JP2001211254A - Information terminal and information terminal system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal system that attains priority control of acquisition of the light of transmission to an extension speech interface, on the basis of priority ranking information provided depending on transmission contents and further attains data communication between a data terminal and an information terminal. SOLUTION: The information terminal system is composed of a telephone line interface 28 having a priority control function, a line interface 27, an information terminal 22 characterized in having a data communication interface, and a general information terminal 36 that has a telephone line interface having the priority control function. Thus, between the information terminal and the general information terminal, priority control can be applied to transmission information, having different attributes such as voice, data and image or the like via the telephone line interface 28 to realize economical communication with high quality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information terminal and an information terminal system having external and internal call functions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, a conventional information terminal will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an information terminal with an extension call function (premise key telephone system) according to a conventional embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional extension telephone system. 1 is a main unit, 2 and 3 are information terminals, 4 is a line interface, 5 is a modulation circuit, 6 is a demodulation circuit, 7 is a microphone, 8 Is a speaker, 9 is a modulation circuit, 10 is a demodulation circuit,
11 is a microphone, 12 is a speaker, 13 is a modulation circuit, 1
4 is a demodulation circuit, 15 is a microphone, 16 is a speaker, 17
Is a private telephone line.

FIG. 9 is a frequency band diagram for voice signals of a conventional extension telephone system. Reference numeral 18 denotes a signal frequency of a normal telephone, and reference numerals 19 and 20 are used for transmitting and receiving internal calls and external calls from information terminals. This is a modulated audio signal frequency band.

The operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. Conventionally, information terminals having an extension call function are classified into a main device 1 and information terminals 2 and 3. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an external call from the information terminal 2 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 11 is modulated into the voice signal frequency band 19 in FIG. The first demodulation circuit 6 demodulates the signal into a normal voice signal (telephone signal frequency 18 in FIG. 9). Thereafter, the signal is sent to the exchange via the subscriber line A by the line interface 4 of the main unit 1. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal sent from the exchange via the subscriber line A is the main unit 1
The demodulation circuit 10 of the information terminal 2 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5 of FIG.
Demodulated to the normal audio frequency band by the speaker 1
2 is output.

On the other hand, the flow of a voice transmission signal when an extension call is performed between the information terminal 2 and the information terminal 3 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 11 is converted into a voice signal frequency band 1
9 is demodulated to a normal telephone signal frequency 18 by the demodulation circuit 14 of the information terminal 3 through the private telephone line 17 and output from the speaker 16 of the information terminal 3.

Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 15 is modulated into the voice signal frequency band 20 by the modulation circuit 13, and the normal signal is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 10 of the information terminal 2 through the private telephone line 17. The signal is demodulated to an audio frequency band and output from the speaker 12 of the information terminal 2.

As described above, the voice signal frequency bands 19 and 20 shown in FIG. 9 are used when making an external call from an information terminal, and the voice signal frequency bands 19 and 20 are used when making an internal call. .

[0009]

However, both when making an external call from an information terminal and when making an internal call, a call is made using the audio signal frequency bands 19 and 20, so that there are two call bands, namely, Audio signal frequency band 19
However, in the case of only the information terminal 20 and the information terminal 20, there is a problem that it is impossible to perform an internal call on one information terminal while the external call is on the other.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and allows an extension call to be made with another information terminal during an outside call, thereby enabling a telephone number system unique in the telephone network, Provides information terminals that can be easily added or removed, and allows extension calls between multiple information terminals to transmit not only voice but also digital information such as data and images. It is an object of the present invention to enable communication control in accordance with the requirements.

