JP2010103798A - Communication device and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device capable of making an input operation of a user's telephone number simpler. <P>SOLUTION: A domestic call and an international call are made possible, when a plus sign is attached to the head of a specified telephone number (Yes in a step S12), when a number immediately after the plus sign matches to a country code of a self-device (Yes in a step S13), by removing the plus sign and the country number since the telephone number is a call to a domestic destination (a step S14), adding a domestic prefix number and a domestic operation company identification number to the head (steps S15 and S16), when the number immediately after the plus sign does not match to the country code of the self-device (No in the step S13), removing the plus sign (a step S17), and adding an international prefix number and an international operation company identification number to the head (steps S18 and S19). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device capable of communicating with an external device specified by a telephone number and a communication system including the communication device.

  When making a communication such as making a call outside the country or sending a facsimile, a procedure different from that for making a communication to a domestic destination must be taken, such as adding a country code to the destination telephone number.

For example, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to make a call without knowing the destination country code by using a communication device that can search the country code from the initial name of the destination country so that the user can easily communicate with the destination outside the country. It is said.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-275206

  Even in the conventional technology, the user operation procedure differs between a domestic destination and a foreign destination. For this reason, the user must input the telephone number as the destination while paying attention to whether the destination is domestic or foreign.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it easier for a user to specify a called party.

  In order to solve the above problems, a communication device according to claim 1 includes a communication unit that calls an external device that is a called side, a number designation receiving unit that receives designation of a telephone number of the called side from a user, An international telephone number identification unit for determining whether or not the telephone number includes an identification symbol indicating an international telephone number; and when the telephone number includes the identification symbol, an incoming call in the telephone number If the country code of the calling party matches the country code of the calling party, remove the identification symbol and the country code of the called party from the telephone number, and add the calling party's domestic prefix number. A domestic call number creating unit for creating a number; and a communication control unit for making a call by the communication unit using the domestic call number.

  According to this communication device, the user only needs to specify a telephone number, and the communication device can automatically create a domestic call number and make a call. Therefore, the user can specify the called party more easily.

  Further, in the communication device according to claim 1, the domestic call number generation unit, when the telephone number does not include the identification symbol, in the communication device according to claim 1, The calling number may be used.

  When there is no identification symbol, a domestic call can be made by making a call using the same number.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first or second aspect, the domestic call number generating unit further attaches a domestic operator identification number to the domestic call number. The communication control unit may be configured to make a call by the communication unit using the domestic call number with the domestic business operator identification number.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the telephone number includes the identification symbol, the country code of the called party in the telephone number is If it does not match the country code of the calling party, an international calling number creation unit that creates an international calling number by removing the identification symbol from the telephone number and adding the calling party's international prefix number Furthermore, you may provide. At this time, the communication control unit may make a call by the communication unit using the international call number.

  Further, as described in claim 5, in the communication device according to claim 4, the international call number generating unit further adds an overseas operator identification number to the international call number, The communication control unit may be configured to make a call by the communication unit using the international call number with an overseas carrier identification number.

  7. A communication unit for making a call to an external device that is a called side, a number designation receiving unit that accepts designation of the telephone number of the called side from a user, and an international telephone number as the telephone number An international telephone number identification unit for determining whether or not an identification symbol indicating that the telephone number is included, and when the telephone number includes the identification symbol, the country code of the called party in the telephone number is called If it does not match the country code on the other side, the international calling number creation unit for creating an international calling number by removing the identification symbol from the telephone number and attaching the calling party's international prefix number; and The object of the present invention is also achieved by a communication device including a communication control unit that performs a call by the communication unit using a domestic call number.

  That is, according to this communication apparatus, the user only needs to specify a telephone number, and the communication apparatus can automatically create an international calling number and make a call. Therefore, the user can specify the called party more easily.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device of the sixth aspect, the international call number creating unit further adds an overseas operator identification number to the international call number, and the communication control unit May be configured to make a call by the communication unit using the international call number to which an overseas carrier identification number is attached.

