JP2002044181A - Internet phone connection method and its system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet phone connection method by which a caller terminal connects to an Internet phone by dialing of a caller only by automatically specifying an installed place so as to select an ISP and connecting to a called terminal. SOLUTION: An adaptor built-in phone 191 is provided with a speech network 302 connected to a handset 301, a communication control section 303 that applies connection control to a public phone network, a PAD 311 that mutually convert an analog voice signal and a packet assembled digital signal to transmit the voice signal on the Internet, a modem 312 that transmits the digital signal to the public phone network, a CPU 321 and a storage section 322 for phone control and connection control, an input output control section 323 interfacing the CPU 321 with a ten-key 304 and other function button or the like, and a position detection section 324 that detects an installed place of a terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet telephone connection method and a system for performing telephone communication via the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in telephone communication performed via the Internet, a calling subscriber has contracted with a specific Internet connection carrier (hereinafter abbreviated as ISP) and has contracted IS.
The calling terminal is connected to the Internet via P's Internet connection server. When connected to the Internet, the calling terminal connects to the called terminal using the known IP address of the called terminal. If the IP address of the called terminal is not known, the calling terminal accesses the Internet telephone server of the contracted ISP, acquires the IP address of the called terminal from the telephone number of the called terminal, and obtains the IP address of the called terminal. Is to connect. In the connection processing in such a system, the calling subscriber must perform terminal input one by one, and the operation is complicated. In order to facilitate connection processing from a calling terminal, an Internet connection server of an ISP has a configuration in which a part of the connection processing function is provided.
No. 0-136024.

[0003]

However, in the conventional Internet telephone system, a specific ISP
It is necessary to connect to the contracted ISP even if the location of the calling terminal moves. Therefore, when the installation location is far from the connection point of the contracted ISP, it is necessary to make a long-distance call, and there is a problem that communication costs increase.

[0004] Further, there is a problem that the contract with the ISP of the assumed destination is complicated, and the cost is uneconomical. To solve such a problem,
A system using a prepaid card without making an individual contract with an ISP is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-122385. However, installing a card reader for each terminal has a problem in that miniaturization of the terminal is prevented.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem. It is an object of the present invention to allow a calling terminal to automatically specify an installation location, select an ISP, and connect to an incoming call terminal. The present invention provides an Internet telephone connection method and a system for performing connection only by a dial operation of a caller.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a method for communicating between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network. An Internet telephone connection method for performing, according to a place where a calling terminal that makes a call among the plurality of terminals is installed, a server specifying step of specifying a connection server that connects the public telephone network and the Internet. Connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified in the server specifying step; connecting the calling terminal connected to the connection server via the Internet from the connection server, And a terminal connection step of connecting to a called terminal that receives a call among the plurality of terminals.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Internet telephone connection method for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network. A number receiving step of receiving a telephone number of a call terminal; and a connection server connecting the public telephone network and the Internet is specified in accordance with a place where a calling terminal for calling out of the plurality of terminals is installed. A server identification step, an Internet connection step of connecting the calling terminal to the connection server identified in the server identification step, telephone numbers of the plurality of terminals, and an IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone numbers From the application server that stores the IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal. And the calling terminal connected to the connection server is connected to the telephone number of the called terminal from the connection server via the Internet in accordance with the IP address obtained in the address obtaining step. And a server connection step of connecting to the corresponding connection server.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the server specifying step includes a code specifying step for specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed, and the code specifying step. And a number specifying step of specifying a telephone number of the connection server according to the area code.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the code specifying step, the area code is specified based on specific information for specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the specific information is latitude and longitude information of a place where the calling terminal is installed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Internet telephone connection system for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network,
A connection server that connects the public telephone network and the Internet, an application server that stores the telephone numbers of the plurality of terminals and the IP addresses of the connection servers corresponding to the telephone numbers, and makes a call among the plurality of terminals. A receiving terminal that receives a telephone number of a receiving terminal that receives a call out of the plurality of terminals; and transmits the call to the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the receiving terminal in accordance with the IP address. And an adapter for connecting the terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the adapter includes a number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of the called terminal, and a server for specifying the connection server according to a place where the calling terminal is installed. Specifying means, internet connection means for connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified by the server specifying means, and the IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal from the application server. The calling terminal connected to the connection server according to the address obtaining means to be obtained and the IP address obtained by the address obtaining means, the telephone of the called terminal from the connection server via the Internet. Server connection means for connecting to the connection server corresponding to the number.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server specifying means includes code specifying means for specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed,
Number specifying means for specifying a telephone number of the connection server according to the area code specified by the code specifying means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the code specifying means includes a position input means for inputting specific information for specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed, and the specific information acquired by the position input means. And code conversion means for specifying the area code from

