JP2002199027A - Internet telephone system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily access the opposite side terminal in using an Internet telephone. SOLUTION: A calling side terminal 11 and the opposite side terminal 12 transmit IP addresses given temporarily from provider computers 13 and 14 together with their user IDs to a Internet telephone station 20 at the time of connecting the terminals 11 and 12 themselves to the Internet. The telephone station 20 makes the respective IP addresses correspond to the user IDs respectively to record the IP addresses in a telephone directory database 232. The terminal 11 transmits the user ID of the opposite speech party to the telephone station 20. The telephone station 20 extracts the IP address of the terminal 12 from the database 232 and connects the station 20 itself to the terminal 12 to inquire whether or not to be communicable. When the terminal 12 is communicable, the telephone station 20 transmits the IP address of the terminal 12 to the terminal 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention facilitates the use of an Internet telephone system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A personal computer (P)
A conventional system for making an Internet telephone call between C) will be described with reference to FIG. PC301,
The PC 321 is connected to the Internet via dedicated lines 302 and 322, and the mediation server 311
A management database 312 for managing the IP addresses 01 and 321 is provided. Browser software for connecting to the Internet (for example, Microsoft Intene
Internet Explorer software, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer Ne
t Meeting etc.), a system program (OS), and the like, and are provided with a microphone and a speaker.

For example, when the PC 301 attempts to connect to the PC 321, the PC 301 once connects to the mediation server 311 and the PC 321 transmits the name A managed on the network to the mediation server 311 (FIG. 23).
It is asked whether the IP address of the PC 321 is registered in the management database 312 or not.

[0006] The mediation server 311 manages the management database 3
21 is registered, the IP of the PC 321 is determined.
The address is notified to PC 301 (of FIG. 23), and PC 3
01 uses the IP address to connect to the PC 321 to make a call (FIG. 23).

[0005]

However, when the communication partner is a PC 331 that is connected to the Internet via a telephone line instead of a dedicated line, the IP address given by the provider changes every time the connection is made. , Cannot be managed by the management database 312 as described above.

The present invention solves such a problem,
It is an object of the present invention to realize a system that allows a caller to use an Internet telephone without being aware of the situation, even when the IP address of a call partner changes at any time.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] (1)
In the Internet telephone system of the present invention, when the other party device connects to the Internet or logs in to the communication management device, the other party device sends destination information of the other party device to the communication management device, and the communication management device Is
A system for recording destination information of the partner device in a destination information table in association with the identification information of the partner device, wherein the calling device transmits the identification information of the partner device to the communication management device. The communication management device extracts the destination information of the destination device from the destination information table based on the identification information of the destination device obtained from the calling device, and extracts the destination information of the destination device. The information is transmitted to the calling device.

Therefore, even when the destination information of the partner device changes as needed, the caller can easily access the partner device without being aware of the change.

(3) The calling device of the present invention transmits identification information of a partner device to the communication management device, acquires destination information of the partner device from the communication management device, and stores the destination information. And is used to connect to the partner device.

Therefore, since the calling device is connected to the other device, the caller does not need to input the destination information of the other device to the calling device.

(5) In the Internet telephone system of the present invention, the communication management device performs a communication determination process for determining whether or not communication with the partner device is possible, and based on the determination result, the communication device. Is transmitted to the calling device.

(6) An Internet telephone system according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication management device performs the communication determination process based on an operation state of the partner device.

(7) In the Internet telephone system of the present invention, the communication management device connects to the destination device using destination information of the destination device extracted from the destination information table, and connects to the destination device. The communication management device performs a call request process for inquiring whether or not to make a call with the communication device, and performs the communication determination process based on a response from the partner device.

Accordingly, when the other party's device is communicating, or when the other party has no intention of talking, the communication management device does not provide the destination information of the other party's device to the calling device. can do.

(9) In the Internet telephone system according to the present invention, when the calling apparatus connects to the Internet or logs in to the communication management apparatus,
The destination information of the calling device is transmitted to the communication management device, and the communication management device records the destination information of the calling device in the destination information table in association with the identification information of the calling device. It is characterized by:

Therefore, the destination information of the calling device can also be recorded in the destination information table.

(10) In the Internet telephone system according to the present invention, the calling apparatus transmits an answering machine message to the communication management apparatus, the communication management apparatus stores the answering machine message, and the communication management apparatus And transmitting the answering machine message to the other party device when logging in from the other party device or when destination information of the other party device is transmitted from the other party device.

Therefore, when communication with the other party's device is impossible, the communication management device can have the answering machine message transmitted to the other party's device.

(11) In the Internet telephone system according to the present invention, the communication management device may further include an encryption key for encrypting communication data between the calling device and the partner device, and an encrypted communication data. The decryption key is transmitted to the calling device and the other device.

Therefore, eavesdropping of information by a third party can be prevented, and security can be enhanced.

(12) The Internet telephone system of the present invention further comprises a calling telephone terminal capable of communicating with the calling device, and the calling telephone terminal transmits the identification information of the other device to the calling telephone device. It transmits to the calling device, and the calling device transmits the identification information of the other device to the communication management device.

Therefore, by transmitting the identification information of the partner device to the calling device from a general telephone, it is possible to access the partner device.

