JP2012120043A - Communication system and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow simultaneous connection by the same user using a plurality of communication terminals.SOLUTION: In the communication system, communication among a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a third communication terminal can be made through a switching device. The first communication terminal comprises an authentication part which authenticates the second communication terminal using a communication protocol between the communication terminals within a predetermined distance and acquires terminal identification information of the second communication terminal; and a transmission part which transmits the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and an authentication result to the switching device in the case of connection with the third communication terminal. The switching device comprises a terminal identification information holding part which holds the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal received from the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, based on the authentication result; and a determination part which determines whether or not communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal can be made, based on the information held in the terminal identification information holding part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method.

  With the diversification of functions of communication terminals, it is assumed that one user owns a plurality of communication terminals. For example, a case where one user uses a mobile phone for voice calls and uses a smartphone for data communication can be considered.

  In a communication system such as ISDN, two telephones can be connected to an exchange at the same time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in the case of a mobile communication system, the called user cannot recognize that a plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same calling user.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-024739

  As described above, when the originating user owns a plurality of communication terminals, the terminating user cannot recognize whether the plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same user. In addition, even when the receiving user has a plurality of communication terminals, the calling user cannot recognize whether the plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same user.

  Such simultaneous use of a plurality of communication terminals by a single user means that when a voice call is made on another communication terminal while viewing a home page on one communication terminal, another communication terminal is used while playing an online game. Various forms of use are conceivable, such as when making a voice call at a communication terminal.

  In addition, for the user who does not know the operation of the mobile terminal (the person being assisted), the teaching user (assist person) can also display the screen in the assist function that guides the operation procedure from the mobile terminal to the other mobile terminal. It is desired to make it possible to properly use a terminal for confirmation and a terminal for voice call.

  An object of the present invention is to enable simultaneous connection using a plurality of communication terminals by the same user by ensuring that the plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same user.

The communication system of the present invention includes:
A communication system enabling communication between a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal and a third communication terminal via an exchange,
The first communication terminal is
An authentication unit that authenticates the second communication terminal using a communication protocol between communication terminals within a predetermined distance, and acquires terminal identification information of the second communication terminal;
A transmitter that transmits the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and an authentication result to the exchange when connected to the third communication terminal;
Have
The exchange is
A terminal identification information holding unit that holds the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal received from the first communication terminal based on the authentication result;
A determination unit that determines whether communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is possible based on information held in the terminal identification information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

The communication method of the present invention includes:
A communication method for enabling communication between a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a third communication terminal via an exchange,
The first communication terminal authenticating the second communication terminal using a communication protocol between communication terminals within a predetermined distance, and acquiring terminal identification information of the second communication terminal;
When the first communication terminal is connected to the third communication terminal, the first communication terminal transmits terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and an authentication result to the exchange. Steps,
The switch holds, based on an authentication result, terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and terminal identification information of the second communication terminal received from the first communication terminal;
The switch determines whether or not communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is possible based on information held in the terminal identification information holding unit;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously connect a plurality of communication terminals by the same user by ensuring that the plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same user.

Schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the connection switching by the battery exhaustion in the communication terminal which concerns on the Example of this invention. The block diagram of the communication terminal which concerns on the Example of this invention. Block diagram of an exchange according to an embodiment of the present invention The sequence diagram of the communication method which concerns on the Example of this invention Sequence diagram of a method for switching the connection established by the communication method shown in FIG. Sequence diagram of a method for switching the connection established by the communication method shown in FIG.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, communication enabling communication between a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal owned by one user and a third communication terminal owned by another user via an exchange. The system will be described. The first communication terminal authenticates the second communication terminal using a communication protocol (for example, Bluetooth) between the communication terminals within a predetermined distance, and acquires terminal identification information of the second communication terminal. When the first communication terminal is connected to the third communication terminal, the first communication terminal transmits the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and the authentication result to the exchange.