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the code specifying means includes: a position detecting means for obtaining latitude and longitude information of a place where the calling terminal is installed; and the latitude and longitude information obtained by the position detecting means. And code calculation means for specifying the area code from

The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the application server stores the IP addresses of the plurality of terminals and arbitrary telephone numbers in association with each other.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the connection server receives a calling packet from the calling terminal and receives a calling means for calling the called terminal and a response from the called terminal. Response means for transmitting a response packet to the calling terminal.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telephone for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network. Server specifying means for specifying a connection server for connecting the public telephone network and the Internet according to the installed location; and an Internet connection for connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified by the server specification means. Means, and terminal connection means for connecting the calling terminal connected to the connection server to the called terminal that receives a call among the plurality of terminals from the connection server via the Internet. It is characterized by.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the server specifying means is a code specifying means for specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed, and the server specifying means is specified by the code specifying means. Number specifying means for specifying the telephone number of the connection server according to the area code.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the code specifying means includes position input means for inputting specific information for specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed, and the specific information acquired by the position input means. And code conversion means for specifying the area code from

The invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that the code specifying means includes a position detecting means for obtaining latitude and longitude information of a place where the calling terminal is installed, and the latitude and longitude information obtained by the position detecting means. And code calculation means for specifying the area code from

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the Internet telephone connection system according to the present invention. A general telephone 103a with the adapter built-in telephone 101 or the adapter 102 attached externally
b, and is connected to the Internet 112. The public telephone networks 111a and 111b and the Internet 112 are connected to Internet connection servers 121a and 121 of the ISP.
1b. Also, the PC terminal 104
Is a computer directly connected to the Internet via the router 122, and has an application capable of making an Internet call. The general telephone 103b connected to the public telephone network 111c is connected to the telephone network connection server 1
24 connects to the Internet 112. On the Internet 112, a telephone 101 with a built-in adapter,
An application server 123 for connecting the general telephones 103a and 103b and the PC terminal 104 is installed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for making a call in the Internet telephone connection system. A procedure in which the telephone 103 (calling terminal) performs a call with the adapter built-in telephone 101 (calling terminal) will be described with reference to FIGS. The calling party is the telephone 10
3 via the adapter 102 to the public telephone network 111a (S21), and
The telephone number 1 is dialed (S22). Adapter 10
Upon receiving the off-hook and dial signals of the telephone 103, the 2 identifies the ISP and connects to the ISP's Internet connection server 121a (S23). When the connection to the ISP is completed, the adapter 102 transmits the telephone number of the telephone with built-in adapter 101 to the application server 123. The application server 123 returns to the adapter 102 the IP address of the Internet connection server 121b of the ISP to which the telephone with built-in adapter 101 belongs. Adapter 102 uses this IP address to
The call packet is sent to the Internet connection server 121b. The Internet connection server 121b makes a call to the telephone with built-in adapter 101 and the telephone 10 with built-in adapter.
When 1 responds, a response packet is sent to the adapter 102 (S24). In this manner, during the period from the dial operation to the telephone call with the adapter built-in telephone 101, the adapter 102 performs the connection processing, so that the caller can perform the telephone call from the dial operation to the telephone call using the ordinary public telephone network. No further action is required. Phone with built-in adapter 101
The call is started by the off-hook of the called party (S2).
5) A call can be made via the Internet 112.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a telephone with a built-in adapter according to the present invention. The telephone with built-in adapter 101 is connected to the communication network 3 connected to the handset 301.
02 and a communication control unit 303 for controlling connection with the public telephone network 111b. Also, in order to transmit a voice signal on the Internet, a PAD (Packet Assembly Disassembly) 311 for mutually converting a voice signal which is an analog signal and a packetized digital signal, and a digital signal are transmitted to the public telephone network 111b. And a modem 312 for performing the operation. Further, a CPU 321 and a storage unit 322 for controlling the telephone and controlling the connection,
Numeric keypad 304 and other function buttons (not shown) and CPU
I / O controller 323 that interfaces with H.321
And a position detection unit 324 that detects the installation location of the terminal, and are connected by the internal bus 325.