(13) The Internet telephone system according to the present invention further comprises a destination telephone terminal capable of communicating with the destination device, wherein the destination telephone terminal or the destination telephone terminal and the destination telephone terminal are connected to each other. Wherein communication data is exchanged via the partner device.

Therefore, if a gateway computer that converts the protocol of voice data is used as the other party's device, it is possible to make a call between a general telephone or between a computer and a general telephone.

(14) In the Internet telephone system of the present invention, the calling device encrypts communication data obtained from the calling telephone terminal, transmits the communication data to the other device, The partner device transmits the encrypted communication data to the partner telephone terminal.

Therefore, when communication data is exchanged between general telephones, security can be enhanced by encrypting the communication data using the calling device and the other device.

(15) In the Internet telephone system according to the present invention, the communication management device includes a user information table recording user information, and the communication management device stores the user information acquired from the calling device. The identification information of the partner device is extracted from the user information table based on the user information table, and the identification information is provided to the calling device.

Therefore, the caller can obtain the identification information of the other party's device by setting the user information (name, etc.) of the other party.

(20) In the Internet telephone method according to the present invention, in the calling device, the identification information of the partner terminal device is transmitted to the communication management device, and the communication management device transmits the identification information to the communication management device. Based on the obtained identification information of the other party terminal device, the destination information of the other party management device is extracted, and the communication management device connects to the other party management device using the destination information of the other party management device. Then, the identification information of the counterpart terminal device obtained from the calling device is transmitted to the counterpart management device, and the counterpart management device transmits the identification information of the counterpart terminal device based on the identification information of the counterpart terminal device. The destination information of the partner terminal device is extracted, and the destination information of the partner terminal device is transmitted to the communication management device. Which is characterized in that is sent to the calling device.

Therefore, it is possible to access the other party terminal device having no global address using the communication management device and the other party management device.

In the present invention, "communication management device"
Is to extract the destination information of the partner device. In the following embodiment, the management server 21, the authentication server 22, and the database server 23 installed in the Internet telephone station 20 correspond to the extracted information. In the system of FIG. 21, the Internet home appliance server 621 corresponds to the system.

The "calling side device" is intended to be connected to the partner side device, and corresponds to the calling side terminal 11 and the portable telephone 31 in the following embodiments. In addition, it is not limited to personal computers and mobile phones,
This is a concept that also includes devices equipped with an Internet connection function such as Internet home appliances. Also, in the system shown in FIG.
2 corresponds. In the system of FIG. 21, the computer 601 on the manufacturer side or the refrigerator 612 corresponds.

The "other party device" is the other party of the calling device, and corresponds to the other party terminal 12 in the following embodiment. The concept is not limited to a personal computer, but includes a device having an Internet connection function such as a mobile phone or an Internet home appliance. In the system shown in FIG. 20, the gateway computer 512 corresponds to the system. In the system shown in FIG. 21, the television 611 or the manufacturer computer 601 corresponds to the system.

The "destination information table" is a table in which the destination information is recorded in association with the identification information of the partner apparatus, and corresponds to the telephone directory database 232 in the following embodiment. In the system of FIG.
The IP address table 622 corresponds to this.

The "communication determination process" is a process for determining whether or not the communication partner device can communicate. In the following embodiment, ST51, ST52, ST53, S53 in FIG.
T59 corresponds to this.

The "call request process" is a process for inquiring whether or not a call is to be made to the partner device. In the following embodiment, ST54 in FIG.

The "user information table" records user information, and corresponds to the customer master table 231 in the following embodiment.

"Identification information" corresponds to a user ID in the following embodiment. In addition, it may be a user name, a telephone number, or the like. “Destination information” corresponds to an IP address in the following embodiments. “User information” corresponds to a user's name, telephone number, and the like in the following embodiments.

The "counterpart management device" is always connected to the Internet, and corresponds to the management computer 101 in the following embodiment.

The "partner terminal device" can communicate with the partner management device. In the following embodiment,
The terminal computers 102 to 104 correspond.

The "calling telephone terminal" is a telephone terminal that can communicate with the calling device, and in the following embodiment,
The calling telephone 501 corresponds to this.

The "other party telephone terminal" is a telephone terminal capable of communicating with the other party's device. In the following embodiment,
The other party's telephone 511 corresponds.

"When logging in to the communication management apparatus" refers to ST36 to ST3 in FIG.
8 corresponds to this.

The "recording medium on which the program is recorded"
The concept includes a flexible disk, CD-ROM, hard disk, memory card, ROM, punch card, tape, and the like. In addition, not only a recording medium on which a program that can be directly executed by a computer is recorded, but also a recording medium on which a program that can be executed once once installed on another recording medium (such as a hard disk), or an encrypted or recorded medium is recorded. This is a concept including a recording medium on which a compressed program is recorded.

[0045]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1. Overview of Overall Configuration and Processing FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an Internet telephone system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The Internet telephone station 20 is composed of a management server 21, an authentication server 22, a database server 23, a firewall computer 24, a gateway computer 25, and the like.
l Area Network) or via a dedicated line. The firewall computer 24 is connected to the Internet, and the database server 23 includes a customer master table 231 in which user information (name, telephone number, etc.) is registered, and a telephone directory database 232. Further, the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12 are:
They are connected to provider computers 13 and 14 via telephone lines. The outline of the processing of this system will be described below.