  The exchange holds the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal received from the first communication terminal based on the authentication result. Whether communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is possible is determined based on the stored information. For example, after the authentication is performed, the first communication terminal is communicating with the third communication terminal, and the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal are stored in association with each other. If so, communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is permitted.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the connection to the second communication terminal is switched when the battery of the first communication terminal runs out, or the connection to the first communication terminal is made when the battery of the second communication terminal runs out. The switching is also described.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, while a communication terminal (UE-B) 20 owned by one user is connected to a communication terminal (UE-C) 30 owned by another user, the communication terminal (UE-B) ) A case where the communication terminal (UE-A) 10 owned by the same user as 20 connects to the communication terminal (UE-C) 30 will be described.

  First, in order to ensure that UE-A10 and UE-B20 are owned by the same user, authentication is performed between UE-A10 and UE-B20. For example, an authentication key is exchanged between the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 using a communication protocol between communication terminals within a predetermined distance such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or infrared communication without using an exchange. This authentication ensures that UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 exist within a predetermined distance and are owned by the same user by exchanging authentication keys. In addition, when the authentication key is exchanged, terminal identification information (for example, telephone number, manufacturing number, etc.) of UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 is exchanged. Note that the authentication may be performed before communication, or may be performed at the time of connection request for voice call or packet communication.

  When the UE-B 20 starts a voice call to the UE-C 30, the UE-B 20 includes an authentication flag indicating that the authentication key has been exchanged together with the telephone number of the connected UE-C 30, and the UE-B 20 The terminal identification information and the terminal identification information of UE-A 10 are transmitted to the circuit switch 40. When receiving the authentication flag, the circuit switch 40 determines that the UE-B 20 and the UE-A 10 are owned by the same user, and stores the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the UE-A 10 in the terminal information storage unit 60. Are stored in association with the terminal identification information. When the circuit switch 40 does not receive the authentication flag, the terminal information storage unit 60 does not store the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 in association with each other. In addition, when not receiving an authentication flag, the information that UE-B20 and UE-A10 are not authenticated may be memorize | stored in the terminal information storage part 60. FIG.

  Next, when the UE-A 10 starts packet communication with the UE-C 30, the UE-A 10 transmits an authentication flag indicating that the authentication key is exchanged together with the telephone number of the UE-C 30 to which the UE-A 10 is connected, and the UE -The terminal identification information of A10 and the terminal identification information of UE-B20 are transmitted to the packet switch 50. When receiving the authentication flag, the packet switch 50 determines that the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 are owned by the same user, and stores the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 in the terminal information storage unit 60. Are stored in association with the terminal identification information. Here, this association has already been performed by the circuit switch 40. The packet switch 50 has the UE-C 30 communicating with the UE-B 20 based on the telephone number of the UE-C 30, and the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 from the terminal information storage unit 60. Can be recognized as being authenticated. In this case, the packet switch 50 permits communication from the UE-A 10 to the UE-C 30. Since the packet switch 50 indicates that the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 are owned by the same user, when the connection request from the UE-A 10 to the UE-C 30 is made, instead of the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10, You may notify UE-C30 of the terminal identification information of UE-B20.

  Thus, simultaneous connection from UE-A10 and UE-B20 to UE-C30 is attained. Note that, when the UE-B 20 starts a voice call after the UE-A 10 starts packet communication, simultaneous connection is possible by the same procedure as described above. Further, even when the same user owns three or more communication terminals, simultaneous connection is possible by the same procedure as described above.

  In the above description, a case where a user who owns a plurality of communication terminals (UE-A, UE-B) is a calling-side user has been described. However, the present invention provides a plurality of communication terminals (UE-A, UE-B). It is also applicable when the user who owns () is the called user.

  In this case, when the UE-C 30 starts a voice call to the UE-B 20, the UE-C 30 transmits the terminal identification information of the UE-C 30 to the circuit switch 40 together with the telephone number of the connection destination UE-B 20. In response to the voice call connection request from UE-C30, UE-B20 receives an authentication flag indicating that an authentication key has been exchanged, UE-B20 terminal identification information, and UE-A10 terminal identification information. Transmit to the circuit switch 40. When receiving the authentication flag, the circuit switch 40 determines that the UE-B 20 and the UE-A 10 are owned by the same user, and stores the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the UE-A 10 in the terminal information storage unit 60. Are stored in association with the terminal identification information. When the circuit switch 40 does not receive the authentication flag, the terminal information storage unit 60 does not store the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 in association with each other. In addition, when not receiving an authentication flag, the information that UE-A10 and UE-B20 are not authenticated may be memorize | stored in the terminal information storage part 60. FIG.