  Moreover, as described in claim 8, the communication apparatus can be applied to a communication system. The communication system includes a server having an address book including a plurality of telephone numbers, and includes the plurality of communication devices according to claim 1 that share the same address book. The apparatus further includes a number acquisition unit that receives the designation of a telephone number in the address book, and obtains a telephone number from the address book via a communication network.

  In addition, as described in claim 9, in the communication system according to claim 8, at least one of the plurality of communication devices may be installed in a country different from a country in which other communication devices are installed.

  According to the communication device of the present invention, the user simply specifies a telephone number, and the communication device can automatically create a domestic call number or an international call number to make a call. Therefore, the user can specify the called party more easily.

[1] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1-1) Communication system 100
A communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The communication system 100 includes multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 and a server 3. The multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 can be connected to the server 3 via the communication network 4. The multifunction device A1 is installed in country X, and the multifunction device A2 is installed in country Y. The server 3 may be installed in X country or Y country, but in this embodiment, it is assumed that it is installed in another country.

  A multi-function machine B1 is further installed in country X, and a multi-function machine B2 is installed in country Y. The MFPs B1 and B2 and A1 and A2 can communicate with each other via the communication network 4, but the MFPs B1 and B2 cannot access the server 3.

(1-2) MFP A1
The multi-function device A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the multifunction machine A1. Note that the configuration of the multi-function device A2 is the same as that of the multi-function device A1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device A1 includes an image reading unit 11, a facsimile communication unit 121, a data communication unit 122, an encoding / combining unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation receiving unit 16, and a storage device. 17 and the control device 18 and the like, and these are connected by a bus so that data can be exchanged with each other.

  The image reading unit 11 acquires image data from a document. Specifically, the image reading unit 11 illuminates the document, an image sensor that detects reflected light from the document and converts it into an electrical signal, and guides illumination light from the light source to the document, and from the document to the image sensor. And an optical member such as a mirror or a lens for guiding reflected light.

  The facsimile communication unit 121 performs facsimile communication with a device having a facsimile function, such as another multifunction machine.

  The data communication unit 122 exchanges data with devices such as an external PC (Personal Computer) and the server 3.

  The encoding / combining unit 13 can convert data such as image data obtained by the image reading unit 11 into a code that can be transmitted to the outside by the facsimile communication unit 121 or the data communication unit 122, and these functional units are externally connected. Data obtained from the device can be decrypted.

  The image forming unit 14 prints out the data on a sheet. The image forming unit 14 can employ a conventionally known method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method as a printing method.

  The display unit 15 can provide various information to the user by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display panel.

  The operation receiving unit 16 includes a hard key such as a start key and a numeric keypad, and a touch sensor that forms a touch panel together with the liquid crystal display panel of the display unit 15 and can receive an instruction from a user. In particular, the operation accepting unit 16 can accept designation of a facsimile number in an address book, which will be described later, or accept direct input of a facsimile number. That is, the operation reception unit 16 functions as a number designation reception unit.

  The storage device 17 can store various data. As the storage device 17, for example, a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used. In particular, the storage device 17 stores the country code, the domestic prefix number, the international prefix number, the domestic business operator identification number, and the overseas business operator identification number of the multifunction peripheral A1.

  The country code is a number determined for each country, and is a number for specifying the country of the destination when calling (calling) a telephone or the like from outside the country to the telephone or facsimile machine of that country. The country code of the MFP A1 is a number determined for the country X, and the country code of the MFP A2 is a number determined for the country Y.

  The domestic prefix number is a number determined for each country and is also referred to as a “domestic open number”. The domestic prefix number indicates that the destination of outgoing calls made with the telephone number to which this number is attached is domestic. The domestic prefix number of the multifunction device A1 is a number determined for country X, and the domestic prefix number of the multifunction device A2 is a number determined for country Y.

  The international prefix number is a number determined for each country, and is also referred to as an “international telephone identification number”. The international prefix number indicates that the destination of outgoing calls made with the telephone number with this number is outside the country. The international prefix number of the multifunction device A1 is a number determined for country X, and the international prefix number of the multifunction device A2 is a number determined for country Y.