First, the calling terminal 11 and the called terminal 12
Transmits the IP address temporarily given from the provider computers 13 and 14 to the Internet telephone station 20 together with the user ID when connecting to the Internet. In response, the Internet Telephone Office 20
Records each IP address in the telephone directory database 232 in association with the user ID.

Next, the calling terminal 11 transmits its own user I
D and the password are transmitted to the Internet telephone office 20. In response, the Internet telephone station 20 authenticates the user based on the customer master table 231.

Next, the calling terminal 11 sends the user ID of the other party to the Internet telephone station 20. In response to this, the Internet telephone station 20 extracts the IP address of the partner terminal 12 from the telephone directory database 232, and asks whether or not it is possible to connect to the partner terminal 12 and make a call.
If the telephone call is possible, the Internet telephone station 20 transmits the IP address of the called terminal 12 to the calling terminal 11, and the calling terminal 11 connects to the called terminal 12 using the IP address, and Exchange data.

The mobile phone 31 can also use this system by connecting to the Internet telephone station 20 via the access point 32.

2. Hardware Configuration of Each Computer of Internet Telephone Station 20 The hardware configuration of each computer of the Internet telephone station 20 will be described below.

2.1 Management Server 21 FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration example of the management server 21 shown in FIG. To the CPU 21a, via a bus line,
A display 21b, a mouse / keyboard 21c, a hard disk 21d, a memory 21e, a CD-ROM drive 21f, an interface 21g, and the like are connected. The interface 21g enables communication with the authentication server 22, the database server 23, the firewall computer 24, and the like via the LAN.

2.2 Authentication Server 22 FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration example of the authentication server 22 shown in FIG. To the CPU 22a, via a bus line,
A hard disk 22b, a memory 22c, a CD-ROM drive 22d, a communication interface 22e, and the like are connected.

The hard disk 22b stores a member registration program, a user authentication program, an IP address search program, a system program (OS), and the like. The member registration program records user information (name, user ID, password, etc.) in the customer master table 231 of the database server 23. The user authentication program authenticates the user and stores the IP address of each terminal in the telephone directory database 232 of the database server 23.
It records addresses and the like. The IP address search program searches the telephone directory database 232 of the database server 23 for the IP address of the terminal 12 on the other end.

The communication interface 22e enables communication with the database server 23 and the like via the LAN. Also, communication with the calling terminal 11 and the like via the Internet is enabled. In this embodiment, the member registration program and the like execute the above functions in cooperation with the system program.

2.3 Database Server 23 FIG. 4 shows a hardware configuration example of the database server 23 shown in FIG. The CPU 23a has a hard disk 23b, a memory 23c, a CD-
A ROM drive 23d, an interface 23e, and the like are connected.

The hard disk 23b stores a customer master table 231, a telephone directory database 232, an answering machine message file, a database management system (DBMS), and the like. This customer master table 231 records user information (name, user ID, password, etc.). In the telephone directory database 232, the IP address of each terminal connected to the Internet is recorded in association with the user ID. In the answering machine message file, a voice file in which the answering machine message is recorded is recorded. The interface 23e enables communication with the authentication server 22 and the like via the LAN.

2.4 Firewall Computer 24 FIG. 5 shows the firewall computer 24 shown in FIG.
2 shows an example of the hardware configuration. The CPU 24a has a display 24b, a mouse / keyboard 24c, a hard disk 24d, a memory 24e,
CD-ROM drive 24f, communication interface 2
4g is connected.

The hard disk 24d stores filtering software, a system program (OS), and the like. This filtering software monitors external communication requests and prevents crackers and the like from entering the internal network (Internet telephone office 20). The communication interface 24g enables communication with the calling terminal 11 or the like via the Internet.

3. Hardware Configuration of Calling Terminal 11 and Counterpart Terminal 12 FIG. 6 shows a hardware configuration example of the calling terminal 11 and counterpart terminal 12 shown in FIG. A microphone / speaker (earphone) 11 is connected to the CPU 11a via a bus line.
b, display 11c, mouse / keyboard 11d,
A hard disk 11e, a memory 11f, a CD-ROM drive 11g, a communication interface 11h, and the like are connected.

In the hard disk 11e, dedicated software for using the Internet telephone station 20, WW
A browser program (for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer) for connecting to a W server, a system program (for example, Microsoft Window)
s, etc.) are stored.

The dedicated software is downloaded from the Internet telephone station 20, and transmits its own IP address to the Internet telephone station 20 when connecting to the Internet. When an inquiry is made from the Internet telephone station 20 as to whether or not a call is possible, the fact is displayed on the display 11c. In addition,
The browser program is a calling program (for example, Net Meeti included with Microsoft Internet Explorer)
ng etc.).

The communication interface 11h enables communication with the Internet telephone station 20 via the Internet. In this embodiment, the dedicated software and the like execute the above functions in cooperation with the system program.

4. Hardware Configuration of Mobile Phone 31 FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration example of the mobile phone shown in FIG. The CPU 31a has a microphone / speaker 31b, a display 31c, a key 31d,
The memory 31e, the communication circuit 31f, and the like are connected.

The above-mentioned dedicated software, browser program, system program, and the like are stored in the memory 31e.

5. Flowchart The following describes the processing of this system as processing when registering a membership in the Internet telephone station 20 (5.1), processing when connecting to the partner terminal 12 (5.2), and disconnecting communication. (5.3), a process for registering an answering machine message (5.4), and a process (5.5) for obtaining a user ID of a call partner.

