JP2000286885A - Multimedia information communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system which can freely use information addressed to oneself and can efficiently manage information by once recording information transmitted in the multimedia information communication system in a recording device when an incoming destination does not make a response. SOLUTION: An automatic response means transmitting sound guidance to a calling destination when the terminal equipment of an incoming destination does not make a response and a recording means recording information transmitted from the terminal equipment of the calling destination in accordance with sound guidance are included. In the system, a communication server SVR, a gate keeper GK and a sound automatic response device IVR are connected to network LAN 1. The communication server SVR is provided with the accumulation function of data such as sound data and the accumulation/distribution function of electronic mails. The gate keeper device GK controls the call of the system and accumulates information on call control. The sound automatic response device IVR automatically makes the response to an incoming call, transmits sound guidance and decides and transfers a transfer destination by using a DTMF signal from a caller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multimedia information communication system in which a plurality of types of terminal devices are accommodated in a network centered on a cal area network) to enable multimedia information communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional private network system, a voice terminal device such as a telephone is connected to a private branch office (PBX).
Exchange) or a key telephone main unit as an extension terminal, and exchanges connection between these extension terminals and an external communication network such as a public network and between extension terminals by a PBX or a key telephone main unit to perform a call. It is configured to allow. In addition, a data terminal such as a personal computer is connected to a LAN, and electronic mail and data are transmitted between the personal computers via the LAN. Furthermore, a system has been proposed in which a voice communication system using a PBX or key telephone main unit and a data communication system using a LAN are linked by using a gateway.

[0003] However, in such a conventional private network system, it is necessary to lay separate communication infrastructures for the voice communication system and the data communication system. In addition, since the voice communication system is of a centralized control type using a PBX or a key telephone main unit, the system is likely to be down. To avoid this, it is necessary to duplicate the PBX. For this reason, there is a problem that the configuration of the system becomes large and the investment burden on the user increases.

Accordingly, the present inventor has proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-16172.
In No. 2, a plurality of types of media terminals are accommodated in a network centered on a LAN via a communication interface device, and protocol conversion and data format conversion are performed in the communication interface device. As a matter of course, a system that enables multimedia information communication between each media terminal and an external communication network has been proposed.

By the way, in this system, in order to cope with a case where there is no answer at the destination such as absence of the destination user or power-on of the destination terminal, a storage device dedicated to voice data called a so-called voice mail device. Is connected to a network, and the stored voice data is reproduced later to enhance the convenience of the destination. However, the voice mail device is a device dedicated to voice data, and cannot be used for other multimedia information such as image data. Further, in order to reproduce the stored information, it is necessary for each user to access the storage device, and it is not easy to reproduce the information, and there is a problem that the access increases network traffic.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional multimedia information communication system, no effective countermeasure has been found when the destination does not respond.

An object of the present invention is to provide the following multimedia information communication system.

(A) A multimedia information communication system capable of recording information transmitted from a destination even if the destination does not respond, and easily reproducing the information later.

(B) A multimedia information communication system capable of recording information sent from a destination and easily reproducing the information later even if the destination does not respond.

(C) A multimedia information communication system capable of easily reproducing recorded information without accessing a recording destination.

(D) In a multimedia information communication system which can record information sent from a destination even if the destination does not respond, and can easily reproduce the information later, management of the recorded information Multimedia information communication system that is easy to use.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention uses the following means.

(1) A multimedia information communication system according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of terminal devices for transmitting and receiving information data according to a first communication protocol; and information according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. In a multimedia information communication system comprising a communication network for transmitting data and a plurality of communication interface devices having a function of converting a communication protocol between the plurality of terminal devices and the communication network, When the terminal device does not respond, it comprises automatic response means for sending voice guidance to the destination, and recording means for recording information transmitted from the destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance. Things.

According to this system, if the destination does not respond, any information transmitted through the multimedia information communication system is temporarily recorded in the recording device and can be reproduced later.

(2) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the terminal device of the called party is turned on but no response is received. The device sends the voice guidance to the destination, records information transmitted from the terminal device of the destination according to the voice guidance, attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an e-mail, and sends the information to itself. What to send.

According to this system, when the destination is unanswered, the information recorded in the destination is transmitted to the destination as a mail, so that the destination can easily reproduce the information and receive the information. Easy to manage.

(3) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), further comprising means for saving the information recorded in the recording means as a file.

According to this system, when the destination is unanswered, the information sent from the destination is stored as a file, so that information management is easy.

(4) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein, when the terminal device of the destination does not respond, the terminal device of the predetermined transfer destination transmits the voice guidance. Sending to the destination, recording information transmitted from the destination terminal in accordance with the voice guidance, and attaching the information recorded in the recording means to an e-mail and transmitting the information to the destination terminal; It is.

According to this system, when the destination is unanswered, the information recorded in the transfer destination is transmitted to the destination as a mail, so that the destination can easily reproduce the information and receive the information. Easy to manage.

(5) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the voice guidance is sent to a call destination when the transfer destination terminal device does not respond. The apparatus further includes an automatic voice response device that records information transmitted from the destination terminal device according to the voice guidance, attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an e-mail, and transmits the electronic mail to the destination terminal device. Things.

According to this system, when the destination is unanswered, the information recorded in the automatic voice response device is transmitted to the destination as a mail, so that the destination can easily reproduce the information. Information management is easy.

