JP2012080155A - Information processor and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of call origination in voice communication using voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) terminals.SOLUTION: A server 10 which is an information processor for performing communication with multiple VoIP terminals 20 includes: a storage unit 23 for storing a master telephone book file, which includes IP addresses respectively assigned to the multiple VoIP terminals 20, and a telephone book management tool setting file, which includes information indicating the IP addresses to be respectively assigned to the multiple VoIP terminals; and a CPU 11 for requesting replies to the whole multiple VoIP terminals, based on the telephone book management tool setting file, detecting the replies from the VoIP terminals requested to make the replies, updating the master telephone book file, based on existence of the replies, and transmitting updated telephone book data to each of the multiple VoIP terminals after updating the master telephone book file.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a communication system.

  Conventionally, a telephone number other than the telephone is stored in the telephone. Such a telephone can make a call without sequentially inputting a telephone number by designating a telephone number to be called when calling another telephone. There is also a telephone that stores a plurality of telephone numbers and sequentially calls a plurality of telephone numbers (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, voice communication between terminals adopting VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has been performed (for example, Patent Document 1). VoIP encodes audio and exchanges audio between terminals by transmitting and receiving audio data encoded by communication adopting Internet Protocol (IP) between terminals. In VoIP, an IP address is used instead of a telephone number as a destination of each terminal. Each terminal (VoIP terminal) holds the IP address of another terminal capable of voice communication as telephone directory data in advance.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-164210

  By the way, a VoIP terminal does not always remain in a state where all terminals can communicate. As an example of the case where the VoIP terminal becomes incapable of communication, for example, a case where a user who owns the VoIP terminal moves to a place where communication is impossible, a case where the VoIP terminal is turned off, and the like can be mentioned.

  However, since the phonebook data stored in the conventional VoIP terminal only uses data stored in advance regardless of the communication state of each VoIP terminal, it can be used for other VoIP terminals in a state where communication is impossible. I sometimes made a call. It is inefficient to make a call to a VoIP terminal that cannot communicate, and there has been a demand for reducing such calls.

  An object of the present invention is to further improve the efficiency of outgoing calls in voice communication using a VoIP terminal.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus that communicates with a plurality of VoIP terminals that call other VoIP terminals using telephone directory data, the plurality of VoIP terminals. Phone book data storage means for storing phone book data including the IP address assigned to each of the information, and information used for updating the phone book data, the information indicating the IP address assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals A setting information storage unit that stores setting information including a response request unit that requests a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals based on the setting information, and a VoIP terminal that is requested to respond by the response request unit A response detection means for detecting a response from the telephone, and updating the telephone directory data based on the presence or absence of a response detected by the response detection means And phonebook data updating means, characterized in that it comprises a telephone directory data transmitting means for transmitting telephone book data updated in each of the plurality of VoIP terminals after updating the telephone directory data.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information further includes information related to a cycle for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals. Features.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the phone book data is an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals included in the phone book data. The affiliation information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal is added to a part or all of the VoIP terminals.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the affiliations are provided, and the telephone directory data and the setting information are individually provided for each of the affiliations. Features.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 5 includes a plurality of VoIP terminals that call other VoIP terminals using telephone directory data, and an information processing apparatus that communicates with the plurality of VoIP terminals. The information processing apparatus includes: phone book data storage means for storing phone book data including IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals; and update of the phone book data Setting information storage means for storing setting information including information indicating IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals, and for all of the plurality of VoIP terminals based on the setting information Response requesting means for requesting a response; response detection means for detecting a response from a VoIP terminal requested to respond by the response requesting means; A telephone directory data updating means for updating the telephone directory data based on the presence or absence of a response detected by the answer detection means; and the updated telephone directory data is transmitted to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals after the telephone directory data is updated. Phone book data transmitting means, wherein the VoIP terminal comprises phone book data receiving means for receiving the phone book data transmitted from the information processing apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the communication system according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus updates the phone book data for each of the plurality of VoIP terminals after updating the phone book data. The VoIP terminal further includes an update notification receiving unit that receives a notification from the update notification unit, and the telephone book via communication when the update notification receiving unit receives the notification. Phone book data acquisition means for acquiring data from the information processing apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the communication system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the setting information further includes information related to a period for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to an eighth aspect is the communication system according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the VoIP terminal sequentially selects other VoIP terminals in a predetermined order based on the telephone directory data. It further has a calling means for making a call.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the communication system according to claim 8, wherein the telephone book data is one of IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals included in the telephone book data. The voting information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal is added to a part or all of the VoIP terminals, and the calling means sequentially calls other VoIP terminals based on the affiliation.