5.1 Member Registration Process FIG. 8 shows the calling terminal 1 when the user registers as a member.
1. The processing of the Internet telephone office 20 will be described.

A user who intends to use this system first receives a call from the calling terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 2.
0 (ST11), and browses the homepage shown in FIG. 9 (ST12). Then, a member registration form is requested by clicking a "member registration" button on the homepage (ST13).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2. The member registration form shown in FIG.
(ST14). The user inputs user information such as a name, a telephone number, an account number, and a password in the member registration form (ST15), and transmits this from the calling terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST16).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2 generates a user ID (user identification code) and a password based on the desired ID and the password entered in the member registration form (ST17), and stores the user information in the customer master shown in FIG. It is registered in the table 231 (ST18). Further, the user ID is stored in the telephone directory database 23 shown in FIG.
2 (ST18). Then, the generated user I
D, transmits the password and the dedicated software to the calling terminal 11 (ST19).

The user who has completed the membership registration in this way can make the Internet telephone station 2 in accordance with the following processing.
0 can be used. The “connect to call partner”, “browse phonebook (individual)”, “browse phonebook (trade)”, and “change user information” buttons on the homepage of Internet telephone station 20 shown in FIG. 9 will be described later. I do.

5.2 Connection Processing FIGS. 13A to 13D show processing of the calling terminal 11, the partner terminal 12, the Internet telephone station 20 and the like when connecting the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12.

First, the caller activates the browser program of the calling terminal 11, and makes a dial-up IP connection (ST21). The provider computer 13 transmits the IP address temporarily allocated to the calling terminal 11 to the calling terminal 11 (ST22).

When the dedicated software of the calling terminal 11 obtains the IP address, the dedicated software of the Internet telephone station 2
0 and transmits the IP address of the calling terminal 11 together with the user ID and the password (ST23). The authentication server 22 of the Internet telephone office 20 stores the user I
D, when the user is authenticated by the password and the customer master table 231 of the database server 23 (ST24,
25) The IP address of the calling terminal 11 is registered in the telephone directory database 232 (ST26). If the caller is not a member, an error is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST27, ST28).

On the other hand, the other party's terminal 12 also performs the above-described processing when connected to the Internet, so that the other party's terminal 12
Is registered.

Next, the caller connects to the homepage shown in FIG. 9 (ST31, 32), and clicks the "connect to caller" button (ST33). In response, the Internet telephone office 20 displays a user authentication screen (not shown).
Is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST34). The caller
The user's user ID and password are entered on the user authentication screen (ST35), and transmitted from the calling terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 20 (log-in processing) (ST3).
6).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2 receives the caller's user ID and password,
User authentication is performed based on the customer master table 231 of the database server 23 (ST37). When the user authentication is completed, a dialing screen shown in FIG. 14 is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST38, 39). If the user is not a member, an error is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST40, 41).

The caller inputs the user ID of the other party on the dialing screen (ST42), and transmits the caller terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST43).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2 receives the dialing screen, determines whether or not the IP address of the other party terminal 12 is recorded in the telephone directory database 232 of the database server 23 based on the user ID of the other party (when the other party terminal 12 (ST51). If it is determined that the IP address is recorded, it is checked from the "call status identification" column of the telephone directory database 232 whether the other terminal 12 is currently talking (ST52). If it is determined that the user is not talking, the telephone directory database 232
Using the IP address recorded in the remote terminal 1
2 and asks whether it is possible to talk (ST54). Note that if the other party terminal 12 has a call waiting function even during a call, it is connected to the other party terminal 12 to ask whether or not a call is possible (ST52, 53).

When the dedicated software of the other party terminal 12 is asked by the Internet telephone office 20 whether or not it is possible to make a call, a window shown in FIG. (ST5
5).

The call partner looks at this window and determines whether or not to talk with the caller (ST56). If a call is to be made, the "call" button in the window shown in FIG. 15 is clicked (ST57). In response, Internet telephone station 20 transmits the IP address of partner terminal 12 and an encryption key for encrypting communication data to calling terminal 11 (ST59, 61). The encryption key is also transmitted to the partner terminal 12 (ST62), and each encryption key is recorded in the telephone directory database shown in FIG. 12 and a call status identification flag is set (ST6).
3).

When the dedicated software of the calling terminal 11 acquires the IP address of the partner terminal 12, it connects to the partner terminal 12 (ST71, ST72). The dedicated software of the calling terminal 11 and the called terminal 12 encrypts various data such as voice data obtained from a microphone or the like together with the communication software, and transmits the encrypted various data to the calling terminal. Exchange is performed between the terminal 11 and the counterpart terminal 12.

As described above, the dedicated software of the calling terminal 11 is transmitted from the Internet telephone station 20 to the called terminal 1.
Since the caller 2 obtains the IP address 2 and connects to the other party terminal 12, the caller does not need to be aware of the IP address of the other party terminal 12, and can easily access the other party.

In ST51, Internet telephone station 20 does not register the IP address of terminal 12 in telephone directory database 232 (terminal 1).
2 is not connected to the Internet)
A message that the call is not possible is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST51,
60). The same applies when it is determined in ST52 that the other party's terminal 12 is busy and does not have a call waiting function (ST52, 60). The same applies when the call is not permitted by the other party (ST58, 59, 60).

