) (691). 30 [0243]
Each process (821 to 830) shown in FIG. 29 corresponds to each process

f

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(696 to 705) shown in FIG 15. [0244]
In this example, the transfer confirmation information is transmitted without including synchronous data (817) and thus, the synchronous data held by the first 5 wireless communication apparatus 300 needs to be transmitted to the RO 200 separately Irom the transfer confirmation information. Thus, after an invalidation process of the MCIM ends in the first wireless communication apparatus 300 and the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is in a connected state (828) to the RO 200, the control unit 330 of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 transmits 10 the synchronous data to the RO 200 (831, 832). In this case, terminal identification information of the first wireless communication apparatus 300 is transmitted to the RO 200 together with the synchronous data. [0245]
Each process (833 to 845) shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 corresponds to each 15 process (787 to 799) shown in FIG. 27. [0246]
[Operation example of the communication system]
Next, the operation of the communication system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to 20 drawings. [0247]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer source) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source)]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the first 25 wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 31 shows an operation example of the transfer source (the first wireless communication apparatus 300) when the first wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 31 is a modification of FIG 17 and thus, a portion of the 30 description common to that of FIG. 17 is omitted by attaching the same reference signs.

t

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[0248]
If a transfer instruction operation of MCIM is performed (step S903), the control unit 330 transmits a transfer request of MCM (including terminal identification information of the transfer source and transfer destination) to the RO 5 200 (step SI001). That is, a transfer request of MCIM that does not include synchronous data is transmitted to the RO 200. [0249]
In addition, after an invalidation process of MCIM is performed (step S906), the control unit 330 transmits the synchronous data to the RO 200 (step SI002). 10 [0250]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer destination) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source)]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the
15 second wireless communication apparatus 130 according to the second embodiment
of the present technology. FIG. 32 shows an operation example of the transfer
destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) when the first
wireless communication apparatus 300 holding use rights over MCIM makes a
transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 32 is a modification of FIG. 18 and
20 thus, a portion of the description common to that of FIG. 18 is omitted by attaching
the same reference signs.
. [0251] ...
If the validation information of MCIM has been received (step S916), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 determines 25 whether synchronous data is received (step S1005) and if no synchronous data is received, monitoring continues. [0252]
If the synchronous data is received (step SI 005), the control unit 330 of the
second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation information
30 reception notification to the RO 200 (step S917). Subsequently, the control unit 330
of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a synchronous data

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reception notification to notify that synchronous data has been received to the RO
200 (step SI006).
[0253]
[Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer 5 source) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer
destination)]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the first
wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment of the
present technology. FIG. 33 shows an operation example of the transfer source (the 10 first wireless communication apparatus 300) when the second wireless
communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM makes a transfer
request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 33 is a modification of FIG. 19 and thus, a
portion of the description common to that of FIG. 19 is omitted by attaching the same
reference signs. 15 [0254]
If the transfer confirmation operation of MCIM is an operation to permit the
transfer of use rights over MCIM (step S924), the control unit 330 transmits transfer
confirmation information permitting the transfer of MCIM use rights to the RO 200
(step SI Oil). That is, transfer confirmation information that does not include 20 synchronous data is transmitted to the RO 200.
[0255]
In addition, after an invalidation process of MCIM is performed (step S927),
the control unit 330 transmits the synchronous data to the RO 200 (step S1012).
[0256]
25 [Operation example of the wireless communication apparatus (transfer
destination) (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer
destination)]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the
second wireless communication apparatus 130 according to the second embodiment 30 of the present technology. FIG. 34 shows an operation example of the transfer
destination (the second wireless communication apparatus 130) when the second

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wireless communication apparatus 130 holding no use rights over MCIM makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM. FIG. 34 is a modification of FIG. 20 and thus, a portion of the description common to that of FIG. 20 is omitted by attaching the same reference signs. 5 [0257]
If the validation information of MCIM has been received (step S935), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 determines whether synchronous data is received (step SI015) and if no synchronous data is received,'monitoring continues.
10 [0258]
If the synchronous data has been received (step S1015), the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a validation information reception notification to the RO 200 (step S936). Subsequently, the control unit 330 of the second wireless communication apparatus 130 transmits a
15 synchronous data reception notification to notify that synchronous data has been received to the RO 200 (step S1016). [0259]
[Operation example of RO (example in which a transfer operation is performed in the transfer source or transfer destination)]
20 FIG. 35 is a flowchart of an exemplary communication process by the RO
200 according to the second embodiment of the present technology. In FIG 35, an operation example of the RO 200„when a wireless communication apparatus (the transfer source or transfer destination) belonging to a group makes a transfer request of use rights over MCIM is shown. FIG. 35 is a modification of FIG. 21 and thus, a
25 portion of the description common to that of FIG. 21 is omitted by attaching the same reference signs.