  The invention described in claim 10 is the communication system according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of the affiliations are provided, and the telephone directory data and the setting information are individually provided for each of the affiliations. And

  The invention according to claim 11 is the communication system according to claim 10, wherein the VoIP terminal further comprises affiliation selection means for selecting the affiliation, and the calling means is selected by the affiliation selection means. Another VoIP terminal included in the assigned affiliation is sequentially called.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of outgoing calls in voice communication using a VoIP terminal.

It is a figure which shows the main structures of the communication system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of a server. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of a VoIP terminal. It is a figure which shows the data which each of a server and a VoIP terminal memorize | stores, the program run by each of a server and VoIP, and the data transmitted between a server and a VoIP terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the telephone directory management tool setting file. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the master telephone directory file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the master telephone directory file update process by a server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the response request | requirement and response detection process which are shown to step S4 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the update process of the master telephone directory file shown to step S7 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the response process with respect to the response request from a server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the update process of a telephone directory file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the calling process to another VoIP terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the master telephone directory file (phone directory file) to which affiliation information was added.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The communication system 1 includes a server 10, a VoIP terminal 20, and a wireless access point 30. The communication system 1 includes a plurality of VoIP terminals 20 in its configuration, and the server 10 functions as an information processing apparatus that performs communication with the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 via the wireless access point 30. The wireless access point 30 mediates wireless communication between the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one wireless access point 30 is illustrated for convenience. However, as an actual communication system 1, the server 10 is connected to a plurality of wireless access points 30 via the network line N. It shall be connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the server 10.
The server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, and a communication unit 16, and these components are connected by a bus 17.

The CPU 11 reads the program stored in the storage unit 13 into the RAM 12 and processes it. The CPU 11 controls the operation of the server 10 according to the program and data developed in the RAM 12 in cooperation with the program stored in the storage unit 13.
The RAM 12 stores data expanded by the processing of the CPU 11, data temporarily generated by the processing, and the like.
The storage unit 13 stores programs and data read by the CPU 11. The storage unit 13 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, another rewritable storage device, or a combination of these storage devices.

The input unit 14 allows an input operation to the server 10. The input unit 14 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, other input devices, or a combination of these input devices. The input unit 14 receives an input operation by the user and inputs a signal corresponding to the input operation content to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 performs processing according to the content input from the input unit 14.
The display unit 15 performs display output according to the processing content of the CPU 11. The display unit 15 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence (Electro-Luminescence, EL) display, another display device, or a combination of these display devices.

The communication unit 16 performs data transmission with a plurality of VoIP terminals 20. The communication unit 16 includes a communication device such as a network interface card (NIC), and communicates with a plurality of VoIP terminals 20 through the network line N and the wireless access point 30.
The wireless access point 30 is connected to the communication unit 16 via the network line N, and mediates wireless communication between the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the VoIP terminal 20.
The VoIP terminal 20 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, a communication unit 26, an audio input unit 27, and an audio output unit 28, and these components are connected by a bus 29. .

The CPU 21 reads the program stored in the storage unit 23 into the RAM 22 and processes it. The CPU 21 controls the operation of the VoIP terminal 20 in accordance with the program and data developed in the RAM 22 in cooperation with the program stored in the storage unit 23.
The RAM 22 stores data expanded by the processing of the CPU 21, data temporarily generated by the processing, and the like.
The storage unit 23 stores programs and data read by the CPU 21. The storage unit 23 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, another rewritable storage device, or a combination of these storage devices.

The input unit 24 enables an input operation to the VoIP terminal 20. The input unit 24 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, other input devices, or a combination of these input devices. The input unit 24 receives an input operation by a user and inputs a signal corresponding to the input operation content to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 performs processing according to the content input from the input unit 24.
The display unit 25 performs display output according to the processing content of the CPU 21. The display unit 25 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence (Electro-Luminescence, EL) display, other display devices, and the like.

  The communication unit 26 performs data transmission with the server 10. The communication unit 16 includes a communication device such as a network interface card (NIC) for performing communication using radio, for example, and communicates with the server 10 through the radio access point 30 and the network line N.

The voice input unit 27 receives and encodes (inputs) data from the outside, and inputs the encoded voice data to the CPU 21. The voice input unit 27 includes, for example, a sound collection device (not shown) such as a microphone, an encoding processing unit (not shown) that encodes the voice input to the microphone, and the like.
The audio output unit 28 decodes the audio data received from the server 10 and returns it to audio, and outputs the audio. The audio output unit 28 includes, for example, a decoding processing unit (not shown) that decodes audio data, a speaker (not shown) that outputs decoded audio, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data stored in each of the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20, a program executed in each of the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20, and data transmitted between the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20. .