  Next, when the UE-C 30 starts packet communication with the UE-A 10, the UE-C 30 transmits the terminal identification information of the UE-C 30 to the packet switch 50 together with the telephone number of the UE-A 10 that is the connection destination. Similarly to the connection to UE-B 20, at the time of a response to the packet communication connection request from UE-C 30, UE-A 10 receives an authentication flag indicating that an authentication key has been exchanged, and terminal identification information of UE-A 10 And the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 are transmitted to the packet switch 50. When receiving the authentication flag, the packet switch 50 determines that the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 are owned by the same user, and stores the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 in the terminal information storage unit 60. Are stored in association with the terminal identification information. Here, this association has already been performed by the circuit switch 40. The packet switch 50 is configured such that the UE-A 10 is communicating with the UE-C 30 based on the telephone number of the UE-A 10, and the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 Can be recognized as being authenticated. Therefore, the packet switch 50 permits communication from the UE-C 30 to the UE-A 10.

  In FIG. 1, UE-B 20 and UE-C 30 communicate with each other via a circuit switch, and UE-A 10 and UE-C 30 communicate with each other via a packet switch. The same applies to communication between the UE-C 30 and the UE-C 30 via a packet switch, and communication between the UE-A 10 and the UE-30 via a circuit switch.

  Further, the same applies to the case where communication is performed between the UE-B 20 and the UE-C 30 via a packet switch, and communication is performed between the UE-A 10 and the UE-30 via the packet switch.

  Typically, UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 are communication terminals that support both voice communication and data communication, like UE-C 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the battery of the UE-B 20 is exhausted, the communication can be continued by switching the connection to the UE-A 10.

  For example, when the remaining battery level of the UE-B 20 becomes less than the threshold value, the UE-B 20 transmits a communication disconnection request to the circuit switch 40. The circuit switch 40 disconnects the line with the UE-B 20 and refers to the terminal information storage unit 60 to determine whether the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the terminal identification information of the UE-A 10 are stored as authenticated. Determine. When the terminal identification information of UE-B20 and the terminal identification information of UE-A10 are stored as authenticated, the circuit switch 40 switches the connection to UE-A10.

  Similarly, when the battery of UE-A10 runs out, communication can be continued by switching the connection to UE-B20.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the communication terminals UE-A10 and UE-B20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Since the configurations of the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 are the same, the UE-A 10 will be described below.

  The communication terminal 10 includes a Bluetooth communication unit 101, an authentication key exchange unit 103, an authentication terminal information holding unit 105, a battery remaining amount management unit 107, a communication disconnection request unit 109, and a communication unit 111.

  The Bluetooth communication unit 101 communicates with a communication terminal within a predetermined distance by Bluetooth. Here, although Bluetooth is described as an example, a communication protocol between communication terminals such as a wireless LAN or infrared communication may be used instead of Bluetooth.

  The authentication key exchange unit 103 exchanges an authentication key with a communication terminal within a predetermined distance via the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The exchange of the authentication key may be performed by registering the authentication key set in one communication terminal in the other communication terminal. Alternatively, the authentication key set in one communication terminal may be registered in the other communication terminal, and the authentication key set in the other communication terminal may be registered in one communication terminal.

  The authentication terminal information holding unit 105 holds terminal identification information of a communication terminal that has been authenticated. The terminal identification information is information that uniquely identifies the communication terminal, such as a telephone number and a manufacturing number.

  The battery remaining amount management unit 107 manages the remaining amount of the battery.

