Patent Publication Number: US-2018033008-A1

Title: System, information processing device, and computer-readable recording medium

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-151594, filed on Aug. 1, 2016 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-039370, filed on Mar. 2, 2017. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a system, an information processing device, and a computer-readable recording medium. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Typically, the data of photographs that are taken at a school event is registered in a file-sharing server device installed in a school network, and the event participants can view the photographs by accessing the school network from information terminals. A decision-making system is known in which one of the mechanisms of a system for accessing a file-sharing server device from an information terminal is disclosed. In the decision-making system, in order to access a file server (a file-sharing server) from a client terminal (an information terminal), management information such as an ID and a password is transmitted to a management server, and it is determined according to the management information whether or not the user is authorized to establish connection with the file server (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-512597). 
     Moreover, a technology has been disclosed in which a wireless terminal device performs communication in the ad hoc mode so as to receive information indicating the connection status of each wireless base station and, based on the received information, decides on the wireless base station for establishing connection (see Japanese Patent No. 5155355). 
     Furthermore, a technology has been disclosed regarding a roaming process in which an information terminal switches among access points. In the concerned literature, the following points are written: the ranges of reach of the radio waves of two access points are overlapped so as to ensure that the data communication with the information terminal is not interrupted; and, from among the access points scanned by the information terminal, the access point having the greatest radio field intensity is given priority for establishing connection (see Japanese Patent No. 5025585). 
     Moreover, a technology regarding accessing a shared folder has been disclosed. In the concerned literature, it is disclosed that the users participating in a conference are identified and are made to specify the destination for storing conference material files in a predetermined shared folder created in advance (see Japanese Patent 5040238). 
     In the case of taking an online order from an information terminal that has established connection with the school network, the user of the information terminal needs to be charged according to the order. However, in the conventional technology, even if the school network is accessed from an information terminal, there is no mechanism to determinably figure out the identity of the person who needs to be charged. Hence, there is a risk that fraudulent orders are given by personation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment, a system includes an information processing device and an information terminal. The information processing device and the information terminal are connectible for communication via a communication network. The information terminal includes owner identification information for uniquely identifying an owner of the information terminal. The information terminal also includes an input receiver and a request transmitter. The input receiver is configured to receive input of operator identification information for identifying an operator of the information terminal. The request transmitter is configured to transmit, to the information processing device, request information for requesting a process for a target for charging and first pair information containing the owner identification information and the operator identification information. The information processing device includes second pair information in which the owner identification information of the information terminal is associated with the operator identification information of the operator who is the owner of the information terminal. The second pair information is registered in advance. The information processing device also includes a verifier, a request processor, and a charge manager. The verifier is configured to collate the second pair information with the first pair information transmitted by the request transmitter. The request processor configured to, when verification information indicating that the first pair information matches with the second pair information is acquired as a result of collation performed by the verifier, perform the process for the target indicated in the request information transmitted by the request transmitter. The charge manager is configured to manage the owner identification information corresponding to the verification information acquired, as information for a target person for charging for whom the process for the target is performed by the request processor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary overall configuration of a photograph ordering system according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of an information terminal; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of “owner identification information”; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the information terminal; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of a web server device; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of an individual identification information table; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a connection information table; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a photograph order information table; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of a preregistration screen; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of an owner ID input screen; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of a search input form screen; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of a photograph ordering screen; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the web server device; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes performed by the information terminal and the web server device; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a preregistration process performed by the information terminal of the administrator and the web server device; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a viewing operation; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram (continuation) illustrating an exemplary sequence of the viewing operation; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram (continuation) illustrating an exemplary sequence of the viewing operation; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a reading process of reading the “owner identification information” from the information terminal; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a setting process of setting the owner ID in the information terminal; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network configuration according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of an allocating device; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the allocating device; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of connection information stored in a hard disk drive (HDD); 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of an allocation table; 
         FIG. 26  is a sequence diagram for explaining the communication connection and the communication termination between the information terminals and mediating devices; 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes for the communication connection as performed by the functional units in the information terminal and the allocating device; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes for the communication termination as performed by the functional units in the information terminal and the allocating device; 
         FIG. 29  is an explanatory diagram for explaining a deciding process performed by an allocation processor; 
         FIG. 30  is an exemplary hardware configuration of an allocating device according to a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the allocating device; 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the mediating device; 
         FIG. 33  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the mediating device; 
         FIG. 34  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a registration information table of the mediating device; 
         FIG. 35  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a communication process performed by the functional units of the information terminal, the allocating device, and the mediating device; 
         FIG. 36  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a communication process performed in the case of deleting the identification information of the information terminal, which is registered in the mediating device, from the allocating device; 
         FIG. 37  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network configuration of a connection distribution method according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of a wireless base station according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the wireless base station; 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a connection count monitoring table; 
         FIG. 41  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of an updating process performed by a connection count monitor to update the connection count in the connection count monitoring table; 
         FIG. 42  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the number of information terminals connected to an access point is exceeding the upper limit; 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a connection distribution process performed by the wireless base station; 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the variation in the radio wave transmission output at an access point and the roaming of information terminals accompanying the variation; 
         FIG. 45  is a diagram illustrating an example of the post-distribution connection status; 
         FIG. 46  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a roaming process performed by the information terminal; 
         FIG. 47  is a diagram illustrating examples of a support rate that is individually set in each access point; 
         FIG. 48  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between the data rate and the sensitivity in the information terminal; 
         FIG. 49  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system configuration according to a fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 50  is an overview explanatory diagram for explaining a connection distribution method implemented in a network system; 
         FIG. 51  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of a wireless connection system; 
         FIG. 52  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of replication information stored in an HDD; 
         FIG. 53  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the wireless connection system; 
         FIG. 54  is a diagram for explaining an example of the overall flow of a distribution process performed by the wireless connection system; 
         FIG. 55  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a connection destination deciding operation; and 
         FIG. 56  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of management tables maintained in the wireless connection system. 
     
    
    
     The accompanying drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. Identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the various drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     In describing preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology may be employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have the same function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result. 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 
     An object of an embodiment is to provide a system, an information processing device, and a computer-readable recording medium that make it possible to determinably figure out the identity of the person who needs to be charged. 
     The following explanation is given about an example in which the abovementioned system is implemented in a photograph ordering system. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary overall configuration of a photograph ordering system according to a first embodiment. A photograph ordering system  1  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes an information terminal  10 , a mediating device  11 , a web (World Wide Web) server device  12 , and file-sharing server devices  13 . The mediating device  11 , the web server device  12 , and the file-sharing server devices  13  are connected to a network  14  such as a local area network (LAN), and perform communication with the devices in the network  14  using Internet protocol (IP) addresses. The information terminal  10  establishes connection for wireless communication with the mediating device  11 , and performs communication with the devices in the network  14  using the IP address assigned thereto by the mediating device  11 . 
     The mediating device  11  represents an access point. Moreover, the mediating device  11  has the DHCP server function (DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol); and assigns an IP address to the information terminal  10 , from which a connection request is received, in a static manner or a dynamic manner, and mediates the communication between the information terminal  10  and the devices in the network  14 . 
     The information terminal  10  is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The information terminal  10  performs HTTP communication (HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol) with the web server device  12  via the mediating device  11 . For example, the information terminal  10  issues an HTTP request (request data) to the web server device  12  and requests for processes related to viewing or ordering of photographs. Herein, “processes related to viewing or ordering of photographs” are explained as an example of “processes regarding the target for charging” according to the first embodiment. 
     The web server device  12  represents an example of an “information processing device”. The web server device  12  processes request data received from the information terminal  10 . For example, when a request for processes related to viewing or ordering of photographs is received, the web server device  12  performs a providing process that includes a process of acquiring list information of photographs from the file-sharing server devices  13  and transmitting the list information to the information terminal  10 , and includes a process of taking an order of the photographs that have been specified in the list information. 
     The file-sharing server devices  13  represent examples of a “data management device”. The file-sharing server devices  13  manage photograph data, extract photograph data or list information of photographs according to a search condition transmitted by the web server device  12 , and transmit the extracted information to the web server device  12 . 
     In the first embodiment, the information terminal  10  includes a storage  10 - 1 , an input receiver  10 - 2 , and a request transmitter  10 - 3 . 
     The storage  10 - 1  is used to store information enabling identification of the owner of the information terminal  10  (hereinafter, called “owner identification information”). 
     The input receiver  10 - 2  receives, at the time of issuing a request for viewing or ordering photographs, input of identification information that enables identification about whether or not the operator of the information terminal  10  is the owner of the information terminal  10  (hereinafter, called “owner ID (operator identification information)”). 
     Herein, the “owner identification information” differs from the “owner ID” in the following way. The “owner identification information” represents information that is sufficient to enable identification of the owner (identity) and corresponds to, for example, the mail address (email address) or the MAC address (MAC stands for Media Access Control) registered in the information terminal  10 . In contrast, the “owner ID” represents information that is not sufficient to enable identification of the owner and represents, for example, a unique code decided by the owner to suit his or her convenience. The “owner ID” is used to make a distinction about whether or not the operator of the information terminal  10  is the owner thereof. 
     The request transmitter  10 - 3  transmits, at the time of issuing a request for viewing or ordering photograph data, the “owner identification information” stored in the storage  10 - 1  and the “owner ID” received by the input receiver  10 - 2  to the web server device  12  representing the request destination. In the following explanation, the combination of the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” is suitably called “pair information (first pair information)”. 
     The web server device  12  includes a storage  12 - 1 , a verifier  12 - 2 , a request processor  12 - 3 , and a charge manager  12 - 4 . 
     The storage  12 - 1  is used to store pair information (second pair information) containing the “owner identification information” that is registered in advance and the “owner ID” that is set in the case in which the owner of the information terminal  10  is also the operator. 
     The verifier  12 - 2  collates, in response to a request for viewing or ordering photograph data, the first pair information, which contains the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” and which is transmitted by the information terminal  10 , with the second pair information that contains the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” and that is stored in the storage  12 - 1 . 
     When the verifier  12 - 2  acquires resultant verification information indicating that the sets of pair information (the first pair information and the second pair information) are identical, the request processor  12 - 3  processes the request for viewing or ordering photograph data as received from the information terminal  10 . 
     The charge manager  12 - 4  manages, as the information of the person to be charged for viewing or ordering photograph data, the “owner identification information” for which the verification information was acquired. 
     With such a configuration, at the time of issuing a request for viewing or ordering photograph data, the information terminal  10  transmits the first pair information, which contains the “owner identification information” stored in the information terminal  10  and the “owner ID” input by the operator of the information terminal  10 , to the web server device  12  via the mediating device  11 . 
     The web server device  12  collates the second pair information, which is registered in advance, with the first pair information received from the information terminal  10 . If the sets of pair information are identical, then the web server device  12  processes the request for ordering photographs, which is issued from the information terminal  10 , while managing the “owner identification information” in the second pair information as the information of the person to be charged. 
     Given below is the explanation of a configuration of the information terminal  10 , the web server device  12 , and the file-sharing server devices  13 . Firstly, the explanation is given about a configuration of the information terminal  10 . That is followed by the explanation about a configuration of the web server device  12  and a configuration of the file-sharing server devices  13  in that order. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the information terminal  10 . For example, the information terminal  10  is configured as a portable multifunctional device (a smart device) such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the information terminal  10  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  201 , a random access memory (RAM)  202 , a read only memory (ROM)  203 , a hard disk drive (HDD)  204 , a device interface (I/F)  205 , a first wireless communication I/F  206 , and a second wireless communication I/F  207  that are connected to each other by a bus X 1 . To the device I/F  205  are connected a liquid crystal display (LCD)  208  and a touch panel  209 . Other than that, for example, a communication module and a camera module are also connected. 
     The CPU  201  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the entire information terminal  10 . The RAM  202  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  201  as the work area at the time of processing information. In a predetermined area of the RAM  202  is temporarily stored the “owner identification information” that is read as a result of a reading process (described later). The ROM  203  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  204  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store computer programs such as the operating system (OS) and various applications along with a variety of data. In the information terminal  10  according to the first embodiment, for example, the Android (registered trademark) OS or the iOS (registered trademark) is installed as the OS. The applications include a web browser, a reading program for reading the “owner identification information”, and a communication program for communicating with the mediating device  11 . In a predetermined memory area, the “owner identification information” is written as a result of, for example, an initial setting process performed at the time of making a contract for the information terminal  10 . 
     The device I/F  205  is an interface for connecting the LCD  208  and the touch panel  209  to the bus X 1 . 
     The LCD  208  is an interface for displaying a variety of information. The touch panel  209  is an interface for receiving a signal of the position touched by the user, and outputting position information of that position. 
     The first wireless communication I/F  206  is an interface for performing wireless communication according to a first wireless communication method. In the first embodiment, the first wireless communication I/F  206  is assumed to be an interface for performing wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Herein, Bluetooth include Bluetooth low energy (BLE) too. 
     The second wireless communication I/F  207  is an interface for performing wireless communication according to a second wireless communication method. In the first embodiment, the second wireless communication I/F  207  is assumed to be an interface for performing communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark). 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the “owner identification information”. Herein, owner identification information D 1  illustrated in  FIG. 3  contains “owner name” d 1 , “telephone number” d 2 , “email address” d 3 , and “MAC address” d 4 . The “owner name” d 1  represents information indicating the name of the owner of the information terminal  10 . The “telephone number” d 2  represents information indicating the telephone number of the information terminal  10 . The “email address” d 3  represents information indicating the email address of the information terminal  10 . The “MAC address” d 4  represents information indicating the MAC address of the second wireless communication I/F  207  of the information terminal  10 . 
     Given below is the explanation of a functional configuration of the information terminal  10 . In the information terminal  10 , when the CPU  201  loads various computer programs from the ROM  203  or the HDD  204  into the RAM  202  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the information terminal  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the information terminal  10  includes a process controller  401 , a display controller  402 , a storage controller  403 , a first wireless communication controller  404 , a second wireless communication controller  405 , and a client application module  406 . Herein, the process controller  401 , the display controller  402 , the storage controller  403 , the first wireless communication controller  404 , and the second wireless communication controller  405  are mainly embedded in the OS; while the client application module  406  is embedded in an application. 
     The process controller  401  receives the position information output by the touch panel  209 , and notifies the client application module  406  about the position information. 
     The display controller  402  controls the display of the display information, which is output by the client application module  406 , on the LCD  208 . 
     The storage controller  403  controls reading or writing of information with respect to the storage areas such as the ROM  203 , the RAM  202 , and the HDD  204 . 
     The first wireless communication controller  404  controls the first wireless communication I/F  206  and performs wireless communication using Bluetooth. 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  controls the second wireless communication I/F  207  and performs wireless communication using Wi-Fi. 
     The client application module  406  processes various applications. In the first embodiment, in response to the process of a photograph-ordering-application activation button that is displayed on the LCD  208 , various functional units for performing processes related to viewing or ordering of photograph data get added to the client application module  406 . 
     The added functional units include, for example, the functional unit of a web browser. Moreover, the added functional units include the functional unit related to the reading process of reading the “owner identification information”, and the functional unit related to establishing communication with the mediating device  11 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the web server device  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the web server device  12  includes a CPU  501 , a RAM  502 , a ROM  503 , an HDD  504 , a device I/F  505 , and a network I/F  506  that are connected to each other by a bus X 2 . Moreover, to the device I/F  505  are connected an LCD  507  and a keyboard  508 . 
     The CPU  501  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the entire web server device  12 . The RAM  502  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  501  as the work area at the time of processing information. The ROM  503  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  504  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store various computer programs and a variety of data. The various computer programs include the OS and applications. The various computer programs include web software; data software; and a computer program for performing, in cooperation with the other software, processes related to viewing or ordering of photograph data. The data contains data files of a database and web screen data. 