  The domestic business operator identification number is a number determined for each telephone company, and the communication with the domestic destination performed by the telephone number to which this number is attached is performed via the telephone company corresponding to this number. In domestic communication, the business operator used by the user of the multifunction device A1 is different from the business operator used by the user of the multifunction device A2, so the domestic business operator identification number possessed by the multifunction device A1 and the domestic business operator identification possessed by the multifunction device A2 Different from the number.

  The overseas operator identification number is also a number determined for each telephone company, and communication with an overseas destination performed by the telephone number to which this number is attached is performed via the telephone company corresponding to this number. In the present embodiment, in international communication, the operator used by the user of the multifunction device A1 is different from the operator used by the user of the multifunction device A2, and therefore, the overseas operator identification number of the multifunction device A1 and the It may be different from the overseas business operator identification number.

  Tables of these numbers stored in the storage devices 17 of the multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 are shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the country code of country X where the multi-function device A1 is installed is “49”, the domestic prefix number is “0” (zero), and the international prefix number is “00”. In addition, the domestic business operator identification number of the MFP A1 is “1111”, and the overseas business operator identification number is “2222”.

  On the other hand, the country code of country Y where the multifunction peripheral A2 is installed is “81”, the domestic prefix number is “0”, and the international prefix number is “010”. In addition, the domestic business operator identification number of the MFP A2 is “3333”, and the overseas business operator identification number is “4444”.

  The control device 18 controls the operation of each part of the multifunction machine 1. Specifically, the control device 18 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and other storage media.

(1-3) Server 3
The server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the server 3 includes a storage device 31, an operation reception unit 32, a data communication unit 33, a control device 34, and the like.

  The storage device 31 stores various data, particularly an address book. Specifically, the storage device 31 is realized by a storage medium such as an HDD.

  An example of the address book is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the address book stores the name of the communication partner and the facsimile number corresponding to the name. In FIG. 5, destination names A1, B1, A2, and B2 indicate the multifunction devices A1, B1, A2, and B2 in FIG. 1, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, “+49 12 34 5678” is stored in the address book as the facsimile number of the multifunction device A1. “+” Is an identification symbol indicating international communication (international call), “49” is the country code of country X where the multifunction device A1 is installed, “12” is the area code, and “34” is the city code. "5678" is a subscriber number. By this series of character strings, the multi-function device A1 is specified as a communication partner.

  As the facsimile number of the multifunction machine B1, “+49 89 012 3456” is stored. Since the multi-function machine B1 is also installed in the country X, up to “+49” is the same as the multi-function machine A1, and the subsequent numbers differ depending on the installation location in the X country.

  “+81 78 90 1234” is stored as the facsimile number of the MFP A2. Since the multifunction machine A2 is installed in the country Y, the country code is “81”. The numbers after that are the area code, city code, and subscriber number.

  “06 89 0123” is stored as the facsimile number of the multifunction machine B2. “06” is obtained by adding the domestic prefix “0” of the country Y to the area code “6”. The numbers after that are the area code, city code, and subscriber number.

  Moreover, the operation reception part 32 can receive the instruction | indication from a user.

  The data communication unit 33 can exchange data with devices such as the multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 via the communication network 4.

  The control device 34 controls the operation of each unit of the server 3. Specifically, the control device 34 is realized by a CPU and a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD.

(1-4) Transmission With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the operation at the time of facsimile transmission in the multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 will be described.

  When a facsimile transmission request is made by the user via the operation reception unit 16, a series of operations is started. When the operation accepting unit 16 receives an address book reference instruction from the user, the control device 18 accesses the server 3 by the data communication unit 122 and refers to the address book of the storage device 31 in the server 3 (step S11). At this time, the control device 18 causes the display unit 15 to display the contents of the address book.

  When the operation accepting unit 16 receives the designation of the transmission destination from the user who referred to the display of the address book, the control device 18 determines whether or not there is a + (plus) symbol at the head of the facsimile number designated as the transmission destination. (Step S12). If it is determined that the + symbol is present (Yes in step S12), the control device 19 compares the number immediately after the + symbol with the country code in the storage device 17 of the own device and determines whether or not they match (step). S13).