First, the data of the server 10 will be described.
The storage unit 23 of the server 10 stores a phone book management tool setting file and a master phone book file.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the telephone directory management tool setting file.
The phone book management tool setting file includes parameters indicating a phone book update interval and a packet transmission target IP address range.
The telephone directory update interval indicates a period of time for requesting a response from the server 10 to all VoIP terminals 20.
The packet transmission target IP address range indicates a range of IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20. All the VoIP terminals 20 are assigned one of IP addresses included in the IP address range set in the packet transmission target IP address range of the telephone directory management tool setting file. The IP address assigned to each VoIP terminal 20 is different.

  In the present embodiment, the IP address assigned to each VoIP terminal 20 is a fixed IP address, and is constant regardless of the communication state between the server 10 and the VoIP terminal 20. The IP address assigned to each of the VoIP terminals 20 may be dynamically changed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the master phone book file.
The master phone book file includes parameters indicating an IP address, a registered name, and a status flag.
The IP address indicates an IP address assigned to each VoIP terminal 20. The registered name indicates a name assigned to each VoIP terminal 20. The status flag indicates whether or not there has been a response to a response request made recently for each VoIP terminal 20.

The master phone book file functions as phone book data including an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20. Therefore, the storage unit 23 functions as a telephone directory data storage unit that stores telephone directory data (master telephone directory file).
The phone book management tool setting file includes a packet transmission target IP address range that is information indicating a range of IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20, and is used to update phone book data (master phone book file). It functions as setting information to be used. Accordingly, the storage unit 23 functions as a setting information storage unit that stores setting information (phone book management tool setting file).

In addition, the CPU 11 of the server 10 reads out and executes the telephone directory management tool program stored in the storage unit 13.
The phone book management tool program requests a response to all VoIP terminals 20, detects a response from the VoIP terminal 20 requested to respond, and updates the master phone book file based on the presence / absence of a response. This program is given to the server 10.

The operation of the telephone directory management tool program will be described below.
First, the CPU 11 of the server 10 reads the phone book management tool setting file from the storage unit 23 and acquires the phone book update interval and the packet transmission target IP address range.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines the timing for making a response request based on the telephone directory update interval. For example, the CPU 11 makes a first response request immediately after reading the phone book management tool setting file, and then makes a response request every time the time set in the phone book update interval elapses from the most recent response request. . The execution timing of the above response request is an example, and the timing of the initial response request and the telephone directory update interval can be arbitrarily set.

The CPU 11 transmits predetermined data (packets) to all VoIP terminals 20 as a response request to the VoIP terminals 20. Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits predetermined data (packets) to all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range via the communication unit 16. A communication command for requesting a response may be provided, or an existing communication command may be used for the response request.
Here, the CPU 11 functions as a response request unit that requests a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 based on the setting information (phone book management tool setting file).

After requesting a response to the VoIP terminal 20, the CPU 11 detects a response from the VoIP terminal 20 requested to respond. The predetermined data content indicating a response to the response request is determined in advance, and the CPU 11 detects the response by receiving predetermined data (packet) indicating the response from the VoIP terminal 20 via the communication unit 16.
A time limit is set for detecting the response. The CPU 11 sets the VoIP terminal 20 in which a response is detected within a preset time limit as a VoIP terminal 20 that has responded, and sets the VoIP terminal 20 that has not received a response within a preset time as a response. It is assumed that there is no VoIP terminal 20. The time limit used for detecting the response can be arbitrarily set.
Here, the CPU 11 functions as a response detection unit that detects a response from the VoIP terminal 20 for which a response is requested.

When the response detection process ends, the CPU 11 updates the master telephone directory file based on the presence / absence of a response. The status flag of this embodiment is managed by a flag value (0 or 1) indicating whether or not there is a response, and 0 is set when there is no response, and 1 is set when there is a response. The CPU 11 sets 1 as a flag value associated with an IP address that has detected a response among IP addresses included in the master telephone directory, and sets 0 as a flag value associated with an IP address that has not detected a response. .
That is, the master phone book file associates the IP address and name of each VoIP terminal 20 with the presence / absence of a recent response request.
Here, the CPU 11 functions as a phone book data update unit that updates the phone book data (master phone book file) based on whether or not there is a response.

In the present embodiment, a response request is made to one of the IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range, and the response request is made to all VoIP terminals 20 by repeating the process of detecting the response. The response request and the response detection may be performed collectively for all the VoIP terminals 20.
Further, the flag value (0 or 1) is an example, and any content may be used as long as it can be determined whether or not there is a response.

Next, data of the VoIP terminal 20 will be described.
The storage unit 23 of the VoIP terminal 20 stores a phone book file. The contents of the phone book file are the same as the master phone book file shown in FIG.