[0011]

In order to achieve this object, an information terminal according to the present invention comprises an extension call interface and a line interface, and gives each information terminal an individual address for recognizing each information terminal. With the individual address, communication with another information terminal facilitates expansion, and furthermore, by providing a priority control function to the extension communication interface, communication is performed via the extension communication interface. An object of the present invention is to provide an information terminal and an information terminal system capable of performing priority control according to information characteristics and realizing high quality and economical communication.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized by comprising an information terminal having at least one line interface and at least one extension call interface, and a plurality of information terminals. An information terminal system in which a system is constructed by terminals. Even if an internal call is made simultaneously with an external call, the frequency band of the audio signal is different, so that the call can be made without signal collision. By providing the interface with a priority control function, priority control can be performed according to the characteristics of information communicated via the extension call interface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least one line interface has an analog data communication interface, and at least one extension communication interface has a packetized digital data communication interface. In the information terminal and the information terminal system described above, even when an internal call is made at the same time as an external call, a call can be made without signal collision because the frequency band of the voice signal is different.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal information terminal comprising a packetized digital data communication interface as well as at least one line interface and at least one extension communication interface. A CSMA / C system which uses a frequency band of a packetized digital signal when performing an external call and an internal call from an information terminal.
Since it is a D system, which is at least two orders of magnitude faster than a normal analog signal, even if an internal call is made simultaneously with an external call, a call that ensures sound quality is performed by transmitting and receiving data faster than the frequency of the voice signal. be able to.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, each information terminal is provided with an individual address for recognizing each information terminal, and communication with another information terminal is performed using the individual address. Information terminal and information terminal system, and when making an extension call, transmission and reception can be easily performed with the identification address, and when the information terminal increases or decreases, the initial data communication confirmation confirms the increase or decrease. By storing the identification address in an individual information terminal, the system can be easily handled.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the digital data communication interface uses a telephone line and has a transmission speed of 1 Mbps or more. This is a terminal system, and wiring with the same telephone line is possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal and an information terminal system characterized by using a wireless transmission rate of 1 Mbps or more. It is possible.

[0018] The invention described in claim 7 of the present invention provides an Eth
An information terminal and an information terminal system, characterized in that the transmission speed is 10 Mbps or more using an Ethernet, and an existing wired LAN or a new LA is used.
By wiring N, a system can be constructed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal and an information terminal system using a power line and having a transmission speed of 1 Mbps or more. The system can be constructed by wiring with wires.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal and an information terminal system for transmitting and receiving data, voice, images, and the like as digital data, wherein the data can be transmitted and received smoothly. It is.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a general data terminal connected to an information terminal via a data communication interface can communicate with the information terminal, or each information terminal can transmit data to the information terminal. An information terminal system characterized in that it is possible to communicate via an extension call interface between general data terminals connected via a communication interface, so that setting, control or communication by the general data terminal is easy. realizable.

The present invention according to claim 11 of the present invention provides an RS
Using -232C, setting, control, or communication by a general data terminal can be easily realized.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the SC
Setting, control, or communication by a general data terminal can be easily realized using a parallel port including an SI, a printer port, and the like.

The invention according to claim 13 of the present invention relates to the US
By using B, setting, control, or communication by a general data terminal can be easily realized.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, setting, control or communication by a general data terminal can be easily realized using Ethernet.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, of data transmitted between information terminals, a band of data transmitted from a data communication interface to another information terminal is limited, and a delay of voice or the like is restricted. The quality of the system in which minimization of the data is desired can be ensured.

(Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 17 denotes a private telephone line, and a plurality of information terminals are connected to the private telephone line 17. The private telephone line 17 is connected to the subscriber line A to the exchange, and a plurality of information terminals 22,
23, 24 and the general information terminal 36 are the local telephone line 1
7 is connected to the subscriber line A in parallel. In FIG. 1, those having the same numbers as those in the prior art FIG. 8 have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A transformer 5 transmits and receives analog and digital signals to and from the local telephone line 17. Reference numeral 26 denotes a low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as LPF), which allows only an analog signal to pass.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a line interface, which is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone. Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface,
CS which is the method of Ethernet used in AN
MA / CD (Carrier Sense Multi)
ple Access / CollisionDetec
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information on the private telephone line 17 using the t) method.

In the general information terminal 36, 28 is a telephone line interface similar to 28 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, and 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal.
Reference numeral 5 denotes software installed in the general information terminal.