(6) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group is If all of the terminals are turned on but no response is received, one of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group sends the voice guidance to the destination, and the terminal of the destination is transmitted according to the voice guidance. The information transmitted from the device is recorded, and the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to all terminal devices included in the broadcast group.

According to this system, even when the destination is a broadcast group and all of the terminal devices included therein do not respond, the information once recorded is transmitted to all the terminal devices in the broadcast group as mail. Therefore, the destination can easily reproduce the information and can easily manage the information.

(7) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group is If all are powered on but all are unresponsive, one of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group sends the voice guidance to the destination, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group All records information sent from the terminal device of the transmission destination according to the voice guidance, and saves the information recorded in the recording means as a file.

According to this system, even if the destination is a broadcast group and all of the terminal devices included therein do not respond, the information sent from the destination is stored as a file. Easy.

(8) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group is If all are powered on but all are unresponsive, one of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group sends the voice guidance to the destination, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group All records information transmitted from the terminal device of the transmission destination according to the voice guidance, and transmits the information recorded in the recording means to the user by attaching the information to an electronic mail.

According to this system, even if the destination is a broadcast group and all of the terminal devices included in the destination group do not respond, the information once recorded in any of the destinations is transmitted to itself as mail. Therefore, the destination can easily reproduce the information and easily manage the information.

(9) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group is a broadcast group. If all are powered on but all are unresponsive, one of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group sends the voice guidance to the destination, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group All records information transmitted from the terminal device of the transmission destination according to the voice guidance, and transmits the information recorded in the recording means to the user by attaching the information to an electronic mail.

According to this system, even when the destination is a broadcast group and all of the terminal devices included in the destination group do not respond, the information once recorded is transmitted to the user as an e-mail. Is easy to reproduce information and easy to manage information.

(10) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and the terminal device included in the broadcast group is If a part of the terminal is turned on, but all of the terminals are not responding, one of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group sends the voice guidance to the destination, and the terminal of the destination is transmitted according to the voice guidance. The information sent from the device is recorded, and the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a terminal device included in the broadcast group and turned on.

According to this system, when the destination is a broadcast group, the destination can easily reproduce the information and can easily manage the information.

(11) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), further including a call control device for transferring the data to the data server when the power of the destination terminal device is not turned on. The data server transmits the voice guidance to a destination, records information transmitted from a terminal device of the destination according to the voice guidance, and stores the information recorded in the recording unit as a file. It is.

According to this system, even when the power of the destination is not turned on, the information sent from the destination is stored in the data server as a file, so that the information can be easily managed.

(12) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), further including a call control device for transferring the data to the data server when the terminal device of the destination is not powered on. The data server sends the voice guidance to a destination, records information transmitted from a destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance, and attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an e-mail. And sends it to the destination terminal device.

According to this system, even when the power of the destination is not turned on, the information sent from the destination is transmitted to the destination as mail, so that the destination can easily reproduce the information and , Information management is easy.

(13) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), further including a call control device for transferring the data to the data server when the terminal device of the destination is not powered on. The data server sends the voice guidance to the destination, records information sent from the destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance, sends the information to the destination terminal device, and sends the information to the recording unit. The recorded information is transmitted to the destination terminal device.

According to this system, even if the power of the destination is not turned on, the data server temporarily records the information sent from the destination, and then transmits the information to the destination to transmit the information. Without accessing the information recording unit,
You can receive information for yourself.

(14) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the voice guidance is transmitted to the destination when the terminal device of the destination is not turned on. The information processing apparatus further includes a call control device that records information transmitted from the terminal device of the transmission destination according to the voice guidance, and stores the information recorded in the recording unit as a file.

According to this system, even when the power of the destination is not turned on, the information transmitted from the destination is stored as a file by the call control device, so that the information can be easily managed.

(15) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to (1), wherein the voice guidance is transmitted to the destination when the terminal device of the destination is not powered on. The information processing apparatus further includes a call control device that records information sent from the destination terminal device in response to the voice guidance, attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an electronic mail, and transmits the information to the destination terminal device. Things.

According to this system, even when the power of the destination is not turned on, the information transmitted from the destination is transmitted by the call control device as mail to the destination, so that the destination can easily reproduce the information. In addition, information management is easy.

(16) The multimedia information communication system according to the present invention is the system according to any one of the above (1) to (15), and further includes information stored in its own terminal device and information other than its own device. It further comprises means for merging and displaying the stored information.

According to this system, information addressed to the own device can be displayed collectively regardless of the storage location.

[0045]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a multimedia information communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multimedia information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The core communication network LAN1 which forms the core of this system is, for example, 100 Mbit or 1G.
It is configured by Ethernet having a bit transmission capacity. A plurality (three in the figure) of hub devices H1, H2, H3 as communication interface devices for terminal connection are connected to the network LAN1. Each of these hub devices H1, H2, H3 has a telephone T
EL1, TEL2, TEL3 and personal computers PC1, PC2, PC3 are connected. These telephones TEL1, TEL2, TEL3 and personal computers PC1, PC2, PC3 are all used as extension terminals. Telephone TEL1, TEL2, TEL3
The telephone numbers DN (here, extension numbers) of the personal computers PC1, PC2, and PC3 are 300, respectively.
0, 3001, 3002, 4000, 4001, 400
2. In addition, telephones TEL1, TEL2, TEL3
Each of the personal computers PC1, PC2, and PC3 also has an Internet Protocol (IP) address for identifying a connection device on the LAN.
14.131.100, 133.114.131.10
1, 133.114.131.102, 133.11
4.131.110, 133.114.131.11
1, 133.114.131.112. As the telephones TEL1, TEL2, and TEL3, any of an analog telephone and a digital telephone can be used. Personal computers PC2, PC3
Constitutes a broadcast group. When a call is made to the extension number 4010 assigned to the broadcast group, a call is received to both the personal computers PC2 and PC3.