  The communication disconnection request unit 109 transmits a communication disconnection request to the currently connected circuit switch or packet switch when the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value. This prompts the connected circuit switch or packet switch to reconnect to the authenticated communication terminal 20. When the communication terminal 10 is connected to the packet switch, the packet communication is taken over by the authenticated communication terminal 20 to the authenticated communication terminal 20 via the Bluetooth communication unit 101 in order to take over the packet communication. You may request activation of the application.

  The communication unit 111 communicates with a connection destination communication terminal via a circuit switch or a packet switch. When the communication unit 111 is connected to the connection destination communication terminal, the authentication flag, the terminal identification information of the own communication terminal, and the authenticated terminal information held by the authentication terminal information holding unit 101 are set together with the telephone number of the connection destination communication terminal. The terminal identification information is transmitted to the exchange.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exchange 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The packet switch 50 is similarly configured. In FIG. 4, the terminal information storage unit 60 exists outside the exchange 40, but the terminal information storage unit 60 may be included in the exchange 40.

  The exchange 40 includes a communication unit 401, a terminal identification information acquisition unit 403, a connection determination unit 405, and a connection management unit 407.

  The communication unit 401 communicates voice or packets between communication terminals. The communication unit 401 may notify the identification information of the transmission source communication terminal to the connection destination communication terminal. As described above, when a plurality of communication terminals (UE-A10, UE-B20) are authenticated and one communication terminal (UE-B20) is communicating, the communication unit 401 includes the other communication terminal ( At the time of a connection request from UE-A10), instead of the terminal identification information of the communication terminal (UE-A10) making the connection request, the terminal identification information of the communication terminal (UE-B20) in communication is used as the connection destination communication terminal. (UE-C30) may be notified.

  When the terminal identification information acquisition unit 403 receives an authentication flag and terminal identification information of a plurality of authenticated communication terminals (UE-A10, UE-B20) from the communication terminal, the terminal identification information acquisition unit 403 stores a plurality of authenticated information in the terminal information storage unit 60. The terminal identification information of the communication terminal is associated and stored.

  Based on the authentication flag, the connection determination unit 405 determines whether communication from the communication terminal requesting connection to the connection destination communication terminal is possible. Specifically, at the time of a connection request from the communication terminal (UE-A10) to the connection destination communication terminal (UE-C30), the connection destination communication terminal (UE-C30) by the telephone number of the connection destination communication terminal (UE-C30). ) Is communicating with the communication terminal (UE-B20). The connection determination unit 405 recognizes that the terminal identification information of the communication terminal (UE-A10, UE-B20) is stored as authenticated by referring to the terminal information storage unit 60. In this case, the connection determination unit 405 permits communication from the communication terminal (UE-A10) making the connection request to the connection destination communication terminal (UE-C30). If it is not stored as authenticated, communication from the communication terminal (UE-A10) making the connection request to the connection destination communication terminal (UE-C30) is not permitted.

  When the connection management unit 407 receives a communication disconnection request from the communication terminal, the connection management unit 407 determines the authenticated communication terminal by referring to the terminal information storage unit 60 and switches the connection to the authenticated communication terminal.

  The terminal information storage unit 60 stores the authenticated communication terminals in association with each other as described above. Further, the terminal information storage unit 60 may store user information. The terminal information storage unit 60 may store, for example, a telephone number, a manufacturing number, a contractor name, a contractor address, location information, and the like. Such user information may be stored in a user information storage unit (not shown) different from the terminal information storage unit 60.

<Procedure of communication method>
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where UE-A 10 starts packet communication with UE-C 30 after UE-B 20 starts a voice call with UE-C 30 will be described.

  First, in order to perform authentication between UE-A10 and UE-B20, UE-B20 requests | requires authentication with respect to UE-A10 (S101). This authentication request may be performed from UE-A 10 to UE-B 20. In response to the authentication request, an authentication key is exchanged between the UE-A 10 and the UE-B 20 using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth (S103). When the authentication key is exchanged, terminal identification information (for example, telephone number, manufacturing number, etc.) of UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 is exchanged.