     The device I/F  505  is an interface for connecting the LCD  507  and the keyboard  508  to the bus X 2 . The LCD  507  is an interface for displaying a variety of information. The keyboard  508  is an interface that includes various input keys, and that outputs input-key information of the pressed input keys. 
     The network I/F  506  is a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) that establishes connection with the network  14  and performs communication with the devices connected to the network  14 . 
     Given below is the explanation of a table structure of the database. The database includes an individual information table, a connection information table, and a photograph order information table. The individual information table is used to manage the second pair information containing the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID”. The connection information table is used to manage connection information indicating the connection status of the information terminal  10  and the file-sharing server devices  13 . The photograph order information table is used to manage order information of photograph data. Besides, although the details are not explained, the database includes a table for managing device information that indicates the IP addresses of devices along with the status and the available functions of the devices. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the individual identification information table. An individual identification information table T 1  includes the following setting items: “owner name” t 1 , “telephone number” t 2 , “email address” t 3 , “MAC address” t 4 , and “owner ID” t 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the connection information table. A connection information table T 2  illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes the following setting items: “owner ID” t 21  and “file-sharing server device” t 22 . In the “file-sharing server device” t 22  is set the server name of the file-sharing server device  13  from which photographs are to be viewed using the information terminal  10  having the “owner ID”. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the photograph order information table. A photograph order information table T 3  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is maintained for each owner ID. The photograph order information table T 3  includes the following setting items: “owner ID” t 31 , “photograph number” t 32 , and “number of copies” t 33 . 
     Given below is the explanation about a screen structure of web screen information that is stored in an HDD by the web server device  12 . The web screen information contains screen information of a “preregistration screen”, screen information of an “owner ID input screen”, screen information of a “search input form screen”, and screen information of a “photograph ordering screen”. The “preregistration screen” is a screen for enabling the administrator of the web server device  12  to register the second pair information in the individual identification information table T 1  (see  FIG. 6 ). The “owner ID input screen” is a screen for enabling the operator of the information terminal  10  to input the “owner ID” at the time of issuing a request for viewing or ordering photograph data using the information terminal  10 . The “search input form screen” is a screen for enabling the operator of the information terminal  10  to input the search condition for narrowing down the photograph data. The “photograph ordering screen” is a screen for displaying list information of photographs on the information terminal  10  and enabling ordering of photographs. Besides, the web screen information contains screen information such as a top screen that is displayed at the beginning, and contains an error screen that is displayed at the time of an error. In the top screen, various items are included, and links (paths) to the corresponding screens of the items are provided. The items also include “preregistration” and “viewing of photographs”. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of the preregistration screen. A preregistration screen G 1  illustrated in  FIG. 9  includes an “owner identification information” entry field g 1  and an “owner ID” entry field g 2  as the input fields for inputting the second pair information. In the “owner identification information” entry field g 1  includes an “owner name” entry field g 11 , a “telephone number” entry field g 12 , an “email address” entry field g 13 , and a “MAC address” entry field g 14 . The second pair information is received in advance by the administrator in the form of an application or an email including the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” from the owner of the information terminal  10 . 
     The preregistration screen G 1  further includes a send button B 1  and an end button B 2 . The send button B 1  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue a registration request for registering input information that is input in the “owner identification information” entry field g 1  and the “owner ID” entry field g 2  (i.e., a registration request for registering the second pair information). The end button B 2  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue an end request for ending the preregistration screen G 1 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of the owner ID input screen. An owner ID input screen G 2  includes an “owner ID” entry field g 21 , a send button B 21 , and an end button B 22 . The send button B 21  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue a verification request (a photograph viewing request) for collating the input information (the owner ID) input in the “owner ID” entry field g 21  with the “owner identification information” read from the information terminal  10  in which the owner ID input screen G 2  is being displayed. The end button B 22  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue an end request for ending the owner ID input screen G 2 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of the search input form screen. A search input form screen G 3  illustrated in  FIG. 11  includes a “search condition” entry field g 3 , a send button B 31 , and an end button B 32 . The “search condition” entry field g 3  is meant for specifying the search condition to narrow down the photograph data; and includes a “date and time” entry field g 31 , a “group name” entry field g 32 , and a “user name” entry field g 33 . The “date and time” entry field g 31  is meant for narrowing down the photograph data according to the date and time of photography; and is used to input the date and time to which the photograph data is to be narrowed down to. The “group name” entry field g 32  is meant for narrowing down the photograph data of the group that is allowed for viewing or ordering (for example, the photographs taken in the group); and is used to input the group name to which the photograph data is to be narrowed down to. The “user name” entry field g 33  is meant for narrowing down the photograph data of the user who is allowed to view or order (for example, the photographs in which the user appears); and is used to input the user name to which the photograph data is to be narrowed down to. 
     The send button B 31  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue a view request that includes a search condition as input in the “search condition” entry field g 3 . The end button B 32  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue an end request for ending the search input form screen G 3 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen structure of the photograph ordering screen. A photograph ordering screen G 4  illustrated in  FIG. 12  includes thumbnail areas A 1 , A 2 , . . . , and A 6  for listing thumbnail data of photographs (thinned photograph data); selection display objects b 1 , b 2 , . . . , and b 6  for selectively displaying the number of copies ordered for each photograph; an order button B 41 ; and an end button B 42 . 
     Each of the selection display objects b 1 , b 2 , . . . , and b 6  includes a “+” button for instructing an increase in the number of selected copies, a “−” button for instructing a decrease in the number of selected copies, and a count display box for displaying the count result of the selected count. 
     The order button B 41  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue an order request to the web server device  12 . In response to a process of the order button B 41 , correspondence information between photograph number information of the photographs, which are placed in the thumbnail display areas A 1 , A 2 , . . . , and A 6  at the time of the operation, and display count information of the count display boxes is finalized as order information to be included in the order request. 
     The end button B 42  is a process button for giving an instruction to issue an end request for ending the photograph ordering screen G 4 . 
     Given below is the explanation of a functional configuration of the web server device  12 . In the web server device  12 , the CPU  501  loads various computer programs from the ROM  503  or the HDD  504  into the RAM  502  and executes them so that various functions get implemented. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the web server device  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the web server device  12  includes a network controller  111 , a device monitor  112 , a command analyzer  113 , a connection information analyzer  114 , an individual identification information manager  115 , a connection information manager  116 , and a photograph ordering information manager  117 . 
     The network controller  111  performs communication with various connection devices in the network  14  via the network I/F  506 , and transmits and receives data. For example, the network controller  111  acquires reception data from the network I/F  506  and transmits the reception data to the relevant functional unit; and sets the destination IP address in the data received from various functional units and transmits transmission data to the network I/F  506 . 
     The device monitor  112  monitors the connection devices and the state thereof in the network  14  and manages the available functions. More particularly, the device monitor  112  periodically acquires, via the network controller  111 , information about the state of the devices and the available functions from the connection devices in the network  14 . Then, based on the latest acquired information, the device monitor  112  manages, in the form of a table, device information indicating the IP addresses of the devices and indicating the state and the available functions of the devices. 
     The command analyzer  113  analyzes the command included in the request data (an HTTP request), and requests the connection information analyzer  114  to process the request. Moreover, the command analyzer  113  acquires, from the device monitor  112 , the device information of the devices having the functions relevant to the processing of the request, and transmits the device information to the connection information analyzer  114 . Then, the command analyzer  113  transmits, to the network controller  111 , response data (an HTTP response) that is transmitted back by the connection information analyzer  114  in response to the request processing request. 
     The connection information analyzer  114  (a functional unit that functions as a “request processor” along with mainly the individual identification information manager  115 , the connection information manager  116 , and the photograph ordering information manager  117 ) generates response data. For example, when the command is a request for acquiring a predetermined web screen, the connection information analyzer  114  reads the web screen from the HDD  504  and transmits it as response data to the command analyzer  113 . Examples of the web screen include the top screen, the preregistration screen G 1  (see  FIG. 9 ) whose link is provided in the top screen, and the owner ID input screen G 2  (see  FIG. 10 ) whose link is provided in the top screen. 
     Meanwhile, when the command is a request for registering the individual identification information, the connection information analyzer  114  extracts the second pair information from the request data and instructs the individual identification information manager  115  to register the second pair information. Then, the connection information analyzer  114  reads, from the HDD  504 , a web screen indicating the result of registrability based on the result of registrability received in return from the individual identification information manager  115 ; and transmits the web screen as response data to the command analyzer  113 . 
     When the command is a photograph viewing request, the connection information analyzer  114  extracts the first pair information from the request data and instructs the individual identification information manager  115  to collate the sets of pair information (the first pair information and the second pair information). If the individual identification information manager  115  returns the result indicating that the sets of pair information (the first pair information and the second pair information) are identical, then the connection information analyzer  114  reads the search input form screen G 3  (see  FIG. 11 ) from the HDD  504 , and transmits it as response data to the command analyzer  113 . On the other hand, if the individual identification information manager  115  returns the result indicating that the sets of pair information (the first pair information and the second pair information) are not identical, then the connection information analyzer  114  reads an error screen, which indicates that photographs cannot be viewed, from the HDD  504  and transmits the error screen as response data to the command analyzer  113 . 
     When the command is a request for acquiring list information of photographs, the connection information analyzer  114  extracts the search condition from the request data and instructs the connection information manager  116  to acquire the list information of photographs. When the connection information manager  116  transmits back the list information of photographs, the connection information analyzer  114  reads the photograph ordering screen G 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) from the HDD  504 , sets the list information of photographs in the photograph ordering screen G 4 , and notifies the command analyzer  113  about the list information of photographs as response data. 
     When the command is a photograph ordering request, the connection information analyzer  114  extracts the order information from the request data and instructs the photograph ordering information manager  117  to generate the photograph order information table T 3  (see  FIG. 8 ) corresponding to the owner ID of the information terminal  10  that issued the request and to register the order information in the photograph order information table T 3 . The connection information analyzer  114  reads, from the HDD  504 , the web screen that indicates the result of registrability based on the result of registrability transmitted back by the photograph ordering information manager  117 , and transmits the web screen as response data to the command analyzer  113 . 
     The individual identification information manager  115  manages the individual identification information table T 1  (see  FIG. 6 ) and performs search/registration/updating/deletion of information in the individual identification information table T 1 . When a search instruction and the first pair information is received from the connection information analyzer  114 , the individual identification information manager  115  collates the first pair information with the second pair information that is registered in the individual identification information table T 1 , and transmits information indicating whether or not there is a match as the search result to the connection information analyzer  114 . 
     The connection information manager  116  acquires the list information of photographs from one of the file-sharing server devices  13  via the network controller  111 . Moreover, the connection information manager  116  associates the information terminal  10 , which requested for the list information of photographs, with the file-sharing server device  13 , from which the list information of photographs is acquired, using the identification information in the connection information table T 2  (see  FIG. 7 ), and manages the relation of connection. 
     The photograph ordering information manager  117  associates “order information” such as the photograph numbers and the ordered number of copies with “owner identification information of the person who ordered” in the photograph order information table T 3  (see  FIG. 8 ), and manages that information. In the first embodiment, the photograph ordering information manager  117  sets the order information, which is extracted by the connection information analyzer  114  from the request data (the photograph order request data), as the abovementioned “order information” in the photograph ordering information table T 3 . Moreover, the photograph ordering information manager  117  acquires the owner identification information corresponding to the owner ID of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request data, from the individual identification information manager  115 , and sets the acquired owner identification information as the abovementioned “owner identification information of the person who ordered” in the photograph ordering information table T 3 . 
     The mediating device  11  is a device having a computer configuration including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Moreover, the mediating device  11  includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface and a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) interface that enable establishing communication with the information terminal  10 . The mediating device  11  has the DHCP server function; and assigns an IP address to the information terminal  10 , from which a connection request is received, in a static manner or a dynamic manner. Moreover, the mediating device  11  stores the connection destination information (the IP address) of the web server device  12 ; transmits the connection destination information of the web server device  12  to the information terminal  10  from which a connection request is received; and mediates the communication between the information terminal  10  and the web server device  12 . 
     Each file-sharing server device  13  is a device having a computer configuration including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM; and includes an Ethernet interface that enables establishing connection with the network  14 . The file-sharing server device  13  includes a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD for storing photograph data or thumbnail data; and manages the stored photograph data and the stored thumbnail data according to items such as the date and time of photography, the user name, and the group name. When request data for requesting list information of photographs is received from the web server device  12 , the file-sharing server device  13  extracts the photograph numbers and the thumbnail data of the photographs corresponding to the search conditions (the date and time, the user name, and the group name) specified in the request data, and transmits the extracted photograph numbers and thumbnail data to the web server device  12 . 
     Given below is the sequence of processes related to viewing or ordering of photographs as performed in the photograph ordering system  1 . Firstly, the explanation is given about the sequence of processes by which the information terminal  10  participates in the network  14  via the mediating device  11 . 
     Firstly, the user presses an activation button that is installed in the information terminal  10  and that is meant for activating a photograph ordering application. In response to the pressing of the activation button meant for activating the photograph ordering application, the information terminal  10  reads a computer program for the photograph ordering application and implements “various functional units that perform processes related to viewing or ordering of photograph data”. Then, the client application module  406  reads the “owner identification information” from the HDD  204  using the storage controller  403 , and temporarily stores the “owner identification information” in a predetermined area of the RAM  202 . 
     When the user touches the mediating device  11  using the body of the information terminal  10 , the first wireless communication controller  404  starts responding to an advertisement packet signal received by the first wireless communication I/F  206 , and establishes wireless communication with the mediating device  11  using Bluetooth that represents the first communication method. As a result of the establishment of wireless communication using Bluetooth, the mediating device  11  transmits, to the information terminal  10 , a PIN code (PIN stands for Personal Identification Number) of the WPS method (WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup) of Wi-Fi that represents the second communication method. Then, the information terminal  10  and the mediating device  11  perform setup using the PIN code, thereby resulting in the establishment of wireless communication using Wi-Fi between the information terminal  10  and the mediating device  11 . During the establishment of Wi-Fi communication, the mediating device  11  assigns an IP address to the information terminal  10 , thereby enabling the information terminal  10  to perform communication with the devices in the network  14 . 
     Given below is the sequence of processes performed by the information terminal  10  and the web server device  12  at the time when the information terminal  10  accesses the web server device  12  after the establishment of Wi-Fi communication. In the following explanation, although not explicitly mentioned, it is assumed that the communication performed between the information terminal  10  and the mediating device  11  is performed using Wi-Fi. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes performed by the information terminal  10  and the web server device  12  at the time when the information terminal  10  accesses the web server device  12 . 
     Firstly, in the information terminal  10 , the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue a server connection request (S 1 ). 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  issues a server connection request to the mediating device  11  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 2 ). 
     Upon receiving the server connection request from the information terminal  10 , the mediating device  11  transmits pre-stored connection destination information (IP address) of the web server device  12  to the information terminal  10  that issued the request (S 3 ). 
     In the information terminal  10 , the second wireless communication controller  405  acquires the connection destination information, which is transmitted by the mediating device  11 , via the second wireless communication I/F  207 ; and notifies the client application module  406  about acquiring the connection destination information (S 4 ). 
     Then, the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue a screen request to the web server device  12  (S 5 ). 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  issues a screen request to the destination indicated by the connection destination information of the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 6 ). As a result, the screen request is transmitted from the mediating device  11  to the network  14  in which the web server device  12  is installed, and then reaches the web server device  12 . 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data received by the network I/F  506 , and transmits the reception data to the command analyzer  113  (S 7 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  analyzes the command in the reception data, transmits the analysis information to the connection information analyzer  114 , and requests the connection information analyzer  114  to process the analysis information (S 8 ). 