The operation of the embodiment constructed as described above for making an Internet telephone call will be described. When the caller dials the telephone number of the called terminal as the other party, the communication control unit 303 detects off-hook of the telephone 101 with a built-in adapter, and the input / output control unit 323 detects a dial signal and notifies the CPU 321 of each. I do. CPU
Based on the output of the position detection unit 324, the search unit 321 specifies the ISP by searching the storage unit 322, controls the communication control unit 303, and connects to the Internet connection server 121b of the ISP. When the connection to the ISP is completed, the CPU 321
Transmits the telephone number of the called terminal to the application server 123 via the modem 312 and the communication control unit 303. CP that obtained the IP address of the Internet connection server on the called terminal side from application server 123
U321 uses this IP address to transmit a call packet to Internet connection server 121b via modem 312 and communication control unit 303. At the called terminal, a call is started by the called party off-hook, and the voice signal is transmitted to the handset 301, the communication network 302, and the PA.
Via the D311, the modem 312, and the communication control unit 303, analog / digital conversion, packetization, and transmission / reception are performed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the adapter according to the present invention. The adapter 102 is installed between the telephone 103 and the public telephone network 111a when making an Internet telephone call using the general telephone 103a. Compared to the telephone with built-in adapter 101 shown in FIG. Also,
There is a case where the numeric keypad 304 and the input / output control unit 323 are not provided. In other respects, the configuration and functions are the same as those of the telephone 101 with a built-in adapter, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Next, a procedure for making a call with a terminal connected to the Internet in the Internet telephone connection system will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for connecting to the ISP in the adapter according to the present invention.
In FIG. 2, this corresponds to connecting to the ISP (S23). When the caller dials the telephone number of the called terminal as the other party (S22), the input / output control unit 323 detects the dial signal and notifies the CPU 321 (S51).
Here, it is determined whether to use the Internet telephone or the public telephone network to make a call (S52). CP
In order for the U321 to make the determination, for example, there is a method in which the caller presses a specific button for each call, and a method in which a table stored in the storage unit 322 described later is searched from the dial signal to make a determination. May be used. If an Internet telephone is used, the area code in the public telephone network in the area where the calling terminal is located is calculated (S5).
3). The calculation method will be described later. The CPU 321 stores, based on the calculated area code, a storage unit 322 described later.
ISP is specified by searching the table stored in
54). The communication control unit 3 stores the specified ISP telephone number.
03 to the public telephone network 111, and connects to the Internet connection server 121 of the ISP (S55). Thereafter, the process proceeds to a connection process to the called terminal (S24). In addition,
When the Internet connection telephone is not used, the dial signal is directly transmitted from the communication control unit 303 to the public telephone network 111.
(S56), and a normal voice call is made.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating an area code in the adapter according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, this corresponds to calculating the area code of the calling terminal (S53). When the CPU 321 determines that an Internet telephone is used (S52), the CPU 321 determines whether the area code setting method is automatic or manual (S6).
1). In order for the CPU 321 to make the determination, for example, there is a method of detecting the setting of a specific button provided on the adapter built-in telephone 101 or the adapter 102, or the like. If the setting is automatic, the CPU 321 sets the GPS (Glob
al Positioning System)
4 (S62), a table stored in the storage unit 322 described later is searched, and an area code is calculated (S63).