The network LAN1 has a plurality of (two in the figure) router devices LT1 and LT2 (IP addresses of 13) as communication interface devices for external line connection.
3.114.131.103, 133.114.13
1.104) is connected. Router device LT1, L
T2 performs an interface process between the public network INW and the multimedia information communication system of the present invention. If the connected public network INW is ISDN, an ISDN-compatible router is used. PSTN
A corresponding router device is used. A telephone TEL4 is connected to the public network INW. The telephone TEL4 is assigned a telephone number 03-5678-9000.

Further, the network LAN 1 stores various data such as voice data, a communication server SVR having an e-mail storage and distribution function, etc., performs call control of this system, and performs call control information. The gatekeeper device GK, which stores the information, automatically responds to an incoming call, transmits voice guidance, and further receives a DT from the caller.
An automatic voice response device IVR that determines a transfer destination using an MF signal or the like and transfers data to the determined transfer destination, and a personal computer PC4 that can be used as an extension telephone are also connected. Communication server SVR, gatekeeper device GK,
Automatic voice response device IVR, personal computer PC
4 is 133.114.131.115,
133.114.131.113, 133.114.1
31.116, 133.114.131.114.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, a PHS (Personal Handyphone) is provided on the network LAN 1 as another communication interface device.
(System) A wireless hub device having the function of a base station can also be connected.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the gate keeper device GK showing only necessary functions in the present embodiment. The gatekeeper device GK is connected to a network interface (I
/ F) 21, protocol processing unit 22, data storage unit 2
3. A central processing unit (CPU) 24 is provided. The network I / F 21 is connected to the network LAN1 and exchanges information with the network LAN1.

The protocol processing unit 22 includes the hub devices H1, H
2, H3, analyzing the call control signals transmitted and received from the router devices LT1 and LT2 via the network I / F 21,
The analysis result is transmitted to the CPU 24. Or CPU
A call control signal is created according to a command from the server 24 and transmitted to the network LAN 1 via the network I / F 21.

The data storage unit 23 stores information necessary for call control, such as a telephone number (DN) / IP address conversion table, information on a non-response transfer destination, presence / absence of mail transmission,
Stores information on the storage location of audio data, etc.
Input / output information in response to an instruction from FIG. 4 shows an example of a data table stored in the data storage unit 23.

The CPU 24 performs various processes including call processing in the gate keeper GK, and exchanges information with the protocol processing unit 22 and the data storage unit 23.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the automatic voice response apparatus IVR showing only necessary functions in the present embodiment. The automatic voice response device IVR includes a network I / F 31, a protocol processing unit 32, a CPU 33, and a mail creation / transmission unit 3.
4. An audio data transmitting unit 35 and a data storage unit 36 are provided. The network I / F 31 is connected to the network LAN1 and exchanges information with the network LAN1.

The protocol processing unit 32 includes the hub devices H1, H
2, H3, analyze the call control signals transmitted and received from the router devices LT1 and LT2 via the network I / F 31,
The result of the analysis is transmitted to the CPU 33. Or CPU
A call control signal is created in accordance with a command from the network controller 33 and transmitted to the network LAN 1 via the network I / F 31.

The CPU 33 performs various processes such as call processing in the automatic voice response apparatus IVR, and transmits information to and from the protocol processing unit 32, the mail creation / transmission unit 34, the voice data transmission unit 35, and the data storage unit 36. Interact.

The mail creation / transmission unit 34 creates an electronic mail, attaches the voice data stored in the data storage unit 36, and sends the data to the network LAN1 via the network I / F.

The audio data transmitting section 35 is provided with the data storage section 3
6 is packetized and transmitted to the network LAN 1 via the network I / F 31.

The data storage unit 36 stores the same data table as that stored in the data storage unit 36.

This data table is stored in the hub device H.
1, H2 and H3 are also stored.

Next, the operation of the multimedia information communication system according to this embodiment will be described.

(1) Calling operation For example, the telephone TEL1 connected to the hub device H1
From the telephone number 3001, the hub device H1 refers to the data table recorded in the data storage unit and checks the IP address (here, 133.144.131.101) corresponding to the telephone number of the destination. ). In the hub device H2, the transmission information is transmitted to the hub device H.
1 and the telephone set T connected to the hub device H2.
Ring the EL2 bell. Then, when the receiver of the telephone TEL2 is picked up, a call between the extensions is realized.

The above-mentioned transmission is a direct transmission between extensions by the hub device, and the transmission using the gatekeeper device GK is as follows. For example, hub device H
From telephone TEL1 connected to telephone number 1, telephone number 30
When a call is made to 01, a call request is sent to the gatekeeper device GK. The gatekeeper device GK makes a call to the IP address corresponding to the telephone number with reference to the data table recorded in the data storage unit 23. The hub device H2 receives the transmission information from the gatekeeper device GK and rings the bell of the telephone TEL2 connected to the hub device H2. And telephone TEL
When the second handset is picked up, a call between extensions is realized.

When a call is transmitted from the telephone TEL1 connected to the hub device H1 to the telephone TEL4 connected to the public network INW, the telephone number is 03-567.
When a call is transmitted to 8-9000, the router refers to the data table recorded in the data storage unit of the hub device H1, and selects a router for transmitting the public network INW. Thereby, it is possible to communicate with the telephone TEL4 connected to the public network INW via the router LT1.