     From the analysis information indicating the screen request, the connection information analyzer  114  determines that the requested web screen is the top screen and transmits a response indicating the top screen to the command analyzer  113  (S 9 ). 
     According to the notification from the connection information analyzer  114 , the command analyzer  113  instructs the network controller  111  to respond using the top screen (S 10 ). 
     According to the instruction from the command analyzer  113 , the network controller  111  transmits the top screen to the source of request via the network I/F  506  (S 11 ). With that, the top screen is transmitted from the mediating device  11  to the information terminal  10 , and is delivered to the information terminal  10 . 
     In the information terminal  10 , the second wireless communication controller  405  acquires the top screen, which is transmitted from the mediating device  11 , via the second wireless communication I/F  207 ; and notifies the client application module  406  about acquiring the top screen (S 12 ). With that, the client application module  406  displays the top screen on the LCD  208  using the display controller  402 . 
     Also in the case in which screen transition is to be performed to change the top screen displayed on the LCD  208 ; basically the flow of processes from Steps S 5  to S 12  is followed, so that the information terminal  10  acquires a web screen from the web server device  12  and displays it on the LCD  208 . 
     Given below is the explanation of a sequence of a preregistration process after the display in the information terminal  10  is changed to the preregistration screen by selecting the preregistration item in the top screen. 
     Regarding the preregistration operation, the administrator of the web server device  12  receives registration application information of the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” from the owner of the information terminal  10  via telephone, or an email, or a registration application form; and the preregistration process is performed from the information terminal  10  of the administrator. Meanwhile, in order to prevent unauthorized registration, the web server device  12  can authenticate the administrator at the time of transmitting a registration screen. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of the preregistration process performed by the information terminal  10  of the administrator and the web server device  12 . Meanwhile, the processes related to the communication with the mediating device  11  are not illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Moreover, although not explicitly mentioned, it is assumed that the mediating device  11  mediates the communication between the information terminal  10  and the web server device  12 . 
     Firstly, in the information terminal  10 , the administrator inputs the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” in a registration screen and presses a registration button, so that the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue a registration request to the web server device  12  (S 21 ). 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  issues a registration request to the destination indicated by the connection destination information of the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 22 ). As a result, the registration request is transmitted from the mediating device  11  to the network  14  in which the web server device  12  is installed, and then reaches the web server device  12 . 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data received by the network I/F  506 , and transmits the reception data to the command analyzer  113  (S 23 ). Then, the command analyzer  113  analyzes the command specified in the reception data, and transmits analysis information to the connection information analyzer  114  (S 24 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  extracts, from the analysis information indicating the registration request, the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” included in the request data; and instructs the individual identification information manager  115  to register that information (S 25 ). 
     The individual identification information manager  115  registers the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” in a corresponding manner in the individual identification information table T 1  (S 26 ). 
     Upon completing the registration, the individual identification information manager  115  transmits back information indicating the completion of registration to the connection information analyzer  114  (S 27 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  transmits back information indicating the completion of registration as response information to the command analyzer  113  (S 28 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  instructs the network controller  111  to transmit registration completion information (S 29 ). 
     The network controller  111  transmits back registration completion information to the information terminal  10  (S 30 ). 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  notifies the client application module  406  about the registration completion information (S 31 ). 
     Given below is the explanation of a sequence of a viewing process after the display in the information terminal  10  is changed to the owner ID input screen by selecting the item for viewing in the top screen. 
       FIGS. 16 to 18  are diagrams illustrating an exemplary sequence of a viewing operation. Meanwhile, the processes related to the communication with the mediating device  11  are not illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Moreover, although not explicitly mentioned, it is assumed that the mediating device  11  mediates the communication between the information terminal  10  and the web server device  12 . 
     Firstly, when the send button is input in the owner ID input screen, the client application module  406  generates data of a photograph viewing request (S 41 ). More particularly, the client application module  406  generates data of a photograph viewing request including the “owner identification information” that is temporarily stored in the RAM  202  at the time of activating the photograph ordering application, and including the owner ID that is input by the user in the owner ID input screen. 
     Then, the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue a photograph viewing request to the web server device  12  (S 42 ). 
     Subsequently, the second wireless communication controller  405  issues a photograph viewing request to the destination indicated by the connection destination information of the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 43 ). 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data received by the network I/F  506 , and transmits the reception data to the command analyzer  113  (S 44 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  analyzes the command specified in the reception data, and transmits analysis information to the connection information analyzer  114  (S 45 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  extracts, from the analysis information indicating the photograph viewing request, the first pair information containing the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” as included in the request data; and performs a photograph viewing operation, which is specified in the request data, in the following manner. Firstly, the connection information analyzer  114  transmits the first pair information to the individual identification information manager  115  and requests for verification (S 46 ). The individual identification information manager  115  searches the individual identification information table T 1  for the record having the same combination as the first pair information, and transmits the verification result to the connection information analyzer  114  (S 47 ). 
     When the verification result indicates “matching”, the connection information analyzer  114  transmits, as a response to the source of request, screen information of the search input form screen to the command analyzer  113  (S 48 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  instructs the network controller  111  to transmit the search input form screen (S 49 ). 
     The network controller  111  transmits the search input form screen to the information terminal  10 , which is the source of request, via the network I/F  506  (S 50 ). 
     In the information terminal  10 , the second wireless communication controller  405  acquires the search input form screen via the second wireless communication I/F  207 , and notifies the client application module  406  about acquiring the search input form screen (S 51 ). With that, the client application module  406  displays the search input form screen on the LCD  208  using the display controller  402 , and receives input of search conditions via the process controller  401  (S 52 ). 
     Meanwhile, if the verification result at Step S 47  indicates “not matching”, then the connection information analyzer  114  transmits, as a response to the source of the photograph viewing request, screen information of an error screen indicating a warning that photographs cannot be viewed to the command analyzer  113 . As a result, the screen information of the error screen indicating a warning gets transmitted by the network controller  111  to the information terminal  10  representing the source of request, and the error screen is displayed on the LCD  208  of the information terminal  10 . 
     Explained below with reference to  FIG. 17  is a sequence of processes following the reception of a search condition at Step S 52 . 
     When the user presses a send button on the search input form screen, the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue a photograph list acquiring request to the web server device  12  (S 53 ). The data of the photograph list acquiring request contains the search condition input by the user. 
     Then, the second wireless communication controller  405  transmits a photograph list acquiring request to the destination indicated by the connection destination information of the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 54 ). 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data received by the network I/F  506 , and transmits the reception data to the command analyzer  113  (S 55 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  transmits analysis information to the connection information analyzer  114 , and requests the connection information analyzer  114  to process the analysis information (S 56 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  extracts, from the analysis information indicating the photograph list acquiring request, the “search condition” and the “owner ID” included in the request data; transmits the “search condition” and the “owner ID” to the connection information manager  116 ; and requests the connection information manager  116  to perform a photograph list acquiring process as specified in the request data (S 57 ). 
     The connection information manager  116  generates a photograph list acquiring request and instructs the network controller  111  to transmit the photograph list acquiring request to the file-sharing server device  13  (S 58 ). 
     The network controller  111  acquires connection destination information of the file-sharing server device  13  from the device monitor  112 , and transmits the photograph list acquiring request to the file-sharing server device  13  via the network I/F  506  (S 59 ). 
     Upon receiving the photograph list acquiring request from the web server device  12 , the file-sharing server device  13  transmits the photograph numbers and the thumbnail data of the requested photographs to the web server device  12  (S 60 ). More particularly, the file-sharing server device  13  extracts the photograph numbers and the thumbnail data of the requested photographs according to the search condition included in the photograph list acquiring request, and transmits the extracted information to the web server device  12 . 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data, which is received from the file-sharing server device  13 , from the network I/F  506  and transmits the reception data to the connection information manager  116  (S 61 ). 
     The connection information manager  116  registers the “owner ID” in the connection information table T 2  for the purpose of associating the photograph acquiring destination with the individual identification information (S 62 ). Then, the connection information manager  116  transmits, to the connection information analyzer  114 , list information representing the result of the requested photograph list acquiring process (S 63 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  transmits, to the command analyzer  113  as a response to the source of the photograph list acquiring request, the photograph ordering screen having the list information set therein (S 64 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  instructs the network controller  111  to transmit the photograph ordering screen having the list information set therein (S 65 ). 
     The network controller  111  transmits the photograph ordering screen having the list information set therein to the information terminal  10 , which represents the source of request, via the network I/F  506  (S 66 ). 
     In the information terminal  10 , the second wireless communication controller  405  acquires the photograph ordering screen, which has the list information set therein, via the second wireless communication I/F; and notifies the client application module  406  about acquiring the photograph ordering screen (S 67 ). With that, the client application module  406  displays the photograph ordering screen, which has the list information set therein, on the LCD  208  via the display controller  402 , and receives an ordering process from the user via the process controller  401  (S 68 ). 
     Explained below with reference to  FIG. 18  is a sequence of processes following the reception of an ordering process at Step S 68 . 
     When the user presses the order button on the photograph ordering screen, the client application module  406  instructs the second wireless communication controller  405  to issue an order request to the web server device  12  (S 69 ). The data of the order request contains order information input by the user. 
     Then, the second wireless communication controller  405  transmits the order request to the destination indicated by the connection destination information of the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication I/F  207  (S 70 ). 
     In the web server device  12 , the network controller  111  reads the reception data received by the network I/F  506 , and transmits the reception data to the command analyzer  113  (S 71 ). 
     The command analyzer  113  analyzes the command specified in the reception data, transmits analysis information to the connection information analyzer  114 , and requests the connection information analyzer  114  to process the analysis information (S 72 ). 
     The connection information analyzer  114  extracts, from the analysis information indicating the order request, the order information and the “owner ID” included in the request data, and requests the photograph ordering information manager  117  to register the “owner identification information” and the “order information” (S 73 ). 
     The photograph ordering information manager  117  transmits the “owner ID” to the individual identification information manager  115  and requests the individual identification information manager  115  to extract the “owner identification information” (S 74 ). 
     The individual identification information manager  115  extracts the relevant “owner identification information” from the individual identification information table T 1  and transmits the “owner identification information” to the photograph ordering information manager  117  (S 75 ). 
     The photograph ordering information manager  117  registers the “owner identification information” and the “order information” in a corresponding manner in the photograph order information table T 3  (S 76 ). 
     Then, the photograph ordering information manager  117  notifies the connection information analyzer  114  about the completion of registration (S 77 ). Subsequently, the connection information analyzer  114  transmits reception completion information to the client application module  406  according to a flow illustrated in Steps S 78  to S 81 . 
     Given below is the explanation of a reading process of reading the “owner identification information” in the case in which, in the information terminal  10 , the OS and the client application module  406  constitute a “read restriction canceller” for cancelling read restrictions imposed on the “owner identification information” and constitute a “notifying unit” for notifying the operator of the information terminal  10  about the information indicating that the web server device  12  would not perform processes regarding the target for charging. 
       FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a reading process of reading the “owner identification information” from the information terminal  10 . Firstly, due to a notification from the process controller  401 , the client application module  406  detects the pressing of the activation button of the photograph ordering application; loads a computer program for the photograph ordering application from the HDD  204  into the RAM  202  using the storage controller  403 ; and activates the photograph ordering application (S 100 ). 
     Then, the client application module  406  inquires at the OS about the access restriction to device setting information such as the “owner identification information” for which the setting of access restriction (including “read restriction”) is different according to the OS type (S 101 ). 
     When the android OS is installed in the information terminal  10 , there is no access restriction with respect to the device setting information. Hence, the OS gives permission for the access. In that case, the client application module  406  reads the “owner identification information” of the device setting information using the storage controller  403 , and temporarily stores the “owner identification information” in a predetermined area of the RAM  202  (S 102 ). 
     When the iOS is installed in the information terminal  10 , there is access restriction with respect to the device setting information. Hence, cancellation confirmation screen information for confirming whether or not to cancel the access restriction is returned from the OS. The display controller  402  displays the cancellation confirmation screen on the LCD  208  (S 103 ). 
     Then, the OS receives, via the process controller  401 , a process signal of either a “cancel” button or a “do not cancel” button as input by the operator in the cancellation confirmation screen, and determines whether or not to cancel the access restriction (S 104 ). 
     When a process signal of the “cancel” button is received by the process controller  401 , the OS cancels the access restriction with respect to the device setting information and notifies the client application module  406  about the same (Yes at Step S 104 ). In that case, the system control returns to Step S 102 , and the client application module  406  reads the “owner identification information” of the device setting information and temporarily stores the “owner identification information” in a predetermined area of the RAM  202 . 
     On the other hand, when a process signal of the “do not cancel” button is received by the process controller  401 , the OS notifies the client application module  406  about not cancelling the access restriction with respect to the device setting information (No at Step S 104 ). In that case, the client application module  406  displays, on the LCD  208  via the display controller  402 , a notification screen indicating that photographs cannot be viewed or ordered as an exemplary notification indicating that the processes regarding the target for charging would not be performed (S 105 ). 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a setting process of setting the owner ID in the information terminal  10 . Firstly, the client application module  406  displays the owner ID input screen G 2  (see  FIG. 10 ), which is transmitted by the web server device  12 , on the LCD  208  via the display controller  402  (S 41 - 1 ). 
     Then, the client application module  406  receives input of the “owner ID” in the “owner ID” entry field g 2  of the owner ID input screen G 2  via the process controller  401  (S 41 - 2 ). 
     Subsequently, the client application module  406  receives a process signal of the send button B 21  of the owner ID input screen G 2  via the process controller  401  (S 41 - 3 ). 
     Then, the client application module  406  generates viewing request data that contains the “owner identification information” that is temporarily stored in the RAM  202 , and contains the “owner ID” that is received at Step S 41 - 2  (S 41 - 4 ). 
     Subsequently, the client application module  406  transmits the viewing request data to the web server device  12  via the second wireless communication controller  405  (S 41 - 5 ). 
     In the first embodiment, the administrator of the web server device  12  receives registration application information of the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” from the owner of the information terminal  10  via telephone, or an email, or a registration application form; and registers the pair information containing the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” (i.e., the second pair information) using his or her own information terminal  10 . Alternatively, the configuration can be such that the second pair information is automatically registered based on the first pair information transmitted from the information terminal  10  of the user. In that case too, it is desirable that the administrator receives registration application information of the “owner identification information” and the “owner ID” from the owner of the information terminal  10  via telephone, or an email, or a registration application form; and authenticates the second pair information that has been automatically registered. That enables prevention of registration of the second pair information from the information terminal  10  by a person other than the owner of the information terminal  10 . 
     In the first embodiment, the explanation about a process of ordering photograph data is given with reference to the photography ordering screen. However, taking the order of data is not limited to the initial instance of order taking. For example, an order change button can be set in the photography ordering screen, so that an already-taken order can be changed. 
     In the first embodiment, photograph data is illustrated as an example of the data provided by the photograph ordering system. However, the data provided by the photograph ordering system is not limited to photograph data. That is, other than the photograph data, the data can be document data such as texts, image data such as artwork, animation data, or program files. 
     In the first embodiment, the mediating device  11  as well as the information terminal  10  implements two wireless communication methods, and the information terminal  10  establishes connection with the web server device  12  in the network  14  using the two wireless communication methods. However, this connection method is only exemplary. Alternatively, for example, the information terminal  10  can acquire the connection destination information of the web server device  12  from the mediating device  11  using near field communication (NFC), and establish connection with the web server device  12  in the network  14  using some other wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi. Still alternatively, instead of using a plurality of wireless communication methods, connection with the web server device  12  in the network  14  can be established using a single wireless communication method. 