If it is set to manual, the CPU 32
1 searches a table stored in a storage unit 322 described later to determine whether or not an area code has already been set (S64). If an area code has been set, this is used. The area code input from the ten key 304 is read via the input / output control unit 323 (S6).
5), and store the result in a table. CPU32
1 specifies the telephone number of the ISP using these area codes (S54).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in the storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention. FIG.
The area code specifying table 701 shown in (a) shows that when the area code setting method is automatic, the CPU 321
The latitude information 71 from the position detection unit 324 using GPS or the like.
1. A table for obtaining longitude information 712 and calculating an area code 713. When the area code setting method is manual, instead of directly inputting the area code using the numeric keypad 304, for example, the postal code 7 is used.
14, the area code may be specified from the zip code 714. The area code identification table 701 is, for example,
1 or the adapter 102 is the application server 1
For example, there is a method of periodically obtaining the information from T.23. The user of the adapter built-in telephone 101 or the adapter 102 can change the contents of the area code specifying table 701 using the numeric keypad 304.

The area code setting table 702 shown in FIG. 7B shows that the area code setting method is
The CPU 321 is a table that is directly read. FIG.
(C) is also an area code setting table 703. For example, a specific button 731 and an area code 732 of the adapter built-in telephone 101 or the adapter 102 in advance.
The corresponding area code 732 is read by the CPU 321 when the user manually inputs a specific button (A, # 1).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the ISP table stored in the storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention. The ISP table 801 shown in FIG.
Is a table for specifying the ISP's telephone number 812 based on the area code 811 calculated in (1). IS
The P identification table 701 indicates that the user of the adapter built-in telephone 101 or the adapter 102
4 and a method of periodically acquiring the information from the application server 123. Either method may be used. The CPU 321 executes the specified ISP
Is transmitted to the public telephone network 111 via the communication control unit 303 and connected to the Internet connection server 121 of the ISP. At this time, the CPU 321
Using the user ID 813 and the password 814 stored in the P table 801, the user logs in to the Internet connection server 121 of the ISP and
Connect to

The ISP table 802 shown in FIG.
Indicates that each area code 811 has a plurality of ISP telephone numbers. For example, a plurality of ISP telephone numbers are assigned with priorities (812-a, 812-
b) Registered and first-ranked ISP telephone number 812-
If a is busy, the second-ranked ISP telephone number 812-
b can be connected. It is also possible to divide the time zone for calling and connect to a specific ISP telephone number 812-c only at night (23:00 to 4:00), for example. By having such a table, I
Convenience at the time of specifying and connecting an SP is further improved.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for connecting to the called terminal in the adapter according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to connecting to the called terminal (S24). When the connection to the ISP is completed (S23), the CP
The U 321 searches a table stored in the storage unit 322 to be described later, and checks the called terminal or the ISP to which the called terminal belongs.
It is determined whether or not the IP address of the Internet connection server 121 (hereinafter, abbreviated as the called side IP address) is set (S91). If the IP address is set, it is used to send a call packet. The data is sent to the Internet connection server 121 of the ISP to which the call terminal or the called terminal belongs.
That is, the Internet 112 is controlled by the router 122.
When connecting to the PC terminal 104 directly connected to the terminal, a call packet is sent to the IP address of the called terminal,
Telephone 1 with built-in adapter connected to public telephone network 111b
01, the Internet connection server 12
Send outgoing call packet to 1b. If not, the adapter 102 transmits the telephone number of the called terminal to the application server 123 (S92). The application server 123 retrieves the IP address of the Internet connection server 121 of the ISP to which the called terminal belongs from the received telephone number of the called terminal, and returns it to the adapter 102 (S93). The adapter 102 uses this IP address to connect to the Internet connection server 12.
When the outgoing call packet is sent to S1 (S94), Internet connection server 121 transfers the outgoing call packet to the called terminal. In response to the response of the called terminal, the calling terminal acquires the IP address of the called terminal, and thereafter, a call can be made between the calling terminal and the called terminal (S25).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an IP address table stored in the storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention. The IP address table 1001 stores a telephone number 1012 of a called terminal and a called IP address 1013 in association with each other. Called IP address 10
If the user 13 is known, the inquiry to the application server 123 described with reference to FIG. 9 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, CPU
321 is a newly acquired called IP address 1013
Is stored together with the telephone number 1012 of the called terminal so that the next time a call is made to the telephone number 1012 of the same called terminal, the application server 12
Inquiry to 3 becomes unnecessary. Further, in the case of the telephone with built-in adapter 101, convenience is further improved by directly associating the abbreviated number 1011 with the IP address 1013 of the called terminal.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the application server according to the present invention. The application server 123 is connected to the Internet 112 via a firewall 1101 for ensuring security and a router 1102. The application server 123 is a CPU that controls the entire server.
A storage unit 1112 storing a table and the like in which a telephone number of a terminal and an IP address are associated with each other;
A digital interface unit 1113 for controlling connection with the Internet 112;
Connected by