  When the UE-B 20 starts a voice call to the UE-C 30, the UE-B 20 transmits a voice call connection request to the circuit switch 40 (S105). The voice call connection request includes an authentication flag indicating that an authentication key has been exchanged, a terminal identification information of UE-B20, a terminal identification information of UE-A10, together with a telephone number of UE-C30 as a connection destination. Is included. When receiving the authentication flag, the circuit switch 40 registers the information of the transmission source communication terminal (terminal identification information of the UE-B20, terminal identification information of the UE-A10) in the terminal information storage unit 60. Further, the circuit switch 40 requests the location information of the UE-C 30 in order to grasp the circuit switch of the connection destination (S107). In addition, for the registration of the information of the source communication terminal and the request for the location information of UE-C30, the authentication flag, the terminal identification information of UE-B20, the terminal identification information of UE-A10, and the telephone of UE-C30 Numbers are used. Then, the circuit switch 40 acquires the location information of the UE-C 30 from the terminal information storage unit 60 (S109). In connection with UE-C30, the terminal identification information of UE-B20 which is a transmission origin is used, and the terminal identification information of UE-A10 is not used.

  The circuit switch 40 transmits a voice call connection request to the circuit switch of the connection destination (S111). This voice call connection request includes the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the location information of the UE-C 30. Further, the connection destination circuit switch transmits a voice call connection request to the UE-C 30 (S113). This voice call connection request includes the terminal identification information of UE-B20. When the UE-C 30 responds to the voice call connection request, the UE-C 30 transmits a voice call connection response to the UE-B 20 via the circuit switch (S115, S117, S119). As a result, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between the UE-B 20 and the line switch 40, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between the line switch 40 and the connected line switch, and the connection destination A bearer (U-Plane) is set between the circuit switch and the UE-C 30 to enable voice communication (S121). Thus, the bearer is terminated at the circuit switch.

  Next, since the UE-A 10 starts packet communication, the UE-A 10 activates a packet communication application (S123), and transmits a packet communication connection request to the packet switch 50 (S125). The packet communication connection request includes an authentication flag indicating that the authentication key has been exchanged, a terminal identification information of UE-A10, a terminal identification information of UE-B20, and a telephone number of UE-C30 as a connection destination. Is included. When the packet switch 50 receives the authentication flag, the packet switch 50 registers information of the source communication terminal (terminal identification information of UE-A10, terminal identification information of UE-B20) in the terminal information storage unit 60. Here, this registration has already been performed, and it can be seen that UE-B 20 is in a voice call with UE-C 30. Further, the packet switch 50 requests the location information of the UE-C 30 in order to grasp the connection destination packet switch (S127). In addition, for the registration of the information of the source communication terminal and the request for the location information of UE-C30, the authentication flag, the terminal identification information of UE-A10, the terminal identification information of UE-B20, and the telephone of UE-C30 Numbers are used. Then, the packet switch 50 acquires the location information of the UE-C 30 from the terminal information storage unit 60 (S129). In connection with UE-C30, the terminal identification information of UE-B20 which is carrying out a voice call is used.

  The packet switch 50 transmits a packet communication connection request to the connection destination packet switch (S131). This voice call connection request includes the terminal identification information of the UE-B 20 and the location information of the UE-C 30. Further, the packet switch at the connection destination transmits a packet communication connection request to the UE-C 30 (S135). This packet communication connection request includes the terminal identification information of UE-B20. Therefore, the user of UE-C30 can recognize that it is a packet communication connection request from the same user. When the UE-C 30 responds to the packet communication connection request, the UE-C 30 transmits a packet communication connection response to the UE-A 10 via the packet switch (S137, S139, S141). As a result, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between the UE-A 10 and the packet switch 50, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between the packet switch 50 and the connection destination packet switch, and the connection destination A bearer (U-Plane) is set between the packet switch and the UE-C 30 to enable packet communication (S143). In this way, the bearer is terminated at the packet switch.

  In response to the packet communication connection request in step S135, the packet communication application may be activated in the UE-C 30. In particular, in the case of an application that allows remote control from one terminal to the other terminal, such as an assist function, the application is activated only in response to a packet communication connection request from a source communication terminal during a voice call. Also good. Packet communication connection requests from other communication terminals may be rejected.