     As described above, according to the first embodiment, by acquiring the “owner identification information” from the information terminal  10 , it becomes possible to clearly know the identity of the person who is to be charged, thereby enabling prevention of fraudulent orders given by personation. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In a second embodiment, the explanation is given for a connection distribution method in which the connection from the information terminal  10  to the mediating device  11  is assigned by an allocating device. In the following explanation, the constituent elements identical to those in the first embodiment are referred to by the same reference numbers, and their explanation is not repeated. 
       FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network configuration according to the second embodiment. In  FIG. 21  is illustrated a configuration of a wireless network that is used by information terminals to establish connection with mediating devices. As far as the network (see  FIG. 1 ) is concerned, since the configuration is identical to the configuration according to the first embodiment, the network  14  is not illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , a plurality of mediating devices  11 , a plurality of information terminals  10 , and an allocating device  20  are illustrated as devices related to the concerned network. In the first embodiment, a unit for performing wireless communication according to the first wireless communication method is provided in the mediating device  11  (see  FIG. 1 ). In contrast, in this network configuration, a unit for performing wireless communication according to the first wireless communication method is provided in the allocating device  20 . A unit for performing wireless communication according to the second wireless communication method is provided in the mediating devices  11 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , a communication range M 1  indicates the communication range of the allocating device  20  with respect to the first wireless communication method, and a communication range M 2  indicates the communication range of the mediating devices  11  with respect to the second wireless communication method. Regarding the first communication method and the second communication method, the types can be appropriately decided. In the following explanation, as an example, the first communication method is assumed to be Bluetooth communication method, and the second communication method is assumed to be Wi-Fi wireless communication method. 
     The mediating devices  11  represent access points meant for connecting the information terminals  10  to the web server device  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) in the network  14 , and fulfill an identical role to the role of the mediating device  11  according to the first embodiment (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The allocating device  20  assigns the connection destination of each information terminal  10  to one of the mediating devices  11 . More particularly, the allocating device  20  includes a storage  20 - 1  and an allocator  20 - 2 . The storage  20 - 1  is used to store the “connection information” of the mediating devices  11 . When a request to transmit the “connection information” is received from one of the information terminals  10 , the allocator  20 - 2  delivers the “connection information”, which is decided as the allocation destination, to the information terminal  10  that issued the request. 
     Each information terminal  10  performs first wireless communication (Bluetooth communication) with the allocating device  20 . Moreover, the information terminal  10  requests the allocating device  20  to transmit the “connection information”, and acquires the “connection information” transmitted in response by the allocating device  20 . Furthermore, the information terminal  10  establishes second wireless communication (Wi-Fi wireless communication) with the mediating device  11  that corresponds to the “connection information” acquired from the allocating device  20 , and accesses the web server device  12  via the mediating device  11  with which connection has been established. 
     Given below is the explanation of a specific configuration of the allocating device  20 . Regarding the other devices, since the configuration is substantially identical to the configuration according to the first embodiment, the illustration in the drawings and the explanation is not repeated. 
       FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the allocating device  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the allocating device  20  includes a CPU  601 , a RAM  602 , a ROM  603 , an HDD  604 , and a first wireless communication I/F  605  that are connected to each other by a bus X 3 . 
     The CPU  601  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the entire allocating device  20 . The RAM  602  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  601  as the work area at the time of processing information. The ROM  603  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  604  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store various computer programs and a variety of data. For example, various computer programs include an allocation-destination deciding program for deciding the allocation destination, and the variety of data contains connection information D 2  (see  FIG. 24 ). 
     The first wireless communication I/F  605  is a Bluetooth communication interface. 
     Given below is the explanation of a functional configuration of the allocating device  20 . In the allocating device  20 , when the CPU  601  loads various computer programs from the ROM  603  or the HDD  604  into the RAM  602  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. 
       FIG. 23  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the allocating device  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the allocating device  20  implements functions such as a storage controller  701 , a first wireless communication controller  702 , and an allocation processor  703 . 
     The storage controller  701  controls reading or writing of information with respect to the storage areas such as the ROM  603 , the RAM  602 , and the HDD  604 . 
     The first wireless communication controller  702  controls the first wireless communication I/F  605 , and performs wireless communication using Bluetooth with the communication destination. 
     The allocation processor  703  performs, subject to reception of a request to transmit the “connection information” from one of the information terminals  10  by the first wireless communication controller  702 , an allocation destination deciding process for deciding one of a plurality of mediating devices  11  as the connection destination for the information terminal  10 . Then, as a response to the request for the “connection information”, the allocation processor  703  transmits connection information of the decided allocation destination to the first wireless communication controller  702 . 
     More particularly, the allocation processor  703  includes a connection information reader  703   a , an allocation table generator  703   b , an allocation table updater  703   c , and an allocation destination determiner  703   d.    
     The connection information reader  703   a  makes the storage controller  701  read the connection information D 2  (see  FIG. 24 ) from the HDD  604 , and then reads the connection information D 2  from the storage controller  701 . 
     The allocation table generator  703   b  generates an allocation table T 4  (see  FIG. 25 ), and sets the connection information D 2 , which is read by the connection information reader  703   a , in the allocation table T 4 . 
     The allocation table updater  703   c  updates the data of the allocation table T 4 . 
     The allocation destination determiner  703   d  refers to the allocation table T 4  and decides on the allocation destination. 
       FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the connection information stored in the HDD  604 . The connection information D 2  illustrated in  FIG. 24  includes service set identifier (SSID) information d 21  and encryption password information d 22 . The SSID information d 21  and the encryption password information d 22  are stored in a mutually corresponding manner. As an example, in the SSID information d 21  and the encryption password information d 22 , SSID information and password information of three mediating devices  11  is held. 
       FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the allocation table T 4 . The allocation table T 4  illustrated in  FIG. 25  includes a connection information setting field t 41  and a connectibility information setting field t 42 . The connection information setting field t 41  includes setting fields for setting the data of the SSID information d 21  and the password information d 22  of the connection information D 2  ( FIG. 24 ). The connectibility information setting field t 42  includes a maximum connectible count setting field t 43  meant for setting the maximum connectible count (number of devices) for each mediating device  11 ; and includes a connection terminal setting field t 44  meant for setting, for each mediating device  11 , identification information (such as the MAC address) of the information terminals  10  connected to that mediating device  11 . 
     In a data portion D 31  of the allocation table T 4  is illustrated a setting example at a particular point of time during the processes. The records in the data portion D 31  are assumed to have a record number n equal to 1, 2, and 3 in that order from top. In the connection information setting field t 41  (the “SSID” field and the “password” field) and in the maximum connectible count setting field t 43  is set the “connection information” and the maximum connectible count, respectively, of each mediating device  11  as registered in the connection information D 2  of the HDD  604 . The maximum connectible counts can be registered in a corresponding manner to the sets of connection information in the connection information D 2 . Depending on the communication connection or communication termination from the information terminals  10  to the mediating devices  11 , the connection terminal setting field t 44  is updated as needed to the identification information of the information terminals  10  that are currently connected for communication. In the connection terminal setting field t 44  illustrated in  FIG. 25 , in order to make the terminals easily distinguishable; “terminal A”, “terminal B”, and “terminal C” are illustrated as identification information of the information terminals  10 . 
     Given below is the explanation about the communication connection and the communication termination between the information terminals  10  and the mediating devices  11 . Firstly, the explanation is given for a sequence of the communication connection and the communication termination between the information terminals  10  and the mediating devices  11 . That is followed by the explanation of a sequence of the communication connection and the communication termination as performed by each functional unit. 
       FIG. 26  is a sequence diagram for explaining the communication connection and the communication termination between the information terminals  10  and the mediating devices  11 . In the following explanation, the communication connection and the communication termination between the information terminals  10  and the mediating devices  11  is given under the following assumptions: an “information terminal  10 - 1 ” is the information terminal  10  having the identification information “terminal A”; an “information terminal  10 - 2 ” is the information terminal  10  having the identification information “terminal B”; a “mediating device  11 - 1 ” is the mediating device  11  having “SSID=AP 1 ”; and a “mediating device  11 - 2 ” is the mediating device  11  having “SSID=AP 2 ”. 
     Firstly, the user who is operating the information terminal  10 - 1  enters the communication range M 1  of the allocating device  20  and presses an application activation button so that a request to transmit the connection information of the mediating device  11  is issued from the information terminal  10 - 1  to the allocating device  20  (S 201 ). 
     In response to the request, the allocating device  20  performs an allocation destination deciding process for deciding on the mediating device  11  that represents the allocation destination and registering the result (S 202 ), and transmits the processing result to the information terminal  10 - 1  that issued the request (S 203 ). 
     If the connection information “AP 1 ” is received as the processing result, then the information terminal  10 - 1  establishes connection with the mediating device  11 - 1  having the connection information “AP 1 ” (S 204 ). Meanwhile, if some other connection information is received as the processing result, then the information terminal  10 - 1  establishes connection with the mediating device  11  having that connection information. For example, if the connection information “AP 2 ” is received as the processing result, then the information terminal  10 - 1  establishes connection with the mediating device  11 - 2  having the connection information “AP 2 ”. 
     Apart from the user of the information terminal  10 - 1 , a plurality of users enter the communication period M 1  during the same connection time period and press the respective application activation buttons so as to request the allocating device  20  to transmit connection information. 
     For example, the user who is operating the information terminal  10 - 2  enters the communication range M 1  of the allocating device  20  and presses an application activation button so that a request to transmit the connection information of the mediating device  11  is issued from the information terminal  10 - 2  to the allocating device  20  (S 205 ). 
     In response to the request, the allocating device  20  performs an allocation destination deciding process in an identical manner (S 206 ), and transmits the processing result to the information terminal  10 - 2  that issued the request (S 207 ). 
     If the connection information “AP 2 ” is received as the processing result, then the information terminal  10 - 2  establishes connection with the mediating device  11 - 2  having the connection information “AP 2 ” (S 208 ). Meanwhile, if some other connection information is received as the processing result, then the information terminal  10 - 2  establishes connection with the mediating device  11  having that connection information. 
     Subsequently, when the user of the information terminal  10 - 1  presses an application termination button, the information terminal  10 - 1  notifies the allocating device  20  about the termination of connection with the mediating device  11  (S 209 ). 
     In response to the notification about the termination of connection as received from the information terminal  10 - 1 , the allocating device  20  deletes the registration information of the currently-connected information terminal  10 - 1  (S 210 ), so that the connection between the information terminal  10 - 1  and the mediating device  11  is terminated (S 211 ). 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG. 26 , regarding the information terminal  10 - 2  too, when the user thereof presses an application termination button, the connection between the information terminal  10 - 2  and the mediating device  11  is terminated in an identical manner to the case of the information terminal  10 - 1 . 
     Herein, as an example, although the connection with the mediating device  11  is terminated after notifying the allocating device  20  about the termination, the order can be reversed. 
       FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes for the communication connection as performed by the functional units in the information terminal  10  and the allocating device  20 . Herein, it is assumed that the first wireless communication controller  404  (see  FIG. 4 ) has been activated in the information terminal  10 . For example, when the client application module  406  (see  FIG. 4 ) detects the pressing of an application activation button, the first wireless communication controller  404  (see  FIG. 4 ) gets activated. 
     Moreover, it is assumed that Bluetooth communication has been established between the information terminal  10  and the allocating device  20 . For example, in the information terminal  10 , in response to an advertisement packet signal that is transmitted from the allocating device  20  and that is received by the first wireless communication I/F  206  (see  FIG. 2 ), the first wireless communication controller  404  establishes Bluetooth communication with the first wireless communication controller  702  of the allocating device  20 . 
     Firstly, the first wireless communication controller of the information terminal  10  (corresponding to the first wireless communication controller  404  (see  FIG. 4 )) requests the first wireless communication controller  702  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the allocating device  20  to transmit connection information of the mediating device  11  (S 301 ). 
     The first wireless communication controller  702  transmits, to the allocation processor  703 , the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request; and requests the allocation processor  703  to acquire the connection information (S 302 ). 
     The allocation processor  703  reads the connection information D 2  (see  FIG. 24 ) from the HDD  604  using the storage controller  701  (S 303 ), and decides on the allocation destination for the information terminal  10  (S 304 ). More particularly, in the allocation processor  703 , at the time of activation thereof, the connection information reader  703   a  reads the connection information D 2  from the HDD  604 , and the allocation table generator  703   b  sets the connection information D 2  in the allocation table T 4  (see  FIG. 25 ). Then, the allocation destination determiner  703   d  refers to the setting information of the allocation table T 4  and decides on the allocation destination. 
     Moreover, the allocation processor  703  additionally registers the identification information of the information terminal  10  in the allocation table T 4  using the storage controller  701  (S 305 ), and transmits the connection information of the decided allocation destination to the first wireless communication controller  702  (S 306 ). More particularly, in the allocation processor  703 , the allocation table updater  703   c  additionally registers the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, in the data portion of the connection terminal setting field t 44  corresponding to the decided allocation destination in the allocation table T 4 . More particularly, the allocation destination determiner  703   d  transmits, to the first wireless communication controller  702 , the connection information corresponding to the allocation destination as set in the connection information setting field t 41 . 
     The first wireless communication controller  702  transmits the connection information to the first wireless communication controller  404  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the information terminal  10  that issued the request (S 307 ). 
     Upon receiving the connection information, the first wireless communication controller  404  of the information terminal  10  sets the connection information in the second wireless communication controller  405  (see  FIG. 4 ) via the client application module  406  (S 308 ). 
     The second wireless communication controller  405  establishes a second wireless communication connection (a wireless LAN connection) with the mediating device  11  that corresponds to the set connection information (S 309 ). 
       FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of processes for the communication termination as performed by the functional units in the information terminal  10  and the allocating device  20 . 
     Firstly, the first wireless communication controller of the information terminal  10  (corresponding to the first wireless communication controller  404  (see  FIG. 4 )) notifies the first wireless communication controller  702  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the allocating device  20  about terminating the connection with the mediating device  11  (S 401 ). More particularly, the first wireless communication controller  404  of the information terminal  10  receives, from the client application module  406  (see  FIG. 4 ), a deletion request for deleting information in response to the pressing of a connection termination button of the application. Then, the first wireless communication controller  404  requests the first wireless communication controller  702  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the allocating device  20  to delete the identification information of the concerned information terminal  10 . 
     In the allocating device  20 , the first wireless communication controller  702  transmits, to the allocation processor  703 , the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, and a deletion request for deleting the identification information (S 402 ). 
     The allocation processor  703  uses the storage controller  701  and deletes the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, from the data portion of the connection terminal setting field t 44  in the allocation table T 4  (see  FIG. 25 ) that is stored in the RAM  602  (S 403 ). More particularly, the allocation table updater  703   c  deletes the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, from the data portion of the connection terminal setting field t 44  in the allocation table T 4 . 
     In the information terminal  10 , the first wireless communication controller  404  deletes the connection information of the second wireless communication controller  405  (see  FIG. 4 ) via the client application module  406  (S 404 ). As a result, the second wireless communication connection (wireless LAN connection) between the information terminal  10  and the mediating device  11 , which was established according to the connection information, gets terminated. 
       FIG. 29  is an explanatory diagram for explaining the deciding process performed by the allocation processor  703 . In the following explanation, the information terminals  10  are assumed to have the following identification information: terminal A, terminal B, terminal C, and terminal D. Moreover, the mediating devices  11  are assumed to be identified by the following SSIDs: “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, and “AP 3 ”. 
