JP2002135457A - Dialup network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dialup type network system that makes communication between a request side communication terminal unit and a communication terminal unit requested by peer-to-peer communication at a minimum load on a communication enterprise even when the communication terminal unit is not connected to an access server. SOLUTION: A connection control server 1 is provided with a connection state detection means 10 that detects whether or not other communication terminal unit 2 is in dialup connection to an access server 3 corresponding to the other communication terminal unit 2 when the connection control server 1 receives a peer-to-peer communication from the communication terminal unit 2 via the access server 3 corresponding to the other communication terminal unit 2 with respect to the other communication terminal unit 2 and with a call request means 11 that makes a request to making a call to the corresponding access server 3 to the communication terminal unit 2 when the other communication terminal unit 2 is not connected to the corresponding access server 3. The communication terminal unit 2 is provided with a reply call means 20 that makes dialup connection to the corresponding access server in response to a request when the communication terminal unit 2 receives the call request to the corresponding access server 3 to the communication terminal unit 2 from the connection control server 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dial-up network system which enables peer-to-peer communication between communication terminals in a state where at least two communication terminals are dial-up connected to a network via a public network. Regarding improvement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a dial-up type network system, when at least two communication terminal devices make a dial-up connection to a corresponding access server through a public network, these communication terminal devices are connected to a connection control server. Accordingly, one-to-one communication between these communication terminal apparatuses, that is, so-called peer-to-peer communication can be performed.

[0003]

By the way, in a dial-up network system, in order to perform peer-to-peer communication between two communication terminal devices, both communication terminal devices are dial-up connected to a corresponding access server. However, when the communication terminal device requested for peer-to-peer communication does not have a dial-up connection to the corresponding access server, it is necessary to connect to the communication terminal device from the connection control server side. The communication fee of the public network is paid by the communication carrier who owns the connection control server.

[0004] In addition, since the peer-to-peer communication is permitted or rejected on the communication terminal device side where the communication is requested, even if the request is from a terminal that does not permit the communication, the request is made in a state of being connected to the access server. Authorization must be judged, and the communication fee for that has been wasted.

[0005] Further, the communication fee for the peer-to-peer communication is independent of the beneficiary relation in the communication, and the requester,
Charges were charged to both requesters.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object the following. That is, the first object is that even when the communication terminal device requested for peer-to-peer communication is not connected to the access server,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dial-up network system in which a communication carrier can make a communication between a communication terminal device and a requesting terminal device with a minimum load.

[0007] A second object is that even when a communication terminal device requested for peer-to-peer communication is not connected to an access server, it is possible to permit / disallow communication without connecting the communication terminal device to the access server. Is to do.

It is a third object of the present invention to allow a communication fee for peer-to-peer communication to be charged according to a benefit relationship in the communication.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, in the dial-up network system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the connection control server is connected from one of the communication terminals to the communication terminal. When receiving a request for peer-to-peer communication with another communication terminal device via the corresponding access server, the other communication terminal device
A connection state detecting means for detecting whether or not a dial-up connection is made to a corresponding access server; and when another communication terminal device is not connected to the corresponding access server, the other communication terminal device is sent to the corresponding access server. Call request means for requesting a call of the communication terminal device. When the communication terminal device receives a call request to the access server corresponding to the communication terminal device from the connection control server, the communication terminal device responds to the request. Response calling means for dial-up connection to a corresponding access server.

[0010] In the dial-up type network system according to the second aspect, the connection control server includes: a communication permission / prohibition table in which permission / prohibition of the peer-to-peer communication between the communication terminal devices is registered in advance; Communication authentication means for determining

[0011] In the dial-up type network system according to the third aspect, the communication permission / prohibition table holds charging method data defining a charging method of a peer-to-peer communication charge between communication terminal apparatuses. A charging management unit for charging a communication fee based on the method data is provided.

[0012] In the dial-up type network system according to the fourth aspect, when the connection control server receives a request from one of the communication terminal devices, the connection control server obtains the authentication of the other communication terminal device, and thereby obtains the authentication of the other communication terminal device. When the communication terminal device receives a request to register or update the content of the communication permission / denial table via the connection control server,
An approval / disapproval notifying unit is provided for notifying the communication terminal device that has made the request of approval or disapproval of registration or update.

[0013] In the dial-up type network system according to the fifth aspect, the connection control server includes a deletion means for deleting the contents of the communication permission / refusal table when receiving a request from any communication terminal device.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of a main configuration of a dial-up network system of the present invention.

In this system, the communication terminal device 2 (#
1, # 2), the access server 3 (# 1, # 2) corresponding to these communication terminal devices 2, and two communication terminal devices 2
A connection control server 1 that enables peer-to-peer communication between two communication terminal devices 2 in a state where the access terminal 3 is dial-up-connected to the corresponding access server 3. Although a personal computer is generally used as the communication terminal device 2, an intercom device having a public network connection function and a communication partner selection function can also be used. In this case, the present system can be a remote intercom system.