The above-mentioned transmission is a direct transmission between an extension and an outside line by the hub device, and the transmission using the gatekeeper device GK is as follows. For example, when a telephone TEL1 connected to the hub device H1 makes a call to a telephone TEL4 connected to the public network INW, when a call is made to a telephone number 03-5678-9000, the hub device H1 becomes a gatekeeper. A transmission signal is transmitted to the GK, and a router for transmitting the public network INW is selected with reference to the data table (FIG. 4) recorded in the data storage unit 43 of the gate keeper GK (here, the router LT1). ). As a result, the router LT is connected to the telephone TEL4 connected to the public network INW.
1 can communicate.

Next, the incoming call operation will be described.

(2) In the case of normal incoming call FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the whole system at the time of normal incoming call. For example, when a personal computer PC1 connected to the hub device H1 sends a call by designating the extension number 4001, the personal computer PC1 connected to the hub device H2 receives the call via the gatekeeper device GK. In step S2, the destination (PC
It is determined whether the power supply of 2) is on.

If it is determined that the power is on, it is determined whether or not the destination (PC2) responds to the incoming call. If there is a response, a call between extensions is realized. If it is detected in step S4 that there is no response for a predetermined time, step S6
It is determined whether or not the transfer destination for no response has been set.

If no response destination is not set,
In step S8, the called party automatically answers. That is, the personal computer PC2 automatically responds to the incoming call and sends voice guidance to the call destination (PC1). For example, a voice guidance such as "I'm currently away from my desk. If you are leaving a message, please give me your message after the dial tone." When the caller starts speaking a message in response to this guidance, voice data is transmitted from the call destination (PC1) to the callee (PC2), and the voice data is recorded in the data storage unit of the personal computer PC2 in step S10. .

When the caller finishes speaking and disconnects the message, in step S12, it is determined whether or not mail transmission is set by referring to the data table of the hub device H2. If mail transmission is set, the voice data stored in the data storage unit of the personal computer PC2 is attached to the electronic mail as a file in step S14, and the file is transmitted to the destination PC2 (self). As a result, the message from the sender can be handled in the same manner as ordinary e-mail, and the user can unify the management of voice messages and the management of e-mail, which is convenient. If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S16, the personal computer PC2 saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. The personal computer PC2 notifies the user via the screen that the voice data message received when the user is away is stored. The personal computer PC2 can play the stored message in response to a request from the user, so that the destination user can hear the caller's message even if the destination user is absent. Become like

If it is determined in step S6 that a no-response transfer destination is set, the transfer destination automatically responds in step S20. Here, the communication server SVR (IP address: 133.114.131.111) is set as the transfer destination. In step S20, the transfer destination (the communication server SV
R) automatically responds to the incoming call and sends voice guidance to the destination (PC1). For example, a voice guidance such as "I'm currently away from my desk. If you are leaving a message, please give me your message after the dial tone." When the caller starts speaking the message in response to the guidance, the voice data is transmitted from the callee (PC1) to the transfer destination (communication server SVR), and step S
At 22, audio data is recorded in the data storage unit of the communication server SVR.

When the caller finishes speaking and disconnects, it is determined in step S12 whether or not mail transmission is set. If there is an e-mail transmission setting, step S1
At step 4, the voice data stored in the data storage unit of the communication server SVR is attached to the electronic mail as a file and transmitted to the original destination (PC2). If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S16, the transfer destination (communication server SVR) saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. The communication server SVR notifies the destination (PC2) that the voice data message received when the user of the destination (PC2) is absent is stored.
Notify the user through the screen.

On the other hand, if the power of the destination (PC2) is off, the non-response destination in the data table of the gate keeper GK is checked in step S18, and if the destination is set, the destination (the destination set this time is Communication server SV
R). Transfer destination (communication server SV
In R), the transfer is accepted, an automatic response is made in step S20, and a voice message is transmitted to the call destination (PC1). For example, a guidance such as "The other party you called is not turned on right now. If you are leaving a message, please give me a message after the dial tone." When the caller starts speaking the message in response to the guidance, voice data is transmitted to the transfer destination (communication server SVR), and the communication server SVR is executed in step S22.
The data is stored in the VR data storage unit.

When the caller has finished speaking the message and disconnected, it is determined in step S12 whether or not there is a setting for mail transmission. If there is an e-mail transmission setting, step S1
At step 4, the voice data stored in the data storage unit of the communication server SVR is attached to the electronic mail as a file and transmitted to the original destination (PC2). If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S16, the transfer destination (communication server SVR) saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. The communication server SVR notifies the user via the screen of the destination (PC2) that the voice data message received when the destination (PC2) is turned off is stored.

If it is determined in step S18 that the non-response transfer destination is not set in the data table of the gate keeper device GK, then in step S24 the gate keeper device GK is determined.
K responds automatically and sends a voice message to the destination (PC1). For example, "The other party you are calling is not turned on right now. If you are leaving a message, please do something after the dial tone."
Etc. is sent out. When the caller starts speaking the message in response to the guidance, the voice data is transmitted to the gatekeeper device GK, and is stored in the data storage unit of the gatekeeper device GK in step S26.