In the information terminals 22, 23, 24 and the general information terminal 36, reference numeral 33 denotes priority control means for performing priority control among all information terminals connected to the private telephone line 17 and acquiring a transmission right. This is a circuit for transmitting digital information transmitted from the telephone line interface 28 or the control unit 34 to the private telephone line 17 only for the information terminal which has been used.

FIG. 2 is a frequency band diagram of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 18 denotes a signal frequency of a normal telephone, 21 denotes a telephone line interface 28, and Ethernet used in a normal LAN. CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense Mu)
single Access / CollisionDe
Tect) is a signal frequency of data for transmitting and receiving digital information packetized on the private telephone line 17 using the premises method.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5 to the telephone signal frequency 18 of FIG. It is sent to the exchange via the subscriber line A. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal transmitted from the switching center via the subscriber line A is
And demodulates the signal into a normal audio frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and outputs it from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an extension call at the telephone line 4 is as follows.
8 to be converted into a packetized digital signal. After the preparation of the transmission data, all the information terminals 22, 23, 24, 24 connected to the private telephone line 17 by the priority control means 33,
The digital signal packetized by the telephone line interface 28 in the information terminal in which the priority control is performed between 36 and the transmission right is acquired is further modulated to the signal frequency 21 of the data, and It is transmitted through the private telephone line 17. In other information terminals 23 and 24, a transformer 25 and a telephone line interface 28
The packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal and output from the speaker 8.

As described above, when making an external call from an information terminal, the signal frequency 18 of the telephone shown in FIG. 2 is used, and when making an internal call, the signal frequency 21 of packetized digital signal data is used. Therefore, even when an internal call is performed simultaneously with an external call, the call can be performed without signal collision because the frequency band of the audio signal is different. In addition, it goes without saying that an outside line and an extension call can be made from the information terminals 23 and 24 in the same manner. Although the LPF 26 is used in the present embodiment, the LPF 26 can be deleted if the signal quality can be maintained.

Further, in the above-mentioned priority control means 33, all the information terminals 22, 2 connected to the private telephone line 17 are connected.
By performing priority control among 3, 24, and 36, it becomes possible to transmit real-time data, such as voice, in which transmission delay time is particularly required to be minimized, with priority over other information terminals. Even in a system in which general information terminals 36 handling data of the same type coexist, high-quality communication with little audio delay is possible.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, FIG.
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A transformer 5 transmits and receives analog and digital signals to and from the local telephone line 17. Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface, which is a CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense) which is an Ethernet system used in a normal LAN.
Multiple Access / Collisio
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information on the private telephone line 17 using the (n Detect) method.
In the second embodiment, only the signal frequency 21 of the data for transmitting and receiving the packetized digital information shown in FIG. 2 is used.

In the general information terminal 36, 28 is a telephone line interface 28 similar to 28 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal, and 35 is mounted on the general information terminal. Software.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24 and the general information terminal 36, reference numeral 33 denotes a priority control means for performing priority control among all information terminals connected to the private telephone line 17 and acquiring a transmission right. This is a circuit for transmitting digital information transmitted from the telephone line interface 28 or the control unit 34 to the private telephone line 17 only for the information terminal which has been used.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an external call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is converted into a packetized digital signal by the telephone line interface 28, and the data signal frequency 21 And the transformer 25
Via the local telephone line 17 and to the switching center via the subscriber line A. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal sent from the switching center via the subscriber line A is the transformer 25 and the telephone line interface 2.
At 8, the packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal and output from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
The flow of the voice transmission signal in the case of an extension call at the telephone line 4 is as follows.
8 to be converted into a packetized digital signal,
Further, the data is modulated to the signal frequency 21 of the data and transmitted through the private telephone line 17 via the transformer 25. In the other information terminals 23 and 24, the packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal by the transformer 25 and the telephone line interface 28, and output from the speaker 8.

As described above, when an external call and an internal call are performed from the information terminal, the signal frequency 21 of the data of the packetized digital signal is used.
Since the signal transmission / reception speed is high and is two digits or more compared to a normal analog signal, even when performing an internal call simultaneously with an external call, data transmission / reception at a speed higher than the frequency of the voice signal enables Calls with sound quality can be made.