     Firstly, the allocation processor  703  acquires record information corresponding to a record number n from the allocation table T 4  (see  FIG. 25 ) (S 501 ). Initially, n=1 holds true and, in the setting example illustrated in the data portion D 31  in  FIG. 25 , record information of “AP 1 ” in the first row is acquired. 
     Then, the allocation processor  703  refers to the acquired record information and determines whether or not the number of terminals that are currently connected to the concerned mediating device  11  has reached the maximum connectible count (S 502 ). More particularly, the allocation processor  703  reads, from the acquired record information, the information set in the maximum connectible count setting field t 43  (i.e., the maximum connectible count) and the information set in the connection terminal setting field t 44  (i.e., the identification information of the currently-connected information terminals  10 ); and compares the maximum connectible count with the number of currently-connected information terminals  10 . For example, in the example of the record information of “AP 1 ” illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the data of the maximum connectible count setting field t 43  indicates “five (devices)” and the data of the connection terminal setting field t 44  indicates “terminal A” and “terminal B”. In that case, since the number of currently-connected devices is “two (devices)” that is smaller than the maximum connectible count of “five (devices)”, it is determined that the number of connected terminals has not reached the maximum connectible count. 
     When it is determined at Step S 502  that the number of connected terminals has not reached the maximum connectible count, the allocation processor  703  performs a registration process for adding the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, in the identification information set in the connection terminal setting field t 44  of the concerned record (S 503 ). In the example of the record information of “AP 1 ” illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the identification information (as an example, terminal D) of the concerned information terminal  10  is registered in addition to “terminal A” and “terminal B” in the connection terminal setting field t 44 , and increments the count of connected terminals to the concerned mediating device  11  by one to three. 
     Then, the allocation processor  703  reads the SSID information and the password information of the connection information setting field t 41  of the concerned record, and transmits the read information (connection information) as resultant information to the first wireless communication controller  702  (S 504 ). 
     Meanwhile, when it is determined at Step S 502  that the number of connected terminals has reached the maximum connectible count, the allocation processor  703  increments the value of n by one (S 505 ), and repeatedly performs the processes from Step S 501  onward. More particularly, in the setting example of the data portion D 31  illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the processes are again performed with respect to the record information of “AP 2 ” in the second row. Meanwhile, when n=3 holds true, the processes are again performed with respect to the record information of “AP 3 ” in the third row. 
     Herein, the deciding process is performed for the record numbers n=1, 2, and 3 in that order. Hence, when the mediating device  11  having the connection information “AP 1 ” reaches the maximum connectible count, the connection is assigned to the mediating device  11  having the connection information “AP 2 ”. Similarly, when the mediating device  11  having the connection information “AP 2 ” reaches the maximum connectible count, the connection is assigned to the mediating device  11  having the connection information “AP 3 ”. However, the sequence of deciding the allocation destination is not limited to this sequence. For example, every time a request to transmit connection information is issued by the information terminal  10 , the allocation destination is assigned in the sequence of “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, “AP 3 ”, “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, and so on. That is, for every connection, the allocation destination can be repeatedly switched among “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, and “AP 3 ” in that order. 
     When the mediating devices  11  having the connection information “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, and “AP 3 ” all reach the maximum connectible count, any further connection is rejected. For example, the allocation processor  703  waits until the connection of any one information terminal  10  with respect to the mediating device  11  is terminated and, when the connection is terminated, again performs the deciding operation. Meanwhile, when the mediating devices  11  having the connection information “AP 1 ”, “AP 2 ”, and “AP 3 ” all reach the maximum connectible count, the first wireless communication controller  702  can be notified that connection could not be established, and the first wireless communication controller  702  can be instructed to transmit display information indicating that connection could not be established to the first wireless communication controller  404  of the information terminal  10 . 
     As described above, in the second embodiment, an allocating device manages the number of connections established by each mediating device with information terminals. Then, if there is a new connection request from an information terminal, the allocating device decides on one of the mediating devices as the allocation destination of that information terminal. Moreover, the allocating device updates, as needed, the number of connections of the mediating device to which the concerned information terminal is assigned. Hence, every time a connection request is received from an information terminal, a mediating device having scope in the connections can be decided as the allocation destination. Since an information terminal gets connected to a mediating device having scope in the connections, the user of that information terminal can establish connection with the information processing devices in the network in a more comfortable way. 
     Note A1 
     A system including: 
     a plurality of mediating devices that mediates connection with respect to a communication network; 
     an allocating device configured to allocate mediation of connection with respect to the communication network to one of the plurality of mediating devices; and an information terminal configured to establish 
     connection for communication with the mediating device which represents the allocation destination allocated by the allocating device, wherein 
     the allocating device includes
         a determiner configured to, as a mediation destination for mediating the connection with respect to the communication network, determine one of the plurality of mediating devices, and   a transceiver configured to receive a connection request from the information terminal and transmit, to the information terminal, connection information which is to be used in establishing connection for communication with the mediating device decided by the determiner, and       

     the information terminal includes a communication connection unit configured to establish connection for communication with the mediating device, which is determined by the determiner, using the connection information transmitted from the allocating device. 
     Note A2 
     The system according to Note A1, wherein the determiner determines the mediation destination based on the connection count of the information terminals connected to each of the plurality of mediating devices. 
     Note A3 
     The system according to Note A1, wherein the determiner determines the mediation destination in such a way that the upper-limit connection count of each of the plurality of mediating devices is not exceeded. 
     Note A4 
     The system according to Note A1, wherein, when the connection count of each of the plurality of mediating devices exceeds the upper-limit connection count, the determiner rejects establishment of further connection by the information terminal. 
     Note A5 
     An allocating device including: 
     a determiner configured to determine, as a mediation destination for mediating connection with respect to a communication network, one of a plurality of mediating devices; and 
     a transceiver configured to receive a connection request from an information terminal for establishing connection with the communication network and transmit, to the information terminal, connection information which is to be used in establishing connection for communication with the mediating device determined by the determiner. 
     Note A6 
     A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a computer to perform: 
     determining, as a mediation destination for mediating connection with respect to a communication network, one of a plurality of mediating devices; and 
     receiving a connection request from an information terminal for establishing connection with the communication network and transmitting, to the information terminal, connection information which is to be used in establishing connection for communication with the mediating device determined. 
     Third Embodiment 
     In a third embodiment, as a modification example of the second embodiment, the explanation is given for a case in which information of connection terminals is registered in the mediating devices  11  from an allocating device  30 . 
       FIG. 30  is an exemplary hardware configuration of the allocating device  30  according to the third embodiment. The allocating device  30  illustrated in  FIG. 30  further includes a second wireless communication I/F  606  in the allocating device  20  according to the second embodiment. The second wireless communication I/F  606  is an interface for Wi-Fi wireless communication. 
       FIG. 31  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the allocating device  30 . In the allocating device  30 , when the CPU  601  loads various computer programs from the ROM  603  or the HDD  604  into the RAM  602  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. The allocating device  30  illustrated in  FIG. 31  includes the storage controller  701 , the first wireless communication controller  702 , a second wireless communication controller  711 , and an allocation processor  712 . 
     The second wireless communication controller  711  controls the second wireless communication I/F  606  and transmits data to and receives data from the communication destination. 
     The allocation processor  712  is configured by further equipping the allocation processor  712  according to the second embodiment to have a function of updating the information of the connection terminals of the mediating devices  11 . 
       FIG. 32  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the mediating device  11 . As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the mediating device  11  includes a CPU  801 , a RAM  802 , a ROM  803 , an HDD  804 , a second wireless communication I/F  805 , and a network I/F  806  that are connected to each other by a bus X 4 . 
     The CPU  801  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the entire mediating device  11 . The RAM  802  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  801  as the work area at the time of processing information. The ROM  803  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  804  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store various computer programs and a variety of data. For example, various computer programs include various communication programs, a relay program, and a registration information updating program. Besides, a DHCP server program is also included. The data contains a data file of a registration table, and contains connection destination information of the web server device  12 . 
     The second wireless communication I/F  805  is an interface for Wi-Fi wireless communication. 
     The network I/F  806  is a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for establishing connection with the network  14  and performing communication with the devices connected to the network  14 . 
       FIG. 33  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the mediating device  11 . In the mediating device  11 , when the CPU  801  loads various computer programs from the ROM  803  or the HDD  804  into the RAM  802  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. The mediating device  11  illustrated in  FIG. 33  includes a second wireless communication controller  901 , a network controller  902 , a relay processor  903 , a storage controller  904 , a connection information updater  905 , and a connection permitter  906 . 
     The second wireless communication controller  901  controls the second wireless communication I/F  805  of the mediating device  11 , and transmits data to and receives data from the communication destination. 
     The network controller  902  controls the network I/F  806  of the mediating device  11 , and transmits data to and receives data from the communication destination. 
     The relay processor  903  performs a relay operation. The storage controller  904  controls reading or writing of information with respect to the storage areas such as the ROM  803 , the RAM  802 , and the HDD  804  of the mediating device  11 . 
     The connection information updater  905  updates the registration information in the registration table using the storage controller  904 . 
     The connection permitter  906  allows the establishment of the second wireless communication connection from information terminals, excluding predetermined devices such as the allocating device  30 , based on the registration information in the registration table. 
       FIG. 34  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a registration information table of the mediating device  11 . A registration information table T 5  illustrated in  FIG. 34  includes an identification information setting field t 51  for setting identification information (such as the MAC address) of the information terminals  10 . In  FIG. 34  is illustrated an example in which the identification information “terminal A” and “terminal B” is registered. 
       FIG. 35  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a communication process performed by the functional units of the information terminal  10 , the allocating device  30 , and the mediating device  11 . In the following explanation, the steps identical to the steps illustrated in  FIG. 27  are referred to by the same step numbers, and the explanation is mainly given about the different steps than the steps in  FIG. 27 . 
     After deciding the allocation destination at Step S 304 , the allocation processor  712  additionally stores the identification information of the information terminal  10  in the allocation table T 4  via the storage controller  701  (S 305 - 1 ). More particularly, in the allocation processor  712 , the allocation table updater (corresponding to the allocation table updater  703   c  illustrated in  FIG. 23 ) additionally registers the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, with respect to that data portion of the connection terminal setting field t 44  which corresponds to the decided allocation destination. 
     Moreover, the allocation processor  712  sets the connection information of the decided allocation destination in the second wireless communication controller  711  (S 305 - 2 ). 
     As a result, the second wireless communication controller  711  establishes Wi-Fi connection with the second wireless communication controller  901  of the mediating device  11  of the allocation destination (S 305 - 3 ). Since the allocating device  30  whose identification information is registered in advance represents the source of connection, the establishment of connection is allowed. 
     When the connection is established, the allocation processor  712  requests the connection information updater  905  of the mediating device  11 , which represents the connection destination, to perform registration (S 305 - 4 ). In response, the connection information updater  905  registers the identification information of the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, in the registration information table T 5  using the storage controller  904  (see  FIG. 33 ) (S 305 - 5 ). 
     After the registration is completed, the allocation processor  712  deletes the connection information set in the second wireless communication controller  711  (S 305 - 6 ). As a result, Wi-Fi connection between the allocating device  20  and the mediating device  11  is terminated. 
     Then, in an identical manner to the steps illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the information terminal  10 , which issued the request, establishes Wi-Fi connection with the mediating device  11  that corresponds to the connection information (Steps S 306  to S 309 ). 
     Meanwhile, in the mediating device  11  according to the third embodiment, when the second wireless communication controller  901  receives a request for Wi-Fi connection from the information terminal  10 , the connection permitter  906  receives the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request (S 310 ), and determines whether or not the identification information has been registered in the registration information table T 5  (S 311 ). More particularly, the connection permitter  906  reads the identification information of the information terminals  10 , which is registered in the registration information table T 5 , using the storage controller  904 , and determines whether or not the read information contains the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request. If the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request is included, then the connection permitter  906  allows the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection. 
     Meanwhile, at Step S 304 , if the allocation destination cannot be found as a result of all mediating devices  11  reaching the maximum connectible count, the allocating device  30  can be configured to terminate the connection between the information terminal  10  and the mediating device  11 . 
       FIG. 36  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of a communication process performed in the case of deleting the identification information of the information terminal, which is registered in the mediating device  11 , from the allocating device  30 . If no allocation destination is found while deciding on the allocation destination at Step S 304 , then the allocation processor  712  firstly performs a target terminal deciding process for deciding the target terminal for deletion (S 305 - 11 ). In the target terminal deciding operation, the target terminal for deletion is decided according to an arbitrary decision method such as according to the sequence of registration of connection terminals in the allocation table T 4 , or according to a predetermined priority of connection terminals, or according to descending order of elapsed time since registration. 
     After deciding on the target terminal for deletion, from among the currently-connected connection terminals set in the connection terminal setting field t 44  of the allocation table T 4 , the allocation processor  712  updates the target terminal for deletion to have the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request to transmit the “connection information” at Step S 301  (S 305 - 12 ). 
     Moreover, the allocation processor  712  sets, in the second wireless communication controller  711 , the connection information regarding connection to the mediating device  11  to which the target terminal for deletion was assigned in the allocation table (S 305 - 13 ). 
     As a result of that setting, based on the connection information, the second wireless communication controller  711  establishes Wi-Fi connection with the second wireless communication controller  901  of the mediating device  11  to which the target terminal for deletion was assigned (S 305 - 14 ). 
     Once the connection is established, the allocation processor  712  requests the connection information updater  905  of the concerned mediating device  11  to update the registration information (S 305 - 15 ). In response to the request, the connection information updater  905  deletes the identification information of the target terminal for deletion from the registration information table T 5  using the storage controller  904 , and newly registers the identification information of the information terminal  10  that issued the request mentioned earlier (S 305 - 16 ). 
     When the completion of registration is notified, the allocation processor  712  deletes the concerned connection information set in the second wireless communication controller  711  (S 305 - 17 ). It results in the termination of the Wi-Fi connection between the allocating device  30  and the mediating device  11 . 
     Meanwhile, herein, the explanation is given for a case in which, at a timing at which a request to transmit the connection information is received from the information terminal  10 , the allocating device  30  deletes the identification information of the concerned information terminal as registered in the mediating device  11 . However, the timing for deleting the identification information of the concerned information terminal from the mediating device  11  is not limited to that timing. Alternatively, for example, after transmitting the decided connection information to the information terminal  10 , the allocating device  30  can measure the elapsed time and, after the elapse of a predetermined period of time, can delete the identification information of the concerned information terminal from the mediating device  11 . 
     Note A7 
     The system according to any one of Notes A1 to A4, wherein 
     the allocating device further includes an information terminal registerer configured to register identification information of the information terminal in the mediating device determined by the determiner, and 
     the mediating device establishes communication only with the information terminal whose identification information has been registered by the information terminal registerer. 
     Note A8 
     The system according to Note A7, wherein the allocating device further includes a deleter configured to delete the identification information of the information terminal from the mediating device to which the information terminal is currently connected. 
     Note A9 
     The system according to Note A8, wherein, when a notification of termination of connection is received from an information terminal, the deleter deletes the identification information of the information terminal from the mediating device to which the information terminal is currently connected. 
     Note A10 
     The system according to Note A8 or A9, wherein 
     the deleter deletes the identification information of currently-connected information terminals from a mediating device in order of priority, and 
     the information terminal registerer registers the identification information of the information terminal in the mediating device from which the identification information of information terminals has been deleted by the deleter. 
     Note A11 
     The allocating device according to Note A5, wherein the allocating device further includes an information terminal registerer configured to register identification information of the information terminal in the mediating device determined by the determiner. 
     Note A12 
     The system according to Note A11, wherein the allocating device further includes a deleter configured to delete the identification information of the information terminal from the mediating device to which the information terminal is currently connected. 