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in the storage unit of the application server according to the present invention. Address table 1201 shown in FIG.
Is the telephone number 1211 of the user terminal and the IP address 1212 of the connection server 121 of the ISP to which the user belongs.
And the IP address 1213 of the terminal when the user's terminal is directly connected to the Internet. The address table 1201 includes, for example, a method of arbitrarily registering by a user using the Internet telephone connection system and a method of managing by a system provider, and any method may be used. The user table 1202 shown in FIG. 12B shows the telephone number 1211 of the user terminal when the Internet connection telephone service is provided only to the contracted user.
And a user ID 1221 and a password 1222 for identifying the user.

The operation of the application server will be described with reference to FIGS. When an IP address is requested from the calling terminal, the CPU 1111 in the application server 123
2 is searched for a user table 1202 to check whether the calling terminal is a contracted user. If the user is a contracted user, the CPU 1111 searches the address table 1201 stored in the storage unit 1112 again, and searches the telephone number of the called terminal for the IP address of the connection server 121 of the ISP to which the called terminal belongs. The searched IP address is stored in the digital interface unit 1113.
Is returned to the calling terminal via.

When connecting to the PC terminal 104 directly connected to the Internet 112 by the router 122, there is no need to make an inquiry from the calling terminal to the application server 123. However, if the user assigns an arbitrary telephone number to the PC terminal 104 and registers it in the address table 1201 stored in the storage unit of the application server, the PC terminal 104 is regarded as a general telephone and connected to the Internet telephone. Service is available. Further, as for the PC terminal 104, an address table 1 is set by associating a domain name with an IP address.
It is also possible to make an inquiry from the calling terminal to the application server 123 using the domain name.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the Internet connection server according to the present invention. The Internet connection server 121 is connected to the Internet 112 via a firewall 1301 and a router 1302 for ensuring security. The Internet connection server 121 is a CP that controls the entire server.
U1321 and a storage unit 1322 storing a table and the like in which the telephone number of the terminal and the IP address are associated with each other.
And a digital interface unit 1323 for controlling connection with the Internet 112.
24. In addition, a communication control unit 1311 for controlling call connection with the public telephone network 111 and a modem 1312 for transmitting digital signals through the public telephone network 111 are provided.

With this configuration, when a call packet from a call terminal is received, the Internet connection server 1
21, the CPU 1321 operates as a storage unit 13 described later.
22 is searched to determine whether the calling terminal is a contracted user. If the user is a contracted user, the CPU 1321 calls the telephone number of the called terminal via the communication control unit 1311. When the called terminal responds, an IP address is assigned to the called terminal, and the response packet including the IP address information of the called terminal is transmitted to the calling terminal.

The contents of the table stored in the storage unit 1322 are, for example, the user table 1 shown in FIG.
It may be the same as 202. Therefore, the connection server 121 periodically inquires of the application server 123,
The user table 1202 can be obtained.

Next, the procedure for making a call with the general telephone 103b of the public telephone network 111c in the Internet telephone connection system will be described in detail.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a telephone network connection server according to the present invention. Telephone network connection server 1
24 is connected to the Internet 112 via a firewall 1401 and a router 1402 for ensuring security. The telephone network connection server 124
A CPU 1421 for controlling the entire server, a storage unit 1422 storing a table or the like in which telephone numbers and IP addresses of terminals are associated with each other, and a digital interface unit 1423 for controlling connection with the Internet 112, Each is connected by a bus 1424. Also, a communication control unit 1411 for controlling call connection with the public telephone network 111c, a modem 1312 for transmitting a digital signal through the public telephone network 111c, an audio signal as an analog signal and a packetized audio digital signal. And a PAD 1413 for mutually converting.