Further, in the above-mentioned priority control means 33, all the information terminals 22, 2, connected to the private telephone line 17,
By performing priority control among 3, 24, and 36, it becomes possible to transmit real-time data, such as voice, in which transmission delay time is particularly required to be minimized, with priority over other information terminals. Even in a system in which general information terminals 36 handling data of the same type coexist, high-quality communication with little audio delay is possible.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, FIG.
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions. Reference numeral 29 denotes an address control unit, which controls extension calls based on individual identification addresses of the information terminals 22, 23, and 24. As an identification address, a MAC (Media Access Control) used in a normal LAN is used.
l) Address, IP (Internet protocol)
ol) address or unique address.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A transformer 5 transmits and receives analog and digital signals to and from the local telephone line 17. Reference numeral 26 denotes a low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as LPF), which allows only an analog signal to pass.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a line interface, which is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone. Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface,
CS which is the method of Ethernet used in AN
MA / CD (Carrier Sense Multi)
ple Access / CollisionDetec
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information on the private telephone line 17 using the t) method.

In the general information terminal 36, 28 is a telephone line interface 28 similar to 28 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal, and 35 is mounted on the general information terminal. Software.

In the information terminals 22, 23, 24 and the general information terminal 36, reference numeral 33 denotes priority control means for performing priority control among all the information terminals connected to the private telephone line 17 and acquiring a transmission right. This is a circuit for transmitting digital information transmitted from the telephone line interface 28 or the control unit 34 to the private telephone line 17 only for the information terminal which has been used.

FIG. 2 is a system frequency band diagram according to the present invention.
Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface, which is a CSMA based on the Ethernet system used in a normal LAN.
/ CD (Carrier Sense Multipl
e Access / Collision Detect
t) The method is a signal frequency of data for transmitting and receiving digital information packetized by the private telephone line 17.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5 to the telephone signal frequency 18 of FIG. 2 and passed through the LPF 26 and the transformer 25. , Through the subscriber line A to the exchange. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal transmitted from the switching center via the subscriber line A is
And demodulates the signal into a normal audio frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and outputs it from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
In order to communicate with the information terminal 23 in the case of the extension call at 4, the address control unit 29 converts the signal with the identification address of the information communication terminal into the signal frequency 21 of the data.
And transmitted through the private telephone line 17 via the transformer 25. The other information terminals 23 and 24 receive the digital signal of the identification address via the transformer 25 and the telephone line interface 28, and receive the data when the identification address is their own. Similarly, when replying to the partner, mutual communication is possible by assigning the identification address of the partner.

As described above, when making an extension call,
Transmission and reception can be easily performed with the identification address, and when the terminal increases or decreases, the system can easily cope with the system by storing the identification address of the increase or decrease in the individual information terminal by exchanging the initial data. is there.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, FIG.
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A line interface 7 is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone.

Reference numeral 30 in each of the information terminals 22, 23, and 24 and in the general information terminal 36 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving digital information packetized by radio waves. Reference numeral 33 denotes priority control means for performing priority control among all information terminals that can communicate via the wireless interface 30, and only the information terminal that has acquired the transmission right is transmitted from the telephone line interface 28 or the control unit 34. This is a circuit for sending digital information to the wireless interface 30.

In the general information terminal 36, 30 is a wireless interface 30 similar to 30 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, and 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal.
Reference numeral 5 denotes software installed in the general information terminal.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5, via the local telephone line 17, through the subscriber line A to the switching center. Is sent. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal sent from the exchange via the subscriber line A is demodulated to a normal voice frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and output from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
4, the flow of the voice transmission signal when making an extension call is as follows.
Thus, the digital signal is converted into a packetized digital signal and transmitted wirelessly. In the other information terminals 23 and 24, the packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal by the wireless interface 30 and output from the speaker 8. When making an outside line call from the information terminals 22, 23, 24, it is possible to make an outside line call at the line interface 27 of the information terminal 22 via the wireless interface 30.