When the caller has finished speaking the message and disconnected, it is determined in step S12 whether or not mail transmission is set. If there is an e-mail transmission setting, step S1
At 4, the voice data stored in the data storage unit of the gate keeper GK is attached to the electronic mail as a file,
It is transmitted to the original destination (PC2). If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S16, the gate keeper GK saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. The gatekeeper device GK notifies the user through the screen of the destination (PC2) that the voice data message received when the destination (PC2) is turned off is stored.

As described above, in the case of a normal incoming call, if there is no response for a certain period of time despite the fact that the power is on, the called party automatically responds and records voice data. If a transfer destination is set, the transfer destination automatically responds and records audio data. Furthermore, when the power is off and the transfer destination is set in the gatekeeper device, the transfer destination automatically responds and records voice data, and when the transfer destination is not set, the gatekeeper device automatically responds. To record audio data. The recorded voice data is attached to a mail and transmitted to a destination or stored as a file. When the gate keeper device records the voice data or saves it as a file, the gate keeper may transmit the voice data to the destination and directly transmit the voice data or the file to the destination. Thereby, even when the called party does not respond, the voice data is recorded on any terminal device in the network, and is attached to the mail and transmitted to the called party, so that the called party does not access the recording terminal. Since the recorded data can be easily reproduced and can be viewed in the same manner as ordinary mail, there is no need to use a special application for reproduction. In addition, by saving the recorded data as a file, search and the like become easy.

(3) In the case of transfer incoming call Next, the operation when a terminal having the transfer incoming call function receives a call and transfers the incoming call will be described. Here, it is assumed that the automatic voice response device IVR has a transfer incoming call function. Therefore, for example, when 5000 is designated from the personal computer PC1 connected to the hub device H1 and transmitted, the call is received by the automatic voice response device IVR via the gatekeeper device GK. After that, the automatic voice response apparatus IVR responds and transmits voice guidance to the call destination (PC1). For example, voice guidance such as "Please input the transfer destination" is transmitted. When the telephone number 4001 of the personal computer PC2, which is the transfer destination, is input from the personal computer PC1, the automatic voice response apparatus IVR performs the transfer to the personal computer PC2.

The incoming operation of the PC 2 thereafter is the same as that of the normal incoming call shown in FIG.

As described above, also in the case of a transfer incoming call, the above-described normal incoming call processing is performed at the transfer destination, so that the above-described effects can be obtained.

(4) Broadcast Incoming Call For example, when the personal computer PC1 connected to the hub device H1 designates and transmits 4010, the personal computers connected to the hub devices H2 and H3 via the gatekeeper device GK. The calls arrive at the computers PC2 and PC3, respectively. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system in the case of a broadcast reception. First, step S42
As shown in (1), the power status of the terminals in the broadcast group is determined. If all devices are determined to be powered on,
Determine whether any terminal answers the incoming call,
If there is a response, a call between extensions is realized. Step S
If it is detected at 44 that none of the terminals respond for a certain period of time, at step S46, at least one predetermined terminal (for example, only PC2, only PC3,
Alternatively, both PC2 and PC3) automatically respond to the incoming call and transmit voice guidance to the call destination (PC1). For example, "I'm out of the seat right now.
If you leave a message, please give me a message after the dial tone. "And the like. When the caller starts speaking the message in response to this guidance,
The voice data is transmitted from the transmission destination (PC1) to a predetermined terminal, and the voice data is recorded in the data storage unit of the predetermined terminal in step S48.

When the caller has finished speaking the message and disconnected, it is determined in step S50 whether or not there is a setting for mail transmission. If there is an e-mail transmission setting, step S5
In step 2, the predetermined terminal attaches the voice data stored in the data storage unit to the electronic mail as a file and transmits the file to all terminals in the broadcast group. If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S54, the predetermined terminal saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. The predetermined terminal notifies the user through the screen that the voice data message received when the user is away is stored.

If it is determined in step S42 that the power of one of the terminals (here, PC2) is on and the power of the other terminal (here, PC3) is off, the PC
2 determines whether or not to respond to the incoming call, and if there is a response, a call between extensions is realized. If it is detected in step S56 that the power-on terminal PC2 has not responded for a certain period of time, in step S58 the PC2 automatically responds to the incoming call and sends voice guidance to the destination (PC1). For example, a voice guidance such as "I'm currently away from my desk. If you are leaving a message, please give me your message after the dial tone." When the caller starts speaking a message in response to this guidance, voice data is transmitted from the callee (PC1) to PC2, and the voice data is recorded in the data storage unit of PC2 in step S60.

When the caller finishes speaking and disconnects, it is determined in step S50 whether or not mail transmission is set. If there is an e-mail transmission setting, step S5
In step 2, the PC 2 attaches the voice data stored in the data storage unit to the electronic mail as a file and transmits the file to all terminals in the broadcast group. If there is no setting for mail transmission, in step S54, the PC 2 saves the voice data stored in the data storage unit in the form of a file. P
C2 notifies the user through the screen that the voice data message received when the user is away is stored.

If it is determined in step S42 that any of the terminals is turned off, the non-response destination in the data table of the gate keeper GK is checked in step S62. Is transferred to the communication server SVR), and the transfer destination automatically responds. When the transfer destination is not set, the gatekeeper device GK automatically responds. The operation in step S62 is shown in FIG.
Since the operation after step S62 is the same as the operation after step S18 in FIG. 1, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, also in the case of a broadcast incoming call, since the individual terminals included in the broadcast group perform the above-described normal incoming call processing, the above-described effects can be obtained.

The configuration, operation and effect of the multimedia information communication system shown in the above embodiment are summarized as follows.