Further, the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 reads out the VoIP software stored in the storage unit 23 and executes it.
The VoIP software is a program that gives the VoIP terminal 20 a function of responding to a response request from the server 10. When the CPU 21 receives response request data (packet) from the server 10 via the communication unit 26, the CPU 21 transmits predetermined data (packet) indicating the response to the server 10 via the communication unit 26.

Next, processing after updating the master phone book file will be described.
After updating the master phone book file, the CPU 11 of the server 10 performs a process for causing each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 to acquire the updated master phone book file.

First, the CPU 11 of the server 10 broadcasts data (update flag data) indicating that the master telephone directory file has been updated to all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range via the communication unit 16. Send.
Here, the CPU 11 functions as an update notification unit that notifies each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 of the update of the phone book data (master phone book file) after the update of the phone book data (master phone book file).

When receiving the update flag data via the communication unit 26, the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 performs a process for updating the phone book file. Specifically, the CPU 21 makes a communication request for acquiring the master phone book file of the server 10. Here, the CPU 21 and the communication unit 26 function as an update notification receiving unit that receives an update notification (update flag data).
When the server 10 receives a communication request for acquiring a master phone book file from the VoIP terminal 20, the CPU 11 responds to the communication request. The communication request for acquiring the master phone book file and the response are made by data (packets) having predetermined contents.

When the VoIP terminal 20 receives a response to the communication request for acquiring the master phone book file, the CPU 21 acquires the master phone book file from the server 10. Specifically, the server 10 transmits a master phone book file to the VoIP terminal 20, and the CPU 21 receives (downloads) the master phone book file transmitted from the server 10. Here, the CPU 11 and the communication unit 16 of the server 10 transmit the updated phone book data (master phone book file) to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 after updating the phone book data (master phone book file). It functions as a data transmission means. In addition, the CPU 21 and the communication unit 26 of the VoIP terminal 20 function as phone book data receiving means for receiving phone book data (master phone book file) transmitted from the server. In addition, when receiving an update notification (update flag data), the CPU 21 functions as a phone book data acquisition unit that acquires phone book data (master phone book file) from the information processing apparatus (server 10) via communication.
When the acquisition of the master phone book file is completed, the CPU 21 overwrites and updates the phone book file stored in the storage unit 23 with the master phone book file obtained mainly. Note that the master phone book file and the phone book file have the same file format, and the master phone book file and the phone book file become the same by acquiring and overwriting the master phone book data.

  When the acquisition of the master phone book file is completed, the CPU 21 transmits data (packets) indicating the completion of acquisition of the master phone book file to the server 10 via the communication unit 26.

  When the server 10 receives a communication request for acquiring a master phone book file from any VoIP terminal 20, the server 10 sends data (packet) indicating completion of acquisition of the master phone book file from the VoIP terminal 20. Until it is received, processing for prohibiting the update of the master phone book file is performed. That is, while any VoIP terminal 20 is acquiring the master phone book file, the master phone book file is not updated. When the server 10 receives data (packets) indicating the completion of acquisition of the master phone book file from all VoIP terminals 20 that have transmitted communication requests for acquisition of the master phone book file, the server 10 prohibits updating of the master phone book file. To release.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when there is a VoIP terminal 20 in which the presence or absence of detection of a response to a recent response request has changed, that is, when there is one or more IP addresses that have changed the flag value, the server 10 Although the update flag data is transmitted, the master phone book file may be automatically acquired by the VoIP terminal 20 after the response request and the response detection are completed regardless of whether the response is detected.

  In the present embodiment, processing related to the update of the phone book file is performed by the phone book management tool of the server 10 and the VoIP software of the VoIP terminal 20. Software for updating the phone book file may be separately provided in the server 10, the VoIP terminal 20, or both.

  The VoIP terminal 20 can call another VoIP terminal 20 based on the telephone directory file. When an input for making a call is made by an input via the input unit 24, the CPU 21 performs a process for calling another VoIP terminal 20. Processing related to the call is handled by VoIP software. Software for making a call may be separately provided in the VoIP terminal 20.

  When making a call, the CPU 21 first reads a telephone directory file from the storage unit 23. Next, the CPU 21 acquires one of the IP addresses included in the telephone directory file that has responded to a recent response request, that is, an IP address with a flag value of 1. Then, the CPU 21 performs a process of calling the VoIP terminal 20 having the acquired IP address.

The CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 that has received a call from another VoIP terminal 20 performs a process for notifying that the call has been received. The notification includes, for example, voice notification that outputs a predetermined ringing sound from the voice output unit 28, display notification that the display unit 25 displays that a call has been received, and driving a vibrator motor (motor) (not shown). Thus, notification is made by vibrating the VoIP terminal 20 or a combination thereof.
When an input for receiving a call is made to the VoIP terminal 20 that has received the call by an input via the input unit 24, the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 that has received the call A response (call response) indicating that the call has been accepted is made to the VoIP terminal 20 that has made the call.