The answering machine function of ST73 to ST76 will be described later.

5.3 Disconnecting Process FIG. 16 shows the process of the calling terminal 11, the partner terminal 12, and the Internet telephone station 20 when disconnecting the connection between the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12.

The calling party notifies the calling terminal 11 to the other terminal 12 of the end of the call (ST81). The dedicated software of the calling terminal 11 and the called terminal 12 reports the end of the call to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST82). In response, authentication server 22 of Internet telephone station 20 resets the call status identification flag in telephone directory database 232 of database server 23 (ST84).

When the calling terminal 11 receives a command to disconnect the Internet connection from the calling party (ST85),
The user ID is transmitted to the Internet telephone station 20, and an instruction to delete the IP address recorded in the telephone directory database 232 is issued (ST86).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2 authenticates the user with the customer master table 231 (ST87, 88), and then deletes the IP address of the calling terminal 11 recorded in the telephone directory database 232 (ST89). The processing of ST85 to ST89 is also performed between the partner terminal 12 and the Internet telephone station 20.

5.4 Answering Machine Function The answering machine function of the Internet telephone station 20 will be described below with reference to FIG. 13D.

When the dedicated software of the calling side terminal 11 receives from the Internet telephone station 20 that the call cannot be made (ST60 in FIG. 13C), it asks the caller whether or not to register the answering machine message. A window is displayed (not shown) (ST71, ST73).

The caller issues a command to register an answering machine message, and records the answering machine message in a voice file at the calling terminal 11. Then, the calling terminal 11 transmits the voice file to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST74).

Authentication server 2 of Internet telephone office 20
2 records the voice file in the answering machine message file of the database server 23 (ST7).
5) The answering machine message flag of the other party in the telephone directory database 232 is set (ST76).

Then, when the other party terminal 12 connects to the Internet, the Internet telephone station 20 detects that the answering machine message flag of the telephone directory database 232 is set, and outputs the voice file recorded in the answering machine message file. Is transmitted to the partner terminal 12.

5.5 Browsing of Telephone Directory FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate processing of the calling terminal 11 and the Internet telephone station 20 when acquiring the user ID of the call partner from the Internet telephone station 20. FIG.

First, the calling party sends a call from the calling terminal 11 to the terminal shown in FIG.
(ST101, 10)
2) Click on the "Browse phonebook (individual)" button (ST103). In response, the authentication server 22 of the Internet telephone station 20 displays a user authentication screen (not shown).
Is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST104).

The caller inputs his / her user ID and password on the user authentication screen (ST105), and transmits these from the calling terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST106). Authentication server 22 of Internet telephone station 20 authenticates the caller based on customer master table 231 of database server 23 (ST107, 1).
08), and transmits a search key input screen (not shown) to calling terminal 11 (ST109).

The caller inputs the name of the other party on the input screen (ST111, 112), and transmits this from the calling terminal 11 to the Internet telephone station 20 (ST1).
13). Authentication server 22 of Internet telephone office 20
Checks whether the telephone directory disclosure flag in the telephone directory database 232 of the database server 23 is set using the name of the other party as a key (ST114). If set, get the user ID of the call partner,
This is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST105). If the phonebook public flag is not set,
This is transmitted to the calling terminal 11 (ST106).

Further, a list of user IDs of a predetermined trader can also be obtained from the Internet telephone office 20. In this case, if the user clicks the “view phonebook (trade)” button on the homepage shown in FIG. 9 and inputs a business name (eg, patent office, general hospital, etc.) as a search key, the Internet telephone office 20 User I of the trader
It is like providing a list of D. In addition, if the advertisement of each group is posted on this list, the advertisement function of each trader can be sufficiently exhibited, and the use of this system can be promoted.

In the above description, the provision of the user ID has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the provision of the call status of the other party may be provided. Further, the information such as a telephone number and an address registered in the customer master table 231 may be provided.

In the above example, the search key is the user's name (or business name). However, the search key is not limited to this, and may be a telephone number or the like. In addition, without setting a search key, a user
It may be such that a list such as D is provided.

Further, the Internet telephone station 20 may be provided with an automatic voice response device for performing voice synthesis and voice recognition. This automatic voice response apparatus converts a search key (user name) obtained as voice data from a mobile phone or the like into character data, and extracts a user ID extracted using the key as a key.
It is provided by voice to a mobile phone or the like.

On the dialing screen shown in FIG. 14, by clicking a "yellow page search" button, the user ID of the call partner can be obtained. In the dialing screen shown in FIG.
By clicking the “Refer to Phonebook” button, a list of the IDs of the registered users can be obtained.

6. Other Embodiment 1 The following is a brief description of the processing of the system in another embodiment.

6.1 Between Cellular Phone and PC The processing of the system in another embodiment when exchanging voice data between the cellular phone 201 and the PC 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

The mobile phone 201 is connected to the access point 32
The voice data is transmitted to the Internet telephone station 20 via the Internet. The gateway computer 25 of the Internet central office 20 changes the communication protocol of the voice data to TCP / IP.
And encrypted, and transmitted to the PC 202 via the Internet. In addition, between landline telephone and PC,
A similar system can be realized between a fixed telephone and a mobile telephone. The router may have an encryption function. A landline phone does not have an Internet connection function.