  If it is determined that the two match (Yes in step S13), the control device 19 removes the + symbol and the country code from the number designated as the transmission destination (step S14). The control device 19 further adds the domestic prefix number of the home country stored in the storage device 17 of the own device to the head of the facsimile number (step S15). The control device 19 adds a domestic business operator identification number before the domestic prefix number to obtain a transmission destination number (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S13 that the number immediately after the + sign does not match the country code of the own machine in the facsimile number designated as the transmission destination (No in step S13), the control device 19 determines from this facsimile number. The + symbol is removed (step S17). The control device 19 adds the international prefix number of the home country to the head of the facsimile number after removing the + symbol (step S18), adds the overseas operator identification number before the international prefix number, and sends the destination number. (Step S19).

  If it is determined in step S12 that there is no + sign at the beginning of the facsimile number designated as the transmission destination (No in step S12), the domestic business operator identification number is added to the beginning of the facsimile number, and the transmission destination number (Step S16).

  The control device 19 controls the facsimile communication unit 121 to perform facsimile transmission (transmission) to the transmission destination number thus determined (step S20).

  For example, assume that the user of the multifunction device A1 designates “B1” in the address book as the transmission destination. In this case, the facsimile number “+49 89 012 3456” of the multifunction device B1 in the address book includes a + sign (Yes in step S12), and the number immediately after that coincides with the country code “49” of the multifunction device A1. Therefore (Yes in step S13), the transmission destination number becomes “1111 089 012 3456” by the processing in steps S14 to S16. By making a call using this number (step S20), facsimile transmission is performed to the multifunction device B1 in the same country as the multifunction device A1.

  Further, it is assumed that the user of the multifunction peripheral A1 designates “A2” in the address book as the transmission destination. In this case, the facsimile number “+81 78 90 1234” of the MFP A2 in the address book includes a + symbol (Yes in Step S12), and the number immediately after that is different from the country code “49” of the MFP A1. Therefore (No in step S12), the transmission destination number becomes “2222 00 81 78 90 1234” by the processing in steps S17 to S19. By making a call using this number (step S20), the facsimile data is internationally transmitted from the multi-function device A1 to the multi-function device A2 in Y country outside the country.

  Further, it is assumed that the user of the multifunction peripheral A2 designates “B2” in the address book as the transmission destination. In this case, since the facsimile number “06 89 0123” of the multi-function device B2 in the address book does not include the + symbol (No in step S12), this number is used as the transmission destination as it is. By making a call using this number (step S20), facsimile transmission is performed from the multifunction device A2 to the domestic multifunction device B2.

  In FIG. 6, the case has been described in which processing is performed on a number input using the address book. However, the processing after step S12 is also performed on the facsimile number directly input using the numeric keypad or the like of the operation receiving unit 16. Is done in the same way.

  As is apparent from the above description, the control device 18 determines whether or not the facsimile number designated by the user includes a + symbol (an identification symbol indicating an international facsimile number). , A domestic calling number creating unit for creating a domestic calling number by the processing of steps S13 to S16, and an international calling for creating an international calling number for creating an international calling number by the processing of steps S17 to S19 It functions as a communication control unit for making a call by the facsimile communication unit 121 using the created domestic number and the created domestic call number or international call number.

  By operating the multi-function devices A1 and A2 as described above, the user of the multi-function device A1 and the user of the multi-function device A2 do not need to be particularly aware of whether the facsimile transmission destination is outside or inside the country, and simply address Just select a destination from the book. The multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 determine whether the transmission destination is domestic or foreign, and automatically edit the selected number to an appropriate number, thereby transmitting the facsimile to the other party desired by the user. Because it can.

  The multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 can share one address book even though they are installed in different countries. Therefore, information in the address book can be centrally managed, information can be safely held, and the latest information can be quickly provided to a plurality of countries.

[2] Other Embodiments (2-1) In the first embodiment, a facsimile apparatus is cited as an example of a communication apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a communication apparatus such as a telephone. It is.

  That is, the present invention can be applied to a communication device that makes a call to an external device specified by a telephone number. The external device becomes the called party. Here, “telephone number” includes “facsimile number”. “Outgoing call” can be expressed as “outgoing” and “transmitting”, and “incoming call” can be expressed as “incoming” and “received”.