  When a VoIP terminal 20 that has called another VoIP terminal 20 receives a call response, the CPU of the VoIP terminal 20 that has made the call and the CPU of the VoIP terminal 20 that has received the call make a call to the VoIP terminal 20 that has made the call. A process (voice call process) for performing a voice call with the received VoIP terminal 20 is performed. Voice call processing is handled by VoIP software. Software for voice call processing may be separately provided in the VoIP terminal 20.

In the voice call process, when voice data is input via the voice input unit 27, the CPU 21 transmits the voice data to the other VoIP terminal 20 that is performing the voice call process. When the audio data is received from the other VoIP terminal 20, the CPU 21 causes the audio output unit 28 to decode the audio data and output the audio data.
When an input to end the voice call processing is made in at least one of the VoIP terminals 20 performing the voice call processing, both the VoIP terminals 20 end the voice call processing.

The VoIP terminal 20 sequentially calls other VoIP terminals 20 in a predetermined order based on the phone book data. Specifically, when the voice call processing is completed, the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 that has called another VoIP terminal 20 has an IP address that has not yet been called after the start of calling in the phone book data. The IP address responding to the recent response request is specified, and the VoIP terminal 20 with the specified IP address is automatically called.
The order of calling is also based on the order of IP address numbers set in the phone book file (for example, ascending order, descending order) or the order based on registered names (for example, ascending order or descending order in reading or alphabetical notation). It may be determined by some other condition. Sequential calls may be made to all IP addresses that have responded to a recent response request among all IP addresses included in the phone book file, or receive an input instructing call suspension. The call may be interrupted if the call is interrupted.

In this manner, the CPU 21 functions as a calling unit that sequentially calls other VoIP terminals 20 in a predetermined order based on the phone book data (phone book file updated by the master phone book file).
Data transmission / reception between the VoIP terminals 20 related to calling and voice communication may be performed via the server 10 or between the VoIP terminals 20.
Note that FIG. 4 shows data exchange with the server 10 for one VoIP terminal 20, but in reality, all VoIP terminals 20 exchange the same data.

Hereinafter, the flow of the operation of the communication system 1 will be described using a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the master phone book file update process by the server 10.
First, the CPU 11 of the server 10 reads the phone book management tool setting file from the storage unit 23 (step S1), and acquires the phone book update interval and the packet transmission target IP address range. Next, based on the telephone directory update interval, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timing for making a response request has been reached (step S2). If the timing for making a response request has not been reached (step S2: NO), the CPU 11 stands by. (Step S3).

  In the process of step S2, when it is time to make a response request (step S2: YES), the CPU 11 performs a response request and response detection process (step S4).

Here, the response request and response detection process shown in step S4 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The CPU 11 generates predetermined data (packet) for making a response request (step S11). Next, the CPU 11 transmits predetermined data (packet) for requesting a response to one of the IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range (step S12). Thereafter, the CPU 11 checks whether or not predetermined data (packet) indicating a response is received from the VoIP terminal 20 within the time limit (step S13). When predetermined data (packet) indicating a response is received from the VoIP terminal 20 within the time limit (step S13: YES), the flag value associated with the IP address is set to 1 and stored in the temporary file temporarily generated in the RAM 12. (Step S14). On the other hand, if predetermined data (packet) indicating a response is not received from the VoIP terminal 20 within the time limit in step S13 (step S14: YES), the flag value associated with the IP address is set to 0 and stored in the temporary file. (Step S15). In storage in the temporary file in steps S14 and S15, one IP address and the flag value of the IP address are handled as one record.

  After the processing of step S14 or step S15, the CPU 11 checks whether or not a response request has been made to all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range (step S16). When a response request is not made for all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range (step S16: NO), the process of step S12 is performed for the IP address for which a response request has not been made. On the other hand, when a response request is made to all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range in step S16 (step S16: YES), the CPU 11 ends the response request and response detection processing.

After completion of the response detection process, the CPU 11 checks whether or not the master phone book file has been downloaded from any VoIP terminal 20 (step S5). Whether or not the master phone book file has been downloaded from any VoIP terminal 20 is checked by checking the master phone book file from all VoIP terminals 20 that have transmitted communication requests for obtaining the master phone book file. This is based on whether or not data (packet) indicating completion of acquisition has been received.
If the master phone book file has been downloaded by any VoIP terminal 20 in step S5 (step S5: NO), the download of the master phone book file is completed for all the VoIP terminals 20 that have been downloaded. (Step S6). On the other hand, if the master phone book file has not been downloaded from any VoIP terminal 20 in step S5, the CPU 11 performs the update process of the master phone book file (step S7).