     Note A13 
     The system according to Note A6, wherein the program further causes the computer to perform registering identification information of the information terminal in the mediating device determined. 
     Note A14 
     The system according to Note A13, wherein the program further causes the computer to perform deleting the identification information of the information terminal from the mediating device to which the information terminal is currently connected. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In a fourth embodiment, the explanation is given for an example in which a plurality of access points is installed for each mediating device (wireless base station)  11 , and a connection distribution method is implemented by which the concentration of connection of information terminals with respect to a single access point is distributed among other access points of the same wireless base station  11  by prompting some of the information terminals to perform roaming. The following explanation is mainly given about the connection distribution method. 
       FIG. 37  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network configuration of the connection distribution method according to the fourth embodiment. In  FIG. 37  is illustrated a wireless base station  11   a  having two access points P 1  and P 2  as an example of a wireless base station according to the fourth embodiment. Herein, although only two access points are illustrated for ease of explanation, there can be three or more access points. To the wired network (i.e., the network  14 ) of the wireless base station  11   a , the web server device  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the file-sharing server device  13  (see  FIG. 1 ) are connected although not illustrated in  FIG. 37 . 
     The access points have mutually different communication channels (frequency bands) set therein, thereby preventing reception errors in the information terminals  10  attributed to radio wave interference. Moreover, the access points have common connection information (SSID information and encryption password information) set therein, thereby enabling the information terminals  10  to perform roaming. 
     Herein, cells Y 1  and Y 2  represent the ranges of access for the transmission radio waves at the access points P 1  and P 2 , respectively. The ranges of access represented by the cells Y 1  and Y 2  overlap in some part. The range over which the cells Y 1  and Y 2  overlap is called an “overlapping range”, and the range of only either the cell Y 1  or the cell Y 2  other than overlapping range is called an “individual range”. 
     On the periphery of the wireless base stations  11   a , a plurality of information terminals (information terminals  10 - 1 ,  10 - 2 , . . . , and  10 - 7 ) is illustrated. 
     The information terminals  10 - 1 ,  10 - 6 , and  10 - 7  are present at such positions which neither belong to the cell Y 1  nor belong to the cell Y 2 . At those positions, wireless connection can neither be established with the access point P 1  nor be established with the access point P 2 . 
     The information terminals  10 - 2 ,  10 - 3 ,  10 - 4 , and  10 - 5  are present in the overlapping area. In the overlapping area, wireless connection can be established either with the access point P 1  or with the access point P 2 . Herein, as an example, it is illustrated that the information terminals  10 - 2  and  10 - 4  establish wireless connection with the access point P 1 , and the information terminals  10 - 3  and  10 - 5  establish wireless connection with the access point P 2 . Meanwhile, the access point to which an information terminal establishes wireless connection varies according to the communication status between the access points and the information terminals. Hence, the communication status is not limited to the example given above. 
     With such a configuration, the wireless base station  11   a  monitors the number of information terminals  10  that have established wireless connection with each access point. If it is detected that there is a concentration of connections at a particular access point and that the other access points are available for connection, then the wireless base station  11   a  enhances or attenuates the radio wave transmission output of each access point. At the access point at which the connections have concentrated, the connected information terminals perform roaming due to a decline in the radio field intensity, and establish connection with another access point having a higher radio field intensity implying availability for connection. 
     Given below is the detailed explanation about the control of the radio wave transmission output as performed by the wireless base station  11   a  and about the roaming performed by the information terminals  10 . 
       FIG. 38  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the wireless base station according to the fourth embodiment. The wireless base station  11   a  illustrated in  FIG. 38  includes the CPU  801 , the RAM  802 , the ROM  803 , the HDD  804 , second wireless communication I/Fs  850 - 1  and  850 - 2 , the network I/F  806 , and a first wireless communication I/F  807  that are connected to each other by the bus X 4 . 
     The CPU  801  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the entire wireless base station  11   a . The RAM  802  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  801  as the work area at the time of processing information. The ROM  803  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  804  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store various computer programs and a variety of data. For example, various computer programs include a connection count updating program and a connection distribution processing program. The data contains a data file of a connection count monitoring table. 
     The second wireless communication I/Fs  850 - 1  and  850 - 2  are interfaces for Wi-Fi wireless communication and have mutually different communication channels set therein so that beacon frames are transmitted and received from the respective antennas via different communication channels. 
     The network I/F  806  is a network interface of Ethernet (registered trademark) for establishing wired connection with the network  14 . 
     The first wireless communication I/F  807  is an interface for Bluetooth communication, and is used in transmitting connection information (SSID information and encryption password information) to the information terminals  10 . 
       FIG. 39  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the wireless base station. In the wireless base station  11   a , when the CPU  801  loads various computer programs from the ROM  803  or the HDD  804  into the RAM  802  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. The wireless base station  11   a  illustrated in  FIG. 39  includes the network controller  902 , the relay processor  903 , the storage controller  904 , a connection count monitor  951 , a radio field intensity controller  952 , a first wireless communication controller  953 , and second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2 . Herein, mainly the connection count monitor  951 , the radio field intensity controller  952 , and the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2  may be collectively referred to as a “roaming processor”. 
     The network controller  902  controls the network I/F  806  of the wireless base station  11   a , and transmits data to and receives data from the communication destination in the network  14 . 
     The relay processor  903  performs a relaying operation. 
     The storage controller  904  controls reading or writing of information with respect to the storage areas such as the ROM  803 , the RAM  802 , and the HDD  804  of the wireless base station  11   a.    
     The connection count monitor  951  refers to the connection count monitoring table and monitors the connection count. For example, the connection count monitor  951  updates the connection count monitoring table using the storage controller  904 , reads the connection count from the connection count monitoring table using the storage controller  904 , and monitors whether or not the connection count has not exceeded the upper limit. 
     The radio field intensity controller  952  outputs a switching range (switching range information) of the radio wave transmission output to the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2 . 
     The first wireless communication controller  953  controls the first wireless communication I/F  807  and performs wireless communication using Bluetooth. When there is a response to the Bluetooth communication from the information terminal  10 , the first wireless communication controller  953  transmits the connection information to the information terminal  10  via the first wireless communication I/F  807 . 
     The second wireless communication controller  950 - 1  controls the second wireless communication I/F  850 - 1 , while the second wireless communication controller  950 - 2  controls the second wireless communication I/F  850 - 2 . For example, when the switching range information of the radio wave transmission output is received from the radio field intensity controller  952 , the second wireless communication controller  950 - 1  (the second wireless communication controller  950 - 2 ) controls the radio wave transmission output of the second wireless communication I/F  850 - 1  (the second wireless communication I/F  850 - 2 ) based on the switching range information. 
     Moreover, when the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2  establish connection for communication with the information terminal  10 , they notify the connection count monitor  951  using a signal indicating the connection with the information terminal  10 . When the connection with the information terminal  10  is terminated, the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2  notify the connection count monitor  951  using a signal indicating the termination. 
       FIG. 40  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the connection count monitoring table. A connection count monitoring table T 6  illustrated in  FIG. 40  includes an access point information setting field t 61  and a connection count setting field t 62 . 
     In the connection count monitoring table T 6 , a setting example at a particular point of time during the processes (a setting example of the state illustrated in  FIG. 37 ) is given in a data portion D 61 . In the access point information setting field t 61  of the data portion D 61 , identification information (M 1 ) of the access point P 1  and identification information (M 2 ) of the access point P 2  of the wireless base station  11   a  is registered. In the connection count setting field t 62 , the connection count of two is set as the number of information terminals  10  connected to the access point P 1 , and the connection count of two is set as the number of information terminals  10  connected to the access point P 2 . 
       FIG. 41  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of an updating process performed by the connection count monitor  951  to update the connection count in the connection count monitoring table T 6 . The connection count monitor  951  monitors notifications from the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2  as needed, and repeatedly performs the updating process every time a notification is received. 
     Firstly, when a notification is received either from the second wireless communication controller  950 - 1  or from the second wireless communication controller  950 - 2  (S 601 ), the connection count monitor  951  determines whether the notification indicates connection of the information terminal  10  or indicates termination of connection of the information terminal  10  (S 602 ). 
     If the notification indicates connection, then the connection count monitor  951  uses the storage controller  904  and, in the connection count monitoring table T 6  (see  FIG. 40 ), increments by one the count indicating the number of information terminals  10  that are currently connected to the concerned access point (the access point from which the notification is received) (S 603 ). More particularly, the connection count monitor  951  acquires the identification information of the access point from the source of notification and reads, from the connection count monitoring table T 6 , the record in which the acquired identification information is set. Moreover, the connection count monitor  951  increments by one the connection count included in the record and updates the connection count monitoring table t 6 . For example, if a new information terminal  10  gets connected to the access point P 1 , then the count indicating the number of information terminals  10  connected to the access point P 1  is updated from two to three in the connection count monitoring table T 6 . 
     Meanwhile, if the notification indicates termination of connection, then the connection count monitor  951  uses the storage controller  904  and, in the connection count monitoring table T 6 , decrements by one the count indicating the number of information terminals  10  that are currently connected to the concerned access point (the access point from which the notification is received) (S 604 ). 
     Then, the connection count monitor  951  again monitors notifications from the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1 ,  950 - 2 , and so on; and, when a notification is received, performs the updating process from Step S 601  onward. 
     Given below is the explanation of a connection distribution process performed by the wireless base station  11   a . Herein, as an example, it is assumed that the number of information terminals connected to an access point exceeds the upper limit, and the explanation is given for a process of distributing the connections among other access points. 
       FIG. 42  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the number of information terminals connected to an access point is exceeding the upper limit. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the access point P 2  has four information terminals connected thereto, while the access point P 2  has no information terminal connected thereto. 
       FIG. 43  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of the connection distribution process performed by the wireless base station  11   a . Herein, the flow of the connection distribution process illustrated in  FIG. 43  is explained with reference to the state illustrated in  FIG. 42 . 
     Firstly, the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) refers to the connection count monitoring table T 6  and acquires the connection count at each access point (S 701 ). 
     Then, the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) determines whether or not the connection count at each access point exceeds the upper limit (S 702 ). If no connection count exceeds the upper limit (No at Step S 702 ), then the processes are ended. 
     If there is a connection count that exceeds the upper limit (Yes at Step S 702 ), then the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) further determines whether or not the connection count at any access point has fallen below the lower limit (S 703 ). If no connection count has fallen below the lower limit (No at Step S 703 ), then the processes are ended. 
     If there is a connection count that has fallen below the lower limit (Yes at Step S 703 ), then the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) performs a process of deciding the number of devices for switching the connection (S 704 ). For example, assume that the access points P 1  and P 2  have the connection count of two as the upper limit and have the connection count of one as the lower limit. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the access point P 2  has four information terminals connected thereto, thereby exceeding the upper limit of two devices. Moreover, the access point P 1  has no information terminals connected thereto, thereby falling below the lower limit of one device. Hence, in this case, the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) decides to switch two (or three) information terminals from the access point P 2  to the access point P 1  for connection. 
     Then, the wireless base station  11   a  (the radio field intensity controller  952 ) lowers by one level the radio wave transmission output of the access point from which the information terminals are switched, and waits for a certain period of time (S 705 ). More particularly, the radio field intensity controller  952  outputs, as switching range information, switching range information lowered by one level to the second wireless communication controller (in this example, the second wireless communication controller  950 - 2 ) functioning as the concerned access point (in this example, the access point P 2 ). As a result, the second wireless communication controller (the second wireless communication controller  950 - 2 ) lowers by one level the radio wave transmission output of the second wireless communication I/F (in this example, the second wireless communication I/F  850 - 2 ). 
     Herein, it is assumed that the waiting period at least needs to include the period of time in which information terminals perform roaming due to a decline in the electrical field intensity; access other access points; and the consequent change in the connection count of the access points is reflected in the connection count monitoring table T 6 . 
     Then, the wireless base station  11   a  (the connection count monitor  951 ) again acquires the connection count of devices at each access point after the updating of the connection count monitoring table T 6  (S 706 ), and determines whether or not switching of devices is completed for a count equal to or greater than the decided number of devices for switching connection (S 707 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 42 , since the number of devices for switching connection is decided to be two, it is determined whether or not switching of two devices or more (preferably three devices or less) is completed. 
     If it is determined that switching of devices is completed for a count equal to or greater than the decided number of devices for switching connection (No at Step S 705 ); then the system control returns to Step S 705 , and the wireless base station  11   a  (the radio field intensity controller  952 ) further lowers by one level the radio wave transmission output of the access point from which the information terminals are switched, and waits for a certain period of time (S 705 ). The processes from Steps S 705  to S 707  are repeatedly performed until switching of devices is completed for a count equal to or greater than the decided number of devices for switching connection. 
     At Step S 707 , when it is determined that switching of devices is completed for a count equal to or greater than the decided number of devices for switching connection (Yes at Step S 705 ), the wireless base station  11   a  (the radio field intensity controller  952 ) resets the radio wave transmission output to the original state (S 708 ). 
       FIG. 44  is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the variation in the radio wave transmission output at an access point (as an example, the access point P 2 ) and the roaming of information terminals accompanying the variation. In  FIG. 44 , the horizontal axis represents time (t), the left-side vertical axis represents the radio wave transmission output (mW) at the access point P 2 , and the right-side access point represents the reception radio field intensity (dBm) in the information terminals. Moreover, an example of the relationship between the transmission output on the transmitting side and the radio field intensity on the receiving side is illustrated in the form of graphs. 
     Regarding a graph g 1  indicating the transmission output, as an example, it is illustrated that the transmission output is lowered at each level, that is, transmission outputs TX 10 , TX 9 , . . . , TX 3  go on decreasing in that order at each level. 
     In a graph g 2  indicating the radio field intensity, the radio field intensity in the information terminal  10 - 3  (see  FIG. 42 ) is illustrated. In a graph g 3  indicating the radio field intensity, the radio field intensity in the information terminal  10 - 2  (see  FIG. 42 ) is illustrated. As illustrated in the graphs g 2  and g 3 , the radio field intensity decreases in tandem with a decrease in the transmission output (the graph g 1 ) by one level. Meanwhile, the information terminal  10 - 3  has a higher radio field intensity than the information terminal  10 - 2  because of the proximity of the information terminal  10 - 3  to the access point P 2 . Moreover, the fluctuation illustrated in the graphs g 2  and g 3  is attributed to the effect of foreign waves, or nearby wireless base stations, or fading. 
     Moreover, in  FIG. 44 , as an example of the threshold values of the radio field intensity of the information terminals  10 - 3  and  10 - 2  that start roaming, roaming threshold values L 2  and L 3  are illustrated as dashed-dotted lines. The roaming threshold values L 2  and L 3  are values specific to the information terminals  10 - 3  and  10 - 2 , respectively, and are sometimes varied too. The case in which the roaming threshold values are varied is described later. Herein, the explanation is given under the assumption that the roaming threshold values are fixed. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the transmission output decreases one level at a time from TX 10 . When the transmission output decreases to TX 8 , the reception radio field intensity in the information terminal  10 - 2  falls below the roaming threshold value L 3  thereof. The information terminal  10 - 2  detects this decline, and starts roaming. Meanwhile, the transmission output goes on decreasing one level at a time from TX 8 . When the transmission output decreases to TX 3 , the reception radio field intensity in the information terminal  10 - 3  falls below the roaming threshold value L 2  thereof. The information terminal  10 - 3  detects this decline, and starts roaming. 