  (2-2) In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the address book is stored in the server 3. However, in addition to this, for example, even if the multi-function devices A1 and A2 hold their own address books in their own devices, respectively. Alternatively, either the multifunction device A1 or A2 may be configured to perform the same function as the server 3 by holding the address book.

  (2-3) In the first embodiment, the information such as the country code shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is held by each multifunction device (communication device). It may be managed by an external device such as

  (2-4) In the first embodiment, the multifunction peripherals A1 and A2 perform both the processing from step S14 to S16 and the processing from step S17 to S19 in FIG. Both calling numbers can be created. However, the present invention can also be implemented as a communication apparatus that can perform only one of these processes.

  Further, the step of assigning the domestic business operator identification number or the overseas business operator identification number (step S16 or S19) is not essential.

  (2-5) Techniques obtained by combining the techniques described in different columns are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is drawing which shows the outline | summary of the communication system 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a multifunction peripheral A1 (multifunction peripheral A2) of a communication system 100. FIG. (A) is a table showing information held by the multifunction device A1, and (b) is a table showing information held by the multifunction device A2. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a server 3 of a communication system 100. FIG. 4 is a table showing the contents of an address book of the server 3. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of facsimile transmission from the multifunction peripherals A1 and A2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Communication system A1, A2, B1, B2 Multifunction machine 121 Facsimile communication part 122 Data communication part 16 Operation reception part 17 Storage apparatus 18 Control apparatus 3 Server 31 Storage apparatus

Claims (9)

A communication unit for making a call to an external device which is a called side;
A number designation accepting unit that accepts designation of the telephone number of the called party from the user;
An international telephone number identifying unit for determining whether or not the telephone number includes an identification symbol indicating an international telephone number;
When the telephone number includes the identification symbol, if the country code of the called party in the telephone number matches the country code of the calling party, the identification code and the country code of the called party are obtained from the telephone number. And a domestic calling number creation unit that creates a domestic calling number by attaching a domestic prefix number of the calling side,
A communication control unit for making a call by the communication unit using the domestic calling number;
A communication device comprising: The domestic calling number creation unit is configured to use the designated telephone number as the domestic calling number when the telephone number does not include the identification symbol.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The domestic calling number creation unit further adds a domestic carrier identification number to the domestic calling number,
The communication control unit is configured to make a call by the communication unit using the domestic calling number with a domestic business operator identification number.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the telephone number includes the identification symbol, if the country code of the called party in the telephone number does not match the country code of the calling party, the identification symbol is removed from the telephone number and the calling party Further comprising an international calling number creation unit for creating an international calling number by attaching an international prefix number of
The communication control unit is configured to make a call by the communication unit using the international calling number.
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The international calling number creation unit further attaches an overseas carrier identification number to the international calling number,
The communication control unit is configured to make a call by the communication unit using the international call number with an overseas operator identification number.
The communication apparatus according to claim 4. A communication unit for making a call to an external device which is a called side;
A number designation accepting unit that accepts designation of the telephone number of the called party from the user;
An international telephone number identifying unit for determining whether or not the telephone number includes an identification symbol indicating an international telephone number;
When the telephone number includes the identification symbol, if the country code of the called party in the telephone number does not match the country code of the calling party, the identification symbol is removed from the telephone number and the calling party An international calling number creation unit that creates an international calling number by attaching an international prefix number of
A communication control unit for making a call by the communication unit using the domestic calling number;
A communication device comprising: The international calling number creation unit further attaches an overseas carrier identification number to the international calling number,
The communication control unit is configured to make a call by the communication unit using the international call number with an overseas operator identification number.
The communication apparatus according to claim 6. A server having an address book including a plurality of telephone numbers;
A plurality of communication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7 sharing the same address book,
The communication device further includes a number acquisition unit configured to receive the designation of a telephone number in the address book by the number designation accepting unit and obtain a telephone number from the address book via a communication network.
Communications system. At least one of the plurality of communication devices is installed in a country different from the country where the other communication devices are installed.
The communication system according to claim 8.

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