Here, the update process of the master telephone directory file shown in step S7 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The CPU 11 reads one record from the temporary file (step S21), and overwrites the flag value of the same IP address as the IP address included in the record among the IP addresses included in the master phone book file with the flag value of the record. (Step S22).
Next, the CPU 11 checks whether or not all the records in the temporary file have been read (step S23). When all the records of the temporary file have not been read (step S23: NO), the CPU 11 performs the process of step S21 for the records that have not been read yet. On the other hand, when all the records of the temporary file are read in step S23 (step S23: YES), the CPU 11 deletes the temporary file (step S24). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not one or more flag values of the master phone book file have been changed (step S25). When one or more flag values in the master phone book file are changed (step S25: YES), the CPU 11 transmits update flag data to all IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range (step S26). . After the process of step S26 or when no flag value of the master phone book file has been changed in step S25 (step S25: NO), the CPU 11 ends the process.
With the update process of the master phone book file, the CPU 11 ends the master phone book file update process.

Next, the processing flow of the VoIP terminal 20 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of response processing for a response request from the server 10.
When the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 receives the response request data (packet) from the server 10 via the communication unit 26 (step S31: YES), the CPU 21 sends the predetermined data (packet) indicating the response via the communication unit 26 to the server. 10 (step S32).
In this embodiment, the reception detection of the response request shown in step S31 is always performed while the power of the VoIP terminal 20 is turned on, and unless the power is turned off (step S33: NO), the process of step S32 is performed. Later or when reception of a response request is not detected (step S31: NO), the process returns to step S31. When the VoIP power is turned off (step S33: YES), the response process for the response request ends.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of update processing of the phone book file.
The CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 determines whether or not update flag data has been received (step S41). When the update flag data is received (step S41: YES), the CPU 21 makes a communication request for acquiring the master phone book file of the server 10 (step S42). Thereafter, the CPU 21 stands by until a response to the communication request in step S42 is received from the server 10 (step S43: NO) (step S44). When a response to the communication request is obtained (step S43: YES), the CPU 21 The master phone book file is downloaded from 10 (step S45). Until the download of the master phone book file is completed (step S46: NO), the CPU 21 continues to download the master phone book file. In step S46, when the download of the master phone book file is completed (step S46: YES), the CPU 21 updates the phone book file with the master phone book file (step S47). Then, the CPU 21 transmits data (packet) indicating completion of acquisition of the master telephone directory file to the server 10 (step S48).
In this embodiment, the reception detection of the update flag data shown in step S41 is always performed while the power of the VoIP terminal 20 is turned on, and unless the power is turned off (step S49: NO), the detection of step S48 is performed. After processing or when reception of update flag data is not detected (step S41: NO), the processing returns to step S41. When the VoIP power is turned off (step S49: YES), the phone book file update process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of call processing to another VoIP terminal 20.
The CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 reads the phone book file from the storage unit 23 (step S51). Next, the CPU 21 acquires any one of the IP addresses included in the telephone directory file that have responded to the most recent response request, that is, the IP address having a flag value of 1 (step S52). ). Then, the CPU 21 calls the VoIP terminal 20 with the acquired IP address (step S53).

  When a call response is received from the calling VoIP terminal 20 (step S54: YES), the CPU 21 performs a voice call process (step S55). Thereafter, the CPU 21 continues the voice call process of step S55 until an input for ending the voice call process is made in at least one of the VoIP terminals 20 performing the voice call process (step S56: NO). When an input to end the voice call process is made in step S56 (step S56: YES), the CPU 21 ends the voice call process (step S57).

If the call response is not received after the end of step S57 or from the VoIP terminal 20 that has called in step S54 (step S54: NO), the CPU 21 does not make a call yet after the call is started in the phone book data. It is determined whether there is an IP address that is an address and responds to a recent response request (step S58). When no call response is received from the VoIP terminal 20 that has called, a call to another VoIP terminal 20 that is currently the call target for the VoIP terminal 20 that made the call before receiving the call response When an input to end the call is made, or when there is a response to reject the call from the VoIP terminal 20 that is the call target, a predetermined time (skip time) has passed. Even when the call response is not received.
In step S58, when there is an IP address that has not been called yet after the start of calling and there is an IP address that has responded to a recent response request (step S58: YES), the CPU 21 determines that the phone book data Step S52 is performed for an IP address that has not been called yet after the start of calling and that has responded to a recent response request. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that there is no IP address that has not been called yet after the start of calling and there is no IP address that has responded to a recent response request (step S58: NO), the CPU 21 The call processing to the VoIP terminal 20 is terminated.