As described above, when making an external call from an information terminal, the signal frequency 18 of the telephone shown in FIG. 2 is used, and when making an internal call, the radio of packetized digital signals is used. Therefore, even when an extension call is made simultaneously with an outside call, the call can be made without collision.
Also, in FIG. 5, all of the information terminals 22, 23, and 24 can make an external call, but when the information terminal 22 is used as an external line dedicated interface, the information terminal 2
The line interface 27 of 3, 24 can be deleted.

Further, the priority control means 33 performs priority control among all the information terminals 22, 23, 24 and the general information terminal 36 which can communicate with each other through the radio interface 30, so that the transmission delay time is minimized. It is possible to transmit real-time data, such as voice, which needs to be converted, with priority over other information terminals. Even in a system in which general information terminals 36 that handle data other than voice coexist, a high voice with little voice delay can be achieved. High quality communication is possible.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, FIG.
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A line interface 7 is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone. 31 is a LAN interface, Ethen
CSMA / CD (Carrier S)
ense MultipleAccess / Colli
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving digital information packetized by a “Section Detect” method.

In the general information terminal 36, 31 is the same LAN interface as 31 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, and 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal.
Reference numeral 5 denotes software installed in the general information terminal.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5, via the local telephone line 17, through the subscriber line A to the switching center. Is sent. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal sent from the exchange via the subscriber line A is demodulated to a normal voice frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and output from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
The flow of the voice transmission signal when an extension call is made at the LAN interface 4 is as follows.
1 and converted into a packetized digital signal and transmitted wirelessly. In other information terminals 23 and 24, LA
At the N interface 31, the packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal and output from the speaker 8.

As described above, the signal frequency 18 of the telephone shown in FIG. 2 is used when making an external call from an information terminal, and the LA of a packetized digital signal is used when making an internal call.
Use N interface. Therefore, even when an extension call is made simultaneously with an outside call, the call can be made without collision. In FIG. 6, the information terminal 2
All of the terminals 2, 23, and 24 can communicate with outside lines, but when the information terminal 22 is used as a dedicated interface for outside lines, the line interface 2 of the information terminals 23 and 24 is used.
7 can also be deleted.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, FIG.
Those having the same numbers as have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A line interface 7 is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone. A power supply interface 32 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information using a power supply line.

In the general information terminal 36, 32 is a power supply interface similar to 32 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, and is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information using a power supply line. 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal, and 35 is software installed in the general information terminal.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5, via the local telephone line 17, through the subscriber line A to the switching center. Is sent. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal sent from the exchange via the subscriber line A is demodulated to a normal voice frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and output from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the information terminal 22 and the other information terminals 23, 2
The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an extension call at 4 is as follows.
Thus, the digital signal is converted into a packetized digital signal and transmitted wirelessly. In the other information terminals 23 and 24, the packetized digital signal is demodulated into an analog signal by the power supply interface 32 and output from the speaker 8.

As described above, when making an external call from an information terminal, the signal frequency 18 of the telephone shown in FIG. 2 is used, and when making an internal call, a power interface for packetized digital signals is used. Therefore, even when an extension call is made simultaneously with an outside call, the call can be made without collision. In FIG. 7, the information terminal 2
All of the terminals 2, 23, and 24 can communicate with outside lines, but when the information terminal 22 is used as a dedicated interface for outside lines, the line interface 2 of the information terminals 23 and 24 is used.
7 can also be deleted.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. 10, those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment have the same functions.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 2
A transformer 5 transmits and receives analog and digital signals to and from the local telephone line 17. Reference numeral 26 denotes a low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as LPF), which allows only an analog signal to pass.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a line interface, which is a conversion circuit for an analog telephone. Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface,
CS which is the method of Ethernet used in AN
MA / CD (Carrier Sense Multi)
ple Access / CollisionDetec
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving packetized digital information on the private telephone line 17 using the t) method. Reference numeral 38 denotes a data communication interface for connecting an external data terminal. In the seventh embodiment, a USB is used. Via the external terminal and the information terminals 22, 23, 24 or the telephone line interface 28, the other information terminals 22, 2
3, 24, or a circuit for communicating with the general information terminal 36. Reference numeral 37 denotes a data terminal connected using a USB by a data communication interface.