[1] The multimedia information communication system of the present embodiment is provided with a protocol converter for converting a communication protocol with a communication interface of an internal network common to various external communication interfaces for each of various interfaces. A computer having a common communication interface, and at least one of the protocol converters or at least one communication connection means for managing the mutual communication connection on the computer is distributed over a network, and the protocol converter is The communication protocol is mutually converted between the protocols of the respective interfaces by passing data that can be converted between the provided external communication interface and the common communication interface. In the protocol converter, a protocol converter for interconnecting an external network and an internal network is referred to as an external communication interface device, and a protocol converter for interconnecting an internal network and a communication terminal such as a telephone and a personal computer is referred to as a communication interface device. Call. This multimedia communication network manages identification information of each communication interface and its operation state, and even if there is a device (hereinafter referred to as a call control device) that performs a connection process for connecting these communication interfaces to each other. Good. A plurality of computers are directly connected to these internal networks. By specifying the identifier given to each terminal between the telephone connected to the external network, the computer connected to the internal network, and the telephone connected via the communication interface device connected to the internal network Communication is free.

If the destination is unanswered or busy, the destination automatically responds after a certain period of time, transmits voice guidance to the destination, stores voice data from the destination, and saves it as a file.

Thus, when a call is made from the telephone connected to the external network or the computer connected to the internal network and the telephone connected to the communication interface to the target destination computer, the destination When the computer does not answer or is busy, an automatic response is made, voice guidance is sent to the destination, and voice data from the destination can be stored and stored.

[2] If the destination is unanswered or busy, the destination automatically answers after a certain period of time and sends voice guidance to the destination, records the voice data from the destination and saves it as a file, Attach the recorded audio data as a file to an e-mail and send it to yourself.

Thus, when a call is made from the telephone connected to the external network or the computer connected to the internal network and the telephone connected to the communication interface to the target computer, the destination computer is not When answering or busy
An automatic response can be made, voice guidance can be sent to the destination, voice data from the destination can be recorded, and the voice data can be attached to an e-mail as a file and sent to itself.

[3] Further, when a call is received from a telephone connected to the external network, a computer connected to the internal network, or a telephone connected via a communication interface connected to the internal network, an automatic response is made. In a system connected with an automatic voice response device that sends voice guidance and determines the transfer destination based on various signals of the call destination and performs transfer,
When the transfer destination is unanswered or busy, the automatic voice response apparatus sends voice guidance to the call destination, records voice data from the call destination, and saves the file as a file.

Thus, when the call destination arrives at the automatic voice response apparatus and the automatic voice response apparatus determines the transfer destination based on various signals from the call destination and performs transfer to the transfer destination, there is no transfer destination. When answering or busy, the voice guidance can be sent to the destination, and voice data from the destination can be recorded and stored.

[4] When the transfer destination is not responding or busy
The voice response device sends voice guidance to the destination, the voice response device records voice data from the destination and saves it as a file, and the voice data recorded by the voice response device is sent to an e-mail as a file. Attach and send to destination.

Thus, when the call destination arrives at the voice response apparatus and the voice response apparatus determines the transfer destination based on various signals from the call destination and performs transfer to the transfer destination, there is no transfer destination. If you are answering or busy, you can send voice guidance to the destination, record the voice data from the destination, attach the voice data to a file as an e-mail, and send it to the destination computer. it can.

[5] If the called party is a broadcast group and all of the broadcasted computers are unanswered and busy, one of the computers automatically answers and sends voice guidance, The computer that responded automatically
The voice data from the transmission destination is recorded and saved as a file, and the recorded voice data is attached as a file to an e-mail and broadcast simultaneously to a broadcast group.

Thus, when a call is made to the broadcast group from a telephone connected to the external network or a computer connected to the internal network and a telephone connected to the communication interface, all the computers in the group are transmitted. If there is no answer or busy, one of the computers in the group will automatically answer and send voice guidance to the destination, record the voice data from the destination and save the voice data to a file. Can be attached to an e-mail and broadcast simultaneously to the broadcast group.

[6] If the destination is a broadcast call and all of the broadcasted computers are unanswered and busy,
One of the computers responds automatically and sends voice guidance, the destination sends voice to all the computers in the broadcast group, and the computer receiving the voice data sends the voice data from the destination. And save it as a file.

Thus, when a call is transmitted from a telephone connected to the external network or a computer connected to the internal network and a telephone connected to the communication interface to all broadcast groups, all computers in the group are transmitted. If there is no answer or busy, any one of the computers will automatically answer and send voice guidance to the destination, and the destination will send voice data to the computers in each broadcast group Then, the computer receiving the voice data can record the voice data from the destination and save it as a file.

[7] If the destination is a broadcast call and all of the broadcasted computers are unanswered and busy,
One of the computers responds automatically and sends voice guidance, the destination sends voice to all the computers in the broadcast group, and the computer receiving the voice data sends the voice data from the destination. Is recorded and saved as a file, and the recorded voice data is attached to an e-mail as a file and transmitted to its own computer.

Thus, when a call is made to a broadcast group from a telephone connected to the external network or a computer connected to the internal network and a telephone connected to the communication interface, all the computers in the group are transmitted. If there is no answer or busy, any one of the computers will automatically answer and send voice guidance to the destination, and the destination will send voice data to the computers in each broadcast group Then, the computer receiving the voice data can record the voice data from the destination, and attach the voice data by e-mail and transmit it to its own computer.