As described above, according to the communication system 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 11 of the server 10 requests responses from all VoIP terminals 20, detects responses from the VoIP terminals 20, and based on the presence or absence of the responses. Update the master phone book file.
As a result, the presence / absence of a response of each VoIP terminal 20, that is, the latest communication state (communication is possible or communication is impossible) can be reflected in the master phone book file that is the source of the phone book file used in the VoIP terminal 20. .
Then, after updating the master phone book file, the server 10 transmits the updated master phone book file to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20. As a result, the VoIP terminal 20 can receive the updated master phone book file, and the phone book file is updated based on the master phone book file, so that the VoIP terminal 20 It is possible to make a call using a telephone directory file reflecting the communication state. In other words, the VoIP terminal 20 that has not responded to the recent response request, that is, the VoIP terminal 20 that has a high possibility of not being able to communicate now, does not make a call, and responds to the recent response request. It is possible to make a call only to the terminal 20, that is, the VoIP terminal 20 that is likely to be able to communicate. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of outgoing calls in voice communication using a VoIP terminal.

Further, the CPU 11 of the server 10 transmits update flag data to notify each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 of the update of the master phone book file after updating the phone book data. When the VoIP terminal 20 receives the update flag data, the VoIP terminal 20 acquires the master phone book file from the server 10 and updates the phone book file.
As a result, the operation subject for updating the telephone directory file of the VoIP terminal 20 can be set to each VoIP terminal 20, and the processing load on the server 10 can be reduced. In addition, the VoIP terminal 20 that can receive the update flag data and is in a communicable state voluntarily downloads, so that the server 10 distributes the master phone book file in an unclear state whether or not it is received, etc. Therefore, the processing load on the server 10 and the load on the communication line can be reduced.

  Further, the phone book management tool setting file includes a phone book update interval which is information indicating a period of time for requesting a response from the server 10 to all VoIP terminals 20 in the contents. Thereby, the response request by the server 10 can be implemented periodically. Further, since the telephone book update interval can be arbitrarily changed, the response request cycle can be arbitrarily determined.

Furthermore, the CPU 21 of the VoIP terminal 20 sequentially calls other VoIP terminals 20 in a predetermined order based on the telephone directory file.
As a result, calls to other VoIP terminals 20 are automatically and sequentially performed without designating other VoIP terminals 20 to be called individually, so that the efficiency of the call in voice communication using the VoIP terminals is increased. Can be further improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, the server 10 may be made to distribute the master phone book file after updating the master phone book file. In this case, as a process for causing each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 to acquire the updated master phone book file, the CPU 11 of the server 10 makes a transmission request for the master phone book file to the VoIP terminal 20, and the transmission request The master telephone directory file is transferred to the VoIP terminal 20 that has responded to. Even in this case, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, the response to the response request from the server 10 may include information on the VoIP terminal 20 that makes the response. For example, there is a case where data transmitted as a response from the VoIP terminal 20 that has made a response request includes the IP address and registered name of the VoIP terminal 20. In this case, since the CPU 11 of the server 10 can generate a new master phone book file using the IP address and registered name included in the response, the VoIP terminal to which the IP address included in the master phone book file is allocated. Reference numeral 20 denotes a VoIP terminal 20 that has responded to a recent response request. That is, the master phone book file itself is information indicating the VoIP terminal 20 that is likely to be currently communicable. For this reason, since it is not necessary to use a flag value, the data amount of the master telephone directory file can be reduced. In addition, since a master phone book file that does not include information related to the VoIP terminal 20 that is currently incapable of communication can be generated, the data amount of the master phone book file can be further reduced.

  Further, affiliation information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal 20 may be added to some or all of the IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals 20 included in the master telephone book file and the telephone book file. Good.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a master phone book file (phone book file) to which affiliation information is added. Although FIG. 13 illustrates the case of a master phone book file (phone book file) that does not include a flag value, it may include a flag value.
As shown in FIG. 13, the master phone book file includes information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal 20. In the example shown in FIG. 13, “use” and “group” are provided as affiliations, and “order use” and “status check” are classified in “use”, and “development” "IP" and "Intellectual Property Department" are classified, and the flag value (1) is set for the affiliation of the VoIP terminal 20 for the IP address and registered name of each VoIP terminal 20, but this is only an example. Any format can be used as long as it can determine the affiliation of each VoIP terminal 20.
In FIG. 13, all IP addresses are included in some affiliation, but there may be IP addresses that are not included in any affiliation.

Also, a master phone book file and a phone book file may be provided individually for each of a plurality of affiliations (or classifications within a plurality of affiliations).
In this case, the phone book management tool setting file is also provided for each of a plurality of affiliations, so that the master phone book file and the phone book file can be updated independently for each affiliation.

Then, the VoIP terminal 20 having the telephone directory file including the affiliation can make a call based on the affiliation. For example, it is possible to sequentially make a call only to the VoIP terminal 20 included in a certain affiliation.
Thus, by adding affiliation information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal 20 to the master telephone book file and the telephone book file, the VoIP terminal 20 can make a call based on the affiliation. Other VoIP terminals 20 that are to be sequentially subjected to calls can be determined based on their affiliations.

Further, the affiliation of the VoIP terminal 20 that makes a call may be selected by input to the VoIP terminal 20. For example, a mechanism that displays a list of affiliations set in the phone book file by the display unit 25 and accepts an instruction to select affiliation by the user via the input unit 24 can be considered. In this case, the CPU 21 sequentially calls other VoIP terminals 20 included in the selected affiliation. Here, the input unit 24 functions as affiliation selection means for selecting affiliation.
As a result, the user can arbitrarily select the affiliation of the VoIP terminal 20 that makes a call, and can easily select a call target as necessary.

  In addition, considering the case where data (packet) indicating completion of acquisition of the master phone book file is not sent from the VoIP terminal 20 that has caused an error in acquisition of the master phone book file for some reason, the master phone book file is finally included. An exception process such as releasing the prohibition of updating the master telephone book file may be provided when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the reception of the communication request for acquiring the master phone book.

  Further, when the VoIP terminal 20 makes a call, the telephone directory file may be updated before the call is made. In this case, it is possible to always make a call based on the latest phone book file by updating the phone book file when it becomes necessary to make a call. In addition, since the timing of the outgoing call of each VoIP terminal 20 varies, the communication load related to the update of the telephone directory file can be distributed.

Further, the server 10 may periodically distribute the update flag data after updating the master phone book file. The regular distribution of update flag data may be limited to a predetermined period.
In the above embodiment, the update flag data is transmitted to all the IP addresses included in the packet transmission target IP address range, but the IP address of the VoIP terminal 20 that has responded to the recent response request is transmitted. It may be limited.
In addition, each structure of said embodiment can be changed suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

10 Server 11 CPU
13 Storage Unit 16 Communication Unit 20 VoIP Terminal 21 CPU
23 storage unit 24 input unit 25 display unit 26 communication unit 27 audio input unit 28 audio output unit 30 wireless access point

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a plurality of VoIP terminals that call other VoIP terminals using telephone directory data,
Phone book data storage means for storing phone book data including IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals;
Setting information storage means for storing setting information including information used for updating the phone book data and indicating IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals;
Response request means for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals based on the setting information;
Response detection means for detecting a response from the VoIP terminal requested to respond by the response request means;
Phone book data update means for updating the phone book data based on the presence or absence of a response detected by the response detection means;
Telephone book data transmitting means for transmitting updated telephone book data to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals after updating the telephone book data;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information further includes information regarding a period for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals.   The phone book data adds affiliation information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal to a part or all of the IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals included in the phone book data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A plurality of the affiliations are provided,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the telephone directory data and the setting information are individually provided for each of a plurality of affiliations. A communication system including a plurality of VoIP terminals that call other VoIP terminals using telephone directory data, and an information processing apparatus that communicates with the plurality of VoIP terminals,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Phone book data storage means for storing phone book data including IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals;
Setting information storage means for storing setting information including information used for updating the phone book data and indicating IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals;
Response request means for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals based on the setting information;
Response detection means for detecting a response from the VoIP terminal requested to respond by the response request means;
Phone book data update means for updating the phone book data based on the presence or absence of a response detected by the response detection means;
Phone book data transmitting means for transmitting the updated phone book data to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals after updating the phone book data,
The VoIP terminal is
A communication system comprising telephone directory data receiving means for receiving telephone directory data transmitted from the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes:
Update notification means for notifying each of the plurality of VoIP terminals of the update of the phone book data after the update of the phone book data;
The VoIP terminal is
Update notification receiving means for receiving notification from the update notification means;
When the update notification receiving unit receives the notification, the phone book data acquiring unit acquires the phone book data from the information processing device via communication;
The communication system according to claim 5, further comprising:   The communication system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the setting information further includes information related to a period for requesting a response to all of the plurality of VoIP terminals.   The communication according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the VoIP terminal further includes a calling unit that sequentially calls other VoIP terminals in a predetermined order based on the telephone directory data. system. The phone book data adds affiliation information indicating the affiliation of each VoIP terminal for a part or all of the IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of VoIP terminals included in the phone book data,
The communication system according to claim 8, wherein the calling unit sequentially calls other VoIP terminals based on the affiliation. A plurality of the affiliations are provided,
The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the telephone directory data and the setting information are individually provided for each of a plurality of affiliations. The VoIP terminal further comprises affiliation selection means for selecting the affiliation,
11. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein the calling unit sequentially calls other VoIP terminals included in the affiliation selected by the affiliation selection unit.

Images