When both of the communication terminals 2 are dialed up to the corresponding access servers 3 via the public network N, these communication terminals 2 are connected to the connection control server 1 and the functions of the connection control server 1 are used. , It is possible to perform peer-to-peer communication.

In the figure, connection state detecting means 1
0, the call requesting means 11 and the response calling means 20 will be described later.

Next, the characteristic operation of this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the connection control server 1, when the communication terminal device 2 connects to the connection control server 1, the connected communication terminal device 2 (such as an ID) is registered in the connection state detection unit 10.

For example, the communication terminal device 2 (# 1) requests a peer-to-peer communication with the communication terminal device 2 (# 2), calls the access server 3 (# 1), and establishes a dial-up connection. (100), the communication terminal device 2
(# 1) is connected to the connection control server 1, and upon receiving this, the connection control server 1 connects to the communication terminal device 2 (# 1)
Is registered in the connection state detecting means 10 (101).

If the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is connected to the connection control server 1, the communication terminal device 2 (##
2) is registered in the connection state detecting means 10,
The connection state detecting means 10 determines this (102), and if registered, establishes peer-to-peer communication between the communication terminal apparatus 2 (# 1) and the communication terminal apparatus 2 (# 2) (1).
06).

On the other hand, if the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is not connected to the connection control server 1 in step 102, the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is not registered in the connection state detecting means 10. Therefore, the call requesting means 11 sends the communication terminal 2 (##) via the access server 3 (# 2).
A request is made to 2) to make a call to access server 3 (# 2) (103). At this time, if the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is connected to the access server 3 (# 2) via the analog network, the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is called and a predetermined call request is made. Notify and then disconnect. Also, the communication terminal device 2 (# 2)
If the connection is made via the ISDN in 2), the connection is cut off after transmitting a predetermined call request packet using the D channel of the ISDN.

Then, the communication terminal device 2 (#
2) The response calling means 20 causes the access server 3
(# 2) is dialed and dial-up connected (104),
Connect to the connection control server 1.

Then, the connection control server 1 registers the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) in the connection state detecting means 10 (10
5), communication terminal device 2 (# 1) and communication terminal device 2 (#
2) establish peer-to-peer communication with (10)
6).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second example of the main configuration of the dial-up network system of the present invention.

In the connection control server 1A, a communication permission / prohibition table 12 and a communication authentication means 13 are added to the connection control server 1. Note that these functions will be described later.

This system is characterized by performing the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and is basically the same as the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. Step 200,
201 has been added. That is, in step 101, the connection control server 1 registers the communication terminal device 2 connected to the connection control server 1, here the communication terminal device (# 1), in the connection state detecting means 10, and then in step 200, the communication authentication is performed. Means 13 for permitting / disallowing communication
And authenticates whether peer-to-peer communication with communication terminal apparatus 2 (# 2) is possible (200).

The connection permission / refusal table 12 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 5, in which the communication terminal devices 2 capable of peer-to-peer communication are registered as combinations of their IDs. Using the IDs of the communication terminal devices 2 on both sides of the requestee as keys, it is determined whether these communication terminal devices 2 can communicate.
02, if communication is not possible, step 201
And notifies the communication terminal device 2 (# 1) that has made the communication request of rejection of the peer-to-peer communication with the communication terminal device 2 (# 2) (201).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of a main configuration of the dial-up network system of the present invention.

In the connection control server 1B, a charging management means 14 is added to the connection control server 1A, and a communication permission / prohibition table 12A is provided in place of the communication permission / refusal table 12.

The communication permission / refusal table 1A has a configuration as shown in FIG. 7, and further stores, in the contents of the communication permission / rejection table 1, charging method data defining a charging method for a peer-to-peer communication charge between the communication terminal devices 2. In the connection control server 1B, when the peer-to-peer communication between the communication terminal devices 2 ends, the communication management unit 14 calculates the communication charge, and then refers to the charging method data,
The burden ratio is determined based on the data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a main part configuration of the dial-up type network system of the present invention.

In the connection control server 1C, a registration updating means 15 is added to the connection control server 1B. In the communication terminal device 2A, the communication terminal device 2 has
1 is added. The functions of the registration update unit 15 and the approval / disapproval notification unit 21 will be described later.

This system is characterized by performing the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the connection control server 1C receives a request to register or update the contents of the communication permission / refusal table 12A from the communication terminal device 2, for example, the communication terminal device 2 (# 1) (300), the registration updating unit 15 Another communication terminal device 2, that is,
The communication terminal device 2 (# 2) is inquired about the approval or disapproval of the registration or update (301). Notify the connection control server 1C (30
2).