6.2 Between Cellular Phones The processing of the system in another embodiment when exchanging voice data between the cellular phone 211 and the cellular phone 221 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0108] The mobile phone 211 is connected to the access point 21.
Then, the audio data is transmitted to the gateway computer 213 via the communication server 2. The gateway computer 213
The communication protocol of the voice data is converted into TCP / IP, encrypted, and transmitted to the gateway computer 223 via the Internet. The gateway computer 223 decrypts the encrypted audio data,
The data is transmitted to the mobile phone 221 via the access point 222.

6.3 Between Fixed Telephones The processing of the system when connecting from the calling telephone 501 to the other telephone 511 using the Internet telephone station 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Calling telephone 501
Is connected to the Internet via a gateway computer 502, and
02 is the telephone number of the calling telephone 501 "03-xxx-"
Xxx "is recorded. The other party's telephone 511 is connected to the Internet via a gateway computer 512, and the gateway computer 512 has a database that records the telephone number of the other party's telephone 511, such as "06-XXX-OOOO". ing. The Internet telephone office 20 has a telephone directory database 232 in which the telephone number of the telephone terminal connected to the IP address “111.222.333.10” of the gateway computer is recorded.

First, the calling telephone 501 is connected to the Internet telephone office 2 via the gateway computer 502.
The telephone number "06-xxx-xxxxxx" of the call partner is transmitted to 0 (FIG. 20). Internet telephone office 20
Extracts the IP address "111.222.333.10" of the gateway computer 512 from the telephone directory database 232, connects to the gateway computer 512 using the extracted IP address, and calls the telephone number "06-XXX-OO" of the other party.
○ ”is transmitted (FIG. 20). In response to this, the gateway computer 512 connects to the other party's telephone 511 (FIG. 20). In this way, the present invention can be used even between ordinary telephones.

The calling telephone 501 and the other party's telephone 51
When exchanging audio data between the two, the gateway computers 252 and 262 use a communication protocol for the audio data.
It may convert to TCP / IP and perform encryption or decryption.

6.4 Internet Home Appliance In the above embodiment, the case of making an Internet telephone call between PCs has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to an Internet telephone between an Internet home appliance and a PC, or between an Internet home appliance and a mobile phone. In particular, by realizing an Internet telephone between an Internet home appliance installed in a home or a company and a PC of a manufacturer, maintenance or control thereof is facilitated. Such a system will be described with reference to FIG.

The maker's computer 601 and the television 611 and the refrigerator 612 having the function of connecting to the Internet are connected to the Internet home appliance server 621 via the Internet. The Internet home appliance server 621 includes an IP address table 622 in which IP addresses are recorded in association with user IDs of the manufacturer computer 601 and the like. The maker computer 601 includes a user ID database 602 in which a user ID is recorded in association with a product number. The television 611 and the refrigerator 612 are provided with dedicated software and the user I of the computer 601 on the manufacturer side.
D “2015” is stored.

When the manufacturer intends to perform maintenance on the television 611, the manufacturer's computer 601
The user ID “T881” of the television 611 is extracted from the user ID database 602 and transmitted to the Internet home appliance server 621. The Internet home appliance server 621 reads the telephone directory database 232 from the television 61
The IP address “161.168.1.122” is extracted and transmitted to the manufacturer computer 601. The manufacturer's computer 601 has its IP address “161.168.1.
122 ”to the television 611. Therefore,
The maker-side computer 601 can communicate with a user of the television 611, and can acquire a control program of the television 611 and the like.

When the user of the refrigerator 612 intends to request the maintenance of the refrigerator 612, the refrigerator 61
2 transmits the user ID “2015” of the maker computer 601 stored in advance to the Internet home appliance server 621. Internet home appliance server 6
21 extracts the IP address “111.211.2.12” of the maker-side computer 601 from the telephone directory database 232 and sends it to the refrigerator 612. Refrigerator 612
Connects to the manufacturer's computer 601 using the IP address “111.211.2.12”.

Even if the installation location of the television or the like is changed,
Since the changed IP address is recorded in the IP address table 622, the maker's computer can connect to a predetermined television or the like by accessing the Internet home appliance server 621. Further, instead of the Internet home appliance server 621, the above-described Internet telephone station 20 can be used.

7. Other Embodiment 2 The telephone directory database 2 of the database server 23
In 32, the IP address of the terminal computer that has logged into the Internet telephone station 20 may be registered. In the above example, after the user is authenticated in the processing of STs 36 to 38 in FIG.
It is like registering a P address in the telephone directory database 232. In this case, in step ST51 of FIG. 13c, the Internet telephone station 20 determines that communication is not possible unless the partner terminal 12 has logged in to the Internet telephone station 20.

Further, in the above embodiment, the calling terminal 1
1 is a user ID of a communication partner, an Internet telephone office 2
By transmitting the IP address to “0”, the IP address of the partner terminal 12 is obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the IP address of the other party terminal 12 may be obtained by transmitting the telephone number, name, and the like of the other party to the Internet telephone station 20.

In the above embodiment, when the Internet connection is cut off, an instruction to delete the IP address registered in the Internet telephone station 20 is issued (FIG. 16).
ST86). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal computer may issue a command to delete the IP address when the terminal computer logs out of the Internet telephone station 20. Further, the terminal computer may issue an IP address erasing instruction based on an instruction from the user.