In the general information terminal 36, 28 is a telephone line interface 28 similar to 28 in the information terminals 22, 23 and 24, 34 is a control unit for controlling the general information terminal, and 35 is mounted on the general information terminal. Software.

In the information terminals 22, 23 and 24 and the general information terminal 36, reference numeral 33 denotes a priority control means for performing priority control among all information terminals connected to the private telephone line 17 and acquiring a transmission right. This is a circuit for transmitting digital information transmitted from the telephone line interface 28 or the control unit 34 to the private telephone line 17 only for the information terminal which has been used.

FIG. 2 is a system frequency band diagram according to the present invention.
Reference numeral 28 denotes a telephone line interface, which is a CSMA based on the Ethernet system used in a normal LAN.
/ CD (Carrier Sense Multipl
e Access / Collision Detect
t) The method is a signal frequency of data for transmitting and receiving digital information packetized by the private telephone line 17.

In the information terminal configured as described above,
The operation will be described below. The flow of the voice transmission signal when making an outside line call from the information terminal 22 is such that the voice signal input from the microphone 7 is modulated by the modulation circuit 5 to the telephone signal frequency 18 of FIG. 2 and passed through the LPF 26 and the transformer 25. , Through the subscriber line A to the exchange. Conversely, the flow of the voice reception signal is such that the voice signal transmitted from the switching center via the subscriber line A is
And demodulates the signal into a normal audio frequency band by the demodulation circuit 6 and outputs it from the speaker 8.

On the other hand, the data transmitted from the data terminal 37 via the USB is taken into the information terminals 22, 23, and 24 by the data communication interface 38, and the data is transmitted from the information terminals 22, 23, and 24 to the data terminal. The data is transmitted to the data terminal 37 via the USB by the communication interface 38. Also, the data communication interface 3 via the USB from the data terminal 37 is used.
The data arriving at the communication terminal 8 is further transmitted to other information terminals 22, 23, and 24 via the telephone line interface 28 to perform communication between data terminals connected to different information terminals. Priority control means 3
In 3, priority control is performed between voice information from the microphone 7 and data information from the data terminal 37 in the same information terminal. Generally, voice is given priority over data, so data from the data terminal 37 waits until voice data (packets) is transmitted. Further, the data transmitted from the data terminal 37 uses a large amount of bandwidth, and the data communication interface 38 is used to prevent a decrease in throughput or a packet loss due to an increase in traffic on the private telephone line 17. It has a band limiting means, which limits the band of data to be transmitted to the telephone line interface 28 unconditionally or according to the communication traffic situation.

As described above, an external call and an internal call can be made simultaneously from the information terminal, and setting and maintenance from the data terminal to the information terminal can be made via the data communication interface. Data communication can be performed with a data terminal connected to another information terminal or with a general information terminal, and priority control is performed when sending the data to the telephone line, and delay conditions such as voice Strict data can be sent with priority.
By performing band limitation on data that uses a wide band, it is possible to protect priority information such as voice and improve call quality.

The user can construct a simple and flexible network system only by installing the information terminal of the present invention. Note that, in the embodiment,
Although the USB is used as the data communication interface, it goes without saying that it can be realized by RS-232C, SCSI, printer port, Ethernet, etc. having the same function. It goes without saying that the same can be done by adding a data communication interface to the second to sixth embodiments. This embodiment is merely an embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present embodiment can be realized by a configuration having similar functions.

The present invention does not limit the interface unit to this embodiment, and does not specify the type and number of physical layers of the interface unit. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be used not only in the category of a telephone but also in a terminal for data, images, and the like. In the embodiment, the Media Access Controller is used.
ol was limited to the CSMA / CD system, but T
Needless to say, it can be realized by the DMA system or another system. Further, although the embodiment has one line as the line interface, it goes without saying that the system can be adapted to a system configuration of a plurality of lines.