As a result, if the registration or the update is permitted, the connection control server 1C registers or updates the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table 12A by the registration / update means 15 (303), and the communication terminal device 2 which has made the request. Notify (# 1) that registration or update has been completed (30)
4). On the other hand, if registration or updating is not permitted (302), the connection control server 1 notifies the registration updating unit 15 that registration or updating is not possible (30).
5).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the main configuration of the dial-up network system of the present invention.

In the connection control server 1D, a deletion unit 16 is added to the connection control server 1C. The function of the deleting unit 16 will be described later.

This system is characterized by performing the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when receiving a request to delete the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table 12A from the communication terminal device 2, for example, the communication terminal device 2 (# 1) (400), the connection control server 1D The corresponding content of 12A is deleted (401), and the communication terminal device 2 (# 1) that made the request is notified that the deletion has been completed (402).

In step 400, when receiving a request to delete the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table 12A from the communication terminal device 2 (# 1), the deletion means 16 executes the other communication terminal device 2, ie, the communication terminal device. The device 2 (# 2) may be inquired about whether the deletion is approved or not, and the deletion request may be validated only when the deletion is permitted.

[0039]

As can be understood from the above description, in the dial-up type network system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication terminal device receiving the request for peer-to-peer communication is connected to the corresponding access server. If not, the communication terminal device requests a call to the corresponding access server, and the communication terminal device receiving the request makes a dial-up connection to the corresponding access server. Even when the communication terminal is not connected to the access server, the communication carrier can perform communication between the communication terminal device and the requesting terminal with a minimum burden.

In the dial-up type network system according to the second aspect, the connection control server determines the combination of communication terminal devices capable of performing peer-to-peer communication based on the communication permission / prohibition table. There is no need to determine whether to allow communication.

In the dial-up type network system according to the third aspect, the connection control server charges the communication fee based on the charging method data, so that the communication fee for the peer-to-peer communication is set according to the benefit relationship in the communication. Can be charged.

In the dial-up type network system according to the fourth aspect, when the connection control server receives a request for registering or updating the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table from one of the communication terminal devices, By obtaining the authentication of, the contents of the communication permission / refusal table are registered or updated, so that the contents of the communication permission / refusal table cannot be registered or updated without permission of the other communication terminal devices. Excellent security.

In the dial-up network system according to the fifth aspect, the connection control server deletes the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table when receiving a request from any of the communication terminal apparatuses. By connecting to the server, any contents of the communication permission / denial table can be deleted, which is convenient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of a main configuration of a system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a characteristic operation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second example of a main configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a characteristic operation of the system in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication permission / refusal table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of a main configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a communication permission / refusal table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a main configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a characteristic operation of the system in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a main configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a characteristic operation of the system in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 1D: Connection control server 2, 2A: Communication terminal device 3: Access server 10: Connection state detection means 11: Call request means 12, 12A: Communication permission / denial table 13 ... Communication authentication means 14 ... Charge management means 15 ... Registration update means 16 ... Delete means 20 ... Response call means 21 ... Authorization / rejection notification means

Claims (5)

[Claims] At least two or more communication terminal devices, an access server corresponding to these communication terminal devices, and at least two communication terminal devices communicating with each other in a state where they are dial-up connected to the corresponding access server. In a dial-up network system comprising: a connection control server that enables peer-to-peer communication between terminal devices, wherein the connection control server is
Via the access server corresponding to the communication terminal device,
Connection state detecting means for detecting whether the other communication terminal device is dial-up connected to a corresponding access server when a request for peer-to-peer communication with another communication terminal device is received, and the other communication terminal device When the device is not connected to the corresponding access server, the communication terminal device includes call requesting means for requesting the communication terminal device to call the corresponding access server. When a call request to the access server corresponding to the communication terminal device is received from the connection control server, response calling means for dialing up to the corresponding access server in response to the request is provided. Dial-up network system. 2. The connection control server according to claim 1, wherein the connection control server determines whether to permit the peer-to-peer communication based on the communication permission / prohibition table in which permission / prohibition of the peer-to-peer communication between the communication terminal devices is registered in advance. A dial-up type network system comprising communication authentication means. 3. The communication permission / rejection table according to claim 2, wherein the communication permission / refusal table holds charging method data defining a charging method of a peer-to-peer communication charge between the communication terminal apparatuses. A dial-up network system, comprising: charging management means for charging the communication fee based on the communication fee. 4. The connection control server according to claim 3, wherein when the connection control server receives a request from any one of the communication terminal devices, the connection control server acquires the authentication of the other communication terminal device and registers the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table. Or a registration updating means for updating, when the communication terminal device receives a request for registering or updating the contents of the communication permission / prohibition table via the connection control server, the communication terminal device which has made the request A dial-up type network system comprising an approval / rejection notification means for notifying the user of registration or update of the network. 5. The dial-up type server according to claim 4, wherein said connection control server comprises a deletion means for deleting the contents of said communication permission / prohibition table when receiving a request from any communication terminal device. Network system.