With such a configuration, when a call packet from a call terminal is received, the connection server 124
The CPU 1421 searches a table stored in the storage unit 1422 described later, and checks whether the calling terminal is a contracted user. If you are a contracted user, CPU
1421 is a communication control unit 1 for the telephone number of the called terminal.
Call via 411. When the called terminal answers, an IP address is assigned to the called terminal, a response packet including the IP address information of the called terminal is transmitted to the calling terminal, and a call state is established. In a call state, the packetized voice digital signal from the calling terminal is converted to an analog voice signal by the PAD 1413 and sent to the general telephone 103b, and conversely, the analog signal from the general telephone 103b. A certain voice signal is converted to a voice digital signal packetized by the PAD 1413 and sent to the calling terminal.

The contents of the table stored in the storage unit 1422 are, for example, the user table 1 shown in FIG.
It may be the same as 202. Therefore, the connection server 124 periodically inquires of the application server 123,
The user table 1202 can be obtained.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for making a call between a general telephone with an external adapter and a general telephone connected to the public telephone network. In order to facilitate understanding of the connection procedure according to the above-described embodiment, a sequence is shown. In this way, the calling terminal automatically specifies the installation location, selects the ISP, and connects to the called terminal, so that the caller can use the ordinary public telephone network from dialing to talking. Internet calls can be made in the same manner as telephone calls using.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Number receiving means for receiving the telephone number of the called terminal, server specifying means for specifying the connection server according to the location of the calling terminal, and connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified by the server specifying means Internet connection means, an address acquisition means for acquiring an IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal from the application server, and a caller connected to the connection server according to the IP address acquired by the address acquisition means. Server connection means for connecting the call terminal to the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal from the connection server via the Internet, so that the calling terminal automatically specifies the installation location and establishes the ISP. By selecting and connecting to the called terminal, an Internet telephone connection can be made only by dialing operation of the caller.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an Internet connection telephone system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for making a call in the Internet telephone connection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a telephone with a built-in adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for connecting to the ISP in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating an area code in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in a storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an ISP table stored in a storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for connecting to a called terminal in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an IP address table stored in a storage unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an application server according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in a storage unit of the application server according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an Internet connection server according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a telephone network connection server according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for making a call between a general telephone with an external adapter and a general telephone connected to a public telephone network.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Telephone with built-in adapter 102 Adapter 103a, 103b General telephone 104 PC terminal 111a, 111b, 111c Public telephone network 112 Internet 121a, 121b Internet connection server 122, 1102, 1302, 1402 Router 123 Application server 124 Telephone network connection server 301 Handset 302 Call Road network 303, 1311, 1411 Communication controller 304 Numeric keypad 311, 1413 PAD 312, 1312, 1412 Modem 321, 1111, 1321, 1421 CPU 322, 1112, 1322, 1422 Storage unit 323 Input / output control unit 324 Position detection unit 325, 1114, 1324, 1424 Internal bus 701 Area code specifying table 702, 703 Area code setting table Le 711 latitude information 712 longitude information 713,732,811 area code 714 Zip 731 specific button 801 and 802 ISP table 812,812-a, 812-b, 812-c IS
P's telephone number 813,1221 User ID 814,1222 Password 1001 IP address table 1011 Abbreviated number 1012 Phone number of called terminal 1013 IP address 1101,1301,1401 Firewall 1113,1323,1423 Digital interface unit 1201 Address table 1202 User table 1211 Telephone number of user terminal 1212 IP address of ISP 1213 IP address of user

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04M 11/00 303 H04L 11/20 102A 5K101 F term (reference) 5K024 AA02 CC11 GG03 5K027 AA10 HH00 5K030 GA20 HA08 HC02 HD05 JT01 JT09 KA01 KA05 LB02 5K034 EE11 EE12 FF13 HH01 HH02 LL01 5K051 BB01 BB02 CC01 CC02 GG02 HH27 JJ04 JJ13 5K101 LL01 LL02 MM05 RR05 RR11