CLAIMS
Claim 1
A wireless communication apparatus comprising:
an accepting unit that accepts a transfer operation to transfer a connection
5 right from a first wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right to
connect to a predetermined network using wireless communication is set to a second
wireless communication apparatus to which the connection right is not set; and
a control unit that, when the transfer operation is accepted, transmits a
transfer request that requests the connection right to be transferred from the first
10 wireless communication apparatus to the second wireless communication apparatus
with information included in the transfer request, the information being used for
synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with
predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus.
15 Claim 2
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the wireless communication apparatus is the first wireless
communication apparatus,
wherein a group sharing the connection right is constituted of a plurality of
20 wireless communication apparatuses including the first wireless communication
apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus,
wherein, when the transfer operation is accepted, the control unit transmits
the transfer request and the predetermined data to a management system that
manages the group, and
25 wherein, when the transfer request and the predetermined data are received,
the management system transmits setting information to set the connection right to
the second wireless communication apparatus to cause the second wireless
communication apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined
data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to
30 synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with the
predetermined data.
Claim 3
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the control unit transmits the transfer request including the
predetermined data to the management system as the information for synchronization,
and
wherein the management system transmits the setting information to the
second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in
the setting information.
Claim 4
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the management system is an RO (Registration Operator), and
wherein, when the predetermined data is received from the first wireless
communication apparatus, the RO holds the predetermined data and transmits the
held predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus.
Claim 5
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when
the predetermined data is held, the RO notifies the second wireless communication
apparatus that the predetermined data is held.
Claim 6
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
RO deletes the held predetermined data after the held predetermined data is
transmitted to the second wireless communication apparatus.
Claim 7
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when
the predetermined data is not transmitted to the second wireless communication
apparatus for a predetermined time or longer after the predetermined data is held, the
RO deletes the predetermined data and does not transmit the predetermined data to
the second wireless communication apparatus.
Claim 8
5 The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein the accepting unit accepts a specifying operation to specify the
predetermined time,
wherein, when the specifying operation is accepted, the control unit
transmits, to the RO, time information about the specified predetermined time in
10 association with the predetermined data, and
wherein the RO deletes the predetermined data using the predetermined
time related to the time information transmitted in association with the predetermined
data.
15 Claim 9
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the wireless communication apparatus to which the connection
right is set among the plurality of wireless communication apparatuses constituting
the group is connectable to an SHO (Selected Home Operator) based on the
20 connection right, and
wherein the wireless communication apparatus to which the connection
right is not set among the plurality of wireless communication apparatuses
constituting the group is connectable only to the RO.
25 Claim 10
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the wireless communication apparatus is the second wireless
communication apparatus,
wherein a group sharing the connection right is constituted of a plurality of
30 wireless communication apparatuses including the first wireless communication
apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus,
wherein, when the transfer operation is accepted, the control unit transmits
the transfer request to a management system that manages the group, and
wherein, when the transfer request is received, the management system
transmits a transfer confirmation request to request permission of transfer concerning
5 the transfer request to the first wireless communication apparatus, and when transfer
confirmation information permitting the transfer concerning the transfer confirmation
request and the predetermined data are transmitted from the first wireless
communication apparatus, the management system transmits setting information to
set the connection right to the second wireless communication apparatus to cause the
10 second wireless communication apparatus to set the connection right and transmits
the predetermined data to the second wireless communication apparatus to exercise
control to synchronize the data in the second wireless communication apparatus with
the predetermined data.
15 Claim11
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein the first wireless communication apparatus transmits the transfer
confirmation information to the management system with the predetermined data
included in the transfer confirmation information, and
20 wherein the management system transmits the setting information to the
second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data included in
the setting information.
Claim 12
25 The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined data is content intended for a data synchronization process between
the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication
apparatus.
30 Claim 13
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
control unit transmits the transfer request including the information to synchronize
the content in the second wireless communication apparatus with newly updated
content in the first wireless communication apparatus.
5 Claim 14
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the accepting unit accepts the transfer operation and a
synchronization instruction operation to synchronize the data in the second wireless
communication apparatus with the predetermined data, and
10 wherein the control unit transmits the transfer request when the transfer
operation and the synchronization instruction operation are accepted, and the control
unit transmits the transfer request without including the information for
synchronization in the transfer request when only the transfer operation is accepted.
15 Claim 15
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
connection right is a right to connect to a base station based on contract
authentication information to connect to the base station operated by a
communication operator.
20
Claim 16
An information processing apparatus comprising:
a receiving unit that receives a transfer request that requests a connection
right to be transferred from a first wireless communication apparatus to which the
25 connection right to connect to a predetermined network using wireless
communication is set to a second wireless communication apparatus to which the
connection right is not set, the transfer request including information used for
synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with
predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus; and
30 a control unit that, when the transfer request is received, transmits setting
information to set the connection right to the second wireless communication
apparatus to cause the second wireless communication apparatus to set the
connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the second wireless
communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data in the second
wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data.
5
Claim 17
A communication system comprising:
a wireless communication apparatus including an accepting unit that accepts
a transfer operation to transfer a connection right from a first wireless
10 communication apparatus to which the connection right to connect to a
predetermined network using wireless communication is set to a second wireless
communication apparatus to which the connection right is not set and a control unit
that, when the transfer operation is accepted, transmits a transfer request that requests
the connection right to be transferred from the first wireless communication
15 apparatus to the second wireless communication apparatus with information included
in the transfer request, the information being used for synchronizing data in the
second wireless communication apparatus with predetermined data in the first
wireless communication apparatus; and
an information processing apparatus that, when the transfer request is
20 received, transmits setting information to set the connection right to the second
wireless communication apparatus to cause the second wireless communication
. . apparatus to set the connection right and transmits the predetermined data to the
second wireless communication apparatus to exercise control to synchronize the data
in the second wireless communication apparatus with the predetermined data.
25
Claim 18
A method of controlling a wireless communication apparatus comprising:
an acceptance procedure of accepting a transfer operation to transfer a
connection right from a first wireless communication apparatus to which the
30 connection right to connect to a predetermined network using wireless
communication is set to a second wireless communication apparatus to which the
connection right is not set; and
a transmission procedure of transmitting, when the transfer operation is
accepted, a transfer request that requests the connection right to be transferred from
the first wireless communication apparatus to the second wireless communication
5 apparatus with information included in the transfer request, the information being
used for synchronizing data in the second wireless communication apparatus with
predetermined data in the first wireless communication apparatus.