[8] If the called party is a broadcast incoming call and all of the broadcasted computers are unanswered and busy,
One of the computers responds automatically and sends voice guidance, the destination sends voice to all the computers in the broadcast group, and the computer receiving the voice data sends the voice data from the destination. Is recorded and saved as a file, and the recorded audio data is attached as a file to an e-mail and broadcast to the broadcast group simultaneously.

Thus, when a telephone connected to the external network, or a computer connected to the internal network and a telephone connected to the communication interface, makes a call to the broadcast group, a part of the group is transmitted. If the power is off and all computers in the broadcast group are unanswered or busy, one of the powered-on computers automatically answers and sends voice guidance to the destination. ,
The computer that automatically responded records the voice data from the destination, and can attach the voice data by e-mail and send it to all broadcast groups.

[9] If the destination is a broadcast call and all of the broadcasted computers are unanswered and busy,
One of the computers responds automatically and sends voice guidance, the destination sends voice to all the computers in the broadcast group, and the computer receiving the voice data sends the voice data from the destination. The call control device queries the computers in the broadcast group that is powered on, attaches the recorded voice data as a file to an e-mail, and saves the data as a file in the broadcast group that is powered on. Broadcast to the computer at once.

Thus, when a call is transmitted from a telephone connected to an external network or a telephone connected to a computer and a communication interface connected to an internal network to a broadcast group, a part of the group is transmitted within the group. If the power is off and all computers in the broadcast group are unanswered or busy, one of the powered-on computers automatically answers and sends voice guidance to the destination. ,
The computer that automatically responded can record the voice data from the destination, attach the voice data by e-mail, and send it to all broadcast groups whose computers are powered on.

[10] Furthermore, in a system in which various data are stored in the internal network and a data server that transmits and receives data in response to a request from another computer is connected, the destination of the call is no response, In the case of a call or power off, the call controller transfers data to the data server, the data server automatically answers, sends voice guidance to the destination, and the data server records voice data from the destination And save it as a file.

Thus, a call is made from a telephone connected to the external network or a telephone connected to the computer and the communication interface connected to the internal network, and the destination or transfer destination receives no answer, busy or When the computer is turned off, the data is transferred to the data server, the data server automatically responds, voice guidance is transmitted to the destination, and voice data from the destination can be recorded and stored.

[11] When the destination is unanswered, busy, power off, etc., the call control device transfers the data to the data server.
The data server automatically responds, sends voice guidance to the destination, the data server records the voice data from the destination, saves it as a file, and attaches the voice data recorded by the data server as a file to the e-mail. Send to destination computer.

Thus, a call can be made from a telephone connected to the external network or a telephone connected to the computer and the communication interface connected to the internal network, and the destination or transfer destination receives no response.
When busy or computer power off, transfer to data server, data server automatically answers, send voice guidance to destination, record voice data from destination and send it to e-mail Transmission can be performed with voice data attached.

[12] When the destination is unanswered, busy, power off, etc., the call control device transfers the data to the data server.
The data server automatically responds and sends voice guidance to the destination, the data server records the voice data from the destination and saves it as a file, and the data server calls the destination and receives the voice data Send to destination.

Thus, a call is made from a telephone connected to the external network or a telephone connected to the computer and the communication interface connected to the internal network, and the destination or transfer destination receives no response.
When busy or computer power off, transfer to data server, data server automatically answers, send voice guidance to destination, record voice data from destination, and receive or transfer When the destination becomes available, the data server can send a call to the destination or the destination and transmit the recorded voice data.

[13] When the destination is unanswered or busy, the call controller sends voice guidance to the destination, and the call controller records voice data from the destination and saves it as a file. .

Thus, when a call is made from the telephone connected to the external network or the computer connected to the internal network and the telephone connected to the communication interface to the target computer, the destination computer is not connected. When answering, talking, or powering off, the call control device can send voice guidance to the destination, and record and save voice data from the destination.

[14] When the destination is unanswered or busy, the call controller sends voice guidance to the destination, and the call controller records the voice data from the destination and stores it in a file. And the call control device attaches the recorded voice data by e-mail and transmits it to the destination computer.

Thus, when a call is made from the telephone connected to the external network or the computer connected to the internal network and the telephone connected to the communication interface to the target computer, the destination computer is not When answering, talking, or powering off, the call controller can send voice guidance to the destination, record voice data from the destination, attach the voice data to an e-mail, and send it. .

[15] From a computer connected to the internal network, voice data addressed to itself is obtained from a data server or a call control device, and voice data recorded in the own computer is obtained from a data server or a call control device. The acquired voice data addressed to the user is merged and displayed to the user.

As a result, it is possible to obtain voice data addressed to oneself, which is distributed in the data server, the call control device, or the own computer, from the computer without being aware of the location where the data is stored.

Modifications The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, although the above description has been made with respect to audio data, data to be recorded, stored, attached to an e-mail, and transmitted to a destination is not limited to audio data, but may be image data or the like. Although the personal computer PC1 connected to the hub device HT1 has been described as an example of the transmission destination, the transmission destination is the telephone T connected to the hub device H1.
Even if it is EL1, the telephone T connected to the public network INW
The same applies to EL4. Similarly, the personal computer PC2 connected to the hub device HT2 has been described as an example of the destination, but the destination is the hub device H2.
3 may be a personal computer PC3 or a telephone.