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An Internet telephone connection method for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network, wherein a place where a calling terminal for making a call among the plurality of terminals is installed. A server specifying step of specifying a connection server that connects the public telephone network and the Internet, and the connection server specified in the server specifying step,
An Internet connection step of connecting the calling terminal; and connecting the calling terminal connected to the connection server to a called terminal that receives a call among the plurality of terminals from the connection server via the Internet. And a terminal connecting step. 2. An Internet telephone connection method for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network, comprising: receiving a telephone number of a called terminal that receives a call among the plurality of terminals. A number receiving step to perform a call; a server specifying step of specifying a connection server that connects the public telephone network and the Internet in accordance with a location of a calling terminal that makes a call among the plurality of terminals; In the connection server identified in the identification step,
An Internet connection step of connecting the calling terminal; and an application server storing telephone numbers of the plurality of terminals and an IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone numbers, the application server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal. An address obtaining step of obtaining the IP address of the connection server; and, in accordance with the IP address obtained in the address obtaining step, the calling terminal connected to the connection server,
Connecting the connection server to the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal via the Internet. 3. The server specifying step includes: a code specifying step of specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed; and a server according to the area code specified in the code specifying step. 3. The Internet telephone connection method according to claim 1, further comprising a number specifying step of specifying a telephone number of the connection server. 4. The Internet telephone connection method according to claim 3, wherein the code specifying step specifies the area code based on specifying information specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed. . 5. The Internet telephone connection method according to claim 4, wherein the specific information is latitude / longitude information of a place where the calling terminal is installed. 6. An Internet telephone connection system for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network, a connection server connecting the public telephone network to the Internet, and the plurality of terminals. An application server storing a telephone number of the connection server and an IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone number; An internet telephone connection system, comprising: upon receiving a telephone number of a terminal, the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal, and an adapter for connecting the calling terminal according to the IP address. . 7. The adapter comprises: a number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of the called terminal; a server specifying means for specifying the connection server in accordance with a place where the calling terminal is installed; Internet connection means for connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified by means, address acquisition means for acquiring the IP address of the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal from the application server, In accordance with the IP address acquired by the address acquiring means, the calling server connected to the connection server is connected to the connection server corresponding to the telephone number of the called terminal from the connection server via the Internet. 7. The Internet telephone connection system according to claim 6, further comprising server connection means for connecting to the Internet. 8. The server specifying means includes: code specifying means for specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed; and a server in accordance with the area code specified by the code specifying means. 8. The Internet telephone connection system according to claim 7, further comprising a number specifying unit for specifying a telephone number of the connection server. 9. The code specifying means includes: a position input means for inputting specific information for specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed; and the area code from the specific information obtained by the position input means. 9. The Internet telephone connection system according to claim 8, further comprising code conversion means. 10. The code identifying unit identifies a location code from the latitude and longitude information of the place where the calling terminal is installed, and the area code from the latitude and longitude information acquired by the location detecting unit. 9. The Internet telephone connection system according to claim 8, further comprising code calculation means. 11. The Internet telephone connection system according to claim 6, wherein said application server stores IP addresses of said plurality of terminals and arbitrary telephone numbers in association with each other. 12. The connection server receives a call packet from the calling terminal, calls a calling unit that calls the called terminal, and receives a response from the called terminal, and 7. An Internet telephone connection system according to claim 6, further comprising: a response unit for transmitting a response packet to the Internet telephone. 13. A telephone set for making a call between a plurality of terminals connected to the Internet via a public telephone network, according to a place where a calling terminal for calling out of the plurality of terminals is installed. Server specifying means for specifying a connection server that connects the public telephone network and the Internet; Internet connection means for connecting the calling terminal to the connection server specified by the server specifying means; A telephone set comprising: a terminal connection means for connecting the connected calling terminal to a called terminal of the plurality of terminals which receives a call from the connection server via the Internet. 14. The server specifying means includes: code specifying means for specifying an area code of the public telephone network at a place where the calling terminal is installed; and a server in accordance with the area code specified by the code specifying means. 14. The telephone according to claim 13, further comprising a number identification unit for identifying a telephone number of the connection server. 15. The code specifying means includes: a position input means for inputting specific information for specifying a place where the calling terminal is installed; and the area code from the specific information obtained by the position input means. 15. The telephone according to claim 14, further comprising code conversion means. 16. The code specifying unit includes: a position detecting unit that obtains latitude / longitude information of a place where the calling terminal is installed; and the area code from the latitude / longitude information obtained by the position detecting unit. The telephone according to claim 14, further comprising a code calculation unit.