Further, in the above embodiment, the calling terminal 1
One dedicated software is automatically connected to the partner terminal 12 (ST72 in FIG. 13D). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be connected to the partner terminal 12 in response to a caller's command.

In the above embodiment, the calling terminal 1
1 obtains the IP address of the partner terminal 12 from the Internet telephone station 20 and connects to the partner terminal 12. However, the other terminal 12 may acquire the IP address of the calling terminal 11 from the Internet telephone station 20 and connect to the calling terminal 11.

Further, in the above embodiment, the partner terminal 1
The dedicated software 2 displays a window shown in FIG. 15 to notify that a call request has been made.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be audio or the like.

In the above embodiment, the authentication server 22 of the Internet telephone station 20 acquires the IP address from the terminal computer, and
It is recorded in. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
2 may be accessed to record the IP address.

By clicking the “change user information” button on the home page shown in FIG. 9, the registered contents of the customer master table 231 and the telephone directory database 232 can be changed.

In the case of a terminal computer which is always connected to the Internet, the IP address is not changed, and the IP address is registered in the telephone directory database 232 in advance.

8. Other Embodiment 3 When the terminal computer of the other party does not have a global address, this system can be used as follows. This will be described with reference to FIG.

Each of the terminal computers 102 to 104 has a telephone directory database 232 of the Internet telephone office 20.
The global IP address “192.168.1.123” of the management computer 101 that is constantly connected to the Internet is registered in association with the user ID of “1. In addition, the management computer 101 includes the terminal computers 102 to
An allocation table 105 in which private addresses of the terminal computers 102 to 104 are recorded in association with the user ID 104 is provided.

When the Internet telephone station 20 obtains the user ID “40106 (user ID of the terminal computer 103)” from the terminal computer 111, the Internet telephone station 20 stores the global IP address “192.168.1.123” of the management computer 101 from the telephone directory database 232. get.
The management computer 101 is connected using this global IP address, and the user ID “40106” is transmitted. The management computer 101 uses the allocation table 10
5 and obtains the private address of the terminal computer 103, and provides it to the terminal computer 111 via the Internet telephone office 20.

It should be noted that DHCP (Dyna
mic Host Configuration Protocol) If a server is provided, it is the terminal computers 102-104.
, A private address in the allocation table 105 may be dynamically rewritten.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an Internet telephone system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an Internet telephone office 20 in one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a management server 21 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an Internet telephone office 20 in one embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an authentication server 22 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an Internet telephone office 20 in one embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a database server 23. FIG.

FIG. 5 is an Internet telephone office 20 in one embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a firewall computer 24 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a calling terminal 11 and a partner terminal 12 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a mobile phone 31 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for registering a member in one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an Internet telephone office 20 in one embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a member registration form in one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a database server 23 in one embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a customer master table 231 of FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a database server 23 in one embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a telephone directory database 232 of FIG.

FIG. 13A is a flowchart for connecting the calling terminal 11 and the counterpart terminal 12 in one embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a flowchart for connecting the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12 in one embodiment.

FIG. 13C is a flowchart for connecting the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12 in one embodiment.

FIG. 13D is a flowchart for connecting the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12 in one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a dialing screen according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a window for displaying a call request in one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart when the connection between the calling terminal 11 and the partner terminal 12 is disconnected in one embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a flowchart when browsing a telephone directory in one embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a flowchart when browsing a telephone directory in one embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an overall configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an overall configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates an overall configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows an overall configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates an overall configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows the overall configuration of a conventional system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Calling Terminal 12 Destination Terminal 20 Internet Telephone Station 21 Management Server 22 Authentication Server 23 Database Server 31 Mobile Phone 101 Management computers 102, 103, 104 Terminal computer 231 Customer master table 232 Phonebook database 501 Calling telephone 502 Gateway computer 511 Telephone 512・ Gateway computer 601 ・ ・ ・ Manufacturer's computer 611 ・ ・ ・ TV 612 ・ ・ ・ Refrigerator 621 ・ ・ ・ Internet home appliance server 622 ・ ・ ・ IP address table

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Ozaki 2-14-9 Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Kyocera Communication System Co., Ltd. Tokyo Branch (72) Inventor Tsuneo Fukui 2-14- Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 9 Kyocera Communication System Co., Ltd. Tokyo branch office (72) Inventor Teruaki Aizawa 22 Kyocera Communication System Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5K015 AA05 AB01 AF01 AF07 5K024 AA73 CC01 CC10 CC11 DD01 DD02 DD03 DD04 GG01 GG03 GG05 GG08 5K030 GA15 GA17 HA01 HA08 HB01 HC01 HC02 HD03 JT01 KA01 KA04 KA13 LB02 LD19 5K051 AA08 BB01 CC01 CC02 CC07 CC08 DD13 DD15 FF01 FF07 HH07 HK01 KK11 NN NN15 NN18 NN22 NN48 PP03 RR27 RR28