[0121]

As described above, according to the present invention, when there is no destination or transfer destination, information from the caller can be transferred to any personal computer PC, server, gatekeeper connected to the network. The information can be recorded by a device or an automatic voice response device, and the information can be transmitted to the transfer destination as another data such as an electronic mail. Therefore, the user can freely use the information addressed to him / herself, and can efficiently manage the information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a multimedia information communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a gate keeper device in the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic voice response device in the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a format of a data table.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the entire system of the embodiment at the time of normal incoming call;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system according to the embodiment at the time of receiving a broadcast;

[Explanation of symbols]

LAN1: Core communication network H1, H2, H3: Hub device TEL1, TEL2, TEL3, TEL4: Telephone PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4: Personal computer SVR: Communication server IVR: Voice automatic response device LT1, LT2: Router device GK: Gatekeeper device

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) H04L 29/06 F term (reference) 5B089 GA21 GB04 HA06 JA31 JB06 JB22 KA13 KE01 KF05 LA07 LA18 LB13 5K030 GA17 HA06 HB01 HB21 HC02 HC14 HD03 HD06 JT06 KA06 KA20 LB15 LD14 5K034 AA19 BB05 CC01 CC05 FF11 HH06 HH61 HH63 KK21 LL01 NN04 9A001 BB03 CC03 CC06 CC08 DD13 FF03 JJ19 KK56 LL09

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of terminal devices for transmitting and receiving information data according to a first communication protocol; a communication network for transmitting information data according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; In a multimedia information communication system including a plurality of communication interface devices having a function of converting a communication protocol between a terminal device and the communication network, a voice guidance is transmitted when a destination terminal device does not respond. A multimedia information communication system, comprising: an automatic response unit that transmits first; and a recording unit that records information transmitted from a terminal device of a transmission destination according to the voice guidance. 2. When the power of the called terminal device is turned on but there is no response, the called terminal device sends the voice guidance to the calling destination, and the called terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance. 2. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted from the communication means is recorded, and the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the user. 3. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for storing information recorded in said recording means as a file. 4. When a destination terminal device does not respond, a predetermined transfer destination terminal device sends the voice guidance to a destination, and in accordance with the voice guidance, information transmitted from the destination terminal device is transmitted. 2. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia information communication system records the information, attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an electronic mail, and transmits the electronic mail to a destination terminal device. 5. When the terminal device of the transfer destination does not respond, the voice guidance is transmitted to the call destination, and information transmitted from the terminal device of the call destination is recorded in accordance with the voice guidance. 2. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic voice response device for attaching the recorded information to an electronic mail and transmitting the information to a destination terminal device. 6. The destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and if all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group are turned on, but no response is received, the terminal device is included in the broadcast group. One of the terminal devices to be transmitted sends the voice guidance to the destination, records the information transmitted from the destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance, and attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an e-mail. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed to all terminal devices included in the broadcast group. 7. The destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and if all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group are turned on, but no response is received, the terminal device is included in the broadcast group. One of the terminal devices to be transmitted sends the voice guidance to the destination, and all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group record information transmitted from the destination terminal device according to the voice guidance, and The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information recorded in the recording means is stored as a file. 8. The destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and if all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group are turned on, but no response is received, the terminal device is included in the broadcast group. One of the terminal devices to be transmitted sends the voice guidance to the destination, and all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group record information transmitted from the destination terminal device according to the voice guidance, The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the user. 9. The destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group are turned on, but if all of the terminals are not responding, the terminal device is included in the broadcast group. One of the terminal devices to be transmitted sends the voice guidance to the destination, and all of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group record information transmitted from the destination terminal device according to the voice guidance, The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the user. 10. The destination terminal device is a broadcast group, and a part of the terminal devices included in the broadcast group is powered on, but if all the terminals do not respond, the terminal device is included in the broadcast group. One of the terminal devices to be transmitted sends the voice guidance to the destination, records the information transmitted from the destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance, and attaches the information recorded in the recording unit to an e-mail. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed to a terminal device that is included in the broadcast group and is powered on. 11. A call control device for transferring data to a data server when a terminal device of a called party is not powered on, wherein said data server sends said voice guidance to a destination and makes a call in accordance with said voice guidance. The information sent from the terminal device is recorded, and the information recorded in the recording means is stored as a file.
A multimedia information communication system according to claim 1. 12. A call control device for transferring data to a data server when a terminal device of a called party is not turned on. The data server sends the voice guidance to a destination, and transmits the voice guidance in accordance with the voice guidance. 2. The multimedia information according to claim 1, wherein information transmitted from the destination terminal device is recorded, and the information recorded in the recording means is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the destination terminal device. Communications system. 13. A call control device for transferring data to a data server when a terminal device of a called party is not powered on, wherein said data server sends said voice guidance to a destination and makes a call in accordance with said voice guidance. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of recording information sent from the destination terminal, transmitting the information to the destination terminal, and transmitting the information recorded in said recording means to the destination terminal. A multimedia information communication system according to claim 1. 14. When the terminal device of the called party is not powered on, the voice guidance is sent to the called party, and information sent from the called terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance is recorded. 2. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a call control device that saves information recorded in a file as a file. 15. When the power of the called terminal device is not turned on, the voice guidance is transmitted to the destination, and information transmitted from the destination terminal device in accordance with the voice guidance is recorded. 2. The multimedia information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a call control device for attaching information recorded in the electronic mail to an electronic mail and transmitting the information to a destination terminal device. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for merging and displaying information stored in its own terminal device and information stored in devices other than its own device. A multimedia information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.