     In this way, in the access point at which there is a concentration of connections, the radio wave transmission output is gradually lowered one level at a time. Then, at the timing of TX 8  (elapsed time t 3  to t 4 ), firstly, the information terminal  10 - 2  switches connection to another access point that is available for connection. Subsequently, at the timing of TX 3  (elapsed time t 8  to t 9 ), the information terminal  10 - 3  switches connection to another access point that is available for connection. In the access point at which there is a concentration of connections, when the switching of terminals to be switched is completed, the transmission output is reset to the original state (for example, TX 10 ). 
     Meanwhile, herein, the explanation is given for an example in which, from among four information terminals connected to the access point P 2 , roaming is performed in order starting from the information terminal positioned farthest from the access point P 2 . However, the sequence of roaming is arbitrary. That is, depending on the radio field intensity at the position of each information terminal and depending on the roaming threshold value set in each information terminal, there are times when the sequence of roaming changes. 
       FIG. 45  is a diagram illustrating an example of the post-distribution connection status. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 45 , two information terminals that were connected to the access point P 2  (see  FIG. 42 ) have switched connection to the access point P 1 . Meanwhile, depending on the range of decrease in the radio field intensity and depending on the arrangement relationship of the information terminals, it is possible to have a situation in which three information terminals that were connected to the access point P 2  switch connection to the access point P 1 . 
     Herein, as an example, the explanation is given for a case in which the access points P 1  and P 2  have the same upper limit and the same lower limit set therein. However, alternatively, the upper limit and the lower limit can be set to individual values for each access point. For example, assume that the access point P 1  has the upper limit of five devices and has the lower limit of one device, and that the access point P 2  has the upper limit of four devices and has the lower limit of two devices. When the access point P 1  has seven devices connected thereto and when the access point P 1  has one device connected thereto, the connections to the access point P 1  exceed the upper limit by two, and the connections to the access point P 2  fall below the lower limit by one. Hence, regarding the number of devices to be switched, two devices (or three devices) are switched from the access point P 1  to the access point P 2 . 
     Herein, in order to make the explanation easily understandable, the explanation for the connection distribution operation for each wireless base station is given with reference to two access points. Alternatively, three or more access points can be provided for each wireless base station, and connections can be arbitrarily distributed from an access point having a large number of connections to access points having smaller numbers of connections. 
     Meanwhile, regardless of the upper limit and the lower limit of each wireless base station, a wireless base station can decide on the switching of terminals in such a way that all access points have equal number of devices connected thereto. 
     Meanwhile, when it is determined that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has declined in the frequency band of process of an access point due to the impact of foreign waves, a wireless base station can lower the upper limit and the lower limit of the connection count of that access point and then decide on the number of terminals to be switched. 
       FIG. 46  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of the roaming process performed by the information terminal  10 . In this flow is illustrated the roaming process performed when the information terminal  10  is positioned in the overlapping area. 
     Firstly, the information terminal  10  activates an application and starts receiving beacon frames from the access points P 1  and P 2  (S 801 ). At the time of receiving the beacon frames, the information terminal  10  appropriately adjusts the reception channels and receives the beacon frames transmitted from the access points. 
     The information terminal  10  compares the radio field intensity of the beacon frames with the RSSI (which stands for Received Signal Strength Indication), and performs channel matching with respect to the access point having the stronger radio field intensity and establishes wireless connection with that access point (S 802 ). 
     As an example, assume that wireless connection is established with the access point P 1 . Then, the information terminal  10  starts the communication (S 803 ). 
     The information terminal  10  determines, during the communication process too, whether or not the radio field intensity is exceeding the roaming threshold value based on the beacon frame transmitted from the access point P 1  (S 804 ). If the radio field intensity is not exceeding the roaming threshold value (No at S 804 ), then the information terminal  10  continues with the communication as performed at Step S 803 . 
     When the radio field intensity exceeds the roaming threshold value due to the lowering of the radio field intensity of the access point P 1  by the wireless base station  11   a  (Yes at S 804 ), the information terminal  10  starts the roaming process (S 805 ). Then, the system control returns to Step S 801 , and the information terminal  10  again receives a beacon frame from each access point and establishes wireless connection with (switches connection to) the access point having the higher radio field intensity (as an example, establishes wireless connection with the access point P 2 ). 
     Subsequently, even if the wireless base station  11   a  resets the radio field intensity of the access point P 1  to the original level, as long as the radio field intensity of the access point P 2  with which the post-roaming connection was established does not exceed the roaming threshold value, the information terminal  10  maintains the connection with the access point P 2 . 
     Meanwhile, due to the effect of foreign waves, or nearby wireless base stations, or fading; the radio waves of beacon frames do not remain at a stable value and undergo fluctuation. Moreover, since the access points too are positioned close to each other, regarding the RSSI values of the access points as measured by each information terminal, the RSSI values of the closer access points can be acquired. Hence, each information terminal gets distributed to one of the access points also according to the position of that information terminal at the timing of measuring the RSSI, and gets connected to that access point. 
     The information terminal can also set, as another roaming threshold value, the radio field intensity within the support rate of the access points. 
       FIG. 47  is a diagram illustrating examples of the support rate that is individually set in each access point.  FIG. 48  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between the data rate and the sensitivity in the information terminal. 
     In the individual settings of the access points as illustrated in  FIG. 47 , the data rate in the range of 12 Mbps to 54 Mbps is supported as a valid support rate, while the data rate equal to or lower than 9 Mbps is considered invalid. In the setting done in the information terminal as illustrated in  FIG. 48 , communication is possible at the data rate between 1 Mbps to 54 Mbps, and each data rate has a sensitivity associated thereto. 
     Assume that the access points and the information terminals have the settings as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , respectively. If, for example, the receiving sensitivity in the information terminal is around −80 dBm, since transmission of up to 36 Mbps is possible at −80 dBm, the information terminal shifts the data rate to 36 Mbps at the time of transmission. When the receiving sensitivity drops down to around −90 dBm, since transmission of up to 9 Mbps becomes possible, the information terminal shifts the data rate to 9 Mbps at the time of transmission. Meanwhile, at the access point representing the communication partner, since communication at the data rate equal to or lower than 9 Mbps is considered invalid, it is not possible to communicate with the information terminal at 9 Mbps. Thus, by setting the radio field intensity within the support rate of the access point as the roaming threshold value, for example, by setting the sensitivity of −90 dBm corresponding to the data rate of 9 Mbps; it is ensured that the information terminal can perform roaming in a more stable manner. 
     In this way, from among the data rates supported by the access points, also by setting the lower data rates as invalid, the information terminals can be prompted to perform roaming. 
     In the fourth embodiment, the explanation is given for an example in which the connection count monitor  951  refers to the connection count monitoring table T 6  and monitors the number of information terminals at each access point; and, when the conditions are met, the radio field intensity controller  952  controls the transmission output of the access points. However, that is not the only possible case. Alternatively, for example, the connection count monitor  951  acquires the identification information of the connection terminals from the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2 , and counts the number of connection terminals at each access point. When the number of connection terminals at an access point meets the condition, the radio field intensity controller  952  can control the transmission output of that access point. In this case, the connection count monitor  951  repeatedly acquires the identification information of the connection terminals from the second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  and  950 - 2  at regular time intervals. 
     As described above, when it is detected that there is concentration of connections at one access point and that other access points are available for connection, the wireless base station  11   a  attenuates, for example, the radio wave transmission output of the access point at which the connections are concentrated, and prompts the information terminals that are connected to the concerned access point to perform roaming. As a result of stepwise attenuation of the radio wave transmission output of the concerned access point, from among arbitrary information terminals connected to the access point, roaming can be sequentially started from the information terminals that have reached the roaming threshold value. As a result, from the access terminal in which the connections are concentrated, the connections of information terminals can be switched to other access points in a stepwise manner, thereby making it possible to control the number of information terminals to be switched to the other access points. 
     Consequently, the access point to which information terminals are connected can be distributed among a plurality of access points. 
     Note B1 
     A system including: 
     a plurality of access points meant for connecting an information terminal to a communication network; 
     an information terminal configured to perform roaming when radio field intensity of radio waves transmitted from the currently-connected access point from among the plurality of access points reaches a roaming threshold value; 
     an acquirer configured to acquire connection count information indicating a connection count of information terminals at each of the plurality of access points; 
     a determiner configured to determine, based on the connection count information acquired by the acquirer, a switching count of information terminals for switching connection from the currently-connected access point to another access point from among the plurality of access points; and 
     a controller configured to control the transmission output of the radio waves of the plurality of access points until information terminals equal in number to the switching count perform the roaming process and switch connection from the currently-connected access point to another access point. 
     Note B2 
     The system according to Note B1, wherein the determiner determines the switching count in such a way that some of the information terminals connected to an access point having the connection count exceeding an upper limit switch connection to an access point having the connection count smaller than a lower limit. 
     Note B3 
     The system according to Note B1 or B2, wherein the controller performs control to lower, in a stepwise manner, the transmission output of the radio waves of the access point which, from among the plurality of access points, represents the source of switching connection. 
     Note B4 
     The system according to Note B3, wherein, when information terminals equal in number to the switching count finish switching the connection from the currently-connected access point to another access point, the controller performs control to reset the transmission output of the radio waves of the plurality of access points to the original level. 
     Note B5 
     The system according to Note B1, wherein the radio field intensity within the support rate of the access points is set as the roaming threshold value. 
     Note B6 
     The system according to Note B1, wherein each of the plurality of access points share connection information meant for establishing communication with the information terminal and have mutually different communication channels for communicating with information terminals. 
     Note B7 
     A mediating device including: 
     a plurality of access points meant for connecting an information terminal to a communication network; 
     an acquirer configured to acquire connection count information indicating a connection count of information terminals at each of the plurality of access points; 
     a determiner configured to determine, based on the connection count information acquired by the acquirer, a switching count of information terminals for switching connection from the currently-connected access point to another access point from among the plurality of access points; and 
     a controller configured to control transmission output of radio waves of the plurality of access points until information terminals equal in number to the switching count perform a roaming process and switch the connection from the currently-connected access point to another other access point. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, the web server device  12  (the connection information manager  116 ) establishes connection with a plurality of file-sharing server devices  13 , and provides the data of one of the file-sharing server devices  13  to the information terminal. In a fifth embodiment, another embodiment is described about a system for distributing connections to the file-sharing server device  13 . 
     The system according to the fifth embodiment includes a distributor (a determiner) that, in response to a connection request from an information terminal, distributes the connection destination of that information terminal. 
       FIG. 49  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system configuration according to the fifth embodiment. A network system  2  illustrated in  FIG. 49  includes a wireless connection system  15  functioning as the mediating device  11  according to the first embodiment (see  FIG. 1 ). The wireless connection system  15  includes a distributor  150 . 
     The distributor  150  transmits, to the information terminal  10  that issued a connection request, access information J 1  (see  FIG. 50 ) of the connection destination to be accessed, and distributes the connection destination of that information terminal  10 . The access information J 1  represents the connection information (SSID information and encryption password information) of an access point, or represents the connection destination information of the web server device  12  (uniform resource identifier (URI) information of the web server device  12 ), or represents URI information of a shared folder (described later). 
     Besides, in an identical manner to the first embodiment, the wireless connection system  15  includes a first wireless communication unit (an example of a “first communicating unit”)  151  and a second wireless communication unit (an example of a “second communicating unit”)  152 . As an example, the first wireless communication unit  151  is a Bluetooth wireless communication unit, and the second wireless communication unit  152  is a Wi-Fi wireless communication unit. 
     The first wireless communication unit  151  is used to transmit the access information J 1  to the information terminal  10 . 
     The second wireless communication unit  152  is made to function as an access point of a LAN  16 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 49 , three second wireless communication units  152  are installed, each of which is made to function as one of three access points P 1 , P 2 , and P 3 . Herein, although three second wireless communication units  152  are installed as an example, there can be an arbitrary number of second wireless communication units  152 . 
     Moreover, the wireless connection system  15  includes disks  1005 - 1 ,  1005 - 2 , and  1005 - 3 , which represent auxiliary storage devices meant for replicating the shared folder. Herein, although three disks are installed as an example, there can be an arbitrary number of disks. 
     The wireless connection system  15  is connected to the LAN  16 , to which the following devices are also connected: the web server device  12  (see  FIG. 1 ); and a plurality of server devices  17 - 1 ,  17 - 2 ,  17 - 3 , and so on that represent a plurality of file-sharing server devices  13  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 50  is an overview explanatory diagram for explaining the connection distribution method implemented in the network system  2 . When a connection request is received from the information terminal  10  via the first wireless communication unit  151 , the distributor  150  decides on the connection destination for the concerned information terminal  10 . After deciding on the connection destination, the distributor  150  transmits the access information J 1 , which is meant for accessing the connection destination, to the information terminal  10 , which issued the connection request, via the first wireless communication unit  151  as indicated by an arrow H 1 . The connection destination is decided by selecting one of a plurality of preset connection destinations meant for the same intended purpose. With reference to  FIG. 50 , the three access points P 1  to P 3  and two shared folders Q 1  and Q 2  represent examples of a plurality of preset connection destinations meant for the same intended purpose. Of those, the two shared folders Q 1  and Q 2  are provided in the disk  1005 - 1  and the server device  17 - 1 , respectively, as a result of replication of an original folder. 
     The information terminal  10  refers to the access information J 1  received via the first wireless communication unit  151 , and accesses the concerned access point or the concerned shared folder. For example, in the case of establishing connection with an access point, the information terminal  10  establishes connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information specified in the access information J 1 . In the case of accessing a shared folder, the information terminal  10  updates the URI information of the data browsing destination, which is written as link information in the source code of an HTML page, with the URI information specified in the access information J 1 , and then accesses the shared folder specified by the updated URI information. 
     In this way, in the fifth embodiment, connection destinations meant for the same intended purpose are provided in advance, and the connection destination of each information terminal  10  is distributed using the distributor  150 . As a result, even in the case in which a plurality of information terminals  10  accesses the same folder, the connection destinations meant for the same intended purpose are distributed in such a way that the shared folder in the disk  1005 - 1  is accessed by one information terminal  10  via the access point P 1  as indicated by an arrow H 2  and the shared folder in the server device  17 - 1  is accessed by one information terminal  10  via the access point P 2  as indicated by an arrow H 3 . That enables achieving distribution of the load in the network system  2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 50 , in the network system  2 , it is mainly the wireless connection system  15  that is responsible for achieving the load distribution. 
     Given below is the more detailed explanation about the configuration of the wireless connection system  15  and the operations performed therein. Regarding the specific explanation of the configuration and the operations of the network system  2  except for the wireless connection system  15 , the first embodiment can be referred to. 
       FIG. 51  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the wireless connection system  15 . The wireless connection system  15  illustrated in  FIG. 51  includes a CPU  1001 , a RAM  1002 , a ROM  1003 , an HDD  1004 , the disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3 , a first wireless communication I/F  1006 , second wireless communication I/Fs  1007 - 1  to  1007 - 3 , and a LAN I/F  1008  that are connected to each other by a bus X 5 . 
     The CPU  1001  is a computing unit that comprehensively controls the operations of the wireless connection system  15 . The RAM  1002  is a volatile storage medium in which reading and writing of information can be done at high speeds, and is used by the CPU  1001  as the work area at the time of processing information. The ROM  1003  is a non-volatile storage medium meant only for reading purposes, and is used to store computer programs such as firmware. The HDD  1004  is a non-volatile storage medium enabling reading and writing of information, and is used to store various computer programs and a variety of data. For example, various computer programs include a distribution program. The data contains replication information used in the distribution process and contains data files of various management tables. 
     The disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3  are detachably-attachable auxiliary storage devices. 
     The first wireless communication I/F  1006  is an interface meant for Bluetooth communication. 
     The second wireless communication I/Fs  1007 - 1  to  1007 - 3  are wireless LAN interfaces. 