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A communication management device connected to the Internet, a calling device communicable with the communication management device, and a partner device communicable with the communication management device. The side device transmits destination information of the counterpart device to the communication management device when connecting to the Internet or logging in to the communication management device, and the communication management device transmits identification information of the counterpart device. An Internet telephone system for recording destination information of the partner device in a destination information table in association with the communication device, wherein the calling device transmits identification information of the partner device to the communication management device, The device extracts the destination information of the destination device from the destination information table based on the identification information of the destination device obtained from the calling device, and extracts the destination information of the destination device. An Internet telephone system for transmitting destination information of a device to the calling device. 2. A communication management device connected to the Internet and capable of communicating with a calling device and a partner device, wherein the partner device connects to the Internet or logs in to the communication management device. The destination information of the destination device is obtained from the destination device, and the destination information of the destination device is recorded in a destination information table in association with the identification information of the destination device; Extracting destination information of the destination device from the destination information table based on the identification information of the destination device obtained from the device, and transmitting the destination information of the destination device to the calling device. Communication management device. 3. A calling device capable of communicating with a communication management device, comprising: transmitting identification information of a partner device to the communication management device; and acquiring destination information of the partner device from the communication management device. A calling device connected to the other device using the destination information. 4. A partner device capable of communicating with a communication management device, wherein when connecting to the Internet or logging in to the communication management device, the destination information of the partner device is replaced with the destination information of the partner device. A counterpart device, which is recorded in a destination information table accessible by the communication management device in association with identification information. 5. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said communication management device determines whether communication with said partner device is possible. A communication determination process is performed, and based on the determination result, destination information of the partner device is transmitted to the calling device. 6. The Internet telephone system according to claim 5,
In the communication management device, the calling device, or the partner device, the communication management device performs the communication determination process based on an operation state of the partner device. 7. The Internet telephone system according to claim 5,
In the communication management device, the calling device or the partner device, the communication management device connects to the partner device using the destination information of the partner device extracted from the destination information table, and connects to the partner device. A call request process for asking whether or not to make a call with the communication management device, wherein the communication management device performs the communication determination process based on a response from the partner device. 8. An internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said partner device is asked whether or not to make a call from said communication management device. And questioning whether or not to talk to the operator, wherein the other party device receives a command from the operator and performs a reply process as to whether or not to talk to the communication management device. . 9. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said calling device is connected to the Internet or said communication management device. When logging in, the destination information of the calling device is transmitted to the communication management device, and the communication management device associates the destination information of the calling device with the destination information in association with the identification information of the calling device. The information is recorded in an information table. 10. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said calling device transmits an answering machine message to said communication management device, The communication management device stores the answering machine message, and the communication management device stores the answering machine message when logging in from the partner device or when destination information of the partner device is transmitted from the partner device. A message is transmitted to the partner device. 11. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said communication management device communicates between said calling device and said partner device. An encryption key for encrypting data and a decryption key for decrypting encrypted communication data are transmitted to the calling device and the other device. 12. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, further comprising a calling telephone terminal capable of communicating with said calling device, The calling telephone terminal transmits identification information of the partner device to the calling device, and the calling device transmits identification information of the partner device to the communication management device. What to do. 13. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, further comprising: a partner telephone terminal capable of communicating with said partner device; Communication data is exchanged between a calling device or the calling telephone terminal and the called telephone terminal via the called device. 14. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said calling device transmits communication data obtained from said calling phone terminal. The communication device encrypts the communication data and transmits the communication data to the partner device, and the partner device transmits the encrypted communication data to the partner telephone terminal. 15. An Internet telephone system, a communication management device, a calling device or a partner device according to claim 1, wherein said communication management device has a user information table recording user information, The communication management device, based on the user information obtained from the calling device, extracts identification information of the other device from the user information table, and provides the identification information to the calling device. Features. 16. An Internet telephone realized by using a communication management device connected to the Internet, a calling device communicable with the communication management device, and a partner device communicable with the communication management device. In the method, the calling device causes the communication management device to transmit identification information of the counterpart device, and the communication management device transmits the identification information of the counterpart device acquired from the calling device to the communication management device. Based on the destination information, the destination information of the destination device is extracted, and the destination information of the destination device is transmitted to the calling device. An Internet telephone method using the destination information of a device to connect to the other device. 17. The Internet telephone method according to claim 16, wherein, when connecting to the Internet or logging in to the communication management device, the destination information of the other device is transmitted to the communication management device. The communication management device stores the destination information of the partner device in association with the identification information of the partner device. 18. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as a calling device is recorded, the computer causing the computer to transmit identification information of a partner device to a communication management device, and the computer A recording medium storing a program to be connected to the counterpart device using the destination information of the counterpart device obtained from the computer. 19. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as a partner device is recorded.
Alternatively, a recording medium recording a program for transmitting destination information of the computer to the communication management device when logging in to the communication management device. 20. A communication management device connected to the Internet, a calling device communicable with the communication management device, a counterpart management device constantly connected to the Internet, and communication with the counterpart management device. An Internet telephone method realized using one or more possible terminal devices, wherein the calling device transmits identification information of the terminal device to the communication management device; In the management device, the destination information of the counterpart management device is extracted based on the identification information of the counterpart terminal device obtained from the calling device, and in the communication management device, the destination information of the counterpart management device is extracted. The identification information of the other party terminal device obtained from the calling device is transmitted to the other party management device by using the In the side management device, based on the identification information of the counterpart terminal device, the destination information of the counterpart terminal device is extracted, and the destination information of the counterpart terminal device is transmitted to the communication management device. 3. The Internet telephone method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting the destination information of the destination terminal device to the calling device.