[0082]

As described above, according to the present invention, all of the individual information terminals are provided with a modulation circuit and a line interface for an extension call, and furthermore, a priority control function and a data communication interface are provided, so that during an outside call, Extension calls can be made with other telephones, expansion and removal can be easily performed, delay-sensitive information such as voice can be transmitted with priority, and between data terminals and information terminals, Alternatively, communication between data terminals connected to information terminals, or between data terminals connected to information terminals and general information terminals is enabled, and a simple and flexible network system can be constructed. Yes, its practical effects are significant.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frequency band diagram of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional extension telephone system.

FIG. 9 is a frequency band diagram for a voice signal of a conventional extension telephone system.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal and an information terminal system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main apparatus 2, 3 Information terminal 4 Line interface 5 Modulation circuit 6 Demodulation circuit 7 Microphone 8 Speaker 9 Modulation circuit 10 Demodulation circuit 11 Microphone 12 Speaker 13 Modulation circuit 14 Demodulation circuit 15 Microphone 16 Speaker 17 Local telephone line 18 Telephone signal frequency Reference Signs List 21 data signal frequency 22, 23, 24 information terminal 25 transformer 26 low-pass filter 27 line interface 28 telephone line interface 29 address control 30 wireless interface 31 LAN interface 32 power supply interface 33 priority control means 34 control unit 35 software 36 general information terminal 37 Data terminal 38 Data communication interface

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 1/253 H04M 11/00 303 5K049 1/723 H04Q 3/58 101 5K051 9/00 H04L 11/00 310C 5K101 11/00 303 13/00 309A H04Q 3/58 101 (72) Kazuo Yahiro 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Takuji Tsujikawa 1006 Kadoma Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. AA09 CB01 CB06 CB08 DA02 DB16 5K034 AA17 EE12 FF05 FF13 HH01 HH02 HH04 HH06 KK02 5K038 AA03 CC05 EE03 5K049 AA04 BB07 BB12 BB19 BB25 CC04 CC08 DD05 EE01 EE02 EE11 EE12 5K051 AA03 BB01 BB02 CC01 CC02 CC08 CC14 DD03 DD07 DD11 FF02 HH01 HH27 JJ10 JJ12 JJ13 NN03 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01 NN01

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal system comprising at least one line interface and at least one extension call interface, and an information terminal system for constructing a system with a plurality of said information terminals, wherein the extension call interface has priority. An information terminal and an information terminal system, characterized by having a control function so that priority control can be performed when acquiring a transmission right among a plurality of information terminals in the system. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one line interface comprises an analog data communication interface, and said at least one extension communication interface comprises a packetized digital data communication interface. Information terminals and information terminal systems. 3. The information terminal and information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein both the at least one line interface and the at least one extension communication interface include a packetized digital data communication interface. 4. An information terminal is provided with an individual address for recognizing each information terminal, and the individual address is used to recognize and communicate with another information terminal using the digital data communication interface. 4. An information terminal and an information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is an information terminal. 5. An information terminal and an information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein a telephone line is used as said digital data communication interface, and has a transmission speed of 1 Mbps or more. 6. The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the digital data communication interface uses wireless communication and has a transmission speed of 1 Mbps or more. 7. An information terminal and an information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said digital data communication interface uses Ethernet and has a transmission speed of 10 Mbps or more. 8. The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein a power line is used as said digital data communication interface and has a transmission speed of 1 Mbps or more. 9. The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein data, voice, image, and the like are transmitted and received as digital data. 10. The information terminal includes a data communication interface, and a general data terminal connected to the information terminal via the data communication interface can communicate with the information terminal, or 10. An information terminal and an information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein communication can be performed between said general data terminals connected via said data communication interface via said extension call interface. 11. The data communication interface,
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is RS-232C.
0. An information terminal and an information terminal system according to 0. 12. The data communication interface,
11. The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is a parallel port including a SCSI, a printer port, and the like. 13. The data communication interface,
The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is a USB. 14. The data communication interface,
11. An Ethernet according to claim 1, wherein said Ethernet is an Ethernet.
Information terminal and information terminal system as described in. 15. The data communication interface,
The information terminal and the information terminal system according to claim 1, further comprising a band limiting unit.