     The LAN I/F  1008  is a LAN interface for establishing wired connection with the LAN  16 . 
       FIG. 52  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of replication information stored in the HDD  1004 . Herein, replication information D 4  illustrated in  FIG. 52  contains name information d 41 , replication-destination URI information d 42 , and replication-source original folder information d 43 . The name information d 41  represents name information of the shared folders that have been generated by replication. The replication-destination URI information d 42  represents URI information indicating the replication destinations of the generated shared folders. The replication-source original folder information d 43  represents information such as the name of the folder that is replicated into shared folders. Herein, the information is stored in a corresponding manner. 
     In a data portion D 41  of the information, as an example, the replication information of five replicated shared folders is illustrated in order of priority. For example, the first row of the data portion D 41  indicates that an original folder “temp1” is replicated at an URI “disk1:/temp1” with a shared folder name of “copy1”. The first to third rows represent the replication information about the original folder “temp1”, and are listed in order of priority. The fourth row in the data portion D 41  indicates that an original folder “temp2” is replicated at an URI “server1:/temp2” with a shared folder name of “copy4”. The fourth and fifth rows represent the replication information about the original folder “temp2”, and are listed in order of priority. Meanwhile, replication information and priority order information can be managed in different files as long as they are associated to each other. 
     In this setting example of the data portion D 41 , the original folder “temp1” is replicated as shared folders in the disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3 , and the original folder “temp2” is replicated as shared folders in the server devices  17 - 1  and  17 - 2 . 
     Herein, there is no particular restriction on the location of storage of an original folder. For example, the location of storage can be included in either the wireless connection system  15  or the file-sharing server device  13 . Alternatively, the location of storage can be included in the web server device  12 . Meanwhile, “server1” represents any one of the server devices in the LAN  16 , and is used as the file-sharing server device  13  as a result of replication of a shared folder therein. 
       FIG. 53  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the wireless connection system  15 . In the wireless connection system  15 , when the CPU  1001  loads various computer programs from the ROM  203  or the HDD  204  into the RAM  202  and executes them, it results in the implementation of various functions. The wireless connection system  15  illustrated in  FIG. 53  includes the LAN controller  902 , the relay processor  903 , the storage controller  904 , a shared folder creator  1101 , a connection destination determiner  1102 , the first wireless communication controller  953 , and second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  to  950 - 3 . 
     The LAN controller  902  controls the LAN I/F  1008  and transmits data to and receives data from the communication partners in the LAN  16 . 
     The relay processor  903  performs a relaying process between the wireless LAN and the LAN  16 . 
     The storage controller  904  controls reading or writing of information with respect to the storage areas such as the ROM  1003 , the RAM  1002 , the HDD  1004 , and the disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3  of the wireless connection system  15 . 
     The shared folder creator  1101  receives data of the original folders “temp1” and “temp2”, and creates shared folders thereof in the disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3 . 
     When a connection request is received from an information terminal, the connection destination determiner  1102  decides on the connection destination of that information terminal in such a way that the connection destination is distributed with other information terminals. The type of the connection destination to be decided is either an access point, or a shared folder representing the replication destination of an original folder, or a web server device. 
     Regarding an access point, when the access points P 1  to P 3  are available, one of those access points is decided as the connection destination. 
     Regarding a shared folder representing a replication destination, for each original folder, one of a plurality of shared folders in which the original folder is replicated is decided as the connection destination. For example, when the shared data set in the replication information D 4  (see  FIG. 52 ) is replicated, regarding the original folder “temp1”, one row from among the first to third rows is decided as the connection destination; and, regarding the original folder “temp2”, one row from the fourth and fifth rows is decided as the connection destination. 
     Regarding the web server device  12 , when a plurality of web server devices is installed, one of them is decided as the connection destination. When only one web server device is installed, it is used as the connection destination. 
     Regarding the method for deciding the connection destination, as long as the connections can be distributed, any decision method can be implemented. For example, the connection destination can be varied according to the sequence in which the targets for connection (access points, shared folders, and server devices) are listed, or an available connection destination can be decided based on the connection count and the data transfer volume at that point of time. 
     The first wireless communication controller  953  controls the first wireless communication I/F  1006 . In the fifth embodiment, when a connection request is received from the information terminal  10  using Bluetooth communication, the first wireless communication controller  953  transmits, to the information terminal  10  as a response to the connection request, the “connection information (the SSID information and the encryption password information)” decided by the connection destination determiner  1102 , or the “connection destination information (the URI of a web server device)”, or the URI information of a shared folder. 
     The second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  to  950 - 3  control the second wireless communication I/Fs  1007 - 1  to  1007 - 3 , respectively. The second wireless communication controllers  950 - 1  to  950 - 3  function as the access points P 1  to P 3 , respectively, and hold the connection information (the SSID information and the encryption password information) specific to the respective wireless LANs. 
       FIG. 54  is a diagram for explaining an example of the overall flow of a distribution process performed by the wireless connection system  15 . Firstly, before the start of the services, the administrator replicates the original folder, in which the data to be provided is stored, as a shared folder in a plurality of connection devices connected to the LAN  16  (S 901 ). Moreover, the administrator sets the information about the replicated shared folders in the replication information stored in the HDD  1004  of the wireless connection system  15  (S 902 ). 
     More particularly, the administrator uses the administrator terminal (not illustrated) in the LAN  16 ; replicates the original folder in the disks  1005 - 1  to  1005 - 3  and the server devices  17 - 1 ,  17 - 2 , and so on using the administrator rights; and sets the replicated folders to be sharable. Furthermore, after the replication is done, the administrator inputs information about the replicated shared folders, such as setting information containing the shared folder names, the replication-destination URI information, and the original folder name, in the administrator terminal; and updates the setting of the replication information, which is stored in the HDD of the wireless connection system  15 , with the abovementioned settings. Meanwhile, in the administrator terminal, a dedicated setting screen can be provided to input the settings. 
     Once the services are started after the administrator has done the settings, every time a connection request is received from an information terminal using the first wireless communication, the wireless connection system  15  (the distributor  150 ) performs a connection destination deciding process for distributing the connection destination, acquires the access information of the connection destination, and transmits the access information to the information terminal, which issued the request, using the first wireless communication (S 903 ). 
     The information terminal can access the connection destination as assigned using the access information, and avail identical services. 
       FIG. 55  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary flow of a connection destination deciding operation. The following explanation is given for an exemplary flow of processes in the case in which the connection destination is decided according to the order of priority. There is a plurality of types of decision targets such as access points, web server devices, or shared folders representing the replication destinations of an original folder. Regarding each decision target, a priority parameter n is individually used, and the connection destination is decided in an identical manner. 
     Firstly, when a connection request is a received from an information terminal using the first wireless communication, the connection destination determiner  1102  substitutes “1” in the priority parameter n, decides that the connection destination specified by the priority parameter n (i.e., the connection destination having the priority of 1) is the connection destination of the concerned information terminal, and transmits the access information meant for accessing the decided connection destination to the first wireless communication controller (S 911 ). For example, in the case of deciding the connection destination of the original folder “temp1”, the URI information of the first row that is set in the replication information D 4  (see  FIG. 52 ) and that has the priority of 1 is transmitted as one set of the access information to the first wireless communication controller. 
     Subsequently, when a connection request is received from another information terminal using the first wireless communication, the connection destination determiner  1102  increments the priority parameter n by one, decides that the connection destination specified by the priority parameter n (i.e., the connection destination having the priority of 2) is the connection destination of the concerned information terminal, and transmits the access information meant for accessing the decided connection destination to the first wireless communication controller (S 912 ). For example, in the case of deciding the connection destination of the original folder “temp1”, the URI information of the second row that is set in the replication information D 4  (see  FIG. 52 ) and that has the priority of 2 is transmitted as one set of the access information to the first wireless communication controller. 
     Subsequently, when a connection request is received from another information terminal using the first wireless communication, the connection destination determiner  1102  determines whether the priority parameter n has reached the upper limit (S 913 ). For example, in the case of deciding on an access point, if there are three access points, the upper limit is “3”. In the case of deciding on a replication-destination shared folder for the original folder “temp1”, the upper limit is “3” in the setting example of the replication information D 4  (see  FIG. 51 ). 
     If the upper limit has not been reached (No at Step S 913 ), then the system control returns to Step S 912  and the connection destination determiner  1102  performs the corresponding operation. 
     When the upper limit is reached (Yes at Step S 913 ), the connection destination determiner  1102  resets the priority parameter n to “0” (S 914 ). Then, the system control returns to Step S 912  and the connection destination determiner  1102  performs the corresponding operation. 
     In this decision method based on the order of priority, the connection destinations having higher priority are sequentially assigned to the information terminals in the sequence of issuing of connection requests. When the allocation of connection destinations is over till the connection destinations having low priority, the connection destinations are again assigned according to the order of priority. However, this method of allocation is only exemplary. Alternatively, when the number of information terminals to be assigned with the connection destinations of higher priority is fulfilled, the connection destinations having the next higher priority are assigned. 
     Meanwhile, instead of using the order of priority, the connection status at that point of time can be taken into account and the available connection destination can be decided accordingly. In that case, the connection destination determiner  1102  updates the connection count and the data transfer volume of each connection destination in management tables explained below; and, when a connection request is received from an information terminal, decides on the connection destination having a small connection count and a low communication volume. 
       FIG. 56  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the management tables maintained in the wireless connection system  15 . In (a) of  FIG. 56  is illustrated a local folder connection management table meant for managing the access status with respect to local shared folders. In (b) of  FIG. 56  is illustrated a server connection management table meant for managing the access status with respect to server devices. 
     A local folder connection management table T 7  illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 56  includes a URI setting field t 71 , a connection count setting field t 72 , and an average data volume setting field t 73 . 
     In a data portion D 71  of the local folder connection management table T 7 , a setting example at a particular point of time during the processes is illustrated. The first row in the data portion D 71  indicates that a URI URI 1  has the connection count of five and has the average data volume of 5 MB. The second row indicates that a URI URI 1  has the connection count of four and has the average data volume of 10 MB. 
     A server connection management table T 8  illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 56  includes a server name setting field t 81 , a connection count setting field t 82 , and an average data volume setting field t 83 . 
     In a data portion D 81  of the server connection management table T 8 , a setting example at a particular point of time during the processes is illustrated. The first row in the data portion D 81  indicates that a server device server1 has the connection count of 10 and has the average data volume 10 MB. The second row indicates that a server device server2 has the connection count of five and has the average data volume 5 MB. 
     When a connection request is received from an information terminal, the connection destination determiner  1102  decides on the connection destination based on the management tables. For example, an available connection destination is decided on priority based on the connection count and the data transfer volume. 
     Meanwhile, it is desirable that the management tables are appropriately updated. 
     Moreover, the connection destination determiner  1102  sets stepwise upper limits for the connection count of connection destinations and repeatedly performs the following processes: when the connection count of the first allocation destination reaches the first-step upper limit, decides on the second connection destination as the allocation destination; and, when the connection count of the second allocation destination reaches the first-step upper limit, decides on the third connection destination as the allocation destination; and so on. When all connection destinations reach the first-step upper limit, the first connection destination is again decided as the allocation destination and, when the connection count of the first allocation destination reaches the second-step upper limit, the second connection destination is decided as the allocation destination. 
     The explanation above is given for an example in which, when a connection request is received from an information terminal, all access information is transmitted at one time using the first wireless communication unit. However, alternatively, depending on the type of connection request, only the corresponding access information can be sequentially sent. For example, when a connection request indicating a connection request with respect to an access point is received, the wireless connection system  15  transmits the connection information (the SSID information and the encryption password information) specific to the decided access point to the information terminal that issued the connection request. When a connection request indicating a connection request with respect to a web server device is received, the wireless connection system  15  transmits predetermined connection destination information (the URI of the web server device) to the information terminal that issued the connection request. When a connection request indicating an access request with respect to a “shared folder” is received, the wireless connection system  15  transmits the “URI information” of the decided shared folder to the information terminal that issued the connection request. 
     Moreover, in the fifth embodiment, the explanation is given for an example in which an information terminal acquires the URI information of a shared folder. Alternatively, the URI information of that shared folder can be transmitted to the web server device  12  from the wireless connection system  15 . In that case, the connection information manager  116  of the web server device  12  changes the access to the shared folder as specified in the concerned information terminal to the connection destination indicated by the received URI information. 
     As described above, in the fifth embodiment, without making the user of an information terminal conscious about the connection destination, the information terminal selects the connection destination that corresponds to the access information delivered by the wireless connections system, and establishes connection with that connection destination. Since the connection destination is decided by the wireless connection system in such a way that the load is distributed, there is enhancement in the communication throughput of the entire network system, and thus the user of the information terminal can get services in a more comfortable environment. 
     Note C1 
     A network system including: 
     an information terminal; and 
     a mediating device configured to mediate connection of the information terminal with a communication network, wherein 
     the mediating device includes
         a determiner configured to determine the connection destination for the information terminal, and   a first communicating unit and a second communicating unit configured to perform communication with the information terminal,       

     the first communicating unit transmits, to the information terminal, access information to be used in accessing the connection destination determined by the determiner, and 
     the second communicating unit performs communication with the information terminal, to which the first communicating unit has transmitted the access information, using the access information. 
     The system according to Note C1, wherein 
     a plurality of sets of replicated shared data is included in the mediating device or in an information processing device in the communication network, 
     the determiner determines one of the plurality of sets of shared data as the connection destination for the information terminal, and 
     the first communicating unit transmits, to the information terminal, access information to be used in accessing the shared data determined by the determiner. 
     Note C3 
     The system according to Note C1, wherein the access information contains connection information specific to each of the plurality of access points. 
     Note C4 
     The system according to Note C2, wherein the access information contains URI information of the plurality of sets of shared data. 
     The system according to any one of Notes C1 to C3, wherein the determiner determines the connection destination for the information terminal based on the order of priority. 
     Note C6 
     The system according to any one of Notes C1 to C3, wherein, the determiner determines the connection destination for the information terminal based on the connection count of the connection destination. 
     Note C7 
     The system according to any one of Notes C1 to C3, wherein, the determiner determines the connection destination for the information terminal based on the data transfer volume of the connection destination. 
     The computer programs executed in the devices according to the embodiments are recorded as installable or executable files in a computer-readable recording medium such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk recordable (CD-R), or a digital versatile disk (DVD). 
     Alternatively, the computer programs executed in the devices according to the embodiments can be stored in a downloadable manner in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet. Still alternatively, the computer programs executed in the devices according to the embodiments can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. 
     Still alternatively, the computer programs executed in the devices according to the embodiments can be stored in advance in a ROM. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, by acquiring owner identification information from an information terminal, it becomes possible to clearly know the identity of the person to be charged, thereby enabling prevention of fraudulent orders given by personation. 
     The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, at least one element of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims. Further, features of components of the embodiments, such as the number, the position, and the shape are not limited the embodiments and thus may be preferably set. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 
     The method steps, processes, or processes described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance or clearly identified through the context. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     Further, any of the above-described apparatus, devices or units can be implemented as a hardware apparatus, such as a special-purpose circuit or device, or as a hardware/software combination, such as a processor executing a software program. 
     Further, as described above, any one of the above-described and other methods of the present invention may be embodied in the form of a computer program stored in any kind of storage medium. Examples of storage mediums include, but are not limited to, flexible disk, hard disk, optical discs, magneto-optical discs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory, semiconductor memory, read-only-memory (ROM), etc. 
     Alternatively, any one of the above-described and other methods of the present invention may be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), prepared by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits or by a combination thereof with one or more conventional general purpose microprocessors or signal processors programmed accordingly. 
     Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuitry. Processing circuitry includes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA) and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the recited functions.