  FIG. 5 corresponds to the case where packet communication is started after starting a voice call. However, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is also applicable to the case where a voice call is started after starting packet communication. Is possible. 5 corresponds to the case where UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 are originating users, but as described with reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is a user who owns UE-A 10 and UE-B 20. It is also applicable when is a receiving user.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a method for switching the connection established by the communication method illustrated in FIG. 5 because the UE-B 20 is out of battery.

  During a voice call between the UE-B 20 and the UE-C 30, the UE-B 20 detects whether or not the remaining amount of the battery is less than the threshold value (S201). When the remaining battery amount of the UE-B 20 becomes less than the threshold, the UE-B 20 transmits a voice call session release request for requesting disconnection of communication to the circuit switch 40 (S203). The circuit switch 40 requests information on the communication terminal that can be switched and stored in association with the UE-B 20 as authenticated (S205), and the terminal of the UE-A 10 recorded in association with the UE-B 20 Identification information is acquired from the terminal information storage unit 60 (S207). The circuit switch 40 releases the bearer with the UE-B 20 and transmits a voice call session release response to the UE-B 20 (S209). In this case, the bearer between the circuit switch 40 and the connection destination circuit switch and the bearer between the connection destination circuit switch and the UE-C 30 are not released.

  The circuit switch 40 transmits a voice call connection request to the UE-A 10 (S211). When the UE-A 10 responds to the voice call connection request, the UE-A 10 transmits a voice call connection response to the circuit switch 40 (S213). ). As a result, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between the UE-A 10 and the circuit switch 40, and is connected to an unopened bearer between the circuit switch 40 and the UE-C 30. Then, the voice call is resumed (S215).

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a method for switching the connection established by the communication method illustrated in FIG. 5 because the UE-A 10 runs out of battery.

  During packet communication between the UE-A 10 and the UE-C 30, the UE-A 10 detects whether or not the remaining amount of the battery is less than the threshold value (S 301). When the remaining battery level of the UE-A 10 is less than the threshold value, in order to take over the packet communication to the UE-B 20, the Bluetooth communication unit or the like requests the UE-B 20 to start an application for packet communication (S303). . The UE-B 20 activates the application (S305), and transmits an application activation response to the UE-A 10 when the activation of the application is completed (S307).

  The UE-A 10 transmits a packet communication session release request for requesting disconnection of communication to the packet switch 50 (S309). The packet switch 50 requests information of a communication terminal that can be switched and stored in association with the UE-A 10 as authenticated (S311), and the terminal of the UE-B 20 recorded in association with the UE-A 10 Identification information is acquired from the terminal information storage unit 60 (S313). The packet switch 50 releases the bearer with the UE-A 10 and transmits a packet communication session release response to the UE-A 10 (S315). In this case, the bearer between the packet switch 50 and the connection destination packet switch and the bearer between the connection destination packet switch and the UE-C 30 are not released.

  The packet switch 50 transmits a packet communication connection request to the UE-B 20 (S317). When the UE-B 20 responds to the packet communication connection request, the UE-B 20 transmits a packet communication connection response to the packet switch 50 (S319). ). Thereby, a bearer (U-Plane) is set between UE-B20 and the packet switch 50, and it connects with the unopened bearer between the packet switch 50 and UE-C30. Then, the packet communication is resumed (S321).

  In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, this corresponds to the case where UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 are originating users, but according to a similar procedure, the user who owns UE-A 10 and UE-B 20 is called a terminating user. It is also applicable to cases where

  Further, when communication is performed between the UE-B 20 and the UE-C 30 via a packet switch instead of a circuit switch, connection switching can be similarly realized. For example, in the case of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), voice is also communicated via a packet switch. In this case, if the communication terminal is a terminal that supports a multi-packet bearer, similar connection switching can be realized.

<Effect of Example>
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously connect a plurality of communication terminals by the same user by ensuring that the plurality of communication terminals are owned by the same user.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, authentication keys are exchanged using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Accordingly, when a plurality of communication terminals exist close to each other and the condition that they are authenticated is satisfied, it is regarded as simultaneous connection by the same user. Such authentication can avoid “spoofing” by impersonating terminal identification information.

  In addition, by notifying the connection destination communication terminal of the first terminal information at the time of the second connection, the receiving user can recognize that it is a connection request from the same user.

  Even when the battery of one communication terminal runs out, the connection can be switched to the other communication terminal to continue communication.

  For convenience of explanation, the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is described using a functional block diagram, but the apparatus of the present invention may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In addition, the functional units may be used in combination as necessary.

  For convenience of explanation, the method according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described using a flowchart and a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing. However, the method of the present invention may be performed in an order different from the order shown in the embodiment. Good.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said Example, A various change and application are possible within a claim.

10, 20, 30 Communication terminal 101, 201 Bluetooth communication unit 103, 203 Authentication key exchange unit 105, 205 Authentication terminal information holding unit 107, 207 Battery remaining amount management unit 109, 209 Communication disconnection request unit 111, 211 Communication unit 40, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Switch 401 Communication part 403 Terminal identification information acquisition part 405 Connection judgment part 407 Connection management part 60 Terminal information storage part

Claims (7)

A communication system enabling communication between a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal and a third communication terminal via an exchange,
The first communication terminal is
An authentication unit that authenticates the second communication terminal using a communication protocol between communication terminals within a predetermined distance, and acquires terminal identification information of the second communication terminal;
A transmitter that transmits the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and an authentication result to the exchange when connected to the third communication terminal;
Have
The exchange is
A terminal identification information holding unit that holds the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal received from the first communication terminal based on the authentication result;
A determination unit that determines whether communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is possible based on information held in the terminal identification information holding unit;
A communication system. The authentication unit sets an authentication flag when an authentication key is exchanged with the second communication terminal,
The transmitter transmits an authentication flag as an authentication result,
The terminal identification information holding unit holds the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal in association with each other when receiving the authentication flag,
In the connection between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal, the determination unit is in communication with the third communication terminal, and in the terminal identification information holding unit, The communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is permitted when the terminal identification information of the first communication terminal is associated with the terminal identification information of the second communication terminal. The communication system according to 1.   The switch further includes a notification unit that notifies the third communication terminal of terminal identification information of the first communication terminal when the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal are connected. 2. The communication system according to 2. The first communication terminal is
A battery remaining amount management unit for managing the remaining amount of the battery;
A communication disconnection request unit that transmits a communication disconnection request to the exchange when the remaining battery level is less than a threshold;
Further comprising
When the exchange receives a communication disconnection request from the first communication terminal, the exchange further includes a connection management unit that disconnects communication with the first communication terminal and connects the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second communication terminal is
A battery remaining amount management unit for managing the remaining amount of the battery;
A communication disconnection request unit that transmits a communication disconnection request to the exchange when the remaining battery level is less than a threshold;
Further comprising
When the exchange receives a communication disconnection request from the second communication terminal, the exchange further includes a connection management unit that disconnects communication with the second communication terminal and connects the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The first communication terminal is a terminal that communicates with the third communication terminal via a circuit-switched network, and the second communication terminal is a terminal that communicates with the third communication terminal via a packet-switched network;
The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the communication disconnection request unit transmits a packet communication disconnection request to the exchange and requests the first communication terminal to start an application for packet communication. A communication method for enabling communication between a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a third communication terminal via an exchange,
The first communication terminal authenticating the second communication terminal using a communication protocol between communication terminals within a predetermined distance, and acquiring terminal identification information of the second communication terminal;
When the first communication terminal is connected to the third communication terminal, the first communication terminal transmits terminal identification information of the first communication terminal, terminal identification information of the second communication terminal, and an authentication result to the exchange. Steps,
The switch holds, based on an authentication result, terminal identification information of the first communication terminal and terminal identification information of the second communication terminal received from the first communication terminal;
The switch determines whether or not communication between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal is possible based on information held in the terminal identification information holding unit;
A